Journal
Sample
Below
is a sample of a journal entry which is not satisfactory because it is
merely an outline of a day's activities--it
is a laundry list:
·
My Dull Day
·
Engl 071
·
August 25, 2003
·
Class: MW 12:00-1:50
Not such a good
start today. I woke up early and turned off the alarm. I overslept
and got to class 15 minutes late. Parking was a problem. Then there was a quiz in math, and I hadn't
finished reading the chapter. At lunch I saw Maria and Tom and asked if
they wanted to go the concert next week. They said yes. That improved my
day. My sister called me on my cell phone. She wants me to take her
shopping this weekend. I guess I will, but, maybe I can get my mom to take her.
The above entry
is only a retelling of events. With some reflection and thought, however,
the writer could use the activities as the basis for a much better entry, one
that is more reflective or introspective, that tells more about the writer’s thoughts than the events. Read
the following entry and reflect on why it is a better entry.
·
My Reflections on an Interesting
First Week of College
·
Engl 071
·
August 25, 2007
·
Class: MW 12:00 – 1:50
My first day of
classes at STCC go off to not such a good start today. I woke up early
and turned off the alarm--again!--making me late for my first 8:00 o'clock
class. This is the third time I have done this in two weeks. I
don't know how to handle this situation. I've tried not to shut off the
alarm, but I am so tired I don’t even realize I have turned it off. Maybe working at HEB until 11:00 pm wasn’t
such a good idea. On my first day at STC, I wasn't sure I’d see anyone I knew,
but I saw two high school friends--Maria and Tom--and I had lunch with them. We
decided to go to the concert together next week. I sure feel more secure going
with someone I know. After I talked with them, my whole day seemed
better. My family lives in