Reflection

Previously in high school, I would be given a reading assignment and then quizzed on the reading. Differently, through my blog, I was able to reflect and analyze the material in my own way based off the prompt. Instead of having to remember small details, I was able to think deeper without a worry regarding what color something was. Through the blog, I have started a learning base for analyzing and writing.

            Before each Tuesday, I would finish the reading and look to where to start my blog. From there I would start to rethink what I had read. Beginning the blogging process, I was too worried of summarizing my thoughts, so it wouldn’t be longer than a paragraph or too. For example, I am dissatisfied with my first work. http://thelifeandtimesofmairekate.blogspot.com/2016/08/significant-place.html It was the first blog and I lacked evidence and detail. I feel that it was too short for what was needed to start a relationship and show my potential. Because of the disappointment of my work, I wanted to do better. Moving forward, I compare my next blog. http://thelifeandtimesofmairekate.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-letterclose-reading.html

Before entering HUST, I don’t think I was very familiar with the process of close reading. In some way, I probably was taught something similar to the practice, but I did not attain the skill. From reading the second blog, it can be seen that I was writing as I followed the steps. I enjoy my second blog regarding Mary Cassatt’s painting of the Japanese woman. I feel I dug deep into my thoughts regarding the piece. I looked at the detail of the woman’s hair along with her letter. I wrote of the possible judgement she would receive from writing, so she is sealing it away, to not be seen by many. The second blog helped me begin the HUST process of thinking in regards to women and their place through history. As stated, I practiced close reading, which would carry throughout the class and most likely latter on.

Additionally, my fourth blog http://thelifeandtimesofmairekate.blogspot.com/2016/09/note-to-self.html is something I will like to carry with me through college and beyond. It was the start of our personal memoir unit. I considered the process difficult because it is a vulnerable process as well as I had never thought I would have something to offer. I learned that I did and do have something to offer. I consider my blog a place where classmates can learn as well as I can learn. It’s a place of reflection. I believe my fourth blog can be thoughtful to a child if worded in their regards. In relation to blog four, my fifth blog discussing Persepolis relates to identity, which can be found in our blogs. http://thelifeandtimesofmairekate.blogspot.com/2016/10/persepolis.html I found the blog to be very expressive, which is effective after reading or class. We are putting our ideas out there, which tend to have meaning to us. I have enjoyed learning new ideas and ways of processing through the blog and reading other blogs. It helps me to think deeper or to analyze the stories better. It doesn’t leave me so one sided. Even though, I found the blog to be very expressive, I definitely struggled getting my points across. I just left things hanging, in my opinion. http://thelifeandtimesofmairekate.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-thing-around-your-neck.html I find this posting to be weak. I feel it lacks detail or my full thought. This problem is evident in my bigger writings. It’s very bland rereading the post. I wish I would have had more energy in writing and being able to get my point across.

In review, I believe I have expanded my thought process and ways of writing. I think I have been able to attain a process of analyzing and reflecting. As said, I will need to improve on putting my evidence in relation to my ideas. All in all, I have begun my college writing career and hope I will continue to learn from myself and pears.