Dear Malcolm (again),

Now that my UWRT 1103 class has come to an end, its time to look back at all the work
I have done and the student Ive become (that sounds awfully corny). Usually, Im not one to sit
and ponder what has happened to me, but it seems reflection is what UNCCs all about, so here
we go:
From the first second the class began, the word freewrite became a part of my
vocabulary. Quickly writing all that I could think of pertaining to a random topic suddenly found
itself among the many activities within my daily routine. Honestly, I wasnt used to this kind of
task. Mentally vomiting my thoughts onto a page in such a short time was uncomfortable for the
perfectionist within me. I was more accustomed to writing and revising and revising and
revising, until the works perfect, and then revising some more. Brainstorming has never been
something that has flown easily for me; which remains to be frustrating since free-flowing
thoughts are the entire purpose. This is likely the reason why I always felt unsatisfied with my
freewrite daybook entries. I always found myself either vigorously scribbling my final, yet noso-final, thoughts as the time was called or staring awkwardly at a blank page. The quick, dontthink feel of the freewrites just never seemed to be harmonious with my everything-must-havestructure personality. Ive decided freewriting just isnt for me.
As you know, my daybook consisted of more than just freewriting. Personally, keeping a
journal is not something I deem to be fun. I could never finish a diary as a child and to this day,
nothing has changed. This is true for a number of reasons; one being that I prefer typing on a
computer to writing physically on paper. It seems like a weird preference, but it likely stems
from that perfectionist tendency I possess. On paper, if a mistake is made, it either has to be
erased, which leaves the page smeared with light grey traces of pencil, or crossed out, which I

feel is visually unappealing to most. However, on the computer, I can easily churn out my
thoughts without the hindrance of wanting to phrase it completely right on the first try. Besides
this vanity-driven excuse, I also felt many of the daybook entry assignments served little purpose
in the long run. Due to the minimized importance it held in my mind, I tended to either leave
them to the last minute or not do them at all. Now that Ive completed the class, it seems that I
was right. Despite the fact that I only completed the primary entries, I didnt struggle to find
work to fill the daybook section of my ePortfolio. Honestly, I dont feel the daybook really
helped me develop at all. I dont believe it has impacted the way I learn or write, but rather made
me increasingly appreciative of computers. I highly doubt writing in a daybook will be
something I continue to practice.
Regarding my annotated bibliography and my topic proposal, no substantial emotions or
feelings come to mind. However, I can say that my annotated bibliography was an assignment
that slightly surprised me. Despite my unfortunate MLA errors, I found elaborating on a source
and its usefulness to be a pleasant activity that helped me better understand a sources content.
Initially, the premise of describing a source seemed so tedious and unnecessary, but now Im glad
I was able to complete this kind of activity. It would be unreasonable for me to expect to never
encounter an assignment such as this again. Im glad that UWRT has exposed me to this type of
work so it wont seem completely unfamiliar in the future.
Looking back at my topic proposal draft, I can also say it is evident I did not pay
attention the assignment instructions. For some unknown reason, I was under the impression that
the proposal was some sort of first draft for our papers. At this point in time, I only had a few
sources and even though it was a draft, I was putting in my best effort possible at that time.
Nonetheless, no matter how hard I tried, it was clear that this work was conceived in an anxious

effort to slap all the information Id collected onto a page. My content was disorderly and
incomplete and demonstrated that research is impossible to rush. Fortunately, the organizational
problems found in my paper were fixed in my peer review session before the final copy was
turned in. When it comes to practicing peer review, I have mixed emotions. I believe the concept
is good in theory, but actually enacting the exchanging work aspect, proved to be something I,
and my group members, struggled with. Many of the assignments I offered to my peers were no
doubt rushed efforts. Last minute attempts emailed late in the night to the recipients, who at that
point, couldnt be bothered to take a look. Furthermore, since the work my peers saw never
seemed to be my best work, I couldnt really gain from most of their critiques. Most flaws they
pointed out was something I already knew, but just hadnt had time to fix. I also wasnt sure how
to critique anything but grammar. It seemed to be all I could focus on, grammar and reworking
the sentence. My obsession with grammar and syntax is extremely prevalent in my review of my
peers work found on the Drafts & Peer Review section of my ePortfolio. Most of my
comments involve fixing the phrasing of the sentence, rather than suggesting ways to improve
the detail and relevancy of the content. Though the peer review instructions warned against this,
it seems to be one of my weaknesses.
Its not shocking that I found the blog to be so much more fun than these previous
assignments. My blog was internet-based and predominantly personal. The topics which I was
able to discuss were surprisingly interesting, relatable, and debatable; and as someone who is a
firm believer in arguing my point into the ground, having a space in which I could do so without
opposition was perfect. My blog seemed to be my own little world in which my beliefs were fact
and any topic was open to my interpretation or up for further exploration. I believe blogging
helped me practice critical thinking, as I had to present my opinions in a logical, yet causal,

