Troutman 1
Lavonne Hope Troutman
Professor Jan Rieman
English 1102-026
3 May 2011
It took me a long time to actually sit down and write this, but as I wrote it I couldn’t help but
think that this is the last writing assignment I’ll have until the fall. I hope this explained my
feelings about the course thoroughly.
The End
This semester/course has been very challenging to me. So much reading and writing was
involved and at times I felt as if I was going to explode from all the work. However, I can say I
did manage to keep myself together and complete all of my work. This English course was much
more difficult than my English course last semester. What made it so difficult was the extra work
that was added. We didn’t do as much writing or reading as we do now, so I had to adjust to that.
However, the way I felt mid-term about this course is the same way I feel now.
Looking back at the things I said about this course mid-term, nothing has really changed.
I still feel like some of the readings were a bit too much and the reading blogs didn’t make it any
easier. The WTE (Writing to Explore) pieces still feel pointless to me, but after we had that class
discussion about ways to change it for future classes, I’m confident that they won’t think it’s so
pointless and they might actually gain something from it.
Not everything has been a bad experience for me. The peer workshops have been the
most helpful. Having others read my work is one of the most helpful tools in becoming a better
Troutman 2
writer. However, when my writing group read over my inquiry paper, they said it was “fine” and
“nothing” was wrong with it. When I turned it in and received comments back, I was shocked at
all the “wrong” things that were pointed out. My writing group made it seem like my paper
didn’t need any revision, but it definitely needs a lot of work. I felt like they should’ve taken
more time to actually read it. Because of them, I wasn’t expecting all of the comments I received.
Other than that experience, my writing group was very helpful this semester.
Looking at the goals I had set for myself mid-term, I’ve accomplished all three of them
but one. The first goal was to start planning things out. Since I’ve started planning things out, my
writing has become less “choppy” and things actually make sense now.
My second goal was to stop procrastinating. To be honest, I haven’t even tried to stop.
It’s just so hard! For some odd reason, waiting until the last minute to do an assignment is so
much easier for me. However, I honestly am going to try to stop. With the things I’m getting
ready to be responsible for, I have to really put an end to procrastination.
My third goal was to work on my transitions and conclusions. In my mid-term reflection I
said that I would visit the Writing Resource Center to get some help with my transitions and
conclusions. Although I didn’t do that, my transitions and conclusions have improved. When I’m
getting ready to change paragraphs, I just simply ask myself, “How am I going to get there?”
Asking this is really helpful because I know something has to be said before I can just move to
the next paragraph.
These goals will probably remain my goals in the future. I know I’m not the best writer,
but I’m certainly not the worst. We all could use a little improvement in certain areas. All the
writings we’ve done have prepared me for the writings I know I’ll encounter in the future.
Troutman 3
Having these goals will help keep me grounded in this process that has been so challenging,
frustrating, and stressful for me.
Now that this semester/course has come to an end, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
This course was honestly a lot to handle, but I got things done even if it was at the last minute.
My advice to others who will take this course would be for them to have good time management
skills. I think I could’ve handled things a lot better this semester if I would’ve tried to manage
my time. Even thought it seems like this semester has lasted an eternity, I am beyond happy to
say that it is finally OVER.