When I began English 102 I was very unaware of my writing strength and the concepts in which I needed help. I hadn’t taken an English course in over a year and believe that I was very un-prepared for the writing we would be doing in this class. Although I was ready and willing to work hard I was also prepared to face challenges and try my hardest in order to strengthen my writing and learn the new techniques that we would be presented with. I could not have asked for better reading assignments to be set in front of me. I can honestly say that for the first time, in any English class I’ve been in, I actually enjoyed the reading that we were assigned. I realized that reading about the war in Iraq was something I was very interested in. Much to my surprise so was the history of Vietnam, as well as the dystopian novel, “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

            Doing analysis on works that I actually enjoyed reading was much easier then it could have been if the reading was dense and not something in which I found interest. I think overall I had the hardest time on literary analysis. I am glad that I was able to gain a grasp of this form or essay writing, but at no point was it an easy concept to comprehend. I never thought that there were so many in depth ways to look at literature and really analyze a piece of reading. It was also surprising that there really was no wrong way of analyzing. It was basically to your jurisdiction and your imagination that you interpret what you were reading. That was pretty cool considering how used to being “right” or “wrong” I am.

            I have learned much more then expected through this class. I had many moments when I thought I just wouldn’t be able to finish strong. A challenge is something I have never faced in English and I am so grateful that I was able to do so in this class. Needless to say, I did it. Mrs. Cline made the process much easier for me due to the fact that she is always able to respond with feedback and really engages with each student even though we are an online course and that can be difficult. Blogging was a really neat was for us to share our work also. I had never done a blog before this class and am truly grateful that I learned how. Its fun to add your personality to different assignments we are presented with. I am a much more experienced blogger now and even plan on using my blogs in the future.

            With all of that said, I have Mrs. Cline to thank for my experiences in this class this semester and for all the learning that has been done. I enjoyed English more then ever expected and would recommend this class for anyone. Although it does take hard work and dedication to succeed it is possible. I could not feel any better about my accomplishments thus far in my writing and believe that it can only grow stronger.