I’ve always loved to read, however, I have never considered myself a “writer” until about a year ago. My transformation from an avid reader, to a writer has been a challenge. A challenge that I welcomed by teaching junior high Language Arts this year, and signing up to take an online writing course at Moraine Valley Community College. Why do I need to take another writing course? I asked myself.
I immediately found the answer, the moment I logged into the online format and found that it was formatted as a blog. A blog were I would be responsible for posts along with creating assignments on my own personal page, so that others could read them. But I quickly found out after reading the syllabus that this class would be different from any other that I have had in the past. In this portfolio you will read 5 pieces that I completed over the last four months.
- Live? Die? Kill?
- Service/Activist Guide to an Issue
- Letter to the Editor
- Critical Reflection
- Story of Service
Each assignment required a combination of research, personal reflection, and a new writing style that I hope you enjoy. You may not agree with everything I write, but I have faith you will respect my authenticity.
When I first sat down to write Live? Die? Kill? I had no idea how I would format it. All I knew is that I wanted to put as much of me in it, as possible. I wanted it to be an honest reflection of how my life is at this very moment. Nevertheless, I want to be engaging, so I did not want to hold back in any way.
Because most of us are naturally uncomfortable any time when we begin a new task, I used the nervousness and edginess in my writing to lively it up. The way that Mr. McGuire formatted the questions was brilliant. He was careful enough to ask poignant questions, while leaving the interpretation to the students. Thus, the first thing that I did was reflect on each question and what it meant to me.
I kept thinking about my family. My family, I want to live for my two children, and I would unquestionably die and kill for both of them. I knew I would be writing about faith because it is important to me. Although my faith is important to me, I learned quickly by reading other individual’s papers that they had opposite beliefs than I do. I knew then that this would be a great opportunity to talk about my faith in a way that was genuine, but illuminating.
I will never forget the first time I walked into the Share Your Soles warehouse. From the moment I stepped in, I felt a sense of service and commitment from not only the founder and staff, but the volunteers. Thus, I had no problem writing the Critical Reflection of Service piece. In fact, it was an honor. I have volunteered in the past; however, this is the first time I have written extensively about my service to an audience. So I was more nervous about the writing and not the experience.
The way I became a writer was through my reading. Through reading books, I developed a love for different writing styles. That’s why the Letter to the Editor was so important to me. The letter was challenging for me for a number of reasons. First, there is a controversy that surrounds the N-word and how it used in a variety of ways. Growing up as an African American male, it was taught to me that it is a word that no one should use for any reason. However, the word is now viewed by some as a term of endearment and not derogatory. In this case, I wanted to reflect my opinions in a way that was understanding and not critical.
Also, I wanted to communicate how my experience with adolescents has shaped my current views. With the rise in social media, and other forms of technology, individuals have seen repercussions from comments made using these forms. That’s why this assignment connected to my issue of choice, Internet Bullying. In fact, to illustrate it further, I referred to those who bullying using the internet, as Internet Gangstas. An internet gangsta is someone who hides behind the computer and bullies others.
As an educator, I wanted to highlight internet bullying, because of my experience with students who bring issues from the internet to school. These students often do not confront their victims in school, but wait until they get home and online. After researching how many teens have committed suicide as a result of bullying, it is an issue that needs to be in the forefront.
To stop internet bullying it takes students, teachers, and adults to join forces. Internet bullying, while on the rise, can be stopped. Can you build a lifelong relationship by visiting a person once? Possible, but highly unlikely, that’s why I had to go to Share Your Soles again to get a deeper understanding. This time, I knew I had to go beyond the introduction, and get to know the founder, staff, and volunteers. It was time to ask questions, and seek answers that would challenge all of us to why we were there and what we could do improve this organization.
The answers from the founder and staff were genuine and timely. I truly respect the candor of the founder.
Through my experience of writing a variety of different pieces, I have been challenged and inspired to continue to diversify my writing. Writing for me has always been an escape. A place, where I can learn, and gain confidence in my ability and writing. My hope is that you will find something in my writings that will resonate with you. I hope that you are challenged, informed, and entertained.
