TOW #29: Letter to a New APELC Student

To the futures students of APELC,

I would first like to warn you to not believe the rumors and horror stories of analyzing incomprehensible texts and receiving low grades on essays in AP English and Composition. I once believed such stories that I considered not taking APELC; however I am glad that I did. APELC has been a great class where I have grown closer to those in my class, due to the small number of students, while becoming a better educated student and citizen.

Throughout the year, I can honestly look back and see the drastic improvement in my writing skills. This can be seen not only through the grades that I have received on my essays, but also in my way of thinking that can be seen through my writing. This course has taught me to become a writer who is more educated, more informed, and more mature. My ability to analyze and argue has improved due to the two units that are centered on these two forms of writing. Despite the beginning, which was a bit rough and difficult, I was able to quickly adapt to and improve in the course.

Over the eight months, I advise you to not be disappointed in the beginning of the course. Do not be upset about the first score you receive for your summer essay about Eats, Shoots, and Leaves; the first score is merely a baseline so that you can understand where you, as a writer, are at, and the score shows you the areas where you can improve. In addition, I recommend you to make use of the resources you have around you; I have learned to appreciate the Office Hours that are held every week. The Office Hours provide a time to meet with Mr. Yost for review for Unit Tests and essays. I strongly advise you to take advantage of the meetings. Through frequently meeting with Mr. Yost and Ms. Pronko, I have seen a drastic increase in my writing ability and in my essay scores.

This course that you are about to enter will be difficult at times; the texts may require hours to analyze and dissect, the essays will require much more time for brain-storming and revising, and the projects will consume some of your free time. However, the work, the stress, and the hours of sleep you may have sacrificed will all be worth it in the end. The moment after you finish your APELC Exam and sign your name of the exam date poster is exhilarating. You are able to reflect and honestly say that your writing skills have improved and that your way of thinking was changed. You realize the importance of becoming an educated, active participant in your community, which this course tries to help you become.