Estefhany Hernandez

AP Lit
May 16, 2016
Reflection Essay 2
Throughout the 13 years of my academic journey, the two years and a half that I have
been in Los Angeles Leadership Academy have really influenced me to grow as a person and
have allowed me to become a part of a great academic family. If I had not attended this school
my life would be immensely different due to a few significant factors. For one, my support
system would not consist of a variety of people helping me get across burdens, it would have
consisted of constant judgements and downfalls. If I had not attended this school, my academic
life would not have been as successful as it is at this moment. If I had not attended this school
my social life would be a complete emotional mess, instead of having friends that support me
like a backbone. Despite the constant negative comments thrown at our school I am truly
indebted for the opportunity to have been a part of an educational community in which the
students and staff work together, for the most part, as close as family.
LALA, a school name I only acknowledged because my best friend, Laura Torres,
attended it, little did I know it would ultimately change my life in many significant ways. It was
my second year of high school when I decided I wanted to transfer to another school, my mom
constantly questioned me as to why suddenly I wanted to move to a different environment, Id
say, Because I want to get away from these people and meet new ones, because I want to be in a
new place Coming from a very small school with high expectations moving was not a
questionable topic for me. Being the new girl second semester of sophomore year was definitely
not the easiest transition especially being introvert, but it really enlightened me. My academic
and social life rapidly made improvements and shifted from an current joyless high school
experience to a content experience.

Academically, I knew once I moved to this school that the choice I made was positive
because it would allow me to expand my abilities and overcome any educational burdens. One
major change was the administration and how much they constantly encourage their students.
The first counselor I had coming here was Ms. Aaron, she immediately encouraged me to take
any rigorous classes that I could and presented more rigorous classes as time advanced. As part
of an academic family, we also constantly encourage each other to strive for the success of each
individual and to pursuit higher learning. Education is the most important for our generation and
has allowed us to stay together and push through as a team with the change in faculty and
changes made in generally continuously to advance the school. The school I went to before this
did not allow me to have that family feel to my academic environment, the students actually felt
more pressure to become smarter and smarter, everything was a competition. Therefore, if I had
not attended L.A. Leadership Academy I would not have been a part of this amazing educational
system supporting my every move and impacting me daily in a positive way. Because of that I
would not have been as successful in my academics.
Socially, my life has changed by gaining so many amazing friends. Meeting new people
was a hard concept for me because being a shy person created that burden. Yet, coming to this
school there was an instant family feel to the environment, which influenced me to be more open
to talking to new peers. Laura Torres, was someone whom I am already knew coming here, yet
she remained a supportive friend who constantly encouraged me to become an open-minded
individual by meeting and actually allowing myself to gain more friends. One of the first
amazing people I met was Beverly Pesquera and since then she has gave me support in great
ways. She is not only a close friend, but my soccer captain as well and day to day she continues
to empower my drive to becoming a better student and athlete. Another very amazing person I
met was Ulysses Montes, who not only instantly showed to be a supportive person, but remains

encouraging me on a daily basis that I am able to achieve anything I want and to be the best
individual I can possibly be. If I have not moved to this school I would not have had the great
opportunity of meeting these amazing people, which constantly help me become a better
individual.
After these past two years and a half that I have been at Los Angeles Leadership
Academy, I have seen immense changes in my life and definitely do not regret moving schools.
The closer I get to graduation the more I acknowledge the positive changes this school has
allowed me to experience. I am genuinely thankful for the great experiences and am constantly
admiring the serene family feel to this environment. One thing I know I will never regret in life
is transferring high schools, knowing that many magnificent events occurred due to it.
Altogether, my support system and academic/social life would not have been as fortunate
compared to if I would not have attended this school. The appreciation towards this school will
forever remain intact.