Workshop

Workshop has been such a helpful experience. It's less intimidating that I initially imagined it would be because we're all vulnerable together and share a same purpose: improving both our own work and the work of others. I've appreciated everyone's honesty and feedback thus far because everyone has come to class with such good intentions and every suggestion comes from such a genuine place. Everyone has been considerate and respectful throughout the process.

At the time I submitted my poem, I didn't think there was much work I could do to improve it. I was content with the piece as it was. The problem is is that I couldn't see the piece beyond my own limited vision of it. It was necessary to have an audience —particularly a vocal audience — willing, not only to read the piece, but to honestly come forth and point out what was working and what wasn't with it.

It was refreshing to read my own work from another's perspective. It breathed fresh life into it and I was able to see it in all its potential. Workshop has been invaluable thus far. I do hope we take more time to do similar sort of critiques throughout the rest of the semester.