Writing for school and Manguel

Well, to put it simple, I really do not like writing for school. Don’t get me wrong I still like to write, but on my own terms and on my own topics. Writing for school just always seemed very bland and full of boundaries. You always had to structure this and that, limited to a certain topic, and unless it’s creative writing, you can only do so much with a text and styling it. I’ve always enjoyed writing poetry and other creative pieces, whether it be that once in a great while for school or in my own time outside of school. I feel I can say more and explore writing when I have no stipulations. Knowing that I won’t be graded on my own writing also helps ideas just flow, rather than being filtered. That being said, writing for school is not pointless. I have learned a great deal in forming these structured pieces. Writing is a part of everyday life, and especially in my field of genetics. I’ll be surrounded my science journals and papers the rest of my life, so I should get used to writing like this. However, that brings me back to enjoying the writing that I do on my own. It’s a topic I’m interested in, so naturally I’ll know more about genetics and like writing about it. Writing for school has always been my least favorite part of school. My attitude might also extend from not being able to write well in the first place. I’ve always been more proficient in sciences and math courses, which are not writing intensive. But it’s something we all must do, so I just dig down and do as best I can when writing for school.
As for the readings, I’m once again going to comment on Manguel. Oh the places that we read, I can’t even begin to remember all the places I’ve read. Even in the last week I’ve pulled out various books from all my classes and squeezed in a few minutes anytime I could. Manguel did mention my favorite place to read, my bed. It’s the perfect place to read. No worries about being uncomfortable and a good lamp next to you make for a productive reading session. The only draw back would be that it’s too comfortable and I find myself dosing off when I’ve been reading for long periods. But where we read is dependent on what kind of reading we have to do. I might not want to read organic chemistry in a crowded café, but a new novel for personal reading would be just fine. Other places like that Union South Fireside Lounge, would be more appropriate for any kind of reading. It is interesting to see how places like the library are changing from stiff wooden chairs to soft couches and chairs with tables to kick your feet up on. It seems like the only way to keep people coming in, and actually staying for longer than the time it takes to find a book, check it out, and walk out the door. It’ll be interesting to see how reading and the places its associated with change in the years to come.