Introduction to Programming

This course, which I took my Sophomore year, involved the intense study of different programming languages, and enlightened me as to both how complex it really is, and to its astounding involvement in the world we live in today. Though this was just the base level of programming knowledge, I was able to get a sense of how meticulous one has to be, and how much can be accomplished when the programming is done well. I decided to take this course to receive an introduction into computer science and explore this new concept of which I had no experience at all, and I am really glad that I took that risk. As to how I perceived this course through a global lens, I left the class with the understanding that computer programming has evolved into the new universal language and it holds the power to connect, empower, and shape the future of technology in the world which is amazing!

Modern World History

My sophomore year, I took honors Modern World History to fulfill my social studies requirement. The curriculum focused mainly on the state of world affairs during World Wars I and II, and the climate of U.S politics from the 19th century to now. I had a great teacher who detailed the effects of certain events and political initiatives on differing racial and ethnic groups and how this has impacted the world as we know it today. What I took from this course was a fuller understanding of what motivates people in power to use it in self-servient ways, but also the extraordinary power that the people have to challenge the misuse of said power to make that nation, or the world, a better place for generations to come. 

Anthropology and Sociology

This course, taken my Junior year, was centered around the study of various cultures, traditions, and values, where they derive from and how they develop. What makes something taboo? What are the evident differences between Eastern and Western civilizations? Through the study of film, literature, and famous anthropological studies, we delved into theories behind how human beings develop values and traditions for centuries, or in some cases change as people's perspectives and opinions change. Relating this to the Global Pathways program, this course instilled within me a deep appreciation for the study of different cultures, religions, and societies and revealed to me a whole area of study that I had little knowledge of beforehand. Plus, I feel like many times, tribal groups and societies in Africa or East Asia are often labeled as"primitive" with the notion that they need to be saved or civilized, when in reality, they are extremely complex and rooted in a rich, fascinating history that deserves to be honored, not looked upon with disdain. 

Senior CAPStone Advanced Research Project

The Senior Capstone Cohort (CAPS) at Andover High School is an advanced inquiry-based research seminar. As a participant in this seminar, I will pursue an essential question through quantitative and qualitative research methods along with a substantial field-based inquiry project. CAPS offers students a chance to create an independent academic experience with a focus on extensive authentic examination. 

This elective Capstone model provides seniors with a critical learning experience and an opportunity for intellectual problem solving, social change, and community service. The focus of CAPS is to place students in the position of the “expert” in an area of study or in a career setting of their own choosing. CAPS projects require students to develop competency in gathering, analyzing, and reporting on data. For seniors, it is an opportunity to interweave learning in all these areas and to do so “in real time, in an unpredictable, complex, real-world environment.” For my research topic, I will be exploring the racial and ethnic disparities in pregnancy-related deaths among women in the United States. 

Through participation in CAPS, I can take part in the opportunity to merge my various interests, curiosities, and passions with my academic and intellectual life which will take shape through Original Field Research, a year-long dissertation-style Inquiry Paper, a web-based Project Portfolio, and a TED-style Community Presentation that communicates the culmination of the experience. I will also receive 1 credit of English.

Courses: Spanish II, Spanish III, Hispanic Language and Culture, AP Spanish Language

For my four years of a foreign language, I decided to take Spanish. I have always had a fascination for the Spanish language, and as the United States becomes more diverse and multicultural, I think with it came the realization that the value in being multilingual in indispensable. That global perspective is what has driven my passion for the study of Spanish and will continue to influence my appreciation for the opportunity to study it. Not only have I been able to learn the language itself, but I have been able to immerse myself in the bountiful history of the many cultures and traditions of people who speak the language. From Mexico, to Spain, to South American countries, by leaning to speak the language, I have also been awarded the opportunity to build upon my knowledge of the history of people who reside both within and outside of the United States.