ESSAY #2: Professional Trajectory
As a graduate student, you have been engaged in disciplinary practices aiming to deepen your knowledge and grow as a member of your professional community. In an essay of approximately 650-1000 words, reflect on and evaluate the experiences you have had in your graduate program thus far. Discuss the following questions:
What has been the most compelling and thought-provoking in course readings and/or discussions;
How your previous views have been challenged and/or reshaped;
How you may apply what you have learned;
In what way you may have felt inspired or disappointed by your experiences.
Even though this essay is not a traditional research paper, you are expected to demonstrate a depth of analysis and a breadth of vision based on your academic and field-related activities. You should include material from other relevant sources to provide evidence and exemplification for your arguments. The paper should be formatted in the APA style and edited well. Review the assignment rubric to know what you will be assessed on.
The topic is introduced clearly. The essay includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The essay uses a clear and effective organizational strategy(s). Paragraphs are unified and coherent. The author organizes appropriate, relevant, and compelling content to superb control of the subject.
The author reflects on two or three significant improvements in depth to reveal significantly changed perspectives about learning experiences, which provide the foundation for expanded knowledge, growth, and transfer. The author includes material from other relevant sources to provide evidence and exemplification for the arguments.
The author demonstrates a thorough understanding of context, audience, and purpose that is responsive to the assigned task(s) and focuses all elements of the work. The author uses graceful language that skillfully communicates meaning to readers with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free.
The author demonstrates skillful use of high-quality, credible, relevant sources to develop ideas that are appropriate for the discipline and genre of the writing. The author demonstrates sophisticated control of APA citation conventions with regard to both in-text citation and References page; free of errors. The paper is formatted in the APA style.
