Dear Dr.

Hartman:
This autobiographical writing assignments have proven quite insightful for me. The first difficulty
occurred when I had to dust off the cobwebs of my memories to recall some of my writing
journey, especially back to elementary days because mine was filled with tumult and
inconsistencies. Finally becoming grounded and centered as a student truly helped, along with
Mrs. Watts guidance, to discover a skill I never really knew I possessed. It sure seems like
great teachers and people realize latent talents in others and push them to the surface. I know
from so many positive experiences with quality teachers that I desire to do the same for my
students.
The other really difficult aspect of this assignment forced me to confront feelings and events
that, while profoundly impactful, trudged up emotions that I did not want to revisit. The
vicissitudes of life emulate some of the same ones as writing. Life and writing are not easy, but
dogged determination and critical self-reflection can deliver us to a place of beauty and joy.
Every day I put a quote on my board for students to contemplate and discuss. One from
Winston Churchill that strikes a cord is, Nothing that is easy is ever worthwhile. Though
possibly a bit pessimistic, the lines resonate with me because the journey and the effort prove
priceless. I have truly enjoyed working with my peers, receiving feedback, and sharing in their
own writing discoveries.
My concerns with this paper and my writing philosophy focus on clear conveyance of my
elements. I do not know if my examples express my elements enough or if I should clarify
specific aspects such as, For me, writing with my students is imperative and of crucial
importance for their and my class success? In other words, did I leave too much to inference?
Probably just reviewing some of the assignment requirements will answer some of these.
Dr. Hartman, I truly enjoyed this stroll down memory lane; my writing will continue to improve as
my confidence climbs. I did want to thank you sincerely for this assignment.
Dean

Carlstrom 1

Dean Carlstrom
ENG 683
Dr. Hartman
1/24/16
Wr Auto
My Writing Journey
Writing proves to be one of the most difficult tasks that I have undertaken, yet also immensely
rewarding. One score and some years ago I too wrote on a constant basis and sought to hone
my craft; today that journey has reemerged marking feelings of trepidation, uncertainty, and
exuberance; consequently, a trip down memory lane is an apt place to start. My parents
divorced when I was five, leaving me to care for my younger brother and assume
responsibilities I would have rather delayed. Attending eleven different elementary schools from
K-6 also proved a bit tumultuous. I was even enrolled in one school for nineteen days! Books
became my constant companion due to their steadfast nature and reliability. I remember
watching both of my parents read often, and I recall reading/hearing Aesops Fables as a
youngster. I honestly do not remember many writing assignments from my youth (that could be
senility creeping in), but I know I observed the methods of the books I read. Once I discovered
stability, my writing escalated and evolved into something of which I am proud.
Connection 1: Mrs. Debbie Watts
Moving in with my dad in seventh grade ended the chaotic journey of continually changing
schools. Mrs. Watts taught me from seventh through twelfth grade (except sophomore year). As
an avid grammarian and stickler for the rules, Mrs. Watts style chafed me initially. Continuing to
provide feedback and explanation on my writing enabled me to forge a conversation about my
writing. She truly valued what I had to say as a writer--something I had never experienced.
Some of her mantras still ring in my ears: no there is/are, use better verbs, show not tell.
The constant coaching and commentary allowed me to grow. My senior paper examined Ernest
Hemmingways The Old Man and the Sea. Through this project, the value of synthesizing
outside information and proving a thesis highlighted my abilities to produce quality prose. That
may not sound very exciting, but from this amazing lady I discovered a love of writing and a
desire to motivate and assist young students and writers in their quest. Her positive influences
on me (and countless other students) confirmed the importance of a caring teacher and one
who inspired me to chose the same career path. Thanks Mrs. Watts.
Connection 2: Dr. Susan Aronstein
Upon entering the University of Wyoming, my direction of study was decidedly undecided. After
several exploratory classes, I returned to my love--reading. Obviously this also entailed writing.
After my declaration to become a teacher, and an English teacher at that, a vast array of quality
English classes confronted me. During an English survey course, I initially met Dr. Aronstein.
We did not share many similarities ranging from politics to good literature to life philosophies,
but I sure learned from her. One of her requirements for writing included one-on-one meetings

