Last week my school, among several others within the county, implemented a highly controversial program known as SMART Lunch ("SMART" being an acronym for Students Maximizing Academic Resources and Time).

Following this policy everyone is dismissed immediately after second block and allotted fifty minutes of discretionary time during which he or she may eat lunch, converse with friends, tutor and/or receive tutoring, complete late work, exercise, roam the school, or any...

I cannot believe that I am halfway there.

Halfway to where? To the end of four long, arduous years' worth of dedication and hard work; to the loading platform of a rollercoaster of triumph and failure; to a temporary resting spot along the path of success: the conclusion of my high school career.

Despite being more challenging (and seemingly longer ) than last year, my 180 days as a sophomore, too, brought about significant and positive changes in my life and...

After thirty-six weeks of projects, tests, and hard work, I have finally completed my freshman year of high school.

I've found this year to be quite enjoyable. Aside from meeting several great people, I have once again indulged myself in the "learning experience," gleaning invaluable knowledge in the areas of business and personal finance, computer applications, biology, geometry, healthful living and physical education, global history, and English.

It...

That's right - half of the year is over!

Overall, I believe the transition from middle school to high school is going smoothly. I'm personally finding this year to be much more enjoyable than previous ones, probably because of the increase in freedom and number of cute guys (hehehe). Plus, the school offers a wide variety of elective courses that I find very interesting and beneficial to what I plan to do with my life.

My classes this semester are as follows:...

W00t, after a week of testing we have finally completed first semester exams and mid-terms!

Below is a list of my classes and what I received on the tests.

• Freshman Transition Seminar - 100/A
• Computer Applications I - 99/A
• Principles of Business and Personal Finance - 98/A
• Paideia World History (Honors) - 94/A
• Paideia English 9th (Honors) - 95/A

Note: I know some of you are probably wondering what paideia is and how it affects my schedule. Basically, my world history and...