Fall Semester Writing Experience

In my freshman inquiry writing seminar class, I wrote several writing pieces that reflected my freshman year experience. In each piece, I discovered what the most important key feature and aspect of its differences is. The tips and instructions address were quite understandable but also enlightening. As a writer, I realized that I could physically and emotionally write about any specific topics I want. For instance, Writing the Narrative essay, I believe, is overwhelming yet so fun. Although I ran out of ideas, I could brainstorm any topics by using Norton’s technique. As he mentioned, we can choose any topic by focusing on a single event during a relatively brief period, though sometimes learning to do or understand something may take place over an extended period. This tip over has pushed me to reveal the aims of my first writing project. Composing about a significant event where literacy or language changed outlook helped me realize my abilities to explore my creativity.

Looking back while starting my first draft, I thought about several stories of mine. Until I develop three options, (My Public Speaking Class experience, Kindergarten Experience, & Elementary Experience), I feel that some of my school experience significantly influenced my learning skills. I wanted to include all of these in my narrative essay; however, it will be too much. So, I focused on my elementary experience instead. Throughout the process, I have a weakness because my conclusion is not clear and is rushed. I honestly had a hard time introducing my story. I have spent hours composing and choosing the right word to use and whatsoever. However, To make it stronger, I did revise it by elaborating and adding more detailed information.

Furthermore, it is the following week before we started doing the second essay, we were asked to work in a group by analyzing the rhetorical terms used in Audrey Lorde’s essay “The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action.” Honestly, I had fun doing it because I had the chance to collaborate with my peers by sharing our thoughts and putting it all together. This way, it helped me understand the terms more clearly, and it made it easier for me to do the project. Although I learned rhetorical and literary devices in high school, I did not know there is another unique rhetorical device that is also used to identify the author’s points of view and strategies. While reading the instructions, we were instructed to choose any text or written piece topics and briefly summarize it by including at least two direct quotes from the original text using the ten rhetorical terms we discussed in class. Picking the genre and topic was easy; I came up with three texts and a documentary, but I ended up choosing Zora Neale Hurston’s piece “Story of Harlem Slang” because it is unique. For the genre of my creative project, I focus on doing words and visual arts. I honestly had a perfect time doing my drafts and reading the story throughout the process, even though it was challenging. I had fun doing my summary analysis, I was able to show more my creativity.  

Finally, speaking of doing research, I believe that brainstorming is critical because it allows me to think more freely. As for my thinking process, Professor Skelly taught us that the most important thing is to organize ideas fragments in order. I thought of 3 topics, such as The Art and Culture in Harlem: I wanted to talk about Harlem Renaissances. The impact of New York City Real Estate Industry in Harlem’s Community: Development of Residential / Commercial establishment. Relocation (i.e., Small Businesses, Residents). The Causes and Effects of Gentrification on Harlem’s Economy: Economics factor (tax rates, wages, etc.), Employment / Unemployment Rate, Goods / Services = Facilities (improvements?? is it accessible for all??). During the start, I really like to ground my research by exploring Harlem’s Economy. First, because I will be majoring in Economics, I feel like it is a great start to know every detail and situation of Harlem’s Economy by putting it all together. Throughout the process, I thought of the Causes and Effects of Gentrification. In my perspective, when an economy is growing, it is a sign of wealth and expansion. Does the idea of gentrification has helped the Harlem economy grow? Does gentrification create more Job opportunities for everyone, especially for the African American community? I am interested in analyzing the economy before and after gentrification in Harlem. In my revision process, Professor Skelly suggested that I need to be a little more specific and more precise in my introduction about which aspects of gentrification / the economy I intend to focus on. She recommended me to look at the adverse effects first, then transition to the positives and plan my paper out by paragraph to make sure you keep a coherent structure. I think that this helped me a lot in organizing my research paper. Writing my final draft was fascinating, I tried to scrutinize the Positive and Negative economic factors using data and meaningful articles to address the possible causes and effects of gentrification on Harlem’s economy. (i.e., breaking my ideas into three parts). . Reading can be a significant part of middle school, high school, and college. Understanding how to properly read and use them is crucial to academic performance. And Reading the articles I chose was enjoyable. These steps will help me preview a text and enhance my understanding. I am reviewing all chapter headings and subheadings, glancing over any pictures, charts, or graphs in the section. Professor Skelly positive comment on my rough draft inspired me and truly made my day

To sum up, doing self-assessment has helped me deeply understand all I need to work on and improve my writing. I learned a lot of things in this writing composition class. I was able to enhance my researching skills, which I think fundamental skills in college. Using the CCNY library help me find great sources I can use to support my idea. I also learned how to create citations and annotated bibliography. Therefore, after finishing this research essay, I have learned that breaking up ideas and focusing on one goal is very important. One thing I learned from this course is something that we student needs to learn and adapt such as writing skills. I feel that writing is a skill that can always be learn prior to coming to school. on importance, follow a routine, making sure to stay hydrated and organizing everything.