Curricular Response

One of the challenges I faced while reading I Am the Messenger was keeping track of the different messages Ed had to deliver and the significance of each one. At first, it was hard to connect the stories of the people he helped to the overall meaning of the book. To overcome this, I started jotting down notes about each person and their situation as I read, which helped me see how they connected to Ed’s personal growth and the story’s theme of self-discovery.

I really liked Markus Zusak’s writing style, especially his use of short, punchy sentences and a conversational tone. It made Ed’s voice feel authentic and relatable, as if he were speaking directly to the reader. However, sometimes the fragmented structure of certain chapters made it hard to follow the flow of the story, especially during intense moments.

Core Competency Self-Assessment

Strength:
I listened to others’ ideas, considered their points of view, and offered constructive suggestions. During group discussions, I made an effort to hear everyone’s interpretations of the book and added thoughtful comments that built on what they said. This helped create a collaborative and respectful group dynamic.

Area to Work On:
I need to improve my focus on the group task, especially when discussions veer off-topic. Next time, I will suggest setting specific time limits for each part of the discussion and keeping track of our progress with a checklist. This way, I can help the group stay on track and complete tasks more efficiently.