Once Upon a Semester--

NOTE: All these pictures were taken today.

My name is Johann Alcaraz, also known as "John" for the sake of Jsquared- my dual personality. Mr. T has given me and my classmates the opportunity to create our own type of evaluation. I'm not sure how to come about in doing this, but I'll attempt anyways:

It's 1:54 a.m. and I'm pretty darn tired. However, I had just drank a Rockstar so although I'm tired, I'm not sleepy. I don't know if my brain is being weird, but I'm thinking of evaluating myself on the terms of my home life as it pertains to my study habits. Perhaps this may enlighten you on my apparent "slacking" status and as to the reason why I'm even awake at this hour. You see, for the past couple of weeks, I've slept before midnight-- but as a consequence, I never finished my Fiziks homework in advance and 90% 

of the time, I end up finishing it at school, or even, not at all. But today, I actually want to do some work and have something to show for it. I realize that I haven't turned

 in an assignment in a while.. tsk tsk tsk.

-------------------------------------------------

On your right is my bed. Scattered among it are

 my Fiziks workbooks.
1. Hewitt Concept Development: I love this workbook. I use it a lot to help me understand the fundamentals of any concept that Giancoli boggles my mind with. I've also photocopied the whole workbook so that I may write/draw in it, especially when it comes to excercises with diagrams and pictures.

2. Giancoli Problem-Solving: I use this sparingly and not as much as I should. When muddling through Fiziks Qs and Ps, I sometimes resort to checking if the Q or P is listed in there, and if so, I use it. 

3. Hickman Problem-Solving: I've yet to touch this. So far, it's been just another book on that bookshelf of mine.  

Next picture: Study Place 2. I usually have a laptop on that minitable with the computer chair, but it is currently in my dad's po

ssession. This is where I us

ually do my Cornell notes (typed of course) and my Giancoli Qs and Ps. Do notice that my bed is only a few feet away from that area- the biggest temptation in the world is to take a nap and tell myself "I'll wake up at 2:00 a.m. and finish it then." YEAH RIGHT. Countless times I have fallen into that lethargic state waking up into the next day with 15 minutes to get to school for Leadership, and with incomplete homework assignments. Lately, I've been so tired that even if I force myself to try and concentrate, I just go to sleep. It's been a habit and because of it, I've fallen behind on the past 2 units

. Yet another shame. But LUCKILY, I've recently just found a way (recently as in today) to rid myself of that temptation. It's working now so I'm planning on implementing it daily. Check out Study Place 3.

The dining table works wonders! I wonder why I hadn't thought of it before!

Alright, so here's what I'm thinking:
I'm making a pact with myself. I am going to finish or at least try and work on at least one Fiziks assignment every night. Mr. T is right: Cramming is useless in this course. I need to get back on track-- I've succumbed to my emotions long enough and I refuse to let it affect my education. Cmon John, move aside and let Johann have the floor for second semester..please!

Here's my plan: Don't even worry about making up the past 2 units just yet. Focus on the current unit and reviewing what you can for Wednesday's final. Once the week is over, REST. After a weekend of resting, pick up where you left off and catch up gradually. Once you return to school, it'll be a New Year. As cliche as it sounds, START FRESH. Oh, and ask Earnest to be an accountability buddy and keep you in check. You can't go at this alone..
P.S. Start doing homework at the dining table. :]

Study Place 4: This is located inside my parent's bedroom and is the ONLY computer with internet/printer access in the house. It is the 2nd most fought-after item in the house (#1 being the remote control). Sometimes, I go 3-5 days without finding an open slot to get online. But with it being currently 3:08 a.m. right now, competition is sleeping hehe.

With this computer, I log into Fusion, Gmail, Blogger, and.....Myspace -__- (as seen on the screen )

I've yet to use the Section Links from Fusion, but I love the almost-always-up-to-date calendar that lets me know what's coming up in class.  As for Gmail, I use it a lot a lot a lot a lot. But what I need improvement on is my COMMUNICATION with Mr. T. A socratic dialogue has escaped me once again. I must admit- I kinda miss spending a few hours online collaborating with my classmates in finishing a lab over Gmail's Share feature and talking it over in a chatroom. [Note to Mr. T: Bring back labs please? I guess it's true that you don't miss something until it's gone...] Oh, and if you haven't noticed, I'm missing an evaluation blog from the previous report card time. Yeah, I never did it. The signs of my slacking abound, but I'm determined to come back around in the second semester- heck, I'm starting now.

