After reading the Portfolio book, I better understand what to expect for my portfolio this semester. I have taken a creative writing class before and at the end of each term, we created our own digital portfolios that consisted of our work from each term and any improvements we would want to make to the pieces. I never found it necessarily helpful since each piece was graded individually, but I look forward to this portfolio because I already have somewhat of an idea of what I want it to look like. While the book did talk about digital portfolios, I thought of ways to organize myself throughout the semester, so that when it’s time to put everything together it is one place. I honestly am just excited to make the final product and see how my writing has progressed through this class.

I found the articles about memory and storytelling very interesting, and almost relatable. When we shared stories about our injuries during Roadmap, I was able to tell my story based on a series of images I had in my head. I feel like I have heard the story so many times, that I can easily recite it when people ask. I thought this related to the article because even though I cannot remember exactly what was said, done, etc., I have heard my mom and dad tell me enough times to piece the events together.

During high school, I also took an AP Psychology course and learned a lot about memory and development. This article brought a whole new component, storytelling, and how memory and “the self” impact each person’s recollection. I believe an important part of storytelling lies in the passing down of stories from generations. I have learned so much about my parents, grandparents, and their parents that I would never have known if my parents didn’t tell me. I find it helps to talk about stories with one another, even if you can’t relate to them, it’s always good to listen.