The first big event of freshman year that shaped me to be me isn't really an event, but more of a really good decision, which was joining Honors English. Which also makes (you) Mrs. Gilman one of my mentors. This class is as easy as it is challenging. I had a difficult time getting through some of the books/stories because of the comprehension, but I liked having those challenges because I wouldn't be able to grow without them. Being in this class has helped me better accept that you can't just throw something off to the side because it's hard and "I don't feel like it because it's long...", and that life is about hard work, and without it we'd be a bunch of dumb slobs. Honors English was still fun- I enjoyed some of the projects and the people in it. This class has helped me have the ability to more open minded and come up with ideas better on my own and create some based off of others ideas too. Out of every English/language arts class I've been in, this class is the one I've learned the most from-it's definitely my favorite class this year. (Thanks Mrs. Gilman:) )
Another "event" is really just challenges themselves. I rode the struggle bus for basically the entire year trying to balance Drill and school (especially physical science). I took on a bit more than I could handle, a lot more that I ever thought it would turn out to be. And I went on a few downfalls grade-wish. I had a lot of homework every night, plus drill, which ended up in many stress/tear filled nights, sometimes throwing books and wondering why I took the classes I took. One of my worst decisions was (and still is) thinking I can do everything on my own. I spent a lot of time in my room because of these things trying to figure out how I was going to get through all this homework, just trying to figure out myself in general, like every other freshman. The thing is, I spent so much time on these things that I grew apart from people I was close to. Being at the end of the year, I realize that I'm happy I chose the decisions I made and I'm going off to Sophomore with almost no regrets. I wouldn't be able to grow if these challenges didn't come my way. I definitely learned a huge lesson from all these things: don't bite off more than you can chew, don't spread yourself too thin, and if you do, let others be there to help you because it's not a bad thing to need help- and especially don't let your struggles separate you from the things that matter most.
I think the thing that has shaped me most is being on drill. Even though it was one of the things that kept me on the struggle bus, it was probably one of the best things that's ever happened to me, and it's one of my favorite things about myself. It's given me tough times and got me through some too. Being around so many different people made me more outgoing (even though I'm still pretty quiet), and let me better accept people. I've realized that even if I don't, I at least know I can trust people easier. Being on this particular team came with a lot of being judged for it, and it's not easy getting teased about doing something you love. And with that, came confidence. I realized that it didn't matter what anyone else though about it and I was able to walk around in my uniform and think "if anyone doesn't like this they can shove their face in a toilet." Drill allowed me to find a second family and let me be myself, which is pretty great. I gained two new mentors from drill, my coaches. They, along with the rest of the team, taught me what real dedication was. I wouldn't trade last years or this years teams for anything; not even all the chocolate in the world, and that says a lot :)
Another "event" is really just challenges themselves. I rode the struggle bus for basically the entire year trying to balance Drill and school (especially physical science). I took on a bit more than I could handle, a lot more that I ever thought it would turn out to be. And I went on a few downfalls grade-wish. I had a lot of homework every night, plus drill, which ended up in many stress/tear filled nights, sometimes throwing books and wondering why I took the classes I took. One of my worst decisions was (and still is) thinking I can do everything on my own. I spent a lot of time in my room because of these things trying to figure out how I was going to get through all this homework, just trying to figure out myself in general, like every other freshman. The thing is, I spent so much time on these things that I grew apart from people I was close to. Being at the end of the year, I realize that I'm happy I chose the decisions I made and I'm going off to Sophomore with almost no regrets. I wouldn't be able to grow if these challenges didn't come my way. I definitely learned a huge lesson from all these things: don't bite off more than you can chew, don't spread yourself too thin, and if you do, let others be there to help you because it's not a bad thing to need help- and especially don't let your struggles separate you from the things that matter most.
I think the thing that has shaped me most is being on drill. Even though it was one of the things that kept me on the struggle bus, it was probably one of the best things that's ever happened to me, and it's one of my favorite things about myself. It's given me tough times and got me through some too. Being around so many different people made me more outgoing (even though I'm still pretty quiet), and let me better accept people. I've realized that even if I don't, I at least know I can trust people easier. Being on this particular team came with a lot of being judged for it, and it's not easy getting teased about doing something you love. And with that, came confidence. I realized that it didn't matter what anyone else though about it and I was able to walk around in my uniform and think "if anyone doesn't like this they can shove their face in a toilet." Drill allowed me to find a second family and let me be myself, which is pretty great. I gained two new mentors from drill, my coaches. They, along with the rest of the team, taught me what real dedication was. I wouldn't trade last years or this years teams for anything; not even all the chocolate in the world, and that says a lot :)