My Brief Reflection
It still feels like yesterday when I was accepted into the STEM Program in 2017. I was a young freshman filled with passion and excitement. Who knew that this program would be so immersive? From conceptual physics to biotechnology, every sector of science was covered. Every class has given me unforgettable memories. I will always remember the satisfaction of creating "Dark Side of the Moon" on an Arduino board. I will always remember the Oakland Zoo and how I oversaw a successful fundraiser. I will always remember baking a Minecraft cake for chemistry and the chaos that ensued. Lastly, I will always remember my resolve when creating the JEDD 2021.0 online. All these projects taught me things about my peers, my teachers, and myself.
When COVID-19 hit, I was still a junior. It was March 2020 when we were forced home. I remember hearing the news in jazz band and checking to see if my SAT was cancelled (it was). Having to do half of STEM Chemistry and all of STEM Senior Engineering online was challenging and disappointing. I was angry that I spent my last year of STEM online. However, I decided to work with what I was given, and made an awesome project with the Ampliteam. I have matured over these last four years, and I had dozens of ideas floating around in my head. STEM allowed me to be creative with my ideas and have fun. That really is the most important part of the class: fun. Even if your project is a disaster, if you had fun creating it and learned something from it, then it is a success. This can also be applied to Penguin Empire Robotics, another team I will cherish.
Now that I am graduating soon, I have bittersweet thoughts in my head. However, I am staying optimistic. Although I am sad to leave San Marin soon, I am excited for the future. The story of Derek Dela Cruz is only just beginning, and my experience in this program will stick with me as I live my life to the fullest. Thank you Mr. Williams, Ms. Mathews, Ms. Vogl, and Mr. Tronconi for making my STEM career entertaining and interesting. I loved all the classes and all the material. Thank you for helping me love STEM.
And to the future STEM students reading my website as reference: first, thanks for using me as reference! I'm flattered. Second, my advice to you is to always stay determined, always learn something new, and always have fun. STEM is, quite literally, a once in a lifetime experience. You will learn so much about science and technology. You will learn things about your friends and even more about yourself. Always do your best, and you will become a better person. Lastly, enjoy high school. There will be bumps in the road, and sometimes you may be stressed beyond belief or extremely sleep deprived, but look at the bigger picture. High school lasts only four years. Don't have your nose buried in the books all the time. Go out with friends, go to the dances, join clubs, join sports, ask out that person you like, and most importantly, take some time off for your mental health. You are loved, cherished, and important. Enjoy high school guys, because it goes by fast.
Thank you.
Derek Dela Cruz
Class of 2021
Written December 18, 2020
"It's hard to believe that it's over, isn't it? Funny how we get attached to the struggle." -Old Woman from Celeste
When COVID-19 hit, I was still a junior. It was March 2020 when we were forced home. I remember hearing the news in jazz band and checking to see if my SAT was cancelled (it was). Having to do half of STEM Chemistry and all of STEM Senior Engineering online was challenging and disappointing. I was angry that I spent my last year of STEM online. However, I decided to work with what I was given, and made an awesome project with the Ampliteam. I have matured over these last four years, and I had dozens of ideas floating around in my head. STEM allowed me to be creative with my ideas and have fun. That really is the most important part of the class: fun. Even if your project is a disaster, if you had fun creating it and learned something from it, then it is a success. This can also be applied to Penguin Empire Robotics, another team I will cherish.
Now that I am graduating soon, I have bittersweet thoughts in my head. However, I am staying optimistic. Although I am sad to leave San Marin soon, I am excited for the future. The story of Derek Dela Cruz is only just beginning, and my experience in this program will stick with me as I live my life to the fullest. Thank you Mr. Williams, Ms. Mathews, Ms. Vogl, and Mr. Tronconi for making my STEM career entertaining and interesting. I loved all the classes and all the material. Thank you for helping me love STEM.
And to the future STEM students reading my website as reference: first, thanks for using me as reference! I'm flattered. Second, my advice to you is to always stay determined, always learn something new, and always have fun. STEM is, quite literally, a once in a lifetime experience. You will learn so much about science and technology. You will learn things about your friends and even more about yourself. Always do your best, and you will become a better person. Lastly, enjoy high school. There will be bumps in the road, and sometimes you may be stressed beyond belief or extremely sleep deprived, but look at the bigger picture. High school lasts only four years. Don't have your nose buried in the books all the time. Go out with friends, go to the dances, join clubs, join sports, ask out that person you like, and most importantly, take some time off for your mental health. You are loved, cherished, and important. Enjoy high school guys, because it goes by fast.
Thank you.
Derek Dela Cruz
Class of 2021
Written December 18, 2020
"It's hard to believe that it's over, isn't it? Funny how we get attached to the struggle." -Old Woman from Celeste