Final Blog Post

Elizabeth Chase

English 2100

Final Blog Post

December 20, 2019

                          Over the semester, I felt like I did not develop as a writer instead I felt pressured to be a writer that I wasn’t. I felt my voice was always oppressed. Although I know that my grammar was not always the best, it was definitely terrible. I have a distinct way of writing style and it always seemed to not be enough. My grades were definitely affected by it, but it’s all good because the SEEK writing consultant always liked my papers.

           The paper I’m most proud of is my research paper. I put in so much work and effort into that project. I was also very interested in social mobility and how it affects minorities. I did a lot of extended research towards how minorities are always at a disadvantage, and no matter how much funds are invested in lower-income neighborhoods, there will always be a cultural bias and discrimination. This project I hold very dearly because, as a Latina young adult, I want to know the opportunities I have in the real world. I want to see if I will also be affected by the difficulties of social mobility in America. While this is the paper I am most proud of, it was also the project I also had the most trouble in. I struggled a lot during the process of this paper, especially coming up with a question that was not broad. 

One of the biggest topics spoken about in this semester was identity. I really enjoyed reading and discussing how parents have a major role in our education. The way parents have the ability to shape our identity such as  Mother Tongue. Mother Tongue was my favorite reading because it resonated with me so much. I realized that I have a specific way of speaking with my mother and I did not realize that before reading Mother Tongue. I’m glad that during my first English semester, we spoke a lot about identity and I really did appreciate that. As first semester students, I felt that it was important to speak about our identity, to remember our roots, and what makes us, us. 

Towards the end of the semester, I definitely developed as a student and friend. Going into my first semester of college, all I heard was to learn how to manage my time. I took that very lightly and really did not practice those skills. Now it’s the end of the semester, and I wished I practiced that skill more. For my next semester, I’m gonna improve my time management skills and make sure I hand in most of my assignments on time. I’ve come to realize that it’s very important to have these skills because you are prioritizing correctly and using your time wisely. I have also had great improvement as a friend. This semester I made 2 amazing friendships, and these friends have taught me a lot. Having people skills is necessary for real life, and being social expands your network. College has taught me that no questions are stupid and I can make mistakes and improve moving forward.