Elena Bozan-fall 2021
takeaway #1
what is the empowerment to express myself?
(this class has been crucial in my development from quiet student who always sits in the back, to someone who has recently had the confidence to stand up for herself and not allow herself to be walked all over by everyone. Both Professor Bowman and all my peers have been so supportive in every way all semester and I am eternally grateful for that.)
takeaway #2
what are stronger writing skills?
(I have never had an English class that I truly enjoyed. So this year when I found myself looking forward to class every Tuesday and Thursday, I found it easier to actually out in effort and try. Once I started putting in effort and trying harder for an English class, I saw my quality of writing increase, along with my grades.)
takeaway #3
what is the ability to share her work?
(Ever since the dawn before my education journey, I have been too scared to share any of my work in any class. The only time I would usually do it was when I had a lower grade and it was offered for extra credit. So when reading our "This I Believe" readings were offered as extra credit, I took the opportunity because I just wanted a few extra points on my grade. However, upon my turn to read aloud I found myself get a little bit more comfortable in front of the class, and accepted for the work I had done. I am now more willing to share work or assignments in class, well smaller classes at least, because I know that many classes are accepting and appreciative of all work done in the class. I listen to my peers, and they listen to me.)
takeaway #4
what is better self reflection?
(With each project that we have done in this class, and for a lot of our smaller writing assignments, we have had to do a self reflection at the same time as hand in. I have never liked reflecting on my work, because I always thought it was a waste of time. However, it started to make a bit more sense for me in this class, because instead of just being told "go reflect on your work", we were given questions and given a sense of direction in self reflecting. I know understand that the reason to self reflect is to develop writing skills and review their effectiveness, and now appreciate whenever I am given the opportunity to reflect on an assignment in class.)
takeaway #5
what is the confidence to move beyond the five paragraph essay?
(In basically every English class in which I have partaken, it seemed like all we ever did was read and then write 5 paragraph essays about it. After this class, I can confidently say that I have become more accustomed to proving skills for English class in other ways than the same boring paper over and over again. I feel way better about expressing myself and being able to do so through projects and assignments here. English doesn't always have to be boring.)