Lindsay Moss

1226 Maple st
Lamont, Ok 74643
580-485-9428
April 29,2024

Mrs. Tamera Davis

Dear Mrs. Davis

I have accumulated a collection of my writings thus far in my writing career. The ones I have
selected are pieces that I enjoyed writing and also ones that made me think a little harder on the
topic. In my opinion these writings are very different in their own ways. These selections I have
made display my writing skills and resourcefulness as a writer. Also the selections show the good
and the parts of my writing skills that still need work.

The first writing sample I have chosen is a piece I had written for my American History class my
second semester at NOC. I have chosen this piece for the sole purpose of it being my first written
timed essay for a history class. The topic was Diversity between Native Americans and
Europeans. I really have never been a fan of American History but this writing made me use my
imagination on how it must have felt for the Native Americans. With this being my first timed
writing exam for a history class I did not quite enjoy this one only for the reason of being out of
my comfort zone. I usually have time to make sure the written assignment is up to where it needs
to be for submission. This piece has taught me to stay open minded to any subject when it comes
to writing. The second piece that I have chosen would be a letter that I had written my second
semester in composition two.The letter was to advocate for something that was relatable to you
in one way or another. I had chosen to write a letter to advocate for Sensory Processing Disorder
for my six year old son.This letter required research such as statistics on children and also for
classroom accommodations. For me this letter was very important and was something I enjoyed
doing because it was a topic I had interest in from the beginning and still had so many questions.
I have selected this piece to be displayed in my portfolio because I feel like this piece showcases
not only my organization and knowledge on Sensory Processing Disorder but goes to show the
importance that Sensory Processing Disorder has on my family and I. The third writing that I
have chosen is going to be a Outline that I had written in my first semester for composition.This
outline was for a summary and reflection paper over ‘Us and Them” this outline was a web
outline which are my favorite outlines to use. When I apply this outline to my writing I feel like
it showcases my organization and thought process behind the writing.Every outline is supposed
to help the writer deliver all the points in the paper without all the distracting unnecessary
sentences.I have found this outline helps me more than any other outlines and it helps me give a
clear blueprint of what points I am trying to get across for a full rounded paper. My fourth and
final choice is a couple of discussion boards from my American History class this semester. I
have chosen these discussion boards because not only are they my favorite thing about my
classes that display my skills as a writer to be able to think quickly and get my thoughts typed
out.

This semester during my length of time in this class I feel like my writing has improved fairly.
The problems I struggled with last semester was getting my thoughts onto paper without
rambling and overthinking what points I was trying to get across.With that being said I feel like
that is the thing that has improved in my writing skills thus far.I have always heard individuals
say “you are your biggest critic” and for me that has always been true when it comes to my
writing on anything even a simple email or letter to friends. I will never forget my first couple
submissions that I had with you as my professor. I was so nervous to see your feedback and
worried you were going to tell me to start over. That however was not the case. Your feedback
has probably been the best thing about this class. It has shaped me as a writer to just let the
words flow out and not to overthink. There is always time to go back and add or take away.

If I had a writers toolbox it would probably include my outline from the auto bib project that we
had just turned in. There was no essay with it but I feel like if we did have to write an essay on
that outline it probably would have been my best one yet. Not only did I put blood sweat and
tears in that outline but I feel like it would have given my paper structure. It would be an
excellent tool to keep in my toolbox for later down the road. The second tool that I would keep in
my writer's tool box would be tutor.com , a website where you drop off your essay for someone
to look over before turning it in. Which works perfect for individuals like me that second guess
their work. In their feedback they will go over every inch of your paper giving you suggestions
on how to fix something. I wish I would have used it more this semester than I did.

While entering Composition 2 for the most part I felt pretty confident in my writing. However I
did struggle with a couple things that held me back from being a better writer such as
punctuations, speaking up if I had a question about an assignment, and mainly not taking enough
time on my papers. I have always struggled with punctuation for as long as I can remember in
my writings. It is like my brain is going faster than my fingers and I forget to punctuate. It is a
work in progress.Before attending this class I always struggled with asking questions and
speaking up in class.With that being said, my time in your class has made me more comfortable
with asking questions and not feeling like I am asking a question that you do not have time to
answer.Now my writing process has always been short, sweet and straight to the point. Starting
with the topic then going to the outline and rough draft after that the final paper would
follow.However after spending a significant amount of hours doing composition 2 writing
assignments I have learned that straight to the point does not always make for good papers.Since
then I have started putting more thought and effort into each step that makes a great paper.Even
though I have weaknesses my strengths are still there such as sentence structure, organization for
my papers, and lastly word choices.

In conclusion, completing this class I feel like it has not only given me all my resources to
improve my writing abilities and skills for the rest of my time as a college student, but for
whatever the future holds for me. I have always really enjoyed the writing part of English and
held it pretty high as a priority in my daily life.Your writing skills say highly of you as an
individual even though you may not think so. The writing skills you have can be used to get a
scholarship or even a job oppurtunity. What is next for me after completing this class? The next
chapter of my life looks fairly similar as I will be going into my second year at NOC where I will
graduate with my associates in Arts & Science. After graduating NOC I will further my career as
a radiology tech in healthcare. Either going to the meridian in Stillwater or Autry in
Enid.Although as a Radiology tech I foresee myself writing emails, and possibly reports on the
patients that are seen. As a college student I see more writing assignments in my future.Also my
writing skills could get me into the radiology program on a scholarship.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Moss