The first thing an aspiring writer should do is to collect examples and ideas into one notebook, where they can be referred to regularly.  All work you do for this course, as well as interesting examples of writing you come across in your reading, should be kept in this notebook for further reference.
    A 2" binder should work well, with some looseleaf paper and about 5 tab dividers would be best in the beginning.  As you complete assignments for this course, place those assignments in the appropriate section of your notebook.  It should also be helpful to place a copy of the pages of this website in the appropriate sections, so you can keep track of what you need to do, and your teachers can be reminded of the points assigned to each task.
    For Section 1 of your notebook, begin to collect sentences, phrases, pictures, storylines, words, and other samples that you feel inspire you to write something creative, or exemplify an interesting way our language can be used.  You may gather these samples from any medium (i.e. books, newspapers, TV shows, movies, etc.), but they should always be items that "tweak your brain" in an unusual way.  Look for passages that capture your imagination or provide a unique way of looking at the world.  It may be as elaborate as a plot or theme, and as simple as a single word.  Recording these in your notebook will allow you to refer to them instantly, should you feel the urge to use them in your work later on.
    Since the above assignment is ongoing (as in, "for the rest of your life"), you will not need to submit your notebook immediately, but may proceed on to Part II.