Literary Filler

By Jocelyn Pedersen

            ‘One hundred and twenty eight credit hours’.  That’s how many it takes to graduate from Dana.  Now between general education requirements, challenge to expand, core classes, and completion of an emphasis most of those hours are going to be absorbed.  But many students find that when looking ahead to their senior year they still have credits to fill.  It may be three credits or twenty three credits.  What it comes down to is time to fill.  Without the many requirements that have dictated their lives to guide them; some will find themselves at a loss.

            This is the chance to explore an interest that students have otherwise pushed aside these last few years, sacrificed for productivity.  Learn an instrument, take an art class, delve into writing.

            "Yes," Taylor expressed that she had previously been interested in creative writing. "But I have never been very good at it."  In fact Introduction to Creative writing is an excellent choice for the student who has felt that pesky urge to write.  No matter what their level.

            "English major requirement," Essay says quickly adding, "and because I really like to write."  This is a class taken by English majors.  And yes, some have even chosen to major entirely in this very subject.  But this should not provoke hesitation in other students; it is after all an introduction to the subject. 

            "Just public school English," Taylor shrugs when I asked her about previous writing experience.  Though skill may vary it will be the first college creative writing class that anyone has taken.  "I felt sort of prepared," Taylor hesitates playing with her bare feet. "He (the Professor) did a very good job in preparing us for what we were going to do."

            Every student is there to learn.  Both Essay and Taylor say that they saw marked improvement on their writing in both quality and quantity.  "I really like writing classes because they encourage me to write more." Leaning forward Essay displays a profound far off look, "They really make me think about it."

            "I felt perfectly comfortable with the level that I was held to in the class," Essay said after recounting a tale of a not so comfortable classmate.  Students should be forewarned however; that it is not a class for slackers.

            There is a lot of work to be done;  Particularly if the student is dedicated to improving their writing.  Some do feel overwhelmed.  This is not the kind of class that everyone has the time for.  If the desire to write is present; time will be found.  It's just not the kind of course that should be added to an already full semester.  

            "It was more of a work shop," Taylor thinks back.  The work that each student does is shared with the class.  Everything from the blog journals and in class exercises, to the final works.  Again this should not strike fear in the heart of the timid.  This is constructive.  Remember everyone is being exposed on the same level.  Some even found this part of the class to be very fulfilling.

            "It's great to write and have other people look at it and think about it and talk about it; To know that I have shared that part of myself with others."  Essay leaves her thought unfinished, but it is clear by her serene smile what it means to her.  "It was very welcoming it was very open.  It was really neat to read everybody's stuff."

            "It was a very good class and it was a lot of fun," Taylor nods in slow reflective dips.  "It's very good for expanding your horizons."  Each student takes away something different from this class.  For some it is broadening, for others self exploration.  For most it is a blossoming love for the written word. 

            "When I grow up," sniggering Essay repeats the words 'grow up' accompanying them with large air quotes. "I would like to join some kind of writing group in my community."