My Reflective Essay

College Writing I: My Reflective Essay

During my College Writing I experience, I have learned much about writing as a tool for self expression. I have been exposed to the various principles and ethics of writing, and have a new-found interest in the written word. Moreover, I believe that I may have discovered within myself the ability to write on a serious level. My high school writing career was filled with wordy personal essays, poems and imaginative stories. However, as I have undertaken new, more challenging and purpose-driven writing assignments, I have discovered that I may have some ability to progress to the next level. In the past, I had always considered myself to be a good writer; but, I now realize that I had never really been tested.

My first “novel” discovery of College Writing, was the idea of blogging my thoughts. I learned that peer feedback is a great way to not only improve my writing, but also to expand my horizons and to progress in my appreciation for the opinions of others. It was thrilling when others found some meaningful idea in my blog. It was humbling to read negative responses to some of my writings. I soon realized that my moods were sometimes affecting my writing – a point that others were quick to recognize. Reading and digesting the thoughts of others enabled me to be more tolerant, even in matters that I might protest to the death.

One of the toughest challenges of College Writing I was the interview paper. The interview paper required a personal involvement – going far beyond the effortless internet search. It enabled me to grow in my ability to express my views to a diverse audience. The interview itself made it necessary for me to evaluate all the sources in my field work site. I was forced to reconsider my negative preconceptions and I realized that I myself had quite a narrow-minded view of skateboarders. The assignment entrusted me with the responsibility to objectively present the opinion of my interviewee while interpreting his words from my own perspective. I had to learn how to integrate secondary sources such as news articles into my writing while proving their relevance to the point of view of my interviewee: an actual skater. I was required to find interesting ways of reporting the facts, not merely writing a rambling, clichéd account of my research.

I greatly enjoyed the photo essay assignment because it enabled me to create a visual account of the realities of my subculture. It did not employ the standard conventions of writing; nevertheless, it was a compelling way to validate the storyline behind my subculture. Having been to so many concerts, regrettably, I had not taken a single picture. Though temporarily frustrated, I quickly discovered that I could express myself through the photos of others. In realizing the similarity of our experiences, it only confirmed to me the reality of the rock and roll subculture. It made evident the ability of a subculture to unite people of immeasurable diversity. I did not enjoy the photo essay merely because it required little writing; rather, I liked it because it allowed me to break free of the rigid rules that typically govern writing assignments. It enabled me to present visual evidence in support of the thoughts and opinions that I struggled to express in writing. Ultimately, the photo essay was a wonderful way for me to employ my creativity and to validate my written work.

The Multi-Genre Research Project was by far the most challenging of all the assignments. Although I did not have to pay as much attention to academic standards within the genres themselves, I was forced to expand my thinking and to generate new ideas to accommodate the deviations from the standard research paper format. The news article was probably the most difficult because I had to think like a professional journalist. Also quite challenging was becoming the character in the stream-of-consciousness genre. This project helped to strengthen my perspectives on gun-control because it empowered me to begin to think for myself rather than to blindly embrace my father’s opinions. I have discovered that I do very much agree with my father, but it is because the MGRP has led me to my own conclusions. This was literally the first time that a writing assignment has ever had such a profound impact on my point of view regarding such an important and controversial topic. In my comics I was able to use a fascinating methodology to prove my point; I was intrigued with the non-prescriptive, open-ended nature of the genre. I had to present both sides of the gun-control argument and it really permitted me to formulate a strong opinion on the debate.

College Writing I compelled me to address my grammar, endure constructive criticism, and consider diverse audiences of opposing views. With assignments like explorations and interviews, I had to explore fitting contexts, maintain formal procedures, and integrate my own schemes into my work – all the while considering my purpose. With assignments like the photo-essay and the MGRP, I had to go above and beyond customary writing standards, learn to use new programs and tools, and stretch my creativity. The course taught me the importance of communication with my professor. In high school I received an assignment and turned it in when it was finished; there was little feedback from peers or teachers, and little revision was required. In retrospect, I am pleased that that I did not have an easier Writing I class or a professor that expected only a minimal effort. I know now that no matter how arduous the task may seem, with the proper instruction, a resolute purpose, and strong motivation, I can complete any writing assignment. My experience in College Writing I was long, challenging and sometimes exhausting; however, such is the pathway to becoming an accomplished writer.

Finals Week

At this point I am pretty used to taking tests but I am not looking forward to my pysch final or my 7 ideas. I am pretty nervous about doing good on them because it will effect my grade in both classes; I am borderline A in psych and borderline B in 7 ideas. I am mostly stressed about my art final though. Crafting my final drawing and portfolio should take me a good while but time isn't on my side.
One thing is for sure, as soon as I am fiished with all of these final tests and projects, I am going to get some sleep, and go drink off my worries. I will probably play viedeo games and vegetate all day long on the last day of finals.
Last, I am really looking forward to break to see my family and enjoy a snowy Christmas. I am looking forward to getting back ino a normal sleep pattern for a month. I have been getting about 3-5 hours a night, sometimes as little as 2, so getting to sleep in is a dream for me. All in all, I'll just be happy to get this semester under my belt.

Where I'm at with my MGRP

I am not extremely far behind but I definately have much more research to compile. I am still missing my works cited, merely because I only have only three concrete sources at the present time. I wrote of more in my resaerch outline because of an e-mail that was sent to me by a friend of my father who replied to my question of finding good sources on gun control. I am returning home this weekend where I will pursue material from a pro-gun activist that I know from church. He said he would provide me with a few of the magazines that I need for my project and possibly a book. I also need to pick up my main book source from the library; I will be doing that tommorow.

