Reflective Essay: Writing Through Time

Writing Through Time
Academic writing in my experience can range from a variety of writing styles. You have research papers, analytical papers, fiction papers etc. Whatever it may be usually these styles are associated with a certain subject/course that focus on the given style of writing. Most of my experience in writing has come from English, although I have written papers in History, Math, Science, and just about every other course that is required for students.
The past few years have withheld lots of “DBQ” (Document Based Question) structured papers. These would be done in History based classes such as WHAP (AP World History) and US History. Out of the past 3 years, the past academic year (2015), has been the year that has challenged

me the most. English IV being the class that all my writing took place in primarily, including the assignment to complete a Senior Capstone Project. The project involved multiple months of planning within groups to find a way to promote a local non-profit organization and show the benefits of the group we chose over other non-profits that address the same topic or issue. We wrote multiple drafts, created a tri-fold containing all the information we had gathered over the course of the second semester and presented this to a board who then graded us based on what they thought we deserved.
Summer 2015 has brought me into a whole new realm of writing, poetry.

I am not interested in traditional poetry although, but Rap. Now, when I say the word “Rap”, the majority of the population will think of the stereotypical rap you see now a days, with the “thug” style of rapping. I admit, I do listen to that style of rap, but my true passion now is focused on actual poetry inside a song. This style is best presented by one of my favorite artists, Logic, who has released a total of 2 albums so far in his musical career. Logic, instead of writing of drugs, sex and those stereotypes given to rap, lets his album be a book. The album includes songs for people who don’t pay attention to the lyrics and listen for enjoyment, but every line is constructed with such depth that the real lyricists and nitpickers have something to listen to and analyze as well. I have started to write down various events that unfold in my life and I am trying to be able to express those into writing that has a deeper meaning that is just seen on the surface. I want each word that I press into the paper to have a specific meaning that isn’t visible just on the surface. This is my way of expressing myself, although I still have a tremendous way to come.
Writing has never been my strong suit, although I am always writing. My biggest weakness is my ability to interpret text and analyze. During the analytical process, it is hard for me to really read between the lines if I cannot connect to the piece personally.

I connect with songs that express the same emotions and situations I’ve been through in life. I will say my strong suit in writing is being able to write hard, factual papers such as the ones I wrote in History class. I can make an outline, and make a plan to write whatever the topic is, and structure it correctly.
In this class I hope I can expand my abilities to write artistically and be able to analyze text on a deeper level and a have greater understanding of writing in general.