Final Reflection
I’m proud to say that I am a survivor of the end of the world and of A.P. World History. I don’t believe I was ever stressed this much about getting an A in a class before. The reason why I took A.P. World History for my sophomore year, was to challenge myself and I wanted to test myself if I was able to manage my time with clubs, sports, academics, community service, and youth groups. But one of the soul reasons why I joined was, because my cousins who are graduating or have graduated from Southwest High told me to take it. They said even if I complain I should just take it, because in the long run it will be beneficial in my future. They also told me of how they regret not taking some A.P. classes when they had the chance and didn’t want me following in their foot steps. Just by taking this class, it has helped me improve my studying and work ethic, it has inspired me to do well in school, and change me into a better student.
Over the summer after Freshman year, I was overwhelmed with the homework Mr. Rodriguez gave us. I absolutely knew that I was going to wait until the last minute to read the chapters and do the notes he assigned. I was scared going to school for the first time, because I thought that my notes were worthless, because I sure didn’t know what I was doing. Regardless he gave me credit, and told us that he was just testing us to see who would actually do the summer notes. As days and weeks go by, the amount of homework increases to the point that I just couldn't keep up. I was not sure what was due the next day and I would always stress. Thankfully I bought a calender book, which helped me so much organizing my assignments, and visually seeing my schedule to manage my time for homework and for activities. The assignments we had for this class also help me build a foundation to my study habits. In all honesty, before I would never really study for school. I would review over assignments right before class when there was a test but not spend an enormous amount of time studying at home. This class finally challenged me, and put me to the test. Mr. Rodriguez was so kind, that he helped us over the year develop great study habits that I will carry on now until forever.
Since kindergarten, school has been pretty easy for me. I would pass my classes, straight A’s were never a problem for me, occasional B’s. I honestly never fretted about school. Everything just came to me easily, except English. But at some point during the first semester, I felt like giving up along with my peers. Everyone in the class, including me, were just tired and stopped trying. Mr. Rodriguez was disappointed in us. I felt so bad, but he gave us lectures and lectures about how we do have the potential to pass the class, and improve our grades. The only thing stopping us, was us. We were lazy, we were giving up and were falling under the stereotypical “SOH student” that wasn’t as smart and successful as an OHS student. When Mr. Rodriguez told us how a lot of people look down on our school, I felt the need to prove those people wrong, because there are a lot of smart intelligent people at our school. They just aren’t recognized enough for it. His speeches that he gave us inspired me to try harder in school.
Taking this class was very beneficial. Now that the year has gone by and by doing this portfolio, I can see the improvements I have made in my essays, in my test results, and in my vocabulary. I would have never thought that I would be able to score a seven on an essay, but I did. I will cherish that essay forever, since it’s my trophy for my academic improvement. I don’t need those fancy certificates to tell me that I improved, I have the proof by keeping my assignments and essays. The experience gave me a taste of what college is like in the real world. I’m glad that I took this class, it is only the beginning of improving my study habits. It’s my job now to continue it.
This class helped me so much as a student. I developed the skill to write more scholarly essays, developed much needed study habits, change my attitude towards school, and helped me become a better student. I admit that this was a difficult coarse to take, but in the long run it was very fun to take with such an awesome teacher. Mr. Rodriguez is one of the teachers that has truly inspire me to be a good student. His words of encouragement and his occasional jokes(which are sometimes in Spanish, and confuse me) will put a smile on your face. He by far is the best teacher at Southwest, his lessons and homework assignments might seem ridiculous to you, but it’s worth it to take the class. Words of advice to those interested in taking this class next year, absolutely do not stop reading your textbook. You might as well getting used to carrying that book around, because it will be your new best friend.
