The student will write short reflective pieces that explore intriguing ideas by connecting quotations from the texts or other sources and synthesizing insights into human nature (propositions).
Reflection
Artifact: An Open Prompt Interactive Reflection Journal that demonstrates my ability to connect quotations from different sources to create insights into human nature
An interesting thing about freedom is that once you have it, you don’t know what to do with it. This was the feeling I experienced when I was assigned my first IRJ-OP, a piece where the student is meant to conclude with profound insight on human nature, with a prompt being anything inspiring. Rules and formulas make things easier, but I was drowning and frantic in the independence that had been bestowed upon me.
Throughout the day, I struggled to find some insight in a passing comment, a teacher’s joke, or a homework assignment, but something about creating importance where in reality there was none, made me uncomfortable. I am the type of person who stresses and worries, but right then I told myself to stop. So I did. Relaxing made me able to find an idea, and do the assignment. After a trying day and a hectic week, I was able to calmly sit and do my work.
Though I did not come across anything profound, I did learn something: the value of patience and relaxation. I realized no amount of worrying would cause an idea to walk right into my head. I also found that everything I do doesn’t have to be perfect, because in highschool, nothing is.
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