The best way to become a better writer is to practice, and what most English classes force you to do is exactly that. This past English 220 class was a definite experiment and struggle for me, but now that the semester has come to end I can look back and see a fair amount of progress. With working mainly online, the class was really different, and in many respects really hard as part of me constantly refuses to succumb into a completely digital world. Blogging never seemed to be a real serious form of writing until this class, and now I have a completely different outlook on internet communications, and how so much of our writing is accessible through the world wide web for anyone to see. At this point I am able to notice where I stand with my writing, where I want to go, how to get there, and know that with the effort I put in and the all the knowledge I have gathered I deserve for a good grade.
When asking myself where I am now in regards to my writing, I find a necessity to look back and compare the way I wrote then to currently. During this process, the information learned and incorporated becomes much more obvious, and by this reflection I am able to see how this class has changed my writing and how I have progressed as a student in general. I’ve always felt that my writing was decent enough, got the intended points across, and did whatever it was my writing was meant to do. This class, like all classes I’ve taken in the past, has given me more tips and ideas about how to get to a place where my writing did more and was much more effective in terms of style, structure, and applying the right tone of voice and information to the given audience.
I’ve always been fairly aware that I’m writing a piece of work for someone but never really thought about what I needed to do to tailor my work so that it directly applied to whoever I want to read my writing. Now, I ask myself questions, such as “who is going to read this,” “what do I want them to get out of this,” and “what information is necessary or not.” An example of this attention that I placed on my writing can be seen on my “Global Warming Symposium” article, which I determined my audience to be every person that contributes to global warming, specifically the UNM student body. Once I defined the audience, I realized that my goal was to raise awareness about the global warming symposium held and the predictions made by scientists of the consequences we will suffer if no changes are made. To accomplish theses goals I included information about the symposium and described and explained some of the most important and terrifying predictions made, then elaborated on why we should care and where to find more information. By going though all these questions and figuring out as much about my audience and goals as I possibly can, my writing becomes much more efficient and effective to create more of an impact.
When considering what exactly I have learned over the semester a few things jump right into my mind. One of the first things that really caught my attention in this class was the process of Kai Zen. When the word was first written on the board I thought I had a fairly decent understanding on what the term meant, but in reality I really didn’t have much of an idea at all. The term means the process of becoming good through continuous small improvements, and like I said, English classes serve for this exact reason. By continuously practicing, learning from our mistakes, and gradually incorporating gained knowledge into our writing it continues to improve into a better product. Though we all may feel our writing is decent and at a point where no more improvement can be made, progression is always a possibility, just not as rapid as in the beginning. One of the things that I’ve been trying to incorporate more into my writing with the Kai Zen process is focusing my writing more towards a specific audience with specific goal.
Looking back in my writing I also have noticed another improvement that I’ve discovered through this class. Two major steps in the writing process that I always seemed to skip over were prewriting and drafting. Most of the time spent in my writing process was in drafting, and more so it was actually spent sitting and staring at my computer screen with a complete loss of what to write. Now I’ve found the advantages of spending more time in the prewriting stage as it helps set up what drafting does, and therefore makes it go by much more smoothly and quickly. Instead of spending four hours writing a four or five page paper, if I spend a fair amount of time coming up with and organizing ideas, writing these ideas into coherent and fairly complete sentences goes by much quickly and efficiently. Then afterwards I spend time going through the paper making any necessary changes, bettering my writing as a whole. So instead of spending a fair amount of time trying to gather and apply ideas into my work at once, I spend much more time prewriting before drafting, then better the writing afterwards, therefore creating a much more effective piece of work than by simply doing everything in the drafting stage.
After I’ve seen some positive changes occur, I now also know where it is that I want to go. I recently received a response in my film history class that had a comment at the end saying, “you have answered the question systematically and well.” Although I was given an A on the paper, this comment pretty much meant that it was boring. So my next major goal when it comes to my writing is to become a much more interesting writer. I want to draw more readers in, compel them in some manner, and entertain them while I get my points across so that reading what I have to say is interesting instead of a complete bore. That way people may actually seek my reading as a form of entertainment and enlightenment, and therefore give me more of a reason to write than just for my own amusement.
With much self-criticism and pondering I have come up with a few ideas as how I become a more entertaining writer that I someday wish to be. As I read books and articles written by my favorite authors I’ve become more aware of why it is that I really like them. As I read I want to make more of a point in looking at the language they use, the structures which guide the audience through the work, the information given and the information held back, and any aspect of their style that influences the way readers perceive and react to the writing. For example, one of my favorite writers is the recently deceased Kurt Vonnegut, who constantly changes the narrator and audience’s relationship with each other. I’ve always really enjoyed how Vonnegut switches this relationship around, creating a very eccentric and interesting writing style. It’s not that I want to steal styles from other writers, but I know that by examining other writers and how they affect their audience I can learn how to affect my audience with my writing.
