Reflection #5 - Dear Reader

As an incoming senior I felt that at that point I was a well enough write and did not have much to learn. But what I realized is that all along I have been learning how to write generically. I would have a format to abide by and everyone in my class would basically write over the same topic. Before my first semester of senior I lacked creativity in writing because all I did was persuasive essays, thematic essays, critical lens and etc. I honestly had no goals coming in. But as I thought it over I am not as good as a writer as I thought. Eventually my goals all revolved the simple fact that I want to make a piece that was considerably attractive. Meaning that I want something that makes the reader want to know the end, or maybe even be inspired. By doing so I also knew that I had to set goals in improving my technique, and the way I describe things to the reader by using the method of "show don't tell". I do feel like achieved my goals in a way. I think improvement is evident through my writing but I also feel that I have a lot to learn. I can attract a variety of audiences, but not all. And I think that's good enough for me. Now I need to set new goals for the future.

My struggles as an incoming senior for writing was that I found all of that writing out your feelings, and describing things with the five senses to be extremely lame. But as I began to create my own fiction pieces I have come to realize that all of my favorite authors use these techniques that I have I always neglected to be corny. I also struggled in thinking that my writing is good when it is complete and utter trash and it takes a peer editor for me to notice that. I still need to work on writing with more variety and expanding my ability to make something imaginative yet understandable. It seems that the only stories that I can write are realistic fiction and I would love to do fantasies, and sci-fi and other things of that nature. Methods that have worked for me are subtext, and using the 5 senses to describe an event so that the reader can feel like they know what is going on.

Besides Fiction Writing, I have also taken Math 150, Astronomy 101, and Government and Economics. I am satisfied with my grade in Fiction Writing I just hope to see improvement in the next quarter. For Math 150 I am still a little worried of not receiving the A I was planning to get but with all the dedication I am putting into my studying if I get and A on the final I can get into Calculus 2. For Astronomy 101 I get lazy and I never study for that class. The topic bores me and I can't wait to get into a new science or English 120 the next term. If all goes well I will receive an A- in the class. Lastly for Government and Economics I have never been the type to be aware of global issues. This year, Mr. Froner has made it his goal to make us more proactive and aware of all the things that are happening around the world as well as developing our critical thinking. I am not satisfied with my first quarter grade in his class because if I studied for his midterm and participated I could have received a higher grade. Even so, I'll use those mistake to make sure that history will not repeat itself and I will hopefully get a higher grade this marking period.

In one year I honestly see myself struggling trying to pay for college and maintain a good GPA. But even through I see myself struggling I also see myself with the satisfaction of achieving my goals for that semester. I plan to go to an out of state college to study architecture. Since I will receive no financial aid from my parents I expect it to be very difficult. So my goal is to persevere and achieve my goal without letting all the negativity get to me. In 5 years I see myself in my last year of my 5 year architecture program trying to get graduate with a masters. In 10 years I have hopefully received my PHD by now and I am in Dominican Republic trying to create my own architecture firm. Like any other girl, I hope to be in a long-lasting relationship. And I ultimately want to be in good terms with my family by then. I plan on achieving these goals by simply believing in myself. If I say that the work is impossible or not for me I know that getting what I want will not come to me. I like to live by the saying "Caminante no hay camino, se hace camino al andar" by Joan Manuel Serat. This quote basically means that you have to do something in order to get you want  and that you can't expect everything to come to you by simply sitting down. Sometimes in life people may think it's somewhat selfish to care about your own life instead of helping out with global issues. But I feel that I have no power in order to make change in the world. Others may disagree but I feel that I must help myself before confronting the world. And so by exuding in independence and never admitting to failure I will get what I ultimately want.

Although stating my goals of becoming an architect may seem off topic it is not for writing is one of greatest tools that will help me to get there. In order to be an architect one must also be an eclectic. As a writer I am someone who writes whatever comes to mind and then further edits my writing as I read it 3 or 4 times. This technique has worked out for me and each and every time I see improvements in my writing. I think I need to be a successful writer in order to persuade people, inform people, and be able to articulate myself in a manner that is acceptable in this community. Not only does writing help me pass classes in English but it also allows me to become better at every other subject. It allows me to comprehend scientific concepts, and logic in math. It also allows me to look through history and appreciate it's complexities. Writing allows me to understand human nature and further my developments in communication. I feel that that in anything I do I can use writing towards my benefit.

So far in fiction writing I have learned many techniques and the importance of them. I have learned how to incorporate dialogue and how to use subtext at the same time. I also learned the importance of characterization and how I can use setting, as well as dialogue to strengthen it. Besides saying she was a young lady I can make my character play jump rope to imply that she is a young lady. With that it can also make the reader believe that my character is either playful or childish. I have learned that these techniques are not a waste of time to learn about they really strengthen your writing, and enhances your writing.

My favorite journal was the journal where I had to describe a trashy and classy person. Because I brought out the characterization of both of my characters using 2 different methods. It showed that there are many ways to describe a character through a story. I also liked creating my subtext writing. It was fun to create a piece that had a subtle message but had enough information for one to know what I am talking about. The concept that was easiest for me to incorporate in my writing is sensory detail. The ability to use the 5 senses has always been my strong point. The hardest part is being economical with what I write and in the end proposing a plot that is strong enough to be called a story. Whats hardest for me is internal dialogue. It is hard for me to put realistic qualities into an imaginative character. Most of the time I just keep writing until I feel that the character matches what I want the reader to see in him. If I cannot express the character in the way I want to I usually change his or her persona and make a  whole new different story. So even with these struggles I still manage to strengthen my skills.

By the end the end of this year I hope to achieve a greater understanding of fiction writing. I also hope to develop more of a habit in creating pieces that will alter the minds of those who read it. I want to make stories that can make the audience cry, or laugh a long with me. Channeling these emotions may be difficult but I hope to get it done. By the end of this pre-college program I hope I can gain more self-confidence without getting to the point where it is like arrogance. I also want to have enough time management skills that will guide e to success. Lastly, hopefully I can develop enough writing skills that can get me into internships for the future by articulating myself with an impressive writing style I have been working hard to develop all year.

This portfolio represents me as a student because it shows my writing process since the beginning till now. I feel that it shows a lot of improvement since the first writing exercise where I just listed things that happened in an event rather than showing the significance and emotions contained in those particular moments. It is also evident through my journals I have progressed as a writer because it shows that through each story I have learned something new about myself and in my writing. I have grown mentally. I can feel that I have matured while creating my writing because I no longer find it useless or 'lame' to express how you're feeling or to give feelings to something brought up by the imagination. In the end I have realized that writing is a work of art like any other piece you create pastels and acrylics.