If you are a freshman, coming directly from high school, chances are, you are taking English 1A, to get it out of the way. You are probably dreading the essays on rhetorical analysis, writing for skill-building practices, and pointless busy work you became accustomed to in high school… Well, I have good news.
The good news is, say goodbye to all that. College throws the pressure of skill-building out the window, because, hey, college is about knowledge! Although, I would be lying if I said that English 1A is not all about writing a good essay. English 1A is, by all means, an entry level composition class. The difference is that English 1A does not lie about what it is. Whereas in our high school days, we walked into an English class expecting great works of literature like Fahrenheit 451 and The Great Gatsby, and we expected to discuss themes and learn how to discuss literature as an art… as is… Instead, we found ourselves reading excerpts of random essays and speeches and repeatedly writing essays on why some famous politician has credibility… or how the author connects to the audience using ethos, pathos, and logos. Sounds familiar, right? You, if you have any passion for reading and writing, probably winced at that. But, the good news is, we don’t do that here. Or, at least if we do, you would know exactly what you are going into, instead of being repeatedly disappointed.
The essays you will be writing in college are based on the actual material. Here, you learn to learn. What you learn is not simply an example to then further a skill, but, again, demonstrates your actual understanding of the content. In an English 1A class, you will be taught the great and wonderful knowledge of writing a truly sublime essay. (And if you are lucky enough to have Professor Dominguez as your instructor, then you shall guided well to write sublime pieces of writing!)
Throughout high school, we seemingly forgot that writing is an art form. Yes, even formal academic writing, if not especially formal academic writing. We might think “Well how could my writing ever be beautiful…?” You may have doubts, you may overthink it, but as an English tutor at the Writing Center, let me give you a piece of advice: Do not overthink it. Enjoy the process. Relish in the intricate phrases that come to your mind, and let them spill onto the paper. That is always the first step.
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