Authorship is exhibitionism, and readers a species of voyeur.

I have never been a good writer. I overuse words, insert useless punctuation, and lengthen paragraphs to excessive lengths. Yet for all my numerous faults, I love writing. It's a therapeutic outlet, so calming it's almost meditative. Before Non-Fiction Writing, I have never had much of a chance to experiment with writing. My voice had always been restricted to an objective, droning monologue perfect for scientific reports and historical analysis. I had to sound professional and mature in order to appease my teachers, but the writer they graded wasn't me.

I am a pestering and sarcastic prat. To those who tolerate and understand me, I can be occasionally humorous, but to those who frown at my quirkiness, I can be extremely vexing. (To the latter, I sincerely apologize.) This class has given me a chance to breathe and encouraged me to be myself despite the consequences. I can write whatever I want within reason. When it comes to creating blog posts, I enjoy myself immensely. The essays too have become a way to challenge myself to do something more. I have never been more honest and personal than I was in this class, and I hope the real me wasn't too much trouble to handle.

Lastly but not least, what's a good writing class without good reading choices? I'll admit that Mountains Beyond Mountains was a bit too righteous for my tastes, but The Botany of Desire quickly became a pleasant favorite of mine. It's unexpected yet refreshing, well researched yet effortless to read. If there was a writer I tried to emulate in this class, it would be Michael Pollan. Although essays are not my cup of tea (I prefer short posts and epic novels), The Art of the Personal Essay was strangely bewitching. It has become a book I can refer to time and time again, always finding something new to enjoy.

I thank you, Ms. Majerus, for giving me this opportunity to explore and expand. Even though I may never be a great writer, you have taught me to treat writing as a delight rather than as a skill, and that lesson has been invaluable.

P.S. Quote from Carrie Latet.