It feels good knowing I was productive throughout the day. As I look back on the past weeks since Thanksgiving, I frown at the time I've wasted. My homework log has not been touched for a month. It's a shame. But coming back up is never impossible.

Yeah, this evaluation may not be the norm-- but it's served as a good recollection for me. 

Now, the question remains: What grade do I believe I've EARNED?

==> Grade Right Now: C.

==> Grade-To-Date (Cumulative): A- 

Because of my recent performance, I don't think I deserve very much. However, taking into account that this is my SEMESTER grade, I do feel as if I've earned an A- throughout the time, work, and effort I've spent for this class from the beginning of the school year until now. 

Right now, I think I'll consider myself on probation with that A-. I need to prove to myself, Mr. T., and my classmates, that I am worth that A- and 2nd Semester is gonna hit 'em hard. 

This semester has been a growing experience for me. It's also a 'first' experience for me in terms of letting my emotions and drama take over my focus on education. I've lived through it and I've learned and am continuing to learn through it. If I am to relate it to the current unit:

I need more momentum. Rushing and cramming (velocity) won't do it, so the only other ingredient left is force. I need to get back to that certain level of DISCIPLINE.

Once upon a semester, Jsquared worked harder, and not smarter, until it got to the point where she gave in and gave up. Will she stay down? Will she rise back and endure? Tune in next semester and find out! 

"...due before 9:00 p.m.? Are you serious?"

Note: You may click the above picture to enlarge it :)

21. If you noticed, I circled both 4 and 5 in #20. I believe John deserves a 4, but Johann deserves a 5. Therefore, as Jsquared, a 4+/5- should suffice. When it comes to doing my homework, I'm USUALLY on point. However, when it comes to STUDYING and MASTERY, it's obvious that I'm not at my best. I believe I do much better on my Lab Write-Ups than I do on my Quizzes. I do much better with the Giancoli Questions than I do with the Problems. I do the work and exert effort, that I know for sure. However, considering that this is an AP course, I know I'm not up to par.

Don't get me wrong, I still strive for excellence. But right now, I guess you could say I'm strategizing until I can get both my feet into the Fiziks water. I know that Labs and Quizzes are weighed the same, and since I know I don't do as well with the Quizzes, I spend time on my Labs. In addition, as minor as this factor may seem to others, I believe I truly excel when it comes to organization. I take pride in my USB and Notebook, more on my USB though (hehe).

As I mentioned in my last evaluation, the person I described in my summer autobiography assignment has been dormant. My full potential is yet to be unleashed. "So, what are you waiting for Jsquared?", you may ask. Well, you see, you're gonna have to switch to my F.O.R. to understand the delay. And for that, you must read on...

---

22. STRENGTH #1- Organization. I realized how good I am at this when I caught your T.A., Raymond Sapida, muttering, "Damn, that's hella organized," as he clicked through the AP Fiziks Folder on my USB. If anything, it's one thing I can be proud of. Other people actually struggle with this, and I'm glad I'm not one of them. It may be such a small thing to say is a strength, but nonetheless, I know it will be beneficial to me in the long-run. I can find anything I want or need at any time. I don't need to waste precious hours searching for handouts when I could've been starting on my work already. There are already not enough hours in the day, why make it worst by using up a good hour just looking for something?

STRENGTH #2- Labs. I may not be the best lab-writer YET, but I actually think I do well with my lab write-ups. I'm still improving on "working smarter" with my lab group, but when it comes to individual effort, I can honestly say I put 110% into the labs. I also do this in hopes that it would buffer my not-so-good Quiz scores. Also, the feeling of accomplishment after completing a lab is rewarding to me. I'm happy after a lab well done. A shoutout to Earnest Salgado for those late nights and early mornings of lab works: "Thanks!"

STRENGTH #3- Determination. As low as my self-esteem sometimes gets, I never consider quitting. My parents would always offer me the option of switching to a regular class, but what they don't understand is that I get more out of this class than just mere Physics. I am educated in a whole different way because of this very class. I'd rather get a B staying in this AP course than an A in a regular class- although, an A in Physics is waaaaay better (teehee). My determination prevails in times of stress. I owe a lot to it for getting me where I am today.

