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. 

Your interviewers are people very used to the look of AI writing and want to see your genuine thoughts and work. 

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 Godinez SLGs. Identify two that you have 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.