Carlstrom 2
over our large papers. She carefully explained what she needed in papers and how I could
improve my conveyance of ideas. I genuinely appreciated her feedback and time. She also
enabled me to find my voice as a student and more importantly as a person. To establish a
clearer understanding of our somewhat contentious relationship, a few stereotypes best explain.
Dr. Aronstein was an avid hippie; I was an avid hick from the sticks. As a student in her class, I
felt my opinion lacked value and credibility solely because of my attire and background;
however, students who were clad in her approved form of attire (i.e. birkenstocks and long
hair) were enlightened and had something of value to say. For someone who professed to be
open-minded and accepting of others and their ideas, she sure acted biased and pig-headed.
We both were. Through our discussions and my reiteration of her subjectivity, a relationship of
mutual respect evolved; however, I was irate when I earned a B. Continuing our voyage
together, I adamantly attempted to take any class but hers. Fortunately for me, as an English
major I was required to enroll in a Shakespeare class taught only by her. Our sessions over
writing continued, and I truly valued her expertise with writing and language construction. One of
my favorite pieces detailed John Wayne and the chivalric code embodied by several of his
characters. Taking a second class with Dr. Aronstein benefitted my writing, but more importantly
my confidence as a person and the ability to share and interact with someone owning a vastly
different viewpoint. The hippie and the hick forged mutual respect and understanding. She even
penned a letter of recommendation that rests in my cum file unread by me to this day. Thanks
Dr. Aronstein.
Connection 3: Scott Michael Polzin
Life isnt fair. On October 4, 1991, I watched my best friend die. Life has never been the same
since. Returning home from college to watch the homecoming football game and catch up, my
world got rocked. Seeing your best friends insides, or anyones for that matter, splattered on the
doctors wall is an image that just doesnt leave a person. After a few gruelling days and
sleepless nights, my other close friend Matt and I were charged with delivering a eulogy at the
high school gymnasium. The two of us stayed up all night writing and reminiscing--twelves
pages worth! Just writing down those treasured moments proved cathartic for both of us. We
wound up paring it back to about two pages; some events and feelings should be yours and
yours alone. I think we did Scott proud and shared our true feelings and what his life and
friendship meant to us. October 7 was and still is one of the most difficult days of my life.
Without the ability to write and express myself, I very well could have imploded. Unfortunately
sadness, grief, and loss are part of life. Oh, I wish it could have been different, but for some
reason things happen. My faith,family,friends, and writing actually pulled me through that dark
time. Not a day goes by that I do not think about Scott, a person whom I was closer to than my
own brother, a person whom has been dead now longer than he was alive. The crazy part of
this assignment and my journey as a writer continues through my GWU courses (see
connection 7) and colleagues I work with in my classes. If not for some comments made by my
peer editing group, I would have omitted this section from this autobiography. Thank you Heidi
and Ilari for your supportive words, inspiration and personal struggles. Writing is often poignant
and arduous, and sometimes life provides crappy writing topics, but the process proves its
power. Love you Scott--thanks buddy.

Carlstrom 3
Connection 4: Dr. Norma Decker Collins
Another integral component of my writing identity surfaced in Dr. Collins class with a biography
paper about my dad. This assignment dove through several steps of the writing process and
forced me to express honesty, even if painful, in my writing. This piece involved so many
different elements urging me to experiment with various components and discover my voice.
The final act involved publishing it by sharing it with my dad. Parts of the paper were extremely
complimentary, but some people are not ready to hear the truth about alcoholism. Our
relationship strained for a while but ultimately improved. Writing is powerful even if it is painful. I
still use this assignment with my classes to this day. Thanks Dr. Collins.
Connection 5: Mrs. Donna Peldo
Sometimes destiny smiles upon us. Completing my student teaching in Sheridan, Wyoming
under the tutelage of Donna Peldo truly blessed me. Working with this veteran teacher provided
me with a wealth of resources and knowledge about students but especially about writing. One
of the classes I taught was poetry. Now, I did not know anything much about poetry, let alone
how to teach it. Mrs. Peldo provided a tremendous amount of support, but also encouraged me
to write with my students. I recall envelope poems and one of our first line poems The darkness
crumbles away... where everyone starts with the same first line. It is an awesome exercise that
truly reveals the diversity of the group. Mrs. Peldo really encouraged me to write, share, and be
open with my students. I used a lot of journaling back then which reminds me of our current
daybooks a bit. By displaying my desire to write and share with my students, my rapport with
them strengthened and a writing community formed. We created poetry books where students
submitted typed, polished works and graphics. I purchased card stock, and we had an art
contest for the covers. All students received a copy of their published work. The celebration
included food and orally presenting at least one work. The joy on the students faces reflected
their pride in their accomplishments. To this day, I still write with my classes and we create
books of poems, art, and short stories.Thanks Mrs. Peldo.
Connection 6 Browner
Dave Brown, affectionately known as Browner to his students and colleagues, functions as my
Obi Wan Kenobi. His guidance and tutelage in teaching and writing provided years of
meaningful conversations about writing and the methodologies that yield the best results. The
importance of punctuation, clarity of ideas, and ample support for expressed assertions
produced years of discussion. Writing for my classes and generating curriculum for them proves
a daunting task at times, yet Browner offered advice and assistance and required the same of
me. Broaching topics of the importance of voting or the essentials of personal integrity, my
writing needs to challenge students yet also communicate effectively with them. Browner was
my sounding board and peer who demonstrated how to talk about writing and push students to
their best. Thanks Browner.
Connection 7 GWU
After being absent from college and academic writing for nearly twenty years, Gardner-Webb
offered me a forum to reconnect with my writing and enhance my knowledge about so many

Carlstrom 4
elements. My Position Piece in Dr. Duffus and Dr. Buckners class evoked a vast amount of self
reflection on my journey to become a teacher and my place in the English landscape. Delving
into old memories and influences elicited tremendous gratification toward those who assisted in
my quest. Writing proved not only enlightening but also cathartic as I retraced my steps. This
assignment also propelled me forward as I sought new horizons to explore and avenues for my
writing. I realize now that I still have something of value to add and that my writing will continue
to improve as long as I forge ahead. Dr. Lands class reinforced my ability to make an argument
and defend it. The analysis pieces I wrote for her challenged me and expanded my comfort
zone, yet they also confirmed the need for articulate, supported writing. Thank you Dr. Duffus,
Dr. Buckner, and Dr. Land. Go Bulldogs!
So writing remains difficult, but everything in my life that holds value to me came through
sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance. Writing is all of this and more. The doors that it can
open generate so many possibilities, so I will continue to ply my craft and write on.