Cherie's English 301 Blog

Where has the time gone? It is difficult to believe that the first overwhelming week of looking ahead to the amount of writing required to successfully complete this course is here! I have mentioned in previous blog posts, but I cannot praise ENGL 301 enough for the practicality of improving writing skills. I am not positive of the direction I am headed after graduation, nonetheless, throughout the application process and career change, excellent writing can only advance my opportunities.

Ironically, I excelled at reflecting on the process. I found it came easy to identify my weaknesses through the peer-reviewing assignments. I plan on reviewing our text frequently over the holidays, especially mastering the avoidance of imperatives.

I will miss my professional writing team, we all came from such diverse backgrounds and worked so well together learning and improving. I believe this course would benefit any discipline offered at UBC.

Thank you, Dr. Paterson for a great term, and I hope you all enjoy the winter break.

Drafting an application package composed of a cover letter, letters requesting a reference letter, and resume was the first task in this unit. My application was hypothetical, however, the three letters for references were to those who I would consider requesting when the time comes to leave my current position. I peer-reviewed Cindy Yu’s application package, and she reviewed mine. She provided excellent feedback, and I realize that I need to continue to improve my style of writing and revisit earlier chapters from our text for clarity.

This course has been fast-paced and a lot of work although it has sparked my interest in advancing my writing skills beyond the time frame of this course.

Unit 3 Reflection

The first assignment of this unit was to write a response to a student who is trying to gain a spot in a full course, demonstrating best practices in writing an e-mail to a professor, and demonstrate a “You Attitude” towards the student. There were many suggestions for improvement, although, throughout the remainder of the unit, I felt that I had to constantly refresh myself on the “You Attitude”. I still do not have this reader-centred approach to writing ingrained yet!

3:2 assignment was dedicated to the composition of my formal report draft. I felt at ease with general knowledge of my topic, and have thought of a few of my suggested recommendations long before starting this course, however, I did not know how to approach a solution. I conducted a survey, and volunteers were eager to take part when they knew of the problem I am trying to improve. Then, I have run into trouble ever since! I still have not received a response to my calls or e-mails to Green for Life, nor Stuart Baum, the Human Resources Executive for the RioCan Centre. I have only gained minimal information from receptionists who continuously transfer me to someone who can assist me. I resent my emails and left voicemails again this week, and I am hopeful that I will get a response.

This assignment has blown me away with the amount of work required to initiate a change. I now see why the process is so lengthy for community initiatives.

Peer reviewing is becoming easier, our text is excellent at explaining errors and the rationale for corrections. I reviewed Louisa Morett’s Formal Report draft, she is off to an admirable start, and I had to read through a few times to fine comb for suggestions on improvement. I am looking forward to her polished draft.

I can not believe that we are weeks away from completion, this course has been a lot of work, but one of my favourites. I often talk about my new knowledge with colleague’s and family.

I have attached my Formal Report Draft as a word document.

Formal Report Draft

LinkedIn Profile

The first task of creating a LinkedIn profile was to research best practices for professional networking on LinkedIn. This networking and resume building lessons have been my favourite thus far as an ENGL 301 student. Prior to this course, I had created a LinkedIn profile but was negligent in updating, and honestly didn’t really understand what this networking site had to offer. Since I have been working on my page, I have made new connections, and other professionals have viewed my page. I am excited to continue to utilize LinkedIn beyond the time frame of this course.

Proposal and Peer Review

The formal report proposal was a challenging one for me, this is my first experience in creating a plan of action for a problem. When I submitted my email memo, and proposal, I lacked confidence in my writing, ideas, and approval. Having my proposal reviewed by Louisa Morett, and positive comments from Dr. Paterson provided some leverage to continue brainstorming on my problem and proposed solution. Louisa’s feedback was very appreciated, she has a great eye for detail and a thorough understanding of all aspects of this proposal. I agreed with her suggestions and made the necessary corrections to strengthen my proposal.

My peer review was written for Bradley Jeffery. He is an excellent writer and critical thinker. His proposal for sustainable employment in the Newcastle Region, unfortunately, was too broad for the purpose of this assignment, however, it was an excellent proposal, and I admired his ambition. I predict his planning and writing skills will continue to excel beyond the foundation of this course.

My first peer review assignment was a little daunting, with such a strong calibre of writers, I struggled to analyze grammatical errors, and to formulate questions that arose while reading. The text, Technical Communication, and Dr. Paterson’s Instructor’s Blog have been indispensable in guiding me through the process.

I have attached my revised Formal Report Proposal as a word document, and a link to my Peer Review for Bradley Jeffery.

Revised Formal Report Proposal

Peer Review of Formal Report Proposal

Unit one we were instructed to choose a complex term that is used within your discipline and to explain this term to a non-technical audience through various definitions. Working with a partner, each person completes a peer review and editing of each other’s definitions.  I found the peer editing very useful in viewing this assignment from either side of the process.  As a writer familiar with my discipline, it was difficult to communicate to a layperson terms that I use daily with colleagues, other professionals, and professors.  When I peer-reviewed my partners work, I realized that I was unfamiliar with their chosen definition, and it helped me to look deeper into my original work through the eye of a non-technical reader.

