Hello, intensely diverse and ever-expanding universe. I am Micaela Canales, extending a firm handshake and big smile. I am currently a high school senior in the Houston area. My goal here is to introduce myself to our readers and offer insight as to my background, which will frame my future blog posts.
I have been surrounded by educational chatter since I was in diapers, with opinions from my varied and various family members in the business of education. Common conversation themes around my house include professional development, diminishing school budget, and funny stories from the classroom. As I have grown up and been encouraged, I have found my own voice in the educational mix, the voice of a student.
I was born and raised in Texas and have attended public elementary and middle schools. I am currently attending a public high school. Unique, though, to most other high schools around the country, my high school is a small, personal, service-learning based magnet school with around 300 students. Formerly known as Quest High School, we have recently begun developing into Quest Early College High School, and the reform process has been difficult and time-consuming, but mostly rewarding.
At my school, I have edited our school paper since my freshman year, and I currently participate in various clubs. One such club is the service group, Interact Club, which is Rotary International’s youth branch. From my experience in school and the stories from my family in education, I am forming my ideas and view of public and private education in America.
U.S. education has been a beautifully engineered system, but similar to all living things; it is a constantly changing being with room to improve and challenges to conquer. However, I feel the struggles currently faced in education are not insurmountable by the involved and dedicated educators of today. That is why, among everything I shared about myself above, I would mostly describe myself as excited.
I am excited for the possibilities within our reach, for the future of education, and for the posts on this blog. That is because this blog is a powerful conversation tool for sharing ideas, and is proof that education is evolving to meet its new challenges. As a student voice, I am excited not only to share my take on education, but the ideas and opinions of my peers.
I will do my best to make this an honest and effective forum, so let’s get the conversation started! Stay tuned for my new posts!
Welcome to the REEP Blog, Micaela! We’re thirlled to have you in our team!
Thank you so much! I am happy to be here!
I’m excited to hear your perspective, insight, and energy, Micaela…can’t wait to hear more!
Welcome! I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog posts!
Your thoughts and perspective are what we in Education have too often missed, but really need! Thank you for taking this on!
Wow – What a great blog – I can’t wait to read what is to come!
I am looking forward to reading more of your blog. Your ideas from a student’s view will give new insights.
Hi Micaela, Your excitement is refreshing and contagious. I cannot wait to read more of your blogs.
It’s powerful, Micaela, to hear that you are excited for the possibilities within our reach and for the future of education. And in my mind you are very much a part of those possibilities! Looking forward to more of your perspective.
Micaela,
I can sum up my response to your first REEP blog in one word! WOW!! You are SO eloquent and your passion for the beliefs you share is evident. I have two questions for you.
1. What are your plans after high school?
2. If you could create ONE significant systemic change in a large comprehensive high school, what would you change and why?
Looking forward to hearing more from you!
Thank you Ms. Ginger! I am glad you enjoyed my post.
1. As far as my plans for the future, it is my dream to attend Rice University to study anthropology and then go on and earn a doctorate degree. Sometime in my future, I know I will work in education, either as a teacher or advisor, just something!
2. There are many things I would change about large high schools! Among my ideas, I would recommend the implementation of an advisory system. Advisory greatly reduces dropout rates, encourages academic achievement, and provides many students with a much needed support system! Additionally, I would implement service-learning programs like the one at my high school, so that students gain a sense of civic responsibility.
Thanks again for the questions! Stay tuned for more posts! -Micaela
As a “seasoned” (i.e. old) teacher, I am always so excited and inspired by the passion of the next generation of educators. It’s often difficult, even for the MOST passionate, not to be consumed by the system. It’s an uphill battle and is definitely not for the faint of heart. I am interested in your perspective, especially as a product of a family of educators!
Thank you Cheryl!
-Caela
It is interesting that you mention the system, because I feel that your comment is entirely true! It is difficult to remain hopeful and to effect positive change as a teacher, administrator, and/or student when your voice is not being heard. Thankfully, we have some space here to share ideas and thoughts! It at least comforts me to know that people still care. Thank you again for being a passionate teacher.
Welcome aboard Micaela! I am thrilled that REEP has elected to include student voice in the discussion regarding what is possible in education! I am also eager to hear your perspective on how more schools can effectively integrate meaningful service into the curriculum to create more authentic learning experiences for students.
Well said, Micaela! I can’t wait for more blog posts!
I can’t wait to read more and hear of your perspective on the subject of education. Thanks for sharing!
Caela, I am looking forward to you Blogs. The Student will have a voice now : D
I am so proud of you Micaela! I can’t wait to read more of your thoughts, and always remember to continue give back when you take over the world!!!
I mean remember to continue to give back when you take over the world!!!
It is very refreshing to hear from a student who is thinking beyond Saturday night and has a passion for voicing their opinions and insights into the educational system today. Looking forward to reading your weekly blogs.
can’t wait to follow your blog.
Congratulations dear! The entire Houston Metropolitan area need to embrace itself for what is coming! You go girl! I am so proud of you friend.
Micaela,
You have done an excellent job here at Quest in your own academic studies and with the Journalism team. You have proven to be a true leader. I’m so proud to say that I once had the privilege of teaching such a bright spark in our educational future. Continue being passionate about education and the world around you and you’ll accomplish great things. I have no doubt that this blog will open you up to ideas and thoughts that you perhaps did not imagine before. All the best with your current endeavors with the REEP program. RIce would be crazy not to have you next year:).
I look forward to reading more of your blogs (as you can tell, I’m far behind):).