Hi, my name is Sirasa Shakya and I’m a junior in William Cullen Bryant HS. I’m involved in the theater company and we’re actually putting on a short version of the musical Bring it On. I’m in principal’s advisory. I jump at any opportunity to grow and learn more, ex: I try to participate in as many things as I can, but only if it correlates with my interests.
The SAT Club is a place where students are free to express their struggles about the test and gain the knowledge they need in order to excel the exam. I understand how many students feel about test-taking, and the fact that the SAT is significant for college, it really puts pressure on them. As a fellow peer, I can aid them through this process and teach them everything they need to know about the SAT curriculum.
Usually, I am the one teaching the students the English and Math curriculum of the SAT, because the test has a specific, unusual structure to it, so I want the students to get familiar with the tests’ way of asking questions. I also have two assistants that are there to step in if I can’t attend the club. They are also a part of this because sometimes they teach as well. In order to prepare for the club, I need to make a lesson plan, make slides, input questions, and figure out an understandable way to teach these concepts. I also dislike the idea of students just answering questions and the information not really going in their heads. So, I design fun ways and activities to do that relate to my lesson plan so students can have fun while learning.
Although colleges are making the SAT optional, it is so much more impressive to have a good SAT score to put on your resume, rather than none. I actually spoke to college admission officers during the College Fair, and I asked them if people have a better chance of getting into a college with a good SAT score even though it is optional, and he told me that in all honesty, it is better. Don’t settle for the bare minimum when there are opportunities to expand your horizons. It is definitely your option to take the test or not, but from what I know and think, having a good SAT score will ensure that you get into a good college.
Teaching students and running my own club is definitely a first-time experience for me. I used to hate talking in front of a class, but now that I’m used to teaching students my own age, that fear disappeared. I love watching my peers’ progress throughout the club dates. It really makes me feel like I’m doing something right. I love running this club and I actually find ease and joy in it. Sharing my knowledge with others and making sure they reach their academic goals feels accomplishing.
The SAT Club is a great club to join if you are trying to study for the test, but you don’t know where to start. Now that the school’s SAT Prep classes have been canceled, there are no other tutorings for this test. If you are interested, please check this club out! Although it may be like a class (but more fun), I promise that you will get something out of it. Learning English and Math may seem dull, but thinking about the bigger picture, about college, is significant as well.
