1. 1. Getting accepted into Northwestern: Perhaps more than the elation of receiving admission to such a fantastic school, I was greeted that day by an enthusiastic cafeteria of applause. I mostly grant this to the general merriment of the last day before spring break and the fun of clapping, but still, “what a fight. What a victory” (Kesey 275)
2. 2. Doing the entire Othello datasheet in 13 consecutive hours: Sorry Ms. Serensky, the truth had to come out. I did not know how epic the task before me would be, so I spent the day in the library lazily looking for quotes, but altogether not getting anything accomplished. The thrilling part came with a sigh after printing the beast and was reiterated when I got an A on it, with a shiny monkey sticker atop. One might think, “this was so stupid. I don’t do s*** like this,” but sadly, I do-quite often (Currie 205).
3. 3. Completing all the essays on the AP English 11 Test: I remain notorious, much to my chagrin, for struggling to finish timed essays. So when I took the AP Test and somehow found enough time to complete all three essays, I was baffled and overjoyed. I was much more satisfied when I walked into the commons and found Ms. Serensky, who asked but one simple question—had I finished? She gave me a look like “the happiness of more than one life depends on your answer” (Wilde 52). Fortunately for everyone, I could answer with a smiling yes.
4. 4. Earning a Cup of Knowledge in AP Chemistry: I got not one, but two shiny beakers for earning the highest grade on a chapter test. I won’t mention the multitude that a Mr. Alex Kreger has won. I try to ignore him and think of my small victories, even if they were on the classic PV=nRT tests. In fact, I like to think that “the other kids think [I’m] a Jedi or something” (Currie 59).
5. 5. Induction into the Cum Laude Society: There’s nothing quite like recognition when people notice, “there’s a sensible, intellectual girl!” (Wilde 18). More than the administration recognizing the hard work associated with high GPA, I most enjoyed the photo of the fall inductees. This photo was serendipitously taken on Superhero Day in Homecoming Week, so Kyle had his ten-year-old power ranger costume on.
6. 6. Beating Sam “35” Schiferl in AP Comp. Sci.: Sam and I sat next to each other for most of second semester of AP Computer Science. As per usual, he made a competition out of most everything, from who could log on to their computer fastest (when I got to class first, I would inevitably be disqualified) to the progress book grades once we logged on. So you can imagine my excitement when we received a Friday AP problem back and I earned a higher score, making any of his intelligence, for the day at least, defunct. “He’s never written a single book, so you can imagine how much he knows” (Wilde 34).
7. 7. Appearances on Bobbie’s Blog Banter: I do believe I was the first blog to be bantered, back when I made an awkward comment about marrying Andrew Weaver to get a W last name. I didn’t know how to react in those early stages, but now I accept the credit gracefully, all the while beaming with joy on the inside. There are few things that offer the same surprise and pride than a Serensky nod in the form of a slot of BBB. Apparently, I love the recognition in front of my peers, “I am very fond of being looked at” (Wilde 35)
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| Academic success! Look at him fist pump that diploma! |
8. 8. Getting Accepted into Villanova: It was a lovely December afternoon when I received a text from Jillian telling me to check my ‘Nova account. She effectively took out any surprise in finding a letter or email, so good or bad, “I could see it coming” (Kesey 172).
9. 9. Winning the Best Essay For Those in AP English 11 Who Wrote About Uncle Pa Keating Award: Judging by the sheer length of the title, it was quite a narrow pool to win from. But still, the competition was fierce and “I worked at it” (Kesey 288). I would not be embarrassed to say that the “very special person” ribbon is currently hanging on my wall; in fact, I may bring it to college for bragging rights.
10. 10. Art in the Tiger Times: “This last is both a relief and a worry” (Currie 177). My painting of my brother and grandpa appeared on the back cover of the Tiger Times completely to my surprise. I think the newspaper staff must have snuck into the art room to steal it. But I was excited, even thrilled, and happy to get featured in such a way. And now, the piece, albeit a dark photocopy, hangs on the AP English 12 board.
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