Sahar J. ('21): "When I started this process, I didn't really think spending even 10-15 minutes about twice a month would help me gain a better understanding of how I process things. I've actually seen a difference in how I approach certain activities now. Due to the various reflections I've done, I genuinely learn from my mistakes and subconsciously remember what I wanted to improve on. For example, if I wrote about how I was struggling to work with my Journalism staff, I would remember how I wrote that reflection with a purpose to improve on that specific aspect, and actually pursue that."
Elise E. ('20): "My CAS portfolio now serves as somewhere between a compilation of reflections, a diary, and a starting point for college essays, but I have made it what I want it to be because I have learned and appreciate the importance and benefits of reflecting."
Alyson R. ('20): “I found it useful when writing college essays. I finally understand the purpose as I [chose my prompts].”
Kara-Dove M. ('20): "I procrastinated writing my [college] essays but once I did, I did not have any trouble getting my ideas down on paper...I wanted to focus on my growth as a student from my experiences; therefore, I decided to approach my essay displaying myself as a growing knower... I was able to combine my skills I learned from TOK (reflecting on how knowers gain knowledge), as well as CAS (reflecting on experiences)."
Kailen J ('20): "It was definitely interesting to think [with reflection in mind]: to have to think about not just what I did but how I did something and [how I can learn] from my failures. It helped me in completing my senior packet for my guidance counselor."
Ethan N. ('19): The reflections helped in "clarifying [my] thought[s] and helped me in changing directions, thinking about using more effective drills in marching band."
Eleanor H. ('19): "It was the reflections that were the most meaningful. I can't always recognize why what I am doing is worth doing until I reflect on what I was doing."
Emma W. ('19): "Most of my college [apps] required me to write about service, so I was able to take the best concepts from my reflections to use as my essays. It saved a lot of time."
Emma S. ('19): “For certain parts [of my college essays], I revisited my reflections and that helped.”