self analysis essay

Sanchez 1

Lola Sanchez

English 1301

Self-Analysis Essay

7 July 2016

My Reflections on My English Composition Course

It is always interesting and productive to take time at the end of a project for anyone to review and analyze the process and the end results. In doing so, one can reflect on what went right, what was worthwhile, any missteps that were made, and the impact of the project to decide was it worthwhile. For me, it is interesting to look back over my English composition course this semester.

One of the most important lessons I quickly learned was the value of managing my time by setting priorities and goals for myself in order for me to keep on top of the assignments. I did have the convenience of the course calendar in Canvas, but I soon decided I also needed to keep a paper calendar to quickly check due dates when it wasn’t convenient to go Canvas. It was also apparent that I had to put my college classes ahead of some of the fun activities in which I would normally have participated. It was hard for me to do that, but it became too clear that I only had 24 hours in a day and I could not possibly have time for everything.

A second aspect of the course that I found valuable was working with the college tutors. They were very helpful in giving me advice and suggestions for my writing assignments. The tutors became my second pair of eyes. Just when I thought I had composed the perfect paper, my tutor would show me so many ways to improve it. I believe the time I used working with them was well worth my time. I really preferred the face-to-face tutors, but when I was running short of time, I would use the online tutors instead. Before this course, I had never worked with tutors, but now I will plan to use them for most of my writing assignments in the future so my grades will improve.

When the course started, I did feel somewhat overwhelmed at the many assignments for the semester. However, as I started completing them, I knew I would be okay since there really was ample time to work on them. I guess I would say that I developed more confidence in myself and my reading and writing skills. Now, as the course is ending, I am proud of my work and grades. It just made me realize that I am capable of college work and I can excel in my studies and achieve my goals, short and long term.

Looking over my writing from the beginning of the course to now, I have gained new skills and can see how much my writing has improved. I am beginning to feel like an accomplished writer in my own right. I know I still will want to have a tutor guide me, but at some point, they will have fewer and fewer suggestions to help me improve my work. Best of all is that when other instructors assign me a research paper in the future, I know I will not panic since I have learned the steps of writing a research essay and know I can handle them pretty well. If I can write about a space elevator to the moon, I believe I can write about any topic.

Finally, I am glad to have taken this course. I learned quite a bit about writing on the college level, but I also developed confidence in myself. I am making better grades in my college courses than I did in high school. For me, this is amazing. I really believed that I would not do as well, since I had heard from everyone that college is harder than high school. That may be true for most courses, but I think that being responsible for myself has made me a stronger student. I now want to do the very best I can. I still have quite a bit to learn in college, but I know I can do it. My first semester has taught me to manage my time, put my courses before having fun, get the help I need to earn better grades, and not forget about my goals. Just thinking about my goals helps to keep me on track and focused. Now, instead of thinking about what do I need to do to pass my course, I am going to think what I need to do to earn an “A” in the course.