Self-Assessment Essay

Writing, for me, serves as a tool for clarification—be it my thoughts, opinions, or insights gleaned from readings. It unfolds as an act of organizational release, a process that prompts me to reevaluate and reconsider the subject matter as my brain orchestrates its arrangement on paper. This course has been instrumental in refining my approach to writing, leading to the formulation of a systematic method. The prescribed requirements for each essay have instilled in me a desire to methodically organize the objectives and main points before embarking on the actual writing process. This pre-writing ritual has become an essential step, providing a clear roadmap for my thoughts and ensuring a coherent and logical presentation. Writing, once an enjoyable exercise, has now evolved into a more structured and stimulating endeavor. Throughout the course, I’ve been able to exercise and enhance my writing skills, fostering a sense of excitement in the process. This development is evident in the precision with which I articulate my thoughts and in the crafting of more compelling theses and conclusions. Writing, as a result, has become not just a skill to be practiced but a means of expressing nuanced ideas with finesse.

I feel as though my critical thinking and writing skills were sufficiently encouraged through the essays we had to write for this course. During the peer review essay, I learned new interview skills, such as how to probe for answers and ask open ended and insightful questions. I used my peer’s answers to write an insightful essay into my newfound knowledge about her community and it opened my view to new experiences other than my own. I was able to cross analyze and make correlations to my own experience in my community. The community observation essay involved a lot of research, once I had settled on the community of choice as well as where I wanted to observe it. I think this was the most interesting out of the essays I had to write as I was very intrigued learning first hand experiences people in the disabled community had and the issues they were facing. I had to combine information and analyze similarities to figure out a focus for the essay, and had to organize writing out a long observation. The literature review was the most intensive of the bunch, but also the most polished and satisfying. During this essay I really honed in my analytical skills and analyzed multiple academic sources for the ideas in the essay. 

Throughout my learning journey, I have successfully achieved the outlined objectives, gaining valuable insights into the importance of thorough investigation and the necessity of a diverse array of sources to mitigate bias. This experience has equipped me with the skills to navigate implicit biases, a crucial aspect of my role as a social scientist. By broadening my source pool, I have not only reduced bias but also enhanced the depth and richness of my understanding. My newfound knowledge has significantly improved the quality of my essays, allowing me to present well-informed perspectives. I have honed my ability to organize information systematically, drawing from research and observations, and presenting it in a categorical and comprehensive manner. Recognizing the significance of conducting independent research on marginalized communities has been instrumental in keeping my own biases in check. I’ve come to appreciate that overcoming biases and discrimination is pivotal for societal cohesion. By addressing biases on every level, we contribute to the collective well-being of the community as a whole, transcending the impact on specific marginalized groups. As a social scientist, I now understand the responsibility to continually educate myself about diverse perspectives to foster a more inclusive and harmonious society. This learning experience has empowered me to actively contribute to the ongoing effort to build a more equitable and understanding community.

In summation, this course has been a transformative journey, refining not only my writing skills but also my ability to think critically and engage with diverse perspectives. Writing, once a personal tool for clarification, has evolved into a structured and stimulating process. The prescribed requirements for each essay have instilled in me a disciplined approach, emphasizing the importance of methodical organization. The peer review essay expanded my interview skills and broadened my understanding of different communities, fostering cross-analysis and correlation with my own experiences. The community observation essay delved into the intriguing experiences of the disabled community, requiring extensive research and analytical focus. The literature review, while intensive, was the most polished, showcasing honed analytical skills and a commitment to in-depth exploration. Through this course, I’ve not only met learning objectives but also gained insights into navigating biases and contributing to societal cohesion. As a social scientist, I am now better equipped to foster inclusivity, understanding, and equity in the broader community.