Personal Narrative-Back To The Classroom

I have truly enjoyed writing for most of my life and after this class I will continue to enjoy writing hopefully with more skill. I have always viewed myself as a fairly strong writer and this class has reaffirmed that for me, but it has also shown weaknesses in my writing. As an introduction level class this has been one of my favorites; at some point I will take a higher level, even though it is not required for my major. Even though this class is almost over I am continuing to learn. I also love that this class will help me with literally ever other class in my college career. I am not a particularly strong reader, but as my writing skills improve so do the reading skills. While in this class I have learned a lot about everything from what I can improve, to subjects that interest me, and constructing a successful paper.

When I was in the third grade and began to take an interest in musicals, my two best friends and I decided we would perform “Popular” from Wicked in our school’s talent show. I was looking forward to having fun with my friends onstage, but secretly I was wondering what I had gotten myself into. I had so many doubts about going onstage in front of my entire school. What if they thought I sang badly? Why didn’t we use backup music? Pink is definitely not my color. It was my first time singing by myself with a large audience watching me, but nonetheless, the three of us went onstage. Regardless of what others may have thought about us, we all felt exhilarated and relieved once we were done.

Throughout my educational experience I noticed the discrepancies with regard to the advantages my peers possessed. In high school as I began exploring what career I wished to pursue, I experienced inferiority as my classmates who’ve taken the ACT three times, visited college campuses, and have had resumes ready since the 6th grade unintentionally mocked my lack of college-readiness. However, my ignorance wasn’t intentional, my parents never reached a high school education in Mexico, they couldn’t pass down SAT tips or acquire internship opportunities for me. I realized it's vital to pick up the pace to avoid being left in the dust akin to countless others in my situation. Henceforth, this statement resonates with my experience, I interpreted

I remember that summer I had been away from home for weeks, but I had been lost for much longer. Day after day I spent by the log fireplace with a blanket, looking at the comforting wooden walls surrounded by a serene silence, my family right beside me. It was agonizing. I longed for a distraction from myself, but in this peaceful place, all I could do was think. At this point of my life, I was enduring the painful process that all people must inevitably endure in their lives, the process of self-discovery. And recently, I had made a breakthrough. I had discovered, some way or another, that I am transgender.

As I sat enveloped in her story of overcoming conclusions, she taught my heart to embrace each quirky part of myself. I identified with Elle Woods’ need to prove herself. This idea of accepting individuality provided me with the courage to audition for my first show, the Arvada Center’s production of Footloose. Since that first nerve-racking, nail-biting experience, I have come to find myself through each move I dance onstage. Getting my first big role, the Dragon in a production of Shrek, I poured my heart out, knowing the people ready to judge and mock were watching. After the show, the peers who judged my intelligence approached me, saying things like, “I never knew you could sing like that.” Through performing I found myself again. I shifted back to the girl I was, the girl who cared about her morals. I want to perform, hoping to provide audience members with the ability to connect with characters who can offer them a point of realization, as Elle Woods did for me.

At my school, we have a peer support program called Teens Activating the Language of Kindness (TALK). During a TALK event, leaders encourage students to share with their peers at an open mic. Freshman year, I walked up to that mic in front of a hundred pairs of eyes and I said, “I’ve been keeping something inside for a long time. And I don’t want to hide it or pretend to be something I’m not. I’m gay.” I couldn’t stop crying tears of both fear and joy.

I understand if you’re frustrated and confused; I would rather that than you not caring. I should have told you earlier, but to be honest, I wouldn’t have been able to articulate the words in person. I’m afraid to see your reaction, therefore this has to be done through a letter. I know you found out about the plan of mine to begin taking hormones, and I understand your confusion and anger as a reason to call the quits. I know you probably just pictured me as a “plain Jane” kind of girl, when in reality, before our wonderful three years together, before I even fell for anyone, I knew something was out of place. I’ve never felt at peace in my own skin. I’m a man in a woman’s body. I am transgender and I am undergoing the first steps in transition.

I find myself reading this short paragraph over and over(above). My topic sentence makes me happy and proud. Going back to school was the best thing I have done. I chose to talk about going back to school to the “future employer” because it shows I am motivated as well as dedicated. This class has brought a lot to my attention. The mannerism that is expected in the “business world” is to speak and write well. It is extremely important to know how to write (type) a meaning full and proper paper whether it is for school or work. I have noticed a great impact in my vocabulary and writing skills. My boss told me on Monday he is impressed with the new docs I typed up for our new clients (with no help from him). I was not excited about this class

In this class, I have learned many new skills to improve my writing, and I have also learned new grammar rules. In regards to my writing, I have learned the importance of freewriting when beginning to write a paper. Additionally, I now know to allow ample time for revising and editing because I can look at my work critically for mistakes and make necessary changes. Furthermore, I have learned about grammar rules such as pronoun-antecedent agreement. This rule is something that I know subconsciously, but being made aware of it has allowed me to find mistakes I make more often.

I believe I have grown a lot since the beginning of this course. My writing was severely lacking grammar and punctuation. I didn’t use any punctuation other than periods and very few commas spersed throughout my papers. My papers still need help in that area, but I have improved. I now know where they need to go and when it’s appropriate to use them. My papers aren’t exactly flawless but they are better than before. I would write how I speak at times and I knew it wasn’t right, but I would still do it because it allowed my papers to flow better in my mind. I read my papers out loud to help avoid my problem with writing how I speak. I’ve learned my writing style in this course, or lack thereof. I found a program that would benefit me now and

As technology evolves, the traditional style writing classrooms should do so as well. Students are used to the typical routine, in which an instructor lecture and hands out assignments. However, is that really the most effective way of teaching for all students? Teachers neglect the fact that not all students learn the same way. In learning this, I propose some changes that could be made in order to increase learning effectively such as; the choice of physical work verses online work, communications and feedback to students, and essays.

Coming-out LGBTQ is a highly individual and personal process, where one concedes and affirms their sexual orientation or gender identity, and deciding if, who and when to tell (1). Studies show that the nature of the process is ‘ongoing, dynamic and social’ because of the diversity and complexity of individual humanity. It is particular to each person’s unique circumstances. Sometimes the process is within their control, other times it is far more complex. Coming-out can be as simple as revealing ones self-acceptance of sexual orientation or a terrifying journey of confronting fear and concern for safety, leaving some to remain closeted for most of their life.

“I’m past that now” I reassured myself, as I was getting dressed for my very special day. Just last night, after my daily fap, I’d made the decision to rid myself of my homosexuality and embrace straightness.

I’ve never thought of trying to perform. I’d always try to stick to what I knew; where I couldn’t mess up. I kept my interests solely in cooking and music. I’ve joined clubs that didn't require me to be the focus of much. As opposed to my previous years in school, change was needed. I became frustrated and grew weary of worrying about how others would perceive me if I made mistakes. I wanted to be able to be the focus of attention without worrying about others. Along with this frustration came the thought of change; pushing myself to do things I wouldn’t necessarily want to because of others. I then decided to join my drama club to put myself out there and allow room for expression.

When I first came out, it wasn’t a huge relief. There was a degree of acceptance with my sexuality, but I was still not comfortable with it. It took years of support from my friends and the LGBT community to become comfortable with my sexuality.