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.