Pennewell 1

Destiny Pennewell
6703 Poplar St.
Stillwater, OK
74074

04 May 2023

Tammy Davis
Northern Oklahoma College
615 N. Monroe
Stillwater, OK
74076

Mrs. Davis,

The four pieces of work I’ve selected accurately demonstrate my skill as a writer. Each essay is
carefully constructed and brimming with detail that not only captures my audience’s attention,
but also ensures any necessary background information on the topic is included to enhance the
reader’s understanding. While this selection may not entirely showcase my abilities and personal
writing style outside of academia, it perfectly demonstrates my academic based writing.
Regardless of the style, I always maintain balance between fact and feeling, as I hope this
portfolio indicates.

The first piece of this portfolio is titled “Cherokee Protesting Removal”. It was one of the first
essays I wrote in my NOC history class during the spring 2023 semester. The paper was written
as a research assignment, highlighting the period of events that led to the New Echota Treaty and
eventually the Trail of Tears. While I do feel that it is a well written response to the prompt, it
was one that I struggled finding inspiration for. Unlike some of the other work included, the
dispassionate response can be starkly noticed when compared to my more meaningful papers.

Another example of a research assignment that I failed to find passion in is included as my

second piece titled “Science and Religion” for a world religions class. The initial proposal for
this paper aimed to present a contrast between how religion and science were viewed and used as
medicine in medieval times, and how that has influenced opinions and practices today. Upon
further research, the direction of the paper changed into the final product seen here. While I do
believe there is something important to be said about this topic, it remains a clear example of
how quality of work lessens as inspiration for the topic becomes harder to find.

In contrast to the first two pieces, the third is an example of concise, quality work over a topic
that I am knowledgeable and passionate about. “Advocacy” dives into critical race theory and
systemic racism in the United States. I feel that this is an adequate example of my writing
potential when I’m interested in a topic. My only qualm with this piece is the time and length
constraint placed at the time of writing. Had I been given free range over this paper, I believe it
had the potential to be one of my best papers.
 Pennewell 2

Finally, I’ve included a piece recently seen in my honors composition II class that demonstrates a
different approach to my writing style. My letter of advocacy to Mrs. Slatton-Hodges was
admittedly not my favorite project, but one that allowed me to expand my skills regardless. The
letter advocates for change in substance abuse resources and prevention programs for adults and
their families. Although this is a topic that I am passionate about, I found that it was more
difficult to write about a topic that I have personal experience with rather than a topic that I’m
objectively educated in. I find it necessary to exhibit a few of my best pieces of writing while
remaining honest in the challenges faced with each. It is only through challenge that a writer can
grow and improve.

Words are an important part of who I am as a person, and I believe reading my writing allows
others to absorb a great deal of information about me. The style of writing I use to express
myself is heavily adopted from the books I have read throughout my life. My family members
didn’t always have the most eloquent speech patterns, so literature was my best option to develop
a well-rounded diction. The descriptive, forgotten language used in many of the classics exposed
me to a romanticized approach to writing that gave an edge to my stories. As I progress through
my college career, I will continue to cultivate and preserve that edge in my academic writing as
well as personal pieces.

The initial stage of my writing process has in many ways remained stagnant. Creating outlines
and webs of ideas often muddles my thoughts and prolongs the brainstorming stage in the most
aggravating of ways. My writing can be described as reaching for a thread of an idea, gripping it,
and following it to the end. Once I grasp the train of thought, I’m able pour the entire flow of
thoughts out in one go. Afterwards, I clean up the sentences, reorganize the structure, and fine
tune the details. I’m humbled enough to never forgo the editing process for my writing, but
proud enough to claim I don’t often have much that requires revision. My greatest strength lies
within my ability to capture my audience and take them on a journey without neglecting the
purpose of the writing. On the same note, my weakness can often be found in my need to create a
story, which often leads to exceeding the necessary length.

Literature is an essential aspect of my life, and as long as there are more books to read, I don’t
believe I will ever cease my writing. It offers a voice and acceptance to thoughts that would
otherwise go unacknowledged. I will continue to improve my skill of wordsmithing as I grow
through the years with the hope that I will one day be able to share my passion with others. Until
I reach that point, I will continue to work on improving my ability to express thoughts in a more
concise manner and further develop my story telling skills.

Warmest Regards,

Destiny Pennewell