For as far back as I can remember (which sometimes is only yesterday) school has been pretty easy for me. All that changed when I got to college of course! In elementary school, I can't remember any subject really giving me problems. In middle school it was science I think, and in high school it was higher science and math like chemistry and trigonometry. In high school, there were a few things holding me back as a learner. The first thing was, my junior and senior years I was plagued with teachers who were extremely intelligent, but couldn't teach worth a lick! There was no doubt in my mind that they knew what they were talking about, but teaching it to me was another story! Second, I didn't really care much about these subjects (chemistry and trig), I often had the "when am I ever going to use this in REAL life?" attitude. These two things, compared with lack of confidence in my abilities, and other silly high school stuff hurt my learning at times.
I came to college expecting to do well, but I knew it was going to be much harder than high school. Believe it or not, I'm really shy in classes. I don't speak out, don't ask many questions, etc. I believe this has also held me back in reaching my full learning potential. I know that there is no such thing as a stupid question, and I don't know what it is holding me back, but I just tend to sit and listen without saying much.

It really makes me feel good when I realize that I've actually learned something! Not just in school, but in any area of life. Learning a foreign language was especially exciting for me, as well as learning new songs, dance routines, and abilities. I try to learn new things all the time. Like just today, I was on my way home for the weekend. I was chewing bubble gum and trying to crack and pop it really loud in my mouth by sucking it back through my teeth. Well I know how to blow a bubble, but I wanted to learn something else. So I worked on it and by the time I had gotten home, I could do it! I know that's a silly example, but I think that it makes anyone feel good when they learn something new!

Learning in itself is rewarding, but I think the most rewarding part is when you have an opportunity to show what you've learned! This is the time to show off a little and let people know that you know what you're doing/ talking about! When I walk away from a situation where I've showed what I've learned, and how well I know it, I have the biggest grin on my face! That, for me, is the best feeling!!