Cara's Final Reflection

I am extremely happy that I decided to take this summer course. Don't get me wrong, there were times where I would have much rather been hanging out with my friends but instead I had to write a three page essay. But looking back, this class has effected me in numerous ways and provided me with self growth as a person and a student. I  can be a pretty nervous person, so with never taking a summer class before, and being somewhat uncomfortable with the online aspect of it, I was pretty anxious before beginning the class. But after completing it, I'm so glad and grateful that I was able to break through those nerves and complete this course. 

I improved on so many different aspects of myself while taking this class. One being my self confidence in writing. I mentioned this in my other blog post "Writing about Writing," but even aside the writing aspect of it, I've gained confidence as just a student in general. I've learned and improved on my communication skills with my Professor and even classmates during discussion. I've gained more organization skills throughout this class (which I struggled with during the fall and spring semester). I've become more vocal about my opinions. I've discovered different areas and work-spaces that I enjoy and work better in. I've learned that it is okay, and even common, to have a different and unique reaction than your other classmates. And it doesn't make you any less smart. I've learned how to write a blog post. I've gained confidence and more respect for myself as a women. I've learned that I do not need a man's approval to be successful and that some things are not going to end better if they go un-said. I've learned that not every professor is "mean" and "scary." I've become a huge fan of Amy Poehler and SNL, and even have my Grandma and Mom obsessed with Nanette. I wrote my first class unit for my hypothetical 11th grade English class. (They were great students by the way). I've learned that it is not only my Dad and Grandpa that use the phrase "lighten up."  And I'm sure I could go on and on with this list. However, my favorite thing that occurred during this class is the joy I felt while writing. 

With the hectic freshman year I had with adjusting to my classes and new professors, with basketball, with all new people and all new friends, all while being 3 hours away from home, it was hard for me to enjoy writing as much as I did in high school. I even began questioning my choice of major. But this class reminded me of why I chose my major in the first place and reassured me that I am capable of doing well in this career. I loved being introduced to women in humor and reading through Harris's Rewriting to improve my own writing in the future. One of my favorite things about this class were the blog posts. Not only writing them, but seeing all the ideas that my classmates came up with and how they interpreted their thoughts. Overall, I feel smarter. I think this class made me smarter as a person and as a student.