Final: Part 1

1. What are things that you liked about the class?

I liked that we didn't just sit around and waste time... we were always doing something. In my sixth grade computer class, we would be given a sheet of paper that we had to type up, and then we just messed around on the computer the rest of the time. Here, Mr. Haymore takes the time and effort to put together life lessons. This isn't just a class about computers, it's a class about being a good person. And I like that very much.

2. What are things that you did not like about the class?

In complete honesty, I didn't like all these life lessons...at first, but they grew on me, and always give me something to think about. Something that I still don't like is writing about medical careers. Some of them were hard to find good reliable information on, and I feel like a lot of my reflections said the same thing. Writing genuine reflections about each career became hard for me because I didn't really have much of an opinion on say...health technicians, nor was I interested. If I could just write one reflection statement, for a lot of the careers we learned about I would say, "I don't like it" and leave it at that.

3. Recommendations for improving the class.

I don't really know what to say for this. There might be hundreds of ways to improve this class, but as for a single one that comes to mind...I can't think of anything, sorry.

4. Did you really do your best in this class?

I'd like to say that I did. Although, sometimes I looked at my reflections (which were particularly lengthy at times) compared to other people, and felt like I was overdoing myself. Although I'm guilty of being on the computer at times when I probably shouldn't, I do make an effort to take the life lessons I learn in this class into account. I think that there is much to be learned here, and I haven't disregarded any of the Student Success Statements I've reflected on in this class.

5. Are you reading your Life Planning 100+ Goals Daily for at least two minutes? Explain.

I considered lying for this, but I think that I'll just tell the truth. I don't read my life-planning goals on a daily basis, HOWEVER I do look back at it frequently to see what I've achieved so far. My goals book is almost like my personal diary at this point, it has all the goals that people already know about, and also goals that I don't want anyone else reading. I've always been bad at keeping diaries, but hopefully I'll continue to feel incentive to read it even when I'm done with this class.

6. Are you committed to be a CTR person? Why or why not?

I think that I'm somewhat committed. I can't guarantee that I'll always choose the right, because sometimes I don't know what the right choice is. Or maybe the right choice comes at a high cost, and I'm not really so honorable that I'm immune to the idea of copying someone's homework. I think, however, that when it comes to helping others out, I'm more than glad to. I want to be someone who is viewed as a good person, and with that goal in mind, I would like to be a CTR person.

7. What will you always remember about this class?

I think that I'm always going to remember all of the life lessons and videos that we saw in this class. We live in an age where not many people think it is important to emphasize the significance of being a good person. Most people would write it off as "gay" or "lame", but even when I joke around about Mr.Haymore expecting me to "choose the right", I sincerely mean it. I will always have my blog and my daily goals planner to look back on, I've learned many good things, and I am positive that I will never forget this class. (:

Student Success Statement

"The Ultimate Choice. Of all the choices you will ever make, one choice supersedes all others-the ultimate choice. This one choice will help you to always make correct decisions. This one choice, the Ultimate Choice, is your keystone to being the best student and person you can possibly be. This one choice will forever affect you for good more than any other choice. The ULTIMATE CHOICE is:

To be a CTR person- to Always CHOOSE THE RIGHT!!!"

Reflection:

I think that this is a very excellent quote to end the year off with, and it brings back alot of nostalgia as I go back to all the wonderful lessons that I've received from my very insightful computer teacher, Mr. Haymore. I believe that it is always important that you do what feels right, what you are positive that is right, because that is the ultimate choice. Whether or not someone is kind or a good person is a true display of character. In these days, where everyone is attracted to that rebellious boy, I'd much rather be with a boy that shows that he finds importance in being kind, in being responsible, and always has good intentions. I find that it is very difficult to be the good person that always does the right thing, and I have major respect for those that do decide to do the right thing. I have no idea what paths I will take in the future, but I know for sure that I will always follow the road that many fear to venture into, regardless of how steep the journey may be..I will go down the path that leads to success, by choosing the right.

Student Success Statement

"Success is not an accident. Success is actually a choice. Are the habits you have today on par with the dreams you have of tomorrow?"

