Through this year I have learned many new active and critical reading techniques that are now part of my approach to coming to terms with a text. One of the things I’ve learned about how to read a complex piece of writing is to annotate. I have learned that annotating a piece of writing, especially a difficult one, helps me understand what is going on and what it is about. It also helps me remember key points and ideas when I go back into the work to reflect on it or to complete a writing assignment of my own. 

One major challenge I faced was not completing and turning in work. During the first semester I did much better with doing my work on time. Only a few weeks into second semester I found myself falling behind and missing class, even in other classes, more than ever after going through a difficult time. This caused me to become very behind in all my classes. The transition to online classes was also a very big challenge for me because I wasn’t able to motivate myself to do the work. I think a big part of this was not being able to have a place where I can go to do my work in an environment that is quiet and separate like I did on campus. I tried my best to overcome this challenge by asking for help, even though it was much later than I should have. 

One of the most rewarding moments is being able to finish the class. Once I began to fall behind and then switching to online classes I did not think I would finish the course. I was worried that I was not going to be able to make myself do the work even though I needed to and I thought I was going to end up withdrawing. I learned that it is worth it to do the work on time and to put effort into it because the result will be more rewarding if you are not worrying or stressing about getting it done or making it up. 

There is a lot that I will take away from this course in future writing situations. I will take the skills I learned that helped me be a better reader and writer. Aside from any skills and techniques I’ve learned, I will remember that for the remaining years of my college education, I will remember it is ok to ask for help even if it isn’t about school. I have always struggled with this but it has taught me a lot this semester.