Copy Editing as I See it

Copy Editing could very well be the catalyst that takes you from being an OK writer to a terrific one. I imagine this class as being like a metaphor with a car. You can have an average car, it runs alright, it gets you from here to there, and you'll never have any problems with it. But, if you put a little work into it, maybe add a new stereo, give it a flashy paint job, tint the windows, and put some attention grabbing rims on it it could make all the difference. Suddenly your once average car has transformed into a bad ass chick magnet.
I view this class as having the same potential for my writing abilities. In a career where it is essential to stick out from the competitors you are going to need the writing equivalent of a flashy paint job and nice rims to bring attention to yourself. Employers are looking for someone who not only brings something new to the table but also knows the foundation of fundamentals that make someone a great writer. What I hope to get out of this class is to know when and where to take out or add the right words and phrases. Know when something important is missing and when what I am saying is just unneeded extra fat. I want to make sure I am not adding the dashboard hula dancer or mud flaps when it is not really neccessary.
I think the trick to being a good writer/journalist is to hook your reader and then once they have finished leave them desiring more, disappointed the article has ended. These are the skills I am hoping to gain from this class. I will admit I am still a little raw in my abilities but I think this class (along with others) can push me over the top from having that average article to the front page can't miss one. The kind of writer that I desire to be.