This class was challenging and rewarding, a bit of a wild ride. I think my biggest takeaway from it would have to be the importance of doing stuff imperfectly. This challenging book we read was a lot, but it helped me develop the discipline to stick with it despite not reading every single word or line. I normally refuse to say I’ve read a book until I’ve read every single page until the end (for this reason, a lot of times I end up leaving books for school unfinished, because I feel like I have failed to read them perfectly), but this has shown me that this is not necessarily true. Close reading this, though not every single line, was one of the most valuable and enriching reading experiences I’ve had, at least in a long time. The process to learn close reading was a gradual one too, and it forced me to make failed attempts many times until I hit the mark. However, the opportunities to revise and correct our work were a very important step in this learning process. I tend to shy away from doing things unless I absolutely know exactly what to do, but this class has helped me realize my work is not of less value if it’s not perfect, it just means I’m human and I’m learning.
In terms of the content of the book itself, I feel like I’ve gained a new perspective of America as a country and us as a people. As a Mexican-American, I tend to separate my two nationalities with that hyphen: I am both, but they are distinct from one another. The discussion of what makes an American an American has caused me to question if this separation is really necessary. I am newly interested in what it means to be a person of the United States and why, what American culture might be, and what that means for our society. I’ve always thought that the strength of this nation lies in the combination of so many backgrounds and contributions that enrich us. I still believe this and the book has challenged me to think more deeply on this and how that relates to the American identity.
This is such a wonderful reflection for so many reasons. I’m glad that you learned to be imperfect and to learn in public and collaboratively. That is vital for success in life these days. But I’m also glad that you’re rethinking the need for hyphened and binary identities. We are taught to conform to categories these days, but Melville’s novel prompts us to rethink that and perhaps even think through where those binary come from or what power structures they support. You worked hard in this class, and you were willing to engage and speak, and deeply grateful for all of your effort. You are a true pleasure to learn from and with, and I hope I will have you in class in the future.
Adria this was such a great finale takeaway to read through! Something that I can completely relate to here is ” my biggest takeaway from it would have to be the importance of doing stuff imperfectly… it helped me develop the discipline to stick with it despite not reading every single word or line”. This class truly taught me that I dont need to know everything and me not understanding a concept to passage is all apart of the journey. Truly how boring would life be if we already knew everything?
I would definitely agree that this book taught me discipline as well. there were moments where I was so bored I didn’t know that I would make it through the book, but then I would turn the page and the craziest thing would happen. Instantly drawing me back into the story. I loved this book and I loved being able to work along side you!
Thank you for that post! I love that we can all agree we aren’t perfect readers, and admitting that helps us try new things, challenge our understanding, and figure it out. This was also my first class, where I read the entire book and still had questions, but I loved being so deep into it and seeing it for what it’s worth, along with all the outcomes and experiences that are personalized to each individual. This is my first class where the professor allowed us to rework our essays ands turn them in for something better which I found to be actually more difficult, but has caused me to grow more as a writer and reader and with this new found confidence anything is possible
Hi Adria! I really loved reading about your experience reading this book and how it helped you explore your identity: “As a Mexican-American, I tend to separate my two nationalities with that hyphen: I am both, but they are distinct from one another. The discussion of what makes an American an American has caused me to question if this separation is really necessary.
I definitely relate to this experience, especially in this cultural and political moment, when there is so much dividing us, and yet so much that is bringing us together. My relationship with being Mexican-American has always been complicated, and recently, one that I was tired of questioning. Surprisingly, this book was something that brought me back into the conversation of considering these identities as not split, but unified! Anyway, thank you for sharing your experience. I really enjoyed reading your posts this semester.