Based on the activity you just completed with David Sedaris (see below), think about your own identity. List four-five words that you would use to describe yourself, as well as an example of each from your real life. Finally, write a paragraph describing how these qualities will inform your work as a writer in this class. Due Sunday night at 11:59 pm, uploaded to your Blog.
Heather Rankin:
1. Outgoing
2. Funny
3. Hard working
4. Dedicated
5. Expressive
1. One word I would use to describe myself is outgoing. An example of being outgoing in my life is I am the exact opposite of shy. Even during my first week at Front Range, I used my outgoing personality to make a lot of new friends in all my class. My first day of class in psychology I made two new friends by just making casual conversation.
2. I also think other way to describe my identity would be that I have a good sense of humor. I always find ways to make jokes in awkward or uncomfortable situations to lighten the mood. An example of this was the first day of school when I came in contact with people I had never met before. I used my funny sense of humor to try and make friends in my classes and kill the awkwardness.
3. Hard working is another word to describe my identity. I always try to work my hardest in everything I do, especially school and work. With the four classes that I am enrolled in at Front Range, I also work part time at Old Chicago. Although time management can be a difficulty, working hard in both aspects makes me feel like I am truly earning my education.
4. Being dedicated is another word to express my identity. As well as being hard working I am always dedicated to my school work. An example of this could be my perfectionist side. Even when we discussed "Shitty First Drafts" I found that my dedication sometimes made me struggle with producing a shitty draft because I wanted it to be perfect the first time.
5. The last word that I would use to show my identity would be expressive. I strive to not let other peoples judgment effect how I express myself. Although I will take it into consideration, I will not let a persons opinion of me change who I am, even if I may be a little over expressive. An example of this is in the way I write and my writing style. It may be different from everyone else, but it is still mine, and its how I choose to express myself.
All of these qualities are definitely present in my writing. For example, being a hard worker and dedicated I think I tend to take much pride in how I write assignments. I always strive to make my pieces really strong and successful in class. Although, I do believe that sometimes my perfectionist trait can get in the way of letting myself produce shitty drafts. Using my humor and my expressiveness can help me show my identity even more in my writing. I can use my humor as tone in different writing assignment as well as expressing differently than others in my class. On a more literal bases, I think I can use my outgoing trait to talk with peers about writing assignments to help better my writing as a whole.
