Katie+Reflection

Taking English1010 three days a week, for an hour in a half, affected me in ways I never imagined. I signed up hoping for a different, college level experience, but in the end I received so much more. Trying something new or different can change a person. It can change the way one thinks, acts, and even lives. Personally, this experience opened my eyes to new writing styles and literature, and also taught me lessons and skills I will use throughout my life. Time management was the first lesson I learned through taking a condensed semester of English1010. Having a paper due every week was often hectic and overwhelming. However, this intense schedule helped me get organized and plan in order to stay ahead and try my best. Learning how to juggle everything thrown at me now, will definitely help me in college next year. Unlike other freshmen, I will be prepared to manage stressful situations and stay calm, thanks to this class. This semester I also learned that communication is one of the most important factors in being successful. If a person stays on top of their work and proves they are reliable, others are more likely to help them out. I happen to take an honors math course at my high school that doesn’t end until English is well under way. Therefore, I have to leave twenty minutes early in order to arrive on time to English. This crazy schedule taught me how to communicate effectively with my teacher. After explaining my situation to my math teacher, she allowed me to leave early as long as I kept up with the class. Yes, this involved extra studying and time doing homework, but it was worth it to be able to benefit from both classes. I learned that people will lend a helping hand when it is needed as long as you do your part as well. College level English exposed me to different styles and writing, I would have never seen at the high school level. Being able to discus issues that are controversial was fun and exciting. The real world finally became a part of the classroom. I was allowed to voice my opinion, and consider others’ points of view. This was rewarding and helped make me a better writer. Being able to see both sides to every argument makes your points that much stronger. A well-educated person uses this to their advantage in order to persuade others. This technique is one I plan to use as I continue taking English classes and also in life. Taking the time to understand another person is important in order to stay grounded and be a person others respect. I never anticipated learning so much in one class. My writing style, grammar, and way of thinking have changed for the better. I’m glad I got the opportunity to enroll in this class. Meeting new, different people and being challenged, helped me branch out. Expanding my horizons not only made be a better writer and student, but possibly, a better person as well.