Collage: My Mind's Eye Personal artifact that represents my self-discovery: Journaling

I chose this artifact because I know will continue to write journal entries long after this class has ended. More so than any other aspect of the writing process, the act of keeping a journal is the one which has allowed me to do the greatest amount of soul-searching. What I enjoy about journal entries is that there is no pressure to be 'perfect.' Journal entries can ramble like my mind. I often come to unexpected conclusions at the end of my journaling. Unlike an essay, journals do not have to signpost to the reader a particular 'thesis.' Sometimes, when you don't know where you are heading, you make the most profound self-discoveries.

Academic artifact that represents my self-discovery: Reflection papers

Writing reflection papers have been very helpful to teach me to fuse my personal...

I chose this artifact because before I took this class it was very difficult for me to express my feelings when writing a reflective paper. Unlike a research paper, reflection papers are primarily the writer's opinion. A writer has to think clearly and analytically about the subject while still sharing some of him or herself with the reader. Over the course of the semester, I believe I have sharpened my critical thinking skills as evidenced in my reflection papers. I understand now that reflection papers are not simply personal opinion nor do they entail just reporting the thoughts and feelings of others. Instead, they are my personal, immediate reaction to a written work. I must focus on the thoughts of someone else, while still providing my own opinions. This is how reflection papers are an academic work of self-discovery.
Personal artifact that…