Reflection- A Humanizing Experience

It may seem odd to have an introduction at the end of a portfolio, but that is
why a short introduction was included on the home page. Im Jessica, and this
portfolio is dedicated as a final/huge grade for my University Writing class. This
portfolio goes through the entire semester, showing you what I accomplished and
how I can best organize that to appeal to the readers (you). Much of this semester
was focused on the human experience and what it is really all about. I deem the
human experience to be defined as: a person or place that allows one to be
elevated to their highest point by being there or associating with a particular
person. The human experience is all about being the best you that is possible. This
semester I truly learned and had a human experience of my own. The Practicum
was a good way to realize how the human experience can be embodied by a place
rather than just a person. I have never felt the experience in a building until I
realized how it can influence a person in so many ways. Outside of being a student,
I have seen glimpses of the human experience this semester. Both places and
people have given me new confidence in myself, and allowed me to excel in my
classes. Prior to this course, I would have said who even cares about the human
experience; now I know it is important. College has been the best time for me to
figure out who I am and what I need to be completely satisfied in my life.
This class has taught me much more than just a human experience, however.
Doing assignments I believed to be a waste of time, helped me later as if they had
seeped into my subconscious. Suddenly (it seemed like it anyways) I had new skills
as a writer and a reader. I learned that reading is not just words, but a picture book
can tell you an endless amount of information. A building can have a literacy, in fact
it can have many, and those literacies will affect you even if you dont realize it.

Aside from this course, my other classes have opened my eyes and made me love
knowledge again. The knowledge that is available to you in college is amazing and I
find myself wanting to know everything I possibly can. This new ambition has led
me to do better in classes, and actually care about them even if they dont apply to
my major. Completing my first semester of college has been rewarding as well as
exciting, because I still have seven semesters left to know all that I desire. The work
load has been a lot, but it really is worth it in the long run, not just to earn a degree
but to feel accomplished in all senses.
As stated by my professor- the things we learn change us! The things I have
learned have come to me through observation, writing the reflections for class, and
attending the lectures twice a week. Doing work in a group of my peers has allowed
me to gain more than just one perspective on things, and being able to bounce
ideas off one another has helped me grow as a student and a person. As you read
my portfolio, I hope that you see all of the hard work I completed and how I evolved
through my assignments. I hope also that you feel inspired to do some of the things
illustrated in my portfolio, or at least be intrigued by some assignments. The future
for me entails a huge amount of motivation, hard work, and perseverance. You cant
win every battle- that is to say get straight As all throughout college- but you can
attempt it and gain as much knowledge as possible. The human experience will
remain prevalent as I continue in my studies, and now that I am aware of it, it will
seem like it never really leaves. For me, college in general elevates me, knowledge,
friendships, professors, shape me into who I am and who I will become.