Midyear Reflection

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In English, we have done a wide variety of things, from analyzing plays to novels to writing essays on those plays and novels. When we first started them, I did not like Harkness circles very much. But I'll admit it, they are beginning to grow on me. Harkness discussions actually help me understand and analyze a piece much better. Usually, when I first read a piece, I have little to no idea what's going on. And then after the discussion ensues, I slowly start building on my basic observations to get to a deep level of analysis.

As for the writing aspect, I really struggle with in-class essays because I usually take twenty out of the forty minutes just brainstorming. But for the out-of-class essays like the lyric essay or the midterm, I find that I have had a lot more success because I have as much time as I need to organize my thoughts and get it all out neatly on paper. Hopefully, my brain can speed up in time for the AP test. 

First half of senior year was very hectic. Over the course of 17 years, the farthest I had thought ahead was maybe a week? And now I was being asked to plan out my entire career. College applications had taken up a majority of my time and with those college applications came late nights stressing over supplementals and my future. Now that college apps are over and things are beginning to wind down, I plan to work a bit more on balancing my life. 

Although binge-watching TV shows and YouTube sounds like a great idea, I doubt I would be very satisfied with my life. Second semester of senior year and the summer that follows will naturally be more laid-back and relaxed, so I want to explore new things and make good use of my time to sort of get an understanding of what I want to do when August rolls around and college starts. I also plan to spend more time relaxing, either with my friends, with a YouTube video, or with just an old-fashioned book. Maintaining a healthy "work-life balance" is the key to maintaining my well-being, something I can hopefully get better at.


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