Assignment #26 -William Webb

Writing has never been my strong suit so when we had already written a paper after the first week of school I was a little bit nervous for this class but ended up loving it.

One of my favorite things about this class was the speech that we did for our final in first semester. I thought this speech was a great way for us to express ourselves. It gave us an opportunity to talk about something that we found interest in. It also forced people to come out of their shells. Having to stand up in-front of the class and recite a memorized speech was challenging but pushed us in a good way.

Even though we did not end up needing to practice for the multiple choice section of the AP test, I felt that I would not have been prepared for it. During the year I think something we should have done more of was multiple choices practice tests. We focused a lot on writing papers, which was helpful, but splitting up some of the time to practice multiple choice would have made me feel more prepared.

Another thing I would have liked to do more of during the year is more of the small group discussions. When we were in a small group it was easier to get more feedback on the paper. I felt more comfortable talking with a small group of people rather then in large group discussions.

Assignment #24 -William Webb

Junior year has had its ups and downs but has been by far the most eventful year of my life. Even with Covid-19 making life difficult in many ways, I have still received and found new objectives for the future. Allowing for me to pave a path for myself and head down the correct path for the future. Even the hardships such as last years football season I was able to see what I can do and become. I've been able to find and meet new people in a variety of places. Finding myself and what I want to do with my life has been  prevalent piece of this junior year. I've learned how to balance myself and things in my life with ease. So taking into account that Junior year is suppose to be the hardest and most hard to coup with year I have fond that it just has helped me become a stronger and more independent person.

Assignment #23 -William Webb

1. How Deep is your Love -Bee Gees
I chose this song due to the fact that it is my most favorite song of all time. The hidden meaning within the song  speaks on another level to me. It was also my mothers favorite song which leaves even greater meaning behind it.
2. Let's stay together -Al Green
I chose this song because ever sense I could remember it was the only song I had downloaded on my iPod. Forcing me to listen to it on repeat for hours. And still hasn't got old yet.
3. It Was a Good Day -Ice Cube
Although this song differs from the rest it has a certain vibe unmatchable by any other song produced in the history of music.
4. Walking On a Dream -Empire of the Sun
This song is fairly new but has helped me succeed in the weight lifting world. It's a long story but I have made PR's to this song numerous times. It helps me relax and focus on the goal at hand.
5. Don't You -Simple Minds
First time I heard this song was in Breakfast Club and sense then it has remained as one of most favorite songs of all time

assignment #26 - lily gardner: (and now i find) now i find i've changed my mind, i've opened up the doors

Things I appreciated in class: socratic seminars (reading, discussion); writing many many many blog posts; a feeling of comfort; honesty from my teacher; practicing, a lot; writing a speech; making a movie; assignments that did not feel inherently related by were interesting nonetheless; anytime we read; flouting henry clay’s prescribed grading system; homework? who is she?

Things I didn’t appreciate so much: watching a webinar on leadership skills and development; where are the books? how can we learn to write if we do not read?; grading essays for days on end as an entire class; discovering that there are units? ap classroom videos felt radically different from class

I do not pretend to understand the intricacies of teacher pedagogy or claim to be a superb English teacher, but I think a fundamental component of any language based class should be reading. I’m not calling for a class wide analysis of Anna Karenina in the dead of winter, as I expect no one to read Russian literature at the height of Kentucky’s “great grey,” but perhaps more than a few articles for a socratic seminar would be nice. I just don’t understand how anyone can claim to be a good writer or understand the world and analyze it and think about what Abigail Adams wrote to her son if no one has Amy Tan or Shakespeare or Virginia Woolfe. How can we fully understand Ghandi’s quest for liberation without reading the unsanitized writings of Martin Luther King Jr. in tandem with romanticized depictions of colonization (Out of Africa)? Otherwise, we’re all going to think like Jeanine Cummins and write books about things we can’t understand and shouldn’t propagate. I love that this class is built upon foundations of relationships, and reading is the key to empathy in a world of ignorant white people that is increasingly divided. My schooling thus far has lacked any preparation for interaction with the world or guidance to navigate it or even an opportunity to think critically about what is happening right now, perhaps this is a start. And if we’re all going to be sitting at home next year, the least we can do is pick up a book or read an article.

Assignment 26: help!-Emma Lauritzen

I'm a person who loves writing so AP lang is somewhat my idea class. In terms of suggestions, I would offer the following, but honestly, I had very few problems with your class.

• It would have been cool to have feedback on the first-semester final 
• I was still somewhat confused with the scoring guide by the end of the year 
• I wished we could have done more inner-outer circle discussions 
• Small-group peer reviews could have been cool 
• I wished we would have had more feedback on our essays 

Overall I thought it was a great year and I'm sad that I won't be able to look forward to more blog posts because I absolutely love them. They brought joy to my weeks when I did them. Thank you for being my teacher this year. 

-E

Assignment 24: chapter three of four- Emma Lauritzen

I have had weird school years. There was the year that we had two weeks of snow days, the year the swine flu went around, the year we had a whooping cough outbreak, the year I was a part-time student, or the year where I was in the hospital and did a semester online. And then there was this year. The weirdest of them all, which is like a big combination of all of the other weird years. 

This was a good year for the most part. I finally found my perfect friend group, I somewhat discovered what I want to do with my life, I loved my teachers this year, and I made some great memories, and I played a bigger role in the school. Those were my successes, on the other hand I did have some failures. I dated a really mean guy, I confessed my love for another guy again, I didn't push myself hard enough in school, and I should have stayed more out of the drama and controlled my temper. 

One lesson I learned this year was that you can have your cake and eat it too. I learned that I can be happy, have fun, and be a good student. This was a big risk I took this year. Another risk I took was letting my freak flag fly and finally embracing myself for the loud, emotional, flower child that I am. 

This summer I was supposed to go to Costa Rica for a month. I was supposed to scuba dive, rock climb, see endangered species, and zipline. But instead, I will be not doing that. I don't really know what I will do this summer. I signed up to teach a psychology class this summer but besides that its an empty calendar. 

I have two goals for my senior year, the first one is to not cry more than five times in Ms. Deweeses class and the second is to experience a lot of joy. 

It's so odd that the year is over, se la vi (I don't know how to spell it and I also don't know what it means but I like it).

Assignment #23: Emma Lauritzen- the perfect playlist for a warm summer day in a field

Every parent wants to make sure they instill certain values and ideas in their children, and my father is no exception. However, the things my father wanted to instill in me are a little different than most parents. I wrote in a previous blog post the lessons my father gave me growing up, and those, of course, are some of the things my father wanted to make sure stuck with me throughout life. The other big one is music. Good. Classic. Music.

When I was 14, we were cleaning out my grandmas garage and I found hundreds of records, ranging from Bowie to the Who to Donovan and Led Zeppelin. Fantastic music. On that same trip, my uncle gave me some more records (the Beatles, talking heads, Prince, ect) and his old record player. From that point on I was addicted to music from the 70s and 80s, the same music my dad had been playing me my whole life during fishing trips and long car rides. The following playlist includes some of my favorites, specifically in the genre of folk rock and chill rock. 

This is my perfect playlist for laying in a field on a blanket on a warm summer day (weirdly specific, I know):

1. Choctaw Bingo (James McMurtry)
I chose this song because its a style of music I love and its a song that tells story. It reminds me of Tyler Childers. I put it first because it is the longest of the songs on my playlist and is a perfect mix of upbeat and folk and mixes well with the other songs because of this.

2. She's Not There (The Zombies)
I chose this song because it has the same vibes as house of the rising sun, which is my all time favorite song. I really like the vibes in this song and I put it second because its really chill.

3. Mary Janes Last Dance (Tom Petty)
I chose this song because it is my favorite song by Tom Petty, and after he died I started listening to it more. It is third because the color of the song is the same as the color for the number three.

4. House of the Rising Sun (The animals)
This is my favorite song of all time, which is why I put it near the middle of the playlist so that I can look forward to it.

5. Bad Moon Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
This song is another jam, and it puts me in a really good mood no matter the setting. It is the ideal song for laying in a field, and therefore it should be in the middle.

6. Magic Carpet Ride (Steppenwolf)
This is a great song, but not as memorable or exciting as the other songs. It reminds me of Cheech and Chong, therefore it goes sixth

7. I hoped I'm stoned when jesus takes me home (Charli Worsham)
This is literally the perfect song for laying in a field. The vibes of this song are immaculate. I got to see it performed live in a field over the summer at railbird.

