Before high school I had done a decent amount of service work for my mom's work, but nothing really interesting or meaningful. I would simply take inventory and send out mail. As I applied to AGS, I knew a core part of the curriculum was service work, which was exciting and interesting, because I had a feeling it would be fun and intuitive.
I was proven correct.
Each year in AGS, we are assigned "the project" that is sort of the beast of the year, meaning it requires group work and intensive planning that basically defines that year and the studies related to it. For freshman year, I created a food label, created a documentary for Barton Springs, and lived the Heifer Ranch experience. Each service work experience was unique on its own, but all definitely gave me a new prospective on the issue of waste that I hadn't previously recognized. For sophomore year, we are assigned the upcycle project and TGPLAN. TGPLAN was the main experience for that year, being the largest and most meticulous project I have ever done for school. TGPLAN was definitely the most stressful project I've also ever done, however, it was a great experience, because we were given freedom to choose what ever issue that affect Austin High, our community and the world. It was a long process, but very rewarding, because I feel that I made a difference in the Austin High special needs community. For Junior year, we were given a New Mexican science and history based project that would connect with our trip to the American SouthWest. This project was not so much service based, but more so focused on highlighting New Mexico's natural and social history. Finally, for Senior year, we are given a whole semester to complete our Capstone Class that addresses what ever issue we wish to do. It's the culmination of all that we have learned and experienced in AGS, and probably will be the most impactful project any AGS kid does if they take the class seriously. Each grade offered a new challenge, which is what kept me loyal to the program. If you love challenges like me, you will want to remain in AGS, because no where else do the teachers and students collaborate to mold you into a globally responsible citizen. I wouldn't change a single thing about my service in AGS, because each service hour I have earned, was done with a purpose and passion.
In the end, AGS has helped me grow more closely to service work, something I will participate in for the rest of my life. It has taught me to appreciate what I have, to better understand global problems, and to work with people towards a common goal. I am extremely thankful to have been a part of this program, because it has cultured me into a globally aware, service work focused student. The love I have grown for service work in AGS will definitely benefit me in college and in the work place, as I have developed into a help-oriented team player ready to solve the next issue.
I was proven correct.
Each year in AGS, we are assigned "the project" that is sort of the beast of the year, meaning it requires group work and intensive planning that basically defines that year and the studies related to it. For freshman year, I created a food label, created a documentary for Barton Springs, and lived the Heifer Ranch experience. Each service work experience was unique on its own, but all definitely gave me a new prospective on the issue of waste that I hadn't previously recognized. For sophomore year, we are assigned the upcycle project and TGPLAN. TGPLAN was the main experience for that year, being the largest and most meticulous project I have ever done for school. TGPLAN was definitely the most stressful project I've also ever done, however, it was a great experience, because we were given freedom to choose what ever issue that affect Austin High, our community and the world. It was a long process, but very rewarding, because I feel that I made a difference in the Austin High special needs community. For Junior year, we were given a New Mexican science and history based project that would connect with our trip to the American SouthWest. This project was not so much service based, but more so focused on highlighting New Mexico's natural and social history. Finally, for Senior year, we are given a whole semester to complete our Capstone Class that addresses what ever issue we wish to do. It's the culmination of all that we have learned and experienced in AGS, and probably will be the most impactful project any AGS kid does if they take the class seriously. Each grade offered a new challenge, which is what kept me loyal to the program. If you love challenges like me, you will want to remain in AGS, because no where else do the teachers and students collaborate to mold you into a globally responsible citizen. I wouldn't change a single thing about my service in AGS, because each service hour I have earned, was done with a purpose and passion.
In the end, AGS has helped me grow more closely to service work, something I will participate in for the rest of my life. It has taught me to appreciate what I have, to better understand global problems, and to work with people towards a common goal. I am extremely thankful to have been a part of this program, because it has cultured me into a globally aware, service work focused student. The love I have grown for service work in AGS will definitely benefit me in college and in the work place, as I have developed into a help-oriented team player ready to solve the next issue.