Palapa Society, Todos Santos

student blog

Student Blog: Punta Prieta Power Plant Visit

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I am Daniel, a student at The Palapa School, currently in the 2nd year of high school. During these almost two years as a student, I’ve had many academic experiences and for now, I wish to share just one of them.

Our physics teacher organized a field trip to the Punta Prieta Power Plant. We learned about the functioning of electrical generators which tied into one of the class topics.

Upon arrival, we were given protective helmets and received a warm welcome. We were then taken to a small conference room where they explained how their facilities operated and how electrical energy is generated and distributed to supply our homes. The specialist engineers explained the entire process step-by-step.

Seawater is used to generate steam and produce electricity. The most striking thing was that the water was crystal clear. We also observed the plant’s chimneys where we took plenty of photos.

We saw the machines from the outside, and then it was time to visit the control room. There were hundreds of buttons, each serving a different purpose. They explained how the machines worked. It was truly impressive to see.

Student Blog: My Dear Eleventh Grade Class

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By Dulce G,

 

My name is Dulce G, and I am currently in my fourth semester. In a year’s time, I will be living my last days of high school with these people who, for better or worse, have been with me throughout this educational journey called school.

Personally, I believe that a good school is composed of various factors, but one of the most essential is the camaraderie and the relationship we have with each other as classmates. After all, it is with these people that you spend the majority of your time, and yes, it can be very challenging and complex at times. However, in the end, we can always find something that brings us together.

We are currently the fourth-semester group, but we were also the nervous new kids in middle school. Over time, we grew, faced numerous changes and challenges, but there was always something that united us. That something was the school, the space where friendships, feelings, relationships, laughter, tears, and stress emerged.

It started as four walls with chairs and a chalkboard on that first day, but over time, it became a safe place for many of us. Each classroom holds different meanings and memories for each of us, but for all of us, it is that place where we have grown, changed, matured, and shared different things with one another.

Today, we are closer to finishing, closer to leaving our last mark in the memory of this school that has shaped us for these five years. We have one classroom and one more year to live new adventures and create even more memories, and for my part, I intend to enjoy every moment until the end.

I still remember when we arrived at this school. We were small and clueless, watching as the world spun around us, about to board that train to start a life within the school full of adventure and secrets that, out of loyalty, I won’t share here. Hahaha.

However, I will share the time our entire class came together to present to our mothers a dance on their special day. These are the women who always support us in everything, from bringing us things we forgot to listening to our presentations before important assignments. So, even though not all of us had the talent for dancing, we united as a class and practiced until our legs trembled. After many rehearsals filled with laughter, embarrassment, and sore feet, we coordinated ourselves and put on a spectacular show for all the moms.

They left with roses, laughter, and the knowledge that their children had put in a lot of effort and had learned to dance a little more. And we left with the satisfaction of having achieved it, the unity as a group, and the certainty that we can achieve and do anything we set our minds to. So, if you ask me, «What is my class like?» My answer is, we are like a great variety of fruits and vegetables, different and with very different flavors. But if you know how to combine and bring them together, we can become the best salad of all.

Student Blog: My Final Semester at The Palapa School By Juan Pablo

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Como estudiante de la Escuela Palapa y en mi último semestre de preparatoria, estas últimas semanas de clases han estado llenas de diversas emociones, experiencias y decisiones importantes. Todo comenzó con las semanas de exámenes, que, al estar tan cerca de la semana del proyecto, siempre logran ponerme nervioso e incluso asustado. Quizás sea debido a mi hábito de procrastinar y terminar sin tiempo para estudiar los temas importantes que podrían ser evaluados. Esto solo genera más estrés para mí. Sin embargo, como somos un grupo unido, cuando entro al salón, veo a mis compañeros estudiando juntos o incluso tomando un descanso, y por un momento, dejo de preocuparme tanto.

La semana de evaluación llega a su fin, con calificaciones satisfactorias o tal vez no, pero siento que todo ha terminado. Pero justo cuando crees que la tormenta ha pasado, me doy cuenta de que la documentación que completé aproximadamente tres meses atrás ahora me está exigiendo viajar para tomar un examen en la UNAM, lo cual podría determinar una etapa muy importante en mi vida. Y como siempre queremos más, ahora me encuentro a kilómetros de distancia de casa, estudiando incluso en el avión, tratando de llegar un día antes para tener algo de comodidad y mantenerme concentrado en mis tareas.

Me encuentro en un lugar desconocido, con nada más que Google Maps y las buenas vibras de mis compañeros que me desean suerte en el examen. Salgo de esa sala temblando, sin saber si mis respuestas fueron correctas o no. Me cuestiono si estudié bien y por qué los temas que estudié no aparecieron en el examen mientras que los demás sí. Pero es algo sobre lo que ya no tengo control; todo lo que puedo hacer ahora es disfrutar los días restantes de mi estancia mientras miro las notificaciones del salón que llegan a mi teléfono.

En mi mente, todavía tengo tiempo para atenderlas porque los profesores son muy comprensivos, lo cual podría causarme un problema, ya que, como mencioné antes, tengo el mal hábito/gran habilidad de procrastinar.

De vuelta a donde empecé, pero ahora con una sensación de calma después de quitarme un gran peso de encima. Ahora todos los exámenes y tareas restantes parecen más fáciles. Solo tengo que esperar los resultados y ver lo que el futuro me depara. Dos meses de espera que me mantienen inquieto, pero independientemente del resultado, sé que hice todo lo posible para llegar a este punto, y mi grupo me apoya pacientemente en esta dulce anticipación porque algunos de ellos también esperan sus propias respuestas.

Student Blog: Life After The Palapa School By Santiago M. H.

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Life After The Palapa School
By Santiago M. H.

As the end of high school approaches, the question of what to do next can be daunting. Some students have a clear vision of what they want to pursue, while others may feel uncertain or overwhelmed by the options. In my case, I have a strong sense of what I want to do for my future and the goals I want to achieve.

 My goal after high school is to attend a virtuous college and earn a degree in computer science or software engineering. I have always been fascinated by the workings of the computer and cellphone we use everyday, and I believe that studying these two will pave the way for a fruitful and interesting future. I have already begun researching potential universities and have discovered many that align with my academic and personal interests.

One of the reasons I feel so grateful about my plan is the support I have received from my family and teachers.. They have encouraged me to pursue my interests and have provided guidance and advice throughout my high school years.

My teachers have challenged me academically and provided a well-rounded education that includes many interesting subjects. I have also been able to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs, which have taught me valuable skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also grateful for the relationships I have formed in high school. I have made many friends and have had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures.

These experiences have broadened my perspective and taught me to be more empathetic and understanding towards others. Looking ahead, I know that college will bring new challenges and opportunities. However, I am excited to take on these challenges and to continue learning and growing as a person. In conclusion, I am filled with gratitude as I look ahead to my future after high school. I am grateful for the support of my family, teachers, and mentors, the education I have received, the relationships I have formed, and the opportunities that lie ahead. I am excited to pursue my dreams and to see where my journey will take.