(P1)Reflective Letter: Writing 101

Dear Highline Community College writing department,

I am a committed student at Highline Community College. I have always been passionate about writing and look forward to the next writing assignment. I have been in my writing 101 class, for three busy months . I have always love to write descriptive, narrative, and persuasive essays. I didn't mind the assignments at all. I have challenged myself, and kept a steady pace. I have learned different techniques on how to grow as a writer. The three best things I have learned in class, is to let loose when I begin to write, follow instructions and focus on the thesis.

Before this class, I was stuck on how I wanted to begin my papers. I wanted to express too many ideas instead of focusing in on one thought. I correct things immediately, and revised everything hundred of times. My bodies were always a good length but I tended to shift from one subject to another. I didn't know how to formulate a thesis and organize. My conclusion always seemed lost, and were confusing.


Now, I tend to stay focused by highlighting my thesis and writing it in big words. I also write FOCUS on the top of each paper. I am reminded to word my thesis in the conclusion. Choosing the topics and arguments wasn't so difficult for me. I have improve by staying on the subject. I find myself concentrating in explaining into to much detail. I write to much on what it is that I want to say. I have learned to focus on directly stating my idea, and backing it up. I understood the instructions well, but didn't necessary follow them. In addition, I have learned to connect the introduction with my conclusion.

In my narrative essay, which I didn't present here, I explain a picture. Instead of painting the picture with my words, I was telling what we could all see. I previous wrote, "January 2007 was the beginning of a new life for these young girls in Johannesburg South Africa. The girls in this picture wearing their fresh lively green school outfits, and Oprah Winfrey cut the ribbon to establish Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls." As you can clearly see I didn't follow instructions. When I received my grade, I was very disappointed. I simply didn't follow the assignment. I learned my lesson. If I could change it I would write, " Almeria, and the other girls stand next to Oprah.They stand proudly with their radiant smiles. There shoes have never been so shiny and the attention from the cameras fascinates them. Oprah cuts the ribbon, and the girls feel like they are in a dream." It sounds smoother and more interesting. It also follows the assignment.

This class has taught me to focus and not be afraid to write. Even though I have always been passionate and enjoy to write, it doesn't mean I can just "free write" all my essays. By "free write" I mean just write away as there is no instructions or rules. I have learned that in order to be a good writer I must follow a smooth flow, and focus in one direction. It must have a meaning. It should stand out, have style, be creative, and keep the reader involved. Thank you.


Sincerely,

Celina Garcia