Jasmine Kissinger

 

     Throughout my whole life I admired the beauty of the Spanish language. I would always try to imitate Spanish speaking people, and would later be reminded that this may be perceived as disrespectful. Looking back I understand why, but at the time, I thought I was speaking just as beautifully as if I actually knew Spanish. Through my middle school years I was ecstatic about taking Spanish and finally learning the language I’ve been pretending to know for as long as I could remember. However, I was disappointed when it was much harder than I had originally anticipated. Nonetheless, I didn’t give up, not because I didn’t want to, but because there was a foreign language two year minimum graduation requirement and that was the only foreign language ACLC offered. After that, I didn’t plan on studying any more languages because I doubted my ability to do so. When our school started to offer ASL (American Sign Language) I considered joining but wasn’t sure if I would commit. I then was contacted by my aunt who, unbeknownst to me, is deaf. This motivated me to learn ASL, because I wanted to be able to communicate in person, and not just through social media. I then fell in love with sign language. I have used this language multiple times outside of school, to help deaf people communicate with hearing people, similar to a translator. Listening with my eyes instead of my ears was definitely a different experience and it was this exposure and knowledge that convinced me I have the ability to accomplish more than my own expectations. It wasn't that I was incapable of learning Spanish, I just didn’t push myself hard enough. Because I struggled in the beginning, I gave up, and doubting myself was a real disadvantage. From this experience I learned the importance of self confidence and perseverance.  

     

     ACLC’s mission statement, which is to “empower all youth to take ownership of their educational experience” has taught me how to make decisions in discovering the way I learn best. All through my 7 years at ACLC I have tried different learning styles and strategies such as visual, physical, logical, solitary and social learning. Throughout this journey, I have realized that using my body, hands and sense of touch as well as learning in groups and working with others is how I absorb information and learn best. I am a kinesthetic and interpersonal learner. ACLC’s teaching style also sets learners up for self motivation. Staying motivated and productive can be difficult when one is expected to do so on their own. Therefore, I have learned that in order for me to stay motivated, I reward myself for success. Personally, it is extremely important to tell myself I’m on the right track. I believe having a positive mindset is the best way to stay self motivated. Over the years I have dreamed and planned for my future. I have envisioned myself as many things such as a detective, cosmetologist and an elementary school teacher; all polar opposites. I appreciate how I can see myself in many different fields, but my love for teaching outweighs my love for investigation and beauty. When making decisions, such as what I want to become, I always consider the possible risks and consequences while also acknowledging the benefits. I am then able to choose what’s best for me.

 

     Due to ACLC being a project based school, I have had many opportunities to participate as a team member for group assignments. In group projects I identify my role and responsibility in the group for the project. For example, when creating a model roller coaster for physics, my three group members and I split the project into four pieces. We each painted a fourth of a square and a pole to match our theme, then later brought all of our pieces together. We worked together as a team to create the roller coaster track and loops. Splitting up some parts to work on our own and others to work on as a team was more time efficient. The project goal was to make an aesthetically pleasing and longest ride which our group won 1st place in. I believe what really benefited our group was the fact that all of the team members took individual and joint responsibility for their actions. Also, whenever a conflict arose, all of us took a cooperative approach, valuing opinions from all learners. As well as helping myself learn, I help others learn. At my previous job I trained other employees to enhance their work skills. I helped them develop customer service skills and work ready ability. I have also exercised my leadership skills in the leadership class. I did this by communicating ideas and thoughts from the community and motivating others.

     

     Every class uses technology in some form. Instead of writing the class agenda on the board, most of my teachers display the schedule through a projector. At ACLC, learning how to apply technology to task is a must. I personally was exposed to technology much earlier than 6th grade. When I was two years old, I used one of those “dinosaur” computers unaccompanied. I have always had an understanding of the equipment, and as I got older this understanding deepened. Instead of using computers for solely playing “The ClueFinders Math Adventures”, I now use technology to organize and complete school work. In my situation, the majority of my math classes used Mathxl, an online math workbook. The only way to complete and turn in math homework was through that site. Other classes such as photoshop, DVS, and digital music also revolve around technology. This year, I often use Google Drive which helps me to stay organized. Before discovering Google Drive, I used Microsoft Word, which frequently crashed, deleting all of my unsaved work. Not only did I run into that problem a lot, it was difficult to find documents since over the years of writing paper after paper I accumulated many. Google Drive includes a feature which saves changes by the minute and also allows its users to create color coordinated folders, making work easier to find. Google Drive also helps me when working on group projects because of the feature that allows for several people to make edits to any slide presentation, document, drawing, PDF and/or spreadsheets simultaneously.