My last three years of high school have taught me not only about school, learning, and my education but about life, college, and careers. Some of my teachers have taught me about my strengths. Looking back at my freshman year I never realized how quickly highschool would pass me by. I remember walking into wrong classrooms and not paying attention in class but now starting my senior I’m starting to see how stressing and fun this year is going to be. My sophomore year for English 10 I was a learner of Mr.Garza, I feel like he motivated me to not only push myself in English but in my overall education. Another learning facilitator that has affected me is Ms.Wills she has taught me about life and has helped me learn about myself, flaws and all. Many other teachers have brought me to this point in my life, but other people in my life have had such a powerful effect on my life. My uncle was a role model in my life, I looked up to him because he had such a successful career and encouraged not only me but my siblings to continue going to school and make a good life for ourselves, and for that I am so grateful. Teachers, my friends, family, and other mentors have all helped bring me to this moment in my life, but another person has helped me and that is myself. I have accomplished so much more than I thought I could, I feel that the unique grading system at our school have helped me with that. Being able to go as fast as I want and when I’m finished with a class has been a great advantage. Some things that got in my way would have to be myself, I feel like I am the only person that can stop myself from moving forward. Whether it was family problems, being busy with extracurricular activities, or just procrastination. Looking back at my three years of high school I definitely believe I could have accomplished so much more, been less stressed, and save lots of time. My last three years have high school have gone by so fast but I’ve learned so much and have met so many new people and I have been introduced to so many things and have had experiences that have shown me what life after high school will be. Some things I have learned my first three years of high school that I will always remember are to take good notes, make the best possible decisions for myself, and to continue my education while pushing myself in every aspect of my life. With it now being the second week of my senior year I feel it has not set in that in about 8 months I will be starting a new chapter in my life. Every day this school I have not ever thought that I don’t have long to be on this campus being able to be with my friends every day and learn with our unique learning system. At this very moment I have finally realized how much an impact every situation has brought me to this very moment.
Journal #2
Since my last journal entry, my life has changed in many ways. For example, my classes have gotten harder, each class has a lot more work. In my econ class I had to create a product and market it. I found this difficult because there are a lot of different aspects to running a business. Another class I find difficult is AP Spanish, this is because I don’t always understand the assignment given, and I am not completely fluent in spanish. My life has also changed in that graduation is getting closer and the pressure to apply to college, get a job, and graduate are starting to come to realization. I do not think that the realization that first semester is almost over has hit me. Another thing that has changed since my last journal entry is my family is not in the best financial state at the moment. The decision to continue to a community college after high school was greatly influenced by my current financial state.
I am already taking steps to prepare for post graduation life. One thing I have done is started is going to the COS presentation and starting the application process. I am also starting to apply to scholarships for COS. My plans are to fill out the scholarships forms and continue to apply to scholarships. I am also looking for a part time job to help pay for my college expenses. I have also have been talking to peers or alumni that are in or have gone through the path that I am going to take. Taking all of this into account I am planning on how I will manage to make it through college and becoming successful in life.
I am not only enjoying but also learning many things about my senior year. For example, I am enjoying the experience of senior life. I am learning that deadlines are important to meet and that school is always going to be my number one priority. Part of my enjoyment of my senior year is making memories with my friends. From going to football games, staying after school to finish projects, and going out to eat have all made me enjoy my senior so much more. Senior year has been enjoyable in that I am receiving so much support from my peers, learning facilitators, and family members. Having so many people that influence and inspire me to reach my goals has made my senior year enjoyable, and makes me feel supported as I start taking new steps in my life.
In my preparation for post-graduation I am feeling supported well. I still have some worries that something will not go right. For example, if i do not buy a car in time for the school year I will be set back a semester. Also, I need to make arrangements regarding whether I am going to be a full-time or part-time student. If I decide to be a full-time student I will not have time for a part time job. Although if I decide to be a part-time student and I acquire a job I may become overwhelmed with school.
I am already taking steps to prepare for post graduation life. One thing I have done is started is going to the COS presentation and starting the application process. I am also starting to apply to scholarships for COS. My plans are to fill out the scholarships forms and continue to apply to scholarships. I am also looking for a part time job to help pay for my college expenses. I have also have been talking to peers or alumni that are in or have gone through the path that I am going to take. Taking all of this into account I am planning on how I will manage to make it through college and becoming successful in life.
I am not only enjoying but also learning many things about my senior year. For example, I am enjoying the experience of senior life. I am learning that deadlines are important to meet and that school is always going to be my number one priority. Part of my enjoyment of my senior year is making memories with my friends. From going to football games, staying after school to finish projects, and going out to eat have all made me enjoy my senior so much more. Senior year has been enjoyable in that I am receiving so much support from my peers, learning facilitators, and family members. Having so many people that influence and inspire me to reach my goals has made my senior year enjoyable, and makes me feel supported as I start taking new steps in my life.
In my preparation for post-graduation I am feeling supported well. I still have some worries that something will not go right. For example, if i do not buy a car in time for the school year I will be set back a semester. Also, I need to make arrangements regarding whether I am going to be a full-time or part-time student. If I decide to be a full-time student I will not have time for a part time job. Although if I decide to be a part-time student and I acquire a job I may become overwhelmed with school.
