Cascia Hall Students Embrace Unique Challenges In Creative English Assignment

For the past nine years, English teacher Ashley Wood has assigned a unique project that encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and explore new skills. Each student chooses a personal challenge that ties into their writing assignment, allowing them to connect their experiences to the narrative they craft.

Wood emphasizes that the project is an opportunity to allow students to find expertise within their families and spend quality time learning alongside them.

This year's freshmen have embraced a diverse array of challenges, ranging from goat yoga and rock climbing to glass-blowing and football.

One student, who recently moved from Washington, decided to try football, which was less popular in their previous school. Other choices include cake decorating, sewing, guitar lessons, and even whitewater kayaking.

Wood believes this project significantly impacts students' learning experiences. By tying the writing assignment to physical activity, students are more likely to remember their experiences, creating lasting memories that help them develop new understandings and skills as they progress through high school and into college.

Nicole Tadros, a student in this year’s class, chose to fly a plane for her assignment. With a family background in aviation—her uncle and brother are both pilots—she was curious about the experience. However, she faced a considerable challenge: her fear of heights.

Despite this fear, Tadros found the experience rewarding. She noted that the assignment improved her writing skills, particularly through a technique called “show, don’t tell,” which encourages students to express their emotions rather than simply stating them.

The rationale behind this project extends beyond mimicking a college-level essay. Wood aims to help students become comfortable with narrative writing in academic contexts, preparing them for a range of genres, including literary analysis and research papers.

You can read Nicole's essay below: