Introduction
Since I was in preschool, I had always been a joyful child. I was vigorous and wanted to broaden my receptive mind. This growth mindset has expanded due to ACLC’s independent learning model. As I reflect upon the past seven years as a member of this diverse and wonderful community, I can only think about the great times I had constructing cardboard boats, learning how to integrate trigonometric functions, and understanding why the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. This school has allowed me to develop not only as a learner, but also a confident leader and well rounded individual.
Personal Qualities, Work Habits, and Attitudes
The open and accepting environment of ACLC served as the perfect catalyst for my development in self worth and humanity. The community at this school -whether it be learners, facilitators, or staff- has been the best support system I have ever encountered. When I was not doing well in a subject, facilitators offered additional help during office hours. Peers encouraged me to complete work to my fullest potential. When I needed someone to speak to about my personal problems, a counselor was always there to listen. ACLC has always been accepting of anyone despite their ethnicity, social backgrounds, gender, etc. Because of this environment, I was able to become more comfortable and accept myself and the qualities that make me different. With this newly accepted self-worth, I was able to spread positivity throughout our community and in communities of others across the globe through Interact club. As a member, and now president, I have grown to understand what it is like to be an affluent leader and how to provide aid to those in need. As the president, it was my role to promote service above self and as a result, over 300 hours of community service was completed within our my first year in office.
New Basics
During my years at ACLC, I have utilized a variety of skills in order to succeed as a student and member of the community. Through actively participating and earning A’s in my English and history classes, I have demonstrated a sufficient ability to comprehend, interpret, and appreciate written information. In addition the English language, Spanish has been the secondary subject I have specialized in during my years at ACLC. Earning A’s at ACLC and the College of Alameda, I have proven my competence and firm understanding of the language. Though I have excelled in these fields, science is the subject in which I personally enjoy. Viewing everyday life with the lens of science, I have found myself intrigued with the ability to solve problems with knowledge. Aside from the A’s earned in all of ACLC science classes, I have furthered my interest outside of the classroom. Participating annually at the Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair has lead to me achieving recognition ranging from honorable mention to first place. After presenting a particular project about the safe pH level of dental amalgam fillings, I fell in love with oral health. I was fascinated about the amount of biology, physiology, and chemistry that was integrated into the profession, and how its vast application could improve the lives of others. Subsequent to this project, I began my journey as a dental office intern in San Jose, CA. By doing so, I found a passion that I could take into the future and further pursue as a profession
Thinking and Reasoning Skills
The abilities to think and reason clearly are vital in high school, especially at a rigorous academic institution such as ACLC. As I continued to my journey into advanced classes and higher grades, I was met with new learning strategies. Through trial and error, I can confidently say that I have developed my ability to learn. Despite the subject, whether it be mathematics, English, or art, I enact identical learning processes in each class. As a tactical-kinesthetic learner, it is optimal for me to experience foreign concepts through actions and hands on approaches. I enjoy taking notes, whether they are required or beneficial does not matter. I believe that the ability to master one’s learning can lead to success in anything. However, the ability to learn is only beneficial when you can utilize the knowledge attained. Therefore, the skill of reasoning and deduction is the perfect compliment to knowing how to learn. Using logic to draw clear conclusions is likely my most proficient skill. As demonstrated in my SAT scores, I have achieved a perfect mathematics score (800) and near perfect evidence based reading and writing score. (780) Through hard work and constant studying was required, I used the fundamental skills of reason and deduction to obtain this score
Interpersonal Abilities
During my Junior year, ACLC’s Interact Club was left without an official leader. I readily assumed the position of President and began recruiting. Using my voice at CCC’s and utilizing email subscriptions, I was able to promote the principles of this new club. (The promised incentives of glazed donuts and numerous community service hours may have had a slight influence on recruitment) Together with 7,000 other determined interactors in the state, we were able to raise over $100,000 for Syrian refugees and completed beyond 90,000 community service hours spread throughout numerous activities. After countless months of selling hot chocolate and attending leadership building seminars, our club began to realize the importance of providing service above self. I had transformed a derelict school club into a diverse and safe community for my peers.
Technology
With the project based learning promoted at ACLC, it is inevitable that technology is going to be incorporated into most assignments. Whether this means using spreadsheets to determine the Gini Index of countries or simply adding slides to a presentation, I have grown accustomed to using technology in my work. In addition, I have had the opportunity of using a variety of power tools to help construct the PiE robot in the past years. ACLC has taught me use in both mechanical and electronic technology, further enriching my learning process. In addition to using technology at the school, I have grown fond of the technological malfunctions in the Center. The wonderful computers at ACLC and I have become best friends over the past 7 years. As I seventh grader, I was always confused at why the monitor would not turn on or why the printer would not print. Now, as a seasoned Senior, I can confidently say that I know exactly which port the ethernet wire goes in and when to do a hard restart on the PC’s.
Conclusion
As my time at ACLC is beginning to end, I am happy to say it has been the best seven years of my life. I would not want to change my experience in any way, without the combination of good and bad times I would not be the person I am today. I have built social and and academic skills that will last a lifetime.