Reflecting on the writting procce

Discussion 11: Reflecting on the Writing Process Jenkins 1

Jenkins 2

Warren Jenkins

Professor Pamela Rollins

Engl 1302: Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking II

20 November 2018

Discussion 11: Reflecting on the Writing Process

The peer feedback I have received on all the previous assignments has been invaluable. It not only has caught mistakes that I did not know I had made, but also has pointed out key parts of assignments I had missed prior to turning in the papers. I also have enjoyed not only the constructive feedback, but the encouragement I have received from my peers about the drafts that have been shared. Prior to starting school this semester, I had not written a paper in nearly 25 years. The positive feedback kept me going at times when I truly felt I had no idea what I was doing. I have noticed that even when there is plenty of constructive feedback to be given my peers have done an amazing job sandwiching it with positive feedback to keep me encouraged.

I have had some difficulties at times with the writing process. I am currently working full time, going through a contested divorce, mourning the passing of my mom, traveling to help my father with a cross country move, and attempting to spend time with my children in between all this, while also attempting to stay on top of my class work. I probably could have picked a better time to start this program, but I felt I needed something to keep me focused. The divorce was foreseen, but the rest, not so much. I could have definitely made it easier on myself by doing a better job of being organized and motivating myself to work when I do have the time.

I am trying to do a better job utilizing the calendar function in my email, and syncing it with my phone to give myself reminders on when I have put aside time specifically to do homework, as well as due dates. I have fortunately been able to buckle down when necessary and pound out what I needed to meet most assignment expectations. I wish I had a specific spot or type of ritual or habit to help me get into the mood to write or get the old writing juices flowing. I find myself more sitting down and doing it when it is necessary. I have found that drinking a cup of coffee, and sitting at my desk during slow times at work helps due to the lack of distractions, and the fact that I’m already in a work mindset. Beyond that, I think that if I was able to purchase a desk specifically for homework and writing, set it up in my apartment, and utilize it for that purpose only, it would help. That is definitely a goal I am going to work on to help me through the rest of my education career here at UTA.