English Composition II has been very beneficial in my college journey. Throughout the course, my topic for every essay has been over youth sports injuries. I wanted to choose a topic that I related to, and, well, having had four surgeries and one more to come because of injuries, I believed this was the perfect topic for me. In high school and English Composition I, we wrote strictly in MLA format and switching to APA format made me very nervous, but it all worked out perfectly!
I had difficulties with the rhetorical analysis essay, but after much research on this type of essay, I submitted an essay that I was proud of. In this essay I argued that Albert Camus would be in favor of the precautions to prevent youth sports injuries. The claim that proved my argument was that “Camus’s experience with tuberculosis would place him on the side of youth sports injuries prevention.” Throughout this project, I was able to tie Camus’s language and ideas to my topic of youth sports injuries, which was new for me. Professor Hammett helped me immensely on this project, and helped me understand the basis of a rhetorical analysis essay.
One of my main goals this semester was to become a better writer and sound more professional when expressing my ideas. A way that I became a better writer was through learning how to properly cite sources. I used to believe that just citing the source on the reference page was enough, but in-text citations are also necessary. All of the skills I learned were put to great use when submitting essays for other courses. Another skill I learned was how to prove my claims. Now, when I make a statement, I look for evidence or quotes that will support it, so that it is not simply just my opinion.
Overall, the skills I have obtained have benefited me in several ways. English Composition II has been a big eye-opener for me and has broadened my knowledge of the world of writing. Professor Hammett guided me through the entire process and made learning fun! Now, when I am assigned long writing assignments for other courses, I do not dread them; instead, I look forward to writing and expanding my knowledge!
