End of Year Reflections

    One important thing that I learned this year is that in literature the most normal of things can have deeper meaning. I saw examples of this in Of Mice and Men, such as Lennie's rabbits. The rabbits symbolized hopes and dreams, thus showing a deeper meaning. Another thing that I learned is that a period is the strongest type of punctuation, while a comma is the weakest type of punctuation. The order from weakest to strongest is: comma, semicolon, colon, and period. The final thing that I learned is that there are four different types of poetry. They are: free verse, quatrain, cinquain, and extended metaphor.

    One thing that we did this year that I will remember is the socratic seminars. They really made me think deeply about the different topics brought up. They were also a good way for me to find the different opinions of my classmates. There was also the chance o voice my opinions, and discuss the differences in our opinions. It was truly a great chance to get new views on the same topics that I wouldn't have gotten in a different class.

    The nicest thing someone in this class did for me was when I first started in this class Brimady showed me the ropes. She was seated next to me, and although at first it was strained, we finally became accustomed to each other. She was very kind to me, and didn't get aggravated when i didn't understand. She also did a great job putting up with all the stupid questions I asked her. I am very grateful that she was patient with me or I might not have caught on to the routine until later.

    One thing that I taught the class about was the change in the Barbie line. The company added three body types to the usual. They are: tall, curvy, and petite. I taught this to the class, because I thought it was important for them to know that things are changing. Society has always judged people on their body, this change in Barbie shows that this could change. Our ideals start in our childhood. If we are told that being different is okay from a young age, it could impact our perception on life. I believed that this topic and the things that it leads to may one day effect my classmates.

    I feel that I improved the most in AOW. In the beginning I was a little confused as to what was expected of this, and my work suffered for it. Through observing the work of my classmates i have come to understand what my AOW should look like and I believe that I have been improving. Something that I did that I'm proud of is getting up to read poetry in front of the class. I am very shy and I dislike going in front of an audience. Sometimes it gets to the point where I am shaking! I am proud that I went up, (despite the fact that I was practically forced to.) and I don't think that I sounded too terrified.

    The most challenging part of the year was definitely finding material for my AOW. there was either too many things to choose from or nothing. There was never a middle! Plus on the chance that there were a lot of articles, they were mostly irrelevant topics. They might also be impossible to match to the questions being asked, thus making the task more difficult. While I realize this may not have been an intellectual difficulty, it was very frustrating.

    I think my best piece of writing is my picture poem. I chose this piece, because I feel as though I channeled the emotions of the mourning family and girl very well. I also like this piece because it reminds me of my late grandfather. He was very kind to us and I think we wouldn't be able to watch us mourn hime either. Coincidentally the week that we wrote these poems was the week of the third  anniversary of his death. Perhaps I was channeling my feelings toward him into the poem.

    My favorite book from this year is the Clockwork franchise. For those of you who don't know this book it is a bout a young girl named Tessa. She lives in the Victorian era. In the book she goes to London to live with her brother, after she gets there one thing leads to another and she ends up a pawn in a supernatural war. I like this book, because Tessa believed that she was a normal girl until she left New York. It gives me hope for my future. (Although Tessa was probably not that grateful.)

    One piece of advice I would give to students is, "Don't overthink Mrs. Larson's humor! I know at first you will not be sure if she is joking at times, but give it time. I was quite confused when I first entered her class, but it gets better. If you are unsure do one of two things: 1) take hints from more experienced members of your class, they know best.  2) remain silent, what you don't say can't hurt you! Follow these tips and you will most likely not offend anyone. Good luck!" (I wish someone thought to give me this advice.)