Nicholas McAndrew

Jan Rieman

English 1101 X

May 4, 2010

“This is the End Beautiful Friend”

Jim Morrison said it best with his hit single “The End” released in 1967; this is not only

the end of the semester but the end of the year. This first year for me has been absolutely

beautiful, I have explored parts of my mind and learned things that I never would have thought I

would. I experienced a constant growth of knowledge throughout this year and wouldn’t trade it

for anything. Throughout this semester, particularly in this class I was faced with many

challenges that had to be overcome by a lot of hard work.

My first and most difficult challenge I faced this semester was staying focused. As I

alluded to in some of my journal entries, I missed the beach a lot this semester, especially when

the weather started warming up! This “beach fever” that I suffered from kept me away from my

studies and left me no time to focus on my writing. It was really hard for me because I just

wanted to disregard my work and go out. It was really something I had to work at to conquer. It

took a lot of self responsibility to sit down and just work, but once I did just sit down and focus I

saw a huge improvement in my writings.

Another tough challenge that I faced was the constant tweaking of my writing style.

Going through this class and listening to Dr. Rieman really made me realize the importance of

being a good writer. Through all of the reflections, videos, daybook entries, and lectures it

finally hit me half way into the semester, being a good writer is essential to a successful and

intelligent life. I realized that not everyone gets an opportunity to be become a better writer. This
was an opportunity that I could not pass up. After this realization I really tried to put myself into

my work and really tried to improve my writing. I worked on my comma placements, my

transitions, and my overall style. I also decided to take peer editing much more serious than I did

before. I decided that peer editing and reading helps my writing tremendously. Looking at

someone else’s writing and seeing their mistakes helps me with my own, and in the end makes

for a better paper.

Overcoming these challenges has helped me become such a better writer than I was at the

start of this class. I have seen a remarkable change in my writings since I have worked on

overcoming these hardships. I realize that all you need to become a better writer is focus and

willingness. Through complete focus I feel like my papers have improved significantly. Through

the willingness to accept my mistakes and improve upon them I feel my papers have gotten so

smooth and flawless. All good writing is just a lot of hard work and dedication. I had to learn to

put hard work and dedication into the semester. I’m sorry to see the semester go because it really

was a great opportunity and learning experience. Although it is over I know I can take this hard

work and dedication to other class and apply it to make many more great writings.