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...