Reflective Letters
Letter #1
Shannon K. McMeans
Professor Marlen Harrison
English 101-013
February 8, 2009
Dear Marlen:
I just want to start out by telling you that this class was definitely not what I expected. The first day in your class, I have to be honest, was very intimidating. The way you approached the class was definitely not what I was used to. I was hoping for an easy A, blow off class where I could just write the required papers and that be it. Little did I know, your class was exactly what I needed. You have taught me so many valuable things in your classroom and I thank you for that.
I’m not only learning about writing techniques and genres, I am also learning and reading about very interesting authors. What made you decide to use the writings you have chosen for this syllabus? The writings are all so simple and yet so detailed with such useful information that has helped me into this free-writing transformation. Also, as an education major, I am learning the diverse ways of teaching that you use. You have shown me that it is ok to take myself out of the box and just be myself; students will open up and enjoy the class more. Which leads me to the most important subject you have brought to my attention in your class, and that is myself. This is the first class that I truly have ever been able to just sit and learn things about myself, the first week when I was asked the question, ‘what am I,’ really opened my outlook on myself. Since that question, I have learned a lot about myself, and I will continue learning.
We are now in week five of the course and I truly believe I have grown greatly as a writer. At the beginning of this course it was very difficult for me to actually ‘free write’, that concept was a little hard to overcome. I have been so used to having writing and English courses where there are set guidelines to follow for each essay. To be able to just write what I feel, and go with my instinct with topics is very exciting. With this, it makes me become more intimate with my writing and feel a sense of accomplishment when I am finished.
With all of that said, I still feel I have a long way to go as a new writer. The process is so intricate and each part plays such a great factor in the final piece of writing I produce. I just truly think that I am not to that point of knowing my own techniques and best ways of writing. I will get there, eventually. Diane Ackerman’s ‘A Natural History of the Senses’ was a bit hard to read at times, and a lot of thoughts all running together. With that aside, I truly envy Diane’s interesting way of putting her detailed thoughts on to paper and sending her reader’s mind on a trip to many different places. At least, as a writer, Diane has a plan. I do keep in mind the writing that stated all writers have not so good first drafts; no one starts out with a perfect piece of writing. Everyone is learning, and that really helps as a new writer to not get discouraged.
By the end of this semester I really hope to accomplish my goals for myself. With your help Marlen, I think this is very possible. The activities in class, assignments and even blogging have been a great educational journey for me. Before this class I did know what the word ‘blog’ meant, but I never really had an interest for it.
With your class, I have been introduced to this little world and I must say, I am a fan. I am learning something new every day in your class one way or another, and I have enjoyed this experience. I look forward to accomplishing this for myself in the second half of this semester. Overall, I have been very pleased with what I will be walking away with from this class. Only five weeks into this class, and I have gathered so much information that will help me in other aspects of my life.
Sincerely,
Shannon K. McMeans
