This whole semester was filled with college applications. One weekend after another wasting hours at the computer trying to type a 500 word paragraph that would likely not matter in 6 months. And the worst part of it is, I’m not even finished. After reflecting though, I’ve come to realize how much writing has helped me develop both in and out of school. Reading sample essays has helped me develop a different insight into the way I write, and the actual writing portion has helped me completely develop as a writer (hopefully). But in regards to AP Literature, I came into the semester with no previous experience or knowledge of the six point scale for timed writings, no knowledge of what a “sophistication” point was, and no knowledge of how an AP Lit thesis should be written. To this day, I am unsure why I chose not to take AP Language. Yet throughout the course of this semester, each slide deck we went over in class, each writing activity we were assigned, and every presentation we presented, all contributed to my improvement. I now know how to write a thesis properly (or so I hope) as well as what a sophistication point is (relatively). I have also developed my ability to closely read a text, becoming more analytical when trying to find evidence or literary devices within the text.

Now going into our blog posts, I had the opportunity to write about a variety of topics, from Thanksgiving foods to parking. Yet after a careful review of each of my blogs, I ultimately concluded that my most enjoyable blog to write was An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away. Not only was I able to give a review and ranking over each apple, but I was able to include my experiences with each, tying it to a fall tradition that my family has continued since I was three years old. This was the first blog that I wrote- disregarding the childhood reading memory blog- which took me several hours to think of and write. To be honest, I think I was a bit hungry while writing this, because each description of the apples made it seem as if they were the last apples on Earth. 

As well as writing blogs, I have also learned how other people think, their experiences, and how they view certain topics. I love reading the different blogs over different rankings of food or music because it allows me to narrow down my order, or my playlist, to only the recommended commodities. It allows me to both learn about those who wrote the blogs, as well as allowing me to save time when deciding on a Starbucks drink order, or which Taylor Swift album I should listen to next. I also enjoyed seeing the different writing styles of each person. Some people focus on description, while others try to convince me that they will win their fantasy football league. Either way, each insight to each individual topic has helped me learn something in life, whether that be what I should do over winter break, to how I can destress during this college application season.

Overall, I’d consider this semester a pretty successful one, and I have come to learn some lessons that have impacted me, and will continue to for the rest of my life. Here are just a few:

1. One step at a time

This is a saying that people have said to me throughout life, but this semester especially. With college applications, the only possibility of coming out sane is to complete things one at a time. Don’t overthink things not in your control, but take control of the things you can. Every step is worth it to see the satisfaction of the green checkmark on Common App.

2. You don’t realize how much you care for someone once they’re gone

I knew I would miss my senior friends, but I didn’t know how much I would miss them. This year definitely had me missing some of my friends, but helped me realize that when I do see some of them, to enjoy the time I have with them, and make every second count.

3. Have fun 

An overly said statement, but completely true. Every second of hard work deserves a bit of fun. Too much stress is bad, so have fun.

Thanksgiving Break is always a much needed break from school for everyone. For both teachers and students. It gives everyone the opportunity to relax, go out, eat some delicious food, and spend time with their friends and family. 

This year, my Thanksgiving break was a tight packed schedule with both ups and downs. I was able to see many people I haven’t seen since they left for college, but was not able to save my bank account from the horrors it witnessed on Black Friday. Reflecting on both the ups and downs of my Thanksgiving break adventures, I was able to rank my top five, note-worthy quests, and list them below:

1. Christkindl

This was actually my first time visiting the Christkindl Market, so it was definitely a new experience. There was food, laughter, people, and Christmas lights. Although I did not go to the market in the city of Chicago, the Aurora one gave almost the exact same experience, but allowed me to avoid the crowds and long lines. I was even able to get their 2023 souvenir mug- two of them in fact- one filled with hot, steaming apple cider, and the other filled with rich hot chocolate. I also tried a fresh Raclette sandwich, and if I’m being honest, I am not a fan of cheese, but this sandwich hit the spot perfectly. I definitely recommend Christkindl to anyone, and the only negative is the cold weather, but you just have to dress accordingly and the hot drinks will do the rest.

2. Friendsgiving

This friendsgiving was an extremely notable one because I was able to spend time with people that I haven’t seen since May. I was able to feast on a plethora of food options including 3 different types of mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, mini cheesesteak sandwiches, chili, chicken wings, mini cheesecakes, and to top it off, a Portillos chocolate cake. After eating, we made a bonfire in the woods and camped out. Although it was absolutely freezing outside, the fire and blankets were able to keep me warm, and it was refreshing to spend time with everyone.

3. Ramsay’s Kitchen

As most people have heard, Ramsay’s Kitchen recently opened in Downtown Naperville, which means I definitely had to try it out. Although it was not my first time eating there, I got a different dish than before which makes it a whole different flavor and food experience. The first time I was there, I ordered their scallops, which of course, were cooked exactly to the level I would expect Gordon Ramsay to cook them to: perfection. This time, we ordered the tuna tartare and the chicken milanese which once again, met my high expectations. Definitely worth the price.

4. Black Friday Shopping

I would definitely rank my black Friday shopping much higher in my list, if it weren’t for the money I spent. Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping, but the prices are always unreasonably high. I had some good finds at the Oakbrook Mall, but Black Friday is a whole money making scheme manipulating people of all ages to buy their products, making it seem like a great deal. On one online store, the original prices of their jewelry was $15, but for Black Friday, boosted the price to $50, took 90% off, and priced their sale to $5. This made people think that the sale was a once in a lifetime opportunity, which in reality, it’s just a scam. However, I can’t argue because I also fall victim to the sales of Black Friday because of my addiction to buying clothes.

5. Bowling

Last but not least I have bowling. Don’t get me wrong, bowling is fun. But if you’re like me and not exactly a professional bowling enthusiast, it can be a bit…rough. The social aspect and the bowling experience itself was fun, but for me, it isn’t the best activity when I’m in the Christmas/winter mood. One of the good parts that came out of this experience was the chicken wings and the coupon I had. I basically got two rounds of bowling free. The wings were a solid 8.5/10 and definitely satisfied my hunger at the moment.

Overall, the majority of my Thanksgiving was spent with friends and family which is exactly what it is for. It made me even more ready for Christmas break, which I hope will come as quickly as possible.