Reflection Paper

Paula Nahoum Reflection Paper I didn’t expect that my first semester in UPP will change me that much. I have noticed much progress and noticeable character development manifested in my life style in the three months I spent at UPP. I was like taking the first step toward success and maturity. Well, this period of time has taught me many things concerning assuming responsibility and improving my academic career. First, I have faced many problems at the beginning of the semester since I am French educated. I thought that I will not be comfortable with the materials we will take, but the contrary was. When I first started this class I thought I was going to be going through a traditional English program and in general improving my English and grammar skills. The first few projects and blog posts we had to do I just did them tothe book because I had no idea what the expectations were for this class. After a few assignments I found myself getting more comfortable with blog posts and being more creative in my thinking, yet still writing in a strict format. Finally towards the end of the semester I started writing more casually, while still sticking to my good technique. I allowed myself to be very creative and let my ideas flow into words, which made up my writing. After re-reading my old works, I tended to ramble on about certain topics in order to fill word requirements and leave my great ideas at the beginning or end of the essay. I can now go back and see where I went wrong, pick out the passionate idea and mold it into a new, better idea that flows into a masterpiece of words that explains my idea in every form. Since I started taking writing course, I have encountered many aspects of English that I can now understand. There are several ways through which I have shaped my writing skills over the course of the semester but one major activity of the semester that has helped me a lot especially in my writing and critical thinking skills is the semester writing assignments. During this semester, I got the opportunity to write several assignments. As for the reading course, it was the most courses I have ever had this semester, especially with Dr. Hicham Kharoub who was an amazing teacher with wide information about the course, and he knows how to transmit the information properly. Through the reading course I have learned many concepts and vocabulary which reflects in my writing papers enriching them. Listening is also an important skill I have learned in this semester. We have done many interesting things. We watched movies and heard songs which enhance our knowledge and culture. Besides, listening allowed us to communicate with people. Math, Science, and IT, can be integrated in one thing. Through these courses I learned more scientific things. They were like a way of entertaining ourselves from the literature courses, but absolutely in a beneficial way. Structure was very significant and interesting with Ms Sandy Hallak. She took advantage of every minute. But, I think that two hours per week for structure are not enough since it’s an important course. In conclusion, I have learned many skills and improved old ones with this course and I have a new perspective on careers in this field. Along with a better understanding of how reading, writing, and listening can be well applied into something completely different but amazing.