Hello and welcome back to my blog!

With only one week left of Grade 11, it’s the perfect time to reflect on this past year—what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown, and why I feel ready to move on to Grade 12.

But first, the POL declaration:
“Thank you for coming to my Presentation of Learning. I am the expert on my own learning. I am responsible and accountable for it. You can expect an honest evaluation of my progress. We will discuss my strengths and areas for growth. Thank you in advance for listening and for offering feedback I can use to improve as a learner.”

Grade 11 has definitely been the most challenging year yet—but also one of the most rewarding. The jump from Grade 10 to 11 was no joke. Everyone says Grade 11 is when your marks matter the most for university, and I definitely felt that pressure. Balancing school with sports, work, and life got intense—especially when multiple big projects and tests all piled up at once. There were moments I felt like a circus clown juggling a dozen things at once, just hoping nothing would come crashing down.

And there were times when it simply wasn’t possible to get everything done, even though I was using every spare moment for homework and staying productive in class. This year came with more responsibility across the board, and I had to stay organized and focused to keep up. I had to build stronger habits and plan ahead.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is how to be intentional with my time—knowing where to focus my energy and how to prioritize. A tool that really helped me was using a physical to-do list. I’d write out everything I needed to complete, estimate how long each task might take, and work through it step by step. Being able to cross things off helped me stay motivated and on track. It didn’t magically erase the stress, but it made starting less overwhelming and managing deadlines a lot more doable.

Another major area of growth for me was learning to let go of perfectionism. I used to believe that work had to be 100% perfect before I could submit it. But this year, I began to recognize when I had put in solid time and effort—and that delivering thoughtful, timely work matters more than obsessing over every little detail. A good example of this shift was my Hiroshima essay. I edited it multiple times, but still couldn’t quite get it to the level I imagined. Instead of freezing or giving up, I pushed forward—revised based on feedback, and submitted it knowing I had done my best. That moment helped me move from perfection to progress.

One recent project that really pushed me was our Macbeth “Big Brother” confessionals. We had to create four character video diaries, and I chose Lady Macbeth. I needed to fully understand her character, write scripts, act, film, and edit—all on my own, while keeping it authentic to the play’s tone. At first, it felt overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure I could meet the expectations in the time we had. But I broke the task into manageable parts, used creative tools like props and body language, and focused on bringing emotion into the performance. Even though acting isn’t my strength, I found confidence through the process—and in the end, I created something I was genuinely proud of.

Looking back on my vision and mission for this year:

While I didn’t do as much post-secondary or career research as I originally planned, I’ve made meaningful progress in other important areas. Taking on new responsibilities and staying committed to my learning pushed me to be more intentional—even when things felt overwhelming. My involvement in Feminism Forward, Green Club, and Student Council gave me real opportunities to show leadership and make a positive, lasting impact on our community.

 Though I’m still exploring what comes next after high school, I now feel more prepared and confident to navigate those paths. This growth has been a key part of why I’m ready to move forward.

So, why do I feel ready for Grade 12?

Because this year has shown me what I’m truly capable of. I’ve become more organized, self-aware, and confident in how I learn. I’ve managed a full schedule, demanding coursework, and outside responsibilities—and I’ve grown stronger through it all. I’ve discovered strategies that work for me, and I’m excited to keep building on them.

That said, I’m still growing into the person I want to be by graduation. Here are a few intentions I’m setting for Grade 12:

✅ Build more consistent study habits and stay ahead on long-term assignments

✅ Improve my note-making and use review strategies that actually stick

✅ Stay on top of my calendar and key deadlines

✅ Participate more in class discussions and speak up with confidence

✅ Create a better balance between school, friendships, and fun

As I head into my final year, I want to keep meeting the high standards I’ve set for myself—but also make space for the people and memories that matter. I want to finish strong, not just academically, but as the best version of myself.

All in all, I’m proud of everything I’ve taken on this year, and I know I’m ready for what comes next.

Thanks for reading (or watching!) my TPOL! Any questions?