Stella Vayner, Period 7, 11/16/21

Stella Vayner

Period 7

11/16/2021

Modern Mythology 2022

Goal Setting & Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

New Year's Resolutions are a staple. Once the clock chimes and the month changes from December to January, everyone has a list of goals in their mind that they are trying to make a reality. Eating healthier. Watching less TV. Learning a new language. In January, these goals reverberate through our minds and pollinate the air with hope. Everyone is achieving their dreams. However, as February and March roll around, the resolve fades and these resolutions are left on the back burner. It’s a fact. A familiar, cyclical phenomenon which I am shamelessly a part of. However, this year, I wanted it to be different. Coming off a global pandemic was not easy for anyone. I wanted to inspire hope in the future by crossing off resolutions I could not fulfill in a regular year. My list started out simple. Tasks I knew I could complete. Learn to drive. Read more. Get better grades. These resolutions have always been long term goals of mine. Improving my grades would help me be a better student, while learning to drive and reading more were always important to me. Those simple phrases encouraged me to transform my life and become a more determined, successful person throughout the year.

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

As the year progressed, I found myself striving toward these goals without even realizing it. In junior year, I took the most challenging classes of my high school career: AP Physics 2, AP Calculus BC, and AP US History. During the first semester, I felt the immense weight and pressure of these courses, almost crushing me. However, by the time second semester rolled around, I felt more confident and excited to undertake the challenge. I began studying every night and engaging during class. I raised my grades and overall attitude.

In the break between classes, I would ask my older brother to teach me how to drive. He took me to an empty parking lot the first time. I sat in the driver’s seat, equal parts excited and scared. When I pressed the gas pedal, the rough lunge of the car startled me and almost broke my resolve. However, I swore to myself that I would not give up. Driving proved to be a mental challenge, an exercise of faith in what I’d learned and my ability. After time, I grew more comfortable behind the wheel. I drove on local streets until I graduated to highways and suddenly I was driving across the Verrazano Bridge without a second thought. I loved it. The feeling of independence and freedom.

Finally, the abundance of time I had gained through online schooling proved useful in the completion of my third goal. I opened a library card in mid-January and checked out a single book on my first trip. I was in awe of the shelves: so many books to choose from! Transfixed by the enthralling stories and entertaining characters, I was reminded why I loved to read as a child. Reconnecting with an old passion was nostalgic as well as euphoric. I read less than 20 books last year. This year, I am going to break my lifelong record and read over 100 books. I already have 90 done. From fantasy to poetry, memoir to historical fiction, I have read them all.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

Having good grades is vital to your success as a student. I have always been encouraged to try my best and work my hardest in school. Throughout the years, I have takens the hardest courses and studied for nights on end. School has always been an exciting challenge, and I am proud of my many accomplishments and self discoveries. Afterall, it was in high school when I first explored my love of physics, a passion that has encouraged me to continue an education in that field. Similarly, in a middle school creative writing class, I discovered the power of prose and the beauty of literature. Those two experiences changed my life forever, forging passions and interests that will last a lifetime.

Additionally, my love of reading is encouraged by my friends and family. As immigrants, my parents always placed a large emphasis on literacy. They would buy me children’s books and read to me while I fell asleep. They were always so proud when I returned home with A’s in my report card for English. When I got to high school, I found friends that supported my literary habits and kindled my fervor with their own reading interests. Oftentimes, we shared books, swapping titles and recommendations as the seasons passed. I am grateful to have people in my life who encourage and inspire my hobbies and habits.

Finally, driving is an essential part of teenage life. It always has been. Sitting behind a wheel has almost become synonymous with freedom and independence: a coming of age. My older brother earned his license at 17 and inspired me to follow in his footsteps. He has always been gratuitous enough to sit in the passenger seat while I rode around Brooklyn. He taught me about road signs and turn signals, always offering a helping hand. My friends have already begun driving and my parents are happy that I can finally drive myself to school. My goals, in the face of the world and the people around me, are all positive additions to my list of hobbies and interests. Thus, I am encouraged to reach for my dreams and conquer my goals. I will finally be able to cross off my resolutions this year!