We're done! Two years of Science Academy has officially come to a close. It's still quite surreal for me, but looking back, joining this program was one of the best and most worthwhile decisions I have made. It was one of the hardest adjustments during high school, but the amount I have grown both academically and mentally is rewarding. Along with learning an abundance of material well over the high school level, I've gained many invaluable skills that are applicable to my future. Time management, commitment, perseverance, determination, study habits, and maintaining balance are only a few of the many.
One of the most important things I've recently learned is to start living in the present; the now. I spent the entirety of this year thinking about the future. Just trying to get through the now so I could enjoy the future. Until December, I was wishing for winter break. Until March, I was wishing for spring break. Until May, I was wishing for our AP exams to be over. Until June, I was wishing for summer! However, I never really realized that life is less about the final destination and more about the journey. I realize now how much time I had let go, dreaming about the future. From now, I've decided to stop focusing about how great the future will be, and realize how important right now is. It took me two years to realize that, but I'm happy that I finally did.
Another important thing I learned throughout these past few years is what a large part my friends, family, peers, teachers, and anybody else I interact with influenced my life. Coming into the program, I always thought studying was something you had to do alone. I went to class, did the homework, and studied on my own. Despite that, in Science Academy, I found a group of like-minded friends, where we all studied together, discussed the material, helped each other with problems, and provided support to. I wouldn't have been able to learn as much as I did or become as successful as I did academically if it wasn't for my friends.
On my very first post on this blog, I emphasized how learning was more important than grades. Looking back, I don't think I really knew the importance of this concept. Though grades are important in that they provide a sort of means for post-secondary institutions to evaluate us, in some aspects they do not show an accurate portrayal of learning. I have learned to find a balance between the value I place on my grades, in comparison to the skills, experience, and knowledge I learn. Accordingly, this year along with my academics, I immersed myself in my passions. Youth engagement, environment, and health science are three of my main passions. Over the year, I've conducted workshops, ran clubs, established programs, and even planned and executed a three-day leadership conference. These experiences have allowed me to become a dynamic leader in my school and community. I want to emphasize that even though Science Academy comes with a heavy workload, it is important to continue pursuing your passions and extracurriculars alongside it.
Now, I am moving on to bigger and better things! It's been a great time being a part of the Fraser Heights Science Academy, and I've enjoyed sharing my journey on this blog. Finally, if you are a prospective student who has any questions, feel free to leave comments or email me at ruvini.amarasekera@gmail.com. I'd be happy to help out!
One of the most important things I've recently learned is to start living in the present; the now. I spent the entirety of this year thinking about the future. Just trying to get through the now so I could enjoy the future. Until December, I was wishing for winter break. Until March, I was wishing for spring break. Until May, I was wishing for our AP exams to be over. Until June, I was wishing for summer! However, I never really realized that life is less about the final destination and more about the journey. I realize now how much time I had let go, dreaming about the future. From now, I've decided to stop focusing about how great the future will be, and realize how important right now is. It took me two years to realize that, but I'm happy that I finally did.
Another important thing I learned throughout these past few years is what a large part my friends, family, peers, teachers, and anybody else I interact with influenced my life. Coming into the program, I always thought studying was something you had to do alone. I went to class, did the homework, and studied on my own. Despite that, in Science Academy, I found a group of like-minded friends, where we all studied together, discussed the material, helped each other with problems, and provided support to. I wouldn't have been able to learn as much as I did or become as successful as I did academically if it wasn't for my friends.
On my very first post on this blog, I emphasized how learning was more important than grades. Looking back, I don't think I really knew the importance of this concept. Though grades are important in that they provide a sort of means for post-secondary institutions to evaluate us, in some aspects they do not show an accurate portrayal of learning. I have learned to find a balance between the value I place on my grades, in comparison to the skills, experience, and knowledge I learn. Accordingly, this year along with my academics, I immersed myself in my passions. Youth engagement, environment, and health science are three of my main passions. Over the year, I've conducted workshops, ran clubs, established programs, and even planned and executed a three-day leadership conference. These experiences have allowed me to become a dynamic leader in my school and community. I want to emphasize that even though Science Academy comes with a heavy workload, it is important to continue pursuing your passions and extracurriculars alongside it.
Now, I am moving on to bigger and better things! It's been a great time being a part of the Fraser Heights Science Academy, and I've enjoyed sharing my journey on this blog. Finally, if you are a prospective student who has any questions, feel free to leave comments or email me at ruvini.amarasekera@gmail.com. I'd be happy to help out!
