Reflections

Hi! I'm Thalia D'Angelo and this is my blog for all things that relate to literature. For now I'm using it as a portfolio but in the end it's more than just a final project; it'll be a piece of me. I hope anyone who wanders onto my blog finds something they're interested in.

I took English 102 for an obvious reason: the SUNY system required it; but more than that I truly enjoy English class. Ever since I was young I used to write stories, essays and always read ahead in books. It wasn't until recently that I realized how important those things are. Reading has always been an escape and a way for me to create a different and better world to live in. Professor Brady did an entire lesson based on the idea of "Fantasy versus Reality" and through that lesson I learned I was guilty of pushing my fantasies into my reality; wishing for things that really couldn't happen outside of a book. Surely I knew these things couldn’t happen but I was always praying they could. Brady stressed the importance of the human condition and made me feel less crazy for wanting to create that different reality for myself. I find now that I can draw the line in between fantasy vs. reality but some days can be rough and hard to face.

After my time in school I’d like to be a business lawyer, as well as have my accounting degree. I always promised myself however to continue taking English courses because it’s my release. It’s a way for my mind to relax and a time for expression. Numbers and law textbooks can get rather frustrating and also boring, so I’d like to say I’ll always take an extra English course even if it’s not needed. One thing I’d like to do in my future is write a book. I don’t think that will be 5 years down the line, maybe not even 10 years but I think before I pass I would really like to write a story or two.

This semester in Brady's class has made me grow as a writer and also as a thinker. The essays and published writing pieces made me think outside of my box and let me find things that connect literature to the outside world. I loved that I could use music and compare a book for their themes. One question she always asked toward the end was, “why are we here? What’s our purpose?” Even before she asked this was a question that wracked my brain. I like to believe that every person has a set kind of destiny. Maybe we can change that or maybe we can’t but I think that everyone has a part to play and that we need to just roll with the punches and work hard to live a happy successful life. Truth be told, I don’t know what will make me happy in 10 years, 20 years. I know now though that happiness is a good book and a large cup of tea for me at 19 years old and I wouldn’t change that for the world. My purpose is to be a good student, a good daughter and a good friend.
Another great thing about our English class is the closeness. We aren’t afraid to express sour opinions and ask each other thoughtful questions. Professor Brady has opened the floor and has really given us the opportunity to grow individually as well as together. We may not talk much outside of class but the minute we step through that door we all enter a different world, full of interesting and intellectual conversations. I can honestly say I’ll miss everyone; they’ve all opened my eyes and made me think a little differently. Thanks you everyone.