Dear Reader, 

Since I was young writing has always been something I’ve struggled with. I never found myself eager to write an essay or even short paragraphs. The prompts we were given were never anything of my interest. I would complete the assignments because I needed to not because I wanted to. After taking this English 170, Writing & Rhetoric class, my feelings towards writing have definitely changed for the better. 

The main focus of this class was on the environment and our relationship with it. Our wicked question in which this class is based on is, “What kind of relationship should we have with the environment?” All our assignments were based on the environment in some way shape or form. The focus of such a major theme made me realize that it is very necessary to have some kind of healthy relationship with our environment and be educated on what is really going on all throughout. 

Throughout the semester we were always required to come to class with a draft of any assignment before the due date. We would always peer-review with fellow classmates as well as getting feedback from our Professor. Being required to have a draft really helped me grow as a writer. Not only was I able to have different eyes read my paper, I was also able to realize the importance of having a draft before finishing an assignment. Ever since I realized how important drafting is while taking this class, I have begun drafting when given any assignment in all my other classes as well as having another pair of eyes read it over. This class has also taught me the importance of editing. A lot of silly mistakes that cost costly points on assignments are often made. It has often happened to me in the past, however, since taking this class and editing carefully my assignments I have avoided making costly errors on my assignments. 

After this course I can now consider many of my past weaknesses in writing my strengths. My organization is definitely a strength alongside my development and support of evidence and examples. I can also consider conventions a strength. Whenever writing an essay the organization is well thought out and shown. When arguing a point in my paper, I always have strong details to back it up and give vivid descriptions alongside my argument. My conventions are definitely a strength as I often make sure to refer back to purdue owl to make 

sure all formatting, spacing, and headings are correctly following the MLA 8 rules. I also make sure that all grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors are corrected on microsoft word or google docs. 

This Writing and Rhetoric course and the focus it had on the environment has definitely helped me improve my writing skills. I have realized that I now have more strengths in my writing than ever before. I have realized the importance of both drafting and editing and how much of a difference it can make once the final draft is due. Now that I will be moving on to more higher level courses I will be keeping everything I learned throughout the entirety of this course with me and adding it into all my future assignments. This class has made me more equipped to tackle all my future assignments that I will be given.
Sincerely, 

                             Ariana Valerio