8. Buttercup (hippocampus)
This is just a fun song to listen too but is also not as exciting as the other songs and therefore it goes eighth.

9. Rhiannon (Fleetwood Mac)
This is the perfect song to finish a show before the encore. Fleetwood Mac makes me feel like I am a hippie, who eats fruit a lot and picks flowers. This song is also perfect for this playlist

10. Take it Easy (The eagels)
This is the perfect encore song and it pulls the whole playlist together nicely. I like this song because I remember listening to it with my dad growing up and it makes me happy.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/48oxMZDW7itEHWuOa1GSLv?si=v0_oOcLVRPKo-CcNXFMCFQ     <---- This is the link

assignment #23 - lily gardner: sunday dinner scaries

Sunday Dinner, not dinner on a Sunday, is an inherently special thing. It is a final opportunity for freedom, shrouded in the reality of the Sunday scaries and, in my case, impending homework. I have discovered, however, that if I cycle through the many emotions of a Sunday evening through a solitary playlist as I mince garlic and throw it into hot oil, the pain is eased ever so slightly. Here is that playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3EpiIAlnSZe3LyuRMFBBkV?si=TvEDA2tkQHykZ9wdVozGVw. 

“El Cuarto de Tula,” Buena Vista Social Club - When I was younger, my mother made cinnamon rolls on Sunday mornings as she listened to folk music. On Sundays, I listen to Buena Vista Social Club and pretend I am back in Cuba as I make pancakes, which I understand are not quintessentially Cuban. It is how I survive the winter. It feels only appropriate to begin this playlist with the final feelings of joy that come on a Sunday morning, the only morning I ever wake up feeling truly rested. 

“Casio,” Jungle - I like the breeziness of Melissa Young’s voice as she sings about how she doesn’t care that her boyfriend is unhappy during the chorus of this song. Apparently, For Ever (album) is intended to sound like “a post apocalyptic radio station playing break up songs.” I simply like the neo-funk whisperings of this song, and how it lets me down gently from my bolero high. I saw this song live, and I like the remember that day on Sunday evenings when I am anywhere except a bar in Nashville. 

“Barefoot in the Park,” James Blake + ROSALIA - I adore ROSALIA and James Blake as individuals, and listen to the former every single day. I have never seen the film of this same name, but my understanding is that it is about a couple in which the mans lacks spontaneity and the woman has an overabundance of it. I like this song. I think about my Monday during it. It is like the time warp in Interstellar and I emerge intellectually cognizant of the fact that Monday is coming yet believing in God enough to think that it won’t arrive quite yet. 

“Monday, Monday,” The Mamas and the Papas - As the title suggests, this is a song bemoaning Mondays. I participate in this bemoaning. Then I get over it. Because, “every other day of the week is fine, yeah,” so just have to suck it up. I am conflicted about whether I can continue to listen to The Mamas and the Papas after hearing that John Phillips had a relationship with his daughter. 

“Ottoman,” Vampire Weekend - Despite the upbeat tune, this entire song is about the impending failure of a relationship, with sweeping comparisons to famous empires of the past, notably, the Ottoman. Ezra Koenig’s voice brings me joy, so does the memory of this song, which I saw live. Again, a good memory to evoke on a Sunday evening, and one that helps lift me from the Sunday scaries induced by the two previous songs. It was the final song at their concert in Cincinnati, and balloons were tossed into the audience and people were screaming and I cried ten feet away from greatness. Sometimes I pause the playlist here, as I am again crying - of happiness, surprise! Who would have thought on a Sunday?

“Forever,” HAIM - These final songs are not quite so interesting. I don’t often listen to dance pop except when I do Ryan Heffington workouts on the porch of my grandmother’s house at 4 PM on Thursdays. But on Sunday evenings, they’re just the ticket. This song is particularly funky because it has drum beats styled by reggae as three Jewish girls sing. I feel like I’m a part of the family. 

“I Wanna Be Your Lover,” Prince - Who doesn’t want to end their cooking listening to Prince? An icon. No explanation necessary. 

“All My Friends are Falling in Love,” The Vaccines - Ok, admittedly, this is far from dance pop. But it achieves a very similar purpose, and feels like a good English teen movie in which high school is far from hell and something that can be looked forward to. As you can see, we’ve gotten to a stage of hyped up delusion.

emanuelle sippy—assignment 26—what's a synonym for "prompts" ?????

I really enjoy writing and talking, so mostly, this class was a bet. 

I appreciate that we didn't have a ton of work and barely had homework. 

I appreciate that you also don't like the grading scale of our school. 

I appreciate that much of the time in your classroom, we were teaching and learning from each other—it wasn't just a one way exchange between you and students but a recognition that students would learn from other students and that as much as you were there to teach us, you also knew there were things we could teach you. 

I appreciate that you don't shy away from conversations and topics that others deem "political." News flash, people: everything is political. Wearing a mask is political. 

I loved the socratic seminars and wish we had done more of them and done them earlier on in the year. I also think we can go beyond retorical devices and into arguments in order to  have real exchanges where we question each other, ourselves, and our opinions. I think it would be cool if we got to recommend articles for socratics. Maybe even each student could pick one, and we could use them throughout the year. 

I wish the visual literacy projects were more flexible (i.e. that we could address any topic we're interested in and not just advertisement and office supplies). 

I don't mind the timed writings as much as I thought I would but do think we should spend less time grading and more time writing. 

I love writing the blogs !!!! It'd be cool if we got to write some of the prompts? For ourselves or like randomly assigned to others? One of the prompts could be to write a prompt and then the next one could be to answer one of your classmates'.  

I think there is more we can do to co-create our education, especially with a teacher that is as understanding and flexible as you are. But I recognize that in our current system, that is far from easy. 

Thanks for recognizing that we're learning from the things we do outside of school as much if not more than in school and thanks for actually asking and caring about what I was doing when I missed class :) 

emanuelle sippy—assignment 25—whether told through sign language interpreters or in thick-accents

I think it's hard for me to write this one because I feel like I've told bits of pieces of my story in responding to all the prompts and have already been repetitive. I don't want to say the same thing, so this time I'll try something different—less me, more the people who've shaped me and my sense of purpose in the world. 

Grandpa Lachman immigrated to America as a graduate student; he was only one of 6,000 Asian Indians to enter the U.S. between 1947 and 1965. In his retirement, he spends countless hours tutoring children and helping them access opportunities that might otherwise be out of their reach. 

Nani listened to patients in mental health crisis in Richmond, CA, counseling mothers who resorted to feeding their babies McDonald’s in order to keep them from starving. 

Grandpa Jonathan heard the shots of the 1972 Yom Kippur War, but he also heeded calls for peace, removing shrapnel out of the eyes of soldiers, Palestinian and Israeli alike. 

Grandma Carol documented the stories of Holocaust survivors, so we not only remember for those who came before us but also for those who will come after. 

Mom seeks to make the strange familiar and the familiar strange through teaching students the nuances of religion & violence and women & gender studies. (She claims if you put certain words in the titles of your classes, more students will want to take them. Hence: Sex, Jews, & Gender, Desire & Diaspora, and Sexuality & Religious Controvestory).

Aba builds interfaith coalitions through hearing and uplifting the experiences of others, addressing that the undocumented community has largely been left out of COVID-19 relief. 

Working to repair the world may not be genetic, but for me, it’s never been elective; it’s an expectation. 

The first roundtable I ever attended was at the Kentucky School for the Deaf. I was in eighth grade, sitting in an over-air conditioned room with strangers, but ironically, this was the place I learned the power of listening.

A few weeks later, I sat down with refugee and immigrant students. I became immersed in their words—the dichotomy between their unflinching gratitude to this country and the daily slur of their classmates’ insults, which they repeated without anger and with remarkable eloquence. 

Stories are vital, whether told through sign language interpreters or in thick-accents. I'd like to think mine lies in listening (but tbd I'm a bit too much of an extrovert for that to be the case).

Assignment #26- Sam Chavez- Dang this is the last one?

Reading and writing has NEVER been my strong suite. All skills in the English language skills in the Chavez household were given to my sister, and while it has and will continue to carry her far in life, this subject has always caused me to struggle. 

