Through hard work and hard times, a chapter is coming to an end: my high school career.
Throughout high school, I have had many ups and downs between grades, family issues, self-identity, and trying to gain confidence. During my freshman year, I was the same as any regular student: scared. As I took AP Human Geography, the first tough class I have ever taken, it made me struggle to understand if that’s where I was supposed to be, in the rigorous classes of the school. This class is where I met my mentor, Mr. Dave Falter. But at the time, he was just a Human Geography teacher to me who would make me cry over the stress levels of the class, and I never knew how big of a role he would have in my life. Continuing with my freshman year, I was still doubting myself in this class and came to the second semester wanting to drop the class. Things got better throughout the rest of the year, but I was still struggling.
My sophomore year then came along, the first semester of this year. I would say I was still struggling to keep up in the tough classes, as I also had home stuff going on. I have always been open with my upbringing and the role that has played in my life and academics, but at this time, I didn’t realize yet how I could use my situation to help others and use it to my advantage in gaining confidence. Starting the second semester, I started to become a better student. As I was taking psychology and forensic science classes, I thought I was on the right track for my career and wanted to go into those, but little did I know that this would shift in my junior year. I finished that semester off “strong,” but I never knew that I could strive for higher and better.
When it came to junior year it was as people say, stressful and tough. Between prepping for the SAT in my AVID class and also having my two AP’s, it was a stressful year. But as I mentioned before, this is the year I found my passion and future career. My junior year, I joined the Newspaper Production class as it was recommended to me by Mr. Falter. Starting this new journey was something that I didn’t think would stick, but with the support of the people around me, especially my AVID teacher Mr. Ryan Pace, it became a love and a passion. This was especially the year I saw the most growth out of myself. While the rest of my junior year was normal, newspaper and AVID is what made it special. Not only those classes but also the people in them, Maddy, Kim, Beyonce in AVID and Alejrandro, Xavier, Miguel, and Aramis in newspaper. The moments I had in these classes are ones that made me grow and become a better student.
Wrapping around to my senior year, this is where I found my purpose and identity of who I wanted to be. Not only did I become strong in my faith and lead through my decisions with it, but I became an overall better student. I found the love of helping with the Unified program, being a big part of the AVID program, and of course continued my love of writing and journalism. I don’t have much else to say about my senior year other than it was as better as I expected and I really did come a long way from my freshman year. I did everything that I intended to do over the past four years and more.
Now for some thank yous. Mr. Falter, you have truly played such an influential part of my life. Not only were you like a mentor to me and helped me find my passion, but you were also a parental figure in a type of way. Your encouragement and determination in me helped shape me into who I am today, so for that I thank you. Mr. Pace, words can’t express how big of a role you played in my life. You have been such a caring person who has seen me grow and endlessly supported me through everything. You are the type of teacher that brings out the best in their students and for that I thank you. Maddy, with our ups and downs I’m surprised we became friends, but you have truly changed me for the better and helped lead me back to my faith; I love you. Alejandro, between your endless bullying and harsh criticism, you have always been like a brother. Thank you for supporting me and helping me through tough times. To Xavier, thank you for the endless support you have given me and allowing me to be your friend. I look up to you in some ways, so thank you. To my parents, thank you for the endless belief in me and being not only supporters but best friends. Finally, to my Aunt Val, thank you for always pushing me to be better and believing in me with your endless support. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am if it wasn’t for you, I have so much gratitude for you.
