Judith Lee
AP English Final
8 June 2015
Masterpiece Academy Essay
AP English Literature and Composition started off as any other rigorous college level with multiple reading assignments followed by essays and memorization of poems and lines of plays. Then, came the freedom to remix essays, select AP worthy books that I, not the teacher, wanted to read, and create a passion of mine to reality. This level of trust was earned because I and my classmates were able to show our ability to do the traditional classwork the first two weeks and it was time for us to create our own version of what learning should look like. I was able to utilize this freedom to create my own remixes and find a joy in a different type of education . I have also been able to discover my peers' talents through their remixes and even collaborated.
Macbeth's theme of greediness also relates to me, maybe not in a evil way, but the will of wanting to do well and striving to reach that end goal with college applications, scholarship opportunities, and countless scholarship opportunities. With the view of the future classroom and transition from books to tablets, I relate this to the Brave New World where cultural adaptations take place to fit in with the new environment. The idea of an unknown, new future reminds me of The Poisonwood Bible as I start this fresh adventure to college.
It was this year that validated my love for teaching kids. Through the masterpiece academy, I reestablished the bond I shared with the children. I smile at their constant curiosity and I hope to help the lightbulb shine after having answered the one hundred and first question. I want to be a teacher, one that instills purpose and empowerment in students' lives because at the end of the day, the most valuable lesson I learned in high school is the importance of relationships and service.
I remember the day Preston called on me to interpret the meaning of a poem. I was right. I am not one to be quick to participate or be the first to engage in a conversation first so it came to a surprise to everyone when I said something aloud that was correct . I didn't laugh out loud but it was a moment that made me smile after Hannah gave me a pat saying "atta girl." I guess I learned that I should participate more.
An observation that I found interesting throughout a majority of everyone's introduction was "I originally was going to do... but did... instead." I think this shows the evolution of people through time. Interests change and it's not a bad thing to follow or change your passion. Almost everyone started their presentation like this. Also, there are going to be obstacles. Philanthropy also seems to be a universal topic. As busy high schoolers, we rarely had the chance to spend money or time on others as our focus was always on building our future. Since we were given this chance to do something we really couldn't do but felt passionate about, I feel like we were able to reveal that compassion that each individual holds. Elizabeth's happy project revolved around sacrificing something (hair) for the better of a big cause (locks for love). Even Noah and Alec had an element of service by teaching little league baseball players the bigger picture that just strictly abiding by the rules. And of course, Courtney's project was the epitome of giving back. My masterpiece with Hannah and Sierra also correlated to philanthropy in a way also by spending time with kids just because. We all found joy in sharing something that we had that would bring joy to others: hair, wisdom, opportunities, and care.
When we had a discussion about Beowulf and heroism, I defined a hero as someone who is willing to make a sacrifice and put others and a bigger purpose before themselves. In my case, I think I qualify as a hero. Key club and ASB has been a huge part of my high school journey and I've participated in them all four years because I care and wanted to do something with a bigger purpose than just myself. Through this experience I've met two of the most inspirational mentors who I respect immensely. Before I was able to rejoice in these successful times, I had to go through the harshuos of elections, rebuilding a club, and working past deadlines and boundaries. I've established connections and relationships as well as experiences that has helped mold me into the person I am today. Through both good and bad experiences, I've become the hero I think I am. High school has been influential in teaching me to live according to my vocation.
