Final Reflection Composition II

 

Co’Meshia Greer

Deanna Nall

Composition II

06 May 2025

Final Reflection

My Academic Success Proposal essay was the first major assignment I wrote in my Composition II class. The title of my paper was not well thought out it was simply titled "Academic Success Proposal." At the beginning of the semester, I was focused and confident in maintaining my academic success, but I became consumed with everything else life throws at me. Originally, my proposal topic for academic success was Time Management. I completed all the research needed to complete my essay promptly but as I stated I became consumed and overwhelmed with maintaining my work life, personal life, and incorporating my school life; my mental health was compromised. In a frantic state at the last minute, I felt obligated to change my academic success proposal topic to Mental Health strategies in college. My thesis statement was: “To tackle the struggles of maintaining my mental health, I am taking the initiative to implement effective strategies such as stress management, time management, and mindfulness practices.” In my thesis, I stated the strategies I would implement to be successful academically while maintaining my mental health. Honestly, the process of writing my paper was stressful because I wrote my paper in one night after a 12-hour shift. I did not get an opportunity to brainstorm, I researched credible sites and just started typing on a blank document. I proofread my paper multiple times and submitted the paper to a website called Grammarly, one of my previous instructors introduced me to it. Once, I felt that my paper was to my satisfaction, I hit submit.

My second major assignment in class was the annotated bibliography. The writing process for the annotated bibliography was much more difficult than the first assignment. I completely misunderstood the instructions. The instructions were to pick a short story from the list provided on the blackboard. Find credible sources within an in-depth analysis of the story, cite the sources, and write a summary on the different topics the authors discuss in the peer-reviewed articles. I researched how to complete an annotated bibliography, but I did not just pick one story. I completed several short stories from the list. During the writing process, I had to input MLA citations from several sources I chose which was time-consuming. After receiving a zero on assignment #2, I was able to revise my paper due to my instructor informing me that my paper was wrong. In conclusion, the short story I chose from the list provided is named “Girl” written by Jamaica Kincaid. The writing was smooth sailing after feedback from instructors.

The third major assignment I completed in class was a Short Story. The writing process for this assignment was my favorite. My instructor gave me the option to complete the assignment in a PowerPoint format. The short story I decided to provide a synopsis on was “Girl” written by Jamaica Kincaid. Assignment three was different but enjoyable. I feel the assignment allowed me to show my writing skills in a different format than I had ever done before. The information needed to complete the assignment was to find cover art to describe the theme of the story visually. I worked on the Book Sleeve for about two weeks. I wanted my PowerPoint to be perfect. The editing to get the placement of my pictures to go along with my project was oddly my favorite.

 

Learning Outcomes (Composition I):

·         In various rhetorical situations, purposes, and audiences also known as rhetorical knowledge. I learned to identify these concepts throughout the class. The academic success proposal assignment provided me with the opportunity to display my ability to effectively resonate with the audience, I am appealing to in a situation using persuasive diction, and logical reasoning.

·         My ability to use writing and reading for inquiry, learning, thinking, and communicating was very helpful in completing my annotated bibliography assignment. The different literary devices used in “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid are apparent due to the unconventional way of storytelling used in the short story through juxtaposition, repetition, and prose poem structure.

·         I learned to integrate original ideas with those of others in my short story assignment. Using the existing research found concerning the author Jamaica Kincaid my ability to write a bio researching important facts about her life as well as incorporating these techniques within my book sleeve assignment. Also, researching the appropriate art to express them of the story.

·         I learned to develop flexible strategies for generating, revising, editing, and proofreading. Throughout the journey of my coursework, I have established a system that works for me when it may involve proofreading assignments including revising misspelled words. Incorrect use of literary devices and incorrect sentence phrasing is a huge step in ensuring that my work is satisfactory.

·         I learned to use collaborative writing processes to complete plenty of work provided using a system of reviewing assignments ensuring that the proper grammar is utilized. I am fulfilling objectives and improving my writing process because of the use of repetition.

·         I have demonstrated knowledge of structure, paragraphing, tone, mechanics, syntax, grammar, and documentation through understanding the basic concepts of "Knowledge of Conventions”. I executed my understanding of the proper paper structure depending on the assignment. When I completed the short story project, I received 20/20 on formatting and 15/20 on clear analysis and delivery. Emphasizing the importance of effectively communicating information.

 

Strengths and Challenges:

During the semester while taking Composition II, I think my greatest strength was my willingness to accept help. I feel this is my greatest strength because I know I am truly stubborn and somewhat shameful when it comes to seeking help from others. Learning how to properly give a peer review as well as allowing my peers to critique my work, I was able to understand the benefit of seeking help and constructive criticism. I learned I had to let go of my stubbornness to be Academically Successful.

The challenge I faced while writing assignment #3: annotated bibliography, was misreading the instructions which led to receiving a zero on my first rough draft. Once, I received feedback from my instructor and I quickly fixed the assignment. Even though my mental health was compromised a few times throughout the semester. I took heed of my writing from assignment #1. Practicing mindfulness and accepting that mistakes happen. Now, I feel I thoroughly read instructions as if I am proofreading or revising the instructions.

                                                            Overall Benefit

The overall benefit of my Composition II class has helped me tremendously in a variety of ways not just academically but also personally within my daily life. My ability to understand different concepts including my ability to expound on various topics. I feel this class has enhanced my ability to effectively communicate to my intended audience and research information from credible sources.