Margerth Crucey Benjamin

FIQWS 10115

Jason Lobell

12/10/2025

Through the class, I believe the course has helped me transition smoothly into college level work by introducing assignments that challenged and expanded my writing skills. Over the semester, I was able to strengthen my analytical abilities, improve the way I integrate evidence, and learn how to structure more complex arguments. Beyond writing strong papers, the course also emphasized how to locate, evaluate, and incorporate credible sources using the methods we practiced in class. One thing I really appreciated was that the class allowed us to explore our own interests in each assignment, which made the writing process more engaging and meaningful.

At the beginning of the semester, I struggled multiple times to the new college environment and heavier academic expectations. However, once I adapted, I found the workload manageable as long as I stayed organized and submitted assignments on time. I feel that I have done well overall, and I especially enjoyed writing about psychology because it offers so many interesting areas to explore.

Our first major assignment, the analysis essay, focused on the sociocultural perspective. For this paper, I examined how social and cultural factors influence human behavior. This required me to interpret scholarly sources and connect them to real-world examples. Finding the right evidence pushed me to be more selective and thoughtful about the sources I used. This process helped build research skills that carried over into the rest of the semester.

The second assignment, the personal essay, began with a brainstorm session where we explored meaningful moments from our lives. I chose to write about the stutter I had throughout elementary and middle school. This essay challenged me to revisit a vulnerable time in my life and reflect on how it shaped me. I had to relearn how to explain something very personal to someone who had no prior knowledge of it. This experience strengthened my ability to write with clarity, emotion, and depth, and it helped me grow as a writer by pushing me to articulate something I hadn’t talked about in years.

The third assignment was the research essay, in which I wrote about the Oedipus complex. This required a deeper level of research and analysis as I worked to understand the theory, evaluate its relevance, and support my claims with scholarly evidence. Because this assignment demanded more sources and stronger argumentation, it helped refine my academic writing skills even further.

I still believe I need more help brainstorming my ideas, trying to focus on one idea, and improve my way of expressing my thoughts so they can be clearer when they come out. Overall, FIQWS has helped me become a more confident and capable college writer. The combination of analytical, personal, and research-based writing taught me how to think critically, express myself clearly, and engage with complex ideas. I now feel much more prepared for future college-level work and for continuing to improve as a writer.