“I try not to get analytical in the writing process. I try to just kind of keep the flow from my brain to my hand as far as the pen is concerned and go with the moment and go with my guts.” -Quentin Tarantino
I’ve always considered myself a writer. In the 3rd grade I was recognized as a writer for the first time, when some of my “work” was published in a short story book. When I reached the 5th grade, I remember sitting in the front row of the auditorium on awards day and I could see a plaque barely peeking out from behind the Principal’s podium. It drove me crazy the entire ceremony, I was remarkably jealous of the student who would get to take it home. Then, at the conclusion of the ceremony, the Principal called me to the stage alone and presented me with the plaque — I had won first place in a state-wide writing contest. Subsequently, in the 6th grade I entered a short story in an “If I Were Mayor…” state-wide contest… and won that too. My English teacher, my parents, and I were all invited to an awards celebration in Atlanta, in a private box at Turner Field. When I got to high school, I continued working on my writing. As an 11th grader, I shocked even myself when I made the highest score in my county on the Georgia High School Writing Test. I enjoyed writing, and because of the acknowledgments my writing received, I became increasingly confident in my ability and solidified my writing style.
My name is Oakley Gibson, and I am a first-year student here at the University of Georgia. I am from Waynesboro, GA which is located in Burke County. I am the oldest child of three, and even homeschooled myself my senior year to work a full-time job. All my life I have prided myself on my academic achievements, especially the fact that I was the only student from my county to be accepted to UGA through the early-admission process. Additionally, I was the only student from my high school to be a recipient of the Zell Miller Scholarship, save for the valedictorian and salutatorian who are granted the scholarship by default. Also being an honor graduate in the top 5% of my graduating class, I regrettably admit that the combination of my scholarly achievements turned me into one big-headed, cocky, arrogant little girl.
As I’m sure is the case for a vast amount of college freshmen, I came onto this campus with the preconception that I could, and would, continue with my unblemished record of academic excellence. I expected that the methods I learned in high school would suffice in college, especially in the English department. I was thrilled to enroll in English 1102, and enthusiastic at the chance to showcase my talent. I had no idea the impact this class would have on me, how much it would help me grow, or the copious amounts of writing knowledge it would expose me to.