Reflective Essay I actually remember doing something similar to this my junior year in high school, the assignment was entitled “Me as a Writer.” How far have I truly come as a writer since then? Focusing on what this class has taught me, I can already say without any doubt that my writing has improved compared to what it was my first day of college. There were so many aspects of this class that positively influenced me as a writer. To name just a few: the discussion board, the assigned readings, and you as the instructor.
The discussion board made me more open to criticism, it taught me that in order to become a good writer you must first learn to be a good communicator. You have to be able to communicate your ideas with others and listen to the ideas of others. It’s a sort of give and take process. Before, I was more closed minded on other people’s input on my work, I thought I could do just fine by myself for the most part. Now, I’m willing to listen to criticism and I understand how to use that criticism in order to better my writings.
The readings were also super beneficial to my development as a writer. I learned so much about how to be an effective writer. I learned how to use certain techniques to improve the quality of my work. The readings allowed me to take a step back and see the art of writing as a whole, and then allowed me to focus in on specific characteristics of writing. For example, Kleine’s article taught me that I needed to become a more balanced “hunter” and “gatherer.” Throughout the entire semester I’ve worked on my skills as a gatherer. I used to be solely a hunter and didn’t regard gathering as a priority. Now instead searching only for what I’m looking for, I’ve become more inclined to “discover that which may be of use.” (Kleine)
Then there’s the class in general. I’ve been blessed with outstanding English teachers throughout my