I am most looking forward to reading different types of literature. I believe that behind any type of literature, the writer is writing for a purpose. Whether it is a piece of history or fictional, the writer must have a reason or be influenced to write. I believe they are writing their stories and their purpose. Being able to learn those stories, allow me to see society in a different lens, in the writer’s perspective. In high school, I read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and I was reminded of the saying “knowledge is power”. Society has implemented “single stories” in people’s lives, and the stereotypes it creates feeds to the ignorant nature of humans. It makes the single-story, the only story. This is why I believe that reading and learning about what these writers want to tell allows a perspective on a situation that I never thought of looking through.
Some obstacles I foresee is having no idea what to write about or how to begin writing. I often can’t organize my ideas and in fear of not using “my hard work”, I tend to include everything I think of. This makes my writing very unorganized and confusing. It would be helpful for the instructor to explain the assignment clearly and sort of guiding us through what is required (at least for the first assignment as a guide). For managing my time, I plan to create a master list of all of my assignments and work in intervals. Like other teens, procrastination takes over our lives, and I feel like it would be helpful for me to work in intervals and sort of think about how my future is affected by my current actions. Since most of my classes are spread out and the professors had given me some sort of schedule, I feel like working a bit ahead is very helpful. Instead of doing the assignments the day before I have that class, maybe slowly working on it throughout the week will leave time for myself. I hope to become a better writer. I feel like there is no “perfect” writer, especially not me. I see the need for tremendous improvement, and I hope that I can obtain skills that allow me to communicate professionally with future professors and employers.
I agree that organizing my ideas for an essay can be difficult. That is going to be an obstacle for me also this year. You would think that the actual writing would be the hardest part of an English course, but for me the brainstorming is the hardest part.
Doing your assignments bit by bit throughout the week also sounds like a very good idea when it comes to finishing them in a timely manner! I should take that into consideration…Great blog!
Hi Sandy (and India),
Yes, organizing one’s ideas for an essay can be one of the most challenging parts. We will be attacking this problem from many angles, through free writing, outlining, thesis-writing, discussion of topic sentences, etc. and hopefully by the end of the semester, you will feel more confident in your ability to approach any given essay assignment in your college career with at least knowledge of how to make a strong start.
Sandy, I’m glad to hear you read Americanah. I love that book (but it’s ok if you don’t) for its ability to show such a unique perspective on certain aspects of life in the U.S. You said you don’t think there is a perfect writer, and I agree—there are only unique voices, writing at the height of their powers. My goal throughout this term will be to help you find your voice and give you the tools to express yourself more clearly.