Warren Chapman

Dear Reader

WRDS 1104

Final Reflective Letter

As I think back on my experience in WRDS 1104, I assess my previous work to see how

I have grown. Entering the final stretch of class, I see now how my professor has helped me

advance as a student, thinker, and writer.

Throughout the semester I could see how my professor laid out a map to work on a small

portion of writing every week that would later make a drastic change. Let's start with the inquiry

process, where we were tasked to learn about the concepts of inquiry rather than thesis-based

writing. In my work, I expressed why I wanted to explore the cure for writer's block. I have seen

and had writer's block. I still from time to time have trouble putting my ideas on the page. This

assignment helped me focus on my question line of questioning and build on my research skills.

This assignment aligned with our first two studios. Studio one, where we learned about

rhetorical and empty speech played a big part in how we planned to express ourselves in our

final essay. We had to take into account what we wanted this essay to be, whether that be

informative or persuasive. There is a thin line between the two, but good writers know how to do

one or the other unless called upon to do both. While in-studio two we learned about asking

questions and how asking the right questions leads to better answers. This helped me greatly

think about asking pointed questions for my writing. This type of questioning has its flaws

though and must be accounted for. Questions that are too pointed put your writing in a chokehold

so that you can not write about all you may want to express. On the flip side, a broad question
leaves your question open to various options and examples that cause the reader to wander away

from the main idea.

We continue to build upon this when we write our research-based essays. Students were

tasked with writing an answer, or further questions using their question proposal. The resources I

found in my question proposal were now elaborated on. I used them to show the importance of

the question, and what I found to be my answer. This also utilized all four studios in my writing.

Studio one and two took hold as we brought over the ideas of the question proposal straight into

my paper. Studio three and four however added a different complexity and freedom to my

writing.

Studio three spoke about fear and how that could limit one's potential. That applied to

this assignment by not trusting yourself to back up your argument or answer a question you made

up. At first, a member of my group was concerned about writing their paper. It was something

they had a true interest in but was nervous to share personal information. I told them as the

speaker Alex Honnold told us to just go for it. Do not be afraid of judgment, even though our

professor does not judge others, speak the truth and speak free. Use this as your first opportunity

to show your passion. If it is near and dear to your heart you should be fighting that much harder

to get it out there, instead of letting it sit inside for no one to read or hear about. Studio four came

in just into this piece as a way to tell everyone in our class writing is nurture, so continue to hone

your writing and get better every day. The only way to grow your writing style and ability is to

work hard at it.

Then, I was given the task of explaining my experience with the language. This was done

in my literacy narrative. I did not know where to begin. I wanted something unique to me rather

than a typical story about reading my first book or taking my first writing class and finding true
love. I chose to write about my struggles in school in my piece “Made for it”. This story is the

complete truth from my perspective about how I was being treated at my first elementary school,

Blythe Elementary. This assignment explained in great detail how you can escape a harsh

situation by speaking up. The ability to speak up and use your voice can change the course of

your life no matter your age. I have had plenty of assignments in the past where I would tell a

story, but this one was different. It had a level of depth to it that my past work could not compare

to.

Next, I want to bring to your attention our informal writing also known as the daybook.

This book has shown me some great things throughout the semester. However, I also hated the

daybook. I remember every night my mom would get on me. She would tell me that I needed to

spend a few minutes writing in my journal. I thought it was a waste of time until entering this

class. I have found the value of journaling. Whether it is to get emotions off your chest or make a

plan for the future, a journal is beneficial. I think this is the most important thing we have done

all semester, and I continue to use it in the future to relieve stress and declutter my mind.

Finally, we have the narrative introduction revision, this assignment was made to express how

valuable an intriguing introduction is. Each student had the time to write what seemed to be a

one-paragraph story that would lead into their essay. This would grab the reader's attention with

ease and make your article more attractive to the masses.

For example, my introduction went from, “Have you ever struggled with putting your

thoughts on paper? If you answered no to that question you are one of the lucky ones. Although,

if you answered yes do not worry you are not alone. This phenomenon you encountered is called

writer’s block.”
 Then I transformed it to, “Seventh-grader Gavin Johnson, is a student who struggles to

put his thoughts on paper. This normally occurs during structured writing assignments. Johnson,

like many others, struggles with writer's block. According to Citavi, 6% of the students surveyed

never had writer’s block. 24% frequently experience writer’s block, and 70% of students

experience writer’s block occasionally.”

You can see how the second example gives a small story and some facts along with it to

catch the reader's attention. Just this simple task was very important to me and I believe in my

future. I want to do something in business, and maybe advertising. A big part of both of these

fields is the ability to draw people in. The ability to make someone buy your product. The

changes I made to my introduction gained the readers' interest in whatever I am talking about.

Using this strategy of a narrative to draw attention to your work is something that I plan to use

when in my business classes.

I also want to highlight how peer review has been a blessing to my work. Before being in

this class I have had someone peer review my work, but only because it was assigned. Leaving

this class I want peer review on all my work. I have seen that my writing can be repetitive and

having other people just take a few minutes out of their day to critique my work can go a long

way.

The last assignment, the e-portfolio, reminds me of a receipt of my work or a resume. My

e-portfolio is an accurate representation of what I have learned and as I said earlier, the map that

my professor wanted all his students to navigate. Each piece of work makes a beautiful picture

once all put together properly. I need to research writing like my professor, so I continue to learn

more because we have already established writing is from nurture. Overall, I am glad I get to put

my hard work on display in my portfolio.

 Writing this reflective letter and looking back at my work, I can see how far I have come.

Writing this made the whole semester flood my memory. I know now that I have a strength for

finding resources and blending them into my writing to make a strong argument. On the other

hand, I know that I need to add more emotion into my writing to draw emotion out of the reader

with my words, rather than relying on numbers and stats. The papers I submit now look nothing

like they did in the past. Although I know my writing is not perfect, I thank my professor for his

help and dedication this semester. He treated my classmates and I with kindness, care, and

professionalism. Every day was a rollercoaster in his class and I loved it. My understanding of

writing has changed for the better, and I will continue to grow and reach my potential as a writer.

I hope nothing but the best for you in the future.

Thank you Professor!!!