With classes, finals, and this semester as a whole coming to an end, taking a moment to reflect is really important. Although my mind is pretty much mush at this point, I look back on this semester fondly because I know I have learned and grown. Being a writing minor has been immensely challenging, but extremely rewarding. I have learned more about the many layers that encompasses what it means to be a writer. Going into this semester, I'm embarrassed to say that I was still pronouncing Rhetoric wrong. But, leaving this class, I feel that I have a better grasp on the enormous topic.
I have learned that writing is so many things. It is expressed through music, art, pop culture, and the way we interact with each other. I have left the class with a new way of seeing the world. I will never be able to watch a music video again without analyzing the message and meaning that is inevitably present in the song (I'm still thinking about Tyler Posey in the "Colors" music video). My mind has extended in a way I didn't know possible. It has encouraged me to keep pushing myself to better my writing and myself as a person.
Each assignment taught me a little something that I will bring with me to the next chapter of this book called life (I had to be a little cheesy!) The documentary project helped me to see ALL people as people and to not be so critical and apt to make assumptions about other's situations and feelings. It made my world the slightest bit grayer and I believe, wholeheartedly, that we learn in the gray. The RAPT was such a blessing. First off, I got to spend weeks using the word fabulous on a daily basis. I got to learn more about Barbra and hopefully do her legacy justice. I also learned the importance of editing and editing and then editing again. It become tedious and frustrating at times, but in the end I think it was a really beneficial writing experience. Lastly, my personal favorite, was the multimodal project. I got to combine two of my loves, writing and being an advocate for the social justice issues I find so important. I started with a big idea and some clustered thoughts, and ended up with something that I think I will continue to watch for the rest of my life. I found a new interest in creating video presentations and hope that I can continue to work with them in my future, potentially even in my teaching profession,
All in all, we did it. The semester has been rocky, but I think we embraced the imperfection. As a lover of education, my goal is to leave a classroom after a few months having learning something about the topic covered, but more importantly about myself and my place in this world. This class allowed me to do both and for that I say: "Fabulous."
