Chunking, Periodization, Mental Health, and Fitness by Francisco

Chunking, Periodization, Mental Health, and Fitness by Francisco - September 2024 Scholarship Essay

Many people have many different ways of learning, and while a vast array of them may work for certain people, I find chunking and periodization to be the most efficient tools when it comes to learning. Chunking revolves around breaking up information into smaller chunks as the name implies, this breaking up of information makes a bigger chunk of information much more easier to digest. This method is especially useful in classes where bigger loads of information are thrown at you in a small sitting, classes like AP Literature and AP Calculus BC are excellent examples as you are thrown a diverse amount of techniques and formulas you not only have to remember, but thrive in. I myself have put this method to use the most in Calculus, choosing to break up formulas like the chain rule, quotient rule, and product rule each into its own little chunk which then provides a much more easier time not only remembering the formula but additional practice to put them into use. The next non-traditional way of learning that has helped propel my learning status to another degree is periodization. When searching this word up at face value, the definition you get is “a training method that involves breaking down a training program into phases and systematically varying the intensity, volume, and specificity of training within those phases” (AI Overview). This definition while being useful, isn’t fully developed for me to describe how I put it into practice. I myself use periodization similarly but not identical to the AI definition, I choose to break down my learning into phases and each one getting harder as I progress so as to better adjust myself to the subject at hand. I find that these two methods are the best non-traditional ways to learn as the fatigue-to-learning ratio gets exponentially better than simply putting a book down or taking notes. As to address the second part of the prompt, I am in an ever lasting pursuit of betterment outside of school through various ways however the most significant being therapy and fitness. Therapy has been one of the most helpful tools as I mature into adulthood, anxiety is a common issue almost everyone deals with however for me it has always been an anchor for my being, therapy has been that medium that has helped me better manage it. By seeking help and guidance from people who have experience in this field, the dread that came with anxiety has gone down incredibly and while it is not fully gone, I believe it is vital for people to seek guidance whenever something becomes too much for them to properly handle. It is crucial to remember mental health is just as important and your physical health and as more nuances come with innovation in those fields, therapy evolves into a more accessible and accurate way to help you build yourself up. Another way I have pursued betterment outside of school is through fitness as I am a consistent gym goer. Going to the gym has been a life-changing experience as it has taught me more about the many core principles I have instilled in me. The gym has taught me to be more patient, driven, and focused. The gym has taught me these things because the practice of building muscle and overall getting healthier is a not only long one but hard. You have to put these principles into use at the gym because without them you won’t be consistent nor will you achieve what you want to, so through these principles the gym hones, you achieve a better version of yourself. This then not only reflects on your physical health but your mental health too as physical sciences have been shown to increase things like libido and help overall mood.