4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Ever since the 8th grade I was enrolled in a traditional public school. And as of 9th grade till now (my junior year) I have attended High Tech High International, a project based charter school. Not only have I noticed a drastic change in the schools community but in myself as well. Before I even attended or knew about the High Tech High schools, I’ve always wondered whether there should be a school that shows no stereotypical cliques, bonding with teachers and has a unique variety in teaching students subjects that can be taken with them anywhere, and what a better school than to call that HTHI. Because I’ve always considered those features in a school, I’ve realized that it’s one I would have always wanted to be a part of and it is. It’s not that I didn’t have the best friendships, connections with my teachers or wasn’t taught correctly, but it was to feel more accepted. Not only does a school help students with their education but it also opens up their views on themselves in their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and interests. And now that I’ve become a part of the HTHI community, I’ve noticed a better appreciation in myself, my surroundings, and trust in every adult in my school.
5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
There has only been two situations that I’ve faced that have been a huge impact in my life. Both which I thought would have never been a problem to deal with. Ever since the 4th grade, I’ve never felt comfortable with myself. Whether it was with my body or the way I felt others saw me, or in other words- acceptance. And I still face this today And ever since I could remember, there have been constant arguments with my family. But once I was able to wrap my head around those two topics as I got older, I saw the reality in those situations. It has come to a point where I realized that when I had family issues I wouldn’t be able to come to my friends for comfort or vice versa, when I had friend issues I wouldn’t be able to surround myself with my family. It was until a particular situation came around and I felt hopeless with myself. Before any major situations even occurred I thought about the idea of going to therapy and letting all of my frustrations out. And that's what I did. I tried to be slick and ask my mom how much it costs to see a therapist and of course as any concerned mother would be, she asked if I wanted to see one. I immediately said no but after five minutes I knew that I really needed it and told her afterwards. Long story short, when I went to therapy and explained the problems I was facing, the lady described the diagnostic she had to give me. When she first told me I had anxiety, I wasn’t shocked since we have discussed that topic already but right after she said the second diagnostic I felt relieved. Depression. I also thought about this even before I considered therapy. I just thought that I would to have it very severe, as in it’s affecting myself uncontrollably. But once she told me I saw the reality in it. I found myself to not feel happy as I did before or always cautious about the situations.
6. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.
One, two, three, four. Can be used in numerous ways but yet it’s so simple. Ever since my love for becoming an Astronaut developed and understanding which fields I need to take a part of started, I have never been so fascinated in Mathematics. Every new topic I come upon creates a new pathway in engaging myself to challenge myself even further. Whether it’s facing more challenging problems or finding other solutions for solving. I’m able to take away the process I use when problem solving to another level. I also can’t wait for what my future holds for me since Engineering involves a lot of mathematics at a deeper level that I will soon become a part of. The fact that math comes easily to me and I’m able to grasp it quicker than my peers helps improves my thinking and verbal skills as well. Most of my classmates may say that I’m not that well of an explainer but when it comes giving an explanation of the steps in solving a problem, I’m able to fully be detailed in the process. Afterwards, my classmates have a better understanding of the lesson as well as I have seen situations differently.
7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
I have three letters for you. A-S-B. I enjoyed planning occasions for my school. Even though some of my peers downgrade all the dances, they are always there enjoying themselves. I also helped make posters and announcements for spirit week, dances, sports and even Advisory Olympics. There are community meetings on certain Wednesdays that describe all the events that will appear in the future and ones that are currently.