Reflection
Reflecting on this English 102 class is bittersweet. There have been assignments that challenged me greatly, as well as readings that made me annoyed for having to read them. I have cursed, sweated and bled English this semester, just like I knew I would, seeing as how English is not my strong subject like Math is. Reading Winter's Bone was eye opening and touching for me because I never really considered the challenges and life struggles for a child born into addiction. Writing essay number 3 was probably the easiest for me, as the material from my head just poured out. Reading and writing about Bartleby was a challenge, to say the least, because it was not very easy to comphrehend and I just did not enjoy it. Up in the Air was by far better then Bartleby but not anywhere near as interesting or moving as Winter's Bone. It was just okay, but mostly boring. Essay 4 was a very tough assignment. I struggled through it, but in the end, I'm pleased with my final draft. I say this class has been bittersweet, because as time consuming, challenging and hard as this class has been, it is a neccesary evil. It is neccesary to be able to put together a proper sentence, with no grammatical errors, and that flows well. Reading has never been a favorite past time of mine, nor has writing any sort of essay, but I prevailed and have come out better then I started. I am still a work in progress, as I'm sure English will be a subject that always challenges me, but over the course of the semester I have learned far more than I ever thought I would. I have learned how to write an essay in proper MLA format, correctly construct a works cited page, tackle books that I never thought I would read, write a strong thesis to an essay, properly distinguish between summary and analysis, and to properly cite my sources. Although there have been times I loathed and hated this class, and wondered how I'm ever going to pass, I have come out stronger in the end. This English class will help me in my future career plans as a firefighter, as well as in everyday life, like helping my children in school. I am proud of the work I've produced in this class, however I could not be happier we have reached the end.
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Wow Kyle. YOu took the words right out of my head. Your thoughts about every essay and book were exactly mine. I found the same challenges and the same hurdles. Eloquently said sir. Good job, we made it!
ReplyDeleteWriting has never been my strong suite either. I love reading and I am always eager to try a new book or genre. However, I usually read on a more superficial level for enjoyment and personal connections. This class forced me to dig for a sound and deep meaning. I read it, then reread it and then skimmed it for quotes and supporting evidence. I have never spent so much time with my head in one book. I felt the same about Winter Bones, it was an easy book to comprehend and supporting evidence was ample. Also, I had the same issue with Swift’s Modest Proposal. The first two times I read it I thought he was joking. I had to do research before I understood he was serious, and then I was very perplexed and confused…the old English dialect didn’t help. Although, I appreciate it now I hope I don’t have to read it anytime soon again. You should be proud of yourself, passing this class is an accomplishment for many of us. I know I have more English to complete in my bachelor and master programs, but I will have a nice break in between them. Good luck in the rest of your classes.
ReplyDeleteAck! Wall of text, error-delete, damage to eyes!
ReplyDeleteJust teasing, mate. Little tip from ol' uncle James, break these things into manageable chunks, the flow is far more comforting on the mind.
If math is your strong suit, you must be in upper calculus at this point, because your writing is actually pretty good, in comparison to your average, everyday American. My compliments on your abilities, and my good wishes for your future, mate.
Just think! No more english classes now, right?
Hey kyle,
ReplyDeleteGood job, as said above, you took the words right out of my head, this class has been challenging to say the least, but like you say, if you just struggle through it, you get to the end and you dont even really remember how you got there. Good luck in becoming a firefighter, have fun along the way man
JOhn