I will start this with my “criticisms” which there are few of don’t worry. To start, I found the the majority of the vocabulary I haven’t used. Maybe I could be using it more and don’t even know it, but as of right now, it was of little to no use for me personally. Secondly, I find the grading on Socratic Seminars to not encourage thorough responses, but only push for ANY words you can think of just to get your grade. Many times I found that I read the essay and did all of the work, but it just didn’t particularly strike me and therefore left me with little to say about it, this isn’t because I didn’t do the work, just because comprehension for me is hard. So, Socratic Seminars themselves are fine, however the way in which they are graded to be relooked at.

Now don’t take these little criticisms as me saying your class wasn’t effective, because for the first time in way too long, some of these essays I actually enjoyed writing. Most english in high school such far has been very bland and left me with skills I don’t feel that I will use later in life. Your constant encouragement to step outside of our comfort zones while writing the practices actually lead me to enjoy creating pieces of writing and for that, I thank you. Your approach at teaching to the test and not just throwing random reading in our face is EFFECTIVE, and that’s all we as students should ask from a teacher. Overall this year with you wasn’t as bad as I thought, you weren’t just another Literature robot who asked me empty analysis questions, you were a real teacher and a human at all times.

This is pretty broad now isn’t it- assignment 25- Sam Chavez

This prompt leave light years of room for interpretation, while many common app prompts are like this, I keep finding it difficult to find one certain aspect of my life that sets me apart from the applicant pool. I mean on paper, I seem pretty basic. Besides my hispanic last name and spanish skills, I can’t seem to find something really “juicy” that makes me stick out. My true life experiences do. However these don’t show on college applications. My experiences in different corners of the United States and deep hispanic roots ARE what set me apart. Constant change and adjustment have made me who I am today and my parents extremely different experiences in early life that have given me different point of views on life that I am extremely thankful for.

Junior year: meh-Assignment #24- Sam Chavez

Everyone said that Junior year was gonna be grueling and that I wouldn’t have any time to see my friends because i’d spend the weekends studying, and need sleep after every day at school. While I did study hard and usually felt like a nap was a great idea after classes, I found that this year offered a healthy balance between work and play that i’ve been told by my sister is similar to college. This year is the year I feel like we start to become more responsible for our in-school work and work more independently than any year previously completed. This year was full of things that made me want to stop working, deaths in the family, hard days, a car accident, but this year has taught me that temporary sacrifice leads to success in the long term. While I wanted to spend this summer with my friends and boosting my college resume, it doesn’t look like those will be as easy as previously thought. I was wanting to volunteer at the summer teen program at Baptist Health hospital, but Covid-19 has proven to have other plans. I want my senior year to be a combination of all of my previous years. Though the work will likely not be any easier, I feel that I have the knowledge and time management skills that my previous years taught me so I can tackle it with “ease.” I’ll report back and let you know how that goes.

assignment #26 - here ya go - taylor galavotti

heyo! i just want to say thanks for keeping your class a respite from the drudgery that was junior year.  we consistently got off topic but it was for the betterment of our brains i think. being able to think creatively was one of the greatest aspects of your class. i thoroughly enjoyed the freedom you allowed us in our writing and honestly these blog posts that gave me a chance to write about whatever pretty much whenever. i also enjoyed grading essays during class when debate and discussion could be facilitated because we were in a group setting but i don't think spending class time to grade essays in silence was the best use of our time because we weren't making the most of the resource that was most abundant: each other.

reviewing the benchmarks at the beginning of each timed writing was helpful in working towards what AP was looking for but i think the grading of essays slowly became subjective to the reader. as in "if i liked this essay, it gets a 6," or "this essay was boring because it was so thorough so i'm giving it less points." i'm not quite sure how that can be combatted except using the rubric to back up everything you say in class, especially the grading.

apart from that, i found many activities to be helpful in class, especially the socratic seminars and the Writing with Style book. you should definitely continue those into the next year.

at the risk of sounding like a brown-nosing suck up, thank you again. your class was very helpful for me in developing my style and voice outside of the "norm" of rhetorical analysis essay and the creative outlets you provided were greatly appreciated.

assignment 26 - year in review - cole knight

So, I'm going to start with the criticisms that I have, which should be pretty brief, and mostly have to do with the multiple choice section of the test. I have no idea how you're supposed to teach the ability to read critically, so maybe taking the "practice makes perfect" approach is the best that can be done, but I do think that the amount of time that was devoted to honing in on the skills taught within the writing portion of the test wasn't exactly proportionate to the time focusing on the multiple choice section.

On the positive side, I genuinely want to say thank you to Mr. Logsdon for making me enjoy writing for the first time since elementary school. It got kind of tiring writing essays every few weeks, but the approach taken to writing in class, which was extremely challenging (not using no-no words), high-stakes (I don't want the class to read my terrible essay), and interesting (finding a new way to twist the prompt into something beyond a 5-point-3). I didn't enter this class liking to write, but I'm leaving with a genuine desire to continue improving my skills, and I think the simple, yet effective approach to this class is the primary reason why.

Finally, I know I was totally insufferable in this class (especially, I hope/think, during first semester), and I want to thank Mr. Logsdon for putting up with my pseudo-intellectual hot takes and not completely losing his mind every time I raised my hand to make some half-baked criticism of a perfectly fine essay.

Assignment #26- Ellis Padgett- Last One

What I found most effective were the practice essays and the book Writing With Style. I even think that book could be incorporated more throughout the year, so that the information it provides is constantly refreshed. As for the essays, I feel that completing them in general was very helpful. They helped me practice timing, and your feedback on the essays helped guide me through my writing.

We spent a lot of time grading essays in class, and while I see the value in that, sometimes I received mixed responses from my peers. For instance, sometimes you would give me a good score and point out areas of my essay that you liked, but my classmates would find fault in those same areas. It felt like mixed messages. 

But what struck me the most about the class was your encouragement of a fun and fluid style of writing. For the first time in my life, taking risks in writing was valued. That made all the difference to me. I finally had a teacher who did not idolize the 5 paragraph essay, and who smiled and laughed at the weird essays. This year, I started writing in my free time again, and I continue to make choices that reflect what I learned in your class. So for that, I thank you. 

Blog Post 26: Annie Bohannon "Wrapping it Up"

I think that I was very prepared for the AP test through this class. The assignemtns that did the most to prepare me was the practice timed writings. Although, they are not fun at the time having the practice made the AP test feel less stressful. You sent a remind saying that we had completed 12 timed writings over the year. It didn't seem like we had comeplted that many over the year but it turns out we did. I honestly would have been fine with doing more timed writings even if we did not spend the time to critique each one. I thought the grading was helpful but it took so long to do that I would rather be writing another essay for practice instead. I also liked reading the Writing With Style book. There were a lot of good points in it and I wish I had remembered to utlize more throughout the year. Overall, I learned a lot from your class and it was a great experience.

Blog Post 23: Annie Bohannon "Sleep Playlist"

My playlist is going to be a perfect playlist for when you want music to fall asleep to. The first song is “Love Galore” by Sza featuring Travis Scott, I picked this song because it has a very calm beat and the way Sza sings is very soothing to me. She also adds a voicemail recording at the end of the song that adds to the song a lot. The second song is “Needy” by Ariana Grande, and I like this song for this playlist because the beat features orchestra music, which is what I listen to when studying because it’s calming. The third song on this playlist is “Break My Heart Again” by FINNEAS and it fits well with this playlist because the beat is really calm and the singer has a pleasing voice. This song also features texting noises in the background of the beat and I think it adds to the piece. The fourth song I would add to this playlist is “The Ellie Badge” by Michael Giacchino and it’s actually the song from the movie Up played on the piano. This song has no lyrics and the piano piece is kept really simple and it would be calming to fall asleep to. The fifth song I would add to this playlist is “City of Stars” by Ryan Gosling from the movie La La Land. This is the version of the song that is very lowkey with few instrumentals, and it features Gosling whistling to the tune of the song.

Blog Post 24: Annie Bohannon "Senior Year!!!"

It’s really strange that I’m going into my last year of highschool, with my Junior year getting cut short it all went by too fast. For my senior year, I want to keep good grades and just enjoy high school before I head off to college. I want to actually figure out which college I want to attend, and pick a major that is exciting to me. In order to reach these goals, I’m going to put more focus into studying and understanding the curriculum I’m being given. In terms of picking which colleges I want to attend, I plan on making multiple different visits to campuses over the summer and during the fall semester of 2020, if Corona restrictions are lifted. If not, I will go on the online virtual tours and try to talk to some of the school’s alumni. The biggest lesson I learned this year is to not take high school for granted, because it can all get taken away quickly.

