Throughout our class there have been several things that have stuck out to me through the readings and in class discussions. However, what stood out to me most and what I learned how to become better at as a result of this class ,was close reading and how to critically analyze the most important information from what I was reading. Close reading allows for me to find the deeper meaning behind what the author is trying to say, it allows for good class discussions, and it will help me in my future as someone who wants to work in public relations (PR).

First, close reading allows for me to find the deeper meaning behind what the author is trying to say. Often times when I read a text, I do not fully understand everything I read initially. By re reading and also close reading, this allows for me to break down and dissect what the author is trying to say. Close reading also helps improve my critical thinking skills, because it forces me to pay additional attention to details in order to figure out what is being conveyed by the author.

Second, close reading allows for strong and thought-provoking in-class discussions. By close reading as a class, I was able to not only share my own perspectives on what I understood from the text, but I was also able to listen and hear from other students and what their own perspectives were on the reading. I strongly believe in-class discussions were beneficial to my success in this class because they challenged me to converse with others and understand different viewpoints that were all interconnected in someway.

Last, I believe that through continuing to practice close reading, this will help me in my future as someone who wants to work in public relations. This is true, because working in public relations requires only keeping the most relevant information apart of press releases, while still being concise and accurate with the information that is being presented to the public. Close reading will ultimately improve my writing skills, and creativity, which will help me be successful in my near future.