In this assignment I have chosen five artifacts covering some learning levels of my growth as a reader, writer, and communicator.
My high school diploma:
Earning my high school diploma represents more than just completing four years of classes. It can reflect my growth as a reader, writer, and communicator across high school. Class experiences have helped me learn how to adapt my communication depending on the audience or purpose, whether I was writing a research paper or giving a presentation. My diploma represents the literacy skills I built in high school.
My church:
I have been surrounded by faith my whole life as I attended Catholic school. Therefore, my church has played a big role in shaping my skills as a reader, writer, and communicator. The homilies I would listen to each week helped me understand how the Priests use language to inspire and connect with their audience, and make listeners reflect on the Gospel. The Bible, has improved my reading comprehension and taught me how to interpret complex messages that the Lord sends us.
The novel, Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott:
In this novel the girls' each have something they are good at; such as writing, acting, painting, and music. Throughout the novel the girls use these skills and show us how they can help and impact life. The book also shows how characters use their abilities to express themselves clearly and thoughtfully.
"Heading South" by Zach Bryan:
In Zach Bryan’s song "Heading South" it reminds me of my own experiences with storytelling and personal growth. The song’s lyrics talk about leaving home and going on a journey, which makes me think about my journey and leaving home for college. Just like the song reflects a sense of adventure and discovery, my reading and writing have given me the tools to explore new ideas.
UCF Women's Soccer 2025 poster:
My college soccer poster with the schedule is a good example of how reading, writing, and communication can be used in different situations. Secondly, it shows how organized information put out clearly helps others easily understand when and where the games are.
Arguments:
My artifacts demonstrate how every aspect of literacy has influenced me academically, in my faith, and personal experiences. These can be seen with my examples of the church, diploma, and song.
The artifacts demonstrate that just being the audience can shape our experiences and help us in the future with our reading, writing, and composition.
The diversity of these artifacts suggest that my literacy is not limited to traditional academic writing but extends into visual, religious, and recreational texts, reflecting a literacy practice that includes everything.
This reflection demonstrates how I am meeting Outcome 3: Variation across Contexts by illustrating how my literacy skills have developed and adapted across different settings and purposes. Through my artifacts—such as my high school diploma, church experiences, the novel Little Women, Zach Bryan’s song "Heading South," and a college soccer poster—I show that literacy is not limited to academic writing but extends into religious, creative, personal, and organizational contexts. Each artifact highlights different skills, like interpreting complex messages in church, expressing myself through literature, storytelling through music, and organizing information in the poster. By reflecting on how each experience has shaped my ability to communicate effectively in diverse situations, I demonstrate an understanding that literacy is flexible and context-dependent, and that my growth as a reader, writer, and communicator is influenced by these varied environments.
This essay effectively demonstrates how I am meeting Outcome 3: Variation across Contexts by illustrating how my literacy practices—such as journaling and reading the Bible—have been adapted and applied across different settings and situations in my life. I show that these practices are versatile tools that serve various purposes: managing emotions during personal struggles, finding spiritual guidance, and fostering resilience. For example, journaling helps me process feelings in moments of anxiety, while reading the Bible provides spiritual strength and perspective, both of which are used in different contexts—personal reflection, faith-based growth, and emotional regulation. Additionally, I highlight how my understanding and application of literacy have evolved through these experiences, shaping how I interpret texts and communicate with myself and others. This reflects an awareness that literacy is not confined to academic settings but extends into everyday life, faith, and personal development. Overall, my reflection demonstrates the importance of adapting literacy practices to various environments and recognizing how they influence my growth across different aspects of life, fulfilling the goal of Outcome 3.