Core Value 1. My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.

During the first couple of classes in this College Comp 1 course, I quickly realized  how critical it was to ask for feedback in regards to my writing. Throughout High School the critique I received from my teachers after submitting essays was pretty minimal.  While I tried to apply their input, it took to my 1st college semester to realize that I had to up my “writing game” and seek more input in order to improve. After submitting my Editorial For Portfolio I received a significant amount of feedback. It came not only from my professor but from my classmates and friends as well. From their honest exchanges, I learned how to improve my grammar while also strengthening the overall quality of the work I submitted. The assessments I’ve received from professor Hodges and my college peers has strengthened my writing base in which I can draw upon in my future writing endeavors.  

Core Value 2. My work demonstrates that I read critically, and that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities. 

One of the components of being a good writer is the ability to read critically. This still developing skill has allowed me to further understand pieces of writing and really grasp their deeper meaning. Reading in between the lines of other peoples work has not only improved my editing, but also has prompted me to look at my own writing in a different light. Revising other classmates work has allowed me to recognize the similarities and differences to my own. I was able to use their influences and incorporate it with my own to improve my finished product. When producing my Op-ed I researched and critically read many articles on the abuse of heroin and the effectiveness of safe injection sites in Canada. By doing this I was then able to develop a robust argument on opening up safe injection sites throughout the United States.

Core Value 3. My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.

If there was one primary thing I could take away from this writing course, it would be to know your audience so that you can tailor your writing to keep their interest. Throughout this semester I have  analyzed and familiarized myself with different writing styles to help me develop an argument that best suits my audience. In my Letter to the Editor it was necessary to grab my readers attention with specific information and ideas that would contradict the authors views. In order to do so I needed to meticulously evaluate the author’s thoughts on how the ability to forgive and forget is the only method to moving on with one’s life. Holding on to your resentment will do the complete opposite. By doing this I was able to establish a strong argument that highlights forgiving and forgetting as a tool that enables one let go of yesterday’s negatives in order to have a more positive tomorrow. While dwelling on the problems of the past will only reduce you to an unhappy and spiteful person.

Core Value 4: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.

Many of the writing pieces that we were asked to compose throughout this course have required evidence. This is a task that is required for many things beyond writing, and is only acceptable when using it correctly. As you present this evidence, you must also give credit to the person or people you are gathering your information from. Once proper credit is given you can then formulate the information into your own words to support your arguments.  As a class we were given the assignment to produce a Practice Op-Ed on facial recognition. I used many sources in my research that supported the position that facial recognition violates the citizens of our country and will one day become something that will force citizens to hide in plain sight.

Core Value 5. My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citation.

When presenting an argument it is important to remain fair and honest while illustrating your beliefs. You should construct your thoughts on the matter as it relates directly to those of the opposing author. It is also extremely important to make sure you are citing your sources correctly, so you aren’t seen as a writer who takes someone else’s thoughts and presents them as their own. I believe that writers who do not follow this are only asking for their writing to be seen as unjust. When making my Op-Ed Draft I only cited articles from credible sources on safe injection sites in order to give my readers information that I knew to be honest and factual.