CRITIQUE

This was one of the scariest things ever. I had to read my story to 4 people I rarely spoke to about personal things. I had never even told anyone about my story. I was the first in line to be critiqued. My voice was shaking and I started reading. I was so nervous I kept misreading it, skipping words, mumbling and trying to be quiet so nobody else could hear...which was basically impossible because everyone in the class had to read their story aloud so we had to read it loud. Once I got to the second page, I felt way more comfortable, I settled. This wasn't that bad. But then, I got to the emotional part. I bursted into tears, I couldn't even read it. Since everyone was also uncomfortable and we hadn't encountered anyone crying, everyone just stayed in an awkward silence while I had to try and get my emotions under control. I breathed in and out with all the snot and tear coming out. This was hard. Once I finished everyone clapped and it felt good. Kind of relieving. The critique cycle was to go in a circle and talk about what they connected to, what they liked, what was emotionally honest, and what I could add.

Another time I got critiqued was when I read my story to an advisory of freshman. This was a bit scary too because, they were 9th graders. What if they thought it was boring or they wouldn't be paying attention. But I knew it was good practice since it was infant of more than 4 people. My voice cracked a few times but I read it really well. I was really proud of myself for volunteering to do this. After I finished so many hands went up for feedback and critique and it felt really good. I guess they did like my story.

We had multiple critique sessions but it felt good to do it many times. I feel like theres never a time anyone should say no to critique, there is always room for improvement. 
On the 3rd draft critique we read out draft, clarified questions or any probing questions, discussed it, responded, then lastly debriefed. I liked this critique setup but what I didn't really like and felt uncomfortable with was the discussion. The writer is suppose to physically turn around away from the group and take notes while the group is discussing. It was just weird not looking at the people, since that is just the way I am as a person I felt like it was disrespectful because I always like looking and facing towards people when they would give me feedback. But overall it was good and helpful when asking specific questions.