You are not the same 25 sophomores I met at the beginning of the year. You have had nine months of experiences inside the halls of WOHS and whether you are concious of the effect they have had on you or not, they have changed, shaped, and molded you into a newer version of your former self.
When you emerge in the fall as juniors, you will not only be older, but perhaps a little wiser. I read in a recent article that our brains can absorb 34 gigabytes of information in a year. My head hurts just thinking about it. Reach to the farthest recesses of your memory and open the door. Think back to the beginning of the school year and take a look at how far you've come. What memories have you made? What lessons have you learned? How have you changed?
*Inspired by one of my favorite Blind Melon songs - check out the lead singer - he looks like Cesar will eight years from now.
Lyrics:
I don't feel the suns comin' out today
its staying in, its gonna find another way.
As I sit here in this misery, I don't
think I'll ever see the sun from here.
And oh as I fade away,
they'll all look at me and say, and they'll say,
Hey look at him! I'll never live that way.
But that's okay
they're just afraid to change.
When you feel your life ain't worth living
you've got to stand up and
take a look around you then a look way up to the sky.
And when your deepest thoughts are broken,
keep on dreaming boy, cause when you stop dreamin' it's time to die.
And as we all play parts of tomorrow,
some ways will work and other ways we'll play.
But I know we all can't stay here forever,
so I want to write my words on the face of today.
and then they'll paint it
And oh as I fade away,
they'll all look at me and they'll say,
Hey look at him and where he is these days.
When life is hard, you have to change.
28 comments:
This is the first year of my entire school life that I actually focused on my reason for being in school in the first place: education. Whether you believe it or not, I wasn't always quiet. I talked more than I should and always voiced out my opinions but as I started to put all of my energy into my education and career goals, I kind of figured that I'd just let everyone else do the talking while I sit in the background, saving my voice only for when I was needed. Like swimming, I find talking out of place unnecessary. That was probably the biggest change in me this year. Me losing my voice seems like a handicap but while I stayed quiet, it also allowed me to be aware of everything and everyone around me, listening to their voices rather than mine. I used to find that difficult - I always wanted the first and last word of every conversation and sometimes I'd just be talking in order to please someone. I learned that shouldn't be the case, and while the majority of people insist that I raise my voice, I will keep my mouth shut until I feel like I need to be heard. Then I'll shout. Then I'll scream until the whole world hears me.
I used to think the only thing that changed was the seasons. I learned and proved that to be wrong only this year. I feel like kicking myself for being wrong all this time. In my personal life, I lost a friend that I thought I would have forever and at first, I was upset about it. Then I realized that friend had taken everything I had to give and nothing was given back to me in return. Over the course of the year that friend changed even more, replacing me with people who loved to hear her talk about her world "ending" and that's where I had enough.
Academically I learned more in English class than I did in any of my other classes, and I'm not saying that to kiss Ms. Depalo's ass so I'll get a good grade on this blog response. For as long as I can remember I've wanted to be an English teacher and I've always loved my English teachers and the class itself and this year was no exception. Though I barely participated in class, I would read the books assigned to us in length and detail, break down essay assignments and take everything down like the due date was only hours after the work was assigned. The most important lesson I learned this year was in fact in your class, although you didn't teach it directly as a lesson.
Everyone can vouch for me that you're not afraid to let your voice be heard - and if that is not true, then you're very good at hiding the truth. Standing there in your five inch heels and dresses you never wore twice, you told us to shut up when we were loud, referred to us as "children" instead of students, and didn't hesitate to call us "stupid idiots" when you were annoyed with us. You taught me that I shouldn't stay quiet, although I'm having some trouble actually acting out on this lesson. You taught me that with the confidence of those heels to hide my true stature, I had a view of my everyday life in an HD setting I never saw before.
I don't know if any of that made sense, but in the beginning of the year I never thought I'd be so grateful to have had you as my English teacher, so thank you, Ms. Depalo.
Wow I think this is the hardest blog response you have given us so far. In the beginning of the year I thought you were a pyscho Ms. Depalo, and don't get me wrong, I still do. I was scared of you, now you just intimidate me a little bit but I have learned to fight back...sorta.
So first I will start off with talking about freshman year because when we all came into your class that September, we were basically still freshman. I think that my biggest character flaw was that I was too reliant on other people to make me happy or make me feel like I was wanted. I had a few relationships last year that could be categorized as bad to horrible. Most of these relationships made me feel insecure, unwanted, and used during and afterwards. I felt like I wasn't good enough unless a boy was telling me I was hot or pretty and because of this, I was easily manipulated by guys.