As far as genres go, I have 7 in mind, and have already started working on 3 of them: a comic, the stream of consciousness passage, and of the dialogue (which is close to being finished). I plan to have my works cited and all of my genres completed by the day of my group meeting. However, I may not have a complete works cited untill after I return home this weekend so I am hopeful that my group won't mind meeting Monday. All inall, I am not far behind, but I have much resaerch to finish.

Thoughts on Revision of Rock My Network

The revision of the article by the author of "Rock My Network" definately changed my view a bit. I think that in the New York Times version, the author made it seem more like she had normal relationships outside of the net. She still kept her main points valid and she got her point across but she seemed more down to earth and this change allowed me to think of the author as a much more socially invloved person. Basically, the author did not portray herself as dependent on online networking, however, she still expressed her views on her dissappointment with real life social interaction.

When I chat online or check certain online networks, which I do very sparingly, I really feel no vivid emotional connections or intimacy. I am content with funny quotes and messages on facebook but the whole poke, slaps and giggle deal is just to much for me. Yea of coarse there is alot you can communicate with a person by typing because sometimes we can say things in texts and on paper that we would never say in person. However this is why I am much less of an online networker.

I don't like the faky, glittering generalities that pollute online networks. As humans, we can be so poetic with the words we write and yes, sometimes we can be very virtially intimate with others online. Still, this online Romeo and Juliet crap about half makes me sick; it is fine to type someone a text that you could easily utter while looking them in the eye but if you could not see yourself saying the words in person that you so often type to your onlne friends, you are just another fake-ass online addict.

Rock My Network

The first impression that I had of this essay was that it was boring and I was right. I do not the think the style of writing was very creative. I believe that the author got the point across, but even though it was a shorter essay, it was very drab in my point of view. Who the hell seriously cares that much about thier online life? I know it can be fun and somewhat addicting to chat online but you are limited in what you can do online. I also understand that my-space and facebook are useful in interacting with others and meeting new people but the author in this essay made it quite clear that she is uncomfortable meeting people face to face and that she has trouble enjoying herself and really connecting with others at social events. I guess it depends on your personality but I would much rather be there in person.

I can relate to her on one aspect; I agree that it is sometimes hard to learn about people at large social events because nobody wants to sit down and chill with just a few people when there are a hundred others to meet. I think that social parties are a little too impersonal for someone like the author. Still, if you want to meet people and learn about them, you have to be expressive and socially comfortable; obviously, the author is uncomfortable with his social status or he would not rely on cyber-friendships.

Personally, I have always had a yahoo name and I had an aim name once too but I have never truned down a party or social gathering to check my blog on my space. Seriously, I know that people chat online all day and night and the thought sickens me. You can't be real with a person online, nor can you develop any true firm relationships. There's enough sickos and complusive liars out there to fill a person's head full of bullshit. Yea it is good to talk with friends but going as far as Second Life, seems childish to me. I have pity for the people that spend Saturday night talking to people like Sweetlips_2009. The point is, there is a world of experience out there and we cannot live it virtually; we have to be there "firsthand!"

1. Isn't it kind of lame to scroll facebook all day in hopes of finding new friends with appealing pictures and funny pages?

2. Do some people rely on online networks to meet people because of self-esteem problems?

primetime you

I liked the imagery and the style of writing in this essay. It was a very unique style, but at times, I felt that there was just to much descrpitive information that did not relate back to the main point. However, it was easy to identify with the author about his views on the mainstream USA. It seems that much of the time, we find ourselves caught up in fads and the "cool" way to act or present ourselves to others. Not very many people are able to rid themselves of Cooley's Looking Glass Self (a concept in sociology where we see ourselves in the way that we think others percieve us).

Most poeple have felt that they have to keep up with technology by buying new cell phones, music devices, cars, household utilities (namely televisions) and so on. The author in Primetime You points out that advertisers target our gullible personalities to promote thier products and ideas. Everyone wants to wear the shoe that Lebron advertises even if its ugly and everyone wants to wear abercrombie colon even if its repulsive. The internet is perhaps the worst influence. Kids and people who are highly influenced by mass media can access basically anything and everything good and bad on the web. Still, trends are not all bad, they just tend to diminish the originality of an individual.

Not all media is negative, but the reality is that most advertisers do not consider the negativity that comes with their influences. However unacceptable it may be now days to ignore fads and social influences, the real douchebags are the poeple that look down on others for not being socially "up to date." So what if someone wears 70's style converse sneakers or trippy 60's hippy shirts. We don't all have to conform to the ripped jeans and fur coats of abercrombie. It is a matter of whether or not we can be ourselves. Still the truth is most of us have conformed to some mainstream trend.

1. Has the internet become a more negative influence than television?

2. Do young people rely too much on the mainstream fads that dominate our society?

My Artifact

I decided to use a website for me cultural artifact. The website is http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/skat10.shtml. I chose the site because it has an article from the Seattle Post-Inteligencer. The article is a reporting by Rebekah Denn of an annual event for skateboarers. The event invloves skaters of many different skill-levels. The diversity of the event gives it potential to reveal alot about the subculture.

The reporting of the event came from an un-biased source and it aids my interviewee's explanation of the subculture of skateboarding very well. The report corresponds especially well with the aspects of language, diversity, and unity within the subculture. The report surely lacks age discrimination completely; interviews came from people ages 13 to 28. I beleive that considering all these apects it is a good cultural artifact.