Report cards finally came out, and I am proud to announce that I received A's in every class but honors chemistry, in which I was given a B. Now I'm not one to complain about good grades, however I was slightly disappointed that I didn't get straight A's. I would be so excited to open up a report card with A's all the way down that little column. But regardless, I have come to realize a few things. I absolutely love school and learning, however I think the most rewarding class I will ever take is my shop, Automotive Technology affectionately hidden in the back of the school, with two "mean" teachers. It's difficult for me to explain the feeling I get every morning walking into class with my uniform on.
I wake up knowing I am about to be challenged more then ever before. I know I must be on my toes all day to shoot back a comment at who ever I'm working with, to make sure I put an oil sticker on that car, and to be able to answer any questions thrown at me. I am currently the only female in the shop, which believe it or not doesn't make much of a difference, but as a fellow student decided to point out the other day, I do enjoy the attention I get for it.
As a freshman three years ago now, I was petrified of Auto Tech. I came to Assabet for Machine shop, I had a 100 in there and the teachers seemed to like me. I had heard terrible things about the cruel Automotive Technology teachers, and the incredibly difficult exploratory program, and lucky me was in there for two weeks because it was my last shop. I knew absolutely nothing about vehicles when I entered the shop, but by the end of my first day I realized I could tell anyone the four strokes of and internal combustion engine, what the difference between a crankshaft and camshaft is and how to begin disassembling an engine. I began to develop a love for the shop and the juniors in it. Finally one day I confronted Mr. Morin (the freshman and sophomore instructor) and he told me his story. He chose Machine shop his freshman yea at Assabet, got bored and switched out into Auto Tech, and like me he had no previous knowledge.
Chris Mathews the shop foreman at the time told me I could do well in the shop and that he would help me with anything. I spent two years working on his 1981 El Camino, we took it racing over the summer and somehow I pulled off A's in my shop. My teachers are tough, they are more strict then most but I strive on the hard work and rules the force us to follow. I embrace the challenges I have to face everyday. When I walk into my shop I know I will learn something and I can not wait to start the day.
Mr. Morin and Mr. Airoldi are two of the best teachers I have ever had, they have never lied to me, and they always challenge me. When one of them says I did a good job (although I usually argue with them pointing out my own flaws) my week is made. Their approval is better then any grade on paper, it has more meaning to it and is much harder to acquire. I look up to them both and can only hope to be half as good a person, and technician someday. I know I have a long way to go, and I'm willing to work hard everyday to get to where I want to be. Leaving the Maynard schooling system and choosing Assabet was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
Yeah, the shop part of our school does really give a personal reason to drag our selves out of bed each morning. Sure, our chemistry class is great and all, but how many people want to be a full blown chemist. (oh...by the way, i got an "A" in chemistry.)
Being in a vocational program at Assabet, I feel like I am getting a more rounded education. Don't get me wrong it is nice to see A's in academic classes, but to do well in a technical program really gives the students a feel for what life will be like in the work force. The shop teachers try to enforce the rules of a work place(in most cases) to make us see that life isn't like high school. By being educated in a feild where most of us hope to one day earn our livelyhood, we can give ourselves a jump start to being sucessful in what we do. I think vocational schools are a better choice for kids who are motivated to make something useful out of their lives, and to get a headstart on what we plan to make our occupations.
I also was very disappointed with my Chemistry grade. It looks so out of place with all the others.
i'm not sure which blog we are required to comment, but this one drew my attention. I think it's great that you have such a passion with your vocation, and that you're alright with being the only girl in your shop. And, i as well got a B in chemistry, just so you know you're not the only one. :P
I am so proud of you guys! But what about the counter argument? What would people say to counter Kayls's argument and what kind of rebuttal should she make?
When I came into Assabet I had no idea what shop I wanted to take but at the end of freshman year, i chose Auto Body. I was the only girl in my grade but liked it a lot. However, by the end of the year I decided that it wasn't the shop for me and I then switched to Culinary Arts.
I am very disappointed because I have not gotten my report card yet!
Before I came to Assabet, a lot of people told me it was a stupid decision because the Assabet kids are "stupid", and that "you won't get anywhere in life". Honestly, I couldn't disagree more. I feel as if Assabet was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life, and my shop is one of the only things in my life I can actually feel confidant about.
And Kayla, about Chemistry. It's okay. =[ I'm one of the hardest people on myself that I know, and I balled my eyes out for hours about a B-.
I agree with you Heather, it does look out of place. =]
I don't think it matters what school you go to though, someone is always going to have something negative to say. I think Assabet has done very well as far as proving those who call it "stupid" wrong. I mean a Sate Scholar school, offering honors and AP classes, Virtual High School, that actually cares about it's students surpasses most other schools. We are given the opportunity to work if we arn't good students or have a strong passion for our vocation and the option to stay in school go on to college and major in whatever we want, the students here get the best of both worlds. I think my counter arguement was when I said people were calling my teachers mean and saying bad things about the shop...I tried :)
Post a Comment