Seminar Introduction
I used to believe in “justice”. I thought justice meant bringing equality to everyone. However, after considering the effects of this past year spent at Animas, I no longer believe that. My perception of justice has changed, I now believe that justice means- “bringing equality to/for the economic benefit of those labeled “privileged” It once seemed obvious to me that everyone has the best intentions in mind for you. Yet, now I am more tempted to question “Is ‘justice’ ignored for the benefit of others?” Perhaps it is, but that has not stopped me from voicing my definition of justice and acting upon it. My contribution to the learning community of AHS has been filled with meetings and a passion to get the education I believe I deserve. I want to be convinced that by going out and demanding that I get the respect and understanding that I am not an issue that can be brushed under the rug has encouraged me to know that without this opportunity to reflect on my year and a lot of experiences that went with it, I would not be as passionate as I am in getting the education I want. I feel that the experiences and treatment I am receiving at Animas High School is not one I would recommend to anyone. I acknowledge and understand the type of environment AHS is trying to give but I do not foresee it happening, unless faculty and students gain some cross cultural education. Cross cultural education is defined by the merriam webster dictionary as dealing with or offering comparison between two or more different cultures or cultural areas, and I completely agree with merriam. I want to believe that Animas High School is still the school I want to be at but that is becoming more and more difficult to see as my future. I want to say that “AHS is accepting and empathetic to all types of students” but sadly Animas is no where near that statement. Even now as I’m telling you about my year, I am struggling to not rant for days on end but even that is a task I am losing at. Through my experiences at Animas High School and my personal motivation to overcome adversities, one of my biggest goals is that "I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say 'because of you, I didn't give up.'"
Algebra ii- Habits of a MATHEMATICIAN
The most important Habit of a Mathematician in my eyes is developing general rules. In Algebra ll, it is easy to get caught up in overthinking a problem or an exploration, and so by developing general rules, and showing the steps that I took personally feels that in developing general rules becomes way easier. In two different explorations that we completed recently, I was able to develop general rules with the help of tables and background information to actually solve the problem. These explorations being the few times that I actually felt confident that I am learning and growing in Algebra has helped me significantly.
single Stories-Reflecting
During the project I did not feel motivated to complete it. I was not feeling a connection to the subject. After sitting back and actually processing the information of a single story and imperialism, I realized that I hold a very strong and prominent connection to the project. Single stories are critical misunderstandings that happen to persons who are less empowered by group thought. That’s what really hit home. I could and can connect to being classified as a single story. I know what struggle is and I know that having stereotypes being the first thing people see you as is not fun. Just like in the book “Things Fall Apart” the use of colonialism was the main form of imperialism. When I researched more about the poverty, violence, and fear that is associated with Africa I knew that this project was going to trigger a lot of different things within myself. When we were given specific types of questions to answer for “Things Fall Apart” I was not happy. I wanted to give my opinion and analytical perspectives on the novel but sadly that didn’t happen because the questions were set up to be answered in a more structured and guided type of way. I eventually moved past the block in the road by incorporating examples of imperialism and single stories in my short story.
Independent Research
Start video at 1:11 stop at 2:18
Outside of School and Personal Connections:
1.What have you learned this year that will most help you in the future? (Skill, Lesson, or Knowledge)
This year has helped develop deeper understandings within myself and it showed me who I want to be.
I want to be someone who has strong advocacy skills to help people that are not as outspoken.
2.What project or projects have you done this year that have inspired you to want to learn more?
In humanities we focused on single stories and the truth of war. These projects inspired me to find that everyone has faced a war within themselves whether that be physically, mental, or spiritually. I personally feel that I have struggled to become the person standing in front of you all. I've had to fight to be accepted and to be seen as a "regular" student.
3.How has your attitude towards learning changed this year?
My attitude this year has been totally diminished. I was not motivated in many of my classes but I have been able to persevere through and gain some of my confidence back.
4.What connections have you made this year between what you’ve learned in your classes and your own personal experiences?
In the documentary that I found I really connected back to my native roots. I have been able to see myself as the person I want to be which is someone who needs to strengthen my advocacy skills to speak out for others that cannot.
5.How has what you have learned or experienced this year changed the way you see the world?
Its shown me that I will struggle because of my background but I have accepted that and I will try my best to not let that hold me back.
6.What work from this year would you like to look back on and remember when you are a graduating senior?
None of it. I feel that this semester was not one of my best performances academic wise but I do want to remember the struggle I went through to graduate.
1.What have you learned this year that will most help you in the future? (Skill, Lesson, or Knowledge)
This year has helped develop deeper understandings within myself and it showed me who I want to be.
I want to be someone who has strong advocacy skills to help people that are not as outspoken.
2.What project or projects have you done this year that have inspired you to want to learn more?
In humanities we focused on single stories and the truth of war. These projects inspired me to find that everyone has faced a war within themselves whether that be physically, mental, or spiritually. I personally feel that I have struggled to become the person standing in front of you all. I've had to fight to be accepted and to be seen as a "regular" student.
3.How has your attitude towards learning changed this year?
My attitude this year has been totally diminished. I was not motivated in many of my classes but I have been able to persevere through and gain some of my confidence back.
4.What connections have you made this year between what you’ve learned in your classes and your own personal experiences?
In the documentary that I found I really connected back to my native roots. I have been able to see myself as the person I want to be which is someone who needs to strengthen my advocacy skills to speak out for others that cannot.
5.How has what you have learned or experienced this year changed the way you see the world?
Its shown me that I will struggle because of my background but I have accepted that and I will try my best to not let that hold me back.
6.What work from this year would you like to look back on and remember when you are a graduating senior?
None of it. I feel that this semester was not one of my best performances academic wise but I do want to remember the struggle I went through to graduate.