I never truly thought of myself as an actual writer or reader, but instead as someone who would simply write about a topic and hand it in because it was just another assignment that was due. I never enjoyed writing in high school because I had to write in such a specific, structured style and focus more on grammar rather than on content. I did not have much experience with reflection and analysis, so this class has challenged me to think differently and allowed me to express myself through my assignments rather than simply writing about what I know the audience wants to hear. Throughout the semester, this class has helped me to develop my capability as a writer and learn more about myself as an individual and academic learner.

This semester, my commonplace book has held all of my thoughts and ideas concerning my papers, weekly readings, and unit reflections. The posts accurately reflect my biggest flaw in writing- my apprehension for certain units and being unsure if I’m successfully writing about a topic. I have always had self-doubt about my writing, which led me to hold back from some of my ideas for my papers. Some of my posts lack true depth because I was too hesitant to go out of my comfort zone and make real connections. However, I was able to improve on this issue through out the semester as is evident in my posts.

The first tag I chose to represent my reflections and posts on my commonplace book is “progress.” While this may seem like a basic theme, it is a true representation of my experience this semester. I’m not magically a superior writer now, but through out the semester I have learned different approaches to each type of paper and had time to understand the different levels in every individual unit. In my unit reflections, I mentioned how I thought a particular unit would be easy because I did not consider all of the underlying layers. Learning concepts such as ethos/pathos, fallacies, and differing viewpoints has helped me develop my voice in my writing.

My next tag I chose is “big picture connections.” Previous to this semester, I would normally reiterate the obvious in my papers and stray away from any form of creative writing that would make real world connections or relate to my life. Now, however, after reading an article or a piece I immediately think of how it relates to a topic or to my own thoughts, emotions, and life events. For example, in one of my weekly reflections I was able to connect to a New York Times article I read about a world-famous gymnast my age, Simone Biles. Her outlook on always improving on herself instead of trying to win medals at each competition was a message that really transferred to my life.  In my biology class for example, instead of worrying about making an “A”, I’ve tried to focus on keeping up with the readings and following my study schedule.  Instead of just going through the motions and reading the words, I have begun to look for a deeper meaning.

The corresponding tag I chose to pair with big picture connections is “critical thinking.” Instead of simply reading unengaged, now I approach a piece and think about its true meaning. I inquire about the real reason the author wrote it, if the sources are credible, and the message he/she is trying to communicate. Besides a more advanced literary approach, improved critical thinking skills have been and will continue to be important in my daily life. It has forced me to intellectually improve myself while thinking in a creative mindset to make more connections between topics.

The next tag I chose to reflect my posts is “understanding opposing viewpoints.” Before the detailed in-class examples and the papers we did, I hardly considered others’ views on a topic or article if they were different from mine. This semester, I was forced to confront new ideas and opinions from my classmates and online authors. By learning to acknowledge there may be things I had not considered before or even thought about, it helped me construct my thought process. If I was on the edge about a topic, I had to go and research it until I had an educated opinion about it, which further helped me learn about the beliefs that I hold and why I continue to do so. Focusing on these issues made it easier for me to understand what I care about and value most. Singling these out allows me to identify what I should spend my time with, such as increased family time, while continuing to work towards my future career goal.

I chose to use “identity” as my final tag because that is the only word that sincerely summarizes my personal writing experience this semester. Through each reflection I wrote and each paper I turned in, it was an example of my ideas and arguments as a thinker and writer. With each additional unit completed, I was able to move closer to finding my “writer’s voice.” Not only is it an individual style of writing, but I also consider it to be a continuous expression of the topics that I value most. Looking back on my posts makes it obvious what I care most about and my passions. My posts allowed me to have a space to discuss what was on my mind and my ideas about current events.

All of my chosen tags reflect my ongoing process of becoming an improved academic learner. To me, being an academic learner and attending college is more than just being scholarly or statistically receiving a higher paycheck. It is an ongoing process of constantly being exposed to different beliefs and situations and being able to process them and critically think about how to solve issues and take away something meaningful. Critical thinking has helped me to engage in academic arguments and find my own opinions. Learning to reflect, analyze, and make real connections has helped mold me and become an enhanced academic.