This year, although I do have a boyfriend, I feel like I am much more independent and a little bit more confident. This year, I concentrated on myself, not in a selfish way but in a way that would make me better. Although I have always been focused on school, I really made it my goal to make it my number one priority. I deleted my facebook account. First, to limit the number of distractions I had and because I didn't want to be caught up with any drama or feel excluded from or jealous of other people who, at least on facebook, seemed to have much cooler lives than me. Now that I think about it, I decided I didn't want to be an outsider watching others people's lives; I wanted to be the star of my own, no matter how messy it got. I also began to take more pride in my work. I accomplished things that a year ago I wouldn't have dreamed of, like taking part in a public speaking contest, taking an AP class with students all at least two years older than me, rocking an incredibly hard bass solo in a concert, and getting ready for my junior year.
Along with such accomplishes, I think I found a greater respect for myself. Although I still lack confidence at times, I don't let people walk all over me anymore. I had a huge fight with my ex-best friend. She wanted to remain my best friend although she was having a relationship, behind my back, with one of the guys who treated me horribly freshman year. Even though it killed me to lose my best friend, I knew that I could not be friends with her if she knew how much she was hurting me but didn't care. I missed my best friend like crazy and had relied on her for so much the year before.
So this year I grew. I learned to be more confident, to rely less on others, and to be proud of myself. But I know that I still need friends and family to support me and to just experience life with.
I am so glad to hear that Ashley and Rachel have such good news for ending this, but as always I am going to take slightly different approach to this situation. I am afraid I have not learned anything from this one specific class and I have not been thought provoked to make big changes to work ethics or personality. However, on a whole covering all the classes, I have discovered something about myself.
I am a jogger and not a runner as I previously thought. I am the person who accomplishes things at a slow and constant rate. I am that guy that society values as the ever present work horse who gets the job done, but not always right away.
I am a jogger and not a runner as I previously thought. I cannot pick up on things really fast. I am not agile in completing my work and I cannot exceed expectations. There is no great push for learning, but do not expect to ever stop learning because I have to get where ever I need to go.
I am a jogger and not a runner as I previously thought. I may not throw a fit over getting my education, but I will get the bare minimum and nothing less. Even if it takes til 4 in the morning I will complete the necessities to succeed. Runners go out for fun, but I always have a goal, destination, or marathon to raise money to help someone in need. My jogging is always linked to some purpose and when that purpose ceases to exist my jogging will cease to continue.
I am a jogger and not a runner as I previously thought. I work all the time and am quite sleep deprived. Society may value me in this perspective, but make sure you never become the jogger. Run run run as far, as fast, as long as you can. Go exceed, enjoy life, and do whatever you want because you have the freedom to run. RUN! DON'T SLOW! DON'T STEADY! JUST RUN RUN RUN!!!
I'm curious to see how many people actually get my message.
Email: nicocoup@msn.com
I was waiting all year for an assignment or blog like this one. I have come to wonder the same exact thing but have never been given the chance to write it down. Yes I completely agree with the fact that all of us change gradually as time goes on and the year goes by. Entering this year I couldn’t have been more excited. A lot of new adventures and people awaited my arrival on the first day of school. Even though it was not the first time being in the school I was a little nervous. Even though I found all my classes without a problem there were other factors that played into my anxiety. With the surrounding drama of girls, football, and friends going on in my life it was a challenge I was looking forward too. I found out over the next three months that that wasn’t going to work out. The year got harder and harder and the work became more demanding. Balancing all of the activities I like and school became the biggest challenge I have faced to date. It took its toll on me and the people around me. This year was a good learning experience for me on what not to do next year. I learned about a whole bunch of new people and what they were like. It will only make me smarter when choosing new friends next year. I have learned about new types of people, the people I do not want to be around or just don’t like. Now I have slowly begun to learn about how to deal with people you do not like. I have always been aware of how you will meet people that you don’t like but have to get along with them but this year that came at me unexpectedly. Whether it is a teacher (not you Ms. DePalo) or another irritating student, I had to learn to just put aside my differences and live with it. Sports almost got rid of that forced to get along feeling. This year was my first year playing varsity football and I did not really get along with a few of the kids. It was a whole new experience that I will never ever forget. The coaches preach teamwork and being a family and I didn’t believe it until it actually started happening. We all grew so close and it wasn’t just like ten of us it was all 63 of us. That day when we lost in the playoffs to Union City I was not as devastated as the seniors but I did cry. I didn’t just cry because we lost but because it was the last time that our family would ever be together. It was really hard for me to say goodbye. Football taught me how teamwork and dedication can make you a better person. When it’s hot out and you just want to die we are taught to do it for the guy next to you because everyone else is working just as hard under the same conditions. Football helped me with the mindset of you can do anything as long as you try your best and never give up and I applied that to school as well. I have always had that attitude but football made it that much stronger. Baseball season was nothing more than a landslide. With a new but familiar coach I knew baseball was going to be hell. It was bad but not as bad as I had expected. Personally I had an ok season but our team struggled. It’s hard transitioning from a team that went 9-1 into the playoffs ranked 18th in the state for football and then to a 2-11 JV baseball team. It’s tough and most people want to quit at that point. I am not the person to quit or give up easily. I look at failure as a reason to get better. So that the next time I step foot on the field I have the mindset that I am going to do better than last time. I think internal competition really helped me become a better athlete this year.
