Wednesday April 25,2012

I made it to state! I was so surprised by what happened when Mr. Fleming told me that I had made state as an individual that I actually collapsed. It was amazing! Sadly, I didn't make it in Science though. Here's how it all went down.

Science: Well I guess I'm done with science with Mr. Viray this year. He was definitely one of my best science teachers going through high school, and I'm definitely going to miss him a lot. At Regionals, I made a 94. I was actually 2 questions away from advancing as the top biology contender, and I was 3 questions away from advancing as the top chemistry contender. I was definitely sad, but I definitely had fun and I learned a lot in my journey.

Computer Science: I still can't believe I actually made it! I got 2nd place as an individual. Sadly, no one else on my team made in the top 3, so it was time to bust it out on programming. Joe, Andy, and I had probably one of the biggest battles of our lives against Kennedale that day. Both of us ended up answering only 3 problems, which meant that Kennedale advanced over us because they were 40 points ahead of us. We had actually turned in a problem in the last 90 seconds of competition, but we got it back wrong. Afterwards, Mr. Fleming said that the judge's answer sheet was wrong on the problem that we turned in, and we still had a chance of making it if we were perfect with the code. We missed it by one line. It was sad seeing my team not advance with me. I actually cried a little, but it was definitely an experience that I will remember for quite a while.

Tuesday April 17, 2012 REGIONALS WEEK

Well it's Regionals week. This makes me pretty nervous because I haven't made it passed this point. I'm going to have to work as hard as I can if I want to make it.

Science: Science makes me nervous...my scores haven't been state level, and I feel that I don't know enough physics to be ready for what's to come. Makes me really really really nervous.

Computer Science: I AM SO PUMPED!!! We did the District 1 Programming Packet yesterday. I was actually too sick to do programming during actual district, and I ended up not competing. Our team ended up doing 3 programs without me, and if we would have done 5, we would have been 1st place in the region. Well Andy, Joe, and I did the packet that the 1st place team did yesterday, and we answered 5. We made 2 mistakes, so we tied Kennedale, but with Jay making a higher score than their 4th person, we actually are technically considered in 1st place. That is also with Joe, and Jay usually does competition with us. I am SUPER pumped for Regional Computer Science. We have so much potential. Hopefully we'll all make it this year.

Thursday April 12, 2012

I need to let go. All this doubt, all this worry, it's only hurting me. The moment when I realize the fact that I have done all I can do is the moment when I will realize that I can do it all. Sigh, what a very odd concept.

Science: Didn't do too hot on the last Regional test I took, but I guess I'll just have to let go and move on from there. I need to pick up that Beyond Einstein book and read it well. I'm going to do this.

Computer Science: I found out that if I was there during competition, we probably would be 1st in the region. I like that thought, makes me happy. We have a good shot to make it, so let's make it! haha

Wednesday April 4, 2012

I hate being sick. It sucks. Makes everything suck. Don't enjoy it one bit. I think it was caused by stress, or food, or both, I don't know, but I don't like it. Well, I guess it's time to get to work then. District was Monday, and that went pretty well.

Science: I got 2nd place. I tied for 1st, but percent accuracy, I got 2nd. It was close, but my score won't do at region. I need to start busting my butt even more if I want state in Science, but Mr. Viray believes in me and I can't let him down.

Computer Science: I got 3rd, I could have done better, but stomach pains and stress don't work well while taking a test...Our entire team is going, so that's good. I think as a team we need to focus on programming, and as an individual I need to expand my knowledge base by trying to take as many tests as possible before region. I honestly think all of us have an amazing shot of making it this year. Let's go!

I think making it to Region in both of my events is a pretty good feat, and I've been working hard and getting work done in both Science and Computer Science. I'm not fully done with my growth or anything, and 2nd or 3rd place isn't something I should be completely ecstatic about. I'd probably give myself a 97 or 98. I definitely hope that my actual grade will be higher or around that. I'm going to work my butt off for these next 2 weeks, and hopefully I won't give myself an ulcer through the process! lol