Reflective Letters
Reflective Letter #1
Dear self,
As I look back upon the last few weeks of writing under the direction of Professor Marlen Harrison; I realize how much of an impact the course has really had on me. All of the readings and writings that I have experienced thus far have shaped a different way in which I think of everyday life. This course has such an impact, that it has changed my future.
In high school, I was not a “fan” of English courses. The whole idea seemed to be a repeat of the previous years’ lessons. Sure, the novels or stories I would read were different, but it would seem to be the only real learning that I was receiving at the time. The real lesson that I was forced to learn was how to properly write a five paragraph essay. No matter what new novel or readings I encountered, the ending would always come back to writing the five paragraph essay on what we have learned. This would slowly kill any joy I had in the new learning I received. After years of this same process, it seemed as if this was the only way I was supposed to write. I was told that we had to do this religious-like practice so that I could be a proficient writer on the “famed” PSSA tests. As much as I do not agree with these assessment tests, I was forced to comply with “the norm” of writing. It wasn’t until I began this course that I realized how free English is. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago, that I realized how much I truly did love being able to express my thoughts, and opinions in any manner of writing I choose. It wasn’t until I began working with Professor Harrison that I realized that there is so much more than the five paragraph essay.
I have learned a lot about myself, as well as my writing strengths and weaknesses. I have learned that although writing involves a lot of time, and work it can be very rewarding and fun experience as well. The readings and writings that I have done so far have really made me think of many topics in a different way. I hope to be able to learn more about myself, as well as my writing, and the writing process as a whole. I hope that at the end of this course I will be a proficient writer, and further my love for writing. This course has shown me that although I have experienced the course with the same name (English), it has been completely contrasting attributes. The teachings and works that I have experienced with Professor Harrison has impacted me in such a way, that I made a decision to become an English Education major. I have learned that English, out of most other subjects taught in secondary school, can have the most impact on young minds. I hope that I will continue to grow as a writer, as well as implement the skills I learn to be an amazing educator in the future. I am happy for taking this course, and hope to be able to learn more information off of Professor Harrison in the future.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Veach
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Reflective Letter # 2
Dear Professor Harrison,
I would first like to thank you for helping me find my love for writing, and for the English course as a whole. As I reflect upon what I have done within your class this whole semester, I am just amazed. From my first blog entry to the final writing of this letter, I have seen just how greatly I have improved in such a short period of time under your guidance. I have learned a lot about myself, as well as my writing strengths and weaknesses. I have learned that although writing involves a lot of time, and work, it can be a very rewarding and fun experience as well. The readings and writings that I have done in your course have really made me think of many topics in a different way. I was able to learn more about myself, as well as my writing, and the writing process as a whole. The teachings and works that I have experienced with Professor Harrison has impacted me in such a way, that I made a decision to become an English Education major. I have learned that English, out of most other subjects taught in secondary school, can have the most impact on young minds. I hope that I will continue to grow as a writer, as well as implement the skills I learn to be an amazing educator in the future. I am really happy I took this course from you, and hope to take your Research writing course as well. Thank you so much for being an outstanding educator. The world of education needs more people like you.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Veach
