Reflection - How did I improve my writing?

Writing has always come natural to me. I enjoy coming up with ideas and have fun with them. My only problem is vocabulary. Before I started this year I used multiple short words, the ones we applied to our writting skills in middle school. Now, when im sitting in class working on an essay I get my dictionary out and start looking up words. To make me and my paper look smart. I also have problems with citing text evidence. When it comes down to this, in my opinion I think every little quote is good. I have to admit im still not very good at it yet. However, I think i've gotten better at it throughtout the year.