Raise Your Voice!

As far back as I can remember, I was told to never use “I” in my writing assignments. The use of first person in academic writing was considered sacrilegious. As the obedient student I was, I accepted this rule. No questions asked. However, as I grew older I became a more rebellious writer. I began to question this law. Why can’t I write in first person? It’s my writing after all.

Typically, scholars like to avoid first person in order to uphold an impersonal tone. I can understand this logic. At the same time, I believe there is no such thing as impersonal writing. Writers put themselves into all their writing. Sometimes intentionally. Other times unintentionally. All writers have a style. Something that makes their writing stick out. As a result, writers should be allowed to use “I” in academic writing.

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

While I am completely for the use of first person in academic writing, there are ways to break the rules responsibly. Just because you can use first person in your writing does not always mean you should. For instance, Kate McKinney Maddalena advises students not use first person while writing lab reports. Usually, while writing lab reports students want to remain as objective as possible. Not to mention, it may not be the best idea to put your personal opinion into a factual report. However, Maddalena also advises that students approach their teachers. Some STEM professors may encourage the use of first person.

Some prompts will flat out ask you to write in first person. Others will not. In cases where it is not obvious, it is the writers job to make an educated decision. Maddalena suggests writers use first person when they’re intellectually invested in the topic at hand. There have been instances in my writing career where I’ve been passionate about a topic and have wanted to use first person. However, that god forsaken rule got in the way of my writing.

Since we began writing academically, we were told not to use “I”. As we mature as writers we begin to question the rules enforced on us from day one. This can make it difficult to transition into first person writing. With practice, the ability to smoothly use “I” in your writing will become natural. It’s a work in progress, but I am slowly getting there as well.