It's my second week as a Grade 11 student with a specialization in the HUMSS strand, and the early days have already been changing me. Being a member of 11 Erikson has been such an electrifying experience, full of mixed emotions, discoveries, and adjustments. If the first week was more or less an introduction, the second week has felt like plunging deeper into rhythm and into the rhythm of academic life and friendship and self-growth.
The Early Morning Rush
Something that quickly became a routine was waking up early, getting ready for school, the commute-all this seems to race against time. Yet, shockingly enough, I have come to appreciate it. I actually prepared myself for the rest of my day during quiet moments when I was on the way to school or aboard. To an extent, this eagerness and nervousness about what lies ahead can feel exciting.
Sometimes, I reflect on this journey that HUMSS is not just all about academics but also character building and learning about the world around me.
Getting to Know My Classmates
We were all relatively shy at first and, indeed, I myself. We were all trying to figure out our place in the classroom while quietly observing each other. But as the days passed by, the walls started coming down. By the second week, conversations flowed more smoothly, and I found myself bonding with my classmates. For me, it is actually one of the reasons why I took up HUMSS, which is a strand that centers itself deeply upon people, topics, and issues in society, so to say. I have seen how much interaction will be needed to push me out to become more open and articulate.
My classmates in 11 Erikson are diverse; therefore, there is something unique they bring to the table. Some of them are bold, and others are reserved; yet, each makes their contribution to the growing dynamic of the class. It is always a treat to listen to other perspectives during class discussions - especially topics which may include such subjects as philosophy, politics, or history. I end up learning from my classmates as much as I do from my teachers.
Challenges of HUMSS
What has really stood out in this second week is the really challenging nature of the HUMSS strand. It's like there's a misconception wherein if HUMSS has something to do with humanities, then it is "easy" compared to the other strands like STEM. On the contrary, that is far from the truth. With such depth into topics, considerable critical thinking and emotional engagement have to be called into play. Issues are real, and sometimes the weight of these discussions weighs upon one's thoughts. Whether it is societal issues or the complex pattern of human behavior, understanding history, or even analyzing particular events, HUMSS always pushes us to think further and demolish our presumptions.
This week was full of such very challenging subjects, especially on ethics and sociology. Subjects such as these require more than just memorization-they actually compel us to question and analyze, hold mature discussions and present thoughts clearly. Hence, writing essays, preparing presentations, taking part in debates have comprised a huge part of the curriculum so far, and I am beginning to realize how important these skills will be not only during my academic career but in life itself.
Overwhelmed by the Workload
Another thing I never really prepared for was the amount of work assigned. Week two was a real wake-up call: a bunch of homework and projects showed up seemingly overnight, not to mention all the reading assignments and essays to write. Time management is going to be super important if I'm going to survive in this strand. Between the reading materials, essays to write, and group projects, the workload gets pretty thick sometimes. Although, I am beginning to construct a system of tracking everything, and I am learning how to use the appropriate amount of time.
There is a bigger sense of accomplishment when one finishes an assignment knowing they have put forth the effort to really understand it at a deep level. It feels more substantial than just passing an exam; it feels like the material is sticking.
Discussing and Debate
A great activity in class this week has been our classroom discussions. Our teachers insist on the continuous speaking up, sharing of thoughts, and debate on other people's ideas about a given issue. It is interesting how people think from every angle when looking at the same issue. These discussions have sharpened not only my critical thinking but opened my mind up.
For example, when we'd discuss in sociology class the concept of "social structures" and how that shapes a person, the debate afterwards was very rich. Some thought we were absolutely made by society, while others felt that personal choice and agency really did matter. I was convinced not to find easy answers in this understanding of human behavior at all.This is what makes HUMSS exciting: We are challenged to observe these grays constantly.
Teacher-Student Bond
Among all these, however, is the very special bond that develops-the bond between the teachers and the students of the HUMSS strand. Our teachers do not stand at the front of the classroom lecturing. They engage themselves with us, challenge us to think, and make their best effort to implement participation in the learning process. They stop us from merely understanding and instead force us to explore the deeper connotations that would, eventually, open our eyes to something new.
The same was true for our political science class example, which didn't tell us just which were the different political ideologies; it asked how those ideologies manifest in our daily life and in this current political climate. It made the lesson feel so much more relevant and personal, and I left the class with a new appreciation for the complexities of governance and power.
Looking Ahead
It has been a good end to my second week of Grade 11 in HUMSS. I am filled with what's in store for me and, at the same time, a feeling of responsibility on being one among many. HUMSS is far beyond passing tests or even completing assignments-it's understanding the world we live in and finding out how we can make a difference in it. I realize things ahead may not be easy copes, but with this in mind, I am prepared to face the tasks.
During the next few weeks, I look forward to better interaction into the topics mentioned here. I really look forward to maintaining relationships with my class fellows and growing both academically and personally. This has been a whirlwind of a second week, but if this is a precursor for what's in store, I can tell you with confidence that my time at 11 Erikson will be transformative-not only to prepare me to embark on college but life.
This journey begins now. Let's see where it takes us.
