Blogger's Growth

Blogging has been an interesting experience. When I first started, I was apprehensive. I did not want my thoughts on display for the world to see. I was afraid future employers, friends, and strangers of all kinds would take offense to my opinions, or that I would say something idiotic and regret it later. As I continued blogging and began participating in class, I started to feel more open about sharing my opinions. I realized that if I truly become knowledgeable in a subject area I was plenty comfortable sharing my thoughts. I had never done so not because I was neutral on every issue, but because I was too ignorant and too shy to take a public side.
Blogging and Issues class in general were good choices for me. I now know how to follow something I am passionate about, become knowledgeable beyond talking points, take a stand, and then argue my side with more than just opinions; with strong proof and meaningful contentions. By doing this,  I finally feel like I am taking advantage of my right to free speech, a right that many still do not possess. This was the feeling the founding fathers must have wanted citizens of the United States to have: one of comfort and pride in one's opinions, and a freedom from fear when sharing them openly.