Western Oregon University’s First-Year Writing Program publishes Unbound: A First-Year Writing Anthology, a digital collection of the exemplary work produced by students enrolled in WR 121 and WR 122 (College Writing 1 and College Writing 2). Unbound: A First-Year Writing Anthology celebrates the creative thinking, sophisticated prose, and impressive inquiry projects taken on by our students. The work in this anthology includes compositions in a range of genres and modalities, showcasing their identities as writers. 

To download a paper, click on the title. Student papers will download as fully accessible PDFs. If you identify an accessibility issue with a student paper, please contact William Haas at haasw@wou.edu.

The views and opinions expressed by students in Unbound are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Western Oregon University.

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 Volume 5

Blossoms of Resilience: My Journey Through Books and Fields

Winner of Outstanding Essay Award

Author: Guadalupe Ramos Ramirez

Course: WR 121

Instructor: Dr. Kathleen Cassity

Abstract: In my essay, “Blossoms of Resilience: My Journey through Books and Fields,” I aimed to convey my passion for literature and my desire to further my education. I wanted to provide a genuine sense of who I am through my experiences. I was honest about my feelings of shame due to poverty and shared the struggles of growing up and having to support myself. These experiences motivated me to rise above my circumstances. Reading was my favorite pastime, as it offered me a glimpse into other worlds and lives, providing a much-needed distraction from my own challenges.

Bio: Hi, I am Guadalupe Ramos, a first-generation student at WOU. I aspire to become an ICU nurse one day, driven by my passion for taking care of people. I believe nursing is the perfect field for me because it is both challenging and rewarding. Growing up, I began working at a very early age, which taught me invaluable lessons that have shaped who I am today. I believe that if you want something, you have to work for it. I enjoy writing about my experiences in the field because it reveals a unique side of me that you might not expect just from looking at me. I also write to inspire young girls who are in the position I once was, so they know it is possible to achieve their goals, even if those dreams seem distant.

Keywords: Literature, Socioeconomic Class,

 

Learning the Hard Way: My Experience with Plagiarism

Winner of Outstanding Essay Award

Author: Koffi Kouame

Course: WR 121

Instructor: Samantha Morgan

Abstract: This essay explores my personal experience with writing and the impact of plagiarism. Moving from the Ivory Coast to the U.S. created a language barrier and hindered my creativity. However, a key event led to a profound change in my approach, highlighting the value of academic integrity. This essay underscores the importance of ethical writing and the need for culturally sensitive teaching methods to aid students in navigating language barriers and creativity challenges.

Bio: My name is Koffi Kouame, and I am currently a freshman student-athlete at WOU. I am majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology. Originally from the Ivory Coast, I grew up in West Linn, Oregon. I am fluent in three languages. In my free time, I enjoy writing narratives, listening to music, and working out. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in law, where I can make a positive impact on society.

Keywords: Plagiarism, Personal Essay, Immigration,

 

Falling into First Year

Author: Alyssa Nguyen

Course: WR 121

Instructor: Dr. Leigh Graziano

Abstract: This poem was part of a larger body of work, in which I gave writing advice to first-year students in the style of different genres. This was written in the genre of a more modern poem. It was inspired by the things we learned in class, and some of my own fears and struggles regarding my first year of college.

Bio: Alyssa Nguyen is currently a first-year psychology major at Western Oregon University. After they finish their undergraduate, they plan on getting their masters and going into mental health counseling. They also aspire to write and publish a novel. Alyssa loves creative writing, listening to music, petting their cats, and talking with their friends.

Keywords: Poetry, Writing Process,

 

The Green Light Symbolizes Hope: Fixing High School English

Author: Caleb Ihne

Course: WR 121

Instructor: Dr. Kathleen Cassity

Abstract: This essay explores the faults in the way classic literature is taught in the high school curriculum. It provides a deep dive into the various ways in which classic
literature is done a disservice when taught and how this teaching, in turn, negatively affects the students. It also provides potential solutions aimed at promoting diversification and understanding of the works and combating resentment towards the genre as a whole.

