Saturday, June 16, 2012
Introductions
Our group consists of Breanna, Chelsea, Aleena, Courtney and Barbara. Each of us came to English 233 with different backgrounds, different expectations, different goals. We'd like to give a brief description of who we are, what we've learned in this class, what we struggled with, what we enjoyed, and what we will take away with us.
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Barbara:
ReplyDeleteI came to this course mainly to fulfill my art requirement for graduation. I've always considered myself a better appreciator of art than a creator of it. But of all the mediums, words have been my favorite - and writing the only field I feel comfortable in. I'd never taken a creative writing course before, and I was both excited and hesitant to share my attempts with others and receive feedback. Mostly, I hoped to understand myself and evaluate my writing by the reflections of others' understanding.
That goal was achieved. I loved the collaborate aspect of this course, which was challenging to implement in a virtual classroom. But by dividing the group into smaller units, I was able to get closer attention and analysis to my pieces, and give my thorough effort in reading and analyzing others' works.
I also enjoyed learning the 'mechanics' that go into creative writing. The various forms of poetry, the history of them, the effect of them, and then implementing them. I feel I have a toolbox now to reference when I write in my journal (the only outlet for my creativity).
I think the hardest thing for me was sitting down to write without inspiration first urging me to pick up my pen. And, to my surprise, this task was incredibly more difficult when I was given free rein. Because then I had to struggle not only with coming up with an idea, but how to say it. When asked to write with more restrictions (the sonnet, the ghazal, the persona poem), the writing seemed to flow. It seemed like there was less pressure.
Leaving this class, I know that when I do feel the need to exorcise my thoughts or emotions, I will be able to do so more powerfully. Maybe even well enough to share with my brothers or friends. I feel less embarrassed about letting others see my writing. That, to me, is kind of huge.
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I have always enjoyed writing. I did pretty well with English in school. I really did enjoy this class. At first, I wasn't sure if poetry was for me. I was proven wrong. I enjoyed it so much! And I plan on using what I learned to write poems in my spare time. I liked learning the different forms because when I the form was already decided, I could truly focus on what I wanted to say.
ReplyDeleteI plan on teaching English after I graduate. I am a new mother so I know it's going to take longer than I wanted, but I'm not giving up! This is my first class back after having my daughter and it was a great way to start back!
Seeing the amount of poetry that we had to write for this class intimidated me at first. However, I have always had a creative mind. As a dancer, I am always choreographing and creating art in which the music or lyrics inspires me to create a story through movement. Because of this, I was able to connect this type of creativity to my work here in this class.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I will take from this class into my future is my awareness. The idea of sitting back and just becoming inspired by the things around us. Although I find myself unable to write as much as I would like, I would love to be able to continue to write short poems and stories. I believe that my best ideas come out through my writing.
-Chelsea