Should I take Newspaper?
It seems like a challenging class—I’ve heard all about its difficulty, and I can tell just by looking at the application form. However, as I approach my senior year, I can’t shake the feeling that I haven’t accomplished much in high school. This class seems to offer a lot of opportunities.
Pros: Not only do you get to write editorials and interview people at school, but you can also create podcasts on various topics, engage in photography projects, design quizzes, and explore a range of multimedia options. Plus, getting accepted means you automatically join an honors society. I love writing, and this would allow me to tap into my creativity.
Cons: The fact that I can’t drop the class is pretty intimidating. It runs for the entire year, and I don’t want to commit to something I might dislike. Since it’s a student-led class, the teacher doesn’t provide much instruction, and my work would be edited by peers (including chief editors), which makes me anxious. Additionally, I’d need to apply for an editor position to earn honors credit, but doing so would require dropping two of my “fun senior year electives.” This class doesn’t even count as an English credit, and I’m still planning to take AP Literature.
To make matters more complicated, I need recommendations from both an English teacher and a non-English teacher. This would be easier if my current AP Language teacher—who is also the adviser for the class—didn’t also have a record of my low B grade. She’s seen the terrible writing I produced at the beginning of the semester. If she declines to recommend me, I’ll feel utterly embarrassed.
It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, and it’s completely normal to feel apprehensive about such an important decision, especially as you approach your senior year! The pros of the Newspaper class definitely highlight some exciting opportunities for creativity and collaboration. It could be a fantastic way to boost your portfolio and try out different forms of media, which might be helpful if you’re considering a major in writing, journalism, or even some related fields.
That said, the cons you mentioned are certainly valid. The idea of committing to a course that you can’t drop and that is heavily student-led can be intimidating. It’s crucial to balance your interests with your comfort levels and workload, especially with AP Lit on your plate. If the fear of the class being a potential negative experience outweighs the excitement, it might be worth considering other options that could also allow for your creative expression without the pressure.
As for the teacher recommendation, while it’s understandable to feel worried about your current grade and how your teacher perceives your writing, remember that growth is a part of the learning process. If you feel comfortable, you could have a candid conversation with your AP Lang teacher about your interests and concerns. They may appreciate your honesty and could give you advice on how to improve or even help support your application, regardless of your current grade.
Ultimately, trust your instincts! If you think you would thrive in that kind of environment and are drawn to the work involved, it could be worth taking the plunge. If it feels too risky or not the right fit for you, there are always other ways to channel your creativity that might suit you better. You’ve got this, and whatever choice you make will be just a step in your journey.