Check-In Letter

Dear Ms. Priester,

During the last few quarters of English 10 I have acquired many skills that have made me mature both intellectually and spiritually. Many of the lessons you taught me involved a combination mixed of moral values and education that helped me realize what I direction I need to head in. Some lessons that were taught made me ask myself, do I want to head off to a four-year college? Do I want to be successful in my career choice? What do I need to do to achieve these goals? You made me realize that I can’t be lazy and not participate in class. That is the behavior that will lead me off the path of success, which is what I badly want to achieve. One lesson in particular caught interest to me. It was a couple weeks ago when we were discussing the Arizona situation. You had asked the class if what they were doing to innocent people was fair. Obviously the answer was a no, yet why were people in Arizona agreeing that immigrants shouldn’t be allowed here? This particular lesson opened me up to the world around me. It helped me realize that I have it good at San Pasqual Academy and that I should take advantage of the education being provided to me. Some of the many skills that I have acquired as well had to do with technology. I had always been good in writing and reading but computerizing all the lessons was a challenge for me. I had never really used a computer for homework and posting blogs until I came to your class. Your lap top lessons provided me with the skills needed to obtain a new type of resource. Research was much easier on the internet versus checking out library books. The use of laptops has definitely opened up a new path to teaching as well as my gaining of knowledge. Prior to attending your class I had had another English teacher at Mira Mesa High School. Mr. Brown was well known for his sense of humor and unusual ways of teaching. I was taught English verbally rather than physically. I would take notes whenever he said something. His class wasn’t provided with technology but rather tools needed to interact socially, mentally, and intellectually as well as gain knowledge through words. The system has never really impacted my way of thinking. Unlike other students I was fortunate enough to have a good experience in the system though I wasn’t with my parents. I have never been dependent on others, even since I was with my biological parents. If I ever needed help, which I rarely did, I would ask for it. The system has provided me with opportunities I probably couldn’t have gained at a regular foster home. In your English class I have learned that Irony happens in a lot of my daily situations. Before I came to your class I had trouble telling the difference between irony and metaphors. Although those two words aren’t alike in any way, I still believed them to be the same. In the future I plan to utilize what I have learned to get my career started in a positive direction. I would definitely see English as one of my majors. First, I must get my major in the medical field. Thank you for providing me with the tools needed to set myself in the right direction. Mostly I thank myself for not giving up and setting a goal.

Sincerely,
April Roman