Shanda Wilkinson
Reflective Essay
Published by Shanda Wilkinson
When starting this semester, I felt intimidated from the moment I studied the course content layout. This is my first English II class and last semester, our instructor tried to prepare us for this semester. I realized I still had more to learn. I found picking my project 1 epidemic topic over substance abuse to be easy but struggled with focusing on the solutions for my topic and proving medical claims through research. Throughout this semester I also struggled with writing a good thesis on projects 1 and 2. Project 2 was a bit tougher for me because I struggled in finding facts to back my claims.
Before this class, I knew nothing about writing essays in APA format. MLA is all I have ever used. My essays consisted of filler words and many “I’s” while also being structured sloppily. As confused as I was, I also learned quite a bit and appreciated the feedback as well as the fast response from Professor Hammett when needed. Her constructive criticism was very informative and explanatory. For example, Project 1 was a mess. I thought I did well until I read her feed back and realized I could have done better. She states, “Remove first two paragraphs and focus on solutions only. Thesis = rephrase. Must prove medical claims with research. Some grammar issues. Some organization issues” (Professor Hammett. Feedback in Blackboard). I was given an opportunity to correct the 50 I made and managed to make a 78.
The opportunity to fix my first APA essay taught me how to properly cite sources, use in-text citations, make a proper reference page and how to put my references in alphabetical order. I was able to apply this knowledge towards my second essay, although it was a challenge.
Project 2 was scary. I had to dig to find the research I needed to back the claims I had written. I emailed Professor Hammett and she provided me with a couple places where I would be able to find some information pertaining to my topic on Vonnegut and his opinion on Substance Abuse. After her email, I was able to finish my essay when I previously had writer's block for a few days. Project 2 taught me how to dig deep to find answers I need, to step away and clear my head when I feel overwhelmed and to ask for help when I am struggling.
This was a great class. I learned valuable information that I will carry into my future profession. I know I have more to learn, however I know more now than I did in January. I will also use this knowledge to help my daughter when she enrolls in college in the Fall of 2026.
