Gabrielle Cherizola

254 Della Drive

Atwater, CA 95301

GCherizola405502@muhsdstudents.org

May 28, 2019

Robin Griffiths

1800 N Buhach Rd

Atwater, CA 95301

RGRIFFITHS@muhsd.org

Dear Mrs. Griffiths,

This year has been a wonderful journey. I came into AVID not knowing what to expect,

and came out with wonderful experience. The places I have visited on field trips, and the skills I

have learned in class were things I never thought i’d be able to experience or learn. I know I will

be able to apply these things in college, and I hope to learn more in the upcoming years. I have

grown a lot, but I know i have much more to learn.

This year, through AVID, my note taking has certainly improved a lot. It helped me study

for many math and science tests. I am also learning how simple it is to just ask for help on

certain things. Tutorial also taught me how to help others, while being a bit social and making
friends through it. Things like philosophical chairs and socratic seminar taught me how to listen

to others, and how to put forth my opinions as well.

This year I also learned that there are a few things i need to fix and improve on. One of

those things, by far, is my time management. I struggle with procrastination, and letting small

things set me back. I need to focus more, and not wait for some miraculous burst of motivation at

10pm. I also need to learn how to focus more on myself and my self improvement, and not

constantly want to take care of other people instead.

My main goal was to maintain a 4.0 GPA. I was able to achieve that in the first semester,

thankfully, due to hard work and determination. I struggled a bit towards the end as mental and

outside issues surfaced, but I still did my best and managed to keep my grades at least average. I

continued to learn and grow, and fix some issues. I just need to push a little more to be able to

get through finals well.

I am most proud of the work I managed to do in band, such as being the top band in

marching and orchestra during the competitions. We stayed in the 90s during marching season,

got many sweepstakes, and received a unanimous superior. I also stayed on top of many group

projects, where I had to carry much of the workload. I got to contribute my art and my talents. I

also enjoyed participating in El Mercado, where I got to make an amazing poster and do people’s

makeup.

At the beginning of the year I struggled, but still managed to get high scores in

everything I did. There was a very bad dip near the 3rd quarter, but I managed to pull it back up.

I also became more involved, while also starting to focus more on myself than others.
 While being in AVID, I have learned a lot. I studied more about the colleges I was

interested, and what it takes to get into them. I also discovered colleges I didn't even know I

would be interested. While at the college fair I found all kinds of programs to study abroad that I

loved! I also learned how to give my opinions and arguments through things like socratic

seminar and philosophical chairs. Not to mention I also learned how to give, and receive help

through tutorial.

If I could go back to the beginning, I would sit myself down and tell myself to chill out.

The very first week I wanted to quit band. I should have realized that things would get so much

better, and I should have doubted myself so much. I also would warn myself that I need to

manage my time more and not let so many things distract me from the tasks at hand. I would tell

myself to just relax and wait out some storms without fanning the raging fire that is my anxiety.