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Why is learning important to you and how has it impacted your life? Alexander Hamilton once said, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” In that sense, I firmly believe that it is important for everyone to have something in their lives that gives them a sense of direction and purpose. Without this passion, it becomes increasingly difficult for one to truly value their self-worth and purpose in life. For me, I am passionate about improving myself in various aspects of life and this passion fuels my commitment to making a positive difference in my education. In particular, my desire to satisfy my intellectual curiosity has allowed me to develop a keen focus in my classes, resulting in a deeper interest in a wide range of academic subjects. Learning allows me to grow and become a positive influence in my community. My passion for learning and emphasis on education prompted me to participate in an international service trip, where I helped foster a learning environment for underprivileged children in a poverty-stricken elementary school. It was the summer before senior year, which typically meant withering away before a tower of textbooks or soaking up warm rays at the beach. While most of my friends followed this tradition, I wanted to spend that summer using my language skills to benefit the community, especially in my mother’s native country. As such, I applied for the rigorous Overseas English Teaching Volunteer Program hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. The odds were slim, with more than 1,000 applicants and limited positions, but ultimately, I was fortunate to have been selected by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. Regardless of age, race, gender, or socio-economic class, I believed each student has the right and ability to realize their dreams fully. Thus, I made it my main goal to instill this mindset in my students as they boldly opened their minds and mouths to learn and speak English.
This growth was most notable in Paul, one of my students, who had difficulties communicating and focusing during class initially. As I began to work more closely with Paul, spending extra time with him before and after class, I witnessed drastic improvements. Paul soon desired to immerse himself in learning without any reservations. Although this overall volunteer experience was challenging, I gained immense satisfaction from helping my students navigate the bumpy road towards academic success. I’m proud that they have taken the initial steps in shaking off the shackles of their limitations and have seen the endless possibilities the world has to offer. I am incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to instill the values of hard work and education in my students. This experience not only honed my language skills, but, more importantly, allowed me to have a positive impact on my community. There are few things more rewarding than watching my students, many for the first time, experience the effects of hard work and education. As I looked around for a volunteer, I smiled when I saw Paul, sitting in the corner, with his hand raised.
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I finished with semester one, so one semester left until I graduate high school with my fellow 2017 graduates! So excited yet nervous to see where each of us will go in the future. Extremely happy today because I was able to hang out with my close friends and we went bowling, which was my first time ever! It was really nice to be able to relax and hang out with each other's company. I saw and experienced many things today that made my happy for the friends and family that I have in my life. It's good to know that there is always someone for you to count on.
Hope this week goes smoothly for you readers and everyone else! Winter break is over and it is now school, school, and more school. During class this week, we all went around in a circle to talk about our winter break and we answered some questions depending on which number we land on with the dice, which included questions like our resolutions for this year, things we wished we had done last year, a song/band that sums up our last year, and books that may have influenced us in these past events. I'm glad we were able to do that because we never really get this opportunity to bond with almost everybody in our class. It was enjoyable to see and hear my classmates' responses and to hear that many people were on the binge-watching Netflix & movies marathon like me.
Wow, I can't believe it. It's a new year and before I know it, I'll be graduating high school and going to college. I wanted to start this blog section on this photography website to share everyday the blessings and gratitudes I have for this life and the things God has granted me. For that reason, I am beyond thankful and felt like I should at least write these down to remember these in the future. Today, I am extremely grateful for loving friends who I am able to talk to honestly with. Blessed with like-minded people who are willing to talk and chat about life.
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