The Drumbeat

by Jessenia Mora

In high school, we encounter many classes that not only expand our knowledge but also shape our perspectives on the world and ourselves. This falls back to one class that stands out amongst others, Human Behavior in Society. It’s a psychology-oriented course that dives into the understanding why people act the way they do and how those actions are perceived in society. I learned a lot as we were able to jump into different cultures and determine what we found to be taboo. Reflecting on my experience, I found the course to be engaging, educational, and enjoyable. 

This elective stands out for its laid-back approach. Unlike other classes, especially demanding AP courses with frequent homework and tests, this course is stress-free. Mrs. Bound creates a welcoming environment where students can explore concepts without feeling overwhelmed. With no homework assignments, we are able to be focused on engaging in-class activities and projects. Even though the class is relaxed, it still has plenty of content. We covered topics that gave us a clear understanding of human behavior. From learning about societal norms to figuring out why people act certain ways, every lesson made us think of how this is used in real life. Mrs. Bound’s teaching made everything easy to understand and never overwhelming. 

A major highlight of the class was the fun and creative projects we worked on. The projects were solely based to help us explore physiological concepts in unique and interactive ways, and I never had to stress about my grade in class. For instance, one project I explored taboos and different cultures, where I got to learn about practices in various countries of  my choosing. Each project I was given had a  sufficient amount of time given so I was truly able to enjoy everything I learned. In addition to projects, Mrs. Bound often incorporated videos and other elements into her lessons. These videos ranged from documentaries, to movies, and shows. Not only did this help students understand the aspects of psychology but also made the class dynamic more engaging. Watching videos sparked interesting class discussion, where everyone felt encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this class was how much I learned about myself and others. The course encouraged us to reflect on our own behaviors, question societal expectations, and better understand the perspectives of those around us. For example, one lesson focused on personality types and how different traits influence our interactions with the world. This session gave me a new perspective for my own personality and shows how it shapes my relationships and goals. Another lesson was learning about how our actions are perceived by others in society. The deeper understanding of social dynamics has been incredibly valuable, both inside and outside of school. I’ve found myself applying these lessons to the real world, such as interactions with strangers, family interactions, and everyday conversations. 

Mrs. Bound’s bright spirit was the success of her class. Her ability to communicate complex concepts in a relatable and understandable way made every lesson enjoyable. She always encouraged open communication, and made every student feel included. Her positive attitude created an atmosphere where we could learn without fear or failure. Beyond her teaching style, Mrs. Bound’s genuine interest in her students’ well being was shown. She frequently checked on how we were doing with assignments and helped us along the way. This personal connection added an extra layer to comfort in the classroom. 

For students who develop an interest in the subject, there’s an opportunity to take another related course called Exploring Human Behavior. This class serves as an introduction to the psychology of human behaviors, offering a different approach to understanding. Students learn about influential psychologists, explore different perspectives, and discover how our personalities are shaped over time. Like Human Behavior is Society, Exploring Human Behavior is a semester long-course. It shares the same easygoing and interactive approach, the same teacher, and a curriculum that balances knowledge building. By taking both courses, students gain a well-rounded understanding of psychology and relevance to everyday life. 

Looking back, I am grateful to have taken the opportunity to be enrolled in both courses. The knowledge I gained from this class continues to influence how I view the world and interact with others. I find it rare to find a class that strikes the right balance between fun and informative, but this course managed to do just that. Mrs. Bound’s passion for teaching and her commitment to creating a positive learning environment made all the difference. For any students considering their electives this year, I highly recommend taking Human Behavior in Society or Exploring Human Behavior. Both courses offer unique insights into psychology while maintaining an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re interested in understanding yourself better or simply want a class that’s fun and educational, these courses are a fantastic choice.