Celeste Vazquez

Throughout my second year of high school, I have learned many new subjects in a variety of fields, and I have been able to apply that knowledge to things that I have done. The classes that I have this year have taught me things that can be used for things outside of the school environment. For example, I have learned about software programming in my Engineering class and I have also learned about conics in my Algebra II class. These two subjects can be seen in everyday things from the programming of simple machines to the conic shapes of objects in the real world. Now that I have attained this knowledge, my mind travels whenever I come across objects that remind me of what I have learned in class because I now understand what the objects consist of and how they are made. Therefore, I reflect on my knowledge by thinking about what I have learned in school and connecting it with what I see in the world that I live in. When I stop and think about my plans after high school, at least two things come to mind. These plans include attending the university that I decide is best for my major and me, and seeking an excellent internship that would provide me with a greater advantage. The education goals that I wish to meet are graduating with honors from a four-year university, learning more about new things, and receiving a doctorate degree. My career goals are to leave a positive mark on my career world and to always do what I enjoy most from my job. So far, in order to move closer to achieving my goals, I have kept my grades up and tried to become well-rounded by joining clubs, doing extra-curricular activities, and completing my service learning hours. The motivation behind my goals is thinking about the future in which I could take care of myself and others. In order to help develop my independent abilities, I have taken the initiative to learn about new things outside of school. For example, I have learned how to play a musical instrument outside of school. Furthermore, whenever I have spare time, I read informative books that can teach me new things such as languages or history. When I have not fully understood something from my classes, I read the textbook of the subject, I ask my classmates and teachers for help, and I utilize the Internet. Lastly, I have done extra-curricular activities in the past that have helped me reach a greater potential by expanding my knowledge and talents. I will continue to try to keep my grades up and keep my AP classes in check by giving it my best effort in every assignment. Also, because I did not have a Physical Education class this year (sophomore year) I will make sure to take a Physical Education class at El Camino so that I can still receive my credits and graduate on time. Although I was not able to receive a Physical Education class my second year of high school, I will not allow it to prevent my plans from coming to life. With this, I will make sure to stay ambitious and always persevere no matter the circumstances. If I stay on track for the rest of my high school career, I will certainly reach my goals and have a bright future ahead of me. I have grown in the areas of reflection, learning independently, and planning by proving in each assignment that I can go beyond the minimal curriculum and making connections between things that do not pertain to school with subjects that I have learned in school.