That statement can pretty much sum up my experiences in this English class. What were my expectations in the beginning? Well, for starters I was not going to assume it was an easy class. I had done that with my two previous English classes here at AVC and got a "C" in both for my troubles. I wondered after the second "C," what gave me the right to be some arrogant prick entering both of those classes? And if I had to guess when it started, I would say that after I had taken two A.P. English classes in high school I had an over-exuberance of swag. I was cocky, well beyond simple confidence in my abilities, my mentality was: I've done this before, I received good marks then, so now I should be fine. Wrong. Nothing could have been farther from the truth, and I found myself eating that humble pie more often than my pride would like to admit. But I am in no way lamenting about this, I am in fact ecstatic that this learning "phase" happened now, before I became stubborn in my ways and I am even more glad that it happened here at AVC, instead of when I am forking out almost $20,000 dollars to attend classes. But, I made it, I am one step closer to my goal.
On June 3rd I can finally say, "Peace, I am going to the big town." I will be moving to L.A. and attending Cal State Dominguez Hills, which ironically enough is Jennifer's alma mater. But the road to this was not easy, it was not the well-beaten path, but I can say with absolute conviction that I am proud of the results. Had I not taken a semester off I would not have been where I am at today and I would not have gotten to know the people I know. But there is one regret I wish I could have done right, I wish I could have had the knowledge that I have now back then. It is funny how that works, hindsight is always 20/20 and obstacles that should have been relatively easy to overcome took more energy than we would have thought possible. I have learned so much in this class and I have made friends that are second to none. This semester has flown by, but the lessons I learned will stick with me forever.
I was not a great writer, and like Melissa quoted it is like "cutting yourself open" at times. But I think my writing has come a long way, just like many others in this class. Although some of us may never see each other past this year I can say that it was a hell of a time.
The discussions we had were hilarious, inspirational, frustrating (at times), emotional, and overall stimulating. I learned to love reading again (A.P. classes had a little part in causing my distaste for reading leisurely beyond what was required) and I also learned how to effectively deliver my point in a manner that will not have my message fall on deaf ears. That lesson, in it of itself is worth all the time I spent in this class. It will be a sad day to have to leave home and be a visitor here, but my path needs to be created, I want to make my mark in the world and the only way I can do that is by not looking back and, "giving it all she's got Captain..."
Like you I did learn a lot from this class and I was surprised in how much we had to write. I am glad I stuck with it. I want to congratulate you for moving up in the world and moving to the big city. It is a great accomplishment. It is interesting to me that you mentioned that you wish you knew what you did today earlier on in life. I always say that too. I try to educate my younger brother and I give him advice, I’m not sure if he understands. I remember when my grandmother would push me to continue my education and back when I was younger I did not understand how important that was and how right she was.
ReplyDeleteOh well I guess things happen for a reason and at their own times. The good thing is that we are both moving ahead with our goals after this class. I can’t wait one more week and then freedom.
I can say that you do write well and I can read your blog with no effort, it flows well and it is very entertaining. I wish you luck with your future and with the rest of the class.
You know, your writing absolutely has grown in monumental ways. One of my favorite things about your writing, as I’ve said all semester, is your “no nonsense” approach and the vibe of the same nature you give off. It’s endearing and refreshing and, though it’s not coated in your formal writing anymore, it’s still in your blogs and I’m so glad it is. This semester is my last as well and I’m glad that I waited until now to take English with Jenn. I really like looking back and realizing that my last English course I took, it was with Jenn because she’s helped me out so much in my career at AVC. I’m moving on now to better things and it’s with her help that I can do this. She provided such an inspiring community for us to express ourselves and it’s through that that I’ve met you and learned who you are through your writing. I’m very glad for this. You’ve taught me a great deal about who I am and who I can be through my writing, you know. I’ve learned that sometimes, sugarcoating things and sort of dragging situations out isn’t necessarily the best thing. Jennifer’s blog requirements helped me learn who you are. I look forward to reading your last blog this week.
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