Farewell to AP English

Dear Journal,

It appears that today I must, regretfully, say goodbye to my AP English family. We have seen each other through SOAPSTones, Datasheets, essays and discussions.  We have all grown not only as writers but as young men and woman about to set out on to newer and better experiences. I have fully enjoyed my time with this group. We started out as strange and scared juniors, cowering every time we entered Ms. Serensky’s room.  Now, I struggle to think of many days this year that have not been filled with laughter in that very same room. Through this class, I have developed several friendships that honestly would not have existed otherwise.  I will truly miss the moments we shared together. I hope that we will all keep in touch to some degree over the years. Best wishes to all of my fellow AP English classmates of 2011!

Sincerely,

Hayden

Top 10 Reasons AP English is Awesome

1.

1.       You actually will learn something useful in this class. Yes, you will actually become smarter by taking this class. I cannot say the same for all of my other classes I have endured in high school.

2.       Multiple Choice Game Days. Not only do you get to earn precious extra credit, but you also get to have a grand time competing with the rest of your class for the coveted first place.

3.       Quality movies. This is probably the only class that I have watched a movie that induced screams of horror from a still frame of a girl’s face. Seriously though, the movies we watched in this class have truly been unforgettable for a plethora of reasons

4.       Quote Sheets. These hilarious packets received at the end of each quarter give you all the ammunition you will ever need to mock all of your friends for the remainder of the year. Also, you get to learn about how much Ms. Serensky listens into random hallway conversations.

5.       Annoying People with Quotes. Everyone will know when you are in AP English. How? You will quite simply annoy everyone to death as you frantically try to memorize all of your quotes for that essay next period. At the lunch table instead of having a normal conversation, you get to interject with random quotes from Shakespeare that no one else even understands. Just sit back and watch as the irritation builds on each one of the faces of the non AP English students and bask in your moment.

6.       In Class Reading. Depending on your classmates, this can prove to be quite an entertaining activity. Especially if you find yourself in a class where everyone attempts to speak in an accent, and others just struggle with pronouncing everyday words like disparage.

7.       Building Amazing Friendships. By the time you have suffered through the first semester of AP English 11, you begin to find solace in the AP English community. Here, you can commiserate with your fellow class mates on how you failed the last essay or how you want to burn the book you are currently reading. But in all honesty, AP English provides a real opportunity to create new friendships with people in your grade that you may not have talked to otherwise.

8.       Receiving Stickers. This is the one item that you so desperately strive for on your papers. When you finally receive one of these elusive prizes nothing can stand in your way. That’s right; you will feel absolutely invincible, well you will feel elated at the least.

9.       Ms. Serensky’s Mockery. On a daily basis you will get to witness and laugh at your fellow classmates as Ms. Serensky mocks them for various reasons. Now of course, you too may be subject to some of this mockery. But witnessing the absolute joy on her face as she laughs at your dismay is truly a sight to behold.

10.   Story Time with Ms. Serensky. Occasionally you may be graced with a brief glimpse into the life of Ms. Serensky. Cherish these moments. For they always end up being the most humorous stories you have ever heard. I cannot remember one day this year that I have not laughed at least once in this class when Ms. Serensky tells a story of her life. 

Commentary on the AP English Exam

Iago: Oh I hate these AP exams “as I do hell pains” (1.1.151)

Algernon: Yes “you can hardly have forgotten” how hard she studied for this exam (42)

Amy: look at how quickly she writes! “How is it possible I never noticed it before?” (256)

Iago: Ah it appears the poem has stumped her. Her furrowed brow depicts frustration as she attempts to continue onward. Alas, “we cannot all be masters” of the pen (1.1.40)

Algernon: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple” (6). She must think her way through this essay

Amy: “’you’re a special one, aren’t you?’” (63) Who speaks in riddles like that?

Iago: “observe her” as she writes (3.3.197)! We may yet find a flaw in her technique that may come of use later on

Algernon: “you are” quite a strange person, Iago (5). Though I must say I quite like your style. Perhaps you would enjoy Bunburying with me sometime?

Amy: “I can’t” imagine a greater waste of my time than running about the English country side with the likes of you two (258)! Look! She is now onto the choice essay, I do hope she will write about me!

Iago: “I do well believe ‘t” young Amy (2.1.286). However, it appears she favors my play to your inane novel!

