Introduction
This portfolio represents my growth as a writer, thinker, and communicator over the course of my First-Year Writing experience. Through a range of assignments—including personal narratives, analytical essays, and research-based projects—I have explored how writing can be used to reflect, persuade, and engage with complex ideas. Each piece in this collection demonstrates my evolving ability to craft arguments, respond to diverse texts, and revise with purpose. More than just a record of completed work, this portfolio captures the process of learning to write with clarity, creativity, and intention. I invite you to read these selections not only as finished products, but as milestones in an ongoing journey of academic and personal development.
In this portfolio, you will find the following:
- My Reflection Journal responding to texts in this course
- A group presentation deck analyzing a discourse community
- A multimodal essay conveying research on a discourse community
- An explainer video unpacking a process for a specific discourse community
- A reflection video that narrates my growth as a researcher throughout this course
Reflection Journal
Abstract: this reflection journal chronicles my development as a writer and critical thinker throughout my First-Year Writing course. Each entry captures my engagement with diverse texts—from personal narratives and scholarly essays to multimedia and AI-driven content—and documents how these readings shaped my understanding of voice, audience, and purpose. Through reflective writing, I explored how language influences identity, how argumentation can be both analytical and empathetic, and how creativity plays a central role in academic success. This journal not only traces my evolving writing process but also highlights the connections I made between course materials and my own experiences as a learner.
Group Presentation
Abstract: this group project explores the role of artist communities in fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural impact. Our team examined how local and digital artist networks support emerging voices and sustain artistic practice. We focused on themes such as mutual support, identity expression, and the challenges of visibility in a competitive creative economy. Our final product—a collaborative presentation deck—reflects both our research findings and our own creative process as a team. This project deepened our understanding of how writing, design, and storytelling intersect to amplify community voices.
Multimodal Essay
Abstract: This multimodal essay investigates the cognitive effects of internet use on college students, combining academic research with visual and interactive elements to enhance engagement and understanding. Drawing on scholarly sources in psychology, education, and media studies, the project explores how constant connectivity influences attention, memory, and critical thinking. By blending traditional research with digital composition tools, this project reflects both the topic and the medium through which today’s students increasingly learn and communicate.
Explainer Video
Abstract: This video explainer project breaks down the complex process of buying a house into clear, accessible steps for first-time homebuyers. Combining research, visual storytelling, and voiceover narration, the video guides viewers through key stages such as budgeting, mortgage pre-approval, house hunting, making an offer, and closing. The project was designed to be both informative and engaging, using graphics and real-world examples to simplify financial and legal terminology. By translating a traditionally text-heavy topic into a multimodal format, this project demonstrates how digital composition can enhance understanding and empower audiences to make informed decisions.
Reflection Video
Abstract: In this video, I reflect on how I’ve grown as a researcher during this semester in English class. I talk about how my research process has improved—from finding better sources to building stronger arguments in papers like the Major Research Paper. I also share what I learned about using evidence and how I started thinking more critically about the information I found. One part of the video focuses on an excerpt from my paper (Appendix A), where I explain how I used it to show credibility and support my main points. Overall, this video shows how research became more than just a task—it became a skill I’m proud to keep building.
Contact Information
To learn more about these projects, please contact me: IamSmart@university.edu. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn using the button below:
Credits:
Created with images by serikbaib - "abstract pattern with ornamental leaves, decorative ceramic tile" • Scenessence - "mountain scenery reflection in a glass ball, lensball. klontalersee in the alps" • kojala - "Colorful artist brushes and paint. " • imagineRbc - "A brain made of wires and lights is floating on a dark surface. The brain is surrounded by a blurry background of lights, giving the impression of a futuristic, otherworldly environment" • FebynaBalqis - "blue house mock up, real estate concept, blue background" • panuwat - "Online live video marketing concept.Photo sign made by human hands on blurred sunset sky as background"