Depression’s Role in the Development of Young Adults

Summary of Project

Ms. Lizania Fragoso, a senior student at Grandview High School narrates:

“I am currently enrolled in a Psychology course. In this class, I’ve learned about mental health and behavior. The reasons behind a person’s behavior. I was able to connect derivatives and depression when I started Calculus. How fast y increases when corresponding to x, how quickly depression can strike a person, and the factors contributing to it. Calculus is not only useful for mental health, it can also be applied to many other fields such as finances, business, engineering, population, and even technology since every output changes with respect to its input. Nowadays, Calculus can be found anywhere in the world. Calculus exists anywhere that is changed. While medical advancements continue to persist, diseases continue to deteriorate over time. Depression rates have been increasing rapidly in recent years. The world is changing and so am I. Taking these classes has helped me improve my comprehension of the people around me despite my limited emotional intelligence.”

Key Takeaways or Advice

• Successes
  • Building Positive Relationships: One of my biggest successes has been establishing strong relationships with my students. Building trust and rapport has not only enhanced the classroom environment but has also contributed to student engagement and academic growth.
  • Witnessing Student Progress: Seeing my students make progress, whether it’s mastering a new concept or achieving personal growth, has been incredibly rewarding. Celebrating their successes, no matter how small, has been a highlight of my journey as a teacher.

• Struggles
  • Addressing Student Needs: Meeting the diverse needs of my students, including those with learning differences or behavioral challenges, has presented its own set of challenges for me as a beginning teacher and even more so with the advancement of technology. 
  • Balancing Workload: Finding a balance between lesson planning, grading, professional development, and personal life has been a struggle at times. Learning to prioritize tasks and delegate when necessary has been key to managing my workload more effectively.
• Advice
  • Embrace Continuous Growth: Teaching is a dynamic profession that requires ongoing learning and adaptation. Embrace opportunities for professional development, seek feedback from colleagues and mentors, and be open to trying new strategies to improve your practice.
  • Resilience: Teaching can be demanding and challenging, but cultivating resilience will help you navigate obstacles and setbacks. Learn from failures, maintain a positive mindset, and remember the impact you’re making on the lives of your students.

Overall, my journey as a teacher has been both rewarding and challenging. By embracing successes, learning from struggles, and staying committed to growth and self-care, I’ve been able to navigate the ups and downs of this profession with resilience and determination.