CENNAME: Make the First Writing requirement mandatory
Like many other ambitious first-year students, I wanted to place out of as many entry-level classes as possible upon arrival to the University. Exemption from ENWR 1510 “Critical Writing and Inquiry,” the course specified by the first writing requirement, seemed liked one of the easiest ways I could accomplish this goal. Even though my high school did not offer an AP English class, I could simply submit a portfolio of my work to be reviewed by the English Department. I had a strong feeling I would place out. I had scored perfectly on the reading portion of the ACT, and was overall a very motivated student in my high school English classes. After a few days of rummaging through my old English essays — an act which now seems like nonsense — but at the time a very strategic move, I quit. Instead of attempting to dodge the requirement, I decided my communication skills could always use improvement. After being immersed into ENWR during these past several weeks, I now believe all students should take the first writing requirement because the course fosters the creation of a nuanced mindset within all students.