aitor iriso
Reflective essay
If it wasn’t for that fateful day I walked through those doors, I wouldn’t have the confidence nor the social skills to adapt to the daunting life of a highschool student. Clad in blue were its doors, and wealthy in knowledge was its atmosphere; the perfect place for me. From the moment I understood the mechanics of ACLC during an orientation in my sixth-grade year, there was no doubt that I would search any further for another school, let alone a dream school. Presenting realistic scenarios from which to improve my social skills and confidence as a public speaker, the opportunities I have capitalized upon on these school grounds have been life-changing for me. Those lessons were paramount in my pursuit of success throughout the last 5 years of my life as a student of ACLC.
I strongly believe that the level of management skills, the improvement upon procrastinating, and ability to stand and speak in front of a large crowd was really reconstructed here on this campus. I used to forget about assignments and try to finish them the period before the class. I had no concept of how to use free periods effectively and to take the initiative to make my life easier. And I would shake endlessly in front of a group of people listening. All these skills were brought to a new caliber at ACLC: professionalism.
By being immersed in many unique teaching styles and class architectures, I’ve developed strong, versatile strategies which I can apply to my everyday life outside of school. Outside of school in my sports career I taught myself how to maintain focus and to push to a certain goal without quitting. In sailing, the race is never over until everyone has crossed the finish line. Through my mathematics courses I’ve utilized efficiency and critical thinking in order to work smarter and not harder. In Precalculus class I also employed the use and awareness of logic at all times and that particular asset has led to better test taking. In addition to unique teaching styles, ACLC has always thrown interesting and unpredictable challenges in front of me, as the school tests all of my abilities. From fun activities such as competitive jeopardy to math games, I have improved my skill of quick decision making and have applied it to tests where you can actually game the test.
But out of all the benefits ACLC has bestowed upon me, there isn’t one that shines brighter than my social skills. With unprecedented opportunities to: negotiate, debate, and lead a group of peers, ACLC has done a stellar job of preparing me for the real world. I have not only gained the confidence of speaking to adults and groups of people, but I have also become more aware of how to approach, captivate, and win over your audience.The best example of my practice with these skills was a back to school night in 8th grade about my DVS class. My facilitator had not shown up for the night and there were about 50 parents and students who awaited a speaker. I stepped up to the plate in front of all those people with the encouragement of my history facilitator Jake who thought I could do a great job; it went well actually. Most importantly, having qualitative vocal skills can turn a presentation from dust to diamonds and your confidence from zero to hero. I used this strength in a math presentation and by making my project entertaining, I received more insightful questions and feedback.
The final piece of the puzzle pertains to the use of technology here at ACLC. Without adapting to the ever-changing digital world, you miss out on the great benefits of efficiency, and professionalism. Learning how to use a Prezi as a 7th grader and pairing it with an oral presentation is a notable feat on its own, but when I was able to articulate and exemplify my presentation with appropriate gestures, you can quickly realize how many adults in today’s world struggle with even grasping the concepts; and ACLC taught me that at 7th grade. ACLC has also raised my awareness of how to be more vigilant about when to apply the use of technology as much as possible, whether it be using my phone to help me better orate a speech or employing google docs to better communicate with group projects. Through this perfect practice in difficult scenarios, I have acquired the perfect blueprint for how group projects should be: orchestrated, divided amongst peers, and executed to a degree of high quality. Overall, the implication of technology to our everyday learning at ACLC is truly indispensable and as the last piece of the puzzle, it couldn’t fit more perfectly.
Summing up my time here at ACLC, it really boils down to the fundamentals which this school was founded upon. The adroit use of technology, the constant flow of conversations and the unparalleled opportunities to lead in activities is unprecedented. My development as a person is without a doubt owed to this school as it will forever remain in my memory. The greatest school I’ve ever been to, has truly been my pleasure. Thank You
I strongly believe that the level of management skills, the improvement upon procrastinating, and ability to stand and speak in front of a large crowd was really reconstructed here on this campus. I used to forget about assignments and try to finish them the period before the class. I had no concept of how to use free periods effectively and to take the initiative to make my life easier. And I would shake endlessly in front of a group of people listening. All these skills were brought to a new caliber at ACLC: professionalism.
By being immersed in many unique teaching styles and class architectures, I’ve developed strong, versatile strategies which I can apply to my everyday life outside of school. Outside of school in my sports career I taught myself how to maintain focus and to push to a certain goal without quitting. In sailing, the race is never over until everyone has crossed the finish line. Through my mathematics courses I’ve utilized efficiency and critical thinking in order to work smarter and not harder. In Precalculus class I also employed the use and awareness of logic at all times and that particular asset has led to better test taking. In addition to unique teaching styles, ACLC has always thrown interesting and unpredictable challenges in front of me, as the school tests all of my abilities. From fun activities such as competitive jeopardy to math games, I have improved my skill of quick decision making and have applied it to tests where you can actually game the test.
But out of all the benefits ACLC has bestowed upon me, there isn’t one that shines brighter than my social skills. With unprecedented opportunities to: negotiate, debate, and lead a group of peers, ACLC has done a stellar job of preparing me for the real world. I have not only gained the confidence of speaking to adults and groups of people, but I have also become more aware of how to approach, captivate, and win over your audience.The best example of my practice with these skills was a back to school night in 8th grade about my DVS class. My facilitator had not shown up for the night and there were about 50 parents and students who awaited a speaker. I stepped up to the plate in front of all those people with the encouragement of my history facilitator Jake who thought I could do a great job; it went well actually. Most importantly, having qualitative vocal skills can turn a presentation from dust to diamonds and your confidence from zero to hero. I used this strength in a math presentation and by making my project entertaining, I received more insightful questions and feedback.
The final piece of the puzzle pertains to the use of technology here at ACLC. Without adapting to the ever-changing digital world, you miss out on the great benefits of efficiency, and professionalism. Learning how to use a Prezi as a 7th grader and pairing it with an oral presentation is a notable feat on its own, but when I was able to articulate and exemplify my presentation with appropriate gestures, you can quickly realize how many adults in today’s world struggle with even grasping the concepts; and ACLC taught me that at 7th grade. ACLC has also raised my awareness of how to be more vigilant about when to apply the use of technology as much as possible, whether it be using my phone to help me better orate a speech or employing google docs to better communicate with group projects. Through this perfect practice in difficult scenarios, I have acquired the perfect blueprint for how group projects should be: orchestrated, divided amongst peers, and executed to a degree of high quality. Overall, the implication of technology to our everyday learning at ACLC is truly indispensable and as the last piece of the puzzle, it couldn’t fit more perfectly.
Summing up my time here at ACLC, it really boils down to the fundamentals which this school was founded upon. The adroit use of technology, the constant flow of conversations and the unparalleled opportunities to lead in activities is unprecedented. My development as a person is without a doubt owed to this school as it will forever remain in my memory. The greatest school I’ve ever been to, has truly been my pleasure. Thank You
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