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Jake Vita

English 100
Dr. Jeffries
Reflection XVI
When I first began outlining what would ultimately be my reflection on the past semester
I was conflicted with how I would convey the success I have experienced over the last few
months. Academically, I could have excelled far beyond where I am today. However, I believe
both spiritually, and mentally, I have learned more from my studies than I ever have before. It is
for this reason that I am not ashamed of the less than stellar track record I set on paper.
Early on in the semester I was hit with my first hard realization: I had no idea how to
systematically write a literary narrative. I had always walked with the naive assumption that an
established writer was quite simply someone who could illustrate their thoughts verbally across a
blank piece of paper, with no proper foundation needed to convey what point they wanted to
make other than having a wonderful selection of words in an aesthetically pleasing order. I
quickly saw the error in my beliefs and was introduced to the fantastic world that is English at a
college level.
Following the delightfully awful trainwreck that was my first narrative, we (my class)
were tasked with writing a literary analysis. This is where I first allowed for my creative process
to intertwine with the structural repertoire I recently established. The choice of literature was The
Things They Carried by Ralph Ellison. Being somewhat of a scholar in military history, this
piece immediately stood out. I avoided my previous methods of spontaneously writing to my
hearts content, following no road map to an unchosen destination, and instead laid out a
foundation for my analysis. This was the first time I was confident that my paper contained no

fluffery. The point was consistent throughout, the theme was constant, and the conclusion was
certain to address all issues that were addressed. I followed each observation with support, and
elaborated on each citation, giving it reason rather than simply quoting for content.
Beyond the strengthening of my literary abilities was the impact these lessons had on my
approach to everything outside of class. I was thinking analytically. Once upon a time I would
stress over trivial concerns, but now I am able to trace the branch to its roots. Seeing a problems
origin makes it seem both inexplicably less meaningful in the grand scheme, and much easier to
overcome said conflict with confidence and optimism. This semester has opened up a new
outlook I have never had the luxury of experiencing. Despite the struggles I face each day, I
wake up with a smile on my face and a beckoning light that breaks the fog of doubt and fear.
Finding balance outside of my studies has allowed me to now focus that positive energy
towards my education. With that I expect my next semester to be one of great academic success.
My semester abroad will be my first semester where I will not be working 2+ jobs whilst
enrolled in classes. It will also be the first time I can rely on myself to be completely available to
my studies at all times of the day.
Concluding my reflective adventure, I most notably feel grounded. This semester has
taught me a lot about myself. I am more understanding to others, I am more driven towards
educating myself, and most importantly I am humbled with knowing that there is always room to
grow, and nothing wrong in falling down as long as a lesson is learned on the way back up.

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