Juco 1

Joshua Juco
Professor Beadle
English 115
1 December 2015

A Look Back at English 115

For a freshman-level class, my English class, Approaches to University Writing, felt very
similar to a high school class. The size of the classroom and the amount of students was
considerably smaller than my other classes, allowing both the teacher and the students to know
each other relatively well. Having this balance of large, auditorium-sized classes and smaller,
more intimate classes is actually welcoming for my transition into the college life. As for English
115s class curriculum, I conjure up this many essays! Sure, it was only three main essays that
were due throughout our time here, but all these essays had a ton of build-up. Then again, I did
like how it was a proper introductory class to how essays should be generally written on a
university campus.
Naturally, I would say that Im not a fan of writing in general as I would always prefer a
visual representation, but after my experience here in English 115, Ive definitely grown a
mature appreciation for the art of writing. Id like to say that Ive improved over time, but thats
subjective in the eyes of the reader. Developing this appreciation doesnt necessarily mean
writing can now be a desire of mine as Im still very opposed to argumentative essay
construction. As a very accepting and care-free person, Im not one to seriously fight for my
arguments, which is why Im not a fan of such a style of writing.

Juco 2
For this semester, we centered on the concept of gender construction. When the concept
was introduced to us, I knew this was going to be a fragile topic where I must choose my words
with care. As one who doesnt take certain topics as serious as the average person, I actually
learned a lot about how gender plays out in todays society. The essays we read and wrote about
helped me express my newfound knowledge on gender, allowing me to apply it to all factors of
my life.
Introductory-level classes are expected to be easy, but I did face some challenges
throughout the semester. As previously stated, this topic on gender construction is very sensitive
and should be treated as such. In class and within my essays, I found myself as a writers block
because I had to really think about how I wanted to express my arguments.
Coming into class, I knew I was a mediocre writer. Looking back at my experience with
English 115, Id like to think Ive improved my strengths in writing. I really got a good feeling of
how universities expect essays to be written at this level. I write essays in a routinely structure,
and with all the hands-on practice I got in class, I was able to improve my general essay
composition.
It really is incredible how much this class has altered my viewpoints on gender. I can
easily use the information I gained at my time here and apply it to my future classes. For
example, I will eventually take classes that focus on specific races and international cultures,
which will undoubtingly bring up topics regarding gender.
On a final note to incoming students, I can tell them that the Learning Resource Center
and their provisions help out in improving your essays. From multiple sources that range from
your teacher, to your colleagues, to facilities like the LRC, proofreading is what out found out to
be the key to bettering essays.