I have never really thought of genres as anything more than fiction, non-fiction, and fantasy. When the word genre came up, before this class, those are immediately what came to mind. I then learned that a genre “is anything that conveys information.” I would have thought of that definition as texts, but then again, what do I know from my shitty high school English teachers. But really what I learned while taking this class, is I really didn't know that much about writing. But genres are so much more than just books. They're so many different ways to show and convey information that I would never have thought about. Like a logo. I have learned through this class that a logo can be so much more than just a picture for a company, it can be a symbol for what that company stands for, it can have a hidden meaning, which can be humorous or meaningful. Or an Instagram post, which may seem innocent and simple at first, but it could be the first of many ways to endorse or promote an advertisement. It could convey important information, such as breaking news, current events or upcoming meetings. While the post may just seem ordinary to you and me, if you dig deeper, there is much more to it, like who is the intended audience? Could this post have a consequential audience? Is it typical for its genre? I’ve learned how to use these multigenre presentations to convince and connect with my audience, to use a non-typical presentation of a powerpoint or essay, to prove a point. I’ve learned that there are more than just the conventional ways of an argumentative essay, to get your opinions, ideas, and arguments out to the world.

I always hated writing. Actually, that is not true, I used to love it. But then, I got a teacher who made me think I was an awful writer and made me almost scared to write. I hated turning things in or having people read over and criticize my work. Because of that, I never really put my heart in any of my writings, I never made it personal and I never made it mean something to me. Until this class, after my first conference, having that boost of confidence that “this isn't exactly what I was thinking, but its good and it works.” Knowing that it was ok, it was ok if mine isn't just like everyone else's, it was good by itself.

This project was very near and dear to my heart. Growing up I watched my dad and traveled with him on all of his adventures. I watched the meetings and the phone calls, I met people from all over the world, and it all seemed so natural. It was like I was born to do something in this line of work, to be a leader. I learned so much during this project, and I learned that this isn't gonna be something that just falls into my lap.

Talking to my dad, we grew closer. We have always been very close, but this project has helped him show me a little more about his world. Through the 2 interviews, I got to see how passionate he was of his job and how good he was at it. It also helped me to realize that this is something I really wanted, not just something that was expected of me. Traveling the world, and having the resources to truly do something in the world is what I truly want.

I also learned one lacking part of my community, and it is women. I learned that white women, coming from high-income households and with higher education, are the least likely group of people to go into the business world. This is something that I will hold onto forever. Why, am I, the least likely group?? And how can I change this? I’ve always wondered, while following my father's footsteps, why I don't see more women in charge, or there in general. In reality, it's because they aren't there. This is something I will always look for now, I will always look at a woman in charge and be mesmerized, knowing it took her so much to get her, and that she defied the statistics.

This project has made me more prepared for my future and the life I want to pursue. It has made me more educated, understanding, and excited for the life ahead of me.