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Minor in Writing

For me, the minor in writing was a challenge to go after in college. I didn't believe in my ability to write and I found myself two years into college and lacking the motivation to improve. In order to understand who and where I was before dedicating time to developing as a writer, I have added my minor in writing application essay below. 

 

Under this tab is a few pieces I have written throughout college, each with a description of the prompt and my experience writing each. 

 

Continue onto Why I Write

Dear Admissions Committee,

 

I have always believed that powerful writing is the key to success. Words provide the perfect medium to express my opinions and passions while allowing for a thorough organization of thoughts. Before college, I never felt confident in being a writer. I found myself struggling to relay the thoughts in my mind onto paper. This lack of confidence pushed me to avoid writing in any way I could.

 

After completing my first year writing requirement, I felt that I would be able to write the necessary research papers in college and get by. Unfortunately (at the time) as I became more serious about pursuing a pre law path I realized that writing and success would go hand in hand for me. This not only made me doubt my potential as a lawyer but also added to my dislike of writing since it now felt like a roadblock in my future.

 

Then, spontaneously over the past winter break I decided to change my whole schedule. I went from a heavy quantitative and politically focused schedule and randomly signed up for an English 225 class. Since the title was Academic Argumentation, I thought it might be a good place to start for someone who wants to argue as a career. It was also the first time I have ever listened to the little voice inside my head, practically begging me to challenge myself and express a secret creative side I had locked up after being told I was not a strong writer.

 

Taking English 225 has been the best decision I have made in college. The class has opened doors for me that I did not think would be possible. I believe that this class has also exposed me to the standard of writing expected in the minor and the new media aspect which is something that I really want to further explore. By providing the simple tools of always thinking of my audience and argument I have transformed the approach I take in writing. The class has given me the opportunity (that I did not even think I wanted) to write anything I desired and develop my own style, not one on a prompt. This has lead me to realize that although I now spend countless hours changing my mind on what I want to write, I like what I am writing for the first time. The online blog reflections and new writing styles actually excited me to share my thoughts.

 

My new confidence as a writer and realization that I was not in fact too late to develop as a writer has provided me a new path to reach my goals. Specifically, I have been connecting what I have learned in English to my political persuasion class. These classes combined have shown me how to write more effectively, both creatively and persuasively. As I continue to pursue Politics, Philosophy and Economics as my major, it is palpable that writing will be a key aspect in how I will understand and connect the subjects under a common theme.

 

The opportunity to grow as a writer with this minor is one that I would embrace head on. Two years ago I would have laughed at the person who suggested I apply for the Minor in Writing, but now I am thanking them. I would like to be a part of this minor because while of course it would be advantageous to write well as a lawyer or effectively use words online in a digital era, the minor to me is the ultimate challenge.

 

For my entire life I have looked forward to college. I have looked forward to the independence and opportunities, but most importantly I have been waiting for those moments where I could step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. This minor represents the chance for me to explain the thoughts that bounce around in my head daily and have a portfolio to look back on the uphill battle it may be for me to really develop. Listening to the little voice in my head and taking an English class was a big step for me and I do not believe any writing class will be easy, but I do believe that writing this application has been a risk worth taking and I hope that I can get the opportunity to grow in this minor. 

 

 

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