Haley Noehren - Assignment #26 - the end

Overall I feel like I was pretty well prepared for the AP test. As much as I dreaded them, I do think doing multiple timed writings helped me get into the grove of what AP was looking for and how to write better. Easing our way into the timed writings helped me get a feel for what I could do to make my writing better and then doing more strict 45 min timed writings toward the end of the year allowed me to implement the things I had learned from earlier timed writings. I liked blog posts cause it was fun to express myself and enjoy writing - but I don't think that it was a major factor in my preparation for the AP exam. (that being said I still enjoyed them). Overall I'd say I was well prepared for the AP exam (my essay was long, per usual, not my best but not my worst).

One thing that I do think could be improved on is maybe a more in-depth explanation of rhetorical strategies. I feel like the ones I pick are always basic and don't have a lot of meaning or importance in the analysis so I think it would help to explore that more in-depth. Oh, and I'm still a bit confused about what SPACE CAT is or does or how to use it.

In summary, I think timed writings worked the best. I can definitely see how my writing has improved and hopefully I did well on the AP exam (although I misspelt my authors name in three different ways. whoops.)

Assignment #26- Miller Luhan- Our Class

In summary, your class was very, very effective. I liked that our work was mainly completed in class, minimizing homework. I also liked that we learned for the test because I felt most confident when taking this AP exam (I got done with like 10 minutes remaining and wrote a good paper)- given it was helpful that this years' exam was shortened, however the techniques and styles we learned were very useful. I found this especially when doing projects outside of class like the JFK contest essay that I submitted. I also thing that our group discussions and readings were effective- not just in strengthening our understanding of the assignments, but also learning from others' ideas and writing styles!

I thoroughly enjoyed our class' off days- I wouldn't say the content was very effective, but in my mind those days made your class very effective in focusing because much like anything (as many athletes or performers can attest to) it's difficult to be "on" [top of your game] all of the time and those days helped bring the class back together on days that we NEEDED to focus.

As for next year, the main thing I was confused about until about 2nd semester was exactly what SPACE-CAT was, I now realize that it's basically the formula for creating each of these essays (maybe a short college board video at the beginning of the semester would help with this confusion).

Assignment #26 - Irene Kim - Last One :(

All things considered, I've learned a lot from this class. The most effective components, in my opinion, were the timed writings and the blog posts. Simulating the under-pressure writing tasks (I'm super grateful we focused mostly on the rhetorical analysis in class this year!) definitely prepared me for the AP exam best. The blog posts were also a good break from the typical AP standard curriculum. It let us be a bit more free in our writing and our subject matter, which probably a lot of us appreciated greatly!

Going back to the timed writings, while I liked the concept and simulation aspect of it, one suggestion would be to incorporate the rhetorical situation more. We did go over the SPACECAT format and annotated prompts based on it, so maybe this is just me. But I didn't realize how important it was to include the rhetorical situation in our commentary until it was mentioned in the AP YouTube review videos. Maybe when students go over their essays and grade them, check for the rhetorical situation as a part of the Row B points in the commentary.

Looking back on the year as a whole, I've learned a lot about my writing and the importance of writing as a whole. Thanks for a good year & I wish you all the best things, too!

assingment #24 - dude i don't know - taylor galavotti

junior year. ahhhhhh what a time to be alive, am i right? no i'm definitely not.

this year was filled with changes in a word. my best friend moved to north carolina. i missed a whole lot of school. college became more imminent than ever. i i started listening to one direction. i made new friends. i kept old ones.

my mom just told me that i look like i'm about to fall asleep and and then i danced around my kitchen to harry styles by myself. that was kind of the entire vibe of junior year. working hard until the last possible second then having the most fun of my entire life. i pulled more all-nighters this year than all of my previous years combined. i went to universal studios with two of my best friends and without my mom. my resume doubled in size and my afternoons were consistently filled with extra-curriculars. i had the time of my life in washington, dc at a model un conference. it's that dichotomy that defined my junior year.

i also learned SO much. like calculus. i now know what a differential equation is. i understand the question that cady was asked at the mathlete tournament. i'm that level of educated now. and physics never seemed like a real class. but now i kind of understand.

junior year has had a lot of ups and downs to sum it up. but i wouldn't trade it for anything.

Assignment #24 - Irene Kim - Future

It almost feels surreal that the year is basically over. I took the AP exam for this class just a couple hours ago! This year has taken a lot of weird turns, but now it's almost summer and then it'll be our last year of high school. As for personal successes, I feel like a big thing was improving my mental health. It's been quite the journey, but this year I've felt the most stable and generally happy. I've also discovered a lot of new things about myself through therapy, and I think that self-awareness aspect is a big part of coping with mental issues! Academically, I'm also proud of myself and everyone who took the AP exams online this year. Just one more to go tomorrow! For failures, it feels weird not to include the COVID-19 crisis in this. Without a doubt it's been a dismal year, but I hope that everyone will try to follow the social distancing guidelines and bring our health rates back on track. For risks taken, I think therapy would probably be the biggest one. I'm not much of a risk taker and I don't love to spill my feelings out to a stranger, but in the long run, it's been really helpful. I've learned that I have social anxiety and OCD. But I've also learned that these are "conditions," not necessarily "diseases," and that they will fluctuate depending on the situation, and that you are able to overcome them (though I have yet to fully do so). In the long run, I think that experiencing these conditions will help build my character, which was far different from the approach I had before taking therapy. As for mistakes made, I think I could have stepped out of my comfort zone more. As I said, I'm not the greatest risk taker. Even with the smallest of things, including starting a conversation (especially over zoom or online!) or greeting my neighbor, sometimes I just kind of shrivel into a shell. It's different with close friends, but I'm really sorry if you've ever had to sit in a zoom with me while I sit silently and smile uncomfortably. :) But that's definitely something I want to become better at next year!

For the summer, I plan to spend a lot of time with family, trying to find some fun things to do at home, and work on my college applications. I'm really excited to attend GSP this summer--hopefully it doesn't get cancelled! Regarding senior year, I would really like to come back to school in person. Health and safety come first without a doubt, but if it is safe, it would be nice to see friends again and sit in class in person. Coming out of quarantine, I think we'll all learn to be grateful for little things like this that we took for granted before! I'm also super excited to continue HeForShe Club with Hannah, Megan and Araya. Lots of new prospects for the coming year!

Assignments #26- Help for Mr. Logsdon- Benjamin Webster

Preparing for any AP exam is tough but I thought this class prepared me for it. The timed writings in class was extremely helpful because it provides feedback from my peers and forces me to be more cognizant of my work. I also enjoyed the blog posts. They were a relaxed assignment and it helped me think more about myself than I normally do. Thanks you for your help this year. I just hope it payed off on the exam.

The only suggestions I have is you should space out the vocab so it isn't forgotten right before the AP exam. I also suggest you find a way to work on the style point. I noticed throughout the year everyone tried to go for the one point instead of focusing on the other five others. I think if you somehow used the blogs in class to work on catchy writing, that would be the best way. This would help keep people from worrying to much and inadvertently hurting their own writing. You are a seasoned teacher so you can change and form this into something that works if you like this idea.

Assignment #26 - Wes Davis - Feedback

I'm not sure how much useful feedback I can provide. As you said, you're effective, and over the years the way you've taught the class has obviously refined the way this class has been taught. 

I'm not sure how useful I found the vocabulary quizzes to be. Maybe it's because I didn't study them as much as I could have but I don't remember the vast majority of the vocabulary we learned in the first semester. I found it useful on the ACT, however learning the vocabulary words in a different format might encourage better retention of the words. I found that I would forget the words within days after the quizzes. Doing the vocabulary in another format, though I"m not sure what format would be the best, would help (or maybe I just need to dedicate more time to studying them). Additionally, while I loved the socratic seminars, if they had been more spaced out it would've promoted more thoughtful analysis of the texts and more in-depth discussion. The turn-around was sometimes too quick, and the time we spent doing the seminars felt too short (however, ms. rona might be partially to blame). The discussions were effective in catalyzing important discussions about racial issues, queer issues, etc. as well as the craft of writing. 

My writing has improved tremendously over the course of this school year, and I attribute my growth to the methods and rigor presented by the way in which you taught this class. Thank you for a great year academically! :) 

Assignment 26- Sneha Amrit The End of The Year

I’m honestly having trouble remembering what in person class was like and they kind of concerns me, however there are some major this I remember. While the weekly vocab quizzes didn’t usually go well for me I felt like they really helped me on the reading section of the ACT, so I think that was good. I also think that taking the multiple choice tests were good since otherwise I don’t know if I’d practice, however since the ap tests changed we won’t know how much it helped. The practice of the essays helped me a lot, I think grading the essays in class helped me a lot too because I was able to hear what other people thought about essays and it made me really know the rubric. I liked the Socratic seminars but I didn’t like how they were so close together I feel like it would be better if you did one a month so that it would be more spread out and people would be able to reflect more.

