The following is a conversation between Gogol, a student in AP English 11 and me, a psychologist.
August 2009, two weeks before school starts:
E: Hi Gogol, what brings you into my office today?
G: Hey Dr. Hellwig. I am just really nervous about school starting and hoped that talking to you might reduce some of my anxiety.
E: Oh, okay. I am always here to help. What makes you so anxious about junior year?
G: I am not really sure, to be honest. I guess I am nervous about AP English 11. I have heard the workload is quite intense and I am worried that I will not be able to handle the course.
E: Gogol, you write very well. You have nothing to worry about. As long as you work hard, and do your best, I am confident that you will be able to handle the assignments and succeed in the class. Just be open to new ideas and writing styles. I have heard from former clients that Ms. Serensky really teaches you how to write.
G: Oh really? I want to pursue some English-related major in college I think but have never thought my writing was good enough. Hopefully this class will help my writing skills and boost my confidence.
E: I am glad you are excited about the class now, and less apprehensive. Let’s plan to meet in a few months. I cannot wait to hear about your AP English 11 experience.
October 2009:
G: Hey Dr. Hellwig!
E: Hi, Gogol. So let me hear all about it. How is junior year and how is AP English 11?
G: Junior year is so much better than sophomore year! I love my teachers and am actually interested in most of the subject matter. AP English 11 has become one of my favorite classes. I loved the last book Ms. Serensky chose for us to read.
E: That’s wonderful, so glad to hear it! What book did you read?
G: We read Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. Most of my classmates did not enjoy reading it though, “They complain about the story, saying that it [was] too long. They complain that it was hard to get through” (92). But, I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about the horribly harsh conditions of slavery and, on the English side of things, learned the difference between “empathy” and “sympathy.”
E: I am so pleased that it has been a good experience.
G: In just two months I have already learned so much. I have a newfound appreciation for reading. I was somewhat excited when Ms. Serensky passed out our new books today, but apparently my classmates didn’t feel the same way, “the class…beg[an] to moan in unison” (92). Although taking intense notes and analyzing the text is never easy or fun, I have realized that these skills will pay off later.
E: You are most certainly right. These skills Ms. Serensky teaches you will not only help you to excel on the AP English 11 test and prepare you for AP English 12 but also prepare you for college. It was great to hear about your English experience so far. I am sure things will continue to work out well for you, just keep up your hard work. I look forward to our next appointment.
June 2010:
E: Well, Gogol, the summer is almost here! Now you can reflect on your AP English 11 experience and prepare for AP English 12.
G: I know. I am so excited for summer but I will surely miss the time I spent studying “every night after dinner, and the nocturnal schedule” to which I had been accustomed (107). Partially due to AP English, I have stayed up much later this year than I did sophomore year. I know it is my fault that I save my English assignments till late at night. Hopefully I can improve on that next year in AP English 12.
E: I am sure that whatever you want to achieve, you can, as long as you set your mind to it.
G: I certainly will try. I am so thankful Dr. Hellwig, that you convinced me to stay enrolled in AP English 11. Although it was stressful at times, and not always enjoyable, I am very glad I took the class. I can already tell that my writing skills have improved dramatically. I have realized that, in fact, I am a fairly good writer and have the intelligence to write well, regardless of the assignment. I learned through graded discussions, that it is important to be assertive as well as a quick thinker. I look forward to AP English 12, and the additional knowledge that Ms. Serensky will bestow upon me.
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| Gogol's first week in AP English 11 |
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