When I first entered this course, I was unsure of what to expect. Writing had always been something personal to me, but I never considered myself a creative writer before this class. Most of my experience with writing came from school essays that focused on structure, grammar, and analysis rather than emotion or storytelling. I expected the class to be difficult because creative writing felt unfamiliar and intimidating. My writing process at the start of the semester was very simple. I would usually write everything in one sitting, make a few edits for grammar, and submit it. I rarely spent time reflecting on imagery, pacing, or word choice because I did not realize how important those elements were in shaping a piece of writing.

The first major assignment was the non-fiction narrative essay. I chose to write “I Learned Anyway,” which focused on my experience immigrating to the United States and learning English in second grade. I wrote about the isolation I felt in school and how my classmates became the people who truly helped me learn. This assignment helped me meet the course learning outcome of using personal experiences to develop meaningful writing. It also taught me how important detail and reflection are in non-fiction writing. Instead of only explaining events, I learned how to describe emotions and environments in ways that allowed readers to understand my experience more clearly. Peer review also helped me because classmates pointed out moments where I could slow down and add more description. Revising the essay made me realize that strong writing often comes from rewriting rather than the first draft.

The next assignment was the short story, “In and Out.” This piece focused on panic, fear, and responsibility during a medical emergency involving a friend. I wanted the story to feel intense and overwhelming, almost like the reader was trapped inside the narrator’s thoughts. I used repetition, especially the phrase “in and out,” to reflect panic and the struggle to stay calm. This assignment helped me meet the course learning outcome of experimenting with literary techniques and narrative structure. Before this class, I never thought carefully about pacing or sentence length, but while writing this story I realized that shorter sentences and repetition could create tension and emotion. I also learned how sensory details, such as sounds and lighting, can shape the atmosphere of a story.

The poetry assignments were probably the most personal pieces I wrote during the semester. “Not Asking to Be Loved” focused on transgender identity, discrimination, and equality. Through this poem, I explored free verse and learned that poetry does not always need strict rhyme schemes to be powerful. Instead, emotion, imagery, and rhythm can carry meaning on their own. “Between Two Tongues” focused on language loss and cultural identity as an immigrant balancing Albanian and English. This poem allowed me to explore symbolism and metaphor, especially through language and memory. Finally, “Blink of an Eye” reflected on time, relationships, and distance. Writing poetry taught me how much meaning can exist in a small number of words. These poems helped me meet the course learning outcomes related to creative expression and using language intentionally.

The discussion board assignments also helped me improve my writing craft throughout the semester. Reading classmates’ work exposed me to different writing styles and perspectives. Responding to discussion posts made me think more critically about literary devices, tone, and audience. It also helped me become more comfortable sharing my own ideas and interpretations. Sometimes reading other students’ drafts gave me ideas for my own revisions because I could see how small changes in wording or structure strengthened a piece.

Several readings from the course influenced my writing as well. I especially appreciated readings that used vivid imagery and emotional honesty because they showed me how personal experiences could become meaningful stories. Some readings focused heavily on atmosphere and sensory details, which helped me understand how to make scenes feel alive instead of simply describing events. Other readings demonstrated how writers use symbolism and repetition to strengthen themes. These readings improved my understanding of craft and encouraged me to take more creative risks in my own writing.

Overall, this course changed the way I think about writing. Before this semester, I viewed writing mostly as an academic task. Now I understand it as a form of expression and connection. I learned that writing can communicate emotions that are difficult to say aloud and that revision is one of the most important parts of the process. I also learned that vulnerability can strengthen writing rather than weaken it. Although some assignments pushed me outside my comfort zone, those were often the assignments that taught me the most.

What I will take away from this class is not only stronger writing skills but also more confidence in my own voice. I learned how to slow down, reflect, revise, and pay attention to details that create emotion and meaning. Most importantly, I learned that writing is not simply about following rules. It is about saying something honest and making people feel understood.