Starting the semester of ENG 2150, a hybrid course, I knew what I was signing up for–an English course where I had a day off to do whatever I wanted. The outline of the course was within my expectations: papers to be written, discussions, and blog posts. Beginning the semester, for the first two months, we had heavy loads of reading assignments and blog posts. It was quite similar to a one-day course that I had the semester before. The readings weren’t necessarily difficult for me to comprehend. For some of the readings, I had read them before. Some of the assigned readings were interesting. For instance, the reading for “The Egg and the Sperm” by Emily Martin gave me a new perspective on how culture influenced us. Even something as technical as biology would be phrased based on how the researchers were socialized. As a result, the natural human processes were described in a way that reflected our society. Female biological processes were shunned while male biological processes were praised.

Moving onto mid semester, we began our major papers. I’m familiar with the papers we had to write this semester. After all, I’ve had to write these kind of papers ever since I began my academics as a child. The first paper, the persuasive paper, was not my best writing for a class. I wrote my paper on gender stereotypes reflected in a game, Dragon Nest. Sadly, I felt that I didn’t enjoy writing the paper as I should have. Perhaps it was because I’ve lost interest on the game and the stereotypes were one of the reasons why. Nonetheless, the grade I received wasn’t the best I could have gone had I done my best.

The second paper, the research argument was the best I’ve written for this class. From researching to rough draft to the final processes, the paper was interesting for me. I spent about six hours typing up the draft in a noisy environment. The topic was of interest to me. Growing up, I was always told that tiger parenting was a terrible existence in the world and I believed that. During my research, I was looking for evidence that proved this. Surprisingly, I came up with evidence that countered this very belief. Intrigued, the deeper I researched, the more my viewpoint changed. I was influenced by American cultural values on what a person should be. Now, after this, a part of me has changed. Tiger parenting isn’t bad. It’s what I grew up with and hated as a child. Now as an adult, I should appreciate some of the parenting I received. It allowed me to be disciplined and have some humility. Still, if I were asked if I want to go through my childhood again, I would refuse to–in a polite manner.

We always had our writers group review our drafts. I’m grateful that my peers gave constructive criticisms as well as praises regarding my drafts. I’ve been able to use the criticisms to further make my drafts better as seen in the final pieces. Thanks to them, I’ve been able to receive the high marks that I did for my works. Through the comments I’ve received for my drafts, I’ve been able to revise and polish my papers. It went from a rock to a shining diamond. Comments from my main critic, Professor Blankenship, were always helpful. The comments gave me tips and suggestions that I used to achieve my goal: get an A on the paper.

Now, nearing the end of the term, I’m closing off with this portfolio reflection with my creative remix project. Truthfully speaking, I don’t feel as if I’ve developed as a writer. Developing as a writer means being able to use different writing styles. However, I don’t feel as if I have different writing styles. I’m still the same writer I was a semester ago. The fact that I haven’t acquired new writing styles is the only regret that I have in this class. Other than that, it was an enjoyable class.