WP4: From Struggle to Success
It has commonly been said that as humans, we learn the most when exploring areas outside of our comfort zones. Despite my comfort zone being fairly large, writing — for me — quite definitely falls outside of it.
Saying this now, it sounds counterintuitive — writing as a place of discomfort. Writing 150 has taught me a lesson about writing that should have been the most elementary one — writing is about expressing your own voice. I have never had much trouble expressing myself in ways outside of academic written word. Through speech, music, fashion, etc. Even writing outside of academic contexts — I am a great journaler, and an even better texter! You name it, I felt confident I could do it.
In school I had always excelled, producing above average work in anything I attempted. That is, until Mrs. Jones’ fateful ninth-grade English class. Here, I was told that I was not a good writer, while simultaneously not being taught how to become one. So, instead of gaining confidence in my own voice, I developed a deep insecurity about my writing skills.
After my first paper in that ninth grade class, it was not until my senior year that I was finally able to create a piece of academic writing without crying. This newfound comfort was grounded in a lesson that I should have never learned: I was taught to approach writing like a math problem — an academic area that I was MUCH more comfortable with and confident in. I learned a formula for writing “good” papers. While this formula did short-term wonders for me — it eased my stress and got me A’s — it was detrimental to my growth as a writer. I found comfort in an idea about writing that was, simply, limiting and inaccurate.
Entering Writing 150, I had no fear. I was confident in my ability to use the writing formula that I was taught. However, this sense of comfort was quickly stripped away from me when I learned that the papers for this class were not structured in the same way as each of the ones I was assigned in high school. The formula I had relied on for my sense of security in writing was no longer applicable. I felt like I was back at square one — completely clueless about how to write well.
I quickly learned that writing is not at all similar to math — there is NO FORMULA. There is no one way to write well, just as there is no one way to tell a story, deliver a speech, or chat with friends. Writing style is unique to an individual based on their identity and upbringings. Writing is about using your OWN VOICE to communicate a message to others. There is no formula that could have taught me how to do this.
I learned that writing is just yet another way in which I can express myself. Just like speech. Just like music. Just like fashion. It has the ability to enhance my expressions through other means.
Despite having very little musical talent, communication and expression through music has always come the most easily to me. Listening to music to communicate with my inner self, sending songs to my friends or creating/sharing playlists with them to communicate a message. This is easy. This is natural.
Through my WP2, I learned that writing can bring more meaning to musical means of communication — an area that I am already so comfortable with.
For my project, I created playlists for the four most important people in my life. Without the supplemental writing that accompanied these heartfelt playlists, it is likely that these playlists would not have produced the impact I was striving for. Quite frankly, I think my audience might have been confused. I can imagine each of them thinking, “Oh, that’s nice! But why did you make this?”
Instead, each playlist was met with great understanding, each inducing tears in their intended listener. The messages I was aiming to communicate through these playlists were well-received.
The writing that accompanied each playlist gave the listeners contexts about my intentions with this project and the significance of each playlist to me. In turn, this also gave insight into WHO these people are to me — their significance in my life. In a way, the supplemental writing worked as the stage crew — it set the scene for the performance of the playlists.
Overall, this was an elaborate way of saying that WRIT 150 has taught me that my own writing plays a crucial supplemental role in enhancing my other means of expression. It has the power to bring greater meaning to my efforts of communication.
Writing is not a weakness of mine, but a strength. By taking the Clifton Strengths Assessment this semester, I learned that communication is one of my top 5 strengths. I was wrong to believe that I am a bad writer. With communication as a strength, I can only use writing to my advantage.
I no longer view writing as a weight on my shoulders. Instead, I view it as a handy tool in my toolkit. If other modes of communication are my screws, writing is my screwdriver. It holds the ability to strengthen and secure the impacts of these other communicative aspects.
I know I am not the best writer to ever exist. However, I do know that I am capable. I could become an extraordinary writer if I put my mind to it. It is not unobtainable.
I owe a great deal of this boost in my confidence and comfortability to you, Professor. You taught me a new way to approach writing — a way that seems much less intimidating. Much more obtainable. You helped me realize that writing is not some foreign concept, but rather a different aspect of communication — a skill I use effortlessly each and every day.
I am happy to have discovered that writing is just another way of expressing my own voice. My participation in this course has entirely transformed my relationship with writing from one of greatest struggle to one of great success. Thank you, Professor, for helping me achieve this.
