Reflection #1

It is now my fifth week of college intensive writing (WIFYS) and I have made many goals for myself
as an active reader and critical thinker.  Just in the past five weeks, this class has taught me a lot more than what I thought it would.  At first, I figured it would just be a "sit down and write this" kind of
class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but I have actually come to find out that this WIFYS
class has much more to it than just writing papers and posting articles in my blog.  The very first day
of class we were asked to make goals as students and strive to achieve those goals throughout the
semester.  The very first goal I made, the number one thing on my list, the "must achieve or else
nothing is accomplished goal" was to become both a better writer and speaker.  I have never had a
fear of speaking in front of others; I have been doing it all my life.  But the one problem for me is
trying to organize and put together what I am to be talking about, especially under pressure, if I'm
called on in class.  To me, being an active reader/critical thinker means exactly what it says; actively
reading, not just the prompts given for a journal or reflection writing but the passages and key details
within a text.  And the same goes for critical thinking; analyzing and thinking about the reading and
possible response that is put together for that certain task at hand.  Also, this may include reflecting
on ones own work and correcting mistakes that were made, but learning from them at the same time. 
I will continue to strive to meet my goals as a student writer every day, not just in the classroom, but
outside as well.  If I don't understand something or I need an opinion, I will go find one and/or ask
my peers and teachers.  So far within the past five weeks, I have been able to meet all the required
goals of this class.  I have posted all of the journals and reflections on time.  I have used
media/pictures within my writing to allow the students to see where I truly come from and to provide
a visual aide in order for others to truly have an understanding of my writing.  One thing I could work
on is the length of my blogs.  I'm not saying they are short, but for me and I'm sure as well for others,
some topics are easier to write about than others.  I have learned that writing isn't just something we
have to do, but it is something we all should do, even when it's not required for a certain class. 
Writing allows one to express their thoughts without having to speak allowed about them.  Also, it
allows people to form well developed opinions towards a specific topic.  Writing allows everyone to
think critically and meaningfully about a variety of issues and ideas.  Looking back on the blogs I
have written so far, my favorite is a tie between the "I'm From" poem and the "Tattoo" blog.  Both of
these posts have significant meaning to me.  The "I'm From" poem allowed me to express my
physical, mental, social, and emotional background of where I came from, as well as who I am.  It
was such an interesting piece of writing and it brought back many memories that I hadn't thought
about in quite some time.  As for the "Tattoo" response, it meant so much to me to be able to talk
about my significant/permanent mark.  It allowed me to express myself and sort of give the definition
and true meaning of my life to others.  I loved reading about other students blogs because I truly
related to some of them and it was interesting seeing where other people came from and what their
interests are.  After reviewing the course syllabus and the grading for participation, if there was such
a choice, I would give myself an A- or a B+.  I have hit most of the goals and requirements in order to
earn an A, but there were one or two that I could use some work on as well.  I try to extend myself
above a B because I feel as if I have done more and have accomplished more within those certain
requirements for that letter grade.  No matter what grade I receive, I will always reflect upon it and
look back to see what I did wrong as well as right, and learn from my mistakes.  I can't wait to see
what is in store for me the rest of the semester.  I look forward to writing more and expressing myself
a little more every day, as well as striving to reach my goals daily within this WIFYS class.