This semester went by really quick. I feel this semester I developed a lot as a reader, as last year I would write an essay without using a comma once. Now I try to fit them in when I could and overall, I feel my writing has gotten better because of it. I am most proud of the research paper as I spent a lot of time on it and personally, I feel I did a lot better than I did grade wise. I feel the analysis essay was the hardest for me as it was my lowest grade and I had trouble with the analyzing part of the essay putting stuff in my own words isn’t hard its just analyzing information and saying why it’s important could be hard sometimes as you have to be a little creative sometimes. I feel I personally don’t like writing and I don’t see myself as much of as a writer in the future however I do respect it it’s definitely not easy.
Throughout the semester I kept thinking to myself how I could make this paper better and how could I extend what I’m trying to say to the set number of pages or words needed. Every time I write I see this same problem keep coming up and it makes me annoyed because I feel I have to repeat myself but change up the words a little bit. I have not thought of my identity differently and it didn’t change how I think at all.
I lost most of my social life as most of my day is at college and I can’t go home during breaks as I live in Staten Island. Also, I feel college hit me hard and that I’m going to have to try more next semester. I didn’t change as a friend as I was always a caring friend and I still am. The most difficult thing was my history quizzes. Easily the most redeeming thing was getting a 90 on my midterm in history. It made me feel like I still have a chance. I am still struggling with time management. I can’t work on a project over a few days. I need to use all my energy on one day and that day is normally the night before. I feel if I spent more time managing, I could study better and do better on assignments by giving me time to proofread them and make sure it looks good. I was surprised by the work load I was actually so stressed out during the final week of school it was just assignment after assignment. I feel I added decent presentations and hopefully interesting ones. I feel that is what I did good in. This year was fun and hard. I’m not the biggest fan of the city every time I went home, I just realized how much better it is. It’s so quiet and everyone is so close there. I am adjusting to the city and taking the train and ferry.
Matthew, Thanks so much for sharing this honest reflection. I know you find writing to be a struggle, but I really saw so much improvement from your first paper to your last; you should be very pleased with yourself. As you continue to do more reading and more writing, you will automatically find that the writing will come more easily. I appreciated your consistence and good humor this semester; it’s nice to have someone who is always ready with a smile! It sounds like this was a semester full of adjustments, so congratulate yourself on having succeeded, enjoy having time to relax and spend time with family and friends, and please feel free to stop by to say hello next semester! My (cubicle) door is always open!
P.S. Thanks for sharing your research with the class; I think it’s particularly important to be aware of how high the suicide rate is for young men, and I appreciate your bringing it to our attention!