Thomas Jefferson, Twitter and Tinker (v. Des Moines). Oh My!

Well, ladies and gents, may I be the first to say congratulations. Who, you might ask, am I congratulating and why in the world would I do that. To quench the curiosity, I am congratulating the ladies of the AP US Gov class.  Because after hitting the ground running in the foreign territory that is an online class, I have been astonished and vastly impressed by the content of what they have to share and I think the ladies deserve some serious recognition. Starting this course, I will admit I was nervous. And like some of my classmates, I was a little intimidated by the requirements of the online structure. As a technological neanderthal and a second semester senior, I was worried my own ambition and motivation would be hindered (to say the least) and that simply, I wouldn’t have much to say. I’ve noticed, though, that over the past four weeks, discussion spurs more discussion and it seems we inspire more thought in each other. Ultimately, the speed at which these four weeks have passed is a testament to the quality of work and effort put in, as well as a healthy amount of enjoyment we’re getting out of this class.

Naïve Sarah, pre-AP US Gov

Between the independence, the internet– a classroom alternative, the multi-media learning and discussion-based lessons, the class so far has provided an innumerable amount of perspectives and methods of grasping and understanding material. In this day and age (excuse the cliché), with so many history-making events happening in the US as well as the rest of the world, not to mention the complexity and volume of ideas and opinions that litter our internet, newspapers, magazines, TV screens, etc., I find it exceedingly valuable to be able to interpret and analyze multiple forms of information across multiple disciplines. Additionally, since the class began, I’ve started to see and appreciate more and more the ways in which government affects our lives on a day-to-day basis. Whether it’s a traffic light on the street or my ability to post whatever I please on this blog without having to worry about being punished for it (don’t worry, I’ll keep things PG) we often forget how much the government really shapes our lives.

Generally speaking, one thing I really value being able to do in my life is planning ahead. Before you jump to any conclusions that may lead you to believe I am a control freak, let me explain. In taking this course, I am planning ahead. By partaking in a multitude of new technologies, learning about government itself, one of the most prominent forces in our lives and doing so at my leisure and in the comfort of my own home (I will admit, the majority of my discussion answers have been written from my bed), I’m getting a leg-up on the ways of the future (excuse the corny somewhat canonical phrases). I feel that I’m not only learning about crucial aspects of government, but I’m learning skills and independent work habits that this course requires– all of which I will most definitely take with me to college and beyond.  

Just as I’ve learned that government builds upon itself and relies upon its separate parts to function well, I’m excited to see how we as a class build upon each other’s ideas and opinions and function together as a unit. Between partner projects (which I am really enjoying, not just the process of going in depth on a subject, but getting to know some of my classmates a little better), discussions, videos, voicethreads, etc., I look forward to all that this course has to offer for the remainder of the year. So once again, congratulations on a sensational start and I wish you all the best of luck!

P.S.– If you ask me, Thomas Jefferson would be proud.