Reflective Essay

Elijah Isom

Professor Harmon 

Summer Bridge English 

August 14, 2019

First I would like to thank Bank Of America And the Johnson and Wales staff for putting this program together. Over the course of this program it has been very challenging and difficult for me. Would I go back and do it all over again? Hell yeah. This experience has been amazing, sure it was hard but I had a blast. I did and saw things I never thought I would. I met people from all over the world and got some exposure to Charlotte. I loved the trip to the Whitewater Center. I enjoyed going zip lining and rafting. Would I like to do all this work over? Hell no. Something like college is never an easy transition, it is something you’ll have to get used to over time. The work is agonizing and it isn’t easy. For someone like me, English is by far the hardest subject in the world. I was never very good at English, I always put my best foot forward but it doesn’t seem to be enough. I pay attention and take notes and go to tutors about my work and classwork but nothing seems to help. I won’t give up though because if I give up now I will give up in anything else I do. I am writing this to give you an insight on some of the difficulties I faced, and my view of the world,  and how I have changed over the course of this program.

My view of writing before this term was all over the place. I have always struggled when it comes to English and it has never been because the work was too much. The problem is that I have a hard time comprehending it. English is not my best subject. In fact, I would have to say it’s my worst subject. Never had I written a research paper before this term so that was extremely hard and overwhelming. An issue I always face when it comes to writing is putting my thoughts into words. It’s like I know what I want to say but putting it into words is hard. Plenty of English teachers and professors constantly tell me I have the right idea, I just have to put it into words. My view of writing hasn’t changed much. I still don’t understand everything. I try my hardest, but it never seems to be enough to get the job done. I put my all in every assignment I do because I don’t want to be labeled as a slacker or someone who never does their work. 

I do feel like I have gotten better at writing. My vocabulary has expanded tremendously and my grammar is improving. Creating the structure, such as, the intro, body, and conclusion will forever be my downfall. I have trouble creating the intro and conclusion, so, I write my body first and work my way out. I guess that means I have developed my own writing style. 

My writing always came from me. I wasn’t influenced by anybody. I tend to want to do things on my own for the simple fact that I feel like you’ll never understand something with someone holding your hand the entire way. You have to be able to complete assignments on your own. This is college and nobody is going to be there every step of the way so I am trying to get myself used to doing things on my own. 

My best work would have to be my observations at the mint museum. I was very involved and I paid very close attention. There was a particular piece of artwork I enjoyed. I can’t remember the person who painted it, but it dealt with justice for African Americans. The way the artist told a story with the paint was very unique and different and something I hadn’t seen before. I feel like my Academic Research Paper was my worst piece of writing. I didn’t fully understand the assignment and when it was explained to me, I still did not understand. I started to give up but I didn’t and I still got a bad grade. 

I can trace my development over the course of this program. I have noticed I am writing more professionally and not as sloppy and unorganized. The different readings and videos we watch have given me a different insight on things in the art world and have persuaded me to learn more and be more open to things out of the ordinary. 

This term I have learned to appreciate art, I am not an artist myself but I have come to understand the value of art, and writing is art in some ways. Before this term I wanted no parts of art and literature, now I enjoy it very much. I learned over the course of this term that an audience is a group of people you are addressing or writing to. While writing to these people you should have a purpose, or reasoning for writing. Also a writing should be original and in your own voice. You shouldn’t write something that sounds nothing like you. This class has made me really made me think but it will help me in the long run. I view the world pretty much the same I feel as it’s just a waiting room until we go to heaven. I view others the same I am still very social with everyone and joke about everything. I do feel this program has made me stop and think about some of the things I have to do in my life. 

Overall, throughout the term I have improved my writing and reading comprehension. When the class started there was a lot of doubt in my mind. There were lots of people that wanted to help me succeed when I got here. Again I would like to thank everyone who has continued to push me to do my best and reach my full potential. I have overcame adversity and been more open to the world and everything it has to offer and I am taking full advantage of it.