Acknowledgments

 

First and foremost, I would like to thank my family. Thank you mom and dad for listening to me complain about English class (just kidding) and brag about my essay grades (not kidding). Also, thanks to my older brother Frank for staying awake with me on even the latest nights and the earliest mornings. Your ability to never sleep has kept my GPA alive! 

Next, I would like to thank a few of my 2nd hour Valentino friends. Julia, Charlotte, and Hailey, you have all brightened my 2nd hour. No matter if it’s shooting looks at each other from across the room or making funny comments under our breaths, you have all made this class even more enjoyable! 

I would also like to thank these blog posts. They have motivated me to actually do some thinking on weekends (even if it is usually Sunday morning). I truly believe I have become a better writer by just jotting down some of my thoughts each week. The consistency of my writing has improved tremendously as well as my style and organization.

A big thanks to my English textbook! I would not have burned as many calories if not for you! You have definitely made sure I get enough cardio and strength training even during school. You have also left some wonderful bruises on my shoulders as my backpack becomes heavier and weighs me down more and more! 

Thank you to a carbonated energy drink called Celsius. You have gotten me through many prolonged assignments and early mornings. You hzve truly powered me through my school day and I would even go as far to say that my school day should be sponsored by Celsius. If you are reading this, Celsius, DM me for a partnership!

Thanks to the book we read last semester called The Nickel Boys. If not for you, I would never have bonded as closely with the members of the ‘Nickel Club” who will always rest fondly in my heart. Riley, Charlotte, George, Krish, and Ruthesh, you were all truly an amazing group of intelects to work with. I will cherish our book club dearly and I will always have a piece of change on me. The Nickel Club forever!

Next, I would like to thank each of the ICEs separately:

The Synthesis Essay: Thanks for pushing me to work hard. Though you are the newest essay to my collection, I respect you. You motivate me to read faster, write faster, and think faster. You humble me when I need it. Just when I think I am getting better at ICEs and time management, you remind me I still have a long way to go. Thank you for driving me to keep striving for better. 

The Argumentative Essay: Thank you for letting me put all my intrusive thoughts on a piece of paper. Arguing my point and being stubborn is something I am very good at, so thank you for giving me an excuse to purposefully do just that. You have taught me that strong arguments take skill and that it is always important to hear (and then rebuttal) the other side. You have truly made me a more creative writer. 

And last but not least, the Rhetorical Analysis Essay: You have always been my favorite essay. The perfect combination of the other two. You help me keep my voice clear and sharpen my analytical skills. You were the first ICE I have ever written, and will be the last one I write on the AP test. Thanks for always being there for me, even when I thought I was going to fail. And most importantly, thanks for earning me the sophistication point!

Thank you to 11 AP and Mrs. Valentino. 2nd hour is a class that I don’t actually dread going to (I cannot say the same about my other 5 hours). I love that you always keep me on my toes and my mind whirling. I love having meaningful conversations in class and reading interesting, relevant works. Thank you for making junior year bearable.