Growth and Future Goals as a Writer

Reflecting on My Writing Journey

As I look back on the writing experiences I’ve had in this course, I realize how much I’ve grown
as a writer. This class has been a transformative experience, pushing me to explore new
strategies, confront challenges, and redefine my relationship with writing. The journey has not
only enhanced my writing skills but also shaped my understanding of what it means to be a
writer. In this reflection, I will discuss my experiences, the lessons I’ve learned, and how I plan
to carry these insights into my future writing endeavors.

Challenges, Growth, and New Strategies

One of the most significant things I learned about myself as a writer during this course was the
importance of flexibility and adaptability. At the beginning of the course, I often found myself
rigid in my approach to writing. I had a specific way of doing things and was hesitant to deviate
from my established methods. However, as I progressed through the course, I encountered
various challenges that forced me to reconsider my approach.

One challenge that stands out was the need to incorporate visual elements into my writing.
Before this course, my writing was primarily text-based, and I struggled with the idea of
integrating visuals in a way that would enhance rather than distract from my message. However,
the assignments that required the use of visuals pushed me to think more creatively. I began
experimenting with different ways to use images, charts, and other visual aids to complement my
text. This experience taught me the value of multimodal communication and how it can make my
writing more engaging and accessible to a broader audience.
Another area where I experienced significant growth was in my ability to receive and incorporate
feedback. Initially, I found it challenging to accept criticism, even when it was constructive. I
would often feel defensive and reluctant to make changes to my work. However, as I engaged
more with peer reviews and feedback from the instructor, I realized that these critiques were not
personal attacks but valuable insights that could help me improve. Over time, I became more
open to feedback and started to see it as an essential part of the writing process. I learned to
embrace revision to refine my ideas and make my writing stronger.

One new strategy I tried during the course was the use of brainstorming and outlining as part of
my writing process. In the past, I would often dive straight into writing without much planning,
which sometimes led to disorganized thoughts and unclear arguments. However, the invention
assignments in this course encouraged me to spend more time in the planning stages. By
brainstorming ideas and creating detailed outlines, I found that my writing became more
coherent and focused. This strategy not only made the writing process smoother but also resulted
in stronger final drafts.

This screenshot shows the brainstorming and outlining process I used for one of my assignments. By organizing my
ideas beforehand, I was able to create a more coherent and focused final draft.
This image illustrates how I incorporated visuals into my writing to enhance the reader's understanding. The visual elements
complemented the text, making the overall message more engaging and accessible
Future Writing Goals and Continuing Growth

As I look to the future, I am excited about the new approaches and attitudes I will bring to my
writing. One of my main goals is to continue refining my ability to incorporate multimodal
elements into my work. This course has shown me that writing is not just about words on a page
but about effectively communicating ideas using various tools. Whether it’s incorporating
images, videos, or interactive content, I want to continue exploring how different modes of
communication can work together to create a more dynamic and engaging reader experience.

Another goal I have for myself is to keep practicing and improving my ability to receive and act
on feedback. While I’ve made significant progress in this area, I know there is always room for
improvement. I plan to seek out more opportunities for peer review and constructive criticism in
future writing projects, whether in academic settings or in my professional life. I believe that by
continuing to embrace feedback, I can push myself to become an even stronger and more
confident writer.

In terms of specific writing skills, I want to focus on developing a more concise and impactful
writing style. Throughout this course, I’ve noticed that I sometimes struggle with wordiness and
over-explaining my ideas. Moving forward, I plan to work on being more selective with my
language, choosing words and phrases that convey my message clearly and powerfully. I believe
that by honing this skill, I can make my writing more persuasive and effective, particularly in
professional and academic contexts.

This screenshot captures the feedback I received on an early draft. The constructive criticism highlighted areas for improvement,
which I used to revise and strengthen my work
Here, you can see a revised section of my writing. By applying feedback and focusing on clarity, I improved the impact and
readability of my work.

In addition to these specific goals, I also plan to continue exploring the use of generative AI in
my writing. Before this course, I had limited experience with AI tools, and I was initially
skeptical about their usefulness. However, as I experimented with these tools in various
assignments, I began to see their potential for enhancing my writing process. Whether it’s using
AI to generate ideas, refine drafts, or even create visual content, I believe that these technologies
can be valuable aids in my future writing projects. Of course, I also recognize the importance of
using AI responsibly and ensuring that it complements rather than replaces the creative and
intellectual work that goes into writing.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Writing

Reflecting on my experiences in this course, I am proud of the progress I’ve made as a writer and
excited about the future. Writing is a journey, and this course has been a significant step forward
in that journey. I’ve learned to be more flexible, to embrace feedback, and to think critically
about how I communicate my ideas. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing this growth,
exploring new strategies, and setting new goals for myself as a writer. Whether in academic,
professional, or personal contexts, I am confident that the skills and insights I’ve gained in this
course will serve me well in future writing situations.

Hyperlink: Sanjaes' Portfolio