LITR 3731: Creative Writing
Student Journal / Portfolio Sample Submission 2003
LaQuita Rhone
LITR 3731 2003 journal
Creative
Observations:
“Pale Trespass” is a poem inspired by my mother’s death. I wanted my
first attempt at writing in this course to be something meaningful and personal.
I didn’t start out to write about her death, but her sudden death has
always bothered me and I guess this poem was in some way a form of catharsis.
I have never shared any of my poetry with anyone, not even my husband.
I felt that this class would be a giant step toward changing some of my
“privacy issues.” I can honestly say that this poetry submission is
something that I am very proud of because I was able to open up and share it
with other writers.
Creative
Observations:
“The Last Visit” is, again, a painful recollection of my mother’s death.
Not only did I have to come to terms with saying goodbye to her but I had
to embrace the responsibility of caring for my teenage sister and forging a
better familial relationship. My mother was the only thing we had in
common. When she died, we were both scared to death because now we were
forced to turn to each other. We loved each other, we just didn’t like
each other very much.
I
have learned so much about writing and about myself as a writer.
This class has taught me patience and perseverance.
The Minot textbook has used simple and straightforward language to convey
a lot of complexities about creative writing. I have enjoyed the opportunity of working with classmates in
a very positive and nurturing academic atmosphere. I have never experienced anything like this before and it was
beautiful. At first, I was quite
intimidated, but I decided that this was an important step toward bigger and
better things in the writing process. I
have a great deal of respect and admiration for my classmates, especially
Brandee Minschew. I don't think
she'll ever know how much confidence I gained from my discussions with her.
She talked to me and assured me that this is something that I could do.
She also gave me great feedback on my poem.
I have never been challenged and forced to get out of my comfort zone the
way that this class has required of me. And
I'd like to thank you for that Dr. White. I
was nurtured also by your teaching style as well.
Some
of the most important aspects of this class included academic challenge,
creative exchange in a roundtable format, and positive reinforcement.
These are the attributes that I would like to impart as a teacher when I
have my own classroom full of students with enthusiasm and eager minds.
This class has been a tremendous experience for me and I look forward to
my own classroom with hopeful writers.
Thank you Dr. White, and I look forward to
another journey with you next semester.