While choosing a
discourse community I was a bit torn between two options. My first choice was
Just Swim, Swim School and my other choice was The Cardiac and Vascular Unit in
Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood Florida. When trying to settle on a
discourse community, I spent a lot of time weighing out my two options. Although
these were two completely different environments, both had a large impact on
me.
I had kept both of
these as open options, because at the time when the assignment had first been
discussed I was a nursing major, throughout the semester though I made the
choice to change my major to psychology. This decision made me feel confident
to side with Just Swim, not only because I am a current employee there but
because the more I began to think about the more appropriate it became.
During spring
break, like many students, I went back home. While visiting I picked up a
couple of shifts, and asked my supervisor if I could have the opportunity to
observe one of my coworker’s, Nicole, classes for the day. I explained the
assignment to him, and he was thrilled to oblige.
As I entered the
pool deck, I saw Nicole preparing for her classes by setting up all the
equipment that is used during class. After this was done her first class was
there. For the rest of the day, I spent my time observing and analyzing
different techniques and interactions that were taking place. I was amazed at
how much occurred outside of just swim lessons, things including parents,
siblings, and even other coaches. It was a nice change to witness.
After I had my
observations, I was ready to sit down with Nicole and have my interview. This
was an awesome part of the assignment, despite working with Nicole, I learned
about many new techniques and skills that can be beneficial while teaching
children to swim. It was incredible
learning about my job through someone else eyes and to hear someone else’s
perspective on something you have such great knowledge of.
Once I had my
entire set materials ready, I decided it was time to start the paper. Like with
many papers I faced writer’s block but thankfully since I took the necessary
time and effort to prepare, I was able to overcome it quickly. I began with an outline, and wrote down where I
would talk about my different points. Creating an outline always seems to be
something that has been beneficial to me, and has never done anything but
helped. I am a huge believer in taking steps while writing, it allows you to
focus on one thought at a time, but also allows you to jot down other ideas as
they come for later. Once I had begun my first draft I was on a roll. I had all
the information I needed right in front of me and that was a huge relief.
After coming to an
end with my first draft, I submitted it on our blog site. I was excited yet
nervous that the whole class would be able to see it. Once again my classmates
came through and spent an adequate amount of time of the papers they were to
review. Once I read my peer’s feedback I was relieved. She mentioned how she
liked that I had so much supporting the points I had made, and that I had good
introductions for each topic I was bringing up as well as had good and subtle
transitions.
This was great news to me, not only has this
class improved my confidence as a writer, but it is now clear to me that I have
actually become a better writer. Never would I have imagined being told that my
paper included great substance as well as smooth and subtle transitions. My
peer’s feedback was so rewarding, and I have really come to appreciate all of
the peer reviews we do in the class. It is an excellent tool to ensure success
as a student as well as an individual. Finally after this entire process I am
now ready to add my final copy’s link to my blog!
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