Reflective Statement/Narrative

For this assignment, you have a CHOICE. You may choose one of two writing paths. No matter which choice you make, I suggest you start by reflecting back on the freewriting assignments you have done in this class. Use these to help you reflect honestly on your experience in this class. Maybe you might begin writing your Final Reflection as a freewriting exercise as well, and see where it takes you. Once you've done that, take a look at your options below to see which approach will work best for you. 

I) The old way, which is a straightforward statement that analyzes HOW the writing in your essays reflects the degree to which you understand and demonstrate understanding of the Core Values of the First-Year Writing Program (FYWP). Here is a sample.

You must do the following:

• Reference each Core Value of the FYWP.
• Connect each Core Value with YOUR WRITING in specific illustrations (quote your own writing).
• Explain how the writing in your essays demonstrates your understanding of each Core Value led to some outcome (some degree of understanding the Core Value) as evident in your writing.
• (Read to the end even if you choose path #1)

OR you may choose path #2, as follows:

II) The new way, in which you are tasked with crafting a story that guides your reader through your experience of WRITING in this class. Use this opportunity to reflect on your growth and development specifically as it relates to the five (5) Core Values of the First-Year Writing Program (FYWP). I might suggest that you consider these values as an ideal that you are discovering as a process.

​In other words, consider that you did not step into my class on the first day valuing these values, and to this day, you may still may not. Be honest about that. The more honest you can be about your process of discovery the more meaningful and valuable this writing enterprise can be. If you aim to regurgitate these values under some guise of understanding - aiming to just get this assignment done- it will be quite obvious to the reader. On the other hand, offering a meaningful account of your own personal experience and likely ongoing struggle, will not only make for a more compelling narrative, but it might also allow this assignment to hold some actual value for you.

​Either path you choose, this assignment should provide some orientation to guide the reader through your portfolio. So reference specific areas where you struggled the most and/or achieved the most success in your writing. This orientation will play a crucial role in the evaluation and final grade in this class.
​

Read on for helpful hints on how to write a Kickass Narrative:

Note that relaying an actual struggle that you've experienced is key to writing a good story. Without a struggle, a narrative is not in the least compelling because nothing actually ever happens. Imagine the story of Eleven in the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things if she just said: well I did it. I defeated the Demogorgan! The end. Please watch my show wherein I narrate and summarize what happened, and oh give me lots of money. Um, not so much.

The same is true of your narrative for this class or any purpose. If you say, I understand Core Value I because I wrote this amazing sentence, it is akin to Eleven's boring story where nothing actually happens. So, if it helps, imagine that each assignment is a Demogorgan. Or, if you're not a Stranger Things fan, then pick your evil nemesis. Of course, writing (and reading, which is inextricably linked to writing) are not nearly as active and visual as defeating an evil monster on an electronic screen, but you can use your imagination and WORDS. Consider using dialogue. You might consider the writers: Gallop, hooks, and Giroux as villains. Your instructor might be the villain. There are many possibilities. It's up to you, but here is one possible structure:

• Write a Narrative (setting, action, characters, dialogue, resolution).
• Reference each Core Value of the FYWP.
• Connect each Core Value with YOUR WRITING in specific illustrations (quote your own writing).
• Explain how your struggle with each Core Value led to some outcome (some degree of understanding the Core Value) as evident in your writing.

​There is no sample for#2, the new way, because it's new.