Foster

Molly Foster

Dr. Angela Miss

UWRT 1104-20

13 March 2017

At UNC Charlotte, nursing is one of the most challenging majors to declare. Its not only

competitive but requires a special person who is able to devote herself to learning. When analyzing my

Student Learning Assignment, I argued that although I have experienced failures in the past - whether it

be grades or study habits - I am driven and dedicated to pursuing a nursing career. I defined my paper by

using three specific parts. First, I stated my goals and ambitions; next, I discussed the lessons I have

learned and the areas in which I have been successful, and lastly, I explained how I would accomplish my

goals moving forward. I chose to focus on the discourse communities I have been part of in order to show

how each has shaped and motivated me. By using ethos, I established credibility explaining the things I

do best and then by using logos to explain my logic behind it. I also used an assertive tone to show that I

would be sure to focus on my strengths in the future. In addition, I was able to persuade my professor that

I was committed to staying in this career field. Whether it be a bad test grade, others telling me I wouldn't

make it, or being stressed to my breaking point, I would push myself to finish strong.

Many past experiences have inspired my desire to study nursing. Knowing from a young age that

this was what I wanted to do, I explained that my background consisted of growing up in a family

discourse community where my life revolved around church. My dad is a minister, and at a young age, I

learned from my parents to do as much good as I could and to be a lover of all types of people no matter

their situation. As I got older, I developed a strong desire for doing things for people I knew could never

repay me.

My love for people inspired my love for nursing, and I knew this career path would allow me to

do these things and find that satisfying feeling I longed for. Then, coming to college and being in a

completely different environment with a larger workload made me reconsider a lot of the things that I
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once believed were very attainable. I realized I was now part of a community that takes academics more

seriously and reserves themselves to the empowerment of education. Academic rigor is a great and

wonderful thing, but something quite different than high school where it's easier to find balance. Coming

to Charlotte was a step into reality - making me see that I need to set realistic goals and follow the things I

have a heart for.

Therefore, when I put my heart into a goal, I become quite invested, and it becomes evident what

I have to do to accomplish my goals. Leading to my arguments greatest appeal was ethos. I showed that

while I have struggled to focus on my strengths, when I put in the work, I get a great result. I show my

credibility in my strategy. Small things such as study groups and setting achievable goals have proven to

increase my test scores. As I stated in my previous paper, I have also learned that one of the best things I

can do is set short term goals for myself. Because with each goal I feel like I improve more and more until

ultimately reaching my long term goals (Foster 3). Again, I affirm that I realize the task at hand and the

immediate strategies I planned to act on in order to help me complete the task. Next, I discussed how

going to things such as campus tutoring sessions and small group discussions had brought my chemistry

score up by more than 20 points. As I stated, After one bad chemistry test, I realized that tutoring would

be my best friend and later saw that it was the key to my success (Foster 1). By using ethos and logos to

build myself up, I was able to inform my readers that I had the ability to follow through. I was able to

clarify the strategies I have found to be the most productive, all while showing the effect of using the

methods Ive learned to help me reach my full potential.

To accomplish my biggest goals and reach this potential, I must apply myself at a higher level.

Thinking about the future and knowing things will only get harder, I will have to make it a priority to

devote myself to my study habits. I will have to devote time every day for bettering my learning ability.

As for my first semester, my grades failed to satisfy me and guarantee my slot in my major. Making a

plan for this semester, I previously stated, I have a hope that this semester my grades will soar, as I

implement new techniques to help me better myself, and bring out the ability I know I have (Foster 3).

Continuing in the essay, I again regained confidence in myself by explaining the things I do well - such
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as studying in groups, making a list of things I need to do and getting those things done. Alluding to the

fact that I must become accustomed to these things continuing in the pre-nursing major. Most

importantly, in my coming days, I plan to never give up on my dreams. Like anything else, There's a

chance I could try and still be rejected but its one of those things I have to do because otherwise I could

be missing out on something so rewarding (Foster 3). By exemplifying a bold and self- assuring

theme/tone throughout my previous paper, I was able to persuade my professor into seeing why I was fit

for this major, the many things I plan to do to better my learning ability, and showing the effect of how

hard work will send me forward on this journey.

The main purpose of the paper was to understand how I felt about nursing at that time by

allocating that, I still have a huge heart for nursing and believe that one day it will be my career (Foster

3). First, by giving my background and reasoning for my commitment to this particular major. Secondly,

by discussing the things I have learned and the tools I will need to be successful. Lastly, fixating on my

strengths and the various things that have proven to be helpful in my studies. I wanted my intended

audience, which was my professor, to understand my dedication to the nursing program. While many

people have told me that it's far too competitive and far too challenging, I know I am strong willed and

confident in my commitment to nursing. As I stated ...just going off the things I have learned so far, I

have realized that college is not something you can take lightly. Being driven and determined will be a

huge impetus for all my accomplishments (Foster 2). Therefore, reassuring myself and my professor that

this is what I am meant for, and I have a motive to continue no matter what comes my way.
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Works Cited

Foster, M. (2016). Student Learning Outcome 1. Unpublished Manuscript.