Despite having to potentially spend my first semester of college completely online, I am determined to do my best to make the most out of this class. I look forward to honing my writing skills and being able to explore my thoughts through my writing. I especially look forward to writing my own rhetorical/ critical analysis essay and creative nonfiction essay because it’s been a while since I’ve explored these writing styles. In addition, I want to work on my own writing style and to learn to express myself better in my writing as well as go beyond just what I read about in the text I read. However, I am concerned about being able to stay motivated because it’s really difficult to focus or keep track of everything I have to do online, especially if I’m doing all my work from home and not engaged in a classroom space. I’m also worried that I may struggle with my writing because I have not written a cohere essay in a while. It would be really helpful if we could have more group work and discussions about topics we may read or have to write about because it helps me stay creative and motivated. I’m currently in the process of trying to get used to my class schedule and to keep up my energy in between classes so that I can focus on outside responsibilities when I’m not having class instead of being too caught up with class. I also plan on improving my time management because I tend to push all my responsibilities toward the end of the day or to the weekends. I hope that by the end of this course, I will be a better writer, reader, and thinker. I also hope to get to know my classmates better.
5 thoughts on “Penny Wang – Blog #1”
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I also look forward to writing essays again because, like you, it has been a while since I have written one. You made an interesting point when you said you wanted to work more on your writing style because I don’t think I focus a lot on my writing style, so I’m going to try to make an effort to focus on that this semester. I completely agree with you about being worried about motivation because it is hard to focus doing school online and keeping up with assignments, especially with the distractions when being home.
I agree that group work and discussions will be super helpful in dissecting the reading. It is also more interesting to have various perspectives when thinking about prospective writing topics or just having extra set of eyes throughout the writing process. Writing style is also something that I want to work on developing as I feel like my writing tends to be very dry. I have the same struggle with keeping my energy up between classes. I hope to learn to use that time more productively as well and dedicate time to other responsibilities.
I really liked what you said about it being much tougher to stay motivated when everything is online. Having class online, as well as doing all your work from home can ruin that classroom environment feeling which makes it harder to concentrate on work. I also have that problem of pushing off my work to the end of the day or week, and will be making a greater effort to get things done in advance which should take a lot of stress away from me.
I agree with you with your worries about motivation in school when the entire class is online. I’ve noticed for myself that my morale in school has been reduced a lot. I never have been one to procrastinate but when I am in the comfort of my own home for so long it is harder not to. Also its dramatically harder to focus in class when you are in your own house.
Hi Penny,
I’m glad you are looking forward to the first two essays for this class. We will discuss the particulars of them quite a bit along the way, so even though they may be a new format for some, everyone should feel ready to get started when the time comes.
This may sound odd coming from a writing teacher, but I really recommend getting outside every day if you can and getting some exercise. This will help keep up your energy and motivation to tackle everything on your plate this semester, including essay writing. I think when we are all working inside on our computers all day, it can become harder and harder to get out and engage with the outside world (safely, of course). I urge you to include that outdoor time in part of your weekly schedule, so you prioritize it.