Thoughts of a foundation student

I cannot believe I am only in my second week of my foundation course. I feel like I have done so much writing already. Including my first assignment, my word count for everything I have written in the past week is approximately 10,000 words. 10,000! I am shocked.

10,000 words may not be that impressive, but those words have been enjoyable to write. I wake up, and notice that writing is a little bit easier than it was yesterday. I am happy with this habit I have formed in the small space of a fortnight.

Writing is work, though. I realise this might be obvious to some but I used to feel writing was a natural talent. And, for a long time, I thought it was a talent I did not have. I would have bursts of creativity over the years, which often resulted in a temporary elated feeling. I would think, “Maybe I am good at this”.

Then, as soon as the next period of writer’s block hit I would berate myself for being so deluded.

I have started treating writing like work, which feels callous to say. Writing is my hobby, and an activity that gives me a sense of peace. I consider it a meditative practice and something that should be cherished. Thinking about writing in a mechanical manner seems like sacrilege. But, I persist.

Like any other work, I need to put time and effort in. I need to be critical, and keep learning new skills. I think of my new writing habit as a puppy being trained; I have love for it but I want it to be better behaved. This involves discipline, repetition and feedback.

Speaking of feedback, I made the decision to submit my first assignment. I had been corresponding with my tutor via email, and I just felt like I was ready for a review. My submitting so early might be bold, or it might be foolish, but it felt like the right step for me. I am curious to see my feedback.

Feedback helps me identify my next steps. I know many people get anxious about receiving feedback, but I always find it fascinating. It provides so many opportunities, and alternative insight. I walk away from reviews full of ideas, and an eagerness to explore them.

In addition to my regular writing, I have been involved in a focus group looking at learning logs with some undergraduate students and staff members across the college. As a foundation student, my perspective contrasts with the undergraduates. I have different assignments and requirements, so my needs are simpler than other people in the group. It has been incredibly interesting to see how people are using their learning logs. It varies so much between individuals and subjects, we have so much to talk about.

It has been so much fun trying out new systems, and talking through their features. I am particularly drawn to a system that is embedded in OCA Learn (it works similar to OCA Learn blogs, but with a few more interactive elements). I enjoy the coherence of the layout and the ease of navigation.

I was surprised by how much I enjoy user testing. I have been considering the ways in which user testing is like my writing (ie. try something, see what happens). It seems very playful.

Next week I will be working on a submission for edge zine and getting ready for the Student Voice Festival. I cannot wait to see what July brings.