I’m sure I do not notice as much change as those around me but I know to myself that I am always changing. I have definitely become much smarter than I was at the beginning of the year knowledge wise and decision wise. I made a lot of mistakes this year and next year I will try even harder to prevent them. I have grown much stronger from going to the weight room and will continue to work out. I also think I have become a more understanding and respectful person. I am able to listen to others and be able to help more than I ever have before. I’m always willing to help out someone that needs it but this year I had to do that a lot and I was prepared. I am much more respectful towards the feelings of others not being as ignorant as I used to be. I’m still a kid and I am going to make mistakes and I am going to get in trouble but that is just part of growing up. It’s scary knowing that most of us are 16 years old. I can’t believe that next year I will be a junior. The thought of it is terrifying. It is very scary knowing that you “real life” is just around the corner. College we will all be on our own going our own ways. It’s always interested me as to where everyone in my graduating class will end up. Those days are coming fast and faster than expected. This year is over and I feel like yesterday I was in Mr. Drabik’s first period. I’m worried but at the same time excited for the future that awaits me not only in high school but the following years to come.
This year in general was a complete and utter struggle for me, especially in this class. I worked harder in this class than any class that I have ever taken. But my grades did not show all the effort and amount that I learned this entire year. I leave this class as a better writer, with a better vocabulary, and for that i thank you Ms.DePalo. I also leave this year stressed, sleep deprived, and socially deprived because I have been doing work for this class every SINGLE moment of every SINGLE day. Today at my game in Newark my coach made a comment saying "Jules, you little dweeb why do you keep missing practices because all of this homework". I explained my english teacher is a soccer hater, and feels I should be a bookworm instead of kicking around a ball. One thing this class did cause me to learn about myself is that it takes me a while to do all that is asked of me but I always end up getting the work done. The one memory that sticks out to me is when i missed the game winning shot against Seton Hall this past fall, and you realized it was your own student who choked. Realizing this you gave me a huge hug and a free piece of pizza which you were selling at the time. Though you worked us all this year as if we are college students and spent my christmas break, spring break, and memorial day weekend, slaving over the heavy amounts of homework you gave us you are still alright. In the beginning of the year I walked into school thinking that this year was going to be cake. For the first marking period it was, but as time went on it was far from my earlier expectations. This for me is a reality check so that when next year comes around I will have the mentallity that I am coming into this school, and I am going to do some good work. I learned that I am capable of being much smarter of a student than i make come off as, but all in all I will take this class and your teachings as a learning expreience. Ms. DePalo i pray for the sophmores of next year when you get a hold of them, and I wish them all luck in dealing with sophmore english with you. It was a hell of a year but I am so happy for it to finally be winding down. Again, I thank you for inhancing all of my writing, reading, and gramatical abilities but this is my last blog (LETSGO) Adios DePalo!
I know I have definitely grown, and changed this year a lot. This year in last year, were my first years in West Orange public schools, and it changed me so much. I’m not saying for better or for the worse, but it definitely made me grow up a lot, and realize the things and people that are really important in my life. I was definitely nervous about this year, but of course not as much as last year. I knew whatever people I had met last year, but that’s it, and I’m glad I had so many new faces in all my classes this year.
This year a lot has happened, and honestly I’m glad it’s over. Except that next year is junior year, and I’m actually really scared to be a junior. Next year we take tests that can make or break our future, and at the same time have to pick out how we want to live our future as well. I have always dreamed about going to college and being on my own, but the closer it comes, the more scared I am.
Overall I will say thank you Ms. Depalo for pushing us all, with all the work you gave us, it made us grow up a little I think. I have to admit, at first when I found out you were my tennis coach, and my English teacher I was scared. But, in the end it turned out pretty good, thanks. I liked your class a lot (except for all the work), and I am glad you were my teacher this year. Thanks Ms. Depalo and I’ll see you in the summer for tennis!
raech629@verizon.net
This class will always be a found memory in my mind as opposed to Chemistry and Gym to whom the memories I will always hate. It is rather sad to think I won’t see you again Ms. Depalo. I have indeed changed quite a bit since when I first walked into your class. This year for me was especially difficult as I juggled 2 honors classes, which may not seem like a lot but having no experience in honors and also having Ms. Brady’s horrible work-load was enough. Your class relived a good amount of my stress. While I didn’t talk as much, I felt conferrable compared to my chemistry or gym where I would be teased for my voice or that I am not very athletic. I have to say, my ever-changing voice has given me a bit of a rough past in school and so has other traits of my personality. But none of that mattered here, yeah people would mimic my voice, but it was more in a friendly way. I opened up more and in the class and learned that I should not go to great lengths to please others. At the end of the day, what is it really wroth? I can’t be happy with myself and please others all the time. It will drive me mad!
