First of all, I would like to say that this was my favorite class of my first semester at Penn State. I thoroughly enjoyed it every Tuesday and Thursday, even at 8am! It was a good experience for me to grow, meet people, and make friends and connections. It also allowed me the pleasure of experiencing many new places on campus. Some of which I have been back to and will continue to go to – Irving’s Bagels, The Palmer, The Library, etc.
I met a few fellow classmates who became friends of mine, one who even lives in the same residence hall on the floor above me! Also, I really enjoyed my instructor, Sheila. She has taught me a lot about writing and about myself. Having met with her on a few occasions for essay assistance during office hours, we always had plenty to discuss. She was a wonderful instructor to have in class and person to know outside of class. I’m very glad to have had the privilege of meeting her. I hope to see her in the future and keep in touch.
The class has also definitely influenced my writing abilities and my interest in English in general. Being Undecided has proven hard for me because I have no set plan to follow. Sheila has always encouraged me that that was okay and to do things I like, explaining that this is a time for experience. With that in mind I have been exploring many areas of interest. Before now, English had not been one I particularly knew I loved so much. I always liked it in high school and did well but had not imagined it as my primary interest. It now is an idea for me, one that I am going to pursue in the hopes of maybe finding my direction. With that, and Sheila’s advice, I have taken the initiative to schedule a creative writing class for the spring semester. I’m very excited for it.
Additionally, this course has been a great introduction to both English at Penn State, deeper writing, and providing many resources. I’m definitely glad to know the library website now and how to navigate it! (Thank goodness for that little “cite!” button!) I have found through this course that the University has so much more to offer than I ever imagined and I’m taking advantage of all of it.
I can’t wait to continue my education here, especially in the arts, which we focused on all semester. I love art and all that it encompasses. I’m ready to further my learning, knowledge, and writing skills as well as my experiences here. English 15S has definitely helped me to do that thus far. Choosing my English class to be my freshman seminar as well opened a lot of doors for me, I would recommend that to anyone.
Finally, Penn State in general has made this a great first semester for me. With many instructors involved, class influences, and both good and bad experiences, I feel like I’m ready to move on. I’m ready for first, a break, and then my spring semester. I can’t believe how fast it is already going. I thought I was going to hate it the first week, but now past the 15th week, I know that I have found a place for me. I now know that I can use this first semester base to build on and move on to finishing out my freshman year here, at Penn State, and eventually many more years as well.
Thank you English 15S, my fellow classmates (/peer edits), and Sheila.
