Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
Final Reflective Letter
Dear Reader,
I love learning. I enjoy delving into a place where I can discover new ideas, and
throughout this course, I was able to discover more knowledge as to the type of writer I was and
the type of writer I could become. I was able to grow as a learner, analyzing life concepts more
efficiently. And as I reflected on the various things we talked about, I was able to incorporate that
knowledge into my writing. I also wanted to thank you for the guidance you have provided us
throughout the semester. I enjoyed having your class because it allowed me to think more deeply
about an array of topic or issues. I was able to incorporate my interests, but was also able to learn
about others. The class was a driving force that allowed me to learn more about my role as a
learner, and how I can be a catalyst for myself in the pursuit for knowledge. Thank you.
The free-writes were an important component to my process of becoming a better writer.
I was able to start off my class thinking about a specific topic, and it allowed me to think
creatively, analytically, or even question the thing that was being talked about. The free-writes
allowed me to go deeper into my thoughts by providing me with a creative outlet. For example,
the first free write we ever did was What is Writing? This free-write provided me with an
avenue towards being creative, but it also made me reflect on what I thought writing was. The
free writes allowed a connection to form between my thoughts and the topic we were writing
about. It also was a mechanism used to reflect on things I had already done or had started
throughout the class.
The blog posts were probably one of my favorite things to do throughout the course of
the semester. They provided a bouncing off point and it allowed me to incorporate my beliefs

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
towards a certain topic. Also, it provided a platform for my ideas. I also like the fact that we had
to incorporate three additional blog posts because it allowed me to incorporate ideas that
interested me. Having a medium that allows you to express your thoughts on topics that are
important to me was imperative towards my growth as a learner and a writer.
The daybook was the mediator between my thoughts and the words I wanted to convey
throughout the course of the semester. The daybook allowed me to reflect on my opinions and
experiences that connected the readings or videos we talked about in class. It allowed me to
reflect on the discussions we had in class. For example, when we watched the Dont Stay in
School video, we were able to discuss the implications and our opinions on the message of the
video, but I was also able to reflect on my opinion in my daybook. The daybook was an
important component to my growth as a writer and learner.
Researching, revising and peer editing were one of the aspects of writing that allowed me
to grow as both a writer, but also as a learner. I had to research information on my topic, but I
was forced to go more in depth with my research, rather than focusing on the superficial aspects
of my writing. When I was first doing my topic proposal, I had to get a good grasp as to what the
background of my topic was. I had to ask myself questions to formulate the research question I
ultimately came up with. Revising also made me think about the material I had already placed
within my research paper. I had to think about how I could elaborate on the material I had
researched and written. I also had to think about the manner in which I could form a connection
between the research that I had done. There were moments in my essays when the research I had
found and the manner in which I incorporated it into my paper did not cohesively flow with the
other material I had incorporated into my essay. Peer editing was somewhat a difficult task

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
because it made me think about someone elses writing critically. I had to give someone else
feedback, but it had to be substantive. When I reviewed one of my peers work, I had to delve
into their topic and the message they were trying to convey. I provided them with areas that they
could improve on, but I also touched base on the things they did well. This is important for not
only them, but also for me. Being able to read someones writing, and being able to grasp the
concept of someone elses writing is important. Also, it allows you to grow as a learner because
the areas that another person does well in, can provide you a glimpse as to what you can do to
improve on.
The most important work in the class was definitely the first draft of the EIP. The EIP
focused that I cared about and I wanted to learn more of. Having something that I could focus on
throughout the semester provided me with guidance, and it allowed me to think critically about,
not only this topic, but others as well. Also, as I researched the topic and formulated the first
draft of the EIP, I was able to connect it to other things I was researching in my other courses.
Also, the first draft brought me back to the idea that the first draft does not have to be perfect.
There were many moments when I felt as if I was not being as thorough with my research. I felt
as if the manner in which I was incorporating my research and writing about it was very shallow
and not deep. The first draft allowed me to figure out the areas that I could improve on. It did not
constrain me; rather, it provided me with the freedom to delve into the aspects of my writing that
I would want to improve on. It also gave me a glimpse as to how I could improve my approach
on finding information that dealt with my topic. Also, it provided me with an overview on the
manner in which I explained my research, and how I provided meaning to the statistics I may
have given. It was a learning process, a very important one. The learning process provided me

