Looking back on APLAC

It's finally May! School will be over in a couple of days, and I want to (have to) take the time to reflect on all that I've learned (and not). Well, at least in English Class.

This year has been an interesting journey. I had the chance to see what's offered outside the walls of Houston, had an emotional relationship with APUSH and Physics, and even made some new friends along the way. Of all the ups and downs I've had with grades, and life in general, I can honestly say that my experience in Mr. Thomas' AP Lang class has been the most enjoyable; everyday I look forward to going to his class. I've grown more as a person this year, and my eyes have been permanently opened to things I thought impossible. I feel that I've grown-at least somewhat- as a student. Over the course of my (almost) 10 months in Mr. Thomas' class, I've learned new and exciting ways to think outside the box. This course, to me, will be beneficial in the years I have to come because it has engaged me in rigorous coursework, and books that I'll admit I might not have just picked up and read on my own. Each book was filled with lessons and stories that has given me a different look on life and people in general. Every class discussion has brought new thoughts to my mind that may have never been there if it wasn't for my peers. The feel of the class, in general, is kind of like a very comical, very nerdy family (literally the best part!).

The most difficult essay for me to write was the Argumentation Essay. I just wasn't sure how to approach the essay, being that I am not one to argue myself. Don't get me wrong, we practiced them often, the process was solid, but I never truly grasped each prompt the way I wanted. To me, it seemed like all of my Argumentation Essays were more Expository than argumentative. The easiest essay for me, on the other hand, was the Synthesis Essay. It was the most simplistic because it gave all the information needed to write the essay, and as a writer, your only job is to put all the pieces together. What can be easier than that?

The novel choices were insane! In Cold Blood was by far my favorite. I'm not a secret murderer or anything, but the suspense of the story even with the criminal perspective was enticing to me. It was like being in their minds every step of the way, but still having no real idea about what was going on. Crazy! In my mind, it was like the ultimate Criminal Minds episode (which are amazing if you didn't know). It was kind of strange being apart of the murders' minds, but at the same time, kind of liberating. The worst part about that though, was also having the victims perspective, because it made me want to yell out warnings to them and give the detectives all the answers (like a bad scary movie). My least favorite book was..........I actually don't have a least favorite. I just happen to like In Cold Blood the most. They were each a good read individually.

The last thing on my to-do list is to tell Mr. Thomas how awesome he is. I'm sure he knows, but it feels good for other people to know it too. I really enjoyed 4th period this year as a whole; each day something new and always hilarious. That was my favorite class because of all the laughter! Never did a dull day come along, and AP Lang couldn't make it better.

Well, that's all folks! #LBJ