In Class QuickWrite

Think about where I am in relation to the beginning of this process. What is working, not working, how is my progress...

In looking at my documentation tool calendar I see that I am most productive the end of the week (Thur/Fri) and Saturday. I am beginning to rather productive now that I have the library as a regular writing site. I think the addition of working at the library has been one of the most positive moves I have made. Some of this has to do with the fact that I am surrounded by books, which I love as well as the fact that it being on campus and quiet I can really focus and it seems more "real". I am not completely sure what I mean by real other than it feels more academic and ... I don't want to say purposeful because that is not what I mean, but it feels more professional maybe. I an any case, I've been really productive this past week and this is my second Sunday with this site. I would say I need another data point to make it official, but I am positive in my conjecture at this moment.

Distractions are fewer since committee work is slowing down. I am better able to balance my time according to my own needs versus always doing things that need to be accomplished based on outside influences. Of course this was my choice and I am pleased to say that I feel I am coming into a better understanding of how to balance academic life, research, and personal life. This is my goal for my 3rd year and I can see it is helping me take the time to write more.

One of the things I am really excited about is not just in working on this article, but I am working on a commentary on my own. This commentary is in response to the recent suicides for young people dealing with sexuality identities. I am deeply moved by this and have done a lot of personal writing on it and how it relates to us as teachers and this space we call school. So, I feel like a writer again. I don't just have to write what is assigned to me. I can write about what I affects me and what I feel is important to convey to others. This feels really good and I am actually really excited when it is time for my writing and this class. I think I am coming into my own identity as an academic beyond student. While it is also scary, it is truly invigorating.

My goal however, is to also increase my vocabulary. This is not to say that I want to use million dollar words for the sake of...whatever those words imply from a hegemonic lens. But, I want to be able to convey what I am saying in a richer more precise way. Words are the way to do this. Very similar to my poetry writing. Being able to identify and use just the right word is what gives writing its depth and uniqueness. It is what gives writing its identity in a way. So, to accomplish this I've been reading differently. I pay closer attention to word choices and in what contexts they are being used. I am also reading more as a writer. By this I mean I am looking at format, organization of argument and thought. I am seeing how they cite other scholars and how often. I am making sure to notice even small things like paragraph organization. What is the thesis and how has it been supported? I believe, as I have taught my own students, that this will make my writing better.