Introduction:
“There are no limits, you are only limited by however far you want to be limited”, were the words of a young musician, Chuck Schuldiner. Prior to ACLC, my priorities were off. I set education on the backburner and did not engage in class, I shortly realized that that was not an option. For the past four years as a learner in ACLC, I have been taught to achieve my full potential, to surpass my limitations and step foot in life with confidence to pursue my passions. ACLC taught me to be structured, expanded my thinking, and exercising my voice.
Personal Qualities, Work Habits, and Abilities
In the beginning of my freshman year, I realized quickly there was a unique democratic system which granted learners control over their learning environment. Allowing learners to participate to modify or amend rules and propose new ideas to improve the school. This gives learners freedom to change the school to benefit their learning environment. Early freshman year, I had completely ignored these advantages I had been given. I was clouded by this freedom, often wasting my time, without planning my grades had reflected my work habit. During my sophomore year I became more responsible and managed my time better. By utilizing free periods to my advantage to finish my assignments and assist other learners, this provided me free time outside of school as well as time to form bonds with facilitators and learners.
I have an obsession with art, although I may not be a stellar artist, creating short films and writing music has been my forte. Expression through photography, videography and music is my artform. ACLC gave me the perfect opportunity to tune my expressive qualities through classes such as Digital Music, and Digital Video studio, both taught by David Dilworth. These two classes are unique to only ACLC, no other school would be able to grant me the same experience that I have had in these classes. As a musician, I was able to use these classes to my advantage, by using professional programs such as photoshop, after effects, and reason taught in the classes. I am able to present my ideas professionally and may pursue my hobbies as a career opportunity.
New Basics
My favorite classes have always been Digital Music and Digital Video Studio, I was allowed to express my creative side through those classes which is a special experience only ACLC would have. Can you detail at least one clear example? Since freshman year, I have to grown to enjoy and learn from other subjects as well. The rigorous work in Molly’s English class has taught me to read between the lines of literature, explore the true meaning of text through different perspectives, and to learn from the texts and how I may improve my life and mindset. A perfect example of this would be the first semester of junior year in Molly’s class, when I first stepped into her class, I did not know what to expect. I was greeted with deep and difficult texts to read. One of our first books we read in class was written by Henry David Thoreau, through his insightful texts, I was not only able to learn to read more in depth, but to take his ideas on living life simply and apply it to my own life.Nice example!
Thinking and Reasoning Skills
My thinking has always been very straightforward and direct, if there is a problem or I had an opinion, I have no problem voicing it out and letting people understand. The democratic system that ACLC allows me to fully voice my opinion and be an independent learner as well as person. A good example would be when my group in a class disagrees or are arguing, I would attempt to handle a situation, calm them down and come to a agreement or understanding. This is one of my strengths, I know that I will utilize it in life often when I run into problems with others. I enjoy conversing with the learners of ACLC, although the school may be small, there is a great variety of personalities. The diversity of minds allow me to gain knowledge from others perspective and have a more open mind. I especially enjoy conversations with musicians, creatives and skateboarders This school has had a few people who are into those same hobbies, and today they are still one of my good friends.
Interpersonal Abilities
I enjoy working with others in many occasions, however, if the group work is about music or videography, I have the tendency to take charge and direct the group so that the finished piece is to my liking. For many of David Dilworth’s projects in his classes, I would happily take the leadership role to guide my classmates, however, if this was a group project for any other class, I would be less inclined to. I often like to work with my peers in class to push ourselves and each other, during Molly’s group projects we always distribute the work equally among ourselves to get the work done by everyone. I work well with others, I rarely argue, I am always open to others opinions and criticisms. I am in a metal band, I play the guitar. In the band, I have am the main songwriter for, I always make sure that everybody is kept up to speed with the songs, gigs and handling social media or the business aspect, I always hear their opinions and am open to their suggestions, if there are any questions I am always willing to help. We work together as a tight unit and work well as a band, we have a great dynamic.
Technology
When it comes to technology, I am the greatest at it. I am not able to code a program to save my life. However, I have had a lot of experience with creative softwares like photoshop and after effects which I have utilized for David Dilworth’s class often. I still use those programs to create ads, promotional videos, and music videos for my band. I also use my camera often to capture live performances. Other than creative technology, I have not had much experience with anything else.
Conclusion
Honestly, high school has been extremely boring. I have been ready to receive my diploma and experience my life and what it holds. ACLC does have good aspects which has benefited me as well as many learners. It has been a long four years, and I am prepared to say goodbye. I would like thank all the people who have encouraged me with my goals and I am excited to graduate and move on in my life.