- Alan Stein

Reflection:

I was a bit moved by the words of Alan Stein, because they really do reflect my mindset. At the end of the day, you're the one making the choices that affect your success. If you are planning to lose 50 pounds, but haven't changed your exercise or eating habits...are your habits really on par with your dreams of tomorrow? If you don't have the resolve to change things about yourself to meet your goals, then do you expect to achieve any of them? I like thinking about these things, and reflecting on them. 

I know some people who say they "can't diet", therefore, they never lose weight. No, the reason they can't diet is because they don't have the resolve to diet as extensively as they need to. I know I want to lose weight, so I make sure that I'm not only hoping for a better tomorrow, but that I'm striving for a better tomorrow. Most people don't really recognize the fact that you have to choose to work hard to succeed, because success is most definitely not an accident, it is a choice.

Student Success Statement

"A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder."

- Thomas Carlyle

Reflection:

When you have no idea where you're going, no idea what your ambition will be, without motivation, you will not find your path. What's important about setting goals for yourself is working towards accomplishing them. Much like a rudder guides a ship, our goals and our choices guide us towards the paths we decide to take. Know where you plan on going....so that you won't get lost.

In addition to what I said previously, you should set goals and pursue them. Don't get caught in the current of normality and get swept away just like everyone else. Don't become part of the crowd, be that person that stands out. Wouldn't you much rather emphasize on the things that you love and receive praise for that, or do something you hate and become a typical full-time worker at fast food franchises?

Student Success Statement

"If there is beauty in character,

there will be harmony in the home.

If there is the harmony in the home,

there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

there will be peace in the world.

Conclusion:

If there is beauty in character,

there will be peace in the world."

-Chinese Proverb

(The key to success is definitely good character.)

Reflection:

I think that there is much to be said about this proverb, but it all amounts to a single conclusion: this is all tremendously true. I see it as something of a domino effect. Let's say there's no beauty in character, then there will be no harmony in any home, which will lead to discord in the nation, and soon there are senseless wars across the world. People underestimate the power that good character can have, and it is important to realize that fact. Without giving good value to our character, I feel that this world will slowly deteriorate. In fact, it's already deteriorating, so shouldn't we start working towards a bit of a change?

The Six Pillars of Character

The Six Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness: To be deserving of trust or reliance; being dependable. 

Ex.  Your friend dropped some money, since you are trustworthy, you pick it up and hand it back to her instead of keeping it.

Respect: To treat others with proper acceptance or courtesy.

Ex. You don't like that one teacher, but you make sure to be polite and say "Good morning" every day..you treat her with RESPECT

Responsibility: To hold yourself accountable and can be depended on to get the work done..and on time.

Ex. Your group is depending on you to finish up the project, and you really want to go to the movies, but you decide to  responsible and prioritize your schoolwork.

Fairness: To be fair.

Ex. You only offered a cookie to your friend, but other people wanted some. To be fair, you gave them some too.

Caring: To show concern and care for others.

Ex. You see your friend trip and fall during a run. Instead of running, you stop and help pick him up.

Citizenship: To be a good citizen.

Ex. You saw some kids up to no good, so you go and tell and adult.

Reflection:

I actually have heard of the six pillars of character before. In my middle school, the Six Pillars of Character were the central motivation for everyone. We even had to buy specific "Binder Reminders" (agendas) from the school that had messages for different days of the year, to remind you to follow the six pillars. We had different months of the year commemorating each pillar, but I think that emphasizing the importance of good character didn't always work for many students. Some thought the idea was dumb, and I think that's true for many highschoolers as well. In my opinion, the six pillars are great! However, only those who are motivated to be good people will actually take them into account.

Student Success Statement

"I would prefer to fail with honor than win by cheating."

- Sophocles

Reflection:

People like Sophocles are good, honest people. As much as I wouldn't want to admit it, I'm not sure my conscience would feel guilty enough if I happened to cheat on a small test. Cheating isn't something I do, I'm too dumb to actually pull it off and I tend to study heavily beforehand anyways, so there's no real reason to cheat, but if I was taking a test and circumstances made it impossible to study, I just might feel tempted to cheat. I wouldn't feel proud of failing even if I did it honorably, I'd MUCH rather get a good score.

However, the thing that holds me back the most is my own personal habits. I haven't cheated on a test my whole life, and starting to cheat now could become a bad habit and I always remind myself, "If I cheat on this test, I'm cheating myself". That's one of my many mantras, and honestly, I wouldn't want to break it now.