Trying New Things

My name is Regan Lynch, and as a high school student, I feel as though the most effective way for teachers to teach is in finding a balance.  Balance is crucial in teaching, especially in high school, because you have a far larger amount of work so having said that, you must be motivated to complete all the various tasks you're given.  In my experience, if the teacher gives their students a large amount of work, but the work doesn't interest the students, the work quality will be lower, and the students will be far less likely to do it and do it well.  But, on the contrary, if a teacher never buckles down and makes their students work, the students will never be prepared for the larger amount of work to come in the future.  So, in order to give the students enough work so that they're prepared and hard-working, but still are interested in the work they're doing, the teacher must maintain a good balance between fun and work.  In Honors History 10 this year, I feel as if it will be really helpful to me to do all of the different projects that you've planned using technology, because it's more fresh and interesting to do projects with lots of different materials and in different ways.
I completely agree with John Green's philosophy about my duty to use my education for the greater societal good, which reminds me a lot of the idea that I've recently heard,"to whom much has been given, much is expected."  I completely believe that I have an obligation to help change the world with the information I have been given throughout my education, and to give back to society for giving me the opportunity to have such a great education.  Academically this year, I really hope to strive to get all A's in all of my classes.  Even if I don't meet this goal, I want to know that I worked as hard as I possibly could have to receive that grade.  I want to work extremely hard, and make sure to stay motivated throughout all of my academic ventures this year and make sure that I don't take the easy way out.  I want to continue to try and get my homework and projects done ahead of time to continually stop my habit of procrastination. Sports-wise, I reached my goal of being on the JV volleyball team here at RMHS, but I want to further my goal-setting by striving to become a leader and captain on the team.  I also want to continue my work in the Drama Club by trying out for the winter and spring shows. Regarding clubs, I may want to join Model UN again for my sophomore year, or audition for Improvosaurus, the school's improvisational theatre group. In order to achieve any of these goals regardless of what categories they may fall into, forcing myself to go outside of my comfort zone is going to be what allows me to reach them.  In academics, that may mean staying after and having to ask for help and becoming proactive regarding my learning.  In sports, I'll have to communicate a lot and take control of the court, even though that can be intimidating.  In extra-curricular activities, that will mean that I will have to force myself to try out for something although that can be scary; if you never try, you'll never give yourself the opportunity to do something that could become a life-changing experience.  I will apply the exact same attitude to this upcoming year in Honors History 10, and I can't wait to learn and try lots of new things!