A Thank You to Ms. Serensky

Throughout these past two years, I have questioned the reason for Ms. Serensky's "cruel" but genius mindset. Fortunately, during one of my favorite days in AP English 12, Ms. Serensky explained the cause of her intelligence and teaching techniques. As we sat together in our tightly packed circle, Ms. Seresnky eloborated on her own experiences of lEnglish class and a similar struggle to become a creative and insightful writer. I felt as though our class could finally relate to Ms. Serensky on a higher level as she continued to create parallels between our escalating learning. Ms. Seresnky elaborated on her valedictorian status in high school and how this given confidence became destroyed in her first college classes. Similar to our own downfalls in AP English, Ms. Serensky faced defeat in "one of [her] scariest moments" (50). She described an identical horror to my first paper in AP English and the realization that much knowledge needed to be learned to succeed in a higher level of English. Ms. Serensky expressed a similar mindset as myself as I recognized that "then I saw no harm" (4.2.4). She explained her acceptance of struggle and the recognition that from this struggle can only come growth and development to become a better writer. Her own experiences of trial and error allowed me to feel proud of remaining in advanced classes and made me appreciate the opportunity of having such an amazing teacher to prepare me for my college classes. All of the members of AP English would agree that "you can't go anywhere without meeting clever people" (16). However, from hearing about Ms. Serensky's path to success, I feel as though I must use these clever people (Ms. Serensky} to my advantage and learn as much as possible to become the best writer and student possible.

A Casual Meeting Between Amy and Cecily

Amy:"Hi" (61)
"This is the part where you say 'hi' back" (62)
Cecily: "Pray let me introduce myself to you. My name is Cecily Cardew" (34)
Amy:"You're a special one, aren't you?" (63)
Cecily "I hope so" (35) "I am very fond of being looked at" (35)
Amy: "This isn't going to be one of those 'it's not you, it's me' conversations, is it? " (88)
Cecily:"I only met you to-day for the first time" (34)
Amy: "I'm sure that it's very real to you. Which is the part that makes you crazy, see?" (90)
 Cecily:"there is no reason why i should make a secret of it to you" (36)
Amy:
Cecily:"I'm gonna get real weird with it. I was forced to write your letters for you" (32)"What ...are you talking about" (88)
Amy:
Cecily: "To-day I broke off my engagement with Ernest" (33)"I'm going to need a little more explanation than that" (88)
Amy:
Cecily: "I don't like the name Algernon" (33)Amy: "like the time you thought it would be funny to let me believe , for three days, that you thought you might be gay?" (90)"out with it...Not funny at all. You should go home" (89,91)

Cecily: "I don't think so" (35)

Amy:

Cecily: " Oh no! I live here" (35)

Amy: "I'm guessing it has something to do with terrorists? " (207)

Cecily: "I think your frankness does you great credit" (31)

Amy: "Oh. No. No, no, no... I really am sorry. But I liked you better when you were crazy" (218, 208, 230)

Amy:"You've got about ten seconds to convince me" (90)
Cecily:"It would distress me more than I can tell you...if it caused you any mental or physical anguish" (37)
Amy:"That's...inconvenient" (212)
Cecily:
"But I forgave you" (33)
Amy:"That's why I stopped apologizing" (208)
Cecily: "I knew there must be a misunderstanding...it had always been a girlish dream of mine to love some one" (33,39)

Thoughts of Our Newest Student on Their Best Day in Class

Essay day. I cannot wait to use my sneaky words as a key weapon toward an A. Clearly, my essay will remain the most valid and witty of all. Look at everyone. They all look so nervous while rummaging through their binders for paper. John is even informing Kelsey that she "needs to chill out." How pathetic. These students will not see what hit them after I recieve my 9+. Ms. Serensky will then feel the need to withdraw from her title as teacher. Wait, Iago, focus. Ms. Serensky remains the key obstacle toward achieving my success. I must "Observe her well" (3.3.198). She reminds me of myself. She and I smirk as we watch everyone pull out their hair. We both find the stress quite amusing. I wonder how I can persuade her to believe that I actually know what I am talking about in my essay and see truth in my words. I should start with begging or a simple: "My lord, you know I love you" (3.3.116).  After she sees I am looking out for the goodness of her, she will sway my grade in my favor and "all things shall be well" (4.2.169). My words will be the best way to win all that I desire. This truly is the best day of AP English 12.Evil Iago Smile

