This I Have Learned

 AP Lit isn't what I expected it to be. I had gotten used to strictly reading for school and not doing any pleasure reading outside of class, so this class threw me back into it all of a sudden. This class challenged my identity for a while, whether it was finding people to talk to or finding my place, but I eventually found it. The pieces we read taught me so much about my own life that I won't ever forget them. These past 4 years have been transformative, but senior year was the most impactful. It emphasized how valuable I am and how I need to treat myself as such. The pieces that really stuck with me are Siddhartha and English. 

Siddhartha took the risk I had taken before of leaving people to find understanding and meaning. Like me, it wasn't a linear path, and he had setbacks multiple times and relapsed. I relate to this as I didn't always stick to my goals this year, but it didn't mean I was a bad person or I didn't make any progress, but that I finally developed awareness. The most influential thing in a person's life is themselves, which took me such a long time to grasp.

English changed my view of everything permanently. I saw how my parents assimilated, and I always thought it was so impressive how they persevered despite the restrictions they faced as immigrants. However, this play made me realize how emotional an event immigrating is; it alters one's life forever. This play gave me more insight and helped me to see how even in my own life, fitting in and pleasing others don't solve all of your problems. In fact, it might even destroy you,

Senior Year. I wouldn't have it any other way. So much of my life has changed, and it's all due to self-reflection, which I credit this class for. What I can tolerate, who I surround myself with, has changed for the better, and I'll never forget. I think this may be my final blog. It has been nice writing since sophomore year and I'll cherish it forever :)