• Which essay did you enjoy writing most? Why? Think of a specific aspect of the essay that you preferred.

 

The essay I loved writing the most was the literary narrative. The reason why I chose this essay was that I was able to demonstrate through the use of words how a novel changed my life. I know that’s cheesy to say because people say that only experiences and life trials can change your life, but the wisdom of others can also change your life. This novel narrated how a dying man was able to give wisdom to people that were broken, saw no purpose in their life or questioned who they are and what can make them happy, from being on the fence about being alive and about to be dead. Although some of the quotes mentioned were quite confusing at first, one is able to interpret the message that Morrie was giving. He wanted us, humans, to be able to give to those in need, help others without doing it for a reward, and “once you learn who to die, you will learn how to live” (Albom ). 

 

• What did you find most challenging in this course? What could have made it easier?

 

The most challenging thing I thought about was being able to make a Story Map because I wanted to make a story map that wasn’t going to bore others or not have enough in it to make it incomplete. I wanted to tell a story about a novel without anything being left out. I had to find pictures, and the right locations, and even message the author for a location, just so I could give everything and show how much of an impact the novel has played in my life. I don’t know what could have made it easier; I feel like I needed to go through my problems and the efforts that I needed to do to make this Story Map true and the way I wanted it to be. I want it to be perfect for me and show my gratitude for this novel for changing my life and mind.

 

• What did you learn about researching? 

 

I learned many things actually in my research about my literary narrative and Story map. One of the first things I learned is that they made a film/movie about this friendship between Morrie and Mitch, which I didn’t know in the past. I also learned about the nightline show that interviewed Morrie was very famous at the time and they had this interview online as well so I will watch it and see the true way how Morrie expressed himself to the audience with just his speech. When researching a book, there are certain things that one misses while reading that one sees on the internet and one wants to do a facepalm and say, “how could I have missed that?” Researching helps the mind to retrieve a little more information about a topic and build more analysis making a strong point and greater impact on the writing.

 

• What did you learn about yourself as a writer?

 

As a writer, I learned that I’m not very strong with using vocabulary words, meaning that I need to work on the structure of my writing a little more. However, on the other hand, although I use less complicated and complex words, I have a function where I’m able to express emotions through my writing by pouring my heart on a piece of paper. Sometimes I even tear up or cry when I’m writing something that is personal to me or if I feel so submerged in the topic.