Journal 11 - Self Evaluation

Austen is a wonderful young man who excels in his academics in English class. Austen did well in his quarter test and scored almost a 100% every time in his vocabulary test. If he could check out the usage of the word thoroughly, he is guaranteed a 100% every time. He also did the reading which is a very good thing for discussion. To be accurate, he was one of the few students who read the books. He participated in the chapter discussions very actively. He does all of his journals and his writing. He also has perfect attendance. He received a hundred percent in his quarter test which includes a grammar section. This tells me that Austen at least has all the basics of grammar down. He excelled on his quiz on the parts of an essay and such as well.  Some of the problems I have with Austen does not concern with academics. He tends to speak in class without raising his hand. He also sits with his body tilted to on side which I don't really like. If he could change these, it would be awesome. All in all, Austen is a responsible sophomore and you don't need to worry about his academics.

Journal 10 - First Impression

It was so awkward when I first met him. He was to be our eighth grade Language Arts and Social Studies teacher. His name is Mr. David Svensen. It was the first time I met him. He was all serious with us students and he's trying to show a lot of power over us. I immediately thought he would be one of our worst English teachers. I thought that he was a serious person who does not have fun with the kids. We all thought he was a total jerk. He too thought that we weren't good kids and I know this because he told us about it when we got closer. After about as short as a few days, he became less serious and more friendly. We were good in his class and we had a lot of fun. We learned a lot of things as well. As we interacted as students and teacher, he toned down his seriousness. He soon became very friendly with us. He was one of the best teachers I have every had. He was the most understanding and easygoing out of all teachers. I learned that he could have fun as well. He had fun with us and was very friendly. Even after 8th grade ended, we went to his class for fun or for help. He was a very helpful and friendly teacher, different from what I thought at first. When he left, we were all sad because a good and helpful teacher left us. This taught me that I shouldn't make assumptions too quickly. Even though I learned this, I think that I would continue having first impressions of a stranger whenever I meet one.