Wk 15: That's the END?!

What is/are the most significant thing/s that you learned which you plan to use in some way in the future?

In the best courses, the most valuable takeaway, for me, is always about the self. Out of the many classes I have taken as an undergrad and grad student, there are a few were I felt I was at home in the class either through the amount of information I engaged with or a connection with the instructor. Among my favorites have been theory courses -- mostly, I think, because this was the type of knowledge I expected to gain in high school, but seldom experienced. Now, however, I seek resources of knowledge and the confidence my inner voice doesn't have to remain inside. Occasionally, this leads to getting into a bit of trouble, but I've also learned to apologize well. 

Of significance, I also rediscovered confidence in my knowledge and comfort with comp theory. The space I gained in the course through previous knowledge gave me several opportunities to explore some of the course topics in my new locale and get to know the community a bit. I felt confident applying a lot of composition theory to my other course writings as well. I took a lot of time to reflect on the abundant silence of my literacy narrative. I spent some time venting, calibrating, laughing, and considering what makes a home "home." Revisiting comp theory invoked the presence of familiar friends (comp theorists). As we revisited ESL theories, I reflected upon my knowledge and proudly accessed my background experiences. I confidently finished the final in about 30 minutes, then spent 15 minutes going back through it to add detail.

Career and university advice has been extremely helpful in helping me to overcome the shock of my transition. As the course progressed, I developed a long list of recommended readings and shared some of my favorites with visiting scholars. The opportunity to network with students and faculty from China has been an extraordinary experience. I gained the experience of sharing books in the reading group I/we established with the Chinese scholars. Additionally, I really appreciated the opportunity to begin collaborating with some of my idols in the industry. Through this comes inner peace and self love that my education brings. A meta-description of these most significant things might be: experiencing the (educational) process and re-establishing confidence in my voice.

These are all lessons I hope some of my students will gain through the experience of having me as a teacher. I'll reflect upon the experiences when I need pick-me-ups, and when I need anecdotal stories to share with students needing the same.

If I had to value one significant thing over all others, it would be the #overwhelmingly positive experience as an introduction to the department and the university.