Welcome to my English Portfolio
Showcasing the Journey of a New Writer
Discovering Fire
This semester has been fun. My experiences in this online course were new and interesting, and when I began this class, I had no idea of any challenges I might face. I had never revised an essay to change its concept or to influence the identity I created for my audience. Still, when I recruited tutors for this step in my writing, I felt a sense of validation from encouragement and zeal from constructive criticism.Through revision I became a better writer.
Audience awareness was also a construct foreign to my writing before taking ENG101, and now that the semester is over, I think this also helps students acquire a sense of perspective. To put yourself in another's shoes drives empathy and promotes diversity- which is a powerful lesson that seems to be lacking from those in power. The discussion boards are great examples of the opportunity to shift perspective. Reading someone else's thoughts as they move throughout the course alongside you gives us a chance to look at other arguments or supporting details to utilize in our writing. These outside thoughts enhance our writing by presenting new ideas that would have otherwise been undiscovered if we were working alone.
Another obstacle I overcame this semester was my preconceived notion that literature could not move me. Shakespeare and Homer are considered innovative and revolutionary talents, but these works were always boring to me and hard to interpret. Jimmy Santiago Baca, Abelardo 'Lalo' Delgado, and Gloria Anzaldua are just three writers that I felt most connected to. I found their work relatable and passionate. I cited their work frequently and even thought of them for inspiration when I'd have a difficult day. Overcoming challenges is part of life, but these writers made me feel like I didn't have to just complete my day- I could conquer it.
Baptized
AUTHORS NOTE:
Is possible to move on from something that had gripped your soul and identity so tight that you felt them change color and almost suffocate? I had initially intended to write this essay about an outside force so magnificent that it had turned my young wide eyes into observatory lenses that could never be shut again. However, once I added the military aspect to this perception of the Sea, I began to wonder if this external force was something that mirrored God's last creation- man.
Push Forward
AUTHORS NOTE:
This essay was the third formal written text I had completed for my first semester of college. When I wrote this essay the first time I made sure to write it with plenty of zest. Unfortunately too much zest. After my first revision my anecdotal story was incredibly long- about 2 pages. I needed to recruit the help of a tutor for the first time in my life because I had just become so lost in my entanglement of words. He helped me trim down that excess fat, and by the time I finished I had come to appreciate the old saying "less is more."
MY WRITING PATH: A NEW CHAPTER
I believe "My Writing Path: A New Chapter" is my strongest essay. Admittedly, it was also the most difficult to write. I tried to use all elements and acquired skills to convince the audience of my willingness and preparedness for the next step. However, I struggled a great deal in format and connection to my audience. Now that I had the instruments, it felt like I was being asked to conduct a symphony from scratch. I did not complete this essay alone- I needed inspiration from tutors, my instructors, and even my past to complete this essay. I am thankful for the available resources and opportunity to showcase my writing.
Reflection
Although I didn't have much opportunity to interact with my writing family, I greatly appreciated the other resources, like the discussion boards and tutoring sessions. "Writing is a social act" is a strong statement about the interconnectivity humans can weave with just words. With strong words, we can bring people closer to our hearts or push them away. With vivid descriptions, we can teleport someone anywhere at any time. Passionate voices can alienate and oppress or uplift and nurture. ENG101 15900 may be an only course, but it still gave us plenty of moments to connect with others, it was enjoyable to see where I fared in comparison. As a first-generation student and the oldest child in my direct family, I do not have many references for my academic choices.
Additionally, as a male, "help" has a negative stigma that is associated with weakness. Looking beyond those obstacles, it is essential to realize that individuals from the strongest empires have always received help. Edison did not create the lightbulb, Musk did not create Tesla, and Ghangis Khan did not march alone.
Legacy often gets accredited to single individuals, and those who helped are often overlooked. My classmates helped me by serving as a frame of reference and allowing me to feel not so alone. It is comforting to read someone's ideas and say to yourself, "That is exactly what I thought!" However, it is also important for each of those to read another post and say, "I disagree because…" These discussions act as a starting point to evolve or completely change our current values.
One way my current values were changed was through tutoring. I like to ramble. I like to discuss my thoughts out loud and reiterate my same points in a different way. But I do this to incite others into meaningful conversation. I enjoy listening to others more than I like to speak, but most people are uncomfortable talking to strangers, especially about personal things. Tutoring highlighted this character trait and helped me weave out the ramblings in my writing. I am not perfect, and I still have the tendency to ramble, but I now have a mantra that helps me cut it down substantially, "Get to the point." In writing and conversation, I can now directly engage with my audience and communicate a goal clearly.
GRADE
I would rate my collaborative effort "good." I did my best to reach out to my writing family, engaged in all discussion boards, met with the instructor and tutor and had insightful and purposeful conversations. I listened to constructive criticism and made changes to my writing, and I also acknowledge that it did make my writing better.
I deserve an A for the class. I believe I was cooperative, and followed all guidelines specified in the syllabus. I was engaged in all course assignments, and was eager to learn more. I also feel I brought strong arguments and points in all my writing assignments and definitely put the time in for each. I connected with my writing and that of others, which also helped me form a strong understanding of the writing concepts. I do believe I have more to learn, but I know I have the ability to absorb information and translate it to success. I am ready for my next English semester.