Growth Trajectory Reflection

During my freshman year at Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine I had the trait

of being super shy and timid. Because I was so shy it prevented me from communicating. I was

very intimidated by new teachers that I would not ask them questions, or seek help when I was

confused with a concept. I knew very few people in my class and refused to associate with

anyone because I was so self conscious of being judged. I did not join any clubs because I felt

that I did not fit in. However, after completing and experiencing my first interdisciplinary

project, I realized things had to change in order to improve my communication skills. As the

years progressed, I found myself to be a whole new person. I am now more confident and very

outspoken. As a senior, I feel very comfortable with practically everyone at school. If I have a

concern, I can easily talk with a teacher or counselor. When assigned into group projects, I can

easily argue and defend my opinion without fear of being shut down so easily. I am now even

part of the animal activist club where I have build new relationships. With this new found

confidence, I feel more prepared for college. This new trait will help me not to be shy because in

college no one is going to hold my hand. I will have to ask for help on my own and build

connections that would positively affect my path into receiving my degree.

In freshman year, my writing skills were not great. As I entered high school I realized I

overestimated how good my writing skills actually were. My scores were not terrible, they were

average in fact, and they did not exceed my expectations. After the first high school report card, I

realized that I can do so much better in English. I began to use vocabulary words given in class

to study, learn them and use them in my writing. I also learned about MLA formatting and how it

is commonly used for formal essays. After my freshman year, I ended up enrolling into the

English honors class in sophomore year, and the A.P English language in my junior year. I know
I need to continue to improve my writing skills, because then I will be better prepared me for

college. I feel that now, I am able to write better essays in which I can effectively defend my

claim.

Lastly, as a freshman, I was very lazy. Not to say that I am a very enthusiastic person

today, but I have improved since then. It was very noticeable that I was such a lazy person. I

would not submit assignments which affected my grades. I let myself to believe that the teachers

here would do the corrections for me. I would not go to tutoring because I was shy but also lazy

to go, because it meant I would have to walk home. After the first few report cards, I then

realized that I needed to improve. If I wanted to complete my A-G requirements on time I had to

complete the majority of my work. If I was unsure of something, communicate with the

counselor. As a senior today, I am now more attentive and positive of things. This can be seen

because I have taken extra courses like human body systems, medical intervention, speech class

and creative writing. Because of this in college I plan to take elective classes related to my major

that will help me accomplish my degree faster.