Branching Out
Over the course of this semester, I have been challenged to ask some questions that have been, at times, frustrating, questions that have made me doubt not only who I am as a writer, but who I am as an individual. Turning a critical eye inward has been difficult, maybe for the fear of finding some inherent weakness in my mental fabric. Writing my self-ethnography, I felt that my funneling mechanism was a hindrance. I felt like it prevented me from thinking abstractly and from exhibiting creativity. However, after reflecting on some of my writing pieces over the course of the last year, this feeling of weakness has changed. A formulaic, orderly mind does not mean an absence of creativity. On the contrary: the funnel is the tool I use to understand the world and juxtapose information in a unique and original way. From the debate of the day to analyzing the significance of a simple bar of soap in Fight Club, I rely on my instincts to turn facts, observation, and evidence into a solid and creative argument.
This portfolio, hopefully, showcases my ability to hold onto my roots (my funnel mind, my Devil’s Advocate approach to discussion, my stethoscope writing process to discover beliefs), while simultaneously exhibiting foliage and adapting to different environments. Reflecting on my roots and foliage throughout the disciplines, I realize that I have a structured approach to not just writing, but to arguing as well. My goal in each of these pieces displayed in my portfolio was to present a viewpoint and convince the audience, through a careful presentation of evidence, to understand and maybe even accept my perspective. During tutoring sessions, my first instinct is the same: search for the argument. Is the writer’s argument sound? Do I understand it? Am I tempted to take on that perspective myself? I have come to realize that writing and reading are pretty amazing in that they really make you question me own beliefs, what they mean, and how I define myself as an individual. Questions are raised, arguments are made, and my convictions are challenged. This is the beauty of writing. It challenges me to grow while still holding on to my basic foundations in order to understand new perspectives and concepts.
This portfolio, hopefully, showcases my ability to hold onto my roots (my funnel mind, my Devil’s Advocate approach to discussion, my stethoscope writing process to discover beliefs), while simultaneously exhibiting foliage and adapting to different environments. Reflecting on my roots and foliage throughout the disciplines, I realize that I have a structured approach to not just writing, but to arguing as well. My goal in each of these pieces displayed in my portfolio was to present a viewpoint and convince the audience, through a careful presentation of evidence, to understand and maybe even accept my perspective. During tutoring sessions, my first instinct is the same: search for the argument. Is the writer’s argument sound? Do I understand it? Am I tempted to take on that perspective myself? I have come to realize that writing and reading are pretty amazing in that they really make you question me own beliefs, what they mean, and how I define myself as an individual. Questions are raised, arguments are made, and my convictions are challenged. This is the beauty of writing. It challenges me to grow while still holding on to my basic foundations in order to understand new perspectives and concepts.
I move forward as a writer and as an individual; I feel secure in my roots as I branch out toward new understandings of the world and of myself.