Algernon: “I suspected that” much (6)! I’m quite put off that she did not consider me as a superior choice!

Amy: “Am I so pathetic” that she can’t even mention me once (201)? She moved on to the next prompt without one thought of me!
Iago: I cannot imagine “what you will” do with yourselves now that you’ve been clearly rejected (4.1.35). Though, I must say I am quite honored that she chose honest Iago to write about!

Algernon: Look! She is almost out of time! “It’s a painful parting”” especially since she snubbed me by ignoring my obvious potential in her essay (31)!

Amy: This is so exciting! Only five minutes left and she still writes at a steady pace! “It doesn’t take much to thrill you when you’re so used to following the rules” (203).

Teacher: Pens down! Please place your answer booklet on the right corner of your desk. 

Everything Matters About My Favorite Novel

Ron Currie’s novel Everything Matters! truly stuck with me this year. First of all, the novel provided the unique prospective of multiple first person speakers. This helped to see the world of the characters through their eyes which helped bring them to life. I also found the flawed characters very relatable. Junior’s mother Debbie “is a drunk” which creates tension in the family (55). Currie also appealed to my humor through the character of Amy. I found the moment where she decides to smoke on the plane quite humorous, “pathetic, I know, but it doesn’t take much to thrill you when you’re so used to following the rules” (203). I also found the whole idea of multiple universes quite intriguing. To think that the option to “pick a self. Any self” might exist baffles me (262). And the whole idea of Junior stepping on a bee completely altering his future really made me sit down and think about how every little action I have made has helped to form the life I have today. If I think about this too much, the idea ensues panic in my mind. Simply thinking about the "precious moments of my life ticking away” seems like a daunting task. However, Currie manages to calm these nerves with Junior’s absolute calm approach to accepting death in the end. He leaves readers with an uplifting message that “anything, anything, anything is possible” (302).

Top Ten Most Thrilling Academic Moments of My High School Career

1.      Passing AP English 11 for “it had always been a girlish dream of mine” (33)

2.      Getting an “A” on the 10^th grade research English project, a grade that I would call “all in all sufficient” for my hard work (4.1.265)

3.      Passing Honors Trigonometry, for this class was a “monster in thy thought, too hideous to be shown” to the weaker minded (3.3.07)

4.      Receiving an 8 on an AP English essay. I remember “clutching the scrap of paper as if it contained the secret to saving the world” or at least my grade in AP English (100)

5.      My first sticker on the Othello datasheet filled me up with “a happiness so strong you just know you’re going to pay for it later” (157)

6.      Third highest scorer in an AP multiple choice game in AP English 11. As I heard my name called I first doubted my ears, surely this was a mistake. But as the truth of the moment set in “I [was]… in a state [of extreme] happiness” (196)

7.      Receiving positive comments on an English paper. This accomplishment truly proved to me that “anything, anything, anything is possible” (302)­­­

8.      Earning a sticker on my The Importance of Being Earnest analysis. “What? What?” another sticker to add to my modest collection (4.1.33). I will gladly accept this reward!

9.      My group winning first place in a game of AP Multiple choice. Finally! “I think it is high time” that I finally receive the maximum extra credit points (9)!

10.   Maintaining a 4.0 GPA for the fourth quarter of my senior year. “I felt instinctively” that this would prove to be quite a difficult task, and it has lived up to my standard (23)

My Favorite Poem

My favorite poem that we read this year was “Sestina” by Ciara Shuttleworth. The simplicity of this poem truly spoke to me in a way that none of the other works could manage to. The repetition of the six words parallels the uncertainty of emotions as if to say “this is love” (61). The poem moves through the process of denial and pain to acceptance “creating a distance between” the two lovers (86). The raw emotion found in the piece truly captured my attention the first time I read it. One moment the speaker accuses their lover of ruining their relationship and then suddenly “the moment has passed” and given way to a flood of acceptance and reflection (99). This poem seemed very real and relatable, which is one of the reasons that I enjoyed it so much.

