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Reflection Essay
Abdallah Karout
Uwrt-1102
12/8/2014
When I began this semester I considered myself a competent writer, however as
the semester comes to an end, I dont think I have greatly improved as a writer. I believe
people rarely improve in huge strides but rather, over an extended period of time, are
able to look back and see the improvement. If you were to speak to any great writer, I
doubt most could pinpoint the exact time they improved, but if you showed them
something they had written years ago most would smile wondering what were they
thinking as they wrote it. Many of my approaches to writing have slowly begun to
evolve, from learning the need for emphasis on content over process, to the idea of
political speak not necessarily being good writing. Being able to experience and enjoy
poetry is a first. Writing is a process and this class has been another step in the many
rungs in my journey.
I have definitely taken steps towards improving the language I use in my papers.
In the diagnostic essay I wrote the first day of class I focused on the methodology
behind writing rather than the actual content. One thing I slowly understand is that
methodology is not everything, putting in both the time and the effort to make sure an
assignment actually fulfills the requirements rather than rushing through it is of far
greater importance. Beginning has and continues to be one of the hardest aspects of
writing, but by focusing on finding a perspective or approach I enjoy I can stay
interested and create a more fruitful product.

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Another aspect of improvement accomplished this semester, is the idea of being

intentionally convoluted is not necessarily a good thing. Using many large and
grandiose words does not make you an effective writer. In fact we learned that often
times these deliberately complex words are used to distract from actual content or a
faulty logic. This semester has taught me that dazzling words arent necessary all the
time; of course sometimes a pretentious word is the most accurate. But using these
words to try to make yourself seem more intelligent is not going to impress most
professors or other educated people.
Ive never been particularly knowledgeable about poetry but this semester I have
read more than ever, and gained a considerable amount of respect and small portion of
knowledge in the subject. The obvious love and insight that Professor Blair has for the
subject really helped pique my interest to poetry. Realistically, I will never write poetry
but I will be better at appreciating it and hopefully this will fosters a continued pursuit of
knowledge.
For many people college is a transition, a place where you enter a child and gain
the knowledge to become an adult. For others, it is a time to meet and connect with
different and interesting people, and to experience a freedom previously not attained.
Though I am not sure what college holds for me, I hope