Anecdote - 5 senses, setting, zoom into a moment Zoom into a moment- sitting in AP office with mom waiting for AP to enter. Setting- big mahogany desk w/ big brown leather chair, round wood table with 4 clack sturdy plastic chairs around it. 5 senses- What did I smell? N/A Taste? N/A Feel (touch)? The smooth top of the desk Hear? The clock ticking, my heart beating, my mom tapping her foot See? A computer, small window, plant, bookshelf
The smoothness of the table felt cold on my fingertips. My heart beat echoed in my ear. The tick tock of the clock only added to the intense energy being exchanged in the room. Behind the mahogany desk, the cushioned brown leather chair remained empty. "Where is he?" I thought, ready to be done with this. I begin to feel the vibrations from the tapping of my mother's feet. The door opened, it was him.
Background- Briefly gives the reader insight about the moment described in the anecdote. 5 w's Who- My mom, myself, AP What- Having a meeting to discuss my behaviors in school Where- AP office of my high school When- Freshman year Why- Adolescence, too much freedom
As the AP of my high school entered the office, it became clear that my future at that school was not going to be positive. My behaviors had caused the meeting to occur with the three of us and I now understood I had no one to blame but myself. The new found freedom of high school is often too much to bear for many freshman, I was not any different. However, up until that point of my schooling, I was an "A" student who never got in trouble. I had the capability to pass, which is what made the assistant principal's words sting even more. "She will never amount to anything, you should just give up on her."
Reflection- ****The MOST IMPORTANT part of the essay (60%). Lesson learned and traits gained. (NOT explicitly stated but implied) Lesson learned- You are responsible for your actions and people will judge you based on those action whether positively or negatively. Traits- determined, hardworking, disciplined, humble Ways to show don't tell both my lesson and traits in my writing: - Attended Sat, evening and summer classes to graduate on time - Speak to everyone in my neighborhood from postman to local homeless person - Allowed the principal's words to evoke positive change in my behaviors and attitude
Leaving that school and knowing I did not have enough credits to graduate was unacceptable to me. I would do anything I needed to do in order to graduate on schedule. Attending Saturday, evening and summer classes was difficult but necessary. I quickly reevaluated my priorities and started to take steps to ensuring my future would not repeat my past. The assistant principal's negative opinions mattered to me. Especially since I knew my own abilities, I didn't like being judged in such a manner. Not being judgmental and recognizing people for who they are is something I pride myself on. From the postman to the local homeless person I treat everyone with the same respect. Judging someone is wrong, especially based off temporary actions or appearances because everyone has a story that others are often unaware of. In order to manifest into the person I am meant to be, I will face many challenges that will help shape and guide me through my journey of self-discovery and understanding these challenges are temporary is the key to living successfully. In life, nothing is permanent, everything is continuously evolving including the student who people stopped believing in.