In English 100, I have learned numerous lessons in reading and writing. I have read theories. I have read poetry. I have read Gertrude Stein. It has become apparent to me that reading is much more than just following the words on the page. Reading requires one to venture out in his or her own mind, and to really ponder what the author is trying to get across. One must dig deep inside the words and pages to understand what exactly is going on. I found at the beginning of the semester that this was particularly difficult for me. However, now when I read or write a text, I sit and put thought into each line. Reading the texts in this class force me to go deep into my thoughts. It makes me think about things I would have never thought about before. The words on the paper are not just words; they are building blocks that form one whole idea or theory. I think what I have learned the most in this class is to honor and respect other people’s writing. I have learned that I have to think about what I’m reading, and to always try to picture what the author is conveying in his or her texts.
Shannon Stahl
