Writing; one of the most productive ways to express emotion, ideas, issues, and etc.  I was generally excited at the start of the semester because I was getting to take English 111, also known as Writing and Inquiry.  Over the course of the semester, I’ve found that sometimes putting pen to paper brings a sense of satisfaction that technology can’t.

In this day and age, electronics are used for just about everything.  They are used in houses, classrooms, offices, and also cars. Writing has become something that most people, including I, do on a computer or laptop.  This semester that changed for me. Each month, we were given the assignment to write a letter to somebody. The letter had to be written long-hand and stamped and addressed to be put in the mail.  There’s such a satisfaction that comes with escaping from email and texting, and instead, writing with pen and paper. As mentioned in “We Could All Use a Little Snail Mail Right Now” by Susan Shain, “it is such a delight to see that ink go on that beautiful paper – to pick out a stamp, to slow down and realize you thanked or consoled somebody in the best way possible” (par. 9).  When we read this passage in class, I instantly agreed. Taking the time to write snail mail brings a sense of joy and meaning to both you and the person receiving it that text or email can’t do.

Furthermore, the writing process is a critical time.  You are writing what comes from within and that takes time.  I thoroughly enjoy drafting my works away from the screen, only using the books, pen, and paper in front of me.  Drafting on paper is good because “when we write by hand, we retain information better and may even boost our creativity” (par. 8).  I’ve learned to love writing my drafts on paper because I don’t have technology to speed up the process. I use only my knowledge and it challenges me as a writer.

I’ve extended my drafting on paper to more than just class days provided.  When given the extra credit assignment to conduct a piece to submit for publication, I decided I would draft and revise on paper.  As I began the drafting process, I came to the conclusion that I would write a poem about cherishing memories and moments. Almost instantly, thoughts were flowing from my brain, through my hand, and being inked onto the college-ruled piece of notebook paper.  During the process, I felt connected with what I was writing, and the emotion that I put into the poem was effectively shown by the last lines, which stated “for in one breath, all that was once, could vanish” (Lines 19-21). The poem was written about cherishing memories and moments, and drafting on paper really helps me appreciate my own works.

At the start of the semester, writing didn’t mean the same to me as it does now.  Through snail mail and personal writings, I have learned to love and appreciate the process and outcome of others’ and my own works.  In the time of a semester, my pen has morphed from the cause of a hand cramp to a swift sword pouring out my innermost thoughts.

Works Cited

Maltba, Emma. Submission to Atlantis. 31 January, 2019.

Shain, Susan. “We Could All Use a Little Snail Mail Right Now.” The New York Times. 8 Oct, 2018. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/08/smarter-living/we-could-all-use-a-little-snail-mail-right-now.html.