Jordan Wiggins

He/ Him/ His

Corporate & Teaching courses in:

Rhetoric, Writing, & Technical Communications

Who are you

This assignment is just between you and me.


I will not share what you write.


I want you to feel free, safe, and honest when you write.


The purpose is not to grade your writing skills, but to give me a deeper understanding of who you are—your past, your present, and your hopes for the future.

Overview

Rhetoric is about how we share who we are, what we feel, and what we believe with others. In this letter, you will practice rhetoric by using personal stories, emotions, and details to communicate your identity and experiences to me. Writing this way shows how rhetoric is not only about persuasion but also about connection, understanding, and self-expression.

A Letter to Your Professor

Instructions

Write me a personal letter that reveals the true essence of who you are. Be as vulnerable and honest as you feel comfortable being. This is not an essay—it’s a letter, and it should feel personal. Please include the following:

  1. Your Past
    • Share meaningful details about your life so far.
    • Include times when you were hurt, how those moments affected you, and what you’ve carried forward from them.
    • Share moments when you felt joy or happiness, and why those moments mattered to you.
    • Be detailed: include dates, places, time frames, or specific experiences that shaped you.
  1. Your Present
    • Describe who you are right now.
    • What challenges are you currently facing?
    • What brings you happiness or peace today?
  1. Your Future
    • Talk about your goals, dreams, or the kind of person you hope to become.
    • Share how you plan to overcome challenges and move forward in your life.
  1. Your Teacher
    • End your letter by telling me how I can be a better teacher for you.
    • Be specific about what you need from me to feel supported in this class.

Format

  • Write your letter in a way that feels natural to you—typed or handwritten is fine.
  • Use full sentences and paragraphs, not bullet points.
  • Length: at least 2 pages double-spaced
  • Follow the business letter format.

Remember

This is only for me to read. It will not be shared, and your honesty will be respected.

At the end of your letter, I encourage you to leave me with the same truth you began with: a version of your story that only I will see and carry with me as your teacher.