As previously stated, I have already worked over 30 hours at my site, completing the volunteer hours I will submit; however, being a teacher, I am constantly working unpaid hours–whether it be lesson planning, grading, or simply staying after school to listen to a kid that needs someone to listen to them.

This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week and the first week of AP exams. I have had so many students break down these past weeks due to stress, anxiety, and depression. I have had to listen to so many students through their tears, give reassurances and advice, or just sit with them. But, despite it all, every single one of those students sat for their AP Computer Science Principles exam last Friday and gave it their all. I am proud of every single one of them for learning so much and growing more resilient every single day.

Next week will be the second week of AP exams and my AP Computer Science A students will be testing on Friday. AP CSA is an exceptionally difficult course that is usually treated as a capstone course at the end of a four-year series–something we do not have in place at our site. But, I have had some very dedicated learners this year and I am certain a fair chunk of them will pass the exam. Regardless if students pass or not, they have learned so much and, should they choose to go on to take CS in college, they will have a much easier time in their intro courses because of their hard work this year.

For the documentary that I must create for the end of this service learning course, I plan to use some existing footage I have of my students learning throughout the year as well as some B roll footage of our campus and the surrounding community.