Meza 1

Marisol Meza
Professor Adler
STACC- English 1A-32475
May 4, 2016
My Incredible Journey; STACC English
My experience as a student in the STACC class has been a combination of self-discovery
and academic evolution. I believe this class has enabled me to not only have the fundamental
basics of educational writing, but it has also sculptured my entire being into an academic scholar.
It was through this class, which I believe to have found my writing style, my inspiration and the
tools necessary to express my thoughts and ideas in a complex and organized manner as a reader,
writer and scholar.
As stated in the Incredible Journey, by Carol S. Dweck , ..effort is a positive thing, it
ignites their intelligence and causes it to grow, students escalate their efforts and look for new
learning strategies (Dweck, 2007). The tools I have learned this semester are the importance of
having the desire and willingness to form the necessary connections to nurture and inspire my
personal writing abilities; and evolve as a student. The article Critical Thinker, by Bell Hooks
also wrote, critical thinkers involves discovering the who, what , when, where and how things
and also finding the answers to the questions you seek and then being able to utilizing that
knowledge in a manner in which can enable you to determine what matters most in their writing
(Squires, Catherine R. Bell Hooks, 2013). It is in the discovery in your own writing style in
which the forming of ones writing identity is obtained. Having an identity as writer provides the
opportunity to stay true to your own belief.
Since the beginning of these STACC classes, I feel I have evolved and strengthen my
writing style and literature intelect. I am more confident and have learned how to analysis

Meza 2
critique and even understand literature. In my rhetorical analysis, Poetic Confinement, I was
most impressed by with my ability to perform a poetry analysis of Jimmy Santiago Baca,
Singing at the Gates. It is through this assignment in which I discovered my ability to interpret
poetry and also I discovered what the importance of being confident and un-derailed to offer my
own interpretation of the literature. In one part of my essay I wrote about Bacas poetry as a use
of vivid metaphors of darkness to provide his reader the mental image of the true realities of a
prison-life (Baca, 2007). What I discovered through Bacas use of language and his array of
hopelessness and human degradation he was able to portray through his writing and his language
a sense of symbolism.
Through out this class I have been able to defeat my biggest fear; which is providing my
interpretation of a piece of literature in a public setting, my fear was basic, yet so complex. I
feared being wronged or even misunderstood. What I discovered through this assignment was
that I did possess the ability to interpret literature and particularly poetry without fear of being
judged. It is through my own found voice in which I discovered that there is no right or wrong
way to interpret piece of literature; as long I use my own voice. I have proudly asserted my own
opinion and was able to provide my independent analytical interpretation of the text. My writing
has morphed into a purposeful and a more confidant illustration of my own understandings.
The essay in which I gained the most knowledge was in the Discourse Community
Ethnography Essay, in which I focused on the Discourse community of a Speech and Language
Pathologist it was in this essay in which I learned of the colleges most valuable resources How
to conduct research. What I particular found extremely accommodating was the manner in
which Adler took us (as a group) on a class field trip into Shafford Library and arranged for us
to have a few inside tips from our local librarian. It was in her particular lecture in which I
acquired the most valuable tools and resources on how to gather my research.

Meza 3
The most encouraging and inspiring source of readings for me was from Mary Phipher,
Writing to Change the World, she stated in her book that it is solely, With the selfunderstanding overtime, writers will learn to lead with their strengths and use their laws as
accents notes to enrich their work (Pipher, Mary Bray, 2006 pg 49). I think this passage is
extremely important in the development of my writing. I have discovered that although I still
struggle with the ability to use proper punctuation I do, however have the ability to express
through the use of words without ceasing. I have discovered that sometimes writing or free
writing without punctuation or judgement or correctionwould allow me to flow my ideas
freely and openly.
I truly enjoyed STACC English classes with Adler. I feel I have grown as a writer and
more importantly- as an individual. I am lost for words as I am not sure my college years will be
the same without this class. I will surely miss this class and his teaching style. Adler had a way
of connecting with a student and providing a voice to us. Professor Adler had this incredible
flexibility of it was reflective in his teaching style. When he asked for the opinion of the
classroom, he took into consideration. I am grateful for how much I learned and developed in
this class. I am proud of the work he has instilled in his students and myself. I know all the
knowledge I have gained in this class, I will take with me for the rest of my college career. I can
only pray that I find such greatness in other professors. Adler, Thank sinclerly thank you for the
best two-semesters of my college-life--may you continue to invoked this gratifying experience to
more lucky individuals.

Works Cited
Baca, Jimmy Santiago. Singing at the Gates: Selected Poems. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.

Meza 4
Dweck, Carol S. "The Perils and Promises of Praise." Educational Leadership 65.2 (2007): 23439. Web. 4 Apr. 2016.
Pipher, Mary Bray. Writing to Change the World. New York: Riverhead, 2006. Print.
Squires, Catherine R. Bell Hooks: A Critical Introduction to Media and Communication Theory.
New York: Peter Lang, 2013. Print.