Question: What experience in high school has caused you to grow and mature the most?
I began my foreign language studies with a very weak foundation. When I entered
my first class of Spanish II as a freshman, I doubted that I could recall anything I had
been taught in my middle school Spanish I lessons. This contributed to my immediate
struggles in the class, however, my lack of studying and dedication caused me to really
fall behind. I managed to improve in that class, and was eventually recommended for
Spanish III Honors. Although I had initially struggled in Spanish, I never thought I
would advance to the point of being a student in AP Spanish V.
As I entered Spanish III as a sophomore, I still believed that my foreign language
knowledge was inadequate. I managed to stay afloat, but now I realize that I could have
done much better. The most significant improvement came in the spring of sophomore
year, when I experienced an intellectual renaissance in all my academics. I gained a
passion for the language and tried vigorously to cram as much Spanish as I could inside
my head. I ensured that every yo matched every tengo, every habré matched every roto,
and that every hubiera matched every hecho. By the end of the fourth marking period of
sophomore year, I had received my first A in foreign language. I was elated.
When I walked into my first class of Spanish IV during junior year, for once I felt
confident in my ability to be one of the most successful students in that class. I knew that
I was on the right track, but I also knew that I would get run over if I just sat there;
therefore I took every initiative that came my way to expand my mind to every concept of
the language. I eventually came to the point where I was the tutor, helping a student, who
like myself, was struggling in the early stages of the language.
Social success accompanied the academic advancement. I met some of my best
friends in my Spanish III and IV classes, and now we are all together in AP Spanish V.
Many of my best memories from high school come from these Spanish III and IV classes,
and they definitely were my most enjoyable classes in sophomore and junior years.
Classroom memories included performing comical skits to singing common songs in
Spanish. These memories extend beyond the classroom, such as when three of my
friends and I performed Livin’ La Vida Loca in the auditorium for the school’s
International Night.
I had the same teacher for both Spanish III and IV, and she is currently my
instructor for Italian. I cannot conclude this essay without mentioning her. She is
definitely my favorite teacher throughout high school; she greatly assisted my passion to
learn foreign language, not only Spanish but Italian as well. She has become a friend to
my friends and me, and a couple of times each month we stay after school simply to talk
and laugh about old times.
Through my Spanish studies I not only learned a foreign language, but also
matured and grew academically and socially. Looking back, I am thankful that I chose to
continue my studies of the Spanish language. Although I started with a weak foundation,
my persistence, diligence, and effort enabled me to break through the barrier into a whole
new world of knowledge.