Final Reflection

     Charity Cotton 

     Ms. Nall 

    Composition II

   10 December 2024 

                                                                        Final Reflection 

 The first major assignment I wrote was the Academic Success Proposal, where I focused on strategies to enhance student performance, particularly in challenging subjects like math. My intended audience included educators and academic advisors seeking effective methods to support struggling students. As I worked on this proposal, I reflected on my own experiences with math, a subject that I found particularly daunting. I often felt overwhelmed and frustrated, grappling with complex concepts such as calculus and statistics. Instead of letting these difficulties defeat me, I decided to take a proactive approach to improve my understanding.

tackle my struggles, I dedicated extra time to review the material, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. I sought help from my instructor during office hours and formed study groups with classmates. These collaborative efforts allowed me to gain different perspectives on difficult problems, reinforcing my understanding and building my confidence. Recognizing the value of credible resources, I turned to online platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera. These sites offered instructional videos and practice exercises that not only clarified concepts but also cited reputable academic sources, providing a solid foundation for my learning. For instance, while exploring the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, I found materials that referenced established mathematical texts, which deepened my understanding and made the concepts feel more tangible.

As I continued to work diligently, I noticed significant improvements in my math skills. Concepts that once seemed insurmountable began to click, and I learned to celebrate small victories, such as successfully solving a difficult problem or mastering a challenging topic. This process transformed my struggles from mere obstacles into opportunities for growth, instilling in me a sense of resilience and a newfound appreciation for mathematics. Ultimately, overcoming my difficulties in math required not just hard work but also the strategic use of citations and reputable sources to guide my learning. By maintaining a positive mindset and utilizing these resources, I transformed my relationship with math from one of anxiety to one of confidence, equipping myself with the skills needed to tackle future challenges in both academics and life.

The second major assignment I worked on was an annotated bibliography that focused on the themes and literary techniques in Jamaica Kincaid's work, particularly her short story "Girl." This assignment required me to delve deeply into Kincaid’s writing, examining how her unique narrative style and poignant themes reflect the complexities of female identity and cultural expectations. 

As I began the research process, I was captivated by the way Kincaid's story unfolds in a single, breathless sentence that captures the essence of a mother's advice to her daughter. This format not only highlights the urgency of the mother's instructions but also reveals the societal pressures placed on young women. I started by gathering a variety of sources, including literary critiques and analyses that emphasized Kincaid’s use of voice and repetition. Each source I selected contributed a different perspective on Kincaid's themes, such as the struggle for autonomy and the impact of colonialism on female identity. In crafting the annotations, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with identity and the expectations placed upon me. As I summarized each source, I made connections between the critical insights and Kincaid's portrayal of the mother-daughter dynamic. For instance, one article I reviewed discussed how the relentless stream of advice in "Girl" mirrors the pressure many women face to conform to societal norms. This resonated with my own life, where I often felt the weight of expectations from family and society.

Writing the annotated bibliography was not just an academic exercise; it became a personal exploration of the themes of identity, culture, and empowerment that Kincaid so eloquently portrays. I learned to appreciate the depth of Kincaid’s writing while honing my research skills and developing a clearer understanding of how to engage with literary texts critically. By the end of the assignment, I felt a deeper connection to Kincaid's work, recognizing the universal struggles embedded in her narrative. This experience reinforced the importance of thorough research and critical analysis in writing, skills that I would carry forward into future assignments.

The third assignment I undertook was a detailed analysis of Jamaica Kincaid's short story "Girl." This story is a powerful exploration of the complexities of female identity and the societal expectations placed on women, conveyed through a unique narrative style that is both poignant and impactful.

"Girl" is structured as a single, continuous sentence that captures the voice of a mother giving her daughter a litany of advice and commands. This breathless flow reflects the urgency and intensity of the mother’s directives, creating a sense of overwhelming pressure on the girl. The mother’s voice is authoritative and filled with cultural expectations, instructing her daughter on how to behave, what to wear, and how to navigate the world as a young woman. The story presents a vivid picture of the mother’s concerns, which are steeped in a desire to prepare her daughter for the realities of life in a patriarchal society.

Throughout the narrative, Kincaid employs repetition and a rhythmic quality that emphasizes the weight of the mother’s words. Phrases like "wash the white clothes" and "don’t sing benna in Sunday school" recur, illustrating not only the practical advice given but also the cultural norms that dictate the girl’s behavior. This repetition serves to convey the relentless nature of societal expectations, suggesting that the girl’s identity is largely shaped by her adherence to these rules.

Kincaid’s use of language is also noteworthy. The mother’s voice is both intimate and suffocating, revealing a complex relationship between her and her daughter. While the mother’s advice stems from love and a desire to protect, it simultaneously highlights the limitations placed on women. The girl is instructed on how to be a "proper" woman, yet the advice often implies that her worth is tied to her ability to meet these expectations. This tension creates a rich layer of meaning within the narrative, prompting readers to consider the implications of such rigid guidelines on a young girl’s development and sense of self.