I now see the views of other people and stereotypes that are placed on them. Ms. Depalo you went into topics that would be taboo in my other English classes in the past. But you opened our eyes to the world and peeled away its veil and made us see its true colors, both ugly and beautiful. The stereotypes that I find for black woman and the African and Caribbean race in general often disgust me. Half of me is of Trinidad heritage and African American, I’m just pale in complexion cause I don’t go out much. A lot (and in most cases none) of these stereotypes fit my friends who are black. They do not like fried chicken or at least not in the exaggerated way the media puts it. We don’t have big hips or breasts or live in run-down neighborhoods…I could go on forever. As most of you in class know, I fit NONE of these stereotypes. The media is ignorant of the black race and it true culture as it is with many diverse races and it is a shame. And on a side note, the bottom of the hill is not run-down like most say! I live next to the border of orange and it is not bad at all compared to many places in our area!
I think my biggest note this year is how my creativity was allowed to shine. I’M NOT trying to brag but I don’t get to do fun things like make movies or portraits in my other classes, both past and present. I did do a Catcher in the Rye movie in 9th grade but it was only for extra credit and I did it by myself. I got to make 3 movies this year! something I thought I could never do for school. Not to mention I had friends to work with. So you did make my dreams come true Ms. Depalo. I’m gonna miss this class a lot,… Thank you Ms. Depalo for everything you have done for us this year. I think we will be wiser than most next year!
Oh, your birthday is on July 3rd? Mine is on July 6th hehehehe!
This whole year has been one of the greatest experiences of my entire life. This year has consisted of two of my greatest teachers and some of the best friendships I have had. My entire life has been focused on living as a B average. Finally this year I have kicked up to make my grades the best that they can be. I know that after a while my grades were very below par and now they can finally make me feel like i know that I can do my best. This year is my first year where I am actually very sad that I will be moving to next year. Looking back at the beginning of the year I see hat i have grown so much as a man and a student. I know that Ms. Depalo even says that she is happy with how I have grown so much since the beginning of the year and I am happy with my final result. Next year is one year tha i am truly scared of because of the crazy things that are approaching me as I become older. This year my memories have become amazing because of the crazy experiences I have had with my friends and my teachers. I will never forget this year because it has been such a great time no matter all of the crazy adventures I have been through.
This school year I had many unforgettable moments with my friends that would remain memories forever. With those memories, this school year was a huge turning point to my life. I was able to accomplish honor roll, which was something I believed I could not achieve. It took a lot of time and effort but I am very proud I made it. With being able to make it through this year I have learned that no one or anything can ever bring me down or stop me from going forward. This is because all the obstacles that stood in my way have never stopped me as I maintained my average and accomplished my goals. Keeping a good average in school allowed me to learn a lot this school year such as rules to MLA format and SAT words I never heard of. Learning this year was not only educational but also in life. I learned life lessons that will stay with me forever. One life lesson was that you only get one chance at life and a boy should not prevent you from enjoying it. I also learned that friends are the greatest prizes in life because the true friends are always there for support. With my friends I realized who is important to me in my life and on my own I learned the importance of becoming successful as Reachel Ritzer stated. Through success I became more independent and responsible then I was at the beginning of the year. As I write this blog I think back to all the memories and now I am ready for summer to make new ones with those who are important such as family and friends.
biancasanabria13@hotmail.com
AHHH! In looking back to September, I feel like a completely different person. Upon entering sophomore year, I had limited expectations; freshman year was nowhere near as tough academically as this past year. The class work and homework were incessant; the assignments came in a continuous cycle that still hasn’t ended. In particular, I can honestly say that English was the most intense class I have ever taken: reading two books at the same time, quizzes almost everyday on Lord of the Flies, plus encompassing essays, blogs, and projects kept me “spinning” the entire year. Because I had no free time this past year, it has prepared me for what next year and the following years will bring. Producing high caliber products takes time, and has required me to forego watching TV every night as I have in the past. I have accepted that I may receive ‘B’s on quizzes, tests, or essays, which means that I will have to call on my best work ethic to earn that ‘A’ by the end of the marking period.
