Self-Evalution

I can’t believe that this first semester is finally over. This English 15S course has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much in such a short time. I loved how everything we’ve learned in this course has been connected in some way. We started with the use of ethos, logos and pathos in our ad analysis paper. This opened my eyes to the techniques used in gaining the attention of audiences in all forms of advertisements. Then we moved on to writing a memoir which I’ve never done before this class. It was a great experience because for me it was in a way therapeutic. I was able to reflect on an experience in my life that has shaped me as a person. This was my favorite written assignment. With the acquired knowledge of ethos, logos, pathos and reflecting in detail a personal account; I could already see a change in myself. Next we were assigned to write a paper about what we personally define as art at Penn State or redefine Penn State as an artistic community. I chose to redefine Penn State as an artistic community after listening to a podcast about Penn State being the number one party school in the country back in 2009. I had to put Penn State in a new light so that people know that we are more than just drunk obsessed students looking for the next party. Though it was difficult I was able to do so and I took away with me a new viewpoint of my school. Our last assignment was to do a research paper on an issue of the arts. This paper was my most challenging, but it really shows how everything is connected to art. I also was able to express a concern I had with an art form that I personally enjoyed.

Now looking back at what I did in this I can truly say that I appreciate everything that was taught. This is something I never could see myself saying back when I was in high school. I also learned that if your teacher isn’t just someone gives you information to retain, but can become a mentor that inspire you to become a more rounded person. I will never forget my first English professor because you can never forget someone who shines that bright. Thank you so much Sheila, I hope that happiness and what you define as success will follow you for the rest of your life.