Assignment 24: this made me sad :/ - Hannah Qazi

Although the second half of my junior year has most certainly not been pleasant - with plenty of inconveniences that I'd like to forget, the first half definitely makes up for it. I started off this year a little overwhelmed with all the extra work and expectations, but I think I adjusted fairly quickly with the help of friends - both new and old. I surprised myself in many ways though, and I'd like to say I've grown. I took a risk and switched from speech to debate, and although I wasn't as successful as I'd hope to be, I still won best speaker for public forum at my first tournament. I kind of scared myself when I was debating because I actually started to like it. I still made a good amount of mistakes this year, both academically and personally, but I'm not really sad about it and I've come to accept them. I've been trying to manifest my new goals for senior year (which have definitely changed in the past three months) and I think some of them are starting to come true even now. The only good thing this pandemic has given me is more time, and with it I don't feel pressured or anxious anymore. I have space to think and reflect on myself and I think that's my main goal for the rest of 2020. I don't have many expectations for senior year - if we're lucky enough to even have one :( - but I just hope I spend the last moments of high school doing what I enjoy most, with the people I most enjoy.

Assignment 23: For the dancing queens stuck in quarantine - Hannah Qazi

Okay, if I'm being honest I'm one of those people that just compiles every single song into one giant playlist - BUT I think it's justifiable because they all carry the same vibe. What is this specific ~vibe~ you ask? It's hard for me to actually make sense of it (well in reality its actually pretty simple and cliche), but if I had to confine into one sentence I'd say its one that make you stare and the wall while lying on your carpet at three in the morning and question if you're living in a simulation (I'm sorry if that made you roll your eyes, I get it). Anyways, if I had to name this playlist, I'd call it the perfect playlist to daydream to while you're stuck in quarantine.

1. Yeah Right - Joji

I'm not gonna lie, I stole this song from my brother because we low-key have the same taste in music despite our nine year age difference, but we'll never admit that to each other. If I had to choose one song, and one song only for this playlist - this would be it because it fits the vibe perfectly. It's kind of depressing and just sad, but it's a good sad..I think? (also sorry for the explicit language)

2. Lost - Frank Ocean (but slowed and reverbed)

I don't think the slowed version is actually on spotify, but if you look it up on youtube you'll find it. The original is more than good enough, but there's something about slowed and reverbed versions of songs that make them hit different - almost as if they're a new song. I'm also beginning to realize that all of these songs are just plain sad, but for some reason they're oddly calming, kind of like this quarantine.

3. Dark Red - Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy's music always makes feel like I'm not cool enough to listen to it, but like it's too good to not. This song definitely isn't as sad as some of the others on this playlist, but it still fits. I'm surprised this still hasn't been used in some A24 film, but it always makes me feel like I'm in one when I listen to it.

4. All For Us - Labyrinth & Zendaya
I haven't even seen Euphoria (I've heard it's really intense so I don't think I'd be into it) but after just watching the trailer for it I became obSessed with this song - like i listened to it for a straight hour. This song is kind of haunting but also makes you feel like you're having a really bad trip.

5. 13 Beaches (slowed and reverbed of course) - Lana Del Rey
Everyone thought I was weird for listening to Lana in like the fourth grade and I'm kind of annoyed of how mainstream she's become, but her music (especially her demos she REFUSES to release) always make me think she's actually a siren. I once heard she was literally drinking a milkshake while performing and people were so entranced they didn't even realize.

Assignment #24- Ezra Mulalic

This year was a pretty interesting one, but it was for sure not easy. With the amount of assignments from Calculus, and the dreaded key terms from apush. I'm going to be happy not having to do those anymore, and take a nice long break. For senior year, my goal is to try to do the least amount of work possible and have a fun time. This summer my goal is to travel around and go to different states, and go over to Europe and meet my other family. I hope to become bilingual and do a standing back flip casually.  I wish to become more proficient in my piano playing, and want to get more sleep overall. Quarantine has made me appreciate naps more and hanging out with my brother. Some mistakes that I have made were procrastinate too much and I hope to fix that throughout my senior year. I hope my senior year will be a fantastic year. 

Assignment 23- The Bosnian Vibe Song- Ezra Mulalic

1. "Hajdemo u planine" by Bijelo Dugme

A 1980's Bosnian classic that is sure you get you singing and dancing. Even if you don't understand what they are saying the slightest, you can't seem to stop yourself from enjoying it. Whenever I play this song around my parents they always seem to be a little happier. This song is a must have in an Bosnian playlist.
2. "Suada" by Plavi Orkestar

This song is about a girl named Suada, and how she is everything to this man. This is like a love song to her and the artist is expressing the amount of love he has for her. Plavi Orkestar is a pretty famous bang in Bosnia, and this song became a hit there.
3. "Volio BiH" by Dubioza kolektiv

This song is about a band group expressing what they would like to change. Volio means I would like to and some things they say is that they want Ronaldo, a professional soccer play, to play for Bosnia so they can be better at soccer because they aren't the greatest, and how they would like the show Tom and Jerry back in Bosnia. It is a little goofy song and very fun to listen to.
4. "Crni Leptir" by Yu Grupa

Crni Leptir is a really old classic that practically every one in Bosnia knows. The title means black butterfly and it is a slow and almost romantic song. The singer says that he once used to be a butterfly but the light made him lose his wings so he warns the others to go into the night. The song is fantastic and I would recommend it to everyone.
5. "Zivejla Bosna" by Mahir Burekovic

Zivejla Bosna means live Bosnia, and it is a wartime song. It is a patriotic song for Bosnians and it embraces faith and hope. The song is very beautiful and I absolutely love it. I could practically listen to this song all day non stop, and I really wish you listen to it.

assignment #23 - "i've been doing homework for more than 4 hours and i think my brain is going to leak out of my ears" playlist- taylor galavotti

1. "kiwi" - harry styles

it's iconic first of all, so it deserves to be at the top of the list. i am physically unable to restrain myself whenever this song comes on. it's the epiphany of headbanger rock anthem that everyone and their pet hamster should listen to. i also use this song as a dance break/exercise to get my mind off of whatever homework i've procrastinated doing for the past 3 and 1/2 hours. it's the perfect song to begin my anti-brain leak sesh.

2. "rat a tat" - fall out boy

first off, don't judge. fall out boy is fantastic. next up on the anti-brain leak playlist for me has to be a song i can scream all the lyrics to so i can get all the excess words out of my brain. it's like induced word vomit. kinda gross but you get the point. this song in particular is fantastic to sing out loud/perform at madison square gardens.

3. "shake it out" - doll skin

as the name implies, this is the best song to shake it out. stresses, anxieties, the impending carpal-tunnel from all the typing. it's a softer cover of the original but still carries the same empowering message that you can do this and it'll be okay no matter what demons may pop up. it suits the very middle of the playlist because it transitions from the harder, edgier vibes to more concentrated, chiller vibes.

4. "redwood tree" - jamie drake

ok first off, this song is beautiful. as soon as it comes on, it feels like you've been transported into that one scene in sleeping beauty when aurora is dancing in the woods with no shoes on. i find the song very soothing and "vibe-y" for lack of a better term. it clears out the last of the word vomit and gently  transitions into the last song on my anti-brain leak playlist.

5. "homecoming" - green day

now, you might be asking, "taylor you said this was to stop brain leakage so you could get back to work asap, but you ended your playlist with a song that is 9 MINUTES LONG!?!?" the truth is, dearest reader, this song takes you on one last whirlwind of emotions that clears out your brain one last time before you sit down to begin again. compare it to your last day at the theme park. you're going to eventually leave, you know that, but you want to spend as much time there as you can and experience all the rides one last time. the songs before homecoming are all represented in some way in homecoming. nice little system i've set up here. you've got the thrilling rock energy of kiwi right in the beginning. the scream lyrics energy of rat a tat in the 6th stanza of the song (yes i counted). the empowerment of shake it out in the chorus of the song. and finally the soothing waterfall that is redwood tree in the outro. it's the perfect closing to this anti-brain leak playlist. also it's my all-time favorite song. added bonus.

