The Process
For my first experiment, I decided to create a mockup of a blog post on the best study spots on the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor campus. My intention was to write up a small blurb for each location with a slightly lighthearted and informal tone. This blurb would include important details about the location like its relative distance from the Diag, hours of operation, and the vibe of the location (is it quiet or loud?). I also included my own personal rating of each location and why it deserved that rating. My origin piece was a social media “shitpost” in which I rated the best coffee shops on campus based on their quality of ice cubes (obviously the Sweetwaters on E. Washington St was deemed 1st place by me because of their perfectly cubed ice). I believe that I chose this origin piece and to pursue this experiment because I felt like it was within my comfort zone.
I wasn’t entirely satisfied with my end result from Experiment 1 so I asked myself, “Yuki, what do you want to achieve from this class?” I took this class with a clear intention. I knew the reason was not for an easy A. I could’ve taken another class for that. I wanted to become a better writer. But yet I did nothing in the first experiment to take a stab at that goal.
For my second experiment, I decided to step out of my comfort zone (brace yourself! lookout for this theme in my fully realized project!) I decided to write two poems that reflected on one of my past relationships. At the time, the wound was still fresh. I wanted to document my journey on healing. I was a little nervous about writing something so personal. To be honest, I felt a little vulnerable. It was my first time writing poetry. In the end, I was much more satisfied with my second experiment.
The definition of a scientific experiment is to conduct trials in order to prove or determine something. My goal from these experiments and from this gateway class is to prove to myself that I am capable of writing pieces that I am proud of. These were the thoughts that pushed me to transform my second experiment into my fully realized project. I liked the growth I saw in myself after completing the second experiment. I wanted to continue seeing that growth.
I can't wait to share what I have written so far!