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
with a path towards learning more as to how I could improve, but I was learning while being
invested in a topic that was important to me, which is imperative when growing as not only a
writer but a learner as well.
Writing is difficult. It requires an effort and the desire to portray your message efficiently
through a few words and sentences can be difficult. Personally, writing is something you learn
through experience. We also have strengths and weaknesses when writing. One of the
weaknesses that encompasses my writing is the inability to portray an idea or message in a
concise way. At times, I feel as if I may ramble too much and do not get straight to the point.
This can be either good or bad, but if the rambling that is being done does not benefit the overall
message, then it is portrayed as a weakness. Also, at times I feel as if I provide vague statements
without a substantial amount of support. I, personally, may feel as if the statement is being
portrayed efficiently, but in reality, it is seen as a vague statement that requires more detail to
convey the message correctly. In my head, I feel as if I portrayed the message across, but the
reader can be left confused at times. One of the strengths I have as a writer is that at times I am
able to create an emotional image to the thing I am writing about. For example, my topic for the
EIP is an emotional one, so I was able to apply the emotional imagery to it, which can be
effective in portraying my message. The weaknesses I have, have improved somewhat
throughout the semester. I have been able to acknowledge the weaknesses that encompass my
writing, but I have been able to reflect and review the work I have done to ensure that they are no
longer encompassing my entire writing.
The Student Learning Outcomes, SLOs, were a pertinent facet of the course. They
outlined the expectations, and well, the outcomes for the course. As the semester was ensuing, it

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
provided me with some sort of guidance. It allowed me to think critically about each section, and
I was able to refer back to it throughout the course of the semester. The thing I appreciated about
the SLO was the fact that incorporated other ways of learning. Even though this is a writing
course, it did not just incorporate writing, it also incorporated the manner in which we read and
also the way we think. It allowed us to evaluate the type of learner we were before the course
even started, but the analyzation we incorporated into our learning abilities, allowed us to
constantly think back to the expectations outlined in the SLOs. One of the areas that I was able
to improve on was finding a flexible way to write and think. I have no longer been fixated on one
mode of writing or thinking; rather, I have been able to use various strategies to fulfill a task. As
I researched for my topic proposal and the EIP, I was able to fulfill the outcome that stated that
we would be able to identify various sources and determine why the author developed the
message a certain way. This was especially important when formulating the annotated
bibliography because I was able to look at various sources, rather than just focusing on one type
of source, and it allowed me to think critically about the credibility and message of the source.
Then, using the knowledge I gained from analyzing the source, I was able to connect it to the
overall theme of my paper. Finding those connections demonstrates a greater understanding for
the topic, which is imperative to become a better learner. Also, the section that speaks about
critical reflection was an important facet of the course that allowed me to improve as a writer and
as a learner. Being able to reflect on why I incorporated something into my writing, and why that
was the correct thing to do or not to do, allowed me to become a more critical thinker of myself,
which is an important thing to do because it provides you an access to grow. This course allowed
me to fulfill one of the expectations, which was being able to state, through words, what I feel or

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
think about a certain topic. I was no longer constrained to my inner self, I was able to voice my
opinion through various mediums, whether it be my daybook or blog posts. The SLOs provided
me with a substantial amount of areas that I could improve on. I was able to explore different
areas of writing, thinking, reading and learning that I never thought of before. That was
powerful, and it still is very powerful.
As a writer, I believe that I have grown. I have been able to find a balance between my
thoughts and the words I place on the blank sheet of paper. I do not feel constrained when
addressing the points I want to write about in my papers. There has also been an increase in
fluidity. I have been able to learn about various methods of writing and portraying a message; I
do not feel fixated to one specific way of writing, which has become a pivotal moment as I have
grown as a writer. My voice has been able to seep through the words placed on a white sheet
more efficiently. The pen being used portray the desire I have to provide others with my opinion
on a variety of things.
As a questioner, I have also grown. Rather than accepting for something as it is, I have
been able to gain more curiosity because of the assignments we have done. I believe that
questioning and thinking go hand in hand. As I think more about complex topics and issues, I
begin to question the complexity of the topic. I ask myself, why? Or why not? Rather than just
accepting one, objective answer. My thinking has become more subjective. The blog posts and
daybook entries allowed me to question and think more about things. For example, the TED
Talks provided me with a gateway towards learning more about complex issues that are filled
with a variety of opinions. As I watched the videos, or as I wrote and reflected on the readings
assignments, I throughout about the message being portrayed, but I also was able to question the

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
message. I began to accept the fact that it is okay not to have the same opinion as others. It
allows you to question more things and to think critically about more complex issues. Writing,
questioning, and thinking have allowed me to become more open to new ideas and it has
provided me with a platform to portray the ideas and thoughts I have. It has allowed me grow as
a learner.
As I stated before, the SLO translations provided me with a pathway towards become a
better writer, reader, thinker, reflector and learner. It was difficult going through the assignment
and trying to find the best way to portray the sentence, so I and my peers could understand it
without detracting from the overall message of the section. Even though it was difficult, it proved
to be an effective assignment that has allowed me to reflect on how I have grown as a learner in
this course and other courses as well. If I could change something about how I approached the
assignment was to place more importance and value to this assignment. The translations were
important because I was not reading and moving on with the assignment. I had to think critically
about what the message was within each section and how it applied to me.
The topic proposal was difficult as well. I had a difficult time starting it, especially
because I felt as if my topic was not as specific as it should have been. There were moments
when I felt as if the approach I was taking to portraying my topic was too broad, and I could
steer away from the important point of the composition. Even though it was difficult in that
aspect, I enjoyed being able to talk and introduce the topic that I was most interested in. As I
expanded on my topic, I was able to delve into the research. I enjoyed being able to learn more
about the topic. Even though I thought that I knew a lot about the topic, there was more to learn,
and that also helped me grow as a learner.

