Retrospective

Throughout my four years in VISA, I have changed in many aspects. I have learned many
things that will come handy for college. As all of you know, VISA is one of those schools who
pushes their students to make them more prepared for the real life after high school, as in
college. I know many of you dont like this school and rather transfer to San Fernando or CCLA
but hey, you wont get the same skills that this school offers. I mostly like VISA because all the
teachers are cool, supportive and want the best for us.
When I was a freshman, I was very excited start my 9th grade year. I was pretty happy; I had a
girlfriend and no worries. I knew some people from this school, so that also gave me a relief. In
the first semester of school for Digital literacy class, Ms. Espinoza made us do a project called
the ISS Project. This project was intended to teach younger teens, the harms of social media.
There are many problems in social media and I know you guys know the most common ones.
This project made my communicating ideas stronger by giving the young teens the valuable
information that our group presented. I feel like I can share this information more confidently
with others who arent aware of the dangers because the project exposed me to new facts.
Another project that improved my view of communicating ideas and sharing ideas is the VISA
lunch proposal; this project was a success because it took effect and changed the schools lunch.
In order to make the change, all the ninth graders contributed; one voice cant make a difference.
So what we did was all the 9th graders made, a letter that specified the problems and also
included the best solutions. Only four of the best letters were going to be sent to the cafeteria. By
a week, the schools lunch changed and we were proud of our selfs. Now I know that sharing our
ideas with others who have similar opinions can make a difference, this will be useful for the
future.

In my 10th grade year, my Environmental science class had to create a project about certain
problems that are affecting the whole world. I and my partner choose Green energy because it
was something we were both were interested in. One objective we had to do was to find the
solutions and better ways of solving the problem. Nuclear, Hydro and Wind Turbine energy are
cleaner than the traditional fossil fuels that leave a large carbon footprint. Another task we had
was to create a Vodcast, which is pictures and audio in one informational video. This project
helped me become more aware of the surroundings which we live in. My communicating ideas
improved because it was uploaded on YouTube and my fellow classmates learned the material.
Another project we did was this very big project that had the whole class put I n work to actually
make in possible to create it. We called this project El Sol. In this project we made a physical
solar power rechargeable station. In our class we made groups that were in charge of specific
duties. At the end of the project there was a competition that would determine whose project was
the most successful and eye attracting by the whole school. My classes were the winners of the
project; I was happy because with the project I passed the class. I improved my growth in
knowledge by learning how the components of the solar station worked. I also improved in my
taking action part by making a change of not using the school electricity but instead using the
suns energy for energy to leave a no carbon footprint.
For my 11th grade class I and my partner created a project about the Crisis of Ukraine. In this
project we had to make a timeline of Ukraines history and make a video with all the information
we gathered. After that, the video had to be put on YouTube so everyone can see. My skills in
raising awareness increased because I published the video on YouTube so people can know what
is really going on in Ukraine. In my English class we had to create a project based on a book we
read. The purpose of the project was to choose a topic that affects many people in the world. My

group choose Drug and alcohol abuse because many teens abuse these things. Our group made a
really good video that even I became impressed of how good it came out. We were the actors for
the video. Another thing we did was create a power point and find a sponsor to sponsor us. At the
end we had to present all our work to a class. That went good. We did well in this project and I
got a good grade. My skill of helping raising awareness increased because we thought a group of
teens about our topic. Also my growth in knowledge improved because I found out new stuff
about the long term effect of drugs and alcohol.
For my 12th grade year I had to make a mask that had represented how I would see myself and
what strengths I had. This project was really complicated because we had to put masking tape on
our face and it felt really funky. At the end we presented our mask to our fellow classmates. This
projects help me grown in my sharing ideas because I gave my classmates information about
myself and what characteristics I had. Another project I did was the career hierarchy. In this
project I had to research about the career I want to major in and get a lot of information about it.
Another thing I did was a poster that had the most valuable information so the audience can
know more facts about my career. With this project I improved my knowledge of what steps I
will need to do, from applying to a class too how many years and credits I will need.
What I recommend for the staff members is to get rid of those yard moms, they are annoying! I
dont think other schools have yard moms. We are high schoolers not elementary kids. One thing
I would want the school to offer is like a more advance computer class because the one that is
offered sucks and is not helpful at all. Another class I would like the school to offer is the Old
digital literacy class that Ms. Espinoza had because this class was very helpful and it improved
our computer skills on Microsoft office and many more programs that students use.

What I recommend for you underclassmen is to not slack off because once you slack off, most
of the time its hard to get back on tract. Another tip for you guys is to do all your homework and
class work because not turning in anything, is better than turning is something for some credit.
Also like everybody says dont Procrastinate because it becomes a habit and that wont be good
for the long run. Always study and do your best. If you guys dont understand the material ask
the teachers dont just sit there because a miracle will not happen.