Dear Professor Intawiwat,

I have thoroughly joyed this class, and I am not just saying that because I
want an A. This is the first time in my academic history when I was able to write and
elaborate on something I am interested in. The extended inquiry project was
structured, but also gave me room to add my own interpretation in. I really
appreciate that. I think I learned more about myself as writer because of that. I was
so used to working straight off a rubric and being a cookie-cutter writer, that I
forgot what it was like to write about something I liked or even just for fun. It was
hard for me, at first, to find my own direction without the help from a rubric or
instructions, but after a little while I was able to find my way.
Initially, I had a rough start with the extended inquiry project. My first topic
was way too broad, but was really something I was passionate about. But, when it
came to research portion of the project it was almost near impossible to find factual
evidence on it. Thankfully, with the help from you, I found something I was also
interested in, Adventure Therapy. I found this topic by using UNCCs library website.
I honestly did not even know that it existed until I had to use it for the extended
inquiry project. This project really enhanced my technology skills, because I had
never even made an e-portfolio. Using Weebly, at first, was really difficult for me. I
couldnt figure out how to upload documents, or even how to save it. But, after a
while I got the hang of it, which made it a lot easier to use. My critical thinking skills
were really tested in this class, because I had to come up with my own project,
basically. It took a lot forethought and time to come up with how I wanted to put my
extended inquiry and multi-modal project together. But, reflecting on certain
assignments helped me with present and future assignments. For example,
reflecting on the fact that I had to change my topic made me realize that to write a
research paper, its hard to have a topic that is opinionated. It is hard to find factual
evidence to prove your case and put it all into a 6 page paper.
The annotated bibliography was probably the most difficult element of this
project for me. At first, I did not even understand what an annotated bibliography
was because I had never done one of those before. After looking at your examples
of them on Moodle I was able to find some sort of a direction and complete one.
After I completed one, they got a little easier each time. Each annotated
bibliography averaged me about an hour, but it was worth it, because I really
understood the information I was reading. I ended up doing 7, instead of the 6
required, because I wanted to go a little above and beyond on that. This was the
most challenging element for me, so I figured I might as well do an extra one to
push myself as a writer. So, the annotated bibliographies definitely positively
enhanced my research skills. It was really cool that I was able to write my entire
paper after doing all my annotations. I felt like I really knew all the information
about my topic, and wasnt just regurgitating it into my paper, but actually talking
about it and understanding.
The multi-modal portion of the project was probably the most fun for me.
After getting through the research, the annotations, and writing the paper, I was
ready to do something created with everything that I had learned. I think this part
helped enhance my creative, because to be honest I am not a very creative person.

Like I said before, I sort of live by the rubric. By not having set instructions, I was
forced to come up with something on my own, which forced me to use my creativity
skills. I dont think I have used those in a very long time in my writing. Coming up
with what to do for my multi-modal was sort of challenging, but after I decided what
to do, I was really excited to make it happen.
Based on my work and effort I put forth in this class I think that I deserve an
A. I worked really hard in this class on every assignment. I always met the
requirements or even went beyond what was required of me. I was always on time
for class, never left early, and only missed one class due to a family member
graduating from Military basic training. I always engaged in class discussion, and if I
wasnt, I was always attentively listening to what others had to say. I think that
class, overall, went really well for me. I think that I learned a lot about myself as a
writer. My house group was really great. We helped each other out when we needed
it, whether it was in-class or out of class. I was always willing to help answer
someones question to the best of my ability or edit someones paper. I think that
my house group was really helpful and constructive.
I think that the discussion that I found the most useful was where we
submitted our rough drafts. The responses that people gave me on my rough draft
really assisted me when it came time to write my final draft. All-in-all, I thought that
the discussions and journals were really helpful because, they gave insight into
others ideas. Seeing things from different perspectives really made me think about
things in a different way. I think that it also allowed me to elaborate more in my
writings, because I was able to think of things I had never really thought of before.
I think that my strongest point in this project would definitely be my essay.
I worked really hard on it, and tried to use only useful information and not as much
fluff. I really wanted to talk about topic and not just spit out facts that I read in a
book or found on a website. I put a lot of thought and effort into my essay. My
weakest point of this project is probably my annotated bibliographies. Even though I
completed them and did more than was expected, I feel like that werent exactly
what they were supposed to be. I feel like I did not grasp the full concept of
annotated bibliographies and this hindered me using this project to my full
potential.
The most important piece of this project to me is definitely my essay. I cant
begin to explain how hard I worked on it. I really didnt even have a rough draft, I
sort of wrote the whole thing through and fixed things along the way. I really put a
lot of effort and time into this piece, so I think thats why it is the most important to
me. The most difficult thing for me, like I said above, was definitely that annotated
bibliographies. Just because the fact they were so time consuming really made me
struggle with the entire thing. Luckily, I got it done and completed and turned in on
time.
I most definitely have learned to make connections between texts or learned
ideas into my life or just life in general. After reading Into The Wild, I chose to do the
topic Adventure Therapy. I was able to connect with this topic in my own life,
because I have always found peace in the outdoor world. Because of this, I was

really able to personally relate to my topic. Also, who doesnt need a little therapy
every now and then? Adventure Therapy could be utilized by anyone, anywhere,
any age.
Personally, I think that I utilized this class to the best of my ability. Like I said
before, I was always on time, never left early, and only missed one class period. I
always turned in assignments on time in Moodle. If we ever had an assignment that
needed to be printed out and brought to class, I was always prepared. If we were
told you have an assignment completed by a certain date or time, mine was always
completed to the best of my ability. I can honestly say I put a tremendous amount of
effort into this class. I cant really say that for a lot of my other classes, but I was
really passionate about my topic and wanted to do a good job. I wanted to not be
just average, I wanted to go above. I regularly engaged in class discussion, and if I
wasnt verbally talking, I was always listening. I never used my phone during class
time, which helped me really focus into what others were saying during discussions.
I learned a lot of different view-points and opinions as a result of this. I have taken a
lot of things away after taking this course. I have improved my writing skills
tremendously. And, learned a lot of different writing tactics and strategies that I had
never used before. Overall, I think that I succeeded in this class.
Hopefully you feel the same,
Savannah Oakes
UWRT 1102-091