I wanted to end this school year reflecting on a class that truly defined my sophomore year. Last year I did not know how much choosing AP Economics as my elective would change me. As a freshman, I was interested in the class, but thinking back, I knew absolutely nothing. I was hoping to be put in the same class with the only other person I knew who was taking it, but that didn’t happen. Entering sophomore year, I didn’t even know what an AP class consisted of, never mind Economics. I was unfamiliar with AP exams and even the College Board; topics of which I am very involved with now. I was up for the challenge, but the beginning of the year was very tough for me.
I walked into that class first period, on the first day of school, to see a bunch of upperclassmen that I didn’t know. I was SO intimidated from barely knowing three-fourths of my class and being with upperclassmen who didn’t know me. Aside from being in my first class when I am in the minority grade, learning the actual lessons were extremely hard. I had no background knowledge of anything related to Economics and I hardly knew any of the terms that some of the other students easily understood.
I remember in September thinking that I was going to fail Economics. But, I focused on each quiz, test, and AP exam as they came, and did better in Economics than some of my other classes. I felt that I had made a mistake in the beginning, but the lessons actually DID get easier and I proved to myself that I could handle it. I also showed myself that AP classes are hard, but they don’t require prior knowledge, as long as you are willing to try extra hard to keep up.
Looking back on this year, I learned more from this course than years of other classes. Economics taught me information so relevant to real life and so helpful for my future. I assure you, that I did not make a mistake taking this course because even though it challenged me in many aspects, I would say that because of those challenges, it was my best decision for a class that I have made yet. These types of classes are what make you grow throughout High School. This class was one of the first times that I was really challenged in school, but it made me stronger and gave me more confidence. Even as a senior, I think I will always remember this class as a turning point for me because I couldn’t care less anymore if I have friends in my classes or not. I am now willing to take hard classes because I know that I can make it through them if I put the effort in. Please remember this article when choosing your classes and beginning them next year. You have to step out of your comfort zone in order to learn what you are truly capable of. Don’t be afraid to enroll in a class that seems intimidating to you because I’m sure you will have a teacher to guide you and ease your concerns, especially if you take Economics.