The Taste of Success

IDC 4U1: Journal Entry Question #8

In the style of a cooking recipe, you will concoct a recipe for "Success as a Mary Ward Student." Supporting artwork encouraged.

In order to be successful as a Mary Ward student, it is essential to possess all the following ingredients with their correct measurements.

1. Responsibility: An ingredient that separates the outstanding students from the members of the hallwalking club. Not only does it appeal to teachers, it enables you to protect the various items that are necessary for your success. Without responsibility, you would lose your unit guides and miss out on various benefits that are only presented to those who possess this quality in abundance.
2. Dedication: This is perhaps the most important element when it comes to being successful at MWCSS. With this characteristic, students are known to attend their classes, be prompt for morning TA, remain in areas, hand in units, and complete courses. Without it, they can be very tempted to veer off track, due to the numerous and ever-present distractions that surround them. If this ingredient is not available, substitute with discipline but be sure to add a tablespoon or so of punctuality.
3. Time Management: During every presentation geared towards student success, this quality is mentioned at least once. Time management enables students to remain as efficient as possible because they recognize that there is ample opportunity not only to complete their courses, but also to have some fun in the process. They will never forget to write tests, consult with teachers, attend seminars and TA interviews, or meet target dates. Time management skills - increased by the use of an agenda - make for a content, accomplished, and fulfilled student. (Note: organization can be used as an alternative.)
4. Ambition: An element that defines whether a student fulfills his/her potential. Similar to motivation, ambition is what drives a student to succeed. If the appropriate amount is included, it will manifest itself as a desire to do well academically.
5. Desire to Learn: Another vital component, the desire to learn at Mary Ward is absolutely essential. If a student doesn't want to learn, school work will be seen as something he/she is forced to do rather than a task he/she wants to complete. This will most definitely lead to a decrease in his/her production and a probable future as highschool dropout or a fifth-/sixth-year student.
6. Optimism: When everything seems like it's falling apart, this can be one of the most important ingredients in the mix. An optimistic student, rather than a pessimistic one, is a lot more successful in stressful times - June Rush, for example - at this unique school. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.
7. Enthusiasm: Though this is optional, it may be useful to include; it enhances the flavour of ingredient #5.
8. A Social Life: Necessary only in small doses for the majority of his/her time at Mary Ward, a social life gives a student motivation. When you have events to look forward to (ie. dances, trips, competitions, parties), you are more likely to complete school-related tasks so that you will be able to more easily enjoy the aforementioned events. Measure carefully - too much will ruin a good batch!

If they are not all present or properly replaced, the recipe listed below could go very wrong. With that said, happy baking!

Dianna’s Secret Recipe for Success at Mary Ward

Ingredients:

• ½ cup responsibility, softened
• 2 cups dedication, sifted
• 1 cup time management skills
• ¾ cup good quality ambition
• 2 tbsp desire to learn
• 1 tsp optimism
• ½ tsp enthusiasm (optional)
• Drizzle with a social life, if desired

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour one human-sized pan.
2. In a pan on low heat, melt the responsibility with the ambition; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together time management skills and desire to learn until light and fluffy. Add the cooled mixture, stirring until incorporated.
4. Mix the dedication, optimism, and enthusiasm together and pour into large bowl. With an electric mixer, blend on medium speed for two to three minutes.
5. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Makes 12 servings.