Brace Yourself: Life Updates and Lively Adventures

From prepping for braces and hitting my first-ever concert to delving deep into healthcare marketing a federal convict laws, I've been on quite the journey. Let's jump right into the latest chapter of my life.

About Me

Brace yourself, because I'm getting braces (yes, at my grown age). Unfortunately there's no avoiding this fate, so I must accept it, and do everything in my power to get them off ASAP. But luckily, it's not all metal and brackets as my physical therapy is moving forward beautifully, and I'm already in Phase 3. Turns out that if you stretch everyday you actually get more flexible! all kidding aside, I love the improvement I've been feeling in my knees and health overall. As mentioned last week, I've been visiting the Collin Writing Center for help with my college applications and the creative juices over there have given me so much guidance on my Common App essay, and I'm going back for a third time to start my supplemental editing journey!

In regards to socializing, I went to volunteer at Hebrew School this past Sunday, and I really enjoyed catching up with friends and helping out. I assisted the teacher with the 7th and 8th grade cirriculum for the day, our executives in planning the yearly Hanukkah program, and our cantor in leading song session. Overall, it was an amazing way to start my day. Also last week was my first eve concert, Cigarettes After Sex (one of my favorite bands). The Toyota Pavillion was packed and it was awesome (I want to go to another concert now).

ISM

In ISM, we're about to dive deep. I just submitted my Original Work proposal, the beginning of a 12-week adventure, which we will thoroughly discuss soon. Other than that beast, my recent research assessment explored healthcare marketing's intricate world, and I'm fascinated by the industry's evolution. Considering my mom works in B2B healthcare marketing, I loved creating the multi-text overview of the industry niche. Next up for our class, there is an etiquette meal on Wednesday, and as always, there's another research assessment due this Friday.

School

My academic life has been a whirlwind too. I had a fantastic time brainstorming with DECA groups last Tuesday night for well over three hours. As an officer we stayed after school and struggling groups came in to go over their projects with us one-on-one. If there's one thing DECA has taught me, it's that I love consulting! Moving into the school hours,we've begun learning about electrical fields in Physics 2, and I love the challenge (it's always so satisfying when you finally understand a confusing concept). I've got a Unit Test in Statistics and a quiz in Calc AB and World Literature. Honestly I used to dislike tests, but now I'm just curious to see how much I've learned from studying--it's almost like a game in my mind!

Speaking of tests, I took a unit Exam in my American government class this morning at 7:15 a.m. Also, in government, I turned in my annotated bibliography about the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act and the implications Chapter 154--Habeas Corpus mean for justice amongst federal convicts. It's some super interesting stuff, and I'm glad I have a curriculum in my schedule that allows me to research this! in my other dual credit class, World Literature, we've begun our final units, and it's honestly bittersweet because I'm excited for the research paper but, I'm really gonna miss this class next semester!

Beyond the classroom, I'm gearing up for the ACT this weekend, and the SAT next weekend. The prep has been intense, but I'm ready to face these tests for the last time.

So much to talk about and even more to get done. Until next week,

- Samantha Stein