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.
Annie – Based on your writing and insight into the topics in AP Lit, I would have never guessed you didn’t take AP Lang, so personally I’d say from what I’ve seen, you’re doing great. I took AP Lang and still couldn’t tell you what the sophistication point is. I have to agree that one of my favorite parts of the blogs this semester has been reading other people’s blogs and getting a look into their world. What impacts their daily life that I may have never thought of before. I have to agree that when reading people’s rankings of music, I can’t help but look up a song or two on their blog to see if it’s a good add for my own playlist. Finally, I love how you include the lessons you’ve learned during this semester, not only just for AP Lit but for life in general. Taking it one step at a time has been how I’ve been taking senior year too and I can’t wait to enjoy all that’s in store next semester.
Hi Annie, I have not read your An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away although now I might have to. I truly believe that I cannot list any Apple name if someone asks me too. I agree with what you said about using the blogs other people made as a way to better your life. I remember one blog from Samika when she was talking about time management. She used being competitive with her friends as a motivation to work hard, and I have ended up starting to use that in my life. I have also heard the phrase “one step at a time” a lot throughout my life. Although with college applications I did not do that and wish I had. The November deadline was rough although taking one step at a time is a focus for the January deadline I have. It has been fun reading this blog and the “have fun” lesson you have is something that I will be doing over winter break.
Annie, I 100% agree with all of the lessons that have come out of this semester. I too have learned to realize in the heat of all of our college apps, that everything needs to be taken slowly. It is so easy to get caught up in what the future is going to look like and what we are going to do with our lives. I have also come to realize that there are a lot of things that just aren’t in our control. I cannot change what I did in the past and I have already submitted a large portion of my college applications, so it really isn’t in my hands anymore. Having fun is definitely the most important lesson I will take going into second semester, because we have so many memories to make and so many things to do, we don’t have time to worry about things that aren’t in our hands. I think we are all going to make it exactly where we are meant to be, and while it is hard not to stress, we are wasting even more time worrying about it.
Hey Annie, I definitely agree with all your lessons, especially taking one step at a time. While I’m starting to wrap up college apps and writing my last couple schools, I almost can’t believe that I made it out. Now entering the second semester of our senior year, I almost can’t imagine being a freshman. While it has been a daunting four years, I did survive with one step at a time. Focusing on the present and worrying about the current task rather than the ones ahead of me was essential throughout high school. In the same breath, I’ve also learned to cherish the people and moments that I have now. People come and go and honestly with my terrible long-term memory, so do memories of people. So, like you said, I’ve started to cherish every second with my loved ones. I really enjoyed your blogs this semester and I’m excited to read more from you next semester!