Revisions and decisions

Revisions are a sticking point in my writing. I feel that my first draft is my most natural work, since it's the draft I created from scratch. When I write my first draft, my ideas flow out without any filter or worry about general conventions or specifics for the assignment. While revising of my works makes a difference in clarity and tone, I am headstrong about my pieces of writing. It takes a lot more effort for me to revise what I've already written, because it's my original thoughts, and I feel that some revisions I need to do take away from my originality. Overall, I like the revision process for clarity reasons, but I'd prefer more abstract and open assignments, where specific conventions aren't as important.

First draft issues

The first draft of a paper is always the most difficult for me to write. I have a tendency to get hung up on assignment guidelines, rereading them over and over again, wondering what specifically is being asked for. I overlook the fact that it's a first draft, and it gives me a mental lock on what to write on. This happens continually, until the day before it's due, and I unload a bunch of thoughts onto a piece of paper and call it a first draft. This time is different though, because I failed entirely to eek out a first draft, due to a combination of procrastination and hectic life events. Way to go Adam! Speaking of which, I'm gonna get working on that right now.

The joys of writing...

Writing for a class is more often then not a chore. Being assigned a task to write about usually leaves little room for creativity and individuality. But sometimes, you can luck out and have some freedom with your topic choice. When you can choose a topic, the possiblitities are endless. You have freedom on what you decide to write about, and that takes a lot of the burden off of writing the paper. Last semester, I got to choose a topic for an argumentative paper, and I landed on the issue of racial double standards. Even though it was a touchy subject to write about, I managed to create a great paper. I got to speak about my opinions and critisisms about the way the media and culture has shifted in regards to race and racism, and got to convey my examples of the double standards that shine through all the fluff in the media. It was one of the few times I was proud to be writing, and the only time I was waiting eagerly to present my work. To this day, I still have it saved on my computer, and have debated on whether to add to it and post it in a blog or on some other format that the general public can see. This paper showed me the joys and fun you can have with writing; editing and researching for hours was never as rewarding as this.

School, Credits and Grades, OH MY!

Oh the joys of college: Worrying about homework, cramming for exams, aiming for "good grades." The latter is what really amuses me. Most college students I have encountered used good grades as a motive for being in school. Does this even need to be stated? No one enters college with hopes of failing out, last time I checked. For that matter, what do they mean by good grades? 4.0? Passing all classes? Getting at least the C for the transfer? It varies from person to person, but I like the standard I aim for: Putting forth my best effort for starters. If I do it half-cocked and in a hurry, I expect the grades to show. I aim for at least a B, but try hard for my 4.0 every semester. Newsflash to slackers: Aiming for a C is beneath you, go for the gusto. I'm telling you, aiming for the top and trying for the A really helps you feel good about what you're doing.

Go for the A. Enough said.