A Look into the Past

As I walked into the room I was instantly filled with excited anticipation for the conversation to follow, the day we learned about Ms. Serensky’s past. The desks, arranged in a tight circle, set the scene for a completely different class. As she passed out suckers to each of us to “keep all of you quiet” Ms. Serensky seated herself in the circle and began. She spoke of her remembrance of high school and the limited challenges she was presented with. However, when she approached college, she found that school was not so simple. “You will not always be the best” she warned, “accept it, so you don’t waste energy” (16). She told of her humbling experiences in college, and how her approach to teaching will truly prepare us for the future. She then began to describe on particularly warm day when she visited the pool. While swimming, a man quizzed her on William Shakespeare works, later; she learned that he was to be her professor “this was her first remembrance of” the man (3.3.290). She spoke of how he challenged her and forced her out of her comfort zone to achieve all that she was capable of. “I have tried to model my teaching style from him” she explained. Then she reached her teaching years in the story, she told of how she struggled to create a teaching style that would truly help us achieve what she wished she had in high school. I sat in silence the entire period, with an exception of the few laughs that escaped my lips. A smile grew across my face as the story continued. Finally, the bell rang, and I slowly gathered my books and walked towards the door with a whole new prospective on a woman I had known for about two years. “[It was] a very painful parting” from the room (31). I did not want to leave the positive atmosphere and return to the mundane routine of the everyday.  However, I forced myself to venture onto my next class, leaving behind the best day in AP English 12 I have ever experienced.

Emilia's Relationship Advice

Emilia: My Lady! Do walk with me!

Miss Prism: Certainly “I will have a stroll with you” my dear Emilia (23)

Emilia: Are things sensational between Doctor Chasuble and yourself?

Miss Prism: “It is somewhat too sensational” I fear (23)

Emilia: “Come come! You talk” tell me all (4.3.25)

Miss Prism: Doctor Chasuble is a polite man, but far too submissive! “I know no one who has a higher sense of duty and responsibility” but how he troubles me so! (21)

Emilia: Good madam, have thy not spoken to him of thy fears? How is he to know?

Miss Prism: I fear I have not the courage to confront him. Besides, I’m gonna get real weird with it if I try to speak from my heart. I fear my world is ending!

Emilia: “State matters as you think!” (3.4.155) Lord knows “the world’s a huge thing; it is a great price for a small voice” (4.3.70)

Miss Prism: Dear Emilia! You are quite right! I must see to him at once! Take care my dear friend!

Emilia: Good madam make haste! 

Junior's Plea for Sympathy

Today was, without a doubt, the worst day of my life. I had to sit through fifty minuets of grueling criticisms of my life mistakes by a bunch of over-achieving seniors. Ms. Serensky’s AP English class tore apart my crumbling life after I lost contact with the love of my life Amy, just when I thought things could not get much worse, they spiraled into the abyss. Of course, I know my choice to turn towards drugs and alcohol may not have been the best of choices, but come on now! I was depressed! A little sympathy would have been much appreciated. But as the class continued to question why I didn’t do something more useful with my dwindling time, I found that I simply had “no explanation to offer” (98). Looking back on my past life choices, there really was no excuse for my reaction. At one point, a girl by the name of Emily stated that she was “really disappointed with [my] behavior and the waste of potential”. At this moment, “there was a sudden, powerful awkwardness between us” (99). I mean seriously, I am being chastised by a group of eighteen year olds who live in a bubble! I really did not know how to react to this criticism of my life style.  So I decided to retaliate pleading that my life was difficult but “it was a mistake the moment the words [left] my mouth” (100). Instantly this group of frenzied teens attacked my weak excuse. I had no help from anyone, I was alone. It is never a pleasant feeling, to sit and listen to others mock you and have no say. I wonder if any of these students have ever made any mistakes, they all seem so perfect when they sit and judge me. If they were in my shoes, what would they have done I wonder? 

