This semester helped me grow as a writer. I’ve learned that writing is a process, not something you get perfect on the first try. I’m more confident now because I know how to revise with purpose and focus on clarity based on who my target audience is.

One of the biggest things I learned is that different disciplines use different structure, language, and reference styles. That was new to me. I also learned about the “They Say, I Say” format, which helped me organize my arguments more clearly. And I didn’t realize until this class that I’m actually allowed to use “normalspeak” instead of “academicspeak” all the time. I cannot use contractions and write in a way that sounds more natural, depending on the assignment. I don’t know why that never stuck in my prior school, but it made writing feel less intimidating.

Since I’m going into business and applied science, I’ll need to write clearly and professionally. This class taught me how to adjust my tone, structure, and language depending on the audience and purpose. That’s something I’ll definitely use in future classes and in my career.

One of the biggest takeaways for me is realizing that I write much better than I speak. English is my second language, and I often feel insecure when talking. I don’t always feel articulate in conversation, but writing gives me time to think and express myself clearly. That’s something I’m proud of and will continue to rely on.

If I could do anything differently, I would’ve used Notebook LM to filter out all the wordiness from the Academic Writing chapter. That would’ve helped me focus on the key points and made it easier to learn. I also would’ve read the rubrics more carefully before starting assignments. Sometimes I missed small details that could’ve helped me meet the expectations more clearly and avoid confusion.

These skills will help me in college and in my future career in forensic accounting. I’ll need to explain complex financial issues to people who may not have a technical background, and writing will be one of the best ways I can do that. This class gave me tools to communicate clearly, think critically, and write with more confidence.