Aside from school, this year has been incredible. I always put forth 100% effort at anything I do; a quote that was on the board at my gym has stuck with me ever since I saw it: “whether you think you can/ can’t do it, you’re right.” Physically, I have evolved into a completely different person. As of last summer and the beginning of this year, I had one goal: to slim down. While a lot of people list that goal as a resolution for New Year’s, I actually followed through on my plan. This determination was probably one of the hardest decisions I have made in my life; it was not easy, but it has paid off. How did I achieve my goal? I stopped drinking soda and still don’t consume soft drinks, fast food was eliminated from my diet, and I chose more nutritious snacks. I also swam more often, and I exercised regularly at the gym with my sister. As a result, my swimming times dropped significantly. I have never received so many compliments concerning my appearance, but I am proud to say that to date, I have lost 25 lbs. Dropping this weight has helped me to excel as an athlete. Literally every time I jumped into the water, I received a best time; I would see 20+ second drops in my longer races. I am finally where I should have been in my swimming career years ago; up until now, I was not able to realize my potential. My clothes’ sizes have gone down so much that I can even wear Rebecca’s attire now!
As per friendships, I haven’t lost anyone as a friend, but I have met new people and have established more friendships. I must say that I agree totally with the adage, “keep your friends close, and your enemies closer,” and I have always kept that perspective in mind. The most important aspect I have taken away from this year is that life is not fair; not everything works out the way you expect, and events do take place over which you have no control. How you choose to handle problems is what matters, and it is your prerogative to choose how to overcome obstacles. Danny’s statement, “failure is a reason to get better” is a major lesson. The bottom line is that everyone falters and hopefully learns from his/her mistakes. By not being superior in every scenario in life, I recognize that there is always room for improvement. In the end, no one is perfect….that, we all have in common!
e.e.butler@comcast.net
Looking back at myself academically, I have changed a great amount. Last year I just did the work to do it and I didnt really pay an mind to it. Now this year I actually learned to pay attention and learn from everything we do in class. I realized that things cannot be done at last minute all the time, but I also learned that sometimes last minute things may turn out to be better than you expect. (not like im saying to be a procrastinator or anything;))
Then looking at myself on a more emotional view from last year to this year, I can easily say that this year has indeed be a trip. I went through a dead, through my parents divorce, through constant argueing. None of these things happened last year, but at the same time im happy that I did go through these events this year. It made me realize who my friends were, who is always there to support me and so on. But not everything that happened this year was something bad. I met new people, I became closer friends with people I wasnt so close to last year, I matured, I actually began persuing modeling and I also met an amazing guy. I feel as if my self esteem also went up not only cause of the modeling but also because of the people that have been there for me through every step of the way. Some of those people are Bianca Sanabria, Sabrina Tan, and Austyn Rosa, ohh and how can I forget Edwin Becerril.
But I can not thank you enough Ms. Depalo. You helped me through my parents divorce and I felt like I can tell you even though you are a teacher. I appreciate everything you have taught me and all of the support you have gaven me. Thank you.
-ps umm would like to sponsor me for a beauty pagent im in. If you do please let me know. Thank you:)
ecanancy@hotmail.com
I don't know if this blog pertains to the whole year or just our class, but even if it wasn't about this class it is what I'm going to write about. More so than any other year of English that I've taken, this one was the most impactful. I've always been outspoken but no teacher had ever encouraged me to be outspoken and proud about what comes out of my mouth. No teacher had ever laughed at one of my "that's what she said" jokes before and it really changed the way I view teachers. You are probably the most human teacher I have ever had, Ms.Depalo ( and yes that is a compliment). At first I didn't think that I would enjoy your class until I saw you make fun of Angelo or Nancy....or me. The point being that this class probably shaped my outlook on education, friendships and people more so then any other class or adult. And like Ashley said, I'm not kissing Ms.Depalos ass ( as easy as that is) it is all honest because if it weren't why would I even waste my time typing this out on my iPhone when I could be looking through tattoo designs? Even though this is the last blog that I have to do for you and I'll see you tomorrow morning, I still want to say thank you for all you've done for me. Thank you for judging my poems, putting up with my bullshit, complimenting my hair and encouraging me down the path that I want to take in life. Oh and next time I stay after school with a guitar, I'm beating you at the "guess what song Cesar is playing on guitar" game.
To start off the last blog of the year and ever in Ms. Depalo's class, I just want to say that this has been one of the best school years in a very long time. At the beginning of the year I was intimidated. Of course I thought that no longer being a freshman would make me feel a little more powerful and boost my ego, but I had the same worried feeling walking into each new classroom, learning each new teacher's face, and listening to the load of work. Now that it is the end of the year I cannot believe that once these last seven days of school are over I can officially call myself a junior. That means I will be an upperclassman and will only have two more years of high school until I go off to college. Its unbelievable.
I have made so many out of school memories, but what matters are the ones that I have made in school that will change my life. Thanks to Ms. Depalo's class I can actually write a decent essay. Along with the learning, every class was a surprise. Something fun was always going on. I had some struggles along the way with my second C ever in geometry, but finally I've pulled that up. Each class was a new surprise. Each student had something to add, and each teacher made a difference, except my math teacher (I do not like her).
