Struggles, Achievements and Aspirations of High School

Ambra Rhoads

Mr. Juarez

English 10/Period 8

10 February 2013

                                          High School Experiences

            During my High School experience I have encountered many struggles which have led to my accomplishments and have helped me create aspirations. To some people High School is the easiest thing in the world. I used to think that, but I do not anymore. I have had many struggles that I did not think I would. That is because throughout middle school I was a straight A student and as soon as I came to Early College High School that was no longer the case. I went from straight A’s to mostly B’s and C’s. In my house those grades are frowned upon. So I had to figure out what I needed to work on and what was okay.

            I am not a perfect student. I never really thought I was; I just got decent grades. I am like every other student, I have struggles in school. I have probably the worst procrastination ever. I always do things last minute. Especially things that are important like major essays and class projects. Paying attention has also been a big struggle too. I have the attention span of a cat. I get distracted so easily. I could be in class listening to a lecture but then I look out the window and just zone out. That is a terrible habit to have especially taking college classes. Talking has been more of a problem than struggle I would say. I talk in almost every single class, and I think that annoys most of my teachers. I just cannot help it sometimes, especially when somebody starts the conversation with me. But I have been working on all of this and that is why I do have accomplishments.

            I have accomplished more than I would have thought possible. I have acquired a good study habit. I used to never study before, but I quickly realized that with some of my classes the tests are not a joke. I have to study at least three days before the test in order to pass them. Good organization was a key to how I have accomplished what I have. When I was not organized I was all mixed up. I had different assignments for different classes in all of my folders. Nothing was where it should have been. It was just very hectic. But once I got organized I became more successful in my studies. I am a really good test taker now. Since acquiring my good study habits and my organization I rock most of my tests. I have my moments when I could have done better but I always try my best. With good academic accomplishments I started thinking of what could happen in the future and what I could aspire to.

            My aspirations now are nothing like what I used to aspire. Before I used to not care if I got distracted, now I do everything possible so that does not happen. I do not sit next to windows anymore and I do not sit next to people that I know I will talk to and socialize with. Since all of that I really want to do is get above a 3.0 this semester. Most think it is far fetched but I know I can do it. Once I set my mind to do something I do not give up. One thing that I really hope to keep up with is HIV/AIDS research with Dr. Kestler and my lab group. I was one of five kids last year to be accepted into this group. It was a great honor to me, to be able to work with a famous Microbiologist. That is probably number one on my list of aspirations.

            It took me to years to figure out where I needed work and where I was fine. Two years may seem like a lot of time but I know people who still have not gotten it together yet. I love having my aspirations and my accomplishments; it just shows me how much I am worth and what I have do to improve on myself. But I think I cherish my struggles the most because without them I do not think I would be where I am. I probably would have been kicked out of Early College High School a long time ago. And since I have not I am going to keep doing my best and keep climbing for my dreams.