As I was reading “Later” by James Surowiecki, I found myself taking breaks in between the reading. One of the more noticeable things that made this reading a little boring and underwhelming was the fact that it was a very long reading, I actually had to print it out in order to stay a little more focused on the reading and not get distracted by my device and actually highlight physically. When I was reading there was a section where it just keeps repeating how procrastination is bad and in the long run it makes us unhappy because we put off a task for too long. It gives examples of what may happen to those that procrastinate like making illness worse and wasting money because people forget to file taxes on time. It all proves the point that procrastination is a habit we should work on and it makes sense but the paper being so long was ironic because it actually made me not want to read it and essentially not do my homework as soon as I would want to. Another thing that I noticed in the reading was that it talked about movies? and the fact that we as humans aren’t as predictable when choosing. That part of the article was one that kept getting me more confused as I tried to reread it because I’m not sure what the author was trying to show when he mentions that. I kept seeing movie titles around the pages and it honestly got me a bit distracted because in my head I would recognize it and not actually pay attention to the actual words and information in the page, that may also be one of the reasons why I found it difficult to understand that specific part of the reading.
Author: Leslie De La Cruz (Page 6 of 7)
It was the start of the spring semester this meant new classes, teachers, and peers. Everyone had seemed to already form their friend groups and then there was me with my former friend from the fall semester. After a long lecture about blood splatter there was the dreaded group activity that followed after. As we gathered materials for the activity I could feel the cool breeze brushing against my ear, the frosty air gave me goosebumps and ultimately numbed my legs as we took positions for the project. The smell of fresh paint filled the room along with the loud incessant chatter of those in my surrounding. As we commenced the project we sat on the floor and began dropping red paint, as it represented blood splatter. Sitting on that floor covered in paint and dust that was collected from graduating classes before me, made me realize how much I didn’t like sitting on public floors and especially during group projects that only consisted of two.
As I turned away from the windows plastered with solar systems I saw a familiar face, one that had taught me during my freshman year. Ms. Sioson hadn’t been teaching this class for a few months an all of a sudden she walks in and sits at her desk, which wasn’t far from my reach. My face lit up as I heard her voice it was smooth and easy to focus on but what really captivated my attention as she walked by was that she remembered my face and more specifically, my name. I have had a difficult time creating these meaningful relationships with teachers back in my freshman year, but the caring and vivid way of teaching that she had was one that I always appreciated. I turn to my partner and realize we both had the same expression on our faces when she sat down, like me he had also felt connected to Ms. Sioson. As we strategically steered away from our project, we both turned and talked to her and started what seemed like the beginning of something new.
“Do you believe you have a long-lasting impact on the lives of your students? Five, ten, twenty years from now, will your students remember you or experiences from your class? And if so, what do you hope they will remember?” (Robert Brooks, The Impact of Teachers: A Story of Indelible Memories and Self-Esteem). In middle school I was very outgoing and talkative, always having the answers to questions while frequently asking questions. Although I had this insightful characteristic it was unfortunately cut short. Teachers often saw this as a stunt in other students growth and would often oversee my waving hand. When I started to notice there was a shift in my learning and personality overall, I started to care less about my grades and the bonds I had with present and future teachers. Eight grade rolled around and I was the shy kid in the corner, never making a sound and speechless during conversations, I will always remember this time as one of the most challenging and difficult times in my academic learning. It taught me to shy away from my potential and worst of all it led me to doubting myself.
Once highschool started I was back into my old habits, seated in the back, carefully listening, and figuring things out on my own. Although my freshman and sophomore years were cut short due to the pandemic it sparked an interest in me to change the perception I had of myself, Junior year was about to commence and I had completely reinvented myself. I started to build the bond I had created with my teachers during zoom and they became the pillars with whom I wouldn’t be the person I am today. They held me accountable and had expectations I was willing to fulfill. I started to join clubs and be an overall less quiet person, making friends was a challenge but I’m grateful that I took it upon myself to find the ones who truly love who I am. My highschool experience was a big contrast to that of my middle school experience. I can say that I learned how teachers truly impact who you are and what you can become. Without Mr. Matelus I wouldn’t have the love I do for math, and the most caring nature of Ms. Sioson taught me how to find myself again and truly believe I am capable of so much more than I can imagine.
Recent Comments