I.NEED.TO.IMPROVE #1- Problem-Solving Skills. Urgh, I need a lot of improvement here. I know I need to work on them daily, but that really isn't going very well for me. So, this is what I'm going to do about it: I'm going to take advantage of Tuesday afternoons, after school. I'll be in your classroom problem-solving my ass off until you get sick of my face (that is, if you're not already). Haha, just kidding. But you get my point right? Practice makes perfect, but I guess I'm the type who needs a bit of guidance while practicing.

I.NEED.TO.IMPROVE #2- Becoming an "Above-and-Beyonder". I have goals and I surely don't want to settle for a 5 by the time the end of the year approaches. Right now, a 6 is too much to ask for considering what I've put in to attain it. However, in the future, that 6 will be within my reach. I just need to improve on going above and beyond by (a) using the supplementary books more, (b) taking advantage of the section links on Fusion, (c) doing extra studying with material outside of what Mr. Tillay provides to the class.

I.NEED.TO.IMPROVE #3- Socratic Dialogue. I think I'm doing okay in this. I communicate, but I feel like sometimes you have to push the class before they start communicating. I want to get to the point where it's second-nature. When you sent the email to me about extending the Lab deadline, I realized that I wasn't communicating very well. Hopefully, those upcoming after-school Tuesdays will affect this.

---

23. Right now, I define/interpret Physics as what it is NOT. I realize now that it is NOT memorization and regurgitation. Rather than memorizing the formulas, it's better if I understand it. For example, Newton's Second Law: force may equal mass times acceleration, but what does that really mean?

Physics is NOT cramming and it is NOT multiple-choice. Unlike Biology (which I had last year), I cannot do a crash course on the subject the day before the Quiz. I also cannot rely on chance to favor my logical thinking when it comes to those Quizzes. Multiple-choice is only a baby fish, while the Essay and Problem-Solving are the bigger fish to fry.

Physics is NOT based on scientific facts, it is based on application. Physics allows us to understand how but more importantly, why things work. We learn Physics by DOING it.

---

24. First and foremost, I want to say "Thanks Mr. Tillay!" for all that you've already done in attempts of getting the class to become better students. In my case, a buttload of problem-solving help would be greatly appreciated. As you already know, I will be coming in every Tuesday after school. Problem-solving with Tillay- I'm expecting the frustration but I'll always remember that "It's only the first hundred years that are hard."

---

25. Honestly, the Tillay Problem-Solving Handout isn't the best way for me to learn. Perhaps "Problem Solving On Demand" would work better for me. By that I mean: doing a problem on the board, but through dialogue. Instead of you just showing us how to do the problem, get us involved in the problem-solving steps. If that means calling us out, then so be it. I'd rather feel the pressure to answer/contribute something to the problem than just watch how it should be done, or see corrections being done on problems other people had solved during Boardwork. I'm the type to learn from my mistakes, so the more mistakes I make.. the more I learn.

---

26. EARNEST SALGADO aka Big E. Overall, he has helped me with all aspects of the class. We argue about the concepts sometimes, but it always ends up in both of us gaining knowledge. He's helped me through problem-solving and stuck with me through the labs. He pushes me to not slack off and motivates me to "beast", as he calls it.

MAUREEN TIGNO. I've only experienced working on two labs with her, but she was a great lab partner to work with. Our collaborations through chatrooms and the Share feature on Gmail were instrumental in my 'studying'.

RAYMOND SAPIDA. Although he's not a student, he WAS one. He's been through the class and survived. He gives me tips on what to do, but just enough to get me thinking. I appreciate that he doesn't take the easy way to just give me the answers, but rather, he provides me with hints. He takes time to help me through things I don't understand, especially when Tillay has his hands full with other matters. Recently, he helped me get through Lab#4 (18)- Atwood's Machine. He's done so much...

---

27. My Time Log currently has 54 entries (including this evaluation assignment). Assuming that I finish this no later than 8:45 p.m., my total hours add up to 68 hours and 25 minutes.

Seeing as that I will be working on extra assignments after this, I estimate the final sum to be around 75 hours.