Assignment #25- Just a hungry, loyal dog- Benjamin Webster

You read the title right, I consider myself a dog. For starters, I share a lot of traits with dogs. I am loyal and whenever I'm needed, I'll always be there for my friends and strangers alike. I like attention a little to much and can be a little messy. I hunger for a wide variety of foods. That "hunger" doesn't just apply to nutrition, it applies to life.

If a dog wants something, it will do its best to get it whether that be a car or its own tail. It applies back to my ambitions and aspirations. I want to get faster in the pool and I do what it takes to accomplish it. My three 110% awards from two different swim teams is proof of it. Dogs are also extremely flexible. I go with the flow and usually have a high degree of adaptability to a new situation. I can be the alpha of the pack or gladly follow another strong leader. This doesn't stop me from being independent. I'm also able to be a lone wolf and take care of myself.

I don't have the urge to bark at other people or slobber or shed everywhere. The personality of a dog is something I think people strive for. Everyone wants to be likable, loyal, persistent, confident, strong and adaptable. Although I'm far from perfect as dogs are, I'll always try to be the best version of myself.

paradox prayer—assignment 24—emanuelle sippy

hmmm, wow, where to begin.

this year was insane. the best way i can describe it is high highs, low lows, in between in-betweens.

actually, that's not the best way. borrowing this phrase from a friend, but it's been a "paradox prayer."

here are some people shared when she offered that prompt on a zoom recently:

being together // being alone
to be alive at this time is terrifying // to be alive at this time is inspiring
this too shall pass // this will have lasting impacts
we are safe // we are vulnerable
this is a crisis // this is an opportunity
it is ok to be happy // it is ok to be sad
i am terrified // i am hopeful
i am strong // i need help
i am doing // i am still
it is time for vigilance // it is time for ease
it is too much to hold // my heart has infinite capacity
as i am separated from all i am connected to all

of course, this is the perfect prompt for this moment in time vis a vis the pandemic but upon writing this, i'm thinking it's also the perfect prompt for this moment vis a vis an end and a beginning.

this year has been high highs // low lows. this year has been lazy // productive,  fun // miserable, tired // energized, absent // running late, missing // turned in, asleep // barely awake. the paradoxes abound. but i wonder too, how the similarities do. in many ways this year wasn't all that different (minus the rona) from sophomore or freshWOmen year. of course, i'm different. of course, my friends are different. of course, my ideas and desires and work are different. but when i think about the year as a whole, it isn't all that different.

i want senior year to be. that's it. that's my goal.

the strange familiar / the familiar strange—assignment 23—emanuelle sippy

disclaimer: not sure this is cohesive at all, it's more like organized chaos.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7sco2z8JrdSnSLiOSVnsHb?si=LI813VzGSIeWwPOR-tF-uQ

matanot ktanot—rami kleinstein
the first song i chose for this playlist is one a crazy hebrew teacher introduced me to in fourth grade, after teaching us about an antisemitic attack in france. i think i remember that hour of that day in that classroom so clearly because it was one of the first times someone was so raw with me about a hate crime & the song, called "small gifts," is basically a love story with shabbat, a day of rest and pause and peace—exactly what we all needed in that moment. 

everything looks better (in hindsight)—the wild reeds

the next song is one i found listening to tiny desk concerts—yay!!! this is a common thread, you'll soon find out. i love tiny desks. a lot. as i've mentioned, in almost every single blog post ever, i overthink and doubt and question and am extremely indecisive. and that's a nice trait sometimes. other times it—well, let's not sugar coat it—sucks. for me, this song is about my relationship with uncertainty and overthinking, of often wishing i could go back and have a do-over. "my mind travels through memories."

sweet FA—peach pit

if i'm being real, i have nothing to say about "sweet FA." i just like it. my bro introduced me to it & i needed something to help with the flow of this playlist, which is basically non-existent soooo that's that. 

dogs laying around playing—my bubba

"dogs laying around playing" is another tiny desk find. i love this song because it speaks to time (and how annoying it is), it speaks to our expectations of ourselves and others, how they're often unrealistic, and it speaks to stuckness, to being lost, to creating and recreating. "my murder is never but my giving birth is all the time."

habib galbi—A-WA

"habib galbi" is just a jam. a prof at a summer program introduced it to me last year. he had us view the song as literature and as political and as both at the same time. the story of A-WA, three sisters whose grandmother immigrated to israel as a refugee from yemen is deeply moving and interesting to me as someone who cares about the region, about human rights, and about coexistence. 

being so normal—peach pit

"being so normal" is another random one i'll blame on zach. i wanted to be "normal" above all else when i was younger, had just moved here, and was more focused on "fitting in" in stereotypical ways. i like the idea, as that is not so present for me anymore, that i can make fun of it and that's what this song does so well. the same way we can't modify unique, we can't modify normal—at least that's how it feels to me. 

knitting—my bubba 

"knitting" is an exploration of the self. to me, it's what this idea—of making the strange and familiar and the familiar strange—is all about, along with culture and others and systems and stories—none of which we can truly experience without knowing ourselves. 

shampoo bottles—peach pit

"shampoo bottles" is the last one that's zach's fault. i appreciate it. in my mind, it's also about the thinking & overthinking—the hard work of distilling down what it is that we want vs. what others want for us. it's about embracing the "radio silence" in our lives and resenting it all at the same time. 

yedid nefesh—nava tehila

"yedid nefesh" brings us back to the jew crew. i heard this song sung by the people who wrote it in jerusalem, after a long day of wrestling with sexism & infighting among jews. this was the song i needed to keep wrestling. it's worth noting, this is one creative interpretation but "yedid nefesh" was originally written by jewish mystics centuries ago :) it means "beloved of the soul."

Haley Noehren - assignment #25 - pretty sure this is a simulation

I think I'm kinda unique. I'm farsighted, couldn't swallow a pill until this year (yes, this year), and am terrible at spelling. But there's more to me than just a physical existence, to understand someone I think you have to understand their mind. Know how they work, and why. What they struggle with and how to help them. So let me give you a tour of my mind. Ever since I was in elementary school I struggled with anxiety and stress. I eventually learned how to manage it, but that took some time. I still deal with anxiety, but the years of it being unmanaged led to more issues. For as long as I could remember, I felt like I was existing outside of my body, that I was walking in an eternal dream. You know that feeling when you are driving for a while and then don’t remember where you drove at all- yeah that’s how I feel a lot. I learned to live with the feeling of detachment, but I guess that's not life as it should be. After mentioning this to my mother, she made me go talk to someone (I didn't want to, it's not like feeling detached can affect me that much). And it turns out there's this thing called depersonalization and derealization. It's kinda hard to describe, so if you are actually reading this I suggest googling it. So all those years of walking around feeling like a parasite inside of a host body made sense. The days I didn't recognize myself in the mirror because I was so detached now had an explanation. I've been working on it now and I've gotten better at managing it. I've learned to adapt and live with it, so it's not even that noticeable or doesn't affect me that much. I feel most present when I listen to music, am outside, or with friends - basically doing anything I like that also keeps my mind busy. And that's me. Somedays I feel really detached, and there will be weeks where I feel fine. I consider myself a pretty open person, so I don't really mind talking about this or my challenges in life. This doesn't define me, but makes my existence unique. I've taken this and learned and grown from it.

Assignment #23 - Wes Davis - POV: You're a hollywood starlet in the 1950s, and this is your story

You've dreamt of the big screen and red carpet since the first moment you saw a motion picture. Back then they were just silent films, but now the film industry booms with talkies and musical spectaculars. After moving to California, the heart of the industry, your story begins.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland - You're a Hollywood-hopeful with dreams of a place where the grass is greener, or in this case, the carpet is redder. You're young and innocent. You're ready to put your past life behind you and pursue a life on the screen.

9 to 5 by Dolly Parton - Stardom doesn't happen overnight. Thus, you get a job at the local diner to help pay the bills while you get your foot in the industry. You pocket tips and any extra money to pay for headshots and screen tests with some of the biggest names in the industry. They see something in you, but you're nowhere near the top. You have to keep working your job to support yourself and your dream.

Let Me Be Your Star from SMASH- Screen test and audition rooms are your home. Casting directors and powerful people get to watch you shine. They see hundreds of Hollywood hopefuls every day, however, you shine brighter. You've got potential, you've got star power. You give yourself a new name and embody the powerful person Hollywood needs. You continue to get screen tests, and soon your heart is full of not just hope, but drive. You have proof that you have what it takes, and people can see it too.