In order to learn about other writers, one major step I need to take is to begin reading more often. During school I find that I devote so much time to articles and textbooks confined to my class itinerary, and much less time reading from authors that really capture my attention and inspire me to write my own work. By giving myself the chance to discover new authors and styles, I can therefore give myself more of a chance to discover what I can do with my writing.
Personality is what makes any piece of writing fun to read, and I know this is something that I need to incorporate more. Acting as if I’m possibly speaking to one of my friends instead of simply stating ideas and the facts to support them is something that I can do in order to make my writing more enjoyable. This process seems like something that I’ll just have to get more in the habit of doing than by simply doing it. By making a continual effort to write things in an interesting way, eventually I hope to become accustomed to adding myself into my writing, instead of a bland, disconnected sort of work.
At the end of this entire process, with all the knowledge and skills that I have obtained through the course of this class and semester, I deserve an A in this class. My first and most important reason as to why I should be given this grade is because I have progressed as a writer. One of the problems that I had the most with coming into this class was my writing process, specifically the process I go through in prewriting. I’ve learned how to mindmap and gather my ideas in a more logical fashion, which therefore making the entire drafting process much easier and quicker, not to mention much less stressful. Along with this process I’ve learned how to problem solve with correcting writing problems, such as simple grammar mistakes and passive/active tenses, which lets me focus more on the content of my papers. Another important step in this process that I learned with my writing style was how to better revise my work. Sadly, I usually skipped this step of my writing, because the drafting process took so long and frustrated me so much to the point that I didn’t even want to read over my work. Now that I’ve figured out how to actually draft more efficiently, I do have the time and energy to go back, revise, and improve my work.
With the small improvements that I have made, I’m now ready and able to tackle bigger issues with my writing, and in theory become an even stronger writer. I hope to someday write work that people look forward to read, and may even seek out what I have to say. With all the work that I have included in the portfolio, I hope that my progress can be noted as the class endured, and that my progression and work leaves others as content as it has left me.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Bad Habit Journal and Follow Up
Instead of referring to my digital journal, I carried around a little notebook in my bag that I found easier to keep up with. I saw real progress with trying to make more use of my time, and in the end I really did see a difference in getting rid of my bad habit. It’s pretty awesome!
Day 1
I already know what I need to do today. I have to finish the quizzes for psychology before noon, since that’s when they are due, and then head to class. Seeing as it’s Wednesday, I don’t have work and the day feels free. But I know that I need to take this time while I have it and get as much work done so that I’m not up till 2 in the morning on Thursday. So the plan for the day is go to psychology, get lunch with my friend, go to the gym, then skidaddle home and do the reading for film history, look over my notes for anthropology, do my English homework, and anything else which pops up. I’m sure there will be plenty. Then hopefully I won’t have to stress about everything and go out with my friends tomorrow night. Most of my friends aren’t in college and work at restaurants, which means they never have anything to do and can stay out all night and sleep in until three. They make me hate life sometimes.
Day 2
I just got out of Anthropology and have two hours until work. I didn’t finish my homework, which I expected, so I’m doing it now. Usually I’d go home and make a sandwich, but I need to go on a diet anyway. I have to finish my online quizzes for psychology, since they prepare me for the weekly in-class quizzes, so hopefully I’ll get these done and go out with my friends. And if I don’t finish I have a little buffer time before they go out that I can devote to these silly quizzes.
Day 3
I went out with my friends and didn’t get home till late, so waking up was a little hard to do. I didn’t feel as ready for the in-class quiz, but one quiz doesn’t hurt. Not until I start telling myself that after every quiz. I left class and went to work, which was stressful and the show didn’t go smoothly. So when I got home I didn’t feel very motivated to work on everything that I should. Working on my habit isn’t going so well today. But maybe I need to let myself relax every once in a while.
Day 4
I got up and went to work until 3. I usually spend the entire afternoon lounging around when I know I have things to do, but I can’t bring myself to do it today. I promise I will make things up tomorrow.
Day 5
I got up and went to work until 3 again. Sundays are the days that I usually try to get things done, but usually only end up with a closet of clean clothes. Today I made myself catch up with as much work as possible. That way my week will go smoother and less stressful. I got a lot done in the end. I feel pretty good about it.
Day 6
I hate Mondays. After getting everything done I just realized how much more I have to do. I forgot to look up and see when my next Psychology test was, and panicked when I thought it was today. Thank goodness it was not. I didn’t have work this afternoon, and decided to stay on campus and not waste gas and time, and I spent the entire afternoon in the computer lab. I got a lot of stuff done. That way I can do something fun tonight after my night class. Yay.
