Earlier post on my blog, you will find metaphor for my writing process. It perfectly describes my techniques when completing any writing assignment. As the semester to come to an end, there is no better time to think of a metaphor for my journey though this class. I am leaving this class with more knowledge about english/writing than I came in with. This knowledge came over the course of the semester which is why I compare it to planting seeds, seeds that will eventually bloom.
To start, I came in to Rhet 105 not really knowing what to expect. My english teacher in high school was actually an alum from UIUC and was a very effective teacher, so I felt pretty confident in my grammar skills. My high school english class was definitely the kind of preparation I needed before taking up any higher education english course. For me this was similar to the same way someone would prep the soil before planting plants or seeds. After all, the saying goes, “Proper preparation prevents poor performance”.
After being immersed into a positive learning community with fun peers and an extremely motivated professor I realized exactly how beneficial this class would be for me. The skills I gained in this class did not come in one lesson, one assignment, or one class. But rather as small “seeds of wisdom” throughout the semester. From lessons on plagiarism, pronoun case, and “Today’s Courageous Sentence”. A day in Professor Hays class always provided helpful information. It was always the kind of information one looks over even though they know it is important in writing and research. For me Rhet 105 was about refining the smaller details I had previously learned. I appreciated this greatly, as it allowed me to challenge myself intellectually.
Learning for Rhet 105, as for most UIUC classes, went beyond class time. I was provided various resources that allowed me to take even more of an initiative and really improve my writing, research and english skills. As the semester ends it is with great excitement that I am able to reflect on this semester and see how far I have. Professor Hays has planted many seeds of wisdom that will only continue to grow.
