Page 56 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Carla’s Journal Entry and New Outline

After talking to her writing group, Carla wrote a journal entry, then

made a new outline.

I can’t believe I forgot that the assignment said the essay should be about my emotions.

Well, let’s see. What are the emotions I feel about being a mother? First of all, I feel an

overwhelming and protective love for my daughter. I never knew I could feel that way
about any living thing. But I also feel discouraged and downhearted many times. I work

hard and just barely get by. I can’t remember the last time I bought a new outfit for Alisa or
for myself. Financial troubles are the worst. And like Brenda said, it is scary raising a child

these days. Some nights I lie awake terrified about what could happen to her or what could

happen to me that would keep me from taking care of her. I also feel angry when I hear
people talk about single parents not being able to raise their children with the right values.

This is not a perfect world. I did not create it, but I have to live in it and I do the best I can.
If they haven’t walked in my shoes, they can’t judge me.

So far, the emotions I can pick out are happiness, love, discouragement, terror, and anger.

Maybe I can write about some of those.

Carla’s new outline:

Thesis: Since my daughter Alisa was born, I have lived with the joy,

the pain, and often, the sheer terror of raising a child alone.

Joy:

1. Seeing her at birth

2. Watching her grow and form a personality