Day 7
I just got out of English, and I feel like some progress is being made. I’m making a conscious effort to not waste time by driving back and forth from my house to school/work, and that seems to be helping me to focus. I have a little bit of time in between English and film history, so I’m trying to get some more work done. Then maybe I can go to the gym tonight or watch a movie.
Day 8
I got a paper back last night that bummed me out, so I didn’t do anything fun. I don’t really feel that fun right now either, so I’m going to just get my mind off of it by moving on and working on other classes. So now I’ll at least do better in other areas.
Day 9
I actually feel caught up in Anthropology for the first time ever. Now I’m doing my psychology quizzes before work. Now I can go out as usual with my friends and not worry about not being caught up.
Day 10
I did better on my psychology exam than usual. That is exciting. The film festival is starting this weekend which is exciting as well. This weekend will be pretty crazy. I have to go to work soon, and I don’t think that I have much homework. I may not find out until Sunday night. Maybe I’ll look things over tonight to prepare. We’ll see.
Day 11
I went to work at 10 then straight to the festival until 10. Then my teacher took us out and bought us drinks. Someone managed to give my drink to someone else. And that was where my day ended. Not much else was fitted into my class, but I think I prepared myself enough because I wasn’t stressed out.
Day 12
Today was the same as yesterday. Work from 10 to 3, and film festival from 3 to 9. I got home and looked my agenda over. Not as bad as I feared. A little work to do but nothing that is due tomorrow. I’ll get as much done tonight so I can hang out tomorrow.
Day 13
After psychology and lunch, I realized that I got a little less done than I had hoped so I’m doing it in the computer lab right now. I wish I had been doing my homework here all along. Then I have class, then I’m going to bed. That way I’ll have more energy tomorrow.
Day 14
Classes feel like they’re winding down and that I have a lot of work to do. But I think I can handle it a lot better than usual. As per usual I’m in the computer lab and I’m working on psychology. This class takes up so much more time than anything else. Then I have class and I do believe I’m going to go home and sleep some more. It’s that time of year where I’m always tired.
Day 15
I actually got a ton of stuff done yesterday. I know that I have a few things to do, but today is a mental health day. I’m going to go get lunch with my friend and maybe play my guitar and piano. Maybe if I get bored I’ll do some homework. We’ll see.
Day 16
Class, computer lab, work. I feel like my days are packed full, but I’ve been getting a lot of stuff done. I feel less guilty going out with my friends lately.
Day 17
I got up early and finished studying for my psychology test which I think I did pretty well on. I went straight to work. All my friends ditched me so I’m studying for my film history test on Tuesday. Maybe I’ll do better on that test for once.
Day 18
I had work all day, and went to the gym afterwards. Finals are coming up soon but I’m honestly not stressed out about it. I’ve been getting a lot done during the week. So today I’m going to hang out.
Day 19
Work is tiring. I have a fair amount of homework to do tonight, and I feel motivated because I cleaned my house a lot. This week seems easy
Day 20
I had psychology, then stayed in the computer lab and worked on homework. My class consisted of a party at a classmate’s house. It was like being at someone’s party except your teacher is there drinking beer with you. Out of context. After that I didn’t have anything to do since I had it all done and hung out with my friends.
Day 21
I finished studying in between classes and I did well on my test. Classes are going easier than usual and I’m having lots more fun and actually have been finding the time to workout. I’m also saving on gas and not eating as much because I’m bored. Sweet.
Day 1
I already know what I need to do today. I have to finish the quizzes for psychology before noon, since that’s when they are due, and then head to class. Seeing as it’s Wednesday, I don’t have work and the day feels free. But I know that I need to take this time while I have it and get as much work done so that I’m not up till 2 in the morning on Thursday. So the plan for the day is go to psychology, get lunch with my friend, go to the gym, then skidaddle home and do the reading for film history, look over my notes for anthropology, do my English homework, and anything else which pops up. I’m sure there will be plenty. Then hopefully I won’t have to stress about everything and go out with my friends tomorrow night. Most of my friends aren’t in college and work at restaurants, which means they never have anything to do and can stay out all night and sleep in until three. They make me hate life sometimes.
Day 2
I just got out of Anthropology and have two hours until work. I didn’t finish my homework, which I expected, so I’m doing it now. Usually I’d go home and make a sandwich, but I need to go on a diet anyway. I have to finish my online quizzes for psychology, since they prepare me for the weekly in-class quizzes, so hopefully I’ll get these done and go out with my friends. And if I don’t finish I have a little buffer time before they go out that I can devote to these silly quizzes.
