I know what it is like to be the outsider. As a French student in an American school (from Kindergarten to twelfth grade), I battled to improve my English and writing skills above all things, fighting for equal recognition in a classroom composed mainly of English-speaking students. I read, practically devoured, books. They taught me vocabulary, grammar, and the ability to differentiate original writing styles from the rest. To me, words were inspirational, powerful, and meaningful. I finished high school with English awards that I worked as hard as I possibly could to earn. I needed to be the best; I needed to go beyond myself and what was expected of me. It is through this fierce desire to improve that I became aware that writing would always undeniably be part of my life.
Numerous diaries as a young girl, many poems as a teenager, and uncountable blog entries and short stories as a young adult; this is an approximate timeline of my amateur writing career. Words have never been excruciating, frustrating, or strenuous. They have always been my passion; having the ability to choose them as I wish, to beautify them, and above all things, to romanticize them.
I came to college as an outsider; a Caribbean girl hoping to be acknowledged among a high percentage of American students, a passionate girl hoping to touch others with her originality. This course fits my objectives to perfection. Not only does it embody the “current events” aspect of writing that is needed today in any writing career, but also the personal, emotional characteristic that has always inspired me about writing. I am very eager to share and grasp as much information as possible from the numerous topics that we will cover over the semester.
I second everything you said in here. I also know what it feels like to be looked at as the "outsider" or someone different from everyone else. However, I did not let that stop me from being the great person that I am and strived to make as big of a difference in life as I could. When I started college two years ago, I realized that both writing and public speaking has helped me to express myself in the best way possible. It forced me to stand up for my rights and what I believe is right, even if I had to stand alone.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. I really like your writing and I think you’re an amazing writer. It’s very inspirational to hear how hard you have worked to become a great writer in a second language. English is my first language and I don’t feel like my writing is any comparison to yours. That’s pretty embarrassing to say, but I really feel that it’s true!
ReplyDeleteAs some one who moved to the U.S. from Mexico and as someone who never stayed in one school longer than two years, I know exactly how it is. I also know what it feels like to stand alone. It's a bad feeling sometimes and a hard one to cope with.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way you do. I come from a Caribbean country where English is just becoming a necessity if you want to find a good job. Here at Manhattanville i have improved my skills, but i still feel bad when i don't pronunciate a word correctly.
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