Humanities Final Portfolio 2013

One of my favorite quotes is, "Grades don't reflect intelligence, they reflect work ethic." A quote bringing a high self-esteem to a person who feels as though he doesn't have a meaning. A purpose. The honest truth is that I don't feel intelligent. I know I don't have a great work ethic, and my grades show that, but even if recognition for a completed assignment is given, it's not enough. There are still pieces of the puzzle missing.

Walking into Sophomore year was simple. Put a smile on, pay attention, do the work, get good grades. Simple.  Just like everything else. But, soon after I discovered how lenient I "thought" my teachers were, the slacking began. It's true when the students say, "You can't spell Slacker without SLA!" I was a slacker. Still am, at times. Considering the fact that I was so dedicated to passing and making an impression, it baffled me that my grades started to slip, and it confused me even more when I didn't care.

I generated creative ideas for each assignment that was given to me, I just never followed through. Week-after-week, month-after-month, it was nothing but disappointments. Ones from my teachers, ones from my parents, ones from myself. Tackling something that is outside of your box is more than changeling. It's mind-juggling. Every idea was extraordinary. Something that would give me a 20/20. I was excited. Filled with joy when that final thought was created. But, procrastination took over and molded me into something that I wasn't. I would say that Social Media is to blame, but actually, I am to blame. Everything is/was my decision. I decided to not turn in work; I decided to leave class for 30 minutes. No one is going to force me to do anything. It's my responsibility to make sure I am doing the best I can, and none of my capability and potential was shown through the half-ass effort.

This past school year has been an adventure. It wasn't a pleasant one, but I can't change the past and most certainly will not dwell in it. My journey has taught me the value things may have.  I envied people who were better at things than I was. I'm not skilled in math. I'm not skilled in Spanish, but that's okay. Piers of mine who received A's in classes, that I got a C in, were just trying to the best of their ability. I'm strong in many things that straight A students aren't, and thats valuable. I have to know that I'm not going to be Superman at everything, so I can't beat myself up over something that can't be altered. I may have messed up a few times, but I know how to fix the mistakes. Writing this short essay, made me realize the importance and significance of my talents and where they can lead me. I am an individual who sees things metaphorically and artistically. I can't compute variables in an equation and I can't translate a sentence only using a Spanish dictionary. From now on, I know to try my best and be the person I truly am, because it's the only thing that will be my aid in the following journeys.