The biggest improvement came from writing the research paper. It was my first time writing a long essay. Reading long sources and putting the information into my own words was difficult at first. It felt like it would take forever. But I found the topic I chose interesting, so the process wasn’t painful. I also learned new vocabulary by looking up new words as I read and then using them in my writing. That cycle, reading, learning, and using new words, helped me improve a lot. I also learned how to develop and organize a clear argument in my writing. 

Another important area of growth was my perspective on revising and editing. At first, I wanted to write a perfect essay from the beginning. But I realized that a mindset does not make any progress. I learned that just starting to write brings up the idea. That helped the writing process move forward. I am no longer afraid of making mistakes, because revising makes for better writing.