Growth

Dear seemingly omniscient voice in the head of Junior,

Today I thought that I would reveal to you some information about my experience in AP English 11 in the years of 2009 and 2010. As a sixteen year old junior in high school, I was naturally quite nervous about this class. Looking back, I feel that your statement to Junior, “never again will you bear so little responsibility for your own survival” truly speaks volumes to the experience of AP English 11 as compared to that of AP English 12 (3). At the time, I felt as though I was truly on my own, struggling in the few graded discussions and writing SOAPSTones on a weekly if not daily basis. But really, we were all being led by Ms. Serensky. Until now, I never realized just how little we truly were on our own. Again your advice to Junior: “For now, all you need to do is grow” correlates with my experience in English (3). In AP English I found my voice as a writer and truly grew as a student. The whole point of the class is to improve as a writer and as a student in some form. The class prepped me for the actual challenge of AP English 12. One last piece of advice you divulged to Junior sticks with me, “you should make an effort, when not cowering…, to enjoy every moment here” (6). AP English, in the years 2009 and 2010, flew by in a blur. Much of the time in the room was wasted in a constant state of squeamish fear induced by graded discussions, writing, and trying to think like a smart person. Looking back, I can see clearly that this fear was truly a wasted emotion. Yes, feeling anxious and stressed is a normal reaction to these activities, but fear takes away from the amazing experience and opportunity presented to me. By this point I know that all of these activities are well within my abilities. I hope you continue to share your wisdom in the years to come.

Sincerely,

Hayden Dougherty

Part of Your World

The other day as I flipped through the channels I came across a blast from the past. The Little Mermaid. Of course I paused on the channel and enjoyed the remainder of the movie. As I watched, I began to subconsciously make connections between Ariel’s life and my own. Now, it’s a bit of a stretch, but I began to think about how we are now getting ready to enter a new world as we leave high school. Much like Ariel had to shed her fins and sea water for some legs dry land, we too must venture outside of the bubble and onto college. The prospect is both frightening and thrilling. Suddenly we are going to be in a strange new place struggling to find our voices again. Though the thought can be overwhelming, I find myself embracing the idea of moving on to a new life outside of small town Chagrin Falls. I am genuinely excited to take on this new challenge in my life. So just like Ariel pulling herself up over that rock, we too must get ready to pull ourselves out of Chagrin Falls High School and into a new life. 

Senioritis Strikes Again

Senioritis. At this point, we are all feeling the disorder. I find myself really struggling to stay focused in my classes as the days quickly slip from winter into the promises of spring. I mean, it becomes hard to focus when you already have college in sight. So I looked up some definitions of this mental block that many of us, myself included, seem to be experiencing. First, Wikipedia referenced senioritis as“a colloquial term used in the United States and Canada to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school, college and graduate school careers”. Then, Urban Dictionary defined it as “A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of track pants, old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation.” So now that we know what it is, the only thing we can do is buckle down and try to stay as focused as we can for the remainder of the year. 

Me Vs. My Computer

It is well known to all of my friends and family that I do not get along with technology. However, tonight my computer has taken our daily battle to a new low. Not only have I had to restart about ten times within a three hour time period, but it seems that now my computer has made plans with the rest of the technology in the house to conspire against me. As I tried to print part one of my AP Biology project, my computer refused to send the document to the printer. Then, the printer decided to turn its self off. Of course throughout my plight with the printer I found myself forced to restart my computer because of various errors. Finally, when I thought that the paper was actually going to print, the printer jammed. Fantastic! Eventually I managed to complete a process that should have taken at most about 20 minutes in about three hours. So then I go upstairs to my room to get a book for another class, and I flip on the light switch. Only, no light came on. I tried every light in my room, and of course, none of them worked. It seems that my room is the only area in the entire house to experience this phenomenon. I guess it makes sense though, apparently technology has decided to front a full out war against me. 

Quite The Conundrum

More time  +  less headaches = Data sheets

Happy Valentine's Day

Though it may be hard to believe Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Yes, Monday is February 14^th already! I thought it would be interesting to look up some facts about this well known holiday. I find it interesting that we put so much focus on this holiday, I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m not hating on Valentine’s Day, but I’m not quite sure that it’s worth all of the hype. I came across a few websites that depicted some interesting figures, so I decided to share a few of them below:

1.      About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets.

2.      Teachers will receive the most Valentine's Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then, sweethearts.

3.      About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged each year. That's the largest seasonal card-sending occasion of the year, next to Christmas.

4.      The average American will spend $119.67 on Valentine’s Day this year, up from $100.89 last year.

5.      Men spend almost twice as much on Valentine’s Day as women do. This year, the average man will spend $156, while the average woman will only spend $85.

6.      Hallmark produced its first valentine in 1913.

7.      Over 50 percent of all Valentine's Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the holiday.

If you enjoyed these and would like to learn more, please visit the following sites for the complete lists:

http://www.wisebread.com/weird-things-you-didnt-know-about-valentines-day

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/515777/weird_strange_and_obscurefacts_about.html

Are You Annoyed Yet?

