Ninth grade year, it all began August 23, 2011. It didn’t exactly turn out the way I thought it would. It kind of turned out better. I originally wasn’t going to attend International high school. When I was at Jane Long, my idea was to attend Bellaire high school or Westside high school. As my eighth grade year went on, I heard a lot about International from friends and administrators more and more each day. I got interested in learning how to become a global citizen and becoming college ready.
Once I got here, I was a bit nervous. I felt like it was a big change from being at the top of the food chain right back to the bottom. However, it isn’t that bad. I’ve come to learn a lot this year, and even changed. I’ve become less shy and more confident. As time passed by, I became more sure, inspired and globally aware.
The classes I had this year helped with all that. Every teacher I got was supportive, kind, and encouraging. My assignments this year were very interesting. Each assignment had to be talked about in front of the entire class and sometimes in front of other classes. Basically, all year I had to break out of my shell and talk. I can’t complain this really has helped out a lot; I can express myself better now.
I have made a lot of new friends. I’ve even made-up and lost a few this year. The best people I have meat this year are Allan Oliva, Sonia Rubio and a few others. My favorite teachers this year this year would have to be Mr. Vahora and Ms. Kerner. These two teachers have really made it made my ninth grade year unforgettable. Mr. Vahora really helped me grasp what he taught this year, and he definitely kept this year fun and interesting. Ms. Kerner, although she was only my advisory teacher, she was also my lacrosse coach and pushed every student to strive forward. I truly appreciate what has been done for me. All my teachers were great and have helped me in different ways.
This has been a very unforgettable year. I’ve passed through all barriers and obstacles and have found a solution to problems. Even though the year passed by fast, I learned a lot during the school year. Not only did I realize how high school really is, I’ve also come to learn to grow up and leave the past behind. Now I leave the ninth grade behind and move on into the tenth with my head held high and ready to work, after the summer of course. I’m even ready to go on into the real world and speak up for what I need, work hard for what I dream about, and gain everything with honor. This year was only the beginning and certainly not the last. Now all I have to do is continue on with my goals and reach them. One major lesson I’ve learned this year is, no matter how big a dream is, it all comes down to how bad you want it.
