This week I spent a great deal of time pondering what I have learned in this class. Not only have I learned many new writing techniques I have started learning to trust my first instincts. More often than not, I find I have been eliminating any ideas for my second draft before they ever had time to be explored.

Not having class this week due to our mid-way evaluations gave me time to delve into my original “Home”. Not just to write my paper, but to dig deeper into why it is my home. My “Home” is what makes me who I am and I have decided to embrace it and run with it. In doing this, I am confident that my second draft will flow in a much more natural fashion.

Initially I was very stressed out over the writing workshop and peer editing, but now I am looking forward to seeing how much I learned for the next round. I do have reservations about producing a quality paper that reflects all that I have learned in this class.

The book, We Should Never Meet, had me in tears on more than one occasion. After I read the first two stories I was convinced that all of these stories have to be linked somehow and sure enough they did. The book did not immediately divulge the characters. I found myself guessing and trying to read faster to find the link. Often I felt very sad when the characters stories were revealed. The hardships that they endured were often heartbreaking and maddening at the same time.  The fact is any of these stories could have been actual events that happened. Many times I found myself ready to throw the book aside because it stirred up too many emotions.

The stories related to all of the other coming of age books that we have read. This book gave  many all too real hardships that these children encountered. These experiences continued through adolescence and young adulthood. They will carry the scars for the rest of their lives. It was moving and very real.