This assignment, written midway through the semester, was a critical turning point in my research process for ENG 102. It allowed me to refine my research question and lay the groundwork for my annotated bibliography and research essay. By reflecting on how teacher shortages affect academic outcomes and revising my focus to strategies for improving teacher retention in U.S. public schools—particularly in Arizona—I was able to develop a clearer, more targeted approach to my research. The strength of this assignment lies in its introspective nature; it helped me critically evaluate my assumptions about the issue and recognize the complexity of factors influencing teacher retention. If I were to revisit this assignment at the semester's end, I would further explore how my research evolved in response to new findings and feedback from peers and my professor. Additionally, I might incorporate more specific examples or studies to illustrate the points I made about school leadership and community support. Overall, this reflection not only sharpened my research skills but also deepened my understanding of the challenges and potential solutions for teacher shortages, providing a solid foundation for my final projects.