About Me

Before taking ENGL 363, my relationship with poetry was distant, and honestly, not one I deeply enjoyed. I found it confusing and overly dramatic, and the thought of exploring it on my own never seemed particularly inviting. It was an area of writing that I only engaged with when required for an assignment. However, after completing this course, my perspective has changed. I now see poetry in a new light; it feels like art in its purest form, free from constraints yet overflowing with meaning. There’s an inherent beauty in how a poem can capture a moment or an emotion, expressing something ineffable in ways that something like journaling often can’t. I’ve come to appreciate that there’s no fixed rule or formula that makes a poem; its essence lies in the freedom of expression, in the choice of words, and the way they can evoke powerful feelings. Because of this, I now find poetry to be an incredibly rewarding way to release emotions and process experiences, especially when you create something you feel proud of.

Throughout this course, I’ve exemplified several key elements in my writing that I feel best represent the growth I've experienced as a poet. Five elements from our class discussions that I’ve applied most significantly in my own work are the use of lines, the deliberate choice of language, the abecedarian format, the exploration of the universal paradox, and the theme of an elegy. The concept of lines has had a major impact on how I structure my poems. Before, I would just write without much attention to line breaks or rhythm. Now, I understand how the length and placement of a line can dictate the pace and emphasis of a poem; they are essential tools for communicating tone and meaning. For example, in one of my poems, “Pop Culture Pulse,” I use short, abrupt lines, placed in different parallels to mirror the sharpness and intensity of an idea, as well as the image of a pulse on a monitor. Next, the language I use in my poems has also become more deliberate. Before this course, I didn’t pay as much attention to word choice, however, I understand, now, how each word can carry weight, and that the right language can elevate a poem’s emotional impact. Whether I’m using simple, everyday language or more complex imagery, I’m more conscious of how words create meaning and how they sound when spoken aloud. This shift has allowed me to experiment with language in ways that feel natural yet purposeful. Along with this, the abecedarian format, which we explored in class, has been a particularly interesting yet rewarding challenge for me to practice. The constraints of this format force me to think creatively about the progression of ideas and emotions. Another technique I’ve embraced is the exploration of the universal paradox in my poems. The idea that specific, personal experiences can resonate with a broader audience has been so rewarding. In sharing my work with classmates, I’ve learned that my poetry often touches on themes of love, loss, and identity in ways that others can relate to, even though the events themselves are uniquely mine. Finally, I have found myself returning to the theme of the elegy in my work. Elegies have always felt like a natural form, as they allow me to reflect on loss, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a moment in time, or even a part of myself. Writing elegies has allowed me to not only honor what is lost but also to confront the complicated emotions tied to it.

Through sharing my poems during my class workshop, I have learned that my work often carries a universal paradox; the more specific and personal the experience, the more others seem to relate to it. This has been a significant exploration for me, as it has encouraged me to continue showcasing vulnerability in my writing. Another key realization is the importance of line structure. I have come to understand how the arrangement of lines, the pacing, and the pauses between them can dramatically affect the impact of the poem. This awareness has pushed me to be more intentional about how I shape my poems. With that, I am particularly proud of my poems like “Just In Case,” “A Mother's Love,” “For My Cowboy,” and “A Grandpa Unknown.” These poems represent moments of deep emotional vulnerability, and I am proud of the way they turned out. Writing them required me to dig into personal experiences and confront difficult emotions, but in doing so, I was able to create work that feels authentic and true to myself. These poems showcase not only my technical growth as a writer but also my ability to convey complex emotions in a way that others can connect with.

Looking ahead, I would like to continue refining my poetry, especially in terms of figurative language. I feel my work could benefit from more thoughtful metaphors, similes, and other literary devices that could deepen the emotional layers of my poems. Over the next year, I hope to continue writing and experimenting with poetry as a way to process my emotions. I also hope to focus more on joy in my writing, shifting toward poems that celebrate the positive aspects of life and the good things that I have in my world.

In terms of class participation, I believe I contributed a good amount throughout the course. I worked closely with my partner, Jack, to prepare a thorough and engaging presentation on metaphors. While Jack mainly led our in-class leadership discussion, I played a key role in organizing the content and designing the presentation. Additionally, I made it a point to participate actively with my partners during in-class activities and during workshops, offering feedback and engaging with the poems of others. I believe my level of involvement and contribution to class discussions warrants an A.

Overall, this course has helped me evolve as both a writer and a person. I now see poetry not just as a form of expression, but as a powerful tool for understanding and sharing the human experience. It’s a medium that has allowed me to process emotions, explore my identity, and connect with others in meaningful ways. As I move forward, I’m excited to continue my poetic journey, and use poetry as a space for both reflection and celebration. (1061)