Reflective Essay

Sample Prompt:

11th and 12th Grade Portfolio Reflective Essay (Your English teacher might have a different version of this prompt.) 

We want your writing. Do not AI your reflective essay. Embarrassing. 

Vision Statement:

Godinez Fundamental High School is a community in which all are engaged in academic achievement and character development.

Mission Statement:

The mission of Godinez Fundamental High School is to provide a safe, supportive environment with clear, consistent expectations and high academic standards.

This portfolio is in line with the mission statement and vision statement of our school.

Paragraph 1- Introduction. (We want to see your creativity as applied to this assignment, but please follow directions.)

*Start with a relevant quotation as your hook. It may be about life, love, pain, growth, learning, change, etc. as long as you relate it to your life in the introduction. (Warning: Internet quotation sites are notoriously incorrect. Verify your quotations.)

*Give an overview of your four years of high school both academically and personally. Mention your highlights and setbacks.

*End your introduction with a thesis (an argument) that states who you are becoming…

Paragraph 2- You as a scholar.

*Include a topic sentence.

*Which were the most challenging courses and why? (Do not blame teachers or courses here. Talk about expectations of you and your ability to meet or exceed them.)

*What did you discover were your strengths and weaknesses this year?

*What project/paper/assignment are you most proud of? Explain. Give details.

*What project/paper/assignment was not as good as it could have been?  Why? What can you learn from it? Be specific. 

Paragraph 3- You as a person of character.

*Include a topic sentence.

*Look at the ESLRs. Identify two that you mastered in high school; identify two of your areas of improvement. Give examples and anecdotes (stories) for each of them from your life over four years.

Paragraph 4- Godinez Memories.

*Include a topic sentence.

* What would you like to remember from this year at Godinez as you mature?  Think personally, as a school, as a class, etc. Talk about sporting events, performances, class memories, fundraisers, community service, or any other memory that is worth recalling.

*Why are those memories important ones?

Paragraph 5- Thank Yous.  Describe a coach, a teacher, a club advisor, an older mentor, an administrator, etc. who has been a positive influence on you or who has supported you and worked to help you this year or in high school (if you are a senior). Please reflect on that relationship and what you learned and appreciated. Think about those who gave you time (whether by giving you academic feedback, offering advice, or by providing a safe environment).

Paragraph 6- Next year and conclusion

*What are your plans for next year?

*What are your plans for your career?

*Give advice to next year’s incoming freshmen. Be specific and helpful.

*Give advice to yourself for next year.

*Connect back to your opening quotation at the end.