A Reflection

There are not enough words in the human language to describe my strong emotions towards not only this course or this semester, but my entire freshman year under the instruction of Professor Jennifer Mignano-Brady. I had spent my high school career just floating by without having any real interest in what English (or any) teachers had to offer me, but that all changed when I walked into my EGL 101 class in the Fall. I had no idea what to expect from my first college English course, and was honestly afraid of a horrible workload, and dull papers, just like in high school. Professor Brady proved me wrong, and got me more interested in literature and writing that I thought I could ever be.

Not to sound pompous, but I believe I have always had a way with crafting words and ideas together. This was just never a skill that I had the motivation to apply in an educational setting. I spent a lot of my childhood listening to music, and fantasizing about the day I would run off and begin writing my own. Throughout this course, I have been able to refine and hone in on my writing skills to compose pieces that weren't just for a grade, but meant just as much to me as a song would. Being in put in Brady's class for that first semester opened my eyes to what I could do with my talents, as opposed to just hiding them from everyone around me. Since you're reading this now, it's obviously that I was hooked from that first semester, and actually built my Spring schedule around being with Brady again. Being in a classroom community of like-minded people for this semester also helped me a lot, as it became easier to get into discussions with my classmates, which is also something I never imagined doing while in high school. I have made some great friends in Brady's classes that I hope to keep throughout college and collaborate with on future projects. (Shout-out to Erin and Alexa! Girl Gang forever!!)

Focusing more on this Spring semester, there were so many lessons that stuck out to me. More than I was supposed to write reflections for. I have more notes on fantasy and illusion than I know what to do with! Studying literature and the ideas encased within it is so important to gain an understanding of the people around you, and my notebook from this class is something I would never sell for any amount of money. (Sorry to anyone that missed a lecture and wanted the notes! Despite Brady's advertisements, my notes are not for sale!) I think the biggest takeaway for me will be that hard work will pay off. I can't even tell you just how feverishly I had written in, and out of class. My hand hurts just thinking about it. All the nights spent awake writing and researching, when I would much rather be sleeping earned me great recognition for my efforts. Like Brady's Rate My Professor reviews will tell you, if you work hard, you will get great grades. Even if it isn't in a graded environment, it still teaches the discipline of good effort.

Would it be cliche to say that this course, as well as last semester, has changed my view on life? Maybe, but I think it's true. Being with such a passionate instructor changes the the entire classroom experience. Perhaps one day in the future I may try to become a teacher, because now I know that it is possible to be so incredibly happy and excited about one's profession every single day. I have been so inspired by Brady, and I think that is exactly what she wanted to happen.