Let it All Out

Hey Blog Group!

            I think I’m going to use this post as a both a venting session, and a public response to the lessons I’ve learned thus far in the semester.  Before I rant, how are your semesters going?? I hope all is well and that you’re having a wonderful time back at Witt.  Only three weeks until spring break…can you believe it?! 

For me, this semester has been a bit of a struggle.  I feel like I’ve been working really hard in my classes and still coming up short.  My tests scores aren’t as wonderful as I’d like them to be, and our writing assignments for 242 are really challenging me.  It’s at these times when I feel overwhelmed and just want to walk away.  I want to put my “to-do” list aside and not think about the various assignments that continue to clutter my schedule.  (Anyone with me?)  The moment right before my breaking point, I realize that the most significant personal growth occurs when I feel the weakest.  Overcoming the challenges and the trials is my motivation to push through the difficulties and grow as an individual.  At times throughout this semester, my confidence in certain abilities has fluctuated, but I must admit that what I’ve learned is greater than any of the struggles combined.  I have both Kali from the Writing Center, and my mom to thank for such lessons.   

To Kali, “There’s always something to learn.  For me, for the student, for Mike, there is always something to learn.”  I know this statement is very specific to the Writing Center, but I think it serves as a reminder that there is always room for improvement and personal growth.  In other words, I should not be discouraged by an assignment grade but rather, encourage myself to improve.  In all honesty, I find it more rewarding to transform a poor assignment score, to one that I can be proud of.  Such progress illustrates that I’ve conquered a challenge or flaw, and learned by putting in extra effort.  In case you’re wondering, I am referring to the profile assignment.  I don’t know about you, but I certainly have room to improve, and I plan on doing so.  As Mike says, we decide how we respond to the difficult times in life (or something to that extent).  I think Mike pushes us to see how we respond; to see if we are willing to listen to his suggestions.  I cannot predict how I will perform on the next writing assignment, but I do know that I will respond to the criticism by acknowledging my flaws and striving to improve. 

I guess I just wanted to write a post that would alleviate some stress and relate to any of the emotions that you, as a member of my blog group, might be feeling as well.  Hopefully you are all writing exceptional papers and cannot relate to my struggles, but if you’re feeling the slightest bit frustrated…you’re not alone!  Just as my wonderful mom texted me, “the point of it all is to learn, and you are!”  Never forget that we will never know everything, but are capable of learning so much.