This portfolio demonstrates how I improved as a writer and communicator. Initially, I thought writing was primarily about grammar and spelling, but by the end, I realized that good writing is about being clear, organized, and considering the reader. Each assignment taught me a new skill, such as conducting research, explaining data, following rules, and speaking clearly.

One of the biggest projects in this class was the group proposal about building a new student center at The City College of New York. I worked with other students to explain why a better student center is important. We used research, surveys, pictures, and cost tables to support our ideas. This project taught me how to explain a large idea step by step and how to use facts to support an opinion. It also helped me understand how writing changes when you write for real people, like students and school leaders. The student center initiative also taught me how to properly cite sources. Instead of simply repeating what the articles said, I learnt how to integrate concepts from various sources and explain why they are important. I discovered that excellent writing requires good evidence and clear explanations. This endeavor taught me that extensive writing requires planning so that the reader is not confused.

In the probability lab report, I rolled two dice 100 times and compared the results to mathematical predictions. This task allowed me to practice writing clearly and honestly. I learnt how to describe data, tables, and outcomes in simple terms. Writing this report taught me that technical writing should be straightforward and simple to grasp.

Another significant assignment was my technical explanation of how huge language models work. For this project, I authored the paper and presented it to my classmates and the lecturer. I had to convey a complex subject with simple language and clear illustrations. Presenting my work taught me that successful writing and speaking are both dependent on clarity. This project demonstrated that even complex concepts can be understood when stated clearly.

This training also helped me strengthen my résumé and professional writing skills. Prior to this program, I assumed my résumé was already good. Throughout the training, I discovered how word choice, organization, and clarity can strengthen a resume. This showed me that writing is something you can continually improve over time.

The Quest for Knowledge allowed me to practice basic writing rules. I focused on punctuation, commas, semicolons, fragments, and run-on phrases. Before I began writing, I learnt about my audience and the importance of purpose. This practice demonstrated how writing rules can help make sentences more clear and easy to understand. It allowed me to slow down and think carefully about each sentence.

Overall, this course transformed the way I approached writing. I discovered that writing is more than just language; it is also about helping the reader understand ideas. Each task taught me a new skill, from research and statistics to presentations and writing guidelines. This portfolio demonstrates my development as a writer and how I can now write more simply and confidently in future classes and in my job.