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Showing posts from January, 2026

If you had to write a poem about your life RIGHT NOW, what would it be about? Explain your answer in at least 4 to 5 sentences.

 Prompt Response: If I wrote a poem about my life right now, it would be about being caught between excitement and uncertainty. Graduation from high school is coming up, and everything feels smooth and exciting with all the fun events and memories leading up to it. At the same time, I feel stressed about what my future will look like and who I’m going to become after high school. The poem would show me enjoying the present while worrying about what comes next. Overall, it would be about standing at the edge of a new chapter, unsure but hopeful.

When you are in a mood that you do not like, what are some strategies that you use to change your mood?

 Prompt response: When I’m in a mood I don’t like, I usually try to be alone with my cats because being around them helps me feel calmer and more comforted. If I’m at school, I stay quiet and keep to myself until the feeling passes, which helps me reset and not make things worse.

Write about something you’ve outgrown but still miss.

 Prompt Response: One thing I’ve outgrown but still miss is playing with toys when I was younger. Back then, toys weren’t just objects they were whole worlds where my imagination decided what could happen, and hours could pass without me noticing. As I grew older, responsibilities slowly replaced playtime, and toys became things you put away instead of things you lived inside. I miss how easy it was to feel excited, creative, and completely present, even though I know growing up is part of moving forward.

Write about something that you heard that you wish you could unhear.

 Prompt Response: One thing I wish I could unhear was my mom talking about how my first cat died. I overheard her saying that one of our neighbors had poisoned him, and it was heartbreaking to hear. I wasn’t supposed to know, but once I heard it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Hearing that took away my innocence and made the loss feel even more painful, because it wasn’t just an accident—it was something cruel.

Reflect on a time when you or someone you know had to choose between fitting in and staying true to their identity; what was gained or lost in that experience?

 Prompt Response: My brother used to avoid saying cuss words because it didn’t feel like who he was. After spending more time with his friends, he started using them often so he wouldn’t feel left out. While he gained acceptance and fit in more with his friends, he also lost a part of his original identity and values. This experience shows how peer pressure can slowly change the way someone acts, even if it goes against who they used to be.

Much of this section focuses on Cheryl’s physical exhaustion and discomfort. Describe a moment when your body limited what you could do, and explain what that experience taught you about your mental strength.

 Prompt Response: The first time I went to Planet Fitness, I realized quickly that my body wasn’t used to exercising. I got tired fast, and even basic workouts made me sore and uncomfortable. I wanted to stop early, but I pushed myself to keep going for a little longer. That experience taught me that mental strength is about not giving up when things get hard, similar to how Cheryl pushes through her exhaustion.

Write about a time you didn’t feel like yourself.

 Prompt Response: There was a time when I didn’t feel like myself after watching the show Vinland Saga. The story made me reflect deeply on anger, violence, and purpose, and it changed the way I looked at the world. I felt calmer and less reactive, almost as if I truly had no enemies. That shift in mindset made me feel different from my usual self, but in a peaceful and eye-opening way.

Describe a place where you feel the most at peace and explain why.

 Prompt Response: The place where I feel most at peace is the gym. When I’m there, I can block out distractions and focus entirely on my workout, which helps clear my mind. The routine and physical effort make me feel grounded and in control. By the time I leave, I feel calmer, more focused, and refreshed.

Reflect on a time when you had to rely on someone else. How did it feel?

 Prompt Response: There was a time when I had to rely on my younger brother to help me complete chores, and it was a mix of emotions. I paid him five dollars to help, which made me feel good because the work got done, but also bad because I felt like I should have been able to handle it myself. Relying on him made me realize how hard it can be to ask for help, especially from someone younger than me. At the same time, it showed me that accepting help can make things easier and doesn’t always mean weakness.

In Wild, Cheryl Strayed writes about the difference between deciding to do something and actually committing to it: “There was the first, flip decision to do it, followed by the second, more serious decision to actually do it.” Reflect on a time in your own life when you made a quick or casual decision that later required a deeper commitment. Describe what changed between the first decision and the moment you realized you truly had to follow through. What fears, challenges, or responsibilities became real once the decision was no longer just an idea?

 Prompt Response: At first, deciding to get into game development felt casual—just an exciting idea about creating something fun and creative. The deeper commitment came when I actually had to learn how to code, especially when bugs and confusing errors didn’t resolve quickly. What changed was realizing that progress required consistent time, patience, and problem-solving, not just motivation. Once the decision became real, fears about not being skilled enough and the responsibility to keep going, even when it wasn’t fun, became unavoidable.

Write about a moment when you had to step out of your comfort zone.

Prompt Response:  Out of all my high school years, my senior year has been the one where I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone the most. At the beginning of the year, I thought I wasn’t going to be very social or get the chance to hang out with real friends. That changed when I met Alexander. The confidence he brings is genuine, and being around him has helped me believe more in myself. I’m really grateful to call him my friend, and I know that meeting him played a big role in pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Describe a hike, long walk, or outdoor experience you have had and explain what it was like physically and mentally. If you have never been on a hike, describe a time when you were outside your comfort zone or had to rely on yourself in a challenging situation. Explain what you learned from the experience.

  Prompt Response:  If I remember correctly during 5th grade of elementary school we went on a field trip to  Stone Mountain. The climb was the hardest part, but the closer I got to the end the more calm I started to feel. Once I climbed to the top it felt peaceful coming down as the wind would hit my face which felt amazing. What I learned from this experience is that hiking often could help you embrace challenges, find clarity, and peace. 

In 2–3 well-developed sentences, reflect on how you spent your Holiday Break. Then, identify four personal you would like to achieve this year and briefly explain why each goal is important to you

  Prompt Response: My break went well I spent a lot of time relaxing and going out with friends. I spent Christmas Day with family and we had a feast and presents. On New Years me and my family exploded fireworks. Over all I enjoy this break but it went too quick in my opinion.  The first goal that I want to achieve this year is to save up for a car.   This goal is important because it will make transportation a lot easier for me, and it will allow me to become more independent.  To accomplish this goal, I will save up at least $500-1000 a month. By May 2026, I plan to have finished my goal. The second goal that I want to achieve this year is to become fluent in French.  This goal is important because I'm planning later in life to travel to France for vacations.  To accomplish this goal, I will do at least an hour or two of French daily lessons. By May 2026, I plan to have finished my goal. The third goal that I want to achieve this year is to gain weight. ...