Pain

Dear Unknown Entity,

I have found that many of your lessons to Junior pertain directly to AP English 11. At the beginning of Junior's life, you explained to him that "no one likes change unless it is from something bad to something good" (7). In my AP English 11 class, I have found that many would agree with this statement. Many would agree that the change in work load and amount of endless stress AP students faced their junior year remained unpleasant and definitely not desired. However, I would have to say, the change into a more dependent and knowledgable student definitely enabled my continued learning and belief that "anything, anything, anything is possible" (302). Like Junior, I have found that time is of the essence and we must use our time to our full advantage. In AP English 11, we thoroughly learned time management through in class essays. We developed skills that we believe to be impossible at the beginning of the year and gradually worked our way toward greatness. However, this greatness came with a toll as many of us faced detrimental grade drops, occassional "why am I taking this again?," and the numerous sleepless nights. However, Ms. Serensky, similar to you, has taught us to "seek the meaning in sorrow" (292). She enabled us to use our pain as a tool to become even better students. By the end of AP English 11, I was able to appreciate all of the hardships of the class and recognize that pain is necessary to develop and grow. I feel as though your guidance with Junior has helped him to realize this as well. I applaud you for your tremendous patience.
Sincerely,
Kelsey Butler

Let It Shine

As Cleveland weather continues to fluctuate in these brutal winter seasons, I have noticed the gradual change to warmer weather creates a gradual change in my attitude. I grew up in Los Angeles, California and met each day with sunshine and warmth. Upon moving to Chagrin Falls, my usual daily temperatures dropped dramatically. As a result of this change, I find myself with a less positive attitude in the winter months. I feel as though the weather greatly influences a persons' emotions. Roaming outside with sprouting flowers and no snow brings me hope for warmer weather and a time when I will branch out of my depressed winter mentality. Cleveland's horrible weather has prohibited me from leaving my house. The numerous activities I engage in during the summer become only memories as I stare at my wall trying to reinvent an activty equivilent to the adventures outdoors. At work, the customers are much more approachable and friendly as spring comes and the hope for laying out on a warm summer day becomes more realistic. However, why can just a slight change in temperature affect an individuals whole lifestyle? Some reasons for this effect could come from a change of apparel. In the summer, one has many more clothing options without having to coordinate a coat with an outfit. Also, the morning sun and evening sunset allows for a longer day and a brighter greeting every morning when the last thing we want to do is go to school. The sunshine gives me a brighter outlook on the day ahead and reminds me of the summer soon to come.

The Little Things

These past couple weeks, I have had many little moments that have surprisingly affected me in negative ways. One that is predominant in my mind occurred yesterday night. Allison and I arrived at lifetime fitness to find chaos in the parking lot. We knew that at this rush hour time slot, it would take ages to find a parking spot. Finally, after ten minutes, Allison and I scope out a car slowly making its way out of the parking space. Eager to claim the spot, Allison turns on her blinker and we patiently wait to pull into the space. Finally, the car pulls away and we continue to pull forward. Out of nowhere, an adult in a bulky SUV swings in front of our car and takes the spot. The woman didn't even seem phased by her rude action. I cannot even explain the frustration and shock Allison and I faced at this moment. We clearly were waiting for the spot and a grown women felt the need to take what was blatantly not hers. I know this little rant sounds completely foolish, but I have found little acts such as this one always seem to linger in ones' mind for the longest time. On numerous occassions, customers at Chagrin Pet and Garden will feel as though they can treat us with no respect. They will make rude comments, tap their foot from their impatience, or talk on the phone while we attempt to figure out what they want to purchase. I fear that I hold my expectations of the goodness of others way too high. How much should we expect from others? I feel as though I want to recieve the respect that I give to others. Unfortunately, many individuals to not understand the concept of this golden rule. In reality, individuals can act as kind or cruel as they want to be. I can only hope others will recognize when their selfishness has gone way too far.

Where Has It All Gone?

Restaurant      At Home Meal 

The other day my father and I were looking through my past purchases over the month. As a high school girl, my father expected  numerous tabs from beachwood mall and other clothes stores. Sadly,  I wasted one of my whole pay checks on nothing, but food and gas. To make the matter worse, the result of my mutiple gas purchases only occurred beause of my need to go out for food everyday during the weekend. This makes me ask myself multiple questions. Why do I eat so much? When is too much food too much food? How does restaurant food remain so appealing? Are the numerous food choices the attraction, or the fact the food comes from the effort of another? I find my impulse to eat out a result of complete laziness and my frustration with the limited choices I find in my own pantry. The most frustrating thing about meals is having to make a concoction that you, in five minutes, will not even want to eat. Then, after the meal, you must clean up. If you neglect this task, your parents run in yelling about how they "just cleaned the kitchen" (when really you cleaned it yourself an hour before). This leads to only further frustration and a complete ruin of the amazing meal you dreamed of having. So where has the money all gone? The money has gone to a hungry stomach and a lazy mindset.