So the other day I found myself searching on Google for some biology related jokes and pick-up lines that we shared in class. Eventually I found this one website that was compiled of a series of random jokes. One link on the site led to a humorous article titled “101 ways to annoy people”. For some reason this lead me to a search of other possible lists I could discover. When I typed into Google “ways to annoy people” it came back with a surprising 303, 000 results. So I decided to put together a list of my favorites. The humor I find in these really boils down to 1) picturing people actually doing these things and 2) thinking of the types of people who actually sit down and make these lists, who’s company I suppose I now share. (I’d like to think I don’t fit in with this crowd too well though given that this is simply a list of favorites, no originals that I can take credit for)

1.      Claim that you must always wear a bicycle helmet as part of your "astronaut training."
2.      Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with a can of Lysol.
3.      Ask people what gender they are.
4.      Make appointments for the 31st of September.
5.      As people talk, smell their shoulders.
6.      Throw newspapers back at paperboys.
7.      Recite Shakespearean poetry to everyone you meet. (Brings me back to the days of Othello)
8.      Continuously open your briefcase or bag and say into it, "Have you got enough air in there?"
9.      Every 30 minutes or so, call your friend who is babysitting and breathe into the phone.
10.   Spend an entire day speaking with a really fake British accent.

you can check out more at the following links:

http://www.dbooth.net/internerd/index.cfm?id=4


http://www.angelfire.com/nc2/truemeaning/50waystoannoypeople.html

Is This Necessary?

A new development to Bobbie’s Blog Banter has left me in a nervous state. Yes, I am referring to the required theme song that we students must now spontaneously perform for the class on the days of the show. I find myself worrying over the impending doom of being selected for this performance, mostly because, to be frank, I cannot sing to save my life. Whatever happened to the iPod soundtrack? I found this both entertaining and insightful, for it gave us a rare glimpse of Ms. Serensky’s iPod and music selection. And let’s face it, the iPod fit in well with the show. For isn’t the show supposed to be a fun experience to learn about what our fellow students are writing about? I think that the iPod added to the environment, instead of targeting individuals who most likely will end up blushing and stuttering through some made-up tune. Alright, I suppose it is slightly entertaining to watch this struggle, but I know for a fact that I do not want to experience it. At this time, public speaking is the second top fear in America, surpassed only by the fear of flying. So I think that it is reasonable to assume that most people become slightly nervous at the thought of belting out some notes at random for a class. For the benefit of Bobbie’s Blog Banter, I propose that we do away with the spot light singing, let’s bring back the iPod!

Blog Reflection

Overall, I have enjoyed my blogging experience. Though, at times, it has seemed to be a nuisance to blog two times a week plus comments, I do think that it adds to class. The blogs have provided me with an opportunity to revisit moments in class or explore new ideas. Plus, we all benefited from “Bobbie’s Blog Banter” at least as a source of entertainment. I think it was cool to see, when people did comment, other people’s opinions on my views. This was also cool because it presented the opportunity of joining the entire AP English 12 community instead of just the individual classes. I think that it is difficult, for me at least, to come up with blog entries that relate to English when we aren’t reading a book or at least discussing in class. If we continue to blog in the future, I would suggest only one entry on those weeks because of a lack of material to work with. In the end, I definitely prefer the blog option to poetry papers or a written final.

Body Art For Nerds

Heading to my locker on Friday, I subconsciously look at my hand to see what homework I have for the weekend. Scribbled in pen I find the words:

·        Turnitin.com

·        Blog

·        Anatomy

·        AP Bio packet

·        Current Events

Now that I think about it, I really don’t know why I wrote these out on the back of my hand. I mean I have a planner, and I actually write stuff in it. I guess it’s just easier to scan my hand while picking through my locker. But when I really think about it, it’s not just me who does this. Especially when something it due on turnitin.com or we need to bring in money for a new book in AP English several hands are decorated with scribbled reminders. It’s almost like a gang sign for AP English, yes our very own body art for nerds desperately trying to remember every assignment. I think that this also shows just how driven we are to succeed, to the point that we will start writing on ourselves with whatever we can find at the moment just to make sure all assignments are accounted for.