Throughout this semester, we had a variety of readings and writing assignments we had to complete. Most of the readings were for us to understand and see different writing styles authors have, but others were used more as a guide in order for us to improve in certain writing qualities. Writing is probably one of the hardest things for me. I get easily distracted and struggle to focus on important things, especially when deadlines are around the corner. Ever since the first day, I knew I was going to struggle. We wrote a total of four essays, each with different writing styles, topics, and lengths. We wrote a community essay, an op-ed essay, and a conference paper. For these three essays, we had plenty of time to edit, peer review, and overall write them. But for one of these four, it was completely different. We had to write an essay during our class time based on a question given to us. This essay was timed, putting us under pressure. This class taught me a few things and made me improve on things I was having a hard time with. For example, my grammar, punctuation, organization, and usage of evidence. As a result, I truly believe I have achieved most of the course learning objectives for this class.

For each of our different papers, we engaged in many peer activities. In some instances, we had to come together and present as a group . Other times, we had to talk about how our papers were going . We got to edit our peers’ papers, but I also got to listen to various of my peers ideas and got to see how everyone thinks differently. For example, two of the course learning objectives state, “enhance strategies for reading, drafting, revising, editing, and self-assessment” and “develop and engage in the collaborative and social process.” These basically mean that we, as the students, should be able to work with others and socialize about our writing processes , but also come up with strategies for drafting, revising, and editing these papers. There are many instances where this objective was completed. For each of the main essays, we dedicated a day in order to read each other’s essays. These workshop classes were used to edit each other’s essays and see where we could improve on, get guided toward the right direction, but also to know about their topic and ask questions. These were so helpful because they made me realize that there are others in the same boat as I am when it comes to writing , but overall getting help from others. One-on-ones with the professor, either in person or through Zoom, were extremely helpful. These conversations helped not just me , but others as well , to be led in the right direction. We’ve gone over different sections but found ways of improving them. Group work and socializing are extremely necessary when it comes to a writing class, but one also needs solo work in order to see where one is at. For example, one of the course learning objectives states, “negotiate your own writing goals and audience expectations regarding conventions of genre, medium, and rhetorical situation.” All of our essays required us to take control. We were the ones in charge of the topic, information, or the different writing style. Nothing was put on a plate for us. This freedom made us critically think about ideas but also the way we execute these onto our writing.

There are more course learning objectives that involve the usage of different sources. But before the usage of sources and different websites, one needed to start off with a strong opinion or stance on a topic. Each essay involved something, and everyone had different ideas for their papers. I recently noticed that throughout these essays, “change” was an overall genre. I mentioned changes in my community, changes in our planet, changes in our government, changes within people. Along with change, another topic I stuck with was climate change and global warming. The course learning objective states, “formulate and articulate a stance through and in your writing.” In my op-ed and conference paper, there are many parts in which you can clearly read which side I’m truly on and the necessary action we need to take. “Mad Max is honestly a great example of what our world could end up as if we didn’t start acting towards stopping air pollution.” This quote from my conference paper shows me comparing the Mad Max world to ours and how we need immediate action. Mad Max wasn’t the only outside source I used throughout this semester. We used various sites in order to obtain reliable information for our papers. We dedicated a day to learn about databases and their purposes. JSTOR was my best friend, that is where I gathered most of my sources for my conference paper. With the usage of various sources, I was able to practice my paraphrasing, citing sources, and analysis. The course learning objectives state, “practice using various library resources, online databases, and internet to locate sources appropriate to your writing projects” and “strengthen your source use practices.” I strongly believe I smashed these objectives out of the park.

There were many moments where I had a plethora of questions. There were times where I questioned myself if I even knew how to write a paper. I struggled the most with writing the conference paper because I simply did not know how to structure it , along with trying to reach the page count. But I later found out I could structure it however I wanted to, as long as I hit my points and followed the requirements. This opened my eyes by reflecting on my past essays. I realized that writing isn’t about strict formats , but it’s more about putting my ideas together and having a strong meaning behind them. This class has helped me improve on my writing , but also in my confidence while writing.