Developing as a writer during this semester was a challenge for me. I became more self conscious of the way my sentences and paragraphs sounded throughout all my essays. I am most proud of my final paper for many reasons , but I shall only name two. The first one being that was my only paper I received a high grade on and the second being that I feel my paper has touched many people outside of the Baruch campus since I sent it all around in my Highschool for students to read. I plan on improving my writing for the future by having complete strangers read my papers and take feedback on how I could improve it before submitting it.
I am constantly thinking about how affect peoples lives through the use of writing. My goal for my next semester writing course is to make sure that all my papers positively affects my readers. The time for changing the script for how papers are understood needs to happen. My identity overall has not shifted at all, but my state of mind has through the exposure of reading books and first hand scenarios that I experience from the moment I am about to enter the subway station.
The most difficult thing I had to deal with was law enforcement and the losing of friends from the streets. I choose to remain to myself to just think about how I could save my life and other people of color that go through the hardships I experience. The most rewarding thing I gained from this semester was to see through everyones intentions by analyzing how they move, react and say things to other people. It has helped me decide who should be apart of journey because I truly believe I have something that other people don’t have here in Baruch. So I plan to keep that level of confidence up so I can never be put down by others who aren’t even on the same level as me.
Aboubacar, Thanks for sharing these honest reflections. You certainly have made a strong impression on me this semester; as much as I am always giving you feedback about places where your writing mechanics need work, I also acknowledge that you have a unique voice and strong point of view. I hope that you will continue to think about what the message is that you want to share both inside and outside of Baruch and that you will continue to develop the skills to make sure that you are a powerful and effective communicator. I really enjoyed learning more about your life experiences and world view. As I’m writing this, I am thinking about your first essay (about the breakup) and your research paper and realizing that storytelling is your natural inclination, so I hope you will continue to use stories as a way to connect. Have a wonderful break, and please feel free to stop by to say hello in the new year!
Professor Sylvor