English A Project

               Hi, my name is Raymond Ruiz. I live in Los Angeles, California with my mother, stepdad, and two brothers. I recently turned eighteen years old and I am in my first semester at El Camino College. Growing up I was always into cars, the cool sport cars to be specific I played many video games that involved cars with my brothers. It was one of our favorite things to do as kids. That is what I think led me to the pleasure of driving. My father and stepmom introduced me to driving around the age of 15. Anywhere we would go I would want to drive. Even if it was a long drive or a short drive to the store, I found it so amazing and fascinating but one thing I did not find so amusing was school. I struggled throughout my elementary and middle school years. I often did not receive As and Bs in my classes because I had my mind set that Cs were good enough. I am still adjusting to college and now in my first year I was put into a remedial English class, which means that I am not quite ready for the college level courses. While reading John Langan's book Ten Skills You Really Need To Succeed In School I learned a lot helpful strategies. I learned how to prepare myself to become the college level student I was meant to be. I learned the importance of being organized and how to manage time while also realizing how to correctly prepare for taking tests.

               While reading Langan's book, one topic that completely caught my attention was "Using Your Course Outline" because during my time in school I have been given multiple course outlines for classes and I have the tendency of just stuffing them in the back of my folder and not looking at it for the rest of the year. I often did this in high school. Langan discusses that what I do is a huge mistake. I learned that the syllabus can absolutely be the key to passing any college course I intend on taking. Not only does it include the instructor's plan for the course but it will also have important dates on it. For example, the syllabus will give me the dates of upcoming exams and tell me when and what assignments are due on what day. Langan states that using the syllabus is a perfect way to put myself in my instructor's head and help me learn exactly what I must do to succeed in the course. Now in future courses like English A I will be aware that the syllabus is something that belongs in the front of my folder instead of the back so that I can constantly refer to it and be well prepared.

             

               It is clear that throughout everyone's school years we have all been given test and exams and to do go on those test we need to know how to study for them. Test are given out not only in school but for many other things such as getting our drivers license, testing your intelligence, and competitions. John Langan speaks specifically about test in a class room and how to effectively stay calm for them. His answer to it is being well prepared. Of course one major thing that needs to be done is to know how to take notes. When taking notes we should try to always write down important terms and their definitions and even write down some examples to make it more clear when we go back to study. I learned that not only is it important to attend the class but I also should make it a requirement to take notes, good notes, while I am in class as well. Langan explains that writing down material presented in class is a must because forgetting begins almost immediately and that studies have shown that within two weeks most people forget 80% of what they have heard. So in reality, no matter how carefully I listen while I am in class, you will forget quickly. Taking notes is a must. I learned multiple tips on how to take effective notes so when I see that test day coming up on the syllabus, I will have all the information I need to study, leading to me being well prepared on the test day.

What is kindness ?

Kindness is helping others in need.

Kindness is having a positive attitude to those around you.

Kindness is complimenting others.

Kindness is holding a door open for someone.

Kindness is giving a loved one a hug.

Kindness is donating to others in need.

Kindness is giving your mailman a glass of water.
Kindness comes in many forms and actions,

but to me Kindness is simply treating others the way you would like to be treated.