My Reflection On My Life

Goggles hanging around her neck. hair, out of the braid, but pulled to the side.

Excellent questions are the key to understanding a text since it requires deep processing of information; from what was just read or from another source that you need to search for. The internal processing can only truly begin when the reader is willing to join in on the academic conversation that is already happening. By joining the conversation, the reader has read numerous texts relating to what they are inquiring about therefore they have already begun asking stupendous questions. The academic discussion is only possible because of critical inquiry from the reader. For example, while I read Ta-Nehisi Coates memoir Between the World and Me, I continually questioned what Coates was saying about the injustices he faced. I had already believed

My personal mission statement is as follows: To be a positive and influential person in society while still being myself at all times.

Shoving the thick-rimmed spectacles onto my face, I threw on the coat that was draped over the chair's edge - it bore a cobalt color with a navy trimming. In conjunction with this, I snatched a hair tie from a dish full of them nearby and threw my hair up into somewhat of a bun, too uncommitted to pin back the frizzed pieces. Instead, I just pushed them behind my ears, refusing the

Beginning the writing process, I established for myself a mental roadmap. I asked myself what I was trying to say, and what the goal or intent of the writing would be. Was I attempting to persuade my readers, or to be didactic instead? I considered the "how" part of the equation later, and honed each sentence word for word. The how part of the writing process was relatively simple compared to the question of what to say, and why. I had to imbue the paper with social commentary, for there was much to say about these readings.

I’ll say right off the bat; this course was definitely more than just a history lesson for me. I was the sojourner exploring ideas from the past, learning how history trickles down into the present and future. If I had to do it over again, I would pay more attention to the legends, folktales, and out of class readings that were discussed since they are so rich in life and human nature. Learning about how the different cultures lived reiterated the lessons of the struggle for survival. Heretofore, I was too naïve by expecting this to be a boring history class. The truth is, I ended up learning much about life in the end. If a mind is open to finding some sort of insight when learning, chances are you will probably find what you are looking for.

In 2010, my parents decided to get divorced. I lived in the Fairless Hills/Levittown area and moved to many different condos, apartments, and houses. I did not move to Bethlehem until 2012, I would be in fifth grade attending Spring Garden Elementary School. I was new to the school and I had no friends at all. It was really hard for me get rid of all my friends just to start all over again. I did not fit in at first, but eventually I made friends that I still have today. From reading Persepolis: The Story Of A Childhood, it taught me lessons that I have not been reminded of for quite some time. Lessons that are deemed useful when living through my life. From Satrapi's memoir, I learned that I should be true to myself, I should never take life for granted, and my life is not as perfect as it seems to be.

Going through the motions of life has always been something I am best at. As a twelve-year-old, sports were what my life revolved around. I would go to softball practice, put in blood, sweat, and tears for my team, and I would listen to my coach’s every word. Eventually, this became a habit- at least before I tore my ACL. However, once I tore my ACL, I had to sit out of all physical activity for a year. I had a negative attitude about changing the habit I loved to follow. Once this happened, I became shaky and sick to my stomach. I clinched my fists so hard that my fingernails cut my palms when the doctor said, “This means surgery, and you know what that means? No softball for a whole year” as if he found pleasure in crushing my dreams. I pitched a fit that I had to be in a wheelchair for a week and on crutches for four more weeks. At the end of the season, my teammates, my teammates parents, and my coaches all hugged me and told me that I was “so strong and such a positive and vibrant team player.” Looking back now, sitting out of softball for a year grew my appreciation for my teammates. I learned to approach every situation, good or bad, with an unprejudiced and positive mindset because a willingness to allow something to alter me might allow drastic revision in my life; now, I can utilize what I learned from the situation to instruct someone else.

Let’s talk about life for a moment. I want you to reflect on at least two situations that you deem as the utmost devastating encounter you experienced. On the contrary, reflect on three positive things that make you proud.

Something I have always said is “life is about trials and tribulations, but it’s how you react to them that shapes the person you are.” It all started around my sophomore year of high school, the pain was excruciating and on going for months, and I just wanted answers to why I was in pain. Many doctors said the same thing, but I knew that the amount of pain I was in something was wrong. When I received the gut-wrenching news, my perspective on life changed and I realized who I needed most in my life. God helped me through the predicament that I was placed in, and I learned to grow from the tribulations I had to overcome.

I’ve always learned best by relating lecture concepts to my personal life, and this class is no different. I’ve been challenged to see my own development through the perspectives and theories set by psychologists before me, bringing new light to my occasionally quirky personality. The biopsychosocial breaks down into biological – meaning brain processing and genetics, psychological – referring to personal thoughts and motives, and social or environmental situations – the influence of others that shapes who someone may become. Life cycle forces can be attributed with the generation of seemingly new traits as well.

Life is a collection of experiences, opportunities and tests that shape you and your story. My story is valuable and worth telling, but just not well known. Through life, I’m learning from the failure and gaining from success. Through this journey, I’m discovering who I am by reflecting on my past. I’m examining my present to realize my struggles and strengthens. And I’m figuring out the person I want to be by exploring my hopes and dreams.

One's dream and aspirations to supersede in life must be stronger and greater than limitations set forth by others. The experience that were bestowed to me during my short life has elevated me to the woman I am today. Please walk with me as I give you the opportunity to see the world from my eyes:

breathe or function at all and would be an empty shell for one cannot operate or function without it.

I grew up in Flower Mound, Texas, an affluent town which does not have a large diverse population. As I entered high school in 2010, 2.2% of the town’s population was bi-racial, which meant Flower Mound High School’s bi-racial student population remained minuscule. Due to the small population of bi-racial teenagers, I constantly felt as if a magnifying glass was held above me. For example, in several Pre-AP classes, my work was never showcased, even if I received the same or higher grade than my fellow student—my work and my work ethic were ignored, which encouraged me to excel. With every project, assignment, or test, I would go above and beyond by completing extra credit, asking for unneeded guidance, and going into a teacher’s off-hours