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Entering this ENC1145 special topics course, I was eager to learn about something that didn’t involve grammar and vocabulary. However, upon finding out that I would have to volunteer at an organization, I considered switching into a class that didn’t involve so much “work”. Writing about public service and community action seemed somewhat interesting at first, as it was different than the norm, which is what originally compelled me to choose this particular course. Yet, my expectation of lectures and reading from a textbook were completely off. Though I was originally put off by the fact that I would have to spend time volunteering, I really enjoyed my experience and believe it gave the class a unique aspect of learning. This course allows you to focus on a specific organization and relate it directly to your community. It allows each individual to gain their own volunteer experience and apply it towards different papers and projects throughout the course. In my experience at the Tallahassee-Leon Shelter, I encountered a numerous number of people attempting to escape homelessness. It opened my eyes to a part of the community that I was unaware of. It forced me to realize the variety of people in communities in general. My experience has changed the way I view and think about the average person. I am now more aware that every person has a story and a reason for being and acting the way they do. As a writer, my skills have changed dramatically. I had written a research paper once before, however, never was I able to apply my own experience as a source of information. This ability enabled me to write in a more confident tone of voice. I also feel that the process of peer editing and one-on-one teacher, student meetings assisted me in my writing capability as well. Revision is incumbent to succeed in any writing class and this class gives you the opportunity to rewrite until perfection. I believe the Mini-Ethnography taught me the most in this course. Of course, as a research project, I caused me to look deeper into the topic my topic. Not only was my focus on homelessness in the Tallahassee community, but also homelessness across the country. I had to opportunity to read what caused people to become homeless and how these individuals dealt with their situation. I learned about assorted shelters and the different goals and purposes of each. It gave me the chance to differentiate what aspects of shelters tend to assist people living homelessly in long-term and short-term situations. This class taught me how to write a well-written research paper incorporating professional sources and interviews. I am confident that, in the future, I will be able to write a research paper that encounters the credential information, research, and proper structure adequate for a college course. This class ran quite smoothly for the amount of time students put into the course. It would have been nice if a larger group of students had worked at the same location enabling more people to share similar and relatable experiences. I really enjoyed having so many opportunities to share my experiences, thoughts, and ideas with my peers. In this class, I’ve created relationships with students I would have never spoken to otherwise. Relationships are the key to success in many professional fields and although that was not the purpose of this course, I believe it was a great hidden aspect. This course opened my eyes to diverse people, places, and setting that will change the way I act around new and unfamiliar people and settings. 

Paige

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