Diamonds Are Forever by Sabrina Carpenter - You work one of your final days at the diner. While working, a man calls you over. He's blatantly flaunting his money, sporting a crisp suit and a watch worth more than any property in Hollywood. He's an agent in the business, and he wants to make you a star. Your name will be on marquees across the country, but only if you accept his offer. His "love" will make you richer than he will ever be, he tells you. His money will get you to the top. You accept his offer, but it comes at a price.

I Never Met a Wolf Who Didn't Love to Howl from SMASH - You're getting screen tests left and right. You've left your job at the diner and are making enough money to move to a much bigger apartment closer to the heart of the industry. However, your success hasn't come just from talent and a good agent. You've had to pull strings and spend extra nights at the casting couch. While you're not proud of what you've had to do to get here, it's been done. You're quickly becoming a star.

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend by Marilyn Monroe - A Hollywood-hopeful is no longer. You've made it! You're a hot commodity and spend your days on set. The life you lead isn't as glamorous as you anticipated, but that's okay with you. As long as the money keeps flowing and your movies keep selling, you're content. You fill your aching heart with diamonds and expensive clothing. You have relationship after relationship and the press eats it up. Off screen, you yearn for the life you used to have. Despite this, you keep your spirits up for the screen that you can't seem to escape.

Back to Black by Amy Winehouse - Not everyone can survive the life of a Hollywood bombshell. You've lost the love of your life to the press. The person you love didn't want the life of a star. You promised you would protect them, but it didn't work. The media tears their life apart. Your lover turns to alcohol, and soon enough you lose them. The jewels and expensive clothing and lifestyle can no longer fill the void in your heart. You stop showing up to set, stop learning lines, and stop working. You fall deep into a depression you can't shake. Your reputation is ruined and your career is over. You've watched your dream come to fruition, and now you're watching it fall apart.


"Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss, but fifty cents for your soul." -Marilyn Monroe

Assignment #24 - Wes Davis - Whew, girl...

Junior year hasn't been easy. This has definitely been the hardest year of my life and while I'm grateful for being pushed and growing as an individual, it shouldn't have been as hard as it was. I am at fault for that, however I know that we can only really go up from here! If I'm being completely honest, I don't remember most that's happened. It's almost as if I have this huge gap in my memory where junior year should be, but it's just blank. I remember only a few moments of the last 10 months. Maybe that's for the better.

Anyway, successes! I found out a couple weeks ago that I was accepted into the GSA class of 2020 for drama! I'm thrilled, but a little bummed that I won't be living on UK's campus for three weeks (we're doing it virtually, lol send a prayer). I've been working towards this for the last three years so for it to have finally come to fruition is great. I also recorded a news segment where I got to perform early in the second semester! That was also a huge win and just a fun experience overall. I've made a lot of strides in my craft and hopefully I can continue to improve. Academically, I'm not the proudest. My grades are okay for the most part, however I'm aware that I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, so the grades I did get are good enough for me. I had a lot of failures but I blocked most of them out of my memory. The ones I do remember, however, I'd prefer to reflect on by myself (sorry if you were expecting some drama). 

This summer would've been the best one I've ever had. Of course, thanks to Covid-19, plans have been changed. GSA is still in session and I am forever grateful that the administration has decided to continue with the program, instead of canceling it entirely. I'll be surrounded by artists who will uplift and push one another to be the best that they can be in their craft. I'm so ready to be in a community of artists, and can't wait to say that I am a Governor's School for the Arts alumni. 

I need my Senior year to be good. I need it desperately. I'm hoping I can reach some sort of peace within myself. I hope that myself, as well as others that struggled this year, can recover from the previous year. As I said earlier, it only goes up from here! 

Assignment #25 - Megan Ewing - No One Really Believes.

I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t tell these stories anymore because when I do, I always see half-hidden eye-rolls and scoffs and hear whispers of “She’s over dramatic” and “She really just wants attention, doesn’t she.” And it hurt too much, so I stopped. But these stories really shaped me as a person, changed my worldview, opened my eyes to new ideas. Don’t misunderstand this, though, these are all highly negative stories, I just have to put a positive spin on them for my own sanity. I’ll start with one I’ve discussed in a previous blog post, partially because I figured it probably wouldn’t be read in detail anyways. I figure this won’t be read either, so why not.
My sister changed the way I would see myself for my entire life. She told me I was a fat, ugly, idiot who was worthless and undeserving of love and happiness. I never associated her saying these things as being something wrong with her until she stopped when I was about 13. (She has changed and become a much better, more understanding sister.) I always believed these things were simply true, unassailable facts. I still do, for the most part. I believed I could never have any real friends and still do, even though I have the most amazing friends I could ask for. So, since I had no hope of having any sort of social success, I threw myself into schoolwork, since that was an objective measure of me. A high grade means I have some hope of being worth something. That worked, until middle school, when it didn’t and I just sunk deep into my pit of “I’m alone and depressed and nobody believes me.” But this dismal childhood led me to be in the accelerated cluster at Tates Creek Middle School and led me here, to the Academy and it will lead me to a bright future. It’s shown me that I can grow and I can make the best out of 13 years of misery.
My second story is a bit more specific and happened during my year in a private Christian preschool. I started out at the four-year-old preschool when I was three, so some of the other kids seemed to have problems with me. I remember a conversation with the only two kids in the class who would talk to me when they told me that there was one girl, and she was friends with everyone else and she told them all that if they talked to me, she would kick them out and make sure no one else ever talked to them. I think back on that now and I’m baffled by the ruthlessness of those four-year-olds. Was that preschool in 2007 or was I excommunicated from the 16th century Catholic Church? This experience taught me that people can be horrible to you for no real reason and that I can’t trust others. This may have led me to have trust issues, but I haven’t been betrayed by a friend since a petty thing in second grade, so I guess it’s worked.
My last story is really difficult to tell. My parents don’t know about and only a select few of friends do, but it’s one that my brain keeps revolving back to when I’m spiraling into a mental breakdown. I feel simultaneously ashamed that I don’t talk about it and wholly uncomfortable with sharing it, but here we go, I guess. When I was in 8th grade, I went on a trip to Cincinnati with the band. I was having a good time, I was in a room with people I at least considered close acquaintances and one friend, which was much better than the year before. We were on a tour of the Reds stadium, in a crowded elevator and there was a group of five-ish 7th graders behind me. One of them, I’ll never know which, squeezed my ass. It wasn’t just an accidental brush, it was a full-on squeeze. (I only say that since it’s the first question everyone has asked when I talked about it.) That really shook me up. Then, when I told my only friend that I had there, she was entirely unsupportive and just really wanted to keep having fun and not worry about me and my childish problems. From this, I garnered a new viewpoint on female empowerment and the need for the #MeToo movement.
So there’s three stories that hurt in the moment and hurt to tell but have changed me for the better after living through them. I hope you truly believe all these negative things happened to me for a reason. (Don’t try to contradict that. It’s keeping me sane.)

Assignment #24 - Megan Ewing - Well That Was Actually Quite Bad

I always knew this year was gonna be the most stressful of all my high-school years. Everyone warned me, and I thought I understood what that meant. Well, I guess it got a bit worse for me than I thought it would, seeing as all the stress has manifested itself in aspects of my life outside of school.  From the virus that shall not be named to worrying about the safety of my grandparents, who are especially vulnerable and living in communities where social distancing protocol has been largely ignored, this year’s been a bit more than I could really handle. But let’s talk more about what I have some amount of control over. Well, I stopped procrastinating in some subjects, and my ever-present procrastination in English classes has gotten better. I’ve learned that, in some cases, I have crippling perfectionism to the point where my brain shuts down if I don’t think I can perform a task perfectly. I haven’t learned how to get over that, but now that I know that’s what’s been happening, I can work on it. I’ve also learned that I get migraines frequently… for some reason. Haven’t got that one figured out either but the medical community at large really hasn’t figured out migraines either, so I guess that’s okay. What risks did I take? None, because my personality is not taking risks. Biggest success of this year would have to be my 35 on the ACT. Biggest failure: all my presentations. Still working on being able to give a presentation without freaking out for the week before and after that I will or did fail that presentation. Summer plans: none. I always have to stay home to babysit my siblings, and while I was planning on getting a job this year, it doesn’t look like that’s gonna happen anymore, so it’s gonna be the same old boring lonely summer for me. For my Senior year, I want to figure out, or at least work on, the issues listed above, and to do that I need to learn how to ask for help when I need it and that doing so doesn’t make me an inconvenience.

assignment 24 - junior year - cole knight

Junior year has been pretty bizarre, top to bottom. My grades have been good, which is my most easily quantifiable/objective success, although my proudest accomplishment is my fantasy football championship and the truly dominant regular season performance that preceded it. My biggest failures were primarily in debate, where the Harvard invitational tournament (where I went 3-3) and state championship (where I went 2-3) were arguably the two biggest tournaments of the year, and also my two worst performances. Guess I just don't have the clutch gene :(. I don't really know what to expect out of the summer. My dad wants me to take online BCTC classes, so I'll probably do that just to get some relatively easy college credit before applying to college. I also have nationals in debate in mid-June, but it's online, which will be annoying. Senior year I'm going to try and chill out a little bit. I've spent the last year or so obsessing over college, and I feel fairly confident about the quality of my application, so senior year I'll hopefully be able to sit relax with the knowledge that I'm going to a good school the next four years. Obviously I want to maintain my grades, but that's the only real goal I have. Overall, I will remember junior year for being a lot of fun, a little heartache, tons and tons of work, and something new, exciting, and strange every single waning day. Hopefully senior year is a good one, too.

