Vohntryce Allen
Reflection
In the two years that I have attended school at Maya Angelou Public Charter School, I have faced many obstacles. I have been suspended more than once and nearly expelled. I have had a hard time getting along with teachers and students. On top of all this, ever since I can remember, I have struggled with reading. Before arriving at Maya Angelou, I was asked to leave two other high schools due to behavior problems. Since I have been at Maya Angelou, I have had some troubles and caused some problems, but this school and the teachers have stood by me through it all. I have found success at Maya Angelou Public Charter School, and I thank everyone who helped me reach my goals.
The teachers at Maya Angelou never give up on me or any other student, and they never let us give up on ourselves. This kind of commitment has helped me not only to succeed in learning, but also to become a more confident, successful student. My AP English teachers have made a big difference in my academic life because they tell me everyday that I can do anything if I believe in myself and give it my all. When I do well on an assignment, they compliment me and help build my self-esteem. When I do not do well on an assignment, they tell me what’s wrong with it. Then they have me revise the assignment until it gets a good grade.
With the love and support of my family and teachers, I have achieved many successes in my final years of high school: honor roll, awards for improvement in both English and Science, and maybe most importantly, an award for most improved behavior. This award is special to me because it shows that with the guidance of caring teachers, I was able to turn around some negative behaviors and devote myself to my academic goals. I go to school everyday knowing that I will learn something new, and with each new day, I move closer to my goal of one day being a teacher whom students will admire, respect, and look forward to seeing every day.
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Shannon Brown
Reflection
Because my first high school was shut down, I had the opportunity to come to Maya Angelou. Getting used to a school with a dismissal time of 2:45 pm to a dismissal time of 7:15 pm was a huge challenge. Not only did I have to adjust to the schedule, but I also found the students to be extremely bright. They knew certain things that I just was not taught at my previous high school. As I began to adjust to the curriculum and time schedule, I began to notice a change in conversations at school as well as at home. I had the opportunity of going out-of-state on two college tours and to Aspen, Colorado to participate in the Aspen Youth Experience program.
I have to say that my senior year has been and will be my most memorable year at Maya Angelou. One reason was because I found myself struggling for the first time in most of my classes, but I never gave up. I pushed myself to what I felt was my best. This year has been rough for me academically, emotionally and physically. I found out that I was going to be a mother in the middle of my senior year, which took a toll on me physically as well as mentally. However, I had the most encouragement anyone can get from the staff, my friends, my family, the father of my child, and mostly from my mom. She allowed me to know that no one’s life is a mistake, and you can only grow from the things that may happen to you. Being the first female grandchild and my mother’s first child to graduate gives me a sense of hope and leadership. I have paved the way for my older and younger siblings to go back to school or finish school because all things are possible. Being accepted to two colleges gives me encouragement that I can make it. I know the road ahead of me will be rough, but I am up for the challenge. Even though I won’t be going to college right away, I will start the spring semester. So, January here I come!
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Antonio Morse
Reflection
My experience at Maya Angelou has been very good. It has shown me to open up and reach for my best, not just enough to get by. I have learned a lot from the teachers, counselors and the staff. They showed us that they really care about our education, and it means a lot to them to see us excel. Maya Angelou helped me in a lot of ways as far as maturing. I learned to take responsibility for my actions and for everything that I do. At Maya Angelou, I was taught not to give up and to keep on trying no matter what the outcome may be.
At Maya Angelou, I met a lot of good friends who related to me and who helped me with problems that I could not face alone. I will miss everyone, but I am glad to be moving on.
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Kenyell Williams
Reflection
Now normally I would go on and on, telling you about myself rather than who I am, so to avoid being misinterpreted as a narcissist, I’ll just tell you guys of how Maya has perfected me in ways I couldn’t have done on my own. When I say Maya, I’m talking about every aspect of Maya Angelou PCS, from the school building itself, to the cafeteria ladies, custodial staff, security guards, teachers, administration, and especially the students, my peers. Even the re-returning students...LOL; you all know who I’m talking about. But everyone contributes to my triumphs inside and outside of school.
My counselor, my rock and my shield has brought me a long way. We both know that there have been some situations where problems surfaced. During this time, I turned to you because, despite my pride and despite my stubbornness, I knew you would have my back and my best interest at heart, no doubt about it.
Thanks to Maya Angelou PCS, I use big words instead of curse words to get my point across. I honestly think I’ll always have problems listening to other people’s opinions, basically because I feel so passionately about my own. Thanks to Maya, I am not afraid to admit when I’m wrong, although I need hard facts and evidence to surrender. Thanks to Maya, I can advocate for myself, even if it requires me to write a proposal. Now don’t get me wrong; some things will never change. I’m still that outspoken bottle of truth, but thanks to Maya, I have conquered the art of rhetoric and know when my words can be most influential, which is a definite change from my entry two years ago. Thanks to Maya, I have learned to strive for the best and never settle for less than what I already have. Thanks to Maya, I am somebody, and if you think I’m not… I’ll show you.
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Shaw Campus Class of 2008 Reflections