Mrs.

Tamera Davis
Northern Oklahoma College
615 North Monroe
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078

June 13, 2019

Dear Mrs. Davis

I have selected a variety of essays that I have written over the span of two years in order
to demonstrate my progression as a writer. The essays I have chosen to display are from
two attempts at Composition I, and a current assignment I completed for Composition II.
The writings I have chosen range from a rhetorical analysis to a letter addressed to an
individual in authority. These particular writings represent both failure and triumph for
me and I hope, as the reader, you are able to see improvement in my skills and
confidence as a writer.

The first writing selection is a rhetorical analysis that I completed for a Composition I
assignment. This particular essay is one that I can recall being particularly nervous about
completing. This essay was my first attempt at writing since High School, over 10 years
ago, and it felt as if I were learning English all over again. I remember pouring my heart
into that assignment and spending countless hours at the writing center for tutoring
assistance. Once the assignment was completed and turned in, my professor stated that
she could tell my assignment was written from a male perspective and the assignment
was not my work. I failed that particular assignment and became so defeated that I
stopped attending class and ultimately failed Composition I.

The second writing selection was a Rogerian essay that I completed for my second
attempt at Composition I. I selected a different professor for Composition I that provided
more freedom and encouraged creativity within her class. I was able to choose writing
topics that interested me and because of that interest, I began to research my chosen
topics thoroughly and without bias. Researching also provided a lesson on the importance
of utilizing credible sources. I began to be able to decipher information that was credible
and peer reviewed, versus information that was not. I also gained insight on the correct
placement of citations throughout an essay and the importance of avoiding plagiarism.
That Rogerian essay challenged me to see both sides of an argument and aided me in
arguing my point without offending those in opposition.

My third selected writing is one that I hold near and dear to my heart. Although the essay
was not written about my personal journey, it does hit close to home. This essay touches
on the topic of infertility and the cost accrued from fertility intervention. My assignment
represented a combination of all the writing skills I gained throughout the semester. This
final essay included quotations, paraphrases, illustrations, statistics as well as a storyline
that tugged at the reader’s heart strings. Throughout the writing I was able to interweave
feelings, facts, statistics, and unbiased information to bring an important issue to the
forefront. I felt this essay was a good selection to represent my achievements as a writer
after completing English Comp I.
My final selection is an assignment completed within my English Comp II curriculum.
The assigned task was to write a letter to a person in authority, addressing the cost of
continuing education. I felt this particular assignment was worthy of displaying within
my portfolio due to the variation in structure, content and tone that were required in order
for the letter to be effective. Writing a letter to a person in authority is not a skill I have
ever learned or attempted. This assignment included quotes and paraphrased researched
information that strengthened the issue at hand. I feel this writing was one of great
importance to learn due to the possibility of having to write a letter to a person in
authority in the future.

Throughout my literary journey I have developed into an advanced writer. I began each
English course without the necessary confidence in my writing ability; and would shy
away from putting my thoughts on paper. I would often find myself in a jumble of
thoughts with no real organization or direction when starting any essay or writing
assignment. I felt as if every writing assignment given to me was an insurmountable task
I would never accomplish. I failed to believe I could create something enjoyable to read.
As a result of each English course I have acquired invaluable tools that help me to
overcome the burden of writing. One of the tools most productive to my writing ability
has been preparing outlines. The first time I was required to fill out an outline for a
writing assignment, I honestly felt as if it was a waste of time. I have since realized that
outlines have allowed me to organize key ideas and sourced material increasing my
writing ability. Another tool that I have learned to utilize to enhance my writing is setting
up a comfortable writing environment for myself. I have found that I am a more
productive and imaginative in a darker room, with acoustic or classical musing playing
lightly in the background. This newly found writing environment has a way of clearing
the clutter of my mind and allows me to focus on the task at hand. These literary tools
and tactics are just a few that I have gathered over my journey and will continue to be
implemented within my writing process.

Overall I have improved in many aspects of writing; however, I feel that I still have
adjustments to make. I frequently find myself including past and present tense wording in
my writings. This is due to my writing style typically being informal and conversational.
I am grateful this class has equipped me with the ability and skill needed to write letters
to people in authority. Writing this type of document pushes me to approach writing from
a different perspective and I feel more prepared to utilize these techniques in the future.
Now that I am a professional healthcare worker, I feel there may come a time when I will
need to write a letter to a person in authority in order to make a great difference in the
care of others. I am grateful that now I have the confidence and skill to allow my voice to
be heard.

Sincerely,

Tina Ensign