Writing Reflection

Writing Reflection

Sometime between preschool to fourth grade, I discovered that writing was difficult. I began learning how to sound out words while struggling to portray my thoughts through writing. Instead of trying to improve my writing, I squeezed by, one essay at a time. Now that I am in college, I have to realize my strengths and corrected my weaknesses in the writing process. Like everyone in this world, I have strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, I have little strength when writing. When I sit down to start an essay I normally do not feel overwhelmed. I sit myself down and begin listing and freewriting. Basically, writing down every thought, even if the thought has no relationship to the prompt. I try to be organized but my writing doesn’t always come out that way.
I struggle to articulate my thoughts onto paper while staying on topic. Tons of thoughts shoot through my mind causing me to jump from topic to topic or from interest to interest. My essays are written how I speak day-to-day. However, I don’t use proper English every day in verbal communication. I also leave information out of my writing. Maybe I assume everyone has telepathic abilities. When I use an outline, I tend to stay more on topic but that doesn’t help with paragraph breaks. I struggle with knowing when and where to begin and end a new paragraph. Paragraphs break between topics are challenging since I am unable to distinguish when an idea begins and ends.
Communicating my thoughts through writing is an issue. I believe my inability to properly communicate my thoughts began with being unable to spell. When I was younger, I would replace an exemplarily word with an elementary level word. When I get stuck on a word, I will look up a similar word in a thesaurus and find a word that appropriately describes my thoughts. Computers have spell check and a thesaurus so I no longer have to use a book. Microsoft Word attempts to assist with spelling, as well as, grammar and punctuation. My grammar and punctuation, in my opinion, is less than desirable. I misuse commas like crazy in my writing. Everywhere I would take a breath while speaking the sentence out loud I put a comma. Additionally, whenever I want to combine two sentences I use a semicolon when I should just use a period. Sometimes those two adjoining sentences are run-ons. I missed many English lessons in writing due to the lack of caring or attention. My essays are extremely boring; I have difficulty capturing my audience’s attention because I have no voice portrayed through my writing. I have never learned how to put myself into my writing. Ultimately in my opinion, I lack self-confidence and hide behind my writing. I guarantee the absence of my confidence has been preventing my growth all along. I have consistently struggled with writing, which causes it to not be enjoyable. Thankfully, instead of giving up, I use outlines to help get me through. Understanding my flaws has helped me put guidelines in place. When beginning an essay, I read the essay prompt. Then I list all the questions and concerns, along with constructive ideas and extra word vomit. If I get stuck, I look the subject up; find some facts, and doing that usually gets my thoughts flowing again. From there, I organize my thoughts. Once I have my categories, I type the outline. I start off with my intro at the top of my paper; then list the categories below, followed by the word by my conclusion. Next, I type out my main discussion points and incorporate them into body paragraphs. Once I have all my body paragraphs, I begin writing my introduction followed by my conclusion. I usually read my essay thoroughly the first time, then allow a family member to proof read it. The writing process has many rewrites. It’s uncomfortable for people to see my flaws. For example, I have very many grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors, as well as the possibility of losing my audiences interest. Outside opinions help to understand how my writing can improve while complimenting my work. Having the objective feedback helps me make sure my topic is maintained throughout the essay. I know where I need additional support but that doesn’t always mean I know how to correct it, plus a second opinion always helps. Although there will be speed bumps throughout my college years, I hope to come out a whole new person. From my writing class, I can only improve my writing skills. In the past, I have always been pushed to write my knowledge away. Therefore, I really need to open myself up and pay attention to my professor, peers, and feedback. I am hoping by the end of this semester, to turn my weaknesses into my strengths.