Update with Complete Solution
Western Governors University
C455 – English Composition I
DIT1 Task 1
Name: Student Name
Student ID:
Literacy Experience Narrative
Reading and writing play a critical role in learning, even outside of a traditional
classroom setting. Whether preparing for a new job position or learning a new
skill, literacy is a daily necessity. I chose this topic because I experienced firsthand
how important reading and writing became when I was required to qualify for a
new position at work. This experience challenged me and ultimately helped me
improve my literacy skills in a professional environment.
I joined the United States Air Force in July 2017 as a Security Forces member.
After completing basic training and arriving at my first duty station, I was selected
to train for the position of Base Defense Operations Controller (BDOC). This role
is similar to a 911 dispatcher and requires a high level of responsibility, attention to
detail, and professional communication. As a BDOC trainee, I was responsible for
documenting all events that occurred during my shift, including patrol activities,
building checks, and both minor and major incidents on base. All information had
to be accurately recorded and entered into official reports for recordkeeping and
higher-level review.
Training for this position required studying a one-hundred-and-fifty-page standard
operating procedures manual. Prior to joining the military, I had never been
required to study extensively for a job outside of a classroom environment.
Because of this, I felt intimidated, especially since I was expected to pass both a
verbal examination and a practical evaluation. Writing essays had never been one
of my strengths, and I often struggled to organize my thoughts clearly on paper. At
first, I found it difficult to retain information from the manual, even after reading
several pages.
, After realizing that my usual reading methods were not effective, I decided to try a
new learning strategy. I began using flashcards to write down key terms,
procedures, and important concepts from each section of the manual. This
approach helped me break the information into manageable pieces and allowed me
to visualize real-life scenarios as I studied. By connecting the written material to
mental imagery, I was able to better understand and remember the content.
During my training, I participated in tabletop exercises known as stress tests. In
these exercises, my supervisor presented multiple scenarios at once, and I was
required to respond calmly and accurately to each situation. After completing the
scenarios, I had to write detailed reports using clear and professional language.
These exercises reinforced the connection between reading comprehension and
effective writing, helping me develop confidence in both skills.
In conclusion, my experience training for the BDOC position significantly
improved my literacy skills. Being placed in a professional environment that
required constant reading, comprehension, and written communication helped me
grow beyond my previous limitations. Although I once struggled with writing,
adopting new learning strategies allowed me to succeed outside of a classroom
setting. This experience showed me that with the right approach, reading and
writing can become powerful tools for personal and professional growth.
OR
Name:
Student ID:
Western Governors University
C455 English Composition I
DIT1 Task 1
For many people, reading and or writing is critical to learning, even if you