How it feels to be American me...

Today we had the counselors visit to enroll students for next year. It was a little confusing to have students moving in and out, but we got by. We read the story "How It Feels to be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston. If you missed class, you will want to read that story in your Literature text. 

We all have labels that seem to attach themselves to us. Some are good and some are bad. Some of my labels include teacher, father, husband, ex-husband, ADHD, 40 year old, singer and Catholic. I'm sure there are others that I wouldn't want to own, but I'm proud of these. They make me who I am. If I wrote about myself, I might title it "How it Feels to be ADHD me." I could tell you some things!

Remember: Next time, we are going to share our poems. If you didn't turn yours in today, make sure you have it next time. Also, your "How it Feels to be __________ Me" essays are due next Wednesday (1/28).

Below are the instructions for the essay:

Reflective writing usually describes how your thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences relate to material taught in class. Who are you?  Using “How It Feels to Be Coloured Me” as a guide, describe what adjective you would use to describe yourself and compose a 2-3 page essay in MLA format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

 

Helpful Tips:

• DO incorporate your personal feelings into the essay. The purpose of the essay is to find out how your own thoughts and feelings shaped the message you took away from the course material.
• DO use first person. A reflective essay is different than writing a formal or informative essay. Using “I felt”, “I discovered”, “I realized” are all appropriate in a reflective writing.
• DO make the connection between “How It Feels to Be Coloured Me” and your own experience.
• DO structure your essay clearly. There should be a defined introduction with a thesis statement, main body, and conclusion.
• DON’T worry about being wrong. While your reflective essay will be graded, there is no right or wrong answer. The focus will be on the honesty and thought you put into your paper.

Sentence Starters:

I used to be _____________, but now I am __________________ .

I belong _______________; I don’t belong _________________.

I am _______________ (a stereotype or adjective), but _____________.

Grading:

Your essay will be graded on the following categories:

 

* Content - Depth of reflection and original thoughts

* Language use – figurative language and the use of metaphors should be evident

* Organization

* Sentence fluency and word choice

* Mechanics

On a final note, I hope everyone takes a chance to reflect on the inauguration today. If you didn't have a chance to see it, look for it online. We all have a responsibility as citizens to participate in our democracy and in our communities. How will you serve?