Mary Andrus

HIST 1700-358
11/15/18

Signature Assignment Reflection

To me, a paper is a work of art. I love viewing the page as a blank canvas ready to accept

anything I might throw at it. But when given this assignment, my canvas was suddenly full of

lines and numbers, requiring specific topics and answers. This was discouraging to me. Not only

in school, but also in life, I value freedom and spontaneity. It’s hard for me to make strict plans

or commitments without feeling confined. I often feel restricted when expected to do something

a certain way, even if that is simply keeping a schedule. The requirements for this essay felt the

same way: claustrophobic.

Despite this, I had an essay to write and knew I had to follow the directions. It was hard

for me to view this essay as a work of art, but I found hope in the fact that after I wrote what was

required, I could, on my own time, create the paper I truly wanted to write. So, I found as many

sources as I could for each of the subjects required, and I formulated a hypothesis. I wrote

many drafts, and during the final edit of my paper I focused on ensuring that each question was

answered. I worked hard on this paper, and although it wasn’t my personal ideal, I did my best

to fulfill the format and content of the assignment. I think, like working or doing anything else

that requires responsibility and self-control, this paper was a good exercise in self-restraint and

self-mastery. I’ve come to learn that there is value both in being ambitious and creative--thinking

outside the box--as well as being able to stay within the box when necessary.

As a first-time concurrent enrollment student, I am taking only two classes this semester:

American Civilization and Intro to Geology. When making geological observations, one is

required to keep his notes separated into two categories: objective and interpretive. One must

first state only what he or anyone can plainly see: the shape of the geological formation, the

type of rock, the amount of vegetation, etc. Then he states what he thinks these things mean:

maybe there is a good amount of well-rounded granite in an alluvial fan, so there must be a
deposit of granite that was weathered and pieces of it were carried down the slope by a river. Or

perhaps there is an area of diminished vegetation, so he assumes a landslide must have carried

it down the hill. His interpretation of the facts is useful and needed, but to confuse his opinion

with the observable facts can be detrimental. I believe it is the same way with any subject. For

instance, after our assignments were graded in American Civilization we had an in-class

discussion on the essay topic. I disagreed with most of that discussion, not so much because of

the content, but because of the way in which it was presented and viewed. It seemed as though

many of the people in that classroom were absolutely sure that they were right. It didn’t seem to

cross their minds that they were displaying their own bias. But then I realized something: I was

as biased as they were! I was as sure that their opinion was wrong as they were sure it was

right! I realized that they had as much a right to state their opinion as I did, even though it

bothered me that they displayed it as fact. I learned that people are disposed to view even the

facts in whatever light best supports their personal opinions. Many of the students in my class

are of the opinion that invocations of deity in the Declaration of Independence, in the Pledge of

Allegiance, and on money were simply political moves, while I view them as representations of

the feelings of the general public at the time and an assertion of America’s religious

background. I found evidences to support my opinion in my research and included them in my

paper, while I’m sure my classmates did the same in regard to their several opinions. I firmly

believe that, whether in geology or history, there is great value in exploring and defining one’s

own personal convictions, so long as one distinguishes between one’s beliefs and the facts

when presenting them to others.

Because of this signature assignment I am now more considerate of others’ opinions and

aware of my own. My appreciation for not passing opinions off as fact has grown, and my

determination not to make that mistake has also increased. My capacity for doing a variety of

scholarly work has increased, and I feel better prepared to continue my higher education.