Ortiz 1

Steve Ortiz
Mr. Ewart
Advisory
1 December, 2014
GPS Reflection
A portion of my growth for this current year is best displayed through the Personal
Statement assignment I received earlier this year. This assignment was an English assignment
given to all students regardless of whether they were taking AP English Literature or the regular
English 12 course. This assignment was literally the writing prompt of the Universities of
Californias application. After we finished writing our rough draft, it, and the succeeding drafts,
were subject to heavy peer review from not only our our fellow classmates, but from various
teachers. It was through this arduous process that I was able to grow in my college readiness.
Before, I only had a mere wisp of an idea of what colleges would like to know about myself.
Now, after hearing all of the varying input from my various students and teachers, I have a much
better understanding of properly applying to college. In addition, this assignment aided me in
expanding my knowledge, by allowing me to discover more of who I am as a person. Since the
writing prompts are in their entirety, personal, I had to learn more about myself to be able to
fully articulate my responses properly. Before we undertook this portion of the assignment, our
teacher had us complete various pre-writing assignments in the form of self-assessments, or
rather established tests that would divulge information that would accurately describe us as
individuals. It was through this pre-writing portion of the assignment that I would grow in my
knowledge of myself. Beforehand, I wouldnt really analyze myself as I would have found the
act rather narcissistic and the results skewed in a prideful manner towards myself. Now that I

Ortiz 2
know this information about myself however, I can now adjust my lifestyle and other possible
situations to best suit my needs. Proving the age old adage that knowledge can enrich ones life.
The rest of my growth can be best displayed through the Career Search project. This
project was comprised of two components, a poster and a speech. The ultimate aim of the project
was to research ones most desired future career, to see what it takes to gain said desired
position, how much one will earn under said profession, and to present the information gathered
through the two components to the underclassmen of the school. It was through researching the
required information that we investigated the world in a new manner. Before, I had grown
accustomed to gathering information in relatively easy ways. Now, after having to search up
obscure information on what it takes to become an astronomer, I know am more capable of
investigating the world in a more efficient manner. It was also through this project that I was able
to communicate ideas, through two mediums, a poster and a speech. Before, I only had
experience in giving a simple verbal presentation, albeit a shaky one. Now, I was able to
effectively get my point across as I could confidently describe it, whilst pointing at a visual
representation of it. Finally, it was through this project that I was able to take action against the
stereotypical inaction that the younger generation is known for, by displaying a potential
pathway toward their future. Before, I was part of this Do Nothing group, but now that I have
taken action against it, I feel that I have grown more towards being able to be an active part in
my future. To be the captain at the helm of the ship.