Essay Reflection

In reflecting on the process of writing, I discovered that I frequently make the assumption that my reader is on the same thought process as I am. Thinking about how to explain what I write about has been helpful in giving me a sturdy foundation. I’ve learned that while I am good at stylistically expressing my opinion and identifying big ideas, I can improve on supporting my opinion with evidence, constructing meaningful connections, and asking better questions. Instead of focusing on proposed meanings or biographical background, I have learned to continuously ask “why” on many different levels. Words tell so much more than a story. Stories tell about life and the human condition, they bring up the past and people and cultures that are long gone. Literature teaches about the self and the world surrounding the self. By writing about what we learn and/or what we believe, we are learning how to express ourselves.