[Writings] Essays that MyLK wrote in third grade in elementary school: A P.U.S.H. toward a growth mindset & A trip to Jones Beach

First of all, I want to share my writing about a growth mindset that I wrote in third grade. A growth mindeset is when you persevere and unwaver to accomplish a certain goal or plan (even if its really hard). My writing tells about a time when I had a fixed mindset (a fixed mindest is the opposite of a growth mindset) and then changed it into a growth mindset. 

Secondly, you can see my personal narrative about the field trip to Jones Beach in 2017. 

[A P.U.S.H. toward a Growth Mindset] 

January, 26, 2018

"Do I have to?!"  I complained. Did you know that there was a time I had a fixed mindset? A fixed mindset is when you give up easily and don't show grit. Someone with a fixed mindset thinks that they can NEVER EVER do it and they believe that their brain would never grow. 

I had a fixed mindset when I took my first swimming lesson in South Korea. I was extremely fearful. For example, I was the oldest one in the beginner's class but I was way behind. "Splash, splah." "Everyone is so good except me." I thought. Specifically, I had trouble floating and kicking. While the other kids floated on their back, I felt dark and gloomy. In addition, when the weather was dark and rainy, I begged my mom if I could skip class. In conclusion, swimming was an awful aport to me. 

Until......... I gave my brain a P.U.S.H.

I was very depressed and unhappy that I didn't go on rainy days. "What if I am falling more behind than before?" I worried. "How can I change my fixed mindset into a growth mindset?" I wondered. That is when I made a decision to persevere. For example, even though swimming was terrible, like a nightmare, I wanted to learn how to swim. So, I did not quit. I had to be unwavering. Specifically, when all the kids went to another level, I ignored it and practiced my kicking.

"You are doing very well, Minyoung. I think you can now move on to free style.: Ms. Kim said. My heart was filled with joy when I heard that news. "I am succeeding!" I said to myself. A friend in my class taught me how to float on my back. "Splash, splash" All in all, I finally changed my fixed mindset into a growth minset. I am so proud of myself! 

[My Trip to Jones Beach] 

October, 20, 2017

Have you ever gone to a place where you could find sand, rocks, and vibrant colored seashells? If you said the beach, you are corrrect! On Wednesday, October 11th 2017, our class room 141 went to Jones Beach for a field trip. When we arrived at Jones Beach, I felt the bay's fresh glittering water. I smelled the sweet smell of breeze trying to chase my air away. It was such a spectacular day. We first met our tour guide Helen. She talked about an unusual species of bird that is called the piping pover. We also collected seashells. They were shiny like clear glass shimmering in the sun light. On our way back, we saw a horseshoes crab but something was different. 

THE TIDE WAS COMING IN! The pass got smaller as the small waves came in. Luckily, we came back safely with no soggy shoes. After, we ate lunch. It was delicious. Next, we learned about animal adaptations. We learend that a colorful red cardinal was a male and a plain brown cardinal is a female. Why? It's because the female cardinal has to lay their eggs and protect them. Did you know a woodpecker's tongue goes up to its skull and protects the brain from getting hurt? Last but not least, we made our own bird. It was called the Martian because it lived in the marsh and ate grass. In conlusion, Jones Beach was very fun but the best part was making our won bird. I will always remember Jones Beach.