I have learned how to spread out my work load. I have always told myself that I would not procrastinate at the beginning of the year and never listen. Now that the year is ending I have started to slack once again, but I was very good at balancing everything between November and April. I have learned that school is not easy. I always knew that, but it has finally set in. I agree with Rachel when she says this blog is so free formed that I do not exactly know what to write about.
I think that I have grown up. A larger work load means that I have a lot to put on myself to come out successful in the end. I have spent many nights up until two AM working on reading assignments and reading every moment of the day just to get my work handed in on time. I have the most respect for all of my teachers that take the time to grade everything they hand out to us. It takes just as much time to grade a paper as it does to write one.
On a good note, I just want to thank you. Ms. Depalo you have changed me with your class along with most of my other teachers. I am prepared to carry on throughout the last two years of high school.
Last blog ever. #leggo
syd1194@aol.com
First off id like to say Thank You. Not only did i meet a teacher that genuinely cares about me, but who also strives to bring the best out of me. Even though I did not work my hardest most of the year, I will admit you did teach me many things Ms. Erica Depalo.
In the beginning of the year I will admit I hated your enthusiasm. I disliked the fact that you ran around the room trying to get everyone involved in your assignments that you planned and thought out so well. I disliked the fact that we wrote so much in class, and that we actually had so many challenging assignments.
During the second or third marking period I realized how much of an amazing person you are. I remember during that 12th period when we had that conversation which changed my outlook on your class. It made me feel a lot better and a lot more comfortable with the whole environment. After that conversation you changed from my least favorite teacher to my favorite.
I loved the fact that we shared so many "old school moments", where I would finish a song lyric that no one else in the class would no. Long story short I wish I had more time in your class Ms Depalo. I no it may not always seem like I care but you have changed my life. Your an amazing teacher, keep up the good work. In my book you'll always be teacher of the year.
This year I think I have improved my work ethic. I have stopped procrastinating, begun studying, and take advantage of many opportunities. I also think I have become a more confident person. I have a lot of good memories throughout the school year. I remember hanging out with friends on weekends. I also have a lot of memories of my mom yelling at me multiple times a day to study for a subject. I have made a lot of new unlikely friends that I would never have spoke to a few years ago because of false impressions that I had about them. The changes that I have gone through have all been influenced by the people I have gotten to know. All of the knew people I met are unique. I do not have to depend on people and I am more proactive then reactive. I like who I am a lot more than who I was last year.
To be honest, this year was pretty uneventful for me. I was never really excited or happy to go to school like I was last year and the year before that. I just went to school to hang out with friends and go to school. I don't even remember most of the year. It mostly felt like a monotonous jog.
I admit I did make new friends and got closer to old ones, but I also distanced myself from some. I went through rough situations at times at home, but made it through. I noticed I also got more quiet and more serious this year. Last year, I was a lot more jolly, if you will. At the beginning of the year, I was in a bit of a slump, and I guess I never really emerged from it. It even affected my performance in school. I was outrageously lazy at the beginning of the year. At the end, I stepped it up a bit, but was still very lazy> I'm lucky that my grades are still okay.
As for your class Ms. Depalo, at first, I didn't like you much. I actually found you pretty annoying and arrogant. As the year went by, I guess I got used to your strangeness. Now, I realize there is a method to your madness, but honestly, I can't say you are one of my favorite teachers (no offense).
Basically, this year, I slowed down substantially. Academically and socially. Next year, I hope to recapture the magic of 8th and 9th grade for me, despite the enormous struggle of balancing sports, clubs, volunteer work, and A.P. classes.
Well this year has definitely been different. I can honestly say I have learned a lot in your class. I remember last year, we didn't really do anything productive and we were able to procrastinate and do a crappy job and earn a decent grade. This year I really had to try and put so much effort into all the assignments and essays we had to do. Even though, I haven't completely stopped procrastinating this year, your class is where I've learned that I really need to stop procrastinating. I remember the first couple weeks of school I just thought you were super psycho but now I know you're crazy but in a good way. You try your best to keep us all paying attention and do fun activities and what not. Even though I wasn't the most active student in our class, I definitely enjoyed it all.
Looking back to the beginning of the year and all the way back to freshmen year, I've changed a lot. I've gotten closer to a lot of people and made great friends, who I know I can trust and unfortunately, I have also grown apart from some great people as well. I've made a lot of awesome memories with many people and I would never take them back. I've really learned a lot and I can honestly admit that I am scared for next year. It's definitely going to be crazy having to take tests that are going to determine my future once I'm out of high school.
Anyways, I genuinely have learned the most in your class that I will actually need in the rest of my life. I'm pretty sure I won't need to know how to graph a parabola or be able to find a metal's final temperature. Your class has allowed me to open up a little more and not be afraid to let others to get to know me. I actually bettered my writing skills and got my creative juices flowing.
