Dear Class...

Welcome to your first section of Composition 1.  I am so glad that you will be a part of my class this semester.  As a writer, I know that a huge part of how we write and function in the classroom comes from who we are, where we are from and how we see the world around us. So, I thought I would start the semester by introducing myself to you so you know where I come from.

           

I am originally from the dreaded enemy territory of Athens, GA. But instead of staying there and becoming a bulldog, I came to college at Auburn University.  I graduated from Auburn Suma Cum Laude in English and began my Master’s specializing as a transatlantic specialist with a teaching emphasis.  In my graduate studies, I have taught classes, both composition and American Literature, worked for the Office of University Writing acting as Dr. Marshall’s personal assistant, but also as a Defoe Research Fellow in historical writing research.  However, before all that, I sat in your exact seat. I was an Auburn freshman who got lost in the Haley Center, lived on campus, and had to start completely over in a new place. Auburn holds a special place in my heart, and as your freshman writing teacher, I hope to equip you with skills that will carry you through the rest of your college career no matter what your major is.

Outside the classroom, I love to travel and try new things.  Other cultures and languages fascinate me, and I have travelled to 13 different countries thus far. I think my love for places and adventure ultimately comes from a love of people. Life is made up of relationships, wouldn’t you say? Also, I can never get enough music, books and movies! And one day, I hope to live by a body of water – lake, ocean, river – I don’t care which! But still, the parts of my life that are of utmost importance are my friends, my family, and my Savior, and these are the details of my life that have made me who I am today. 

So, for your very first assignment, I want you to write a letter back to me.  Who are you? Where are you from? What has made you who you are today as you sit in my classroom? This assignment should be at least a one-page letter of introduction.  This semester, I will be working hard to challenge you and improve your writing.  In turn, I hope you will work hard to benefit from this class. I look forward to reading your letter. It is so very nice to meet you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Laura Elmer

(a picture from my freshman year)