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 This year in Writing 105, I learned a lot of lessons about not only writing of course, but life- especially in the middle of a global pandemic. One of the biggest lessons I learned, as cliche as it sounds, was that everything happens for a reason. In the beginning of the year, especially during the college admissions process, I was under a lot of stress. I made the decision to change my major and program of interest a little late in the process, which meant I had to restart my search, visits, and application list. I ended up not getting into the programs of two of my top choices. This resulted in my confidence dropping, and my stress rising. Looking back on this, I realized that because of this, I am now going somewhere where I will be happier, and even more successful. If I had never gone through that rejection, I may never have ended up where I am, so everything happens for a reason. 

    Another important lesson I learned was actually about writing. This year, I was faced with completing the two largest essays I was ever assigned, and I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t nervous about them. They both were 3-5 page assignments on essentially a topic of our choice. For the unit 2 analysis essay, I chose the “Always’ #LikeAGirl” artifact video, and for our unit 3 argumentative essay, I chose the diabetics health care crisis, which is a topic that hits close to home for me. (Click the titles to read my pieces!) While working on these essays, I realized how important it is to write about something you care about or would like to learn more about when given the opportunity. Even though I was nervous about writing these, once I got going I exceeded the page requirement, and I wasn’t worried about repeating myself over and over like I normally would. I turned in those pieces feeling proud of what I had written.

    Being a senior in high school during a global pandemic forced me to go with the flow more than I used to. I had to loosen my expectations on what this year was going to be like, and had to try to make the best out of any events this year,such as senior ball and graduation. Obviously it is far from what any senior had hoped for, but I realized that we had to make the best out of what we are given, and try to stop comparing our situation to any other schools or any other years, which I'm sure many seniors can relate to. I have come to find an appreciation for some teachers, coaches, parents, and district officials working to make our year as good as it can be while still being safe and following state guidelines. 

In Writing 105, a lot of our resources and topics had to do with the world around us. For example, our toxic masculinity/Tough Guise unit. (Click the title to read my piece!) This unit really opened my eyes to the deeper meaning of toxic masculinity, and how many layers there are to it. I think that this topic is very important and it is something that everyone should learn about. Along with this, I think our analysis assignments were also very beneficial in looking into things for a deeper meaning. We did this in our Op Doc assignment, as well as our New Yorker cover assignment. (Click the titles to read my pieces!) Being able to analyze these for the deeper meaning to come to a conclusion was very interesting to me and definitely a helpful resource as I am going to college in the fall. Going through everyones’ New Yorker cover selection also showed how everyone may interpret something differently, or see something different than someone else. I think that is a good representation of how people live their lives. No one's life is the same as someone elses and we all see things differently. 

Lastly, probably one of the most important things I learned all year is that change is a good thing. The 2020/2021 year has brought us all a lot of changes- new classes, a new way of learning, and soon a new school (for many of us, in a new area or new state.) Although these things can be scary, I think this year has taught us all to persevere and push through, because in the end it will all be worth it. Soon, we will be graduating, and all of the struggles and changes we went through to get to this point will have shaped us into who we are, and made it all worth it. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous to go to a new school in a new state with new people, but it will be an experience that I will never forget, and learning throughout high school that change is a good thing will be very important to remember. I think that overall, this year and this class has taught me so much not only about writing, but about myself and life. As hard as it was, I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to take this class with great peers and an amazing teacher.