Bio: My name is Caleb Ihne. I’m majoring in History with a minor in International Studies, and I’m a member of the WOU Model United Nations. I hope to one day work abroad for an international organization. As evidenced by my essay, I have a long-standing love for classic literature—my favorite novel is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, and I cannot stand how schools teach it.

Keywords: Literature, Pedagogy,

 

Self-Made Shackles and Self-Made Keys

Author: Samantha Winkler

Course: WR 121

Instructor: Wesley Mathis

Abstract: A fusion of essay and fairy tale that reflects upon the first writing class taken in college, this piece follows a dreamer’s journey through discovering how best to overcome the obstacles in the way of being free to create.

Bio: Samantha is a biology student with dreams to get a PhD in Genetics. She is an artist in every way she can manage who is currently writing her first book and loving every
second of school, no matter how busy she is.

Keywords:

 

Romanticized Toxicity

Winner of Outstanding Essay Award

Author: Jennifer Perez Ramos

Course: WR 122

Instructor: Tandy Tillinghast

Abstract: This paper captures a small scope on how cultures have romanticized toxicity, a once derogatory term. Through my writing, the reader looks into the minds of those who find toxic relationships attractive, and learns how we are influenced by our surroundings to have toxic desires.

Bio in English:Hello, my name is Jennifer Perez Ramos. I am a third year student at Western Oregon University. My career goals are to achieve two bachelor’s degrees: one in Early Childhood Education with an ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) Endorsement and another in Spanish with a Certificate as an Interpreter. My biggest goal is to one day make a bigger difference.

Bio in Spanish: Hola, mi nombre es Jennifer Pérez Ramos. Soy estudiante de tercer año en la Universidad de Western Oregon. Mis metas profesionales son lograr dos licenciaturas: una en Educación Infantil Temprana y otra en Español. También obtener mi agregado de ESOL (Inglés para Hablantes de Otros Idiomas) y un Certificado como Intérprete.

Keywords: Toxicity, Cultural Studies,

 

The Power of Pathos: How Nature Poetry Spurs Engagement in Climate Change Activism

Winner of Outstanding Essay Award

Author: Hayden Mickelberry

Course: WR 122

Instructor: Wesley Mathis

Keywords: Pathos, Climate Change, Poetry, 

 

The Evolution of Personal Language: Effect and Expression, A Comparative Analysis of Ancient Personal Writing

Author: Keeton Sanchez

Course: WR 122

Instructor: Wesley Mathis

Abstract: This paper compares contemporary personal writing with the ancient style seen in Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations. By analyzing survey data from college students and examining the ancient text, this paper explores the evolution of personal writing. The survey helps highlight how modern writing emphasizes emotional release and creativity while ancient writing focused on introspection, revealing both continuity and change in personal language use.

Bio: My name is Keeton Sanchez. I am an Exercise Science major with a minor in Psychology. I journeyed to Western Oregon from Arizona with the goal of becoming an Occupational Therapist, as well as continuing my love for running by competing on WOU’s track and cross-country teams.

Keywords: Pathos, Personal Writing, Stoic Philosophy,

 

“Hawai‘i 78”: Through the Lens: Code-Switching in Songs

Author: Brianna Tadaki

Course: WR 122

Instructor: Wesley Mathis

Abstract: “‘Hawaiʻi 78’ Through the Lens” is a deep dive into not only my heart but the hearts of Hawaiʻi’s indigenous people. My paper takes you on a journey through simple yet complex song lyrics that reveal deep meaning as to why the anger, joy, and love the people have for Hawaiʻi and the injustices they encountered during the annexation. I hope that you will be enlightened by this brief insight into my culture through “Hawaiʻi 78.”

Bio: I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Oʻahu. I have two brothers and a sister. I graduated from Maryknoll High School where I met some of my best friends and I still hang out with them from time to time when we are all home. I am majoring in Early Childhood Studies and hope to open a daycare of my own back at home. Some things I like to do in my free time are going to the beach, hanging out with friends/family, and eating.

Keywords: Hawaiʻi, Code-Switching,

 

 

CONTACT US

Unbound: A First-Year Writing Anthology

Contact for publication Unbound: William Haas at haasw@wou.edu   | Location:MAASKE 317