---

28. As you've probably already noticed, I blog in this post outside evaluations. The content of those blogs describe my concerns towards how I'm approaching this class. Recently, I've been going through a lot of emotional times, especially with my parents. The previous blog should be able to give you a general idea of what's happening. I haven't turned in recent assignments (i.e., Notebook check, Cornell Chp. 5, and Questions Chp. 5) because of those problems. I'll be getting those done tonight though, I hope. I also stayed home from school today as well because of the problems. I didn't want to go to school being all "emo" as we kids call it, so I thought it a better choice to stay home and work on the labs. Anyways, my skin is getting thicker with each passing day, but I'm still a bit unstable. If anything, do know that I'm always putting in effort in this class. It's the least I can do.

Slacking Indeed.

Yes, I know. I'm slacking. But please, cut me some slack.

I understand that there are billions of more unfortunate people than I am with their problems, but these problems are still my own. Who am I to complain? Well, I'm human.


Johann Christine's Blurbs
About me:
SENIOR. Dealing with the bullshit and rising above it. Time flies like paper planes freal. I mean, the first quarter is about to end and college apps for the UC system are due by the end of November. Plus I'm slacking in AP Fiziks and Lit. Reality bites, but I guess I'll bite back.
UPDATED 100408 (7:02 p.m.)

That's a copy+paste from my Myspace.

Let's start off with that bullshit:
1. My parents. They don't realize how negatively they affect me. I'd rather not ramble on with accusations and stuff, but my self-esteem is low low low low. Although I'm biting my tongue now, my hysterical crying makes up for the void between my parents and myself. I'm a girl and I'm emotional, you can understand that right? Anyways, this topic is a blog in itself.

2. Teejay Bacud. Like I said, I'm a girl and I'm emotional. Relating to above, my parents made me choose between Teejay and my family. Now before you make any prejudgments, he has had one of the most positive impacts on my life. So what is the basis of this "you have to choose"? Well, again.. that's for another blog.

Ok ok, rewind: SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH THIS BLOG MEANT FOR AP FIZIKS?

Mr. Tillay, I'm slacking and I know I can't let personal affairs get in the way of my education. I'm still trying, but it's hard to concentrate on homework and labs sometimes when my eyes are swollen from so much crying and I have a headache I can't sleep off.

I'm not going to give up on the course. And I'm sure I'll bounce back up.

But basically, this week has been sklhglashgfauishfklashgdasffk.

--> I wonder if Mr. Tillay really is reading these posts. Heh.

It Takes a Sty...

Today I missed school. That's something I rarely ever do. Even in sickness, I make an effort to make it to my classes. But today, I was in no condition to go. I couldn't see through one eye and pain was the prevalent feeling everytime I blinked. I knew that going to school would be pointless since I'd be more focused on my symptoms than the work. So I stayed home.

Lying in bed past 6:00 a.m. was awkward. With Leadership before school and extracurriculars after school, I'm used to being a busybody from the time I get up to the time I lay my head to sleep- that is, if I even decide to sleep that day.

At 10:00, my mom brought me to my pediatrician, Dr. Nguyen. She diagnosed the "thing" as a sty with an added infection and allergy.

Afterwards, I ate at McDonalds then went home. I laid in my bed, wondering what I could've been doing at that time. "11:34. Hmm, I'd probably be in Mr. Hopgood's class editing his gradebook or doing my Calculus homework."

Step back.

"Wait, why is it that I can never do my Calculus homework at home anyways?"

Reflect.

"Oh yeah, I have other homework that I do first."

Analyze.

"No, that's not right. If I spend so much time doing my homework to the point where I deprive myself of sleep, why is it that I can't get it all done regardless of the amount?"

Analyze some more.

"If anything, I should be able to be one step ahead of the class with all those extra hours that I put in."

Compare.

"I wonder if Earnest or Raymond are like this. They're always so chill at school and about school work. "

Realize.

"Yeah, I'm definitely working too hard. I care too much about the homework that I neglect the studying. I stay up late trying to catch up, and it results in me being more tired the next day, and the next day, until it all builds up and I crash."

Commit.

"I need to do something. Starting today, I'm on a clean slate. We're starting a new unit in Physics, so I need not worry about the past. I'll do it right this time. I'll make it a point not to sleep past 1:00 a.m. everyday. Errrr- wait no, that's too big a stretch. Hmmm, I'll make sure that I'll actually get some form of sleep everyday. Yeah, that's it."


