I must admit, I was scared out of my wits on the first day of class. I had no idea what rhetoric really meant, let alone the ability to comprehend any of the readings we were assigned. Frustration abounded that first week. Somehow, though, the blogging helped alleviate those stresses.
I'd sit at my chair every Sunday evening, textbook resting on my lap, and attempt to process what I had just read. Thoughts tangled themselves up in my head, scarcely giving me a chance to decipher what I wanted to say. I'd sigh and open up a new document, letting a few scattered ideas land hesitantly on screen. Somehow, something would click into place, and I'd flip back through the text, pull out a quote or two, and fly through the post. There was always a split second of terror right as I'd click the "Publish" button as I wondered if my post would make any sense to anyone else, but then there it was, out for the world (or at least our class) to see, and suddenly I'd feel better. It's freeing to print your words on paper (or screen) rather than releasing them in conversation to simply dissipate into thin air. I'm grateful for the chance to share ideas within a context that feels substantial and lasting.
To not only publish my own work, but to read the work of everyone else, was enlightening. Passages that hadn't struck me as particularly compelling were elaborated on by all of you, opening up new ideas and conversations. Modern parallels and historical frames were presented in ways that challenged and changed our class discussions. You are all so incredibly brilliant, and you made coming to class enjoyable. I feel as though the blogs helped me to get to know you on a more personal level, and I enjoy the sense of camaraderie that has developed. Thank you, Kate, for a difficult yet rewarding assignment. I truly enjoyed my time in our class.
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