Me, The Student
Discuss the “Aha” from Creative Writing Class
Everything from this class was an amazing learning experience that I will forever cherish and grow from.
- If I were to pinpoint a particular activity that I enjoyed and left me inspired, it would be our daily journal writing. As a beginner writer, one of the most important habit that one can build is daily writing. Through daily writing I have noticed that my writing pace has significantly increased because I have been able to formulate my thoughts into words within the allotted time. Furthermore, it allows me to write just for the sake of wanting to write. You don’t have to be so articulated when writing in your journal and sometimes it is in those moments of chicken scrap that something beautiful can be formed.
- The calming atmosphere of creative writing class is something I’m excited about everyday. Having three heavy core classes can sometimes become overwhelming and creative writing class has often times been the break class for me. The sense of community and support from teachers and friends have been an encouragement for me to improve and grow my writing skills. Through this class I have learned so many tricks and tips that has helped me identify my defects in writing and fix them. Furthermore, I have been exposed to a variety of different writing forms, some of which I will continue writing (mostly poems). Prior to this class, poems were an untouchable art for me; however, now that I have more practice writing them, I find it the most beautiful way to communicate your words to others.
- Another favorite moments from class would be our walks to Edworthy Park. Truth be told, I never did much writing there; however, it was a wonderful time to sit done with friends to talk and laugh about anything and everything. As I now reflect upon these moments, memories of Zohra waddling through the ice river and Ms. Huninsett spraying us with water, all floats back :)!
What have you accomplished as a reader? What is your PLAN to read next?
- I have always loved reading but as school became a whirlwind of work, the time I had for reading slowly diminished. Coming into creative writing class, I had two books read for the year. Now as I have reached the end of grade 11 creative writing course, I have read a total of 10 books. I’m satisfied with my reading and I hope to continue this reading habit through summer and into grade 12.
- Please don’t ask me to name a specific book that I enjoyed this semester, I couldn’t decide!! My top two books from this year are: The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah and A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini. Both these books were tear-jerking stories of strong women who have suffered from the effects of war, love, and the unthinkable decisions they are forced to make. Often times characters were faced with situations that were not physically or mentally bearable, and as a reader, I was constantly glued to the book, turning each page to read what is to happen next. The stylistic choices of imagery and powerful diction used by both authors were excellent examples and inspirations. I’ve read articles of war and lose, heard the horrible consequences of conflict in the news but never have I felt so emotionally connected to such issues. After reading this books, I was able to really experience the pain and loss the characters were facing through the words of the author.
- Not only does reading open up your knowledge on the experiences of different people, it also enables us to unknowingly study and take on stylistic choices and techniques of the author. From reading we are expanding our vocabulary variety, infusing different styles into our own writing, and continuously improving our writing. Furthermore, reading allows us to draw in ideas for our own writing pieces.
- As for my future reading plans, I wish to continue reading throughout the summer and I hope to read the following books (links of books are attached to the corresponding number):
What have you accomplished as a writer? What is your PLAN to write next?
As a writer, one of my biggest accomplishment is starting the act of writing. As simple as it sounds, it can quite often be the hardest habit that teens struggle to begin. I have always been aware of the importance of writing; however, the reality was that I only wrote when I needed to – in LA class. That isn’t enough, so I am glad I have gotten into the habit of writing. My passion for writing has certainly grown as well and that is the result of having identified my voice and discovering the topics I am most interested in writing about. Seeing that I have only began this journey as a writer, I have much more to learn and I am truly excited to be part of such an amazing community of writers and learn from each other.
As crazy as it sounds, my next goal in writing is to work on my critical and personal essays over the summer. I am planning on finishing the required reads for next year’s class and doing a critical and personal for each book using the most relevant theme from the text. Truth be told, I need more practise writing these essays and I hope to dedicate some summer time to work on those. I would also like to continue posting on my blog (just to keep the creative energy alive :).
Will you take Creative Writing again? Why? Why not?
I will be taking Creative Writing next year for many many reasons, mainly because Ms. Hunnisett is awesome! I love the class environment and sense of community that was evident in this course. It is a very interactive and encouraging environment as not only the teacher but also the students work together to grow as writers. Going into my senior year of High School, I want to make sure that I don’t fall behind in writer or reading as it is a very important skill that is required throughout life. Furthermore, no doubt next year will be jammed packed with the stress of grade 12, so I need creative writing class to ease those nerves and take a moment in the day to breath!
What are your next steps to improve as a writer?
As I briefly mentioned before, I am currently focusing on critical and personal essays. I will be working on them throughout the summer break, particularly understanding the format and being able to finish within the given time. In general, I want to focus on GUMPS, practise bringing out my voice in my pieces, and be inspired to write about topics that I am deeply passionate about.
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