Reflection

Writing has always been something that has challenged me and has been very

intimidating. When I walked into class the first day and was explained how we got to pick a

topic here in Utah that meant a lot to us and would stick with it till the end of the semester, I got

super excited. I got to choose something that means so much to me. Not only was I able to

select something that meant a lot to me, but I was also excited to write about and explore my

topic.

The social issue that I chose was the traffic issue in the canyons here in Utah. I chose this

topic as it truly means so much to me and is something that I will advocate until there is a true

solution. I grew up skiing and being in the canyons multiple times a week and have seen the true

change and challenges Utah has faced. When I chose my topic, I wanted to use the creative

options we were given and add a lot of visual aspects. I wanted readers to connect the problem

with pictures to what I was writing about. I used a lot of elements so that the readers could

connect with it, and there was a lot of emotion behind my writing. I was able to achieve this.

When I look at the work and projects I did throughout the semester, I am super proud of what I

did. One way I did this was to use PowerPoint instead of writing papers. By using PowerPoint

instead of writing papers, I felt that it was built to give me more of a creative outlet to connect

with my audience.

Using pathos, ethos, and logos through my writing and projects was something I was able

to do by adding elements of emotion to my writing as well as adding sources so people felt it was

true. I was able to achieve kairos as this local issue needs to be addressed soon. I think that the

traffic issue and what Utah is doing /not doing for it is something that is a huge problem in the
now, and in my writing and my work, I really wanted to be able to connect with readers so that

they feel as if it is a problem as well so that there potentially becomes some action.

For the adaptation/translation part of my work, I wanted to include the portfolio that I did

on Aidan Bleyl in my magazine, as it shows that there are locals here in Utah who are truly being

affected by this. I felt that my paper was strong, but I wanted to adapt it into an audio file as I felt

like I was able to read and emphasize where I wanted to as well as connect with readers in a way

such as them actually being able to hear my voice and the people who are behind all this work.

One of my main goals through this entire semester was to feel when someone reads my work or

comes across it, I want to connect with them as well as hopefully have them leave feeling as if

they learned something more and can take more action towards the problem.

I really wanted to be able to use my writing and projects in this class to try and make a

difference in my local issue. I wanted to be able to provide a space for people to come read

about why canyon traffic is affecting people here in Utah. Not only that, I wanted to be able to

connect with them so readers did not feel like I was shoving things down their throats and they

could still make their own opinions, but that the information I gave them hopefully showed them

that there is an issue as well as things we can do to help. The language I use and the writing I

turn in have the power to leave people with different thoughts as well as even change people's

thoughts, so I really wanted to make sure that I was careful with what I said so that I could

hopefully leave an impact with the readers that came across my work.

This class waw truly so fun and powerful. I feel like, for the first time, I had fun writing

again, and I was able to really pour my heart into things with my writing. I wanted to use my

feelings to connect with readers. Being a part of this class and having the professor that I did to

help lead and guide me was so helpful. I feel so lucky to be a part of this class and achieve the
writing that I was able to do in this class. I am so proud of the world I did, and I hope anyone

who comes across this can feel the passion I have for my local issue.