I Am My Own Troy Bolton

junior year, the one that had always loomed ahead as the most stressful. All of the
upperclassmen always stressed how important junior year was. Would it be my final year to truly
make an impact on college applications? Is there any last impressions I can make to butter
them up and convince them to accept me into their schools? Thankfully, my prayers were
answered. AP Research, a course where students conduct their own research and write a paper
analyzing the other works and discussing the importance that the results–or lack thereof–have
in the research field. Writing in high school was not something I would break into a musical for,
but if I wanted to add “AP Scholar” on my resume and college applications, then I was ready to
be Troy Bolton.
Anticipating the rigorous nature of the class, I wanted to focus on a topic that could be
related back to me, whether it be in regards to my identity or a concept I am already interested
in (mostly to make it easy on myself). Every idea led me to the Latino community. As an only-
child, I had always found the dynamics of diverse family structures intriguing. The intersection of
these considerations naturally led me to examining how Latino adolescents perceive differential
treatment by their mothers based on the traditional cultural values of machismo and
marianismo.
The first criteria on the agenda is to do more reading in order to create our literature
review. In a research paper, the literature review would be where the researcher establishes
any context needed and the purpose of the study. Almost every sentence ends with an in-text
citation—sometimes even multiple. In my case, I had to make sure my readers understood what
machismo and marianismo are and why it is so crucial to talk about. I focused on the effects
these traditional values on gender have on Hispanic individuals, highlighting the increase of
mental health issues. With each paper I read, I felt closer and closer to that AP Scholar award
even when I was only at the beginning. I hadn’t even conducted any research yet, but still, I felt
confident. Every single day, after school I would read about two articles or research studies and
annotate them. I started to piece together works and put the author's perspectives into
conversation with each other.
With my literature review almost completed, it was time to think about what the rest of
my research would look like, the main components being how I gather data, the actual data, and
discuss my data. What I thought would be the easiest part—constructing the surveys—was
actually a nightmare. I had this whole plan laid out that I would survey Hispanic mothers and
their adolescent daughter and son. The mothers would be asked about their childhood and
share how they give out chores to their children, but it just wasn’t working. My questions
ALWAYS had some sort of bias no matter how I rewrote them. My expectations decreased. I
could not progress in my study without figuring out how I could construct my survey. The only
other way for me to continue is if I restart. Halfway through the class, I was already forced to go
back to square one. No more AP Scholar award for me.
With my final glimpse of hope, I said my final goodbyes to my paper. I reread my
literature review one last time. Something about reading my literature review that night felt
different, like reading a cry for help to be saved. A light flashed on. I felt so connected with my
topic that I could not just let it go to waste. I wasn’t just reading my literature review anymore; I
was looking into the past. I was reading the words of an excited student with stars in their eyes.
The light became a spotlight on me. There was no way that this would be the end. I found
myself on center stage writing out my main goals that I wanted to accomplish through my
research. I realized that I could simply not survey the mothers. Such a simple solution, yet I
managed to not once think of it. Suddenly the music started playing, the curtains opened, and I
finally got my head in the game. I’m back to being Troy Bolton.
What I thought was the end of my musical was just the intermission, a chance for me to
stretch my legs and reflect on the first half of the show. With the microphone on one hand and a
basketball in the other, I revised my methods and continued on with the rest of my study. In the
end, I submitted my work and was happy with it. I also had to present my research to my
teacher as part of the requirement of the course. I practiced presenting in front of all my stuffed
animals, but always managed to go over the time limit. I did not panic. I looked at my flashcards
and highlighted what was truly important. With that, I was able to keep going.
Months after submitting my paper, I received a passing score, accompanied by the
esteemed AP Scholar diploma – my trophy. Surprisingly, the joy I experienced wasn't as
profound as anticipated. While I did feel a sense of accomplishment, I found myself yearning for
more than just this merit. My ambition extended beyond the present moment; I desired more
diplomas and awards, envisioning a future where my work would be recognized and celebrated
beyond high school. AP Research was no longer just a course to take to impress colleges
anymore. AP Research was my stepping stone to future research studies I would conduct. My
new found love for research was my real trophy. I am my own Troy Bolton and I am excited for
the future musicals I will star in.