It took a sty, a swollen eye, a painful cry. To keep me home. And realize. Without compromise.

Hmm, better late than never.

Food for thought c/o Big E

This conversation was held about an hour ago. My lab group and I usually host a chatroom as a means of collaboration (along with Gmail), and since we're human, we tend to go off on a tangent on subjects other than the lab. This particular portion really convicted me though. Big E showing his stripes.

[21:47] johannsays: oh btw, you get tillays new post on your blog?
[21:57] iheartKDramas: he should have aim since he says he's has 3 computers up in his office... must get bored
[21:57] johannsays: true
[21:57] Air Salgado: not aiming with me
[21:57] iheartKDramas: me neither
[21:57] Air Salgado: but yeah i seen his comment on my blogspot
[21:57] Air Salgado: i wonder why he came back to give another one
[22:00] Air Salgado: i kinda get what hes saying
[22:00] Air Salgado: id honestly give up my a+ for everyone to have a's
[22:00] iheartKDramas: ahh cause sharing is caring :3
[22:01] Air Salgado: we needa get everyone on the same mode to want to collaborate
[22:02] johannsays: yeah, true
[22:02] Air Salgado: like sometimes i feel like people just want to get theirs first and help when they have time
[22:02] Air Salgado: we need to get into thinking that helping is how we get ours
[22:03] iheartKDramas: mhmm
[22:03] Air Salgado: im saying man, thats how we get low grades in calculus
[22:03] johannsays: thats how the school system teaches and molds us though
[22:03] johannsays: individual effort
[22:03] iheartKDramas: yeah
[22:03] Air Salgado: we gotta be able to have a higher mind
[22:04] Air Salgado: no style is my style haha word up to bruce lee

johannsays- Johann Alcaraz
Air Salgado- Earnest Salgado
iheartKDramas- Maureen Tigno

E for Effort.

Homework

5. My time log is filled with assignments and the hours are definitely adding up. However, as I examine the dates and times, I realize that I have much to improve on. I do not have a consistent schedule in working on my assignments. I make an effort to do homework everyday, but there are days when I tend to skip over Physics in exchange for some sleep. You see, over the years, I've acquired the habit of saving my AP Lab Science (Chemistry, Biology, and now Physics) homework for last. This results in either late nights and early mornings of getting assignments done, or not getting them done at all for that day. Consequently, my work load piles up on me and I ultimately pull an "all-nighter" biweekly. Yes yes, unhealthy indeed. I'm working on it Mr. Tillay, you'll see progress, I promise. Curious about my homework log? I have both a hard copy and an electronic version (USB).

Correcting

6. RED. RED. RED. Not only is that my favorite color, but it is a color seen everywhere in my quadrille! I do most of my work in my quadrille notebook. I find that I work best using that method of organization. I can flip through the pages and see what I do daily, and if ever I have any notes, I later type them on Word and trannsfer them onto my USB. As for problems, red is the prevalent color. I understand that being right isn't what's important; the process is key. With my trusty red pen in hand, I take notes about and add components to the problem like there's no tomorrow. In reviewing these problems, the red shows me what I need to touch up on and review. In the past, red has been an ominous color for me to see so much of on an assignment. Only in Fiziks can that perspective of mine change. It's all about the F.O.R.! And hey, extra points for school spirit! Hehe.

Class Participation

6. Whether it's Johann, or John, present in the room, both uphold their share of participation. So far, I have worked out three problems on the board, asked questions, participated in the classroom's socratic dialogue, and been active in the learning process. I interact with my table and pay attention when Mr. T speaks. I flash the badge daily and make sure I leave a clean seat for Mr. T's 2nd period victim. I make sure that if I don't get a concept, Mr. T is aware of it. Outside of class, I'm a chatterbox; it's nice to know that with a few limits, I could put that to use in this class.

