This semester in ENGL 21001 I discovered I have a lot of strengths that I only realized I had when coming to this course. For example, the explanatory paper was something I was dreading when it was first assigned because I didn’t know how to approach the topic. I like fairytale stories but I had trouble finding a deeper meaning to them. I could not analyze fairytale stories critically because I was so used to the stories I grew up with and never questioned them. However, when Professor Nivens showed us examples and videos that went over rhetoric, I was able to analyze these stories in a different way and through different media. A lot of the themes and morals in the fairytale stories that the Brothers Grimm wrote about are still relevant to this day. After learning about rhetoric, I was noticing it in all the media I consumed. I applied this rhetorical perspective to the fairytale I choose for the explanatory paper which was Rapunezel. I dissected the text and found myself criticizing the protagonist more than I did praise her. I analyzed the character’s actions and took into account the specific dialogue choices of the authors. I kept on finding articles that supported my ideas and researching the topic and I realized the researching process was a strength of mine.

The structure of the assignments and the openness of the instructions allowed me to develop more confidence as a writer while having fun. Usually, I feel restricted in academic papers because I have to change my vocabulary and format my writing to be presentable. With the assignments in English 210, I felt free to let my personality shine through my writing. In my argumentative essay, I wrote about a song in Spanish and connected it with the topic of my essay. I felt comfortable incorporating a part of my cultural and native language in that essay because Professor Nivens would encourage creativity in our writing. The insertion of my personality and character in the paper did not feel unnatural, and I felt confident writing in Spanish. Having the liberty to relate my academic writing with something so personal like my music preference made the writing process much more engaging for me.

Comparing my writing from the beginning of the semester to the end I can see the progress as a writer, especially in the research department. Although I still very much struggle with creative writing and making my paper interesting yet insightful, I know English 210 helped me break out of my shell more when it came to writing and not be afraid of my voice or to let people hear it. I have learned to self asses and recognize not only my weaknesses but my strengths as well. I appreciate this writing for humanities and arts course with Professor Nivens because I learned that my creativity and voice do matter in a space like academic writing.

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