manner. I also learned how to better pull information from given text, which I think helped when
researching for EIP. The subjects covered numerous issues such as the flawed system that is
education, dealing with difficult life experiences, the art of procrastination, and so much more.
The new, thought-provoking theme presented each week allowed my blog to feel more like fun,
rather than a chore. Having the ability to properly gather my thoughts and express my opinions,
which I dont often get to do simultaneously, was also a major plus.
Out of all the assignments I was given, the literacy narrative had to be my favorite.
Seldom do I get the chance to just write about an experience without the burden of connecting it
to some unreachable deeper meaning. All this assignment asked was for me to call upon my
skills of descriptive language, attention to detail, and working memory; and then link my story to
how my attitude towards writing. The self-proclaimed writer within me was yearning for an
activity like this. The narrative allowed me to see how well I can bring an event Ive experienced
to a personal reality for others. This assignment was so enjoyable because it let me exercise one
of my favorite modes of self-expression: storytelling. The joy of storytelling, which with the
overbearing weight of college responsibilities weighing me down, unfortunately gets overlooked.
Despite being my favorite, my literacy narrative was not what I would consider the most
important assignment this semester. I believe that honor should be bestowed upon my extended
inquiry project. I dont feel was able enjoy my EIP to its fullest extent because throughout the
entire project my mind was racked with indecisiveness. When I initially started, Id planned to
focus on poverty in America. By the time my topic proposal rolled around, Id shifted my
attention towards metal music and its effect on mental health. When it came to my first draft, Id
extended my topic to cover music therapy, other music genres, and musics emotional impact.
The inconsistency just made me feel as if my topic wasnt good enough; I struggled to find a

general point to my paper; and even as I was putting the finishing touches on my portfolio, I was
still thinking of ways I could have done better. Time management, Ive realized, seems to be my
biggest weakness this semester. In the case of my EIP, I failed to prioritize my work so that I
could complete my paper with ease. I wasted hours speculating about the efficiency of the topic
itself, when I could have been using that time for deeper research. My issue with procrastinating
is why I was unable to truly explore my topic. Though I am not very fond of this assignment, I
feel the EIP was so important. Somehow, it seemed be the crux of the semester and the target
almost every other assignment was guiding us towards. It was always seemed to remain at the
forefront of my mind. It was likely the nervous anticipation of this seemingly intimidating
project that affected the attitude I approached it with. I deem my EIP to be greatly important
because I believe it will prepare me for my subsequent academic work. This project contains a
process that I expect Ill have to do numerous times in my college career: evidence-backed
inquiry. This project has allowed me to see the importance of using credible sources to back
ones statements and has shown me how inquisitiveness is an important trait for research.
Fortunately, I can take all that I have learned from this experience and alter the way I carry out
similar work in the future.
Last but not least, I have to express my thoughts on the ePortfolio. I think the assignment
in and of itself is a great space in which viewers can learn about who I am, simply as an
individual, a student, and as a writer. What surprised me about my ePortfolio was exactly how
much work it required. Initially, I had the mindset that it would simply be a collection of work
Id already done and thought how hard could that be? But I was mistaken. The constant
reflective reading and writing the portfolio required, forced me to slow down and realize this
could not be an assignment that is rushed. I also did not realize how much I would want my

visuals to represent content of each page. Finding the image that I thought would fit exactly with
the text, took longer than Id bargained for. Regardless of the time spent, I love the overall
product. I do still believe an increased amount of detail would have proved beneficial in spaces
such as my EIP; but I continue to be proud of my work. I think the way I collected my thoughts
in a virtual and artistic manner was a great outlet for vocalizing my world view. This belief
provides the reason I named my portfolio Through a Writers Eyes. Because it is through these
few assignments, you are able to see I how perceive the world and all that inhabits it.
Collecting all my work together for my ePortfolio and then reviewing it again for this
reflection, has allowed me to analyze myself from a writing perspective. I realize that I am often
repetitive in my word choice, a weakness that is still present even within this reflection. I have
learned that I need to improve the way in which I convey my messages. Ive always prided
myself on being detailed in my work, but the most detail is prevalent in assignments like my
literacy narrative, in which the work takes on a story-like structure. When it comes to more
investigative work, however, like my EIP, I seem to struggle with drawing relevant conclusions.
This may be associated with the topic I picked, but until that is made apparent, I will blame this
weakness on my failure to ask proper questions. I feel my EIP would have been abundantly
better if Id taken the time to make deeper connections between the information Id found. If Id
been able to properly plan and pinpoint the intent behind my paper, I believe the selections
would have seemed more purposeful.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed UWRT. This class conquered the preconceived
notions I possessed about what a writing class is. I expected being given the typical, bookish
prompts to write my opinions about. Yes, UWRT was like this to a certain extent, but instead of
the usual mundane, I was presented with subject matter and content that encouraged imagination

and critical thinking. I expected to feel minimal connection with the assignments and to see them
as nothing more than requirements. Rather, I feel that the work has allowed me to develop
myself as a writer and has helped me along the journey of finding my voice. I feel the class has
taught me numerous ways in which I can express myself and introduced me to several talented
authors and individuals I previously did not know. This is the end result that I am truly thankful
for. Im also greatly thankful to you, Professor Malcolm. Your passion for teaching and love for
your students is demonstrated in every class you teach. Your lively demeanor made the
classroom environment increasingly entertaining and made learning a joy. Theres no doubt in
my mind that UWRT 1103 will go down in my book as my first favorite college class ever.
Im sure our paths will cross again, but nonetheless
Ill see when I see you,
Moye