What I learned the most in the class - I must admit that it was much more challenging than I had anticipated. I have always enjoyed writing, and certainly having a pen in my hand - the key board is a close second. I also have entertained the idea of writing more extensively, but not for a living (professionally) - if it happens, it will be by accident - I have a lot of really fun short story ideas. I never want to lose my passion for writing, and certainly don't want to force or "cheapen" my writing efforts for money - it is for my pleasure, relaxation and a gift (as in letter writing - the old fashion way, an envelope and a stamp) that I bless my friends and family with.
So, I obviously digress, what did I learn? A great deal! I learned that freshman classes can be equally as challenging as the upper level courses in college. I learned how to create a blog, and manage my "Delicious" account - as well as utilizing it to support my writing efforts.
I learned about a tremendous number of very effective research tools (engines, online), and how important my Delicious account was to keep all the information straight, so I could use and cite it properly.
I learned a lot about citations - MLA Style - and APA (still coming yet).
When I submitted my paper to the Smarthinking people online, they really helped get me started on greater organizational efforts - my paragraphs were a little "all over the place" - I had a lot of great ideas and information, but had not really incorporated them together very well. (She said to treat each paragraph like a mini-thesis - that kept me on one topic per paragraph - rather than several). They only reviewed half of my paper when they sent it back with suggestions. They suggested I modify it and re-send it for the review of the second half - which I will do, but my drafts took me too long to re-send it for the second review before it was due (life just gets too busy with demands - it was my sister's Birthday and we had a big family thing, which cost me an entire day!) I will send my paper back for the second review, just to learn from what they find - I'm sure you will give me feedback as well, I hope!
The lady at the Writing Center, helped me beyond the Smarthinking folks, by suggesting that I look at each paragraph and write one or two words to summarize the topic of each paragraph (actually writing the word in the margin) - that really helped my efforts in cleaning up my paragraphs and create a greater "flow" in the paper. It also sent me back to my Outline, originally designed for this paper, and I got that "cleaned up" so it was more logical, and I could see where I was going with my information....it really set me on track for the organization. Rosalie also helped me with minor grammatical questions and citation questions.
The greatest stumbling blocks for me - first, organizational. Sometimes it's really tough to get going on an idea and the direction I want to go with it. Then, with all the new research methods (online), my head was just swimming - trying to keep up with the electronic efforts, and keeping the assignments posted to my blog. In fact, trying to keep the electronic information straight in my head, I forgot to keep working on my paper!! I was so busy trying to document information, that I started to feel confused. Then, I had that surgery, which set me back a week in class (but I felt like I was behind about three weeks!) So, once I really buckled down, and really started writing - my outline, thesis, and the miscellaneous stuff from my research - it started to fall into place. Then the Smarthinking and Writing Center finally got me on track, so I was more productive (probably too productive, my paper turned out really long!)
What did I learn from my paper - it was really just an "affirmation" for me, as well as clarifying things I had heard about, but never really researched. I know what I need to do to stay healthy and strong, and I also know that there is no good cure-all for tough stuff in life - like getting older, and seeing my youth fading! I also learned more about the atrocities of what is going on with horses for the hormone replacement drugs - it is horrible!! I could have written an entire paper about that too!
I think, through all of this, I realize that some of my most creative and productive years are still ahead of me! I am more focused, more disciplined, and wiser than I was just 10, 20, 25 years ago!! Anything I attempt to do (professionally, or otherwise) at this point in my life will be great - because I know how to be more effective, I have more resources, more character, and a great deal more insight!
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