4.2: Analyze a Profile Key

Analyze a Profile

What is a profile? Examine the reading about Leslie Reynolds again and notice the parts (features) of the profile that are common...

Leslie Reynolds Profile

The first sentence with the reason for the profile...

• Congratulations to the 2015 recipient of the Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award!

Photo and caption...

• Leslie Reynolds, Chief Ranger, Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

The "big picture" and focus of the profile (career, studies, art, hobby, etc.)...

• After a visit to the Grand Canyon, Leslie Reynolds was hooked. Her love of national parks would take her on an incredible journey of public service and adventures in parks across the country.

History and achievements related to the focus of the profile (her career)...

• Beginning as a law enforcement ranger in Yosemite National Park, Reynolds went on to work at Grand Canyon and Shenandoah National Parks, serving these parks as an officer, medic, instructor, investigator, and even counselor. She has stepped up in many life-saving situations in her 21-year career; she has helped save hikers suffering from heat exhaustion in the Grand Canyon, injured climbers stuck and needing helicopter rescue, and victims of serious motor vehicle accidents.
• Because she understands that prevention and education is effective in saving lives, Reynolds helped develop the Preventative Search & Rescue (PSAR) programs at Yosemite and Shenandoah National Parks. She has also served as a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, responding to numerous major traumatic events and helping team members cope with what they have been through and seen.

Current and future predictions or wishes for success...

• As the current chief ranger at Cape Cod National Seashore, Reynolds continues to inspire the new generation of park rangers and lead through example.

Quote from the interviewee related to the focus of the profile...

• "I consider myself very fortunate to have chosen a career that is rewarding, that I am proud of, and one that continues to challenge me every day," said Reynolds. "My inspiration comes mostly from the rangers of the National Park Service with whom I have had the great honor of working with for the past twenty years. One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is developing and mentoring others and watching them succeed, grow, and contribute to the ranger profession."

Now examine the profile about Jennifer Moy. Can you find some or all of the same features of a profile? Take notes on each part of the profile. Which features are missing?

Student Spotlight--Meet Jennifer Moy

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Christopher Larson

Originally from the Bronx, at the age of fourteen, Jennifer and her family moved to Brooklyn, NY. Jennifer had attended Frank McCourt High School, a small school located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Her long commute to school presented an opportunity to see the city in new ways. Gazing up at the monoliths, she was awe-inspired by the architecture and structures that surrounded her.

When it came time to decide which college to attend, Jennifer was undecided between City College and Stony Brook University--she had already been accepted into the City College Engineering program. Despite this, Jennifer chose Stony Brook University as her new home. In truth she did not want to attend college in the city, plus the adventure of dormitory living was far more appealing.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Jennifer Moy

Jennifer started her first semester at Stony Brook University during the summer of 2017 through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). In her freshman year her major remained undeclared, but the following year she chose Civil Engineering. In her first year, Jennifer got a job at the Health Sciences Library. Since that time, she has seen some really wonderful changes at the library, and has helped make them happen.

Jennifer is ready to graduate with her bachelor's degree by May 2021 and wants to specialize in structural engineering: "I grew up in a city full of towers and skyscrapers and it fascinates me how beautiful these structures are, and it inspires and motivates me to contribute to the structural architecture of a city building someday." We're looking forward to that day Jennifer!

Answers

This section suggests the focus of the profile will be Jennifer's choice of major...

• Her long commute to school presented an opportunity to see the city in new ways. Gazing up at the monoliths, she was awe-inspired by the architecture and structures that surrounded her.

These parts show Jennifer's history and how she is connected to the library. The focus is on her choices related to education (major, college)...

• Originally from the Bronx, at the age of fourteen, Jennifer and her family moved to Brooklyn, NY. Jennifer had attended Frank McCourt High School, a small school located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
• When it came time to decide which college to attend, Jennifer was undecided between City College and Stony Brook University--she had already been accepted into the City College Engineering program. Despite this, Jennifer chose Stony Brook University as her new home. In truth she did not want to attend college in the city, plus the adventure of dormitory living was far more appealing.
• Jennifer started her first semester at Stony Brook University during the summer of 2017 through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). In her freshman year her major remained undeclared, but the following year she chose Civil Engineering. In her first year, Jennifer got a job at the Health Sciences Library. Since that time, she has seen some really wonderful changes at the library, and has helped make them happen.

A quote from the interviewee is very common at the end of a profile...

• "I grew up in a city full of towers and skyscrapers and it fascinates me how beautiful these structures are, and it inspires and motivates me to contribute to the structural architecture of a city building someday."

Current and future predictions /wishes for success...

• Jennifer is ready to graduate with her bachelor's degree by May 2021 and wants to specialize in structural engineering:
• We're looking forward to that day Jennifer!

Photo and caption...

• Jennifer Moy

Discussion Points for the Instructor

The second profile has many of the same features as Reynold’s profile, including the photo, quote, current and future good wishes, and history.

The student spotlight does not have the opening ‘hook’ that is often present in profiles and is missing an introductory sentence that tells the reader why this person is being profiled. Which version do students prefer?

The subject of the profile is different from Reynold’s profile, and since Jennifer Moy is a student and has fewer accomplishments so far, the focus is on her choices in education, which other students at Stony Brook might relate to. Her connection to the library is not emphasized as strongly as Reynold’s connection to the National Park Service, because she is not receiving an award for twenty years of service. The audience also differs. Perhaps the student spotlight appeals to other students, inviting them to work at the library or visit the library. The Reynold’s profile might be a motivational text for career employees at the NPS or a promotional text to showcase the strength of the staff at NPS to funding agencies.