12201 Hobbton Highway Newton Grove, NC 28366
May 8, 2017
NC Virtual Public School 1017 Main Campus Drive Partners I Bldg, Room 1610 Raleigh, NC 27606
Dear Ms. Mont:
When I made the decision to enroll in AP English Literature and Composition this year, I did so with high expectations for myself. Having taken a couple of AP courses in the past, including AP English Language last year, I was confident in my seemingly unwavering ability to focus on my studies and do very well. I will not hesitate to admit that English is among my least favorite subjects; the idea of taking this class did not particularly thrill me, but I was willing to take a step outside of my comfort zone and challenge myself.
The goals I set for myself at the beginning of AP Literature were in line with my personal standards in other classes. I told myself that I would do everything I could to maintain my straight “A” record. Of course, I was a bit blinded by my past successes and a little too confident; I got way more than I had bargained for when my father passed away unexpectedly at the end of September. I stumbled and fell off of my metaphorical balance beam, and spent most of the year trying to pull myself back up. Although my plans to excel with a solid “A” average never came to fruition, I still feel that I have done the best I could given my circumstances. I have been forced to learn the hard way that sometimes, one’s best effort is enough.
Taking a quick glance at my experience in this class and assessing its face value, it may appear to some that I have failed myself, but I no longer see it that way. I do believe that I have grown as a result of this class; I am more confident than ever in my ability to analyze literature, and I left school on the day of the AP exam feeling great about myself. The exam seemed surprisingly easy to me, and though I may possess a false sense of confidence, I feel that I did very well.
As the end of this class nears, I am left with mixed feelings. I will admit that I am largely relieved it is almost over. There is still a sort of disappointment that lingers because I never would have anticipated that a single unfortunate event in my life would grip me and toss me off track in the way that it did. I am undoubtedly proud of myself for staying as focused as I have in
spite of everything that has happened. To me, the fact that I have continued to care about my own success as much as I do speaks volumes. Most importantly, this class has left me feeling prepared. Prepared to react appropriately to the future situations my life throws at me; prepared to focus even more of my energy on bettering myself; and prepared to thrive in college.
Thank you for everything you have done for me this year, Ms. Mont. I greatly appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Camryn Pate