Haley Noehren - Assignment #24 - The ups and downs of junior year

Junior year has definitely been memorable. There were a lot of ups and down, but for the most part I enjoyed junior year. I will miss sitting in the yellow hallway corridor complaining about anything and everything, and taking the occasional nap. I will miss taking trips to my locker to get food (and visiting the painting of a horse that somehow ended up in it). I can't forget all the long runs with xc, complaining, laughing, and trying to think of an animals name that starts with x. I've made so many new friends and enjoyed this year more than any year before.
When it comes to successes, I finally got my ACT score where I wanted it to be. After much studying and preparation, I managed to not fail AP physics (we'll see about the AP test though). And how could I not mention my only personality trait - running. I would consider XC season a success - we made it to state and I finally ran a 21 min 5K. Track... well that didn't really happen. I did get to run in one indoor meet, which was amazing and awful at the same time, but I really wish I would have been able to have an outdoor season.
Let me tell you, I failed at parking on the hill. The first day I tried, I got there so late that there was only one spot at the very bottom. Then the next day I though I was early, but nope, late again. Oh yeah, I also tried to parallel park on the hill one day cause I was super late and lets just say that didn't end well. And I can't forget the countless apush reading quizzes I failed.
Lesson learned - don't trust leprechauns. That's it.
I spent a good long while trying to think of risks that I took, and I've come to the realization that I don't take many risks. The biggest risk that I could think of was running a half marathon with only 3 weeks training. Some people make impulse purchases, I make impulse running decisions. I just kinda woke up one day and was like, yeah I wanna run 13 miles. Oh and I had it in my mind that I had to run it in under 2 hours. And so it began. After XC ended I gave myself 3 weeks to train, and then I showed up with my dad to run the half. The second I put my foot past the starting line was filled with regret and realization that insanity must be a common trait in my family. To make matters worse, it was raining. And cold. But I did it. 1 hour and 56 minuets later, I crossed the finish line having cried for 7 miles non consecutively (good thing people couldn't tell if it was rain or tears on my face). And now I'm hooked, and will probably do another, this time without crying.
Mistakes made - trusting a leprechaun
So this summer my family was supposed to go to Germany with my dad for a conference, but that obviously got canceled. My summer plans are kinda up in the air right now. I usually am a counselor at my churches summer camp, but that isn't happening anymore. And if UK doesn't open up then my plans of working with my good friend Gerald the glowing mouse won't happen either.
Senior year I want to be amazing. My goal - be happier. Enjoy life, not just getting good grades. And that's about it.

Assignment #24- Junior year- Benjamin Webster

This year is probably one of the most memorable. I guess its because its still happening. Regardless, I've had a good time overall and wish it didn't end the way it did. If I can attribute anything to this year it has to be growth. Both physically and mentally I've grown up.

For starters, I'm now over six feet tall and with my figures crossed, I hope that I can be the taller than my 6'3" brother. I've also gotten stronger. For the first time college swim teams have shown legitimate interests in recruiting me. I also won a second 110% award for swim with my coaches lauding my effort and dedication. It's all flattering and makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to. With my mother's encouragement, I signed up for boys volleyball. Although I can confidently say I'm the worst player on the team, I still try to push myself out of my comfort zone and improve. 

AP French & Physics among other classes have been tough to put it simply. Despite this, I've persevered through bad test grades and the temptation to sleep in class. Although I am certainly not getting 100% in any of these classes, I know my hard work will pay off. I've also been able to work on other intellectual pursuits such as mapping out my family tree or reading for pleasure. College is stressful and a blessing with this quarantine is I finally have time to read up and decide where I might want to apply to. With an improved ACT I hope I can find my home for a good price.

I don't know what summer has in store but one thing is for sure, I'll have to find a job. I life-guarded last summer and if pools are closed, I'm out of work. I will have to find some way I can swim as well so I can improve my technique.

Junior year is a jumping off point for Senior year for me. I hope it will be my best year yet and I can grow to my full potential. 

Assignment 26: Help! I need somebody. Help!

I wanna be better in all things.  It's easy for teachers to get stuck and comfortable in patterns and activities that are completely legitimate but perhaps have become stale and even ineffective.  Throughout the semester I've asked that you work hard to prepare for the AP Language and Composition test.  I taught to the test.  I'm sorta fine with that.  As I've said, I believe that the skills the test assesses are important and some of the most important skills you will develop in your lifetime - the ability to think, process, synthesize, and argue.

To that end I've tried to develop every assignment to focus on one element of the test and hone those skills required for success.  Now that you've taken the test - multiple tests (ACT, PSAT, AP) what suggestions do you have?

I'm not asking for what you "liked" or what was "fun" but rather what was effective.  I know not everything connected with everyone and with 100+ students I will get a plethora of responses.  Though I am asking for honesty I'm not asking for a tongue-lashing nor do I expect "all sunshines and rainbows." I know I'm flawed but I also know that I am effective.  I want to minimize my flaws and increase my effectiveness.  I need your help to do that.

Minimum of 150 words - due on Sunday, May 24 at 11:59 pm

May 24 is the last day to make up blog 26

Assignment #24- Miller Luhan- A Recap

Honestly, besides the obvious Corona conundrum and the loss of my grandmother in December, junior year was a good year for me in terms of personal growth. I avoided drama as much as possible, surrounded myself with people who make me a better academic and athlete, and found my love for fitness. Overall, these growths make me a healthier person both mentally and physically. Also in terms of grades, my goals were achieved (thanks to a physics miracle). One failure this year would definitely be my lack of time dedicated to the teachings I learned at YoungLife camp last summer. By the time that September rolled around I just got so busy with golf seasons and school that I didn't even make it to club (I know, excuses are easy to make, but it's the truth). These actions carried all the way through to January because of family stuff. Now, while I see this as a failure to strengthen my connection with God and my YoungLife friends, I also see it as an opportunity for change and growth. In terms of sports, golf this year had its hiccups... meaning I didn't make it to state because of my not so hot performance at regionals, however, I did have my lowest round ever during regular season. Golf is a very day-to-day sport; your swing changes depend on your attitude, how much sleep you get, your nerves, and your focus, so I don't really look back on the season and think of it as a failure- even though some aspects could have been improved.

As for lesson learned, I would say I learned a lot in terms of relationships (even though I can't recall being in anything official because there are a lot of steps to actually being someone's girlfriend nowadays), but I did learn from my friend's experiences and grow through her mistakes. I can't pinpoint any specific "risks" taken, I mean there are the illegal ones that I dare not say, but I can say that my parents should drive me home after parties. On the other hand though, I think there is an argument that everything you do is a risk. Every time you wake up in the morning and walk out into the real world, there is a risk being taken in terms of health, safety, and wellbeing (highlighted by the virus)- the key thing in my opinion is to approach each of these risks and opportunities with and open heart and mind- and then learn from the unsuccessful attempts.

This summer... oohhhhh this summer... will be a whole lot different than I had originally expected (obviously this will be the same case for a majority of people), but in a way, the seclusion to home will help me stay motivated and complete those college essays and improve my golf game to a decent point. Overall, as I look back on my junior year I see fun and opportunity. For senior year I hope to continue this path and make the most of what we as a class are given because of the circumstances. Cheers to a good summer and and even better senior year!