The story also touches on themes of colonialism and cultural identity. Kincaid’s background as an Antiguan writer informs her portrayal of the girl’s upbringing, were colonial legacies influence gender roles and societal norms. The mother’s instructions reflect not only personal concerns but also the broader cultural context that shapes the lives of women in post-colonial societies. This aspect adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers to reflect on how historical factors intersect with individual identity.

As I analyzed "Girl," I couldn’t help but connect my own experiences with the themes presented in the story. The pressures to conform to societal expectations are universal, and Kincaid’s vivid portrayal resonated with my own feelings of navigating identity amidst external demands. The story challenged me to think critically about the messages we receive about gender roles and the ways in which they shape our lives.

In conclusion, Jamaica Kincaid’s "Girl" is a masterful exploration of female identity, societal expectations, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Through its unique structure and rich language, the story invites readers to reflect on the pressures placed on young women and the cultural contexts that inform their experiences. Analyzing this work deepened my understanding of Kincaid’s literary voice and the powerful themes she addresses, making it a profound addition to my studies of literature.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Improved Research Skills: Working on the annotated bibliography helped me learn how to effectively find, assess, and combine information from different academic sources. I realized the importance of using reliable references to back up my arguments, which will help me in future research projects.

2. Critical Text Analysis: Analyzing Jamaica Kincaid’s "Girl" enhanced my ability to engage critically with literature. I learned to spot themes, narrative techniques, and cultural contexts, allowing me to appreciate the deeper meanings in the author’s writing. This skill will be essential for my future studies in literature.

3. Better Writing Techniques: Throughout the assignments, I improved my writing skills, particularly in organizing my thoughts and constructing clear arguments. The feedback I received helped me refine my writing style, making my work more compelling and effective.

4. Understanding Gender and Cultural Issues: The assignments provided me with insight into the complexities of gender and cultural identity, especially in Kincaid’s work. I gained a better understanding of how societal expectations influence individual experiences, which has made me more aware of the broader implications of gender roles and cultural norms.

5. Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborating with classmates during the writing process taught me the value of teamwork and constructive criticism. I learned how to incorporate different perspectives into my work, which strengthened my writing and created a supportive learning atmosphere.

6.Resilience and a Growth Mindset: Facing challenges in my writing taught me resilience. I learned that improvement requires patience and hard work, and this growth mindset has motivated me to approach future academic challenges with confidence and determination.

Strengths and challenges 

I developed strong analytical skills that allowed me to deeply engage with literary texts, particularly in identifying themes and narrative techniques. Additionally, my research abilities improved significantly, enabling me to gather and evaluate credible sources effectively.

One challenge I faced was managing my time effectively, which sometimes impacted the depth of my analyses. I also struggled with incorporating feedback into my revisions, finding it difficult to separate my personal feelings about my writing from the critiques I received.

 

                                                                      Overall Benefits 

 The overall benefits of this course have been substantial. I gained a deeper understanding of literary analysis and enhanced my ability to engage critically with texts, which will serve me well in future academic endeavors. Additionally, I improved my research skills, enabling me to source and evaluate credible information more effectively. The collaborative environment fostered my ability to accept constructive feedback, helping me refine my writing and develop a growth mindset. Ultimately, this course not only strengthened my writing and analytical skills but also increased my confidence in tackling complex subjects.

• Learning Outcomes:

  
  

  1. Improved Research Skills: Working on the annotated bibliography helped me learn how to effectively find, assess, and combine information from different academic sources. I realized the importance of using reliable references to back up my arguments, which will help me in future research projects.

  
  

  2. Critical Text Analysis: Analyzing Jamaica Kincaid’s "Girl" enhanced my ability to engage critically with literature. I learned to spot themes, narrative techniques, and cultural contexts, allowing me to appreciate the deeper meanings in the author’s writing. This skill will be essential for my future studies in literature.

  
  

  3. Better Writing Techniques: Throughout the assignments, I improved my writing skills, particularly in organizing my thoughts and constructing clear arguments. The feedback I received helped me refine my writing style, making my work more compelling and effective.

  
  

  4. Understanding Gender and Cultural Issues: The assignments provided me with insight into the complexities of gender and cultural identity, especially in Kincaid’s work. I gained a better understanding of how societal expectations influence individual experiences, which has made me more aware of the broader implications of gender roles and cultural norms.

  
  

  5. Collaboration and Feedback: Collaborating with classmates during the writing process taught me the value of teamwork and constructive criticism. I learned how to incorporate different perspectives into my work, which strengthened my writing and created a supportive learning atmosphere.

  
  

  6.Resilience and a Growth Mindset: Facing challenges in my writing taught me resilience. I learned that improvement requires patience and hard work, and this growth mindset has motivated me to approach future academic challenges with confidence and determination.