Buchanan High School Reflection

Many believe that our education systems fails to provide students with skills and abilities that are applicable in real world situations, and if students only mindlessly went to class everyday, then I would agree with them. Fortunately, the Clovis school district has encouraged their students to participate in activities outside of the classroom, and this is where I have learned the most. I have learn how to work hard and study by taking seven different advance placement class and six different honors classes, but I have also learned how to lead and communicate by being the President of the Band at Buchanan high school. I have been taught all the necessary subjects and I have passed those classes, but I have learned how to push myself intellectually and apply my knowledge in Mock Trial where I was an attorney for the Buchanan team. I have learned how to persevere by training for a Half-Marathon outside of school. If I only ever went to class my communication, leadership, and people skills would not be as developed. Being a section leader for the band and then the President of the band
allowed me to organize events, create and sustain dialogue about things that needed to change, and assert myself into situations. I have learned how to voice my opinion in a way that is respectful and I have been taught how to handle the conflict that comes with varying opinions. Music has taught me self-discipline and self-expression. Band has prepared me for adulthood by allowing me to realize that my words have no worth if there is no action. Mock trial as prepared me to have meaningful conversations, following clear paths of reasoning, allowing me to communicate to people in an effective way. I know I have to work and assert myself into conversations in order to accomplish the goals I have. Outside of school, by biggest passion is working with people who have disabilities.
I have a twin brother with autism who has influenced my life more than anyone. I have served at six different family retreats for people impacted by disability, and I recently finished helping put on a prom for those with disability who are unable to attend your average high school prom. Having a brother with autism and working with those who are disabled has taught me patience, understanding, and acceptance. It has helped me realize how lucky we are to be able to accomplish everyday tasks, and it has inspired me to pursue a career in Genetic Counseling, where I can help families who will eventually be impacted by disability process that information. Giving to and serving these people has given me lessons I will never forget, and I have learned that serving is the most rewarding form of
receiving. Education is far more than class. It is learning how to lead, create, discuss, and finish. I am so thankful for the opportunities I have had to develop as a person in high school.