I was waiting for a classroom to open its doors for my next class when I overheard a conversation between two people. One of them was talking about a Writing 102 class that they didn’t do well in, and they assumed that it was because they “couldn’t figure out how the professor wanted me to write.” That irked me when I heard it, and it’s only now that I realize why. We’ve had several readings over the semester that mention writing for a specific audience, and how that audience’s reaction is based on how well they know the source material. But what if the audience is simply a writing professor?

I can recall a mock research paper that I had to write in high school to prepare for writing research papers in college. The topic was whatever we wanted to research/argue about; my paper was about comic books and how they’re a reflection of American history.  That was a very broad spectrum that helped us students to write more comfortably about something we’re familiar with, but there was a hidden message in there. And that message was: It doesn’t matter what we write about, as long as we’re able to effectively communicate to the reader our thesis statement and the evidence backing it up. I got an A on the paper and, even though my future papers wouldn’t have as much free range, that’s how I continued to write.

Which brings me back to why I was so annoyed with the conversation I overheard. It’s true that one’s writing evolves over time and through various experiences. But I don’t think anybody should have to force themselves to change their writing style to pander to one professor’s needs. Whether it be a reflection or a research paper or any other kind of essay, it’s still you writing it. If you spend an entire semester trying to pinpoint the exact method your teacher wants, not even you will be satisfied with your own work, let alone your teacher. You simply end up with something that doesn’t at all sound like something you would write. Especially for a 102 class, it shouldn’t be that difficult to learn from any mistakes that were marked on your paper. You could write a paper on just about anything and make it sound convincing to someone unfamiliar with the topic.

I think this is especially true when it comes to writing for your profession. You might think I’m contradicting myself, but hear me out. When writing a resume or cover letter, you’re writing specifically for someone. But more than anything, you still have to pour yourself into writing it. You really have to think about the questions “What can I bring to the table?” and “How can I prove to you that I’m worth hiring?” Even when trying to implement the reader’s perspective, you really have to think “Would I hire me, given my credentials?” Whatever you write, make sure you’re proud of it on a personal level. Don’t just simply write a paper following the rubric to the letter. Be creative, be witty, do whatever you want to make sure that you’re happy to submit it. Your own stamp of approval is the mark of a wonderful writer