I looked back to my first blog entry which was a self-introduction. I was looking for how I described myself as a writer at the beginning of the semester. Math has always been my strongest subject. Writing was new and had always been difficult. What happened as I read the self-introduction though was a flood of memories came to mind about my fears of the computer and this thing called blogging. I had heard of blogs, but I had never read one. I certainly didn’t think I was ever going to be able to write and post one. I had never even sent an e-mail! Suddenly, English 101 wasn’t just intimidating because of the writing. These fears of writing, blogging, and computers filled my head. I didn’t even give the reading that would be necessary in the class a thought.

            This came from my reflection on the first essay, The One That Didn’t Get Away, “For me, writing is difficult, but it does make it easier to write about something I know so well.” As difficult as writing is, I am much more comfortable writing about my own life experience. The first essay was very frustrating. The assignment was not as specific as I am used to. This created confusion for me because I couldn’t get the whole concept and how to tie in the environment and sustainability. I worked very hard on the paper and thought I had it until I got back the graded essay. At this point, I am beyond frustrated and am developing a bad attitude. It is taking a lot of effort to stick with it and just get through the rest of the semester.

            In addition to my difficulties with writing, the reading in this class got to be very controversial and I was exposed to some ideas for the first time. The Nietzsche paper was the most disturbing to my belief system. As a Christian, I was surprised to see how many people in class did not believe in God.  This exposure, however, did not change my belief system at all. I did go on to blog about Spirituality. It did motivate me to speak out. As the readings went on, I was struck by the negativity regarding the condition of our environment. In fact, the following is from my weekly post. “I’ve been thinking about Save the Whales, Screw the Shrimp. Joy Williams was so negative and accusing in this essay. She blames me and you for the state of our environment. It’s not my fault. In fact I want to take care of our planet. …I think there are a whole lot of people who believe like I do. Our country tries to take care of the environment.” My persuasive essay took a stand against Williams’ analysis of the state of our environment. However, this is a subject that my opinions did change during the course of the semester. The readings and writings did open my mind to move closer to Williams’ point of view. After Reading Eaarth and watching Wall-e, I really started to see the extent of pollution and overconsumption and the effects they are having on our environment.

            By now, I am more ready to write the Wall-e paper. I learned to use my resources better. Those resources include Cynthia and the SIUE writing center. I rented Wall-e and kept it at home watching again and again. I have been writing all my weekly blogs, responses, and reflections. I am actually enjoying blogging! Working on the Wall-e paper is easier since my eyes were opened and more educated to the state of our environment. I don’t find myself disagreeing like I did with Williams’ essay earlier in the semester. I’m finding again, that when you know more or agree with the subject matter, it is easier to write. The peer review sessions have been very helpful. I am looking forward to getting my grade back. I am proud of the work I did.

            I am realistic about my writing and the progress I have made this semester. I have made good progress in writing. I am pleased that I am passing and feel ready for 102. The reading and blogging have made more of an impact on me. The reading material has changed opinions I held prior to this course. I do look at the environment differently now. Prior to this class, I thought we were doing enough to protect our environment, and now I see that we are not and am very concerned. I see what I can do and what a difference one person can make. The reading material also exposed me to ideas that I was not exposed to before. I have totally surprised myself with blogging and the responses from classmates. I was intimidated by the computer at the beginning of the semester and now I use it almost every day. I learned how to use Microsoft Word, MLA format, and e-mail. These are skills I will need in the future.