Experience 2:
Intermediate Composition Honors
Spring semester 2024 I took honors intermediate composition. Going into the class, I did not feel confident in my writing abilities as someone who prefers STEM-related courses. It was an adjustment going from classes with textbooks, lectures, and exams with strict requirements to a class with more flexible, subjective expectations. Throughout the semester, we were introduced to 3 different essay prompts, Genre, Literacy, and Discourse Community. After being introduced to each prompt, we first did some readings and discussions to define and interpret the concept. We regularly read other students' work from previous years as examples to give us an idea of what our essays should contain. One thing I struggled with was meeting the length requirement because I tend to be straight to the point and concise. However, peer review with my classmates helped me to see where I needed to add background and more analysis. In this class, I learned how to embrace the freedom and flexibility in the prompts. Initially, I adhered closely to the specific prompt but then I learned each student interprets the prompt differently depending on their varying experiences and knowledge which results in unique essays.
Below, I have linked examples of the work I completed in this class. I chose to include three of the essays I wrote in the class in order to demonstrate the evolution and improvement of my writing. The first assignment we were given was the genre essay. For this essay, I chose the topic of cochlear implants because I have an interest in the deaf community and I am pursuing a deaf studies certificate. I compared the differences between how an article versus a movie conveys their message, the varying purpose and audience. For the second essay, we were instructed to discuss different forms of literacy. I used my experience as a volunteer at Cincinnati Children's Hospital to analyze the connection and different ways of connecting and communicating with babies. For example, babies are not able to verbally communicate, but you use body language, facial expressions, and vital signs to communicate. For the final essay, I chose to write about the Montessori teacher community because I went to a Montessori school from pre-school to 12th grade and it had a great influence on who I am today. In this essay, I discuss the differences between traditional schools and Montessori schools and how this builds a unique community.
