Ap Reflection

Ever since writing my first Istep essay, I have loved writing. I remember preparing for the writing portion of the Istep in third grade. We spent several weeks covering and practicing different aspects of writing. I would become uncomfortable and have panic attacks with each practice test. The thought of taking the Istep made me sick to my stomach. I was so nervous about writing an essay in an allotted amount of time. I remember one day I had such a bad panic attack during a practice test that I ran to the bathroom and vomited. My anxiety was so bad I had to go to the doctor. My sleep cycle was greatly affected by the stress, and I would often not sleep well.
The panic attacks got so bad my teacher spoke with my parents; they allowed me take the tests in the principal's office. While I …show more content…
I had reviewed and studied past work, and I was ready to prove to myself that I could write well. As soon as the test started, I read the directions as quickly as I could and then began writing. In all the excitement, I had forgotten to brainstorm. I soon realized that I had no idea what to write about. I discovered I was in control. I did not have to worry about fitting in every planned detail. I truly understood my love of writing through this experience. When I was trying to think of something to write, I discovered something wonderful about the writing process. For the first time, I thought of writing as an artform. Before I wrote the Istep essay, I always thought of writing as systematic, boring, bland, and stale. I would always plan my essays out in advance, which led to work lacking creativity and challenge. I was changed by the way I was able to write the story. My previous essays were simple and teacher chosen. Naturally, I assumed all essays were boring. Through the Istep essay I was able to see that writing could be enjoyable. Experiencing the creativity and freedom of writing changed my