Finding Meaning in Academic Writing Process: A Personal Reflection
I will start this reflective writing in the most vulnerable manner I can.
To be honest, I am writing this reflection as a distraction from my actual paper writing. So, I have to keep it short and concise.
Through this writing, I hope to convince myself that the writing process is not just necessary but also meaningful.
(I find it helpful to convince myself that this is what I truly want to do, as it motivates me to begin with enthusiasm. 😄✌️ hehe)
I am currently in the process of writing an academic paper for my thesis; I can’t help but feel a sense of dread. The pressure to produce a well-written and thought-provoking paper can be overwhelming at times.
However, I am reminded that writing is not just about the end product, but also the journey of self-discovery that it provides.
Writing a Paper Feels Like Solving a Jigsaw Puzzle
While I am writing my first paper, it feels like I am solving an abstract jigsaw puzzle. I can see the vision of a solved puzzle in my mind, but I have to arrange the pieces in the right order to create a beautiful picture.
In this context, the pieces are concepts, theories, evidence, and empirical data that I must fit together to build a strong argument for my thesis. Building a strong argument requires careful consideration of each piece of the puzzle and how it fits into the larger picture.
But before I can do that, I have to imagine an outline in my mind for the puzzle to fit together beautifully. A foundational structure.
This structure, however abstract it is, is crucial to the cohesion and coherence of my argument. Without a clear vision of this structure, the puzzle pieces would not fit together properly, and my argument would fall apart. I have to be mindful of the order in which I present the information and ensure that each piece supports my thesis.
For me, imagining a structure from a blank canvas is daunting, I have to look at a blank screen for a long time and get lost in the rabbit hole of my mind.
But it is also what makes writing so rewarding.
The Uneasy Feeling of Missing Pieces
When there are some pieces missing from the puzzle, I can feel it in my gut. It’s a sinking feeling, a sense of unease that tells me something is not quite right.
It’s like staring at a partially complete puzzle and knowing that a few critical pieces are missing. Without those pieces, the puzzle is incomplete, and the picture is not quite clear.
Similarly, when something is missing from my writing, it can throw off the entire argument, and the coherence of the paper suffers.
I experience this a lot in my writing process.
It’s important for me to recognize that feeling and address it head-on by revisiting my research and reevaluating my argument.
It takes time and effort to find the missing pieces and fit them into the larger puzzle, but it’s a crucial step in producing a strong and coherent argument.
The Art of Knowledge Creation Process
In academic writing, there are certain standards and guidelines that I must follow. This includes citing sources and using proper grammar and punctuation. Also, I have to use formal language that is full of jargon and terms. It can be somehow confusing.
However, within these formalities, there is still room for creativity and intuition.
For me, finding this room is what makes this process beautiful. It is what excites me to be passionate. To be able to do it as work that I want to do, not the work that I have to do. It is where the meaning comes from.
I realize that the knowledge creation process is both an art and a science.
While there are methods that can be followed in the writing process, there is still a sense of intuitiveness that cannot be reduced by using some method alone. It is the combination of creativity and systemization that makes academic writing so unique.
I believe that I don’t have to think about everything at once, sometimes I rely on my intuition to guide me as I put the pieces together.
It allows me to use my creativity to arrange and manage knowledge in a way that is both interesting and engaging.
I enjoy the process of arranging and managing knowledge, and I feel a sense of satisfaction when I see the pieces come together to form a beautiful argument.
As I work on my paper, I am constantly learning and growing as a writer and as a scholar. This process allows me to expand my understanding of the topic and develop my skills as a writer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a paper is like solving a jigsaw puzzle for me. Sometimes I felt lost when some pieces are missing and had to reevaluate the whole thing. It requires a lot of effort and careful consideration, but when I figure out how to structure my thinking and arrange it into a beautiful argument, it feels so fulfilling and meaningful.
Although the writing process can be daunting at first, I find it to be a fruitful experience. It is also an opportunity for personal growth and intellectual maturation.
I am grateful for the chance to engage in this academic journey.
May all being lives in peace and joy, I bless you. ✨
