I’m sorry for taking so long to post! There had been so many times where I just wanted to sign on and write something I had learned, realized, or laughed at. But obviously, as we all do, something else came up. And although I should be studying for my finals right now (haha) I just had to quickly write everything down before I exploded! Bare with me if it's not making any sense, I just want to get my thoughts out, which at this point are very jumbled up. So here goes nothing…
As the school year ends, or rather speeds up for finals time, I find myself not only surprised how quickly this year has ended, but also surprised because of how much I have changed in the past year. I'm very proud of the person that these experiences have grown me to be and I hope to keep finding new outlooks on life. First I would like to thank my family, especially my mom, for everything that you did for me this year. If it was making a late night run to get bagels for our choir class, or taking me to Kinkos for a project, you were always there supporting me. Even though I would get mad every time you came to check up on me late in the night, truthfully inside I found myself smiling because it made me happy that you cared enough to wake up 3 in the morning to see if I needed anything. Thanks mom.
I would also like to thank each and every teacher who I had this year. I was extremely lucky to get such great teachers this year, because each and every one taught me something that I know I will remember for the rest of my life.
To my math teacher, thank you for challenging me. For showing me that math isn't just a subject, but rather a way to problem solve, a toolbox to relate to any problem. I don't think I have ever liked going to math class and you changed that.
To my history teacher, thank you for making me, well, think. And thank you for sharing so many wonderful books, movies, people, and history with me. Everything from Man of All Seasons, to G.K. Chesterton's book, "What's Wrong with the World". From day one of the class till now and for many more years to come, I want you to know that I will always be asking what is truth. I took so many things away from this class, but one thing that I will never forget is that education to me will not become a game where winning is my only goal. I find myself wanting to learn, rather then caring about the grades I get.
To my spanish teacher, thank you for one amazing year. I feel more cultured and improved so much on my spanish this year. And I wanted you to know that I loved that this year I did not only learn spanish, but I got to apply it many many times and I thank you for that opportunity.
To my english teacher, I commend you for not only helping me improve, but truthfully, I can see change in every single person in the class. I remember beginning of the year when absolutely no one wanted to speak out to answer a question, or even voice an opinion, and now I find an immense change in our class and the openness and confidence people have grown to have. I'd also like to congratulate you for this, I don't think I've ever seen students become so motivated and involved!
And last, but definitely NOT the least I'd like to thank my chemistry teacher. Not only did you show me this new world of blogging, but also I have learned so much throughout this year, about not only first year chemistry, but life and even myself. I find myself questioning constantly, where do I fit, what are my strengths, my weaknesses, my likes, my dislikes? I found myself making so many great friendships this year. As a class, getting through the rough times and enjoying the fun times, we have become a big family! I can truly say I love the class and all the people that are a part of it. I also find myself reflecting on myself as a leader and a follower. I enjoyed getting to experience all different sides of the "team" and would like to thank you for giving me a chance to experience science on my own. I literally praise you for introducing the great idea of the soap project (created by Dennis Smithenry and Joan Gallagher) to our class. Who knew making soap, while being part of the corporate world could be so thrilling! It is really an amazing idea that definitely proves that without the teacher there to guide you, a student is able to run wild with freedom to show creativity, intelligence, and even work ethic. I found that many times doing these types of projects with no one there to guide me, I became problem solver and a researcher, and it gave me the "hunger" to want to find solutions.
It brings me to tears that this year has come to an end. For I have learned so many valuable lessons that I will cherish for the rest of my life. But I come to conclude this extremely long post (sorry about that) with some advice to former classmates and other students out there. Learning is a privilege. Ask yourself why you care. Is it for the grades? Is it for the respect? Is it for the knowledge? Is it to get into a good college? It’s hard to truthfully convince yourself that you don’t do it for the grades, but lets admit it, in the end that’s what it comes down to for most of us. Or at least, that’s what I find to be the main motivation. But here’s an idea, why don’t we change that? Why can’t education be about the experience, not the scores or amount of activities you can right on your college application? Or as G.K. Chesterton would phrase the question, why do we become lazy and find no desire in knowing the truth? I leave each and every student to ponder this question, as I have been since September 2008 when my history teacher blatantly asked us what is truth. It drives me crazy finding that truth should be an obvious thing, that every person should be able to acknowledge, but then why is it so hard to answer the question, what is truth? I have come to the conclusion that I can’t go through life not knowing, not caring about truth, and I think I am slowly finding myself craving knowledge, for the right reasons, for truth. Not for a letter grade, which in the end, is meaningless.
