Final Workshop Reflection

When I registered for this Creative Non-Fiction Workshop last semester I did not know what to expect nor did I consider myself a creative non-fiction author. Undoubtedly, I hoped to come into the classroom and share my life with people whom I thought would be doing the same. And, although I definitely enjoyed expressing a part of me that I do not regularly share, I have also come away with a totally different perspective of what the exploration of creative non-fiction truly implies. Because, I am thirty-years-old, I am kind of old enough to understand the transition that has taken place between reality and technology. However, as a passive thinker of these concepts I never considered how important “a mind’s eye” really is. Dr. Dragan, has done an amazing job of bridging the gap and stressing the importance of remaining consciously aware of the significant transformation that is happening our culture. The consistent references made to distinguish historical and contemporary juxtapositions on journalism and documentation were really telling and I learned so much.

            Every author that we have ever covered save Toure and McCourt (although I have never read Angela’s Ashes prior to this course) were brand new to me. Sacks, McCourt, Styron, Hoagland, Wurtzel, Martinez wrote such powerful pieces and I will continue to follow them and their work long after my departure with ENG 274. All of the literature I have become acquainted with has spun my conventional ideas of creative non-fiction upside down and has given it a breadth I had not ever thought to associate with the genre at all, which has ultimately broadened my perceptions of where I could go with it. The New Yorker! I have never leant its work such admiration until I became familiar with the material and now have come to really appreciate its history.  The YouTube videos that accompanied some of the authors' work really offered energized the material and are a practice I have adopted as a result of taking this course.

            A few weeks ago, I came across a quote which read, “the most lively thought is still inferior to the dullest sensation” by the philosopher David Hume. And it prompted me to think about all I have learned in this workshop and the importance of journaling in particular. I have learned how imperative it is to journal almost religiously even if just a mere quote. And to keep record of our lives even if we will never share some of it with anyone at all. I made a goal to strive little by little to journal at least once a day. Embrace my truth, accept my struggles and work to unpack who it is that I am and ever will become.

            This course was a great experience and I have come away from it better read and prepared to do more to honor myself, loved ones and any circle I may encounter. And, to read, read, read! There is so much great stuff out there I have yet to discover and the journey has only just begun.

Author's Note on Personal Memoir

Fast forward to October 2012, where I am on the A train to a Columbia University’s School of General Studies Open House. I was on the same route I took for so many years as a dialysis patient, a transplant patient and now soon to be LaGuardia Community College graduate. I commenced my studies only two months after receiving the transplant. I cannot believe how drastic a change my life has taken. While on that train ride I understood more intimately than ever the power of fortitude and a miracle. Today, I stand undeterred from pursuing my dreams of higher education. I strive to be the best mother, wife, friend and student I can be. Today, my life stands as a testament to all that was good and great in my donor’s short life and to all that his parents, friends and teachers will never bear witness to. I stand to make good on all of the promises he was unable to keep and dreams he will never realize. Today, we stand with purpose, transcendent and extraordinary.     

               I wrote about this part of my life because I wanted to relive these moments not only in my head but also in my spirit. It is not often that an opportunity arises where I can speak about this extraordinary experience that has ultimately informed my every decision since it has taken place. It just seemed a perfect fit for the Memoir assignment. When I sat down to type this, I had no idea so much would come out of it. I made a conscious effort to stay as true to the experience as much as my sensations would allow. This assignment forced me to truly consider my donor’s life and what it may have been like. What was the circumstance which led to his unfortunate and untimely death? The result of this piece has led me to truly contemplate reaching out to my donor’s family in order to personally thank them. I honestly did not have any author in mind when I wrote this as it kind of came pouring out of me. I love when that happens because it just feels so easy and makes for an authentic piece of writing. The organic process of writing reminds me to recall the great art of form of expressing ourselves through this medium and how powerful it truly is. This story is one that I hope to rewrite and revise until it is perfect. It is a special one and I am glad to wholly embrace it. It is a part of being, my fabric, and physical body, literally. And, who knows? Perhaps when I meet my donor’s family I can offer them a copy as well.

Planning an Interview for a 'Personal Profile'

There is a young lady who rides the Q39 from Ridgewood to the LaGuardia CC campus and I am am curious too get to know her. She uses a walker and I cannot speculate as to what kind of illness she may have but her attitude always appears to be delightful and I am attracted to her energy. She boards the bus via lift, sits in the same seat everyday and then puts her full equipped headphones on blast the whole way to the college. She is always smiling, she seems really strong.

If I have an opportunity to speak with her and she feels comfortable, I would like to ask her about her daily routine along with a few other questions like:

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What kind of career are you pursuing?

What do you want your legacy to be?

Do you have any regrets?

Something tells me that it is going to be a deeply moving conversation and I hope that she is as open to it as I imagine her to be. I am little anxious because I have not one an activity like this but I am up for he challenge and think it will be fun!