Makenna Brabbs

Mrs. Tatum

AP Language

16 December 2019

Reflection Essay

Throughout this semester I have been caught in a deep rut, and sadly my large decrease in

abilities has reflected that. I came into this class with a happiness to start up something that

would look great, but I found myself receiving low grade after low grade in all of my classes.

This dug me into a pit that I struggled to get out of, but I did try even when it didn’t seem like it

which ultimately is what matters.

I felt clueless surrounded by peers who were AP students through and through, easily

grasping vocabulary and material I personally had a hard time remembering. I did learn patience,

speedy writing, and improved slightly on my hefty procrastination. The first half of the year I

was very distressed watching everyone else get good scores, but I kept trying to get my hand

where my head was in a sense. I came into this class to prove myself as a good student and to get

a college benefit in the future. This decision to prove myself was both a reason and a frustator. It

led me to become mildly irritated when things I did well on weren’t put into the gradebook like I

was used to. Originally I did not understand this apparent busy work, but towards the end I

realized everything we did had a purpose. To improve my classmates and I as students. When

talking to my friends I always mentioned that not everything would be put in, for that is

something I did not understand originally.

Towards the beginning we studied rhetoric, which to be honest is something I still haven’t

truly grasped, but I do have a few basic ones memorized as a cushion. This is most definitely
evident, for all of my essays have the same trio or duo of rhetorical strategies. I hope to improve

on this, next year in AP Lit. A class, where hopefully, I’ll be in a better state to perform.

Even while scoring possibly the lowest in the class I have had a good time, it was a class

I looked forward to. For I loved the individuals I had come to call friends and you, Mrs. Tatum.

You have been incredibly patient and understanding which is more than I could ever ask for.

Instead of calling my parents and calling me lazy, like my psychology teacher did, you showed

true kindness and seemed to be able to observe the rut I am stuck in. Thanks to you and your skill

for teaching I have improved. I know this essay was not supposed to be a thankful letter, but I

simply couldn't resist. You deserve to know that you are an incredible beacon of hope. I will

continue to send bird documentaries as I find them as a soft thank you for everything.