In-Class Essay 2

I write to peers, professionals, and supervision every day. I have dual purpose to this topic. On first hand, I write as a student. I learn about writing skills and apply them in essays such as this. Also, I communicate with my military chain of command almost entirely by email. The formality of the two is similar, though the content is vastly different. My work and that of professional American writers differs in voice, style and content, as well as the forum to which it is published. The barriers between my work and that of professional public discourse are decreasing number, and changing technology, furthering my education, and obtaining experience will lead to my first article published in the “Nuclear News” magazine.

I write today to fulfill an assignment or to communicate information. Tomorrow, I may write to educate. In my field, that is the goal of professional public discourse. My current education and experience level limits me from access to the public forum. As I study, innovative ideas regarding the nuclear industry come to mind. My studies are designed such that at a basic level I will understand the majority of the nuclear field. As I progress, I will begin to formulate ideas of my own and test them through research and experience. With each degree conferred, my credibility increases, thus that barrier fades.

Another way to seek credibility is through peer review. Practice, critique and acknowledgement are essential to emulating professional work. There are blog sites online where amateur bloggers may post information. Today’s technology allows for instant exchange and critique of information. The user is limited by how fast he or she can type and read. Blogging is an excellent way to utilize technology and to exercise one’s public voice.

Finally, practical experience is the most essential way to obtain professional writing credibility. One’s experience and field application adds the ability to test hypotheses. Education lays the foundation, but real world application of knowledge leads to the ability to communicate information to others. In a technical field, it is essential to find out what does not work. Most good ideas are derived from a necessity to improve an inefficient process.

As I establish my education, experience and credibility, continuous amateur blogging and peer review will show my progression. Ultimately, I want to be the expert on a certain reactor plant design, be it naval or commercial, and discuss its advantages and disadvantages in the “Nuclear News” magazine. Technology enables instant blogging and online versions of various public works. Practical experience and peer review will one day lead to me establishing myself as a professional writer.