Sophomore Year Reflection

Reflection for Sophomore Year

2015 was a real turning point in my high school career. I finally started working harder in school and started to enjoy it more. Although the enjoyment came right back down, it was still fun while it lasted. My writing however, has greatly changed. SAT #2 was where I really started having fun. “For Susan was a sinner. She smoked Crack Cocaine every day!” (SAT #2, Nowak) That was the SAT journal that made me realize that writing didn't have to be a chore. However the second half of the year was a little different. I think I started to grow lazy. My previously fine-tuned papers were now pretty much rants. “Pink is used anywhere from romantic nonsense to childish obsessions.” (Gatsby Color Analysis, Nowak) For my Gatsby analysis, my writing was all over the place and covered a wide range of topics. Unfortunately it made it sound pretty bad. I am starting to get better and regularly

writing helps immensely.
I thought that the SAT journals are a great way to get students engaged in writing.

“Except for baby-eatin’ teeth-gnashing homosexuals, atheists, muslims, commie pinkos, or any other non white non US citizen.” (SAT #5, Nowak) That was a rather profane portion of Mike Huckabee's Slaughterhouse and Grill. I thought that was an exceptional piece of writing. However crude it was, it was a great parody of southern politician Mike Huckabee back when he was running for president. “Personally, I think it’s almost necessary for every paper to be fun.” (Introduction Letter to Wegener, Nowak) I don’t necessarily think that this is exceptionally good, it just is exceptional at showcasing my writing style. Normally I like to use very wordy language. However this doesn’t work too well most of the time. It comes off as stiff and awkward. Although I am pretty darn awkward, I try hard to make my writing seem more friendly and casual. One of my goals is to be able to make the reader feel like they are talking to their closest confidant or

friend.
This year, the American dream was a major discussion point throughout almost all of our books. I think that Benjamin Franklin wholly represents this idea. Traditionally, the American dream is seen as economic success, or gaining a large amount of money. Ben Franklin did this and set the example for others to follow. However this is not the American dream I believe in. I believe that his thirteen virtues are the examples that others should follow. “Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity and Humility” (Thirteen Virtues, Franklin) The reason he became so economically and socially successful were these ideas that always kept him using his time wisely. Compared to today, most of these qualities aren’t even used by the vast majority of society. Ben Franklin best represents the American dream not only for the success it gave him, but also for the morals he followed.
This class was just okay. There wasn’t anything too good or too bad. I absolutely loved the SAT journals but nothing else really intrigued me. The books were okay. I didn’t enjoy catcher in the rye but if I had to, I would read it again. Despite all of these feelings, I would highly recommend this class to any aspiring freshman. The workload is a challenge but keeps you feeling busy and satisfied. The teachers are amazing and the books aren’t terrible. I would tell them to do their work on time and do it thoroughly.