Paulina Pirichian Professor Vana Derohanessian English 114A 11 September 2013 Essay #1: Rough Draft

Pirichian 1

There is a major contrast between high school and college that allows society to see the similar yet different perspectives of them as they experience it themselves. In high school, everyone is being taught by teachers/faculty to prepare for the responsibility and specific expectations that colleges will be interested in. In college, however, everyone is expected to master all of these responsibilities and expectations, like the adults they are directed to be. CSUN has enabled me to see the specific qualifications my high school did/did not educate me on, the differences in the teaching practices with both schools, and how I could have improved as a student in high school overall. When I was in high school, it wasn't until my junior year that the teachers began educating/preparing me for college. They would limit the amount of time we had when taking a test or quiz to enhance our speed. I began learning how to spend an equal amount of time on each problem and question in order to finish the test on time. Additionally, my memorization was always on point which enables me to do well on quizzes and tests now. When having a timed writing essay, I eventually learned to brainstorm, jot down ideas and have at least an outline as opposed to staring at my blank

paper for 15 minutes and struggling to finish within the last 30 minutes. I would start writing without reining myself in. It was almost just typing, just making my fingers move. And the writing would be terrible (Lamott pg.1) but as long as I had

Pirichian 2 something written, I knew it would do me justice. However, I would have to say that focusing on perfecting my penmanship has not helped me in anyway considering everything in college is typed and not written. Also, learning Armenian, including the language, alphabet, and history of it my entire school experience has not affected my college experience what-soever. That was mainly for me so I can stay tuned in with my culture and background. When it came to teaching practices, my teachers did not specialize in this. Of course I know just the right amount that I should know, but I had to educate myself, because their lectures were not enough. For example, I know plenty about April 24, which is the day the Armenian Genocide took place, but not so much of September 11 until I went online and looked up the information myself. However, thankfully CSUN enables me to be fully aware of my surroundings including politics, history, and so on. My school was very good with teaching us about the hidden curriculum such as the norms, values, etc. I was taught to treat people with respect, especially my elders, and to always greet others in a kind way. Here at CSUN, specifically at orientation, I learned to fully accept others for who they

are and to not judge them based on their race, class, or gender. I am very proud of how far I have come and that I attend this school, but of course as a student in high school there could have always been improvement. I definitely could have taken my studies more seriously and not depend on the last day to do homework, especially for an essay. Also, being more attentive in class would have allowed me to focus on taking better notes in college. Regardless of the differences between my high school and college experiences, so far they have both benefitted me as a student overall. I am very happy to say that I am 100% committed to all of my classes here at CSUN and look forward to taking on any challenge that comes my way.