I mean I guess we have to become juniors after this year, but I'll always remember all those crazy and stupid moments that we had in class. Byeeeeee :)
When I first came into Ms. Depalo’s sophomore English class, I expected it to be a boring class – a class that I could just half ass and not really care about it. When I look at it now – I was pretty idiotic. I just wanted to take her class just to get it over with. I wasn’t there to have memorable experiences that I will always remember. And in a nutshell, that is what I have learned. For the most part of my freshman year, I was just in school to play sports and get good grades. After looking back, I have realized that I will not get to relive the moment – that I must be the best me, for me, my friends, and my family. I realized that after high school, college comes, and then starts the payment of bills.
Ms. Depalo allowed all of her students to balance the workload and have a good time because at the end of the day we were just mere sophomores. We have and had our whole lives ahead of us. What I have realized is that people do not know how much fun they have had doing one particular activity until the end is drawing close. People do not know how much they have grown until someone else asks them to think or relive the past. It is funny what people do not realize about themselves – especially what I do not realize about myself.
“But I know we all can't stay here forever, so I want to write my words on the face of today and then they'll paint it.” These lyrics by Blind Melon shows exactly how I feel. Ms Depalo, you have made me realize that I won’t be this young forever – that I won’t be able to procrastinate research papers at one o’clock in the morning – that I won’t be to be this irresponsible for long. But to honest, responsibility scared me, in the beginning of the year. Knowing that I would not be forever young frightened me. When I think of growing up now, I am not as timid as I was. I look forward to living life and being free – just the way I am.
I am shocked because for the first time, words cannot express how I fell or how much I have grown since the beginning of the year. So I will leave this for when I get to A.P Comp and find a way to broaden my vocabulary.
I have come to learn a lot this year. I have learned things that I could have never imagined I would. I believe I have matured incredibly over the course of one short school year. I am technically supposed to be a freshman and you would have been able to tell during the beginning of the year, but now I feel like I fit in more with the maturity level of most sophomores. I have learned not to fight every single battle and that sometimes, it is better just to keep your mouth shut. Also, I realized that not every crisis you have is as big as you make it out to be. In the end, I doubt what you stress over now will be still in your memory then. I have become pretty heartless and shut off because of some losses over the course of my sophomore year. The words to express my feelings now is, as most young people say, "I never cared". I just don't care for the trivial problems that people cry or complain over. Now, I have the "get over it" mentality. Toward the beginning of the year I truly cared for people and I was very nice. I now realize I was a bit too nice and have built a tougher exterior.
Before the year started for me, I heard so many different kinds of rumors about this teacher, “Mrs. DePalo” some good, some bad. I had no idea what to expect the first day I walked in. I see a couple kids that I usually talk to but the rest were all people that I would just pass by in the hallway without saying anything to. I do not distinctly remember the first day, but I do remember that Mrs. Depalo, was not one of your ordinary teachers. She definitely stuck out of all the teachers I had, along with the one other teacher who I thought was gay at first. Anyways that got to me, the fact that she was a weird teacher, it got me to pay attention in class, but that did not solve my procrastination problem, along with my laziness. The whole year my grades were a mystery to me, I never knew what my overall grade was in that class, so toward the end of the first marking period I would get my grade and it would say 87, and I would say to myself, “Oh, work a little harder and you’ll get that 90.” Ever since PowerSchool came I would check my grades every day and encourage myself to get the grades I want.
I hated the fact that I had English 2nd period, due to the fact that this class had the most homework. I sometimes forget about homework and if the class was later in the day I could get it done during lunch or a free period, but for English I could not. I guess this was a good thing because halfway through the year, I made sure that I finished my English homework at home. The thing I liked about homework in this class was the fact that there was always a calendar with what was due for every day. This was the most organized class I have ever been too. Everything went according to plan even if there was a snow day or half day.
Overall, this was a class that I enjoyed more than others classes, but was not the best class, unfortunately, just like Sai said. I probably would not remember most of the class next year but I would remember all the fun times we had, like Charlotte’s great videos and how much you hated that other teacher that screwed up everything in your classroom. All the lessons that you taught are stored somewhere in my brain and would come to use when necessary, but without a great teacher like you, I would have had gone in one ear and out the other. Thanks for implanting knowledge into our brains for use to cherish for the rest of our lives. I am going to miss you!
This year I wouldnt say that I have learned a lot of things, but the things that I have learned are going to be heavily weighed throughout my life. First I have learned that procrastinating is no way to live life. Things happen, and waiting until the last minute will fail you almost every time. I've learned that developing a good work ethic is key. Throughout all my years in school, I have never had to put any work in to do well. But this year I realized that school is going to take hardwork and dedication. This is where we build our foundation and it is important that we build it in a way that we do not later regret our decisions. Because at the end of the day, you lay in your bed the way you make it. I've learned that you are accountable for all the mistakes you make and that your parents (at least mine) do not fix/help you fix your mistakes. But instead make you handle your mistakes on your own. But most of all I've learned how to treat another human being. Because the way you act towards another human being does matter and can affect them in more ways than you know.
