Maliqua West

Prof. Sipin
English 211C
4/29/2015
Cover Letter
Over the course of this semester I think that I've grown as a writer and gained more
focus. Before taking English 211, my academic writings would be very disorganized and I would
ramble on and on. Now I research my topics thoroughly and create detailed plans that have
SMART qualities.
It's been amazing seeing how much I've grown and how my papers have impacted my
life. I went into this class with an open mind and a heart full of anger for what's been going on in
the world. My writings gave me the opportunity to begin my healing process and start helping
others on their own as well. I didn't share all of my experiences and emotions both in class
discussions and in my essays, but I did tackle the subjects that were most problematic and
pressing.
Ive learned to love myself for all that I am, have been, and could be. Ive learned to
always go with my gut and never change my opinion to satisfy others. There were many times
during class discussions where I just wanted to shake or smack someone with an extremely
biased view when it came to religion but thats no way to handle anything. Instead I listened,
nodded, and kept my negative comments to myself. There will always people who dont agree or
who wont understand and I think Im beginning to accept that.

What I learned has definitely been displayed in my Paper Four. Although I was extremely
tired and mentally frustrated while writing it, my growth is definitely noticeable. I supplied a
counter argument and refuted it in a non-aggressive way.
For the rest of my college stay, I plan on doing more research and spreading the word on
Islamophobia, racism, homophobia, trans* issues, intersectionality, and even womanism which is
more inclusive that White feminism.
I was most successful with topics that pertained to me, mainly my Paper One and my
Paper Four. I am extremely diverse and multi-faceted, as all people should be. I am neither this
nor that, but compromised of many races, beliefs, genders, and sexualities. Allowing myself to
accept this fully and share this with other people was a reach and definitely put me outside of my
comfort zone but it was long overdue. In high school, were taught to shut up and keep our
opinions to ourselves. We arent given a voice. Its either conform or face repercussions. There is
no exploration or discussion. This class made me feel as though my voice mattered and I wasnt
another angsty teen who hated everything.
Although I plan on going to medical school, I think Im going to continue writing
creatively and creating characters who are multidimensional and very straight forward, honest,
and unforgiving. It is important that I am unique and socially informing with my writings. I dont
want to write average love stories. I want to write I need to write stories with depth that are
socially conscious.
Thank you.