Favorite blog
I’ve never really been much of a writer, so regular blog assignments definitely seemed like a daunting challenge. But once I actually had a topic I wanted to write about, blogging was not only easy, but also actually enjoyable. Each topic I picked gave me an excuse to explore and share something I was interested in. Whether it was a mini obsession about the NYT games, some essay about Sisyphus, or even pickleball, there was always something that I was interested in writing about. Of all of them, I must say my first blog was my favorite. Obsessed with all the NYT games, I had a genuinely fun time researching each of the games, playing them, and writing about my opinions. Even though it was a topic that felt almost meaningless to write about, I thoroughly enjoyed the effort I put into making that list. The NYT Games were something that I was deeply obsessed with at the time and using my blog as an excuse to fall deeper down the rabbit hole felt like the purest form of blogging.
What I learned
Both writing and reading were always chores to me, and I expected the same from these blogs. But, as blogging started to introduce me to the expressive side of writing, I found that reading others’ blogs did the same. These blogs quickly became a window into people’s interests, interests that I never would have explored on my own. From learning about the Fermi Paradox on Frank’s blog, to exploring the love triangle in Taylor Swift’s folklore on Samika’s blog, reading other people’s blogs became a genuine pastime. But more generally, reading all these blogs showed me the creative side of writing. Barely even understanding the meaning of creative writing, I felt like my written works couldn’t carry my voice. Writing was about formality and grades, but people’s blogs changed that for me. Reading these blogs, it was like I was talking to the person. Whether they used slang, shorter sentences, or all caps, I could really hear their voice. While I don’t think I’ve mastered that, I’d like to think that my voice is clearer with every blog I write.
What Changed
With only really writing for assignments and grades, I never really saw writing as a means of expressing myself. But, being able to write about any topic, share any ideas, and read the unique thoughts of my peers, the blogs really helped me find my true place with writing. I never thought I’d be excited to think about my next blog idea, or read a comment someone left me. Of all the assignments I’d be excited for, I never thought it would be writing something for the whole class to read.
Where I’m at
Honestly, my status as a writer is just as uncertain as it was coming into the first semester. At the start of the year, all I knew about writing was that I had to do a lot of it with both this class and college applications. And even as I leave the first semester, I still have colleges to apply to and a whole second semester of this class. So, as I enter the liminal period between semesters, I’m still left with wondering where I am as a writer. College applications made me feel like an environmentalist with how many essays I recycled. Some of the blogs I wrote made me feel like a critic, a philosopher, a whiner, or a dreamer. I can’t say that I feel like a writer, or that I ever will. But, all I know is that these blogs are some of the most enjoyable writing I’ve done in years.
Matthew
Reading your blogs this semester has been a joy, as I think that we have a similar sense of humor. Beginning with your NYT games post, I could tell that the topic was one that you were passionate about, and in your writing you were able to bring out that passion in your readers. I know I certainly had some strong feelings when you put Spelling Bee so low. Regardless, I enjoyed seeing your writing evolve as the semester went on, as I read about your inability to read an analog clock, the stupidity that is the English language, or your mildly worrying obsession with a sport meant for people in the geriatric wing of a hospital. I’m right there with you when you shared the idea that you have no clue on your status as a writer, but I can honestly say that you’ve written some of my favorite posts this semester.
Great Post!
P.S. “College applications made me feel like an environmentalist with how many essays I recycled.” is an absolute BAR
I completely agree that after years and years of writing in the same analytical essay format, it’s hard to move away from that and see yourself as a writer in a different perspective. Regardless, I think that we all have grown as writers whether we can see it or not. The free reign given to us with these blog posts have forced us to find our own voice in the topics that we write about. I too have thoroughly enjoyed reading other people’s blog posts this semester. I think that by reading what others have written, I was able to incorporate some of their styles and ideas into my own writing, which allowed me to grow my own writing style. These blogs definitely gave me a completely different outlook on writing as well– I now find a lot more enjoyment in writing and it doesn’t feel like a mundane task when it comes to these blogs. I really enjoyed reading your blogs this semester, and I will say that my favorite one was definitely your learning curves.
Similar to you, coming into this class I did not view myself as being much of a writer. Although I haven’t seen too much change, I would agree that the experience of writing these blogs has been helpful. Beyond just the immediate application when writing college essays, the ability to self-reflect and enjoy the writing process is something that I value and it seems you do as well. Personally, I found that the enjoyment generated from writing these blogs was the most important part. As you stated about your NYT games blog, there is an element of research that makes one more interested in what they already enjoy. With the overwhelming number of grades we receive and the looming importance of our GPAs, having the opportunity to focus on enjoying the writing process has been extremely rewarding. Of the few I’ve read, I really enjoyed reading your blogs and I am glad you liked writing them as well.
Matthew, something I always respected about your writing style and you as a person is your honesty. Both the transparency and complexities you provide in your writing are admirable. I also almost entirely relate with your opinions because I never saw myself as much of a reader or writer so having all of these summative assignments bi-weekly I saw as daunting as well. But now senior year both my grades and opinion have flipped from math and English showing my real strong suit and preferred subject. I also struggled with carrying my author’s voice across without either sounding too much like the author I had recently read or the source I was reading. I seemed to never have my material until these blog posts helped me find such a voice and resources to get it across. Thank you for being an idol for how I should go about my writing and express my ideas.