Natalie Leon - Artifacts

Throughout this semester, I have experienced meaningful growth as a writer and thinker. I’ve learned to approach assignments with a clearer purpose and to develop my ideas more effectively. My writing has become more organized, and I’ve gained confidence in expressing my voice. The feedback I received helped me improve my editing skills and deepen my understanding of different perspectives. This class has not only enhanced my writing abilities but also encouraged me to think critically and reflect actively. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and look forward to continuing my growth in future courses. I hope you can see my growth in my assignments!

Sierra Lenzen Personal Essay Questions

Creating these questions based on my best friend's essays has been a valuable learning experience that significantly contributed to my understanding of how different contexts influence writing and interpretation. The questions prompted me to think deeply about the ways personal experiences, cultural references, and literary analysis vary depending on the purpose and audience.

For example, questions about exploring personal trauma versus analyzing literary characters challenged me to consider how the tone, structure, and language shift depending on whether I am writing a personal poetry piece or a formal essay. I realized that in poetry, emotional intensity and vivid imagery are often prioritized, while in literary analysis, clarity, evidence, and objective insight are more important. This awareness helped me recognize the importance of adapting my writing style to fit different genres and contexts.

Additionally, examining questions about incorporating cultural references like Nazi imagery or German phrases made me reflect on how cultural and historical backgrounds shape the way I approach my work. I understood that in some contexts, referencing specific symbols or language can add depth and resonance, while in others, it may require careful explanation to ensure accessibility for diverse audiences.

This process of analyzing and creating questions from different essays made me more aware of the variability in rhetorical and linguistic patterns across genres, audiences, and purposes. It taught me to be flexible and intentional in my writing, depending on the context I am engaging with. Ultimately, it deepened my appreciation for how varying contexts influence not only what I write but also how I interpret and analyze others’ work.

Major Project 2 Interview Questions

Creating and analyzing these interview questions has strengthened my ability to make deliberate decisions in my own writing process, aligning with Outcome 4: Decision Making & Production. The questions prompted me to consider how writers intentionally choose methods, strategies, and themes to craft meaningful work, which deepened my understanding of the importance of purposeful decision-making in producing effective writing.

For example, questions about how writers develop their ideas from initial concept to final draft made me reflect on the choices involved at each stage—such as selecting themes, structuring content, or adjusting language to suit the audience. Recognizing the deliberate decisions writers make has encouraged me to be more intentional in my own writing, carefully considering how each choice supports my purpose.

Overall, analyzing these questions has reinforced the idea that successful writing involves continuous decision-making—evaluating options, weighing pros and cons, and making strategic choices to produce a polished final piece. This awareness has improved my confidence in my ability to make informed decisions throughout my writing process, ultimately leading to more intentional and effective production of my work.

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