Reflective Essay
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University of Wisconsin, Madison *
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Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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Reflective Essay: Unmasking the Reality of Homelessness in Houston
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Reflective Essay: Unmasking the Reality of Homelessness in Houston
While researching and writing my investigative report on homelessness in Houston, I
have gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by individuals without homes and the
complex factors that contribute to their predicament. This reflective essay aims to critically
analyze my approach to the investigative report and discuss the evolution of my writing. It will
also highlight my perceptions about myself as a writer and outline my goals for future projects.
Looking Back: Approaching Languaging and Consideration of Bias
In approaching the language used in my investigative report, I strived to balance
conveying the gravity of the issue and promoting empathy and understanding. By adopting a
compassionate and responsible tone, I aimed to engage readers and encourage them to reflect on
the struggles those experiencing homelessness face. Moreover, I consciously considered my
biases and assumptions, ensuring that my writing remained objective and focused on presenting
factual information. Recognizing the importance of audience awareness, I tailored my language
to resonate with policymakers and community members, aiming to inspire collective action.
However, it might be possible to provide more focused and practical guidance for group
initiatives to deal with homelessness. Even while the report highlighted the need for cooperation
across several stakeholders, like governmental institutions, nonprofits, as well as community
groups, it ought to have offered more specified recommendations on how to address matters
effectively. If call to action had been enhanced, audience members would have been better
equipped to implement tasks effectively.
Looking Forward: Strategies and Skills for Future Projects
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For future projects, I would like to incorporate more personal stories and testimonies
from individuals facing homelessness in Houston. These narratives can add a powerful emotional
appeal and humanize the issue, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the topic.
Additionally, I plan to conduct more extensive research on collaborative solutions and concrete
recommendations, providing readers with actionable steps to address homelessness. Furthermore,
I aim to strengthen my data analysis and visualization skills to present information more
effectively and engage readers with visually appealing graphics. Moreover, I seek support from
my peers as well as instructors. Collaborating with others would provide valuable feedback and
insights, helping refine my writing and develop a stronger narrative style. Additionally, I plan to
engage in writing workshops or courses focusing on investigative journalism or storytelling,
allowing me to develop my skills further and explore new approaches to writing.
Habits of Mind and Writing Goals
While working on this investigative report, I practiced and strengthened several habits of
mind, such as critical thinking, empathy, and research skills. I thoroughly analyzed various
sources, considering their credibility and relevance to ensure the accuracy of the information
presented. However, I still need to work on time management and organization to improve the
overall flow and coherence of my writing. In future projects, I plan to set more explicit writing
goals, including setting deadlines for each stage of the writing process and conducting regular
self-evaluations to track my progress.
Perceptions About Myself as a Writer
As a writer, this project has challenged me to delve into complex issues and present
them coherently and persuasively. I have gained confidence in my ability to research and analyze
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information effectively, allowing me to present a comprehensive picture of the homelessness
crisis in Houston. However, I recognize that there is always room for improvement, particularly
in refining my writing style and developing a more distinct voice. Moving forward, I aim to
continue honing my skills and expanding my repertoire of writing techniques to become a more
versatile and impactful writer.
To support my reflective essay, I have included visual examples showcasing my writing
experience and the topic of homelessness. I have attached an image of the Beacon homeless
shelter in Houston that provides shelter to homeless people.
Fig 1. Beacon Homeless Shelter in Houston
This image above represents Beacon, a homeless shelter in Houston, depicting the reality of the
situation on the ground. The image evokes empathy as well as create a visual connection
between the audience and the issue being discussed.
In conclusion, my investigative report on homelessness in Houston has been a
transformative writing experience. It has allowed me to critically analyze the issue, consider my
biases, and present a comprehensive picture to engage and inform readers. Looking ahead, I plan
to incorporate personal stories, strengthen my research skills, and refine my writing style to
create more impactful and persuasive narratives. By reflecting on my writing process and setting
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clear goals, I am confident in my ability to continue growing as a writer and making a
meaningful contribution to future projects.