Journal #3
My winter break went well I spent most of my time with family and friends. Throughout my winter break I got to spend time with my brother that currently lives in Santa Maria. I also spent lots of time with my cousins and recently found out my cousin is going to have a baby. On Christmas Eve I spent the day with my mom's side of the family, and on Christmas day I spent the day with my dad, grandma, and brother. I also got to spend lots of time with my friends family. I also got to do lots of shopping for the holidays, although it was not for me I still enjoyed it. What I liked most about this winter break is I spent lots of time with my family that I do not see often.
To reflect on my first semester, I would say I did a good job at keeping up with my work. What I liked the most was that I started off strong and kept going ahead so when the end of the semester comes I am not overwhelmed with work. What I regret about my first semester is that I did not take advantage of challenging myself to complete level fours. If I would have done just a little more would I know I could have achieved more than I did.
Before the semester is over I need to make sure I pass my AP Spanish Language course. I also need to finish my senior project which includes my exit interview. My other classes consist of Chemistry, Careers in Education, Economics, and English 12. I also need to balance out all of the work assigned from my other classes. I have lots of work ahead of me but I am sure I can finish everything.
I have completed my application for College of the Sequoias and submitted it. I am now going to apply for financial aid. I have applied for scholarships and I am in the process of applying for grants. The application process was simple because there was a representative to walk me through the process. I am waiting to receive an appointment to take the placement test. Then I will register for my classes and start college this fall.
I have been looking for a part time job after I graduate to pay for my college tuition. I have applied to various fast food places. I would like to work at a clothing store out of town but I would need a car and to purchase a car I need money. I would need to start working at a job in town although there are not very many options or places to apply to. After I graduate I plan to still live at home while going to school, and pursuing a part time job. Even though I will not be paying out any bills I need to find a source of income to pay for my college expenses because financial aid and scholarships probably will not be enough. I would not just need money to pay for school, but for other things like gas to go to and from school everyday, school supplies, and personal needs. When I start school I will not be eightteen for a few months and I do not want to be financially dependent on my parents.
Journal #4
At times I think I am nervous for graduation but I am more excited than anything. I get nervous thinking about graduation at times because I still have a journey ahead of me to get there. I am also nervous about where I am going to end up after graduation. Will I finish school? Will I find a job? Not knowing where I am going to end up makes me nervous. Although at times I get nervous I know I have to focus my energy on actually getting to the point of graduation. Aside from being nervous I am also excited to begin a new chapter in my life.
So far for post graduation I have applied to College of the Sequoias and I am currently waiting to take the placement test. I have already applied and I am still going through the process. I have decided to continue to live with my mom, not only because it will benefit me financially but it is close to the campus, overall it will be very convenient for me. I have also been applying to various scholarships and financial aid. By also applying for financial aid I automatically enter for cal grants and other scholarships. I am also planning on getting a summer job to help pay for school, books, gas etc.
What I am looking forward to the most is having more freedom. Even though I am still going to be living with my mom, I am going to be out of the house more. Going to and from class is going to become my responsibility. Doing homework, studying, and getting help is all going to be on me. I am also looking forward to being able to choose my classes and when I have them. I am looking forward to being able to succeed on my own.
I am most grateful looking back on senior year is all my teachers. If it was not for them supporting me and guiding me I would not have made it this far. They taught me about how to write essays, solve quadratic equations, but they also showed me that in a few months I am going to be on my own so I need to take everything seriously especially my education. I am also very grateful for the counselors taking a genuine interest in our futures. Receiving emails every day about scholarships and deadlines may seem persistent but they just want to see us succeed. I am also grateful for my friends because they have accompanied me on this journey. Looking back on my senior year I am happy that I had fun while going throughout the years. Looking back coming into high school as a freshman upperclassmen would always say to enjoy high school because the four years go by so fast and I never believed them. Being a few months away from graduation I have come to realize that I am going to make through highschool if I finish strong and I could make it through any situation in life if I am persistent and work hard.
So far for post graduation I have applied to College of the Sequoias and I am currently waiting to take the placement test. I have already applied and I am still going through the process. I have decided to continue to live with my mom, not only because it will benefit me financially but it is close to the campus, overall it will be very convenient for me. I have also been applying to various scholarships and financial aid. By also applying for financial aid I automatically enter for cal grants and other scholarships. I am also planning on getting a summer job to help pay for school, books, gas etc.
What I am looking forward to the most is having more freedom. Even though I am still going to be living with my mom, I am going to be out of the house more. Going to and from class is going to become my responsibility. Doing homework, studying, and getting help is all going to be on me. I am also looking forward to being able to choose my classes and when I have them. I am looking forward to being able to succeed on my own.
I am most grateful looking back on senior year is all my teachers. If it was not for them supporting me and guiding me I would not have made it this far. They taught me about how to write essays, solve quadratic equations, but they also showed me that in a few months I am going to be on my own so I need to take everything seriously especially my education. I am also very grateful for the counselors taking a genuine interest in our futures. Receiving emails every day about scholarships and deadlines may seem persistent but they just want to see us succeed. I am also grateful for my friends because they have accompanied me on this journey. Looking back on my senior year I am happy that I had fun while going throughout the years. Looking back coming into high school as a freshman upperclassmen would always say to enjoy high school because the four years go by so fast and I never believed them. Being a few months away from graduation I have come to realize that I am going to make through highschool if I finish strong and I could make it through any situation in life if I am persistent and work hard.