Personal Narrative: My Experience With You As An AP Literature Teacher

What well in your classes? What did you need to do differently? What is your plan for success this semester? In this class, what will you need to do to be successful?

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Public and International Affairs Department, I maintained the website. In addition I was the President of the Graduate Student Association, where I reached out to students and faculty members through social media accounts in Tweeter, Facebook and LinkedIn. I have helped with the creation of newsletter and emailing databases. In addition, I have been involved in the nonprofit field, where I have helped with marketing material. Years ago, I also translated and designed the website for a manufacturing company.

My Teaching Philosophy Statement I believe that the fundamental goal of teaching is to provide a safe environment that allows students to meet their fullest potential in every aspect of their life. My job as an educator is to meet each child’s unique needs in a way that allows them to feel safe and secure to share ideas and take risks when it comes to their own education. I believe that as a teacher I should act as a guide to students’ learning rather than a dictator to it. I also believe that a child’s natural curiosity should direct their learning and impact what they choose to do. The final aspect that I believe is a must have in the classroom is a respect for all people and things. As a role-model for the students, I must show them how

My earliest experience with reading and writing were traumatizing especially when I was in the first grade. I still recall the experience I went through to this day. It made me really hate myself because the other kids were making fun of me. The biggest task

The final weeks of my first semester in college are coming to an end. My Columbus State english class has written a total of three projects, and a total of four papers. There are a lot of grammatical issues that, at the beginning of the year, I had issues on. However, I have improved on these errors drastically, and have become a better writer because of it. Even though I am still working on many aspects of my writing, I do believe that I have become a better writer. I believe that my biggest issues while writing are run on sentences, making a strong thesis statement, and having quotes stand alone at the beginning of a paragraph.

I find myself in a perpetual whirlwind of phases so the only concrete things I have to bandage together some sort of identity are the things my therapist has noticed about my speech patterns and thought process. I love to (over) analyze, (over) think, and (under) achieve. It’s possible the reason I have phases with music, film, and taste in clothing or art has come with the realization that there’s so much stuff, and I don’t want to miss out on anything. I grew up reading fantasy and watching films like Labyrinth, which I credit to the beginning of my interest in literature and film. Last year I had a mild obsession with haikus, especially that of Kobayashi Issa, and watched cheesy 90s sci-fi. As of late I’ve been on a biography and documentary

I walked into room 160 and saw a group of anxious 14 year olds, waiting for the lady we had all heard so much about to walk in. Rumors about her ranged from “she will make you cry daily” to “she’s basically the human form of a fire breathing dragon”. When the bell rang, we all prepared for the worst. The small lady that walked in, with short brown hair and glasses too big for her face did not look nearly as intimidating as all the stories suggested, which was comforting on that first day of class. This was Mrs. Carballo, my AP US History teacher. She started our first day off by talking about the summer reading and our objectives for the year. By the time the second week rolled around, I felt pretty comfortable with the course...that is, until we all received books that were almost bigger than we were!

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

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.

What have you learned in the class so far? 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.

No problem! I understand fully! No, I don't have experience with AP style writing. The only writing I've done professionally has been through working at the library or through the answering service, such as, correspondences, letters to the magistrate, advertising, resume' preparations, or MLA writings in college or for other students. I did write one letter to the editor, I believe in 2009, requesting people to slow down in the area that are heavily populated by the Amish. I also help support a local Facebook page called Oil City Landmarks, it's more of a photography based site. To actually say I've professionally, as in writing a book, article or for a publication, that would be a no.

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

I have learned a lot in just 16 short weeks. I have learned how to organize my thoughts on paper, even when I have a fear of a writing assignment. I learned about pre-writing, outlining, rough draft, and finals. In each of these steps, I have learned to depend on each of them. They also help me find out what I need to do next. I always try to reflect on what I have written, even if it may be terrible. I use every bit of information I have to make sure I keep my thoughts in order. My strengths have increased as a writer. I love to write, and I know what to write about when given a topic. I feel strongly capable of writing more assignments, and essays in the future, especially in my Composition 2 class next semester. Having 2 English classes this semester really helped me with being able to

While not a hugely transformative venture, I have found this semester to be a good vehicle for making my writing more accurate to its intended purpose. Prior to taking this class I did have some experience in professional writing for a few of the jobs I've had in the past, but this class organized those thoughts, gave them name, and pointed out where and how to pursue them. Its been an enlightening experience and provided me with tools I hope to use the rest of my life.

“Your final exam will be in three parts: multiple choice, primary source analysis, and three major essays. I won’t be allowed within 2 miles of you when you take the exam.” The words of Mr. F, my AP US History teacher, reverberated between my ear drums. He either didn’t notice or didn’t seem to care: “The AP US History exam will be on a Saturday in mid May. It’s graded on a scale of 0 to 5. Zero being the lowest possible score, 5 being the highest.” A student in the front row raises her hand, interrupting our baptism by fire. Mr. F motions for her to speak.