Blog# 2: Gere

My experiences from English classes was difficult to adapt in High school. Not having extra curriculum to help me with my English, made it more less of a interest topic to learn. Being a bi-lingual student, English became confusing subject to learn and understand why certain things took place in English speaking, the reading, and the writing. Wasn't clear in my mind, on why it was so important for commas to be in the right place. Struggled with adverbs, adjectives, etc. In Anne Gere text, 'Kitchen Tables and Rented Room: The Extra curriculum of Composition,' she mentions in her text "two prisoners in contingent cells communicate by blows struck on the wall. The wall separates them, but it also permits them to communicate," could relate this very well. Felt like there was a wall that separatedme from learning English, but also English became a wall, where I was able to communicate with others surrounded me.

To be honest, as a student there were times I felt I wasn't a good writer. Knowing how to read or write, but when it came down certain topics that was picked by the teacher, noticed it was hard to write about something that did not interest me at all. Felt I wasn't a good academic writer due to the fact the English teacher that I had, didn't pay attention just wanted the students to "copy and paste," to pass the class. My role was to memorize, performance and to move on. Did not take anything I was taught into consideration for the future. Reflecting back to Gere, "walls can be a means of communication as well as a barrier,"going back to the beginning; English (the subject) became a barrier to learn the important basics, but also became a communication strategy with others. The one thing I could say interested me in English was creative writing, poetry, short stories, and presentations. Creative writing, helped me explore my imaginations. Poetry, writing poetry taught me to let go some emotional personal situations on paper, and getting it out of my system to move forward in life. Reading short stories gave me imagination thoughts and inspired my writing. Presenting certain work helped me to focus more and most importantly learned on my own outside the academic walls.

Had a couple of English teachers who didn't really teach me anything. Didn't really explain the mistakes I have done so I would pay more attention in the future. Had some teachers who showed that their careless teaching, " teaching for the money and not from the heart," which is really so to be apart of. Coming to college and retaking the basics English courses as a non-credit class, made me label myself as a dumb bi-lingual writer, who don't comprehend anything in English..Became an embarrassment to admit and a struggle within myself. Feeling like a quote mention in Gere text, "I never felt like I had anything that anyone was interested in hearing," but in reality I have plenty to say that people would like to hear and/or maybe learn from it. When it come down to academic writing, I have labeled myself "not a good writer," but when it came to be a "free writer," referring to poetry, creative writing, etc. I labeled myself as a "good writer," due to the fact of writing what you feel, think, and not being graded on. Pushed me forward to write more. I love writing, especially in journals, love to hold a conversation with the paper and myself and not caring what others have to say or think.