Reflective essay

Marcela (Marcy) Justis
ENGL-1301
Leigh Ann Olejnik
November 5, 2014

Reflective Essay (Midterm Writing Process Reflection) Expanded I had thought that my writing was decent before I started this class, only to find out there’s an easier more effective way to pen words to a paper. A way, that maybe, people might get what you’re saying in a straightforward kind of way instead of all over! Once I found my way, I realized that I could add more to my paper without sounding so redundant. As I reflect over the fall semester, I remember the first free writing assignment we did and how I didn’t know what to write, much less how to start. Going from having my thoughts all over the place and trying to write like I text, in a hurry. This was not a good start for me, so as our classes went on and the more we’ve worked, the easier it’s become to write a paper. Even though I’ve left out my thesis on my rough drafts numerous times! Now when I write a paper the words come more freely and with a point. So far the best way I’ve found to work on my papers isn’t really systematically. My brain isn’t 1, 2, 3…It’s somewhat disorganized chaos like such; 1, 5, 2, 6. I have found that the best place for me to have brainstorming time, or even random thoughts/ideas is in the car, walking thru the grocery store, playing tennis, at a football game, anytime really when my body is in motion. If I’m just sitting still waiting for the words to come to me, it doesn’t work.
When I begin to work on my paper it’s never actually during the day. I think my brain has too much going on between trying to juggle being super mom, super step mom, taxi driver, chef, wife, and tennis partner! Whew! The only time I seem to be able to slow down and be Marcy the “Student” is in the evening when the kids are in bed and my hubby is either at work or the yoga studio (funny I know).
Free writing. I honestly don’t like it. To me its more chaos, it makes me feel like there’s no point to prove or anything to answer. I much prefer being told what to write or at least having examples. Writing from my own experience is good I think because it has made me search and reaffirm things I had forgotten; and in another way seems to serve as therapy writing. Needing to describe experiences and feelings is a good way to help oneself realize things about themselves they may not even have thought about in a really long time. It also might be useful later on down the road if someone ever needs advice and I have the need to write an email or letter.
THESIS. Yes, this is the most important, and the one I always seem to leave out! It frustrated me so much, that the last paper we worked on and I forgot to add it to, I posted to Facebook to hopefully teach myself a lesson. I think I worked though. I texted the professor to make sure we needed it for this paper!
Just like anything else, I feel like with more practice and guidance my writing has and will continue to get better. I can honestly say I am looking forward to my next Composition Class and then a Legal Writing class, hopefully I can keep up!