Opinions Change

      “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” -Robert Frost

When even the murmur of poetry is mentioned, it seems as though a wave of disappointment washes over the classroom. No one seems to have enough time to rhyme, or to  become "deep" on a emotional level, all  at the same time being a literal genius. This is the case for myself, feeling as though poetry is a definite struggle, needing to incorporate the long list of poetic devices, feeling and self expression throughout each piece. It is a well fought battle when a poem is finished however, feeling great success and satisfaction. My feelings towards poetry changed as I was writing, feeling like I've discovered a side of poetry I actually liked. Poetry in my opinion, is letting your inner thoughts and feelings out on a piece of paper. It is a way of expression that can be shown in numerous forms as well. The one thing I love about writing in this style, is the underlying meanings hidden in your work, left for your readers to discover. I've learned not to label poetry as a struggle anymore (or as much as one) and to give it more of a chance. I definitely surprised myself, with my abilities to write poetry, and plan to continue writing on my own. 

You Get What You Give

Society today has made us feel like the number given to us at the top of our paper determines our self worth as a student. As teachers assign universal test dates, projects and their requirements, it is now in the hands of the students to determine the outcome. The amount of dedication, personal flare and quality going in to each assignment completely relies on the student. As soon as an assignment is given out, my main priority is to do as best as I can. When I feel as though I can't improve my work anymore and have met the requirements, I have completed my assignment. The best way to ensure myself that my school assignments have met my needs and my teacher's, is my personal satisfaction towards my work. In high school, teachers want their students to thrive in their subjects, helping them each step of the way. It is never a bad idea to form a good relationship between the teacher and their student, gaining more respect and knowledge equally on both sides of the party. Teachers are respectable figures in our lives, learning from them every day. The majority of teachers give their students the right to voice their opinions and to express themselves, being able to show their interests. Ms Reidel's idea of a feedback sheets gives her students the right to voice their opinions and to have a say in what they like, dislike and want to change in the class. She is allowing her students to share their interests, while also meeting her expectations. If students would stop labelling teachers as the "bad guys" and start realizing that they're there to help, school would be a more enjoyable place for everyone.  Be respectful, appropriate and hardworking. You can't fail with those qualities.

                                                     Truman Capote (1924-1984)
         
          Truman Capote, once a southern boy from New Orleans was introduced to the big and bright lights of New York City at age thirteen. Disorientated by the city, he dropped out of school when he reached age seventeen and got his first job at The New Yorker magazine. It didn't take long before Capote's writing took off and was accepted by the high society elite and was only seen at the most exclusive and lavish parties, clubs and restaurants. His writing was best described as colourful and controversial as well as flamboyant; parallel to his own life. The majority of our generation probably have no clue who Truman Capote is, until the words "Breakfast at Tiffany's," are mentioned. I myself want to further my knowledge about this striking author, fascinated about his luxurious life and his era. He was at the top of his game, introducing the world a whole other side of writing.


                                                  "Good writing is rewriting."                                                       - Truman Capote
     
       This quotation caught my attention, knowing how long a process writing can be. When writing, we can't expect our first draft to be perfect, rejecting any form of criticism or help. Our minds must be fully opened to changing our words and ideas around to be satisfied later on. I am very glad peer editing is such an important part of this course, feeling as though my writing and editing skills have improved solely because of this exercise. Sometimes I feel that it is a bad thing that my stories are picked apart from my teachers or my peers, but I remind myself that the only direction I can move after this step is forward. Your writing is your writing. If it takes thirty tries for you to perfectly get your point across, so be it. Just know this doesn't make you any less of a good writer because of it.

PS: I rewrote that paragraph close to eight times so it must be good. ;)