What I've Learned This Year
What I've Learned This Year
Throughout the year, I have learned many new things while in SUPA Writing 105. With each new thing I have learned, it has helped me to grow as a writer, and for that I am grateful that I had the opportunity to take this class!
Analyzing
The ability to properly analyze a piece of writing, video, etc can be quite tricky. Oftentimes, most people will default into summarizing what they watched or read, rather than adding their own commentary. It’s easy to just relay the information you just saw, but that just ends up being boring for the reader. I have also been a victim of this. Properly analyzing something has been difficult for me in the past, and because of that I had made it a goal for myself to work on it. Throughout the year, I have been assigned a handful of writing pieces- all of which requiring to go beyond summarizing what is already there. This resulted in me pushing myself to fully analyze what I planned on writing. Now, I would say that my ability to analyze has greatly improved by the end of this year. This skill that I have developed will remain important as I enter college, as I will have many writing assignments ahead of me.
Controlling Bias
It is easy to fall into the trap of bias, and it is basically impossible to for someone to fully rid themselves of bias. When I was assigned to write an argumentative essay, I immediately wanted to work trying to be less bias on an issue. I think that I chose a risky topic (raising the minimum wage), because previously I had the idea in mind that there should definitely be an increase. However, I forced myself fully research both sides of the argument, until I chose which side I would be arguing for. I went into the topic with a clear mind, trying not to think about my previous opinions. This made it interesting, since there were valid arguments for both sides of the argument. By doing this I was able to decide my position with the facts at hand, rather than my personal opinions. This will be helpful as I continue to do writing assignments in college, and can even go beyond a learning setting. The ability to meet someone with a clear mind, rather than preconceived notions is most definitely a good habit to have.
Here is an example:
Raising the Minimum Wage
I think that due to the assignments I’ve received this year, I have gained a deeper understanding on different groups of people in our society. I have learned about issues such
as toxic masculinity, racism, sexism, people with disabilities, and much more. Without these assignments, I probably would not have been aware on some of the specific issues that have been going on in our society. It is definitely a good thing that I have educated and learned to understand different groups of people, rather than being in the dark on these topics. I hope that I will continue to educate myself on different topics or groups of people, rather that staying ignorant on issues.
There is a lot that goes on my mind when I am brainstorming for an assignment. I have many thoughts, questions, ideas, etc going through my head that it can sometimes be overwhelming. I have all of these ideas, yet it can be hard to transfer it over in paper. I think too much how to properly word something, or a thought can easily slip my mind. This has been quite annoying, and this year I wanted to learn how to fix this issue. Luckily, after going through this year, I have learned a new way to figure out all of my thoughts. Though it is rather simple, I had never fully thought of using this method, which is just free writing. No worries on if something is properly worded- just writing everything that enters your mind. You can always edit something later. Once again, this will help me future assignments in college, as I am now able to get all of my thoughts down on paper.
Each year we are taught the same specific formula on how to write an essay. First there is the introduction, with a detailed thesis statement, then about two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This leads to an almost robotic writing piece. However, this class had pushed to break away from this formula. Yes, there should be a distinct beginning and ending, but it doesn’t have to fit the typical mold. Interestingly, this class had pushed for a different type of thesis. Rather than writing the entire thesis in the introduction, it is weaved throughout the entire piece. This change into how to write an essay was definitely an adjustment, since it goes against what I had been taught for years. Although, after breaking the habit, I found that being able to write an essay without such strict guidelines is much better. I have a better organization and flow with my ideas, and my essays feel more unique- where you can hear my own voice. This new way of writing has helped me grow as a writer, and I hope to keep that up with future writing pieces.
Learning about different groups of people
as toxic masculinity, racism, sexism, people with disabilities, and much more. Without these assignments, I probably would not have been aware on some of the specific issues that have been going on in our society. It is definitely a good thing that I have educated and learned to understand different groups of people, rather than being in the dark on these topics. I hope that I will continue to educate myself on different topics or groups of people, rather that staying ignorant on issues.
Here are some examples:
Expressing Ideas
Breaking Old Habits
Each year we are taught the same specific formula on how to write an essay. First there is the introduction, with a detailed thesis statement, then about two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. This leads to an almost robotic writing piece. However, this class had pushed to break away from this formula. Yes, there should be a distinct beginning and ending, but it doesn’t have to fit the typical mold. Interestingly, this class had pushed for a different type of thesis. Rather than writing the entire thesis in the introduction, it is weaved throughout the entire piece. This change into how to write an essay was definitely an adjustment, since it goes against what I had been taught for years. Although, after breaking the habit, I found that being able to write an essay without such strict guidelines is much better. I have a better organization and flow with my ideas, and my essays feel more unique- where you can hear my own voice. This new way of writing has helped me grow as a writer, and I hope to keep that up with future writing pieces.
Here is an example:
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