21st Century Skills

5.5. WE ARE THE FUTURE...and so is technology. Mr. T emphasizes working smarter, not harder. Technology allows us to do just that, maximizing our time and efforts and therefore resulting in greater efficiency and productivity. At home, I have access to internet. Although it's bothersome having to share one computer with four people, I find my way. Since I have a laptop, I do my electronic work there. I then save it onto my USB and if needed, email what I have to Mr. T on the computer thaht has access to internet in my house. Sooner or later, my family will get wireless internet, which is even better for me!
As much as I trust my planner, I trust Fusion all the more. The calendar is the most helpful tool for me. It and I have gotten off to a good start- hint hint, the "secret" extra credit assignment about Labor Day. I'm still in the process of making better use of the Section Links and Files. I also take advatange of internet access at school. I've turned in my AUP form, so I'm all set.
I like coming to school with a light load, meaning bulkiness = bad. Although that's not fully avoidable, my USB helps a lot in playing the role as my 3-inch binder. It's functional and lightweight. In addition, if ever my internet or computer dies on me at home, I have relief in knowing that I can use the classroom computers to complete and/or submit my assignments accordingly.
Table 1 is #1! Hehe. I have a front row seat to get the most of the 1st period Fiziks experience. I can clearly see the "big screen" without having to worry about someone's head being in the way. I also have a good view of the television screen with the exception of Earnest Salgado bobbing his head every now and then. Hehe.
Gmail, Blogger, Flickr, and soon to come.. Weebly. A few of the many websites that I use, am starting to use, and will start to use for this class. By the end of the year, I'll be more electronically inclined than I've ever been, whoooo!

Assessments

4. So far, I believe I have done well on my quizzes in terms of understanding the material. However, I feel as if I am not spending enough time to master the material. I haven't been able to use the supplementary material to my advantage as much as I would have liked. This all goes back to my homework habits and patterns. Like I said, it's something I need to work on. I study to gain understanding. I need to get into the mentality that I need not stop there.
When it comes to labs, which I also consider part of my assessment, I am trying my best to do it scientifically rather than step-by-step. I am so used to cookbook labs that doing a lab the "real" way is proving to be something of a challenge. For the first lab, I think my group and I did a sufficient job though.
The video below demonstrates a part of the procedure of Lab #1, which we entitled The Speed of Greed.

Notebook & Materials

6. Success without organization is luck. At least, that's what I've learned in past experiences of my academic life. Being organized is essential to getting things done in a timely manner. Thanks to my USB, I've been able to keep a good level of organization on my shoulders. What's even better is that this organization comes in a lightweight package which I am able to bring and wear daily around my neck.
I'm the type of person who wants to come to school with as little bulkiness as possible. A 3-inch notebook pretty much throws that off. A USB is way more convenient to my liking. Who knew 1 GB of storage on a stick can slowly become your best friend?
Sorry, it seems as if I'm showing some favoritism towards my USB. Of course, I bring other materials to class daily. In my backpack's front pocket, I always have my mechanical pencils, my black, blue, and red pens, and my highlighters. Along with those, I also always have my ruler and TI-83+ scientific calculator. And of course, I always always always have my quadrille notebook with me, open and ready to be used for that day.

Attendance
6. Absent? Tardy? What are these words you speak of? Hehehe, just kidding! In the first 17 days of school, I have always been on time. But I surely can't take all the credit. 0 period Leadership has been instrumental in my good attendance. All throughout my 12 years of school, attendance has been emphasized and implemented upon me. Even tardiness has its negative effects. But, if by chance I were to be tardy one day, I am aware of the procedures I must take to account for that tardy. Don't worry though Mr. T, the day that happens, cows will jump over the moon and pigs will fly. But don't take my word for it, teehee.

Grade-to-Date
5. As tempted as I am to say I have earned a 6 in this class, that would be selfish on my part. I know that I am capable of doing so much more than I am doing now. In my autobiography assignment, I talked about my potential. What I've shown you over the past month isn't my best, and I think you're well-aware of that. I admit- I have gotten off to a rocky start but the road will smooth itself out with a little perseverance.
In elementary school, the highest mark one can acheieve is an E, an E+ being a rare feat. This stands for Excellent and is based upon the efforts of the student. If I were basing my grade solely on effort, then sure, a 6 would suffice. However, as I've matured in my academic mindset, I know that effort is only one ingredient of the recipe. I have much to improve upon, expecially working smarter rather than harder.
Time will pass, and I will too. But passing is just my minimum requirement. I strive to excel, and to master. AP exam here I come...