In the begining of this year I felt very dependent on others. I needed someone to constantly be next to me, and needed that stability that another person's presence provided. However, now I'm more independent, and I actually thrive for some alone time. I'm not positive if it's because I just stoped caring as much, or I've started to become more of a loner or both, but now I don't feel relectant on others. I've learned to fend for myself, and look out for my needs before others. I learned that no one is going to look out for you better than you.Last year I believe people were able to walk all over me, not because that was my true personality but because that was the "face" I put on. I wanted to be liked by everyone, because it was a new school and alot of new people. I was overly nice to everyone, and I didn't stand up for myself as much as I would have liked or should have. This year I'm more of myself, though I'm sure some people may believe I'm a "bitch", but thats okay since I'm at last a "real bitch" and not fake to myself like I was last year. I've also learned that the solution to a lot of the stress I've had in the past could have been avoided if I stayed true to myself and not listening/following what everyone else thinks or tells me to believe. Overall I believe that I've changed into someone who is closer to the "true" Olivia Claire Taylor.
I still remember when I first walked into Ms. DePalo's class, I thought, "wow, what a perfect class. She seems so nice and this class will probably be so simple". Well, obviously I was wrong. Ms.DePalo is the smartest, best, nicest, and funniest teacher I have ever had (I'm not just saying that) but that's not what makes her so special. Many other teachers have these traits as well but none of them have Ms.DePalo's personality from which taught me so much this year. She is different because she understands us teenagers and can actually relate to us unlike certain 90 year old teachers that I shall not name. It is because of Ms.DePalo that I have grown up and learned more this year than I have ever learned from any other teacher. Even thought I am still not as mature as others wish I was, at the beginning of the year I would be considered the most immature of them all. Through Ms.DePalo's teachings I have learned not to discriminate as much (even as a joke) and to actually make something of my life. This truly shows why Ms.DePalo won the Teacher of the Year Award.
This year has probably been the best school year that I have ever had. It's sad though because as we are small we wish we were older and when we are older we wish we could go back. It seems like nobody even knows what they want in life. Now that it is the end of the year I remember at the beginning that my sister told me how amazing Ms.DePalo was but now that the year is over, I am wishing that I could go back so I could take Ms.DePalo's course one more time.
Now that I'm older, I have more responsibilities then when I was younger and without all of the experiences that I have had, I wouldn't be ready to take on whatever comes my way now. It's scary how time goes by so fast but in time we all learn the tricks in life and how it is all done.
Now I am almost a Junior and I swear that it feels like it was only yesterday that it was the first day of my freshman year. I have even looked at pictures from when I was a freshman and not only mentally, but I have physically changed and grown up. It feels good getting older but I hope I don't regret it. At least I had Ms.DePalo to teach me and ready me for where I am today.
Thank you Ms.Depalo for everything that you have done for us. You truly are a wonderful teacher and a very good one at that. I am privileged to have had you this year and I am very thankful that I got to learn from your intelligence. We will always miss you and I will definitely visit all the time!!!
R.I.P Ms.DePalo's 2nd Period Honors English Class 2011
Unlike many others I actually know I have changed a lot over this somphore year. Whether academically, sportswise, or street smarts wise I reall have grew as a person. All the time before this year I would be able to go to bed before 10pm, because I could finish all my work in under an hour or two. This year I have been faced with a whole new obstacle in school. The amount of work I have gotten this year has physically and emotionally worn me out. I never used to know of te term "all nighter" until this year. 10pm became 1am for me very easily this year. But I do feel this change was necessary for me. For the classes I'm going to be taking for the rest of high school and college I'm going to need to put in those kind of hours to suceed. I remember one night I just felt like I couldn't do it anymore and I wanted to just give up, but after a little nap and pep talk from my mom I was back on track. The new amount of work and time I put into homework and studying after school I feel has changed me in many ways.
For instance I feel it has made me work harder in swimming, thus improving my times. This year has caused me to put more effort in things I may have not put so much effort in the past. I have not only grew as a student, but also as a person over this year. My older sister is going to college this year, and I am now assuming the role as oldest in the house. Usually I would never except some of the changes I've made, but this year I've grown enough to know all the changes I've made needed to be made.
Just saw you on the news! Not a student, just someone who loves a fun blog post and sexy, scandalous news!
Good luck in court! FREE Ms. DePalo!
Hot for teacher!
Ms Depalo - The snail mail I sent got returned, and I don't know if the emails got through, either. If you want to contact me, please do, as I'm worried about you. - KP
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