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
I had never done an annotated bibliography, so it was difficult to grasp how I should
approach the assignment. Once I understood what I had to do, I was able to touch on the three
main points: credibility, summary of the source, and the way it connects to my overall topic. This
assignment allowed me to reflect on the sources I was considering to use because it forced me to
think about how effective the source was when providing substance to my topic and question. If I
was not able to provide a clear connection, then I knew that I had to reconsider and think about
why I was using that source. Also, the assignment allowed me to find different types of sources,
and this was extremely helpful for me. Many times I stuck to one type of source or I was not
fluid enough when trying to find different sources, but this assignment made me reconsider the
manner in which I approached research, and this allowed my research to be more diverse.
The first EIP draft was difficult because it was the point in which I had to incorporate the
research I had done into a cohesive document. Even though it was difficult to portray the
research I had effectively, it made me reflect on the type of writing I was doing. I enjoyed being
able to express my opinion in my paper and also teaching others about this complex topic. But it
was still difficult finding the right mechanism to portray the information because there were
times when I felt as if I was not being detailed enough. There were also moments in which I felt
as if I was only providing a superficial view to the issue at hand, which can detract from the
overall message and effectiveness of ones writing, so that was frustrating at times. Even though
the first EIP draft was not exactly what I wanted it to be as a whole, it was still a good thing to
reflect on and to critique myself on. As I reread through my first draft, I was able to think and
question the statements I made or the research I incorporated. The first draft allowed me to

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
reflect on how I had improved as a writer, but also the manner in which I could improve even
more.
The final EIP draft allowed me to expand upon the things I felt I was lacking in the first
draft of my EIP. I was able to elaborate on the different ideas I posed in my first draft, so I could
convey the message more effectively. The final EIP draft was the culmination of the research I
had done throughout the semester. As I incorporated more ideas into my paper, I was able to
provide more substance to it, which is extremely important for me and the reader. Also, as I was
formulating my final EIP, I was able to question how effective my first draft was and how I could
improve upon any mistakes I may have made beforehand. It was easier building off of the final
EIP draft because I was provided with a peer review and comments that highlighted the areas
that could be improved upon. I had a jumping off point, which was not the case for the first draft.
When comparing the first draft to the final draft, I can say that the final draft was easier because I
had more of a concrete image as to what I wanted the final product to look like.
The E-Portfolio was a transformative assignment. It made me reflect on all of the
assignments I have done throughout the semester, and it provided me with a lens on how I have
grown as a writer, thinker, questioner, and most importantly, a learner. Throughout the course, we
did a substantial amount of assignments, and having the E-Portfolio combine everything into
one, concise entity, was important when reflecting on the role all of these assignments played
towards my growth. I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment because even though it was a lot of
work, it still allowed me to compile all of my writing. This assignment surprised me because I
learned a lot about myself as I reread the work I had done throughout the semester. This was also
one of the most challenging assignments because it forced me to reconsider everything I had

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter
done throughout the semester, and to develop reflections on the assignments I had done. It was
interesting to see the transition I had gone through, and it was also valuable for me to go back
and to reflect on everything I had done as a writer and learner. Throughout my e-portfolio you
can see the transitions I have gone through. For example, I was able to incorporate my EIP into
my portfolio. And through that, you can see the manner in which I was able to develop my
research and writing from my first draft to my final draft. Also, the E-portfolio allowed me to
reflect on the things I enjoyed, and this can be seen through the informal writing assignments we
had. For example, I was able to incorporate my favorite day book entry and a link to my blog,
which demonstrated the things I valued throughout the course, and they were also able to
demonstrate my strengths as a writer.
I loved this class. It connected me to different ideas and allowed me to learn how to be a
better writer, reader, learner, and thinker. Throughout high school, I felt as if I could not fully
express myself within courses, but this class allowed the transition to occur. It challenged me,
especially when we had to think about what topics we wanted to learn more about. It also gave
me a sense of freedom. I was able to explore things that truly interested me, but was also able to
explore new ideas and topics that I may have not pursued if it were not for this class. I have
learned to understand the value of connecting writing, reading, learning, thinking, questioning
into one entity rather than keeping them as separate beings. Thank you. I appreciate everything
you, Dr.Campbell, have done for us! Thank you for instilling the value of learning.

Sincerely,
Yesika Sorto Andino

Yesika Sorto Andino

UWRT 1103
December 07, 2016
Reflection Letter