self reflection
self reflection
and transformative. Writing has always been a skill I aspired to master, but throughout this
process, I encountered challenges that tested not only my patience but also my ability to adapt
and persevere.
One of the most persistent hurdles was organizing my thoughts into cohesive and well-structured
essays. Often, my mind overflowed with ideas, and I found it difficult to distill them into a clear
and logical framework. This lack of clarity sometimes disrupted the flow of my writing, making
my essays feel fragmented or overly dense. Another challenge was expanding my vocabulary to
incorporate more sophisticated and precise language. While I could articulate my ideas
adequately, I felt my writing lacked the finesse and depth characteristic of advanced academic
work.
Another difficulty was translating complex ideas into concise yet meaningful paragraphs.
Writing a persuasive essay, for example, required me to carefully articulate the supporting points
for protesting genetic modification while adhering to the prescribed word limit. This process
often left me struggling to strike a balance between depth and brevity, ensuring that my essays
were thorough yet succinct. Additionally, balancing the demands of this portfolio alongside my
other academic responsibilities posed a significant challenge, often stretching my time and
energy.
To overcome these difficulties, I adopted several strategies. To improve the clarity and
coherence of my writing, I began outlining my essays in greater detail before starting. This
practice helped me arrange my thoughts logically and ensured that my arguments flowed
seamlessly from one paragraph to the next. To enhance my vocabulary, I dedicated time to
studying advanced words and phrases, incorporating them naturally into my writing to elevate its
tone. Reading sample essays also provided valuable insights into how to effectively use more
sophisticated language without compromising clarity.
For paragraph development, I focused on identifying the most critical points and refining them
into concise, impactful sentences. This required me to be selective, prioritizing quality over
quantity and ensuring that every idea contributed meaningfully to my argument. To manage my
workload, I created a schedule that divided the project into manageable stages, allowing me to
approach each task with focus and intention. While sticking to this schedule was not always
easy, it alleviated much of the stress and prevented last-minute chaos.
Through these efforts, I have witnessed significant growth in my writing abilities. My essays are
now more structured, and my ideas are expressed with greater clarity and precision. I have
developed a richer vocabulary, which has added nuance and sophistication to my work. Most
importantly, I have gained confidence in my ability to communicate complex concepts
effectively—a skill I know will serve me well in future academic endeavors.
Regarding the changes in the syllabus, I believe they have been immensely beneficial. The
emphasis on essay planning and iterative improvement has encouraged me to adopt a more
methodical approach to writing. The opportunity to focus on refining individual essays first has
been particularly rewarding, allowing me to appreciate the importance of structure, coherence,
and style. Meanwhile, working on group essays helped me develop my teamwork skills and
constructive critique from teammates provided fresh perspectives and highlighted areas for
improvement that I might not have noticed.
In conclusion, this semester has been a journey of self-discovery and skill development. The
challenges I faced have taught me invaluable lessons in perseverance and adaptability, while the
skills I have acquired have greatly enriched my writing. Moving forward, I aim to continue
building on these foundations—experimenting with more advanced techniques, crafting
increasingly compelling arguments, and pushing the boundaries of my potential. This portfolio
represents not only a culmination of my efforts but also a testament to the power of growth
through persistence and reflection.