1st Semester Reflection

English class this year has been much more challenging that any of my previous English classes. I have done a lot more reading and writing this year outside of class than I have in my high school career! I have enjoyed the small group and class discussions that we have had this year, especially the existentialism discussion! My vocabulary has certainly improved as has my reading comprehension. Perhaps my biggest improvement comes with thesis statements - I didn't learn how to write a proper one until this year!

I don't think that I have been frustrated by the concepts we have learned in class this year. However, I was frustrated by Shakespeare and Hamlet. I despise reading Shakespeare and even though I have read three plays by him now (all required for school), I still can't seem to enjoy his works. Besides that, I was frustrated in the beginning of the year by the amount of homework we were getting, but I have adapted!

Next semester, I hope to learn more about different forms of literature such as poetry. I also hope to read novels and nonfiction works written by authors who I have not read before. I hope to gain better writing skills and reading skills before I run off to college where, as an engineering major, I will take very few English classes.

Senior Year Update

One week. According to some people, I am overreacting and over stressing. Unfortunately I just can't help it. I want to know where I am going to spend the next four years of my life now. You could call me an impatient baby.

I guess the reason I am so nervous is because I (along with most people) have a fear of rejection. I get sick to my stomach when I think about the holistic review process - everything I have done these past four years is being judged. 

What makes it worse is that I made the mistake of looking back at my essays (Note: NEVER open your essays after you submit them. You don't want to try it.) In addition, in order to compensate for my lack of a strong application, I have been looking at past statistics so that I can feel better about myself. Yup, I give you permission to call me crazy.

As long as I don't get deferred (possibly the worst decision, in my opinion), I will be content. I poured my heart and soul (and brain) into these applications. I have no regrets. I just want to move on with my life towards bigger and better things - snowboarding, Senior Dinner Dance, graduation, traveling the world over summer break. Ah, but for now, all I can do is wait for one more week. I'll keep you guys apprised.