Day 3
I went out with my friends and didn’t get home till late, so waking up was a little hard to do. I didn’t feel as ready for the in-class quiz, but one quiz doesn’t hurt. Not until I start telling myself that after every quiz. I left class and went to work, which was stressful and the show didn’t go smoothly. So when I got home I didn’t feel very motivated to work on everything that I should. Working on my habit isn’t going so well today. But maybe I need to let myself relax every once in a while.
Day 4
I got up and went to work until 3. I usually spend the entire afternoon lounging around when I know I have things to do, but I can’t bring myself to do it today. I promise I will make things up tomorrow.
Day 5
I got up and went to work until 3 again. Sundays are the days that I usually try to get things done, but usually only end up with a closet of clean clothes. Today I made myself catch up with as much work as possible. That way my week will go smoother and less stressful. I got a lot done in the end. I feel pretty good about it.
Day 6
I hate Mondays. After getting everything done I just realized how much more I have to do. I forgot to look up and see when my next Psychology test was, and panicked when I thought it was today. Thank goodness it was not. I didn’t have work this afternoon, and decided to stay on campus and not waste gas and time, and I spent the entire afternoon in the computer lab. I got a lot of stuff done. That way I can do something fun tonight after my night class. Yay.
Day 7
I just got out of English, and I feel like some progress is being made. I’m making a conscious effort to not waste time by driving back and forth from my house to school/work, and that seems to be helping me to focus. I have a little bit of time in between English and film history, so I’m trying to get some more work done. Then maybe I can go to the gym tonight or watch a movie.
Day 8
I got a paper back last night that bummed me out, so I didn’t do anything fun. I don’t really feel that fun right now either, so I’m going to just get my mind off of it by moving on and working on other classes. So now I’ll at least do better in other areas.
Day 9
I actually feel caught up in Anthropology for the first time ever. Now I’m doing my psychology quizzes before work. Now I can go out as usual with my friends and not worry about not being caught up.
Day 10
I did better on my psychology exam than usual. That is exciting. The film festival is starting this weekend which is exciting as well. This weekend will be pretty crazy. I have to go to work soon, and I don’t think that I have much homework. I may not find out until Sunday night. Maybe I’ll look things over tonight to prepare. We’ll see.
Day 11
I went to work at 10 then straight to the festival until 10. Then my teacher took us out and bought us drinks. Someone managed to give my drink to someone else. And that was where my day ended. Not much else was fitted into my class, but I think I prepared myself enough because I wasn’t stressed out.
Day 12
Today was the same as yesterday. Work from 10 to 3, and film festival from 3 to 9. I got home and looked my agenda over. Not as bad as I feared. A little work to do but nothing that is due tomorrow. I’ll get as much done tonight so I can hang out tomorrow.
Day 13
After psychology and lunch, I realized that I got a little less done than I had hoped so I’m doing it in the computer lab right now. I wish I had been doing my homework here all along. Then I have class, then I’m going to bed. That way I’ll have more energy tomorrow.
Day 14
Classes feel like they’re winding down and that I have a lot of work to do. But I think I can handle it a lot better than usual. As per usual I’m in the computer lab and I’m working on psychology. This class takes up so much more time than anything else. Then I have class and I do believe I’m going to go home and sleep some more. It’s that time of year where I’m always tired.
Day 15
I actually got a ton of stuff done yesterday. I know that I have a few things to do, but today is a mental health day. I’m going to go get lunch with my friend and maybe play my guitar and piano. Maybe if I get bored I’ll do some homework. We’ll see.
Day 16
Class, computer lab, work. I feel like my days are packed full, but I’ve been getting a lot of stuff done. I feel less guilty going out with my friends lately.
Day 17
I got up early and finished studying for my psychology test which I think I did pretty well on. I went straight to work. All my friends ditched me so I’m studying for my film history test on Tuesday. Maybe I’ll do better on that test for once.
Day 18
I had work all day, and went to the gym afterwards. Finals are coming up soon but I’m honestly not stressed out about it. I’ve been getting a lot done during the week. So today I’m going to hang out.
Day 19
Work is tiring. I have a fair amount of homework to do tonight, and I feel motivated because I cleaned my house a lot. This week seems easy
Day 20
I had psychology, then stayed in the computer lab and worked on homework. My class consisted of a party at a classmate’s house. It was like being at someone’s party except your teacher is there drinking beer with you. Out of context. After that I didn’t have anything to do since I had it all done and hung out with my friends.
Day 21
I finished studying in between classes and I did well on my test. Classes are going easier than usual and I’m having lots more fun and actually have been finding the time to workout. I’m also saving on gas and not eating as much because I’m bored. Sweet.
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