TOW#30: Letter to Future APELC Students

Dear Future APELC Student:

            I am sure that have heard a number of horror stories about this class throughout last year, and at first, they all seem to be true, but I promise you it is not as bad as it is made out to be. If you are solely in this class to get an extra .1 on your GPA I recommend that you don’t even bother. This class is not about boosting your GPA but about learning how to really improve your writing and get the most out of reading, not about how it will look on your transcript because it is not an easy course. You have to really work for your grade and keep your focus on the end gain, not the beginning struggle.

            When I entered this class I figured it would be easy, I mean how difficult can an English class really be? I warn you that it is not like honors English, you really have to put a lot of effort into your work otherwise you will not like the results. This misconception can break your morale as you enter this course. As a student who is used to getting straight A’s fairly easily, this was a HUGE wakeup call. Do not expect an A on your writing the second you enter this class, because chances are you will not receive that high of a mark, probably not even a B. But I promise you it will get better. Take all assignments seriously; put effort into your TOWs because these assignments and practice essays are not to keep you busy, but to help you practice what you have learned and grow as a not only a student, but a writer.

            I do not mean to scare you out of this class, but I want to give you a realistic and experienced viewpoint on the course. It is not going to be easy, you will not always received that grades that you would like, but you will grow and improve. The day that I finally received a 6 (adequate) on one of my timed essays was probably the highlight of AP English for me. Finally reaching the grade I had been striving for all year. It may not be easy, but I guarantee you that if you are interested in improving yourself as a writer this course is definitely worth it.

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                An experienced AP English student

                                                                 (Lauren Marolla)

TOW#29: Bully

Bullying is much more then a few mean comments from peers, it is more then being punched a few times by someone else, it is an emotionally draining, daily challenge to simply exist and lead a somewhat normal and happy life. The stereotype of bullying develops into widespread misconceptions that ultimately make it seem less extreme then it truly is. Bully was able to capture the diversity in causes and effects of bullying, from emotional to physical abuse and from causing suicide, illegal actions or depression. It is not an easy topic, it is not straight forward rather it is an intense emotional distress that is different for every victim. This major point to the documentary is evident in the everyday lives of people all around us, even ourselves.

            When I was in seventh grade, my school was faced with a tragedy; an intelligent and kind boy in my grade, Natan Leuhrmann-Cowen was killed after being struck by a car. The day that my Algebra teacher broke down and cried in front of my class, eyes fixed on Natan’s empty seat, as he told us what had happened was a day that I will never forget, a day that changed the face of my grade. The horrific accident was awful in and of itself, but it was not the only reason for the tears that filled my classmates eyes. While Natan was alive, he was not one of the popular kid rather he was the one that everyone picked on. As his locker neighbor I witnessed numerous bullying incidents, from words to physical abuse ranging from shoving into the lockers to being punched; serving as a bystander is a poor decision that I will have to live with for the rest of my life. As everyone surrounded his locker, the boy who had bullied Natan the most stated that he would never treat someone so poorly again for you never know when its too late to change your ways. Remorse was obviously prevalent the day we were informed of his death, but regret was equally as present. Natan did not take his own life, nor do I think he would have, but the bullying he endured during his life changed everyone around him, something that is not always portrayed when bullying is simply discussed.

            Numerous speakers have attended my school, yet none can really grasp the true devastation that is caused by bullying. Without any first hand experience it is difficult to see the true horrors involved in bullying because is it such a difficult concept. Those not exposed to it see bullying as a sort of “kids will be kids” type of activity when in reality it can destroy the life of an adolescent. This is the point that Bully tried to shed light on. Bullying is not to be taken lightly nor is it to be stereotyped because it is different and detrimental for each victim. Out of respect for those currently dealing with bullying and those who took their on life after being bullying we must go out of our way to not only help victims, but stop bullies and prevent the horror that they cause. 

URL: http://www.pinterest.com/explore/bullying-quotes/