The term I picked was “periodontal disease”, which is very prevalent in the adult population, and I see and treat on a weekly basis.  As I was writing my definitions to explain this common term within my workplace, I had to constantly go back and revise my vocabulary to allow my classmate to understand.  Despite my efforts, during my peer review, there were still several jargons that my classmate questioned during the editing process, that I have revised in my attached document, along with a more comprehensive visual. My partner graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Science specializing in Atmospheric Science.  She picked “nimbostratus” (I remembered the correct spelling!), for her definitions assignment.  I have zero knowledge of weather systems, other than the terms mentioned in the news lately from recent hurricanes.  Her visual clearly depicted the term she defined, however, I believe I would struggle to identify this cloud formation without it.

Through this process, I have learned to carefully understand the audience that I am writing for.  The tone and terminology should be appropriate for comprehension. I found it challenging to peer review my partner’s assignment, as she was the expert on the subject, however, asking questions to fill in the blanks was helpful to clarify misunderstandings.

I have attached my revised definition assignment, the link to the original, as well as the review from my peer.

DefinitionsCherieJohnson

http://engl301.arts.ubc.ca/2017/09/22/13-definitions-of-periodontal-disease/

http://engl301.arts.ubc.ca/2017/09/27/peer-review-definition-of-periodontal-disease/

From: Cherie Johnson cherieannjohnson@hotmail.com

To: Stacey Marie <stacey.forrester@alumni.ubc.ca

Date: September 18, 2017

Subject line: Invitation to join writing team

Dear Stacey,

I am in the process of seeking members to join my professional writing team.  I have read your biography and application letter and would like to extend this invitation.

I graduated with a diploma in Dental Hygiene twelve years ago, and I am a third-year student at University of British Columbia working towards my Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene.  I am considering working within the community in public health after I graduate, and I am interested in your experiences as a nurse in the field.  I am also working on a writing assignment to be published in our dental hygiene professional journal, and would love to learn and read your published works.  I also feel that our organization skills to manage our future workloads will compliment each other.

If it works out with our individual goals of creating a writing team include each other, I would be thrilled to work with you,

Best,

Cherie Johnson

301-Cherie-Johnson-Application-Letter-1

From: Cherie Johnson cherieannjohnson@hotmail.com

To: Louisa Morett louisa_morett@hotmail.com

Date: September 18, 2017

Subject line: Invitation Accepted

Dear Louisa,

Thank you for your offer to join your professional writing team, I have read your blog post regarding your application letter and biography, and I am confident we will make a great team.

During the summer, I took my first course in psychology, Family Education and Consultation.  As your interest in psychology occurred at a young age, my recent exposure has opened my eyes to interactions within a family dynamic that I had not considered.  I am excited to learn more about your volunteer experiences.

Despite our differences in educational backgrounds, I believe that our values, priorities and goals will integrate well!

Best,

Cherie Johnson

301-Cherie-Johnson-Application-Letter-1

From: Cherie Johnson <cherieannjohnson@hotmail.com>

To: Cindy Yu <cindysjyu@gmail.com>

Date: September 18, 2017

Subject line: Invitation Accepted to Writing Team

Dear Cindy,

Thank you for your offer to join your professional writing team, I have read your blog post regarding your application letter and biography, and I am confident we will make a great team.

In your biography, you mentioned that you worked for CTV as a weather producer, my spouse also worked for CTV when they owned Sportsnet, but of course is now a Rogers employee; such a small world!  In your current position as a meteorologist, I’m sure you are finding it fascinating, although a devastating role with our recent weather systems.

I am looking forward to improving my technical writing skills to deliver clear information to my clients through our professional writing team.

Best,

Cherie Johnson
301-Cherie-Johnson-Application-Letter-1

Cherie Johnson
123 Main Street
Toronto, ON L5H 2A5
cherieannjohnson@hotmail.com

September 14, 2017

University of British Columbia
2329 West Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z4
604 822 2211

Dear English 301 team,

My name is Cherie Johnson, and I am applying for the opportunity to be a member or your professional writing team.  I am in my third year of the Bachelor of Dental Science in Dental Hygiene program.  I am a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist in a general dental office and aspire to move from the clinical setting into dental science research, working in public health, or teaching.

I have 12 years of work experience in my profession, and have witnessed advances in dental technology, and the rapid recognition of the links between systemic health and oral disease.  I have had the opportunity to lecture elementary students on oral health topics, peer mentor colleagues, and organize an annual hockey sports mouth guard clinic.  Lastly, I was part of a dental mission that traveled to remote areas of Ecuador to provide dental services to underprivileged children who do not have access to care.  These experiences have enabled me to work within a team dynamic to provide education, instruction, and skills to varying populations.

I am currently working on a book review to be published in a national dental hygiene journal.  I was asked to undertake this writing assignment requested by my professor from last semester; she commended me on my clear, concise writing.  I am hoping to improve my writing organization, and clarity throughout this course.

I am positive my independent and group experiences will demonstrate that I am dedicated, innovative, and reliable.  I am looking forward to improving my technical writing skills within your professional writing team!

Thank you in advance for your consideration,

Sincerely,

Cherie Johnson

To:             Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 Instructor
From:        Cherie Johnson ENGL 301 Student
Date:         September 14, 2017
Subject:    Application Letter Posted

I have posted a letter of application on my blog for my prospective teammates approval, please see attached Word document.

Summary of Application:

• Experience working within a team for oral health promotion and education
• Background work experience in the dental field
• Diverse volunteer opportunities
• Working on a book review to be distributed through the Canadian Journal of Dental Hygiene
• Will improve on technical writing organization and clarity

Thank you for your interest,

Cherie Johnson
Technical Writing 301/Sept 2017

301 Cherie Johnson Application Letter