AP Lit Semester Reflection

If you told me a few months ago that AP Lit would be one of my favorite classes this semester, I wouldn’t have believed you. I mean, a class based on reading and writing doesn’t exactly scream “relaxing,” especially when you’re juggling other APs. But honestly, AP Lit turned out to be so different from what I expected, it’s been a chance to slow down, reflect, and actually enjoy learning.

One of the best parts about this class has been how it’s opened my eyes to new ideas and perspectives. Every book or short story we’ve read has taught me something meaningful about the world, or even about myself. We’ve tackled themes like love, identity, and loss, and they hit in ways I didn’t expect. It’s one thing to know these concepts exist, but reading stories that explore them so deeply makes you actually feel them.

        

I really enjoyed reading The Stranger by Albert Camus. It challenged my thinking in ways I didn’t see coming. Meursault’s indifference and the way he confronts life (and death) forced me to question things I’ve taken for granted, like how we assign meaning to our actions or the world around us. 

        

And then there were the Harkness discussions, which honestly I had mixed feelings about. At first, they felt kind of intimidated cause it’s not easy to just dive into a topic with the class about big themes in literature. But over time, they became a way to understand different perspectives. It wasn’t just about proving you read the text but more about hearing different interpretations and realizing how much more there is to a story when you look at it through someone else’s eyes. The Harknesses made me a better listener and speaker and challenged my way of thinking as well. 

What’s surprised me most is how much this class has taught me to pause and connect with what I’m reading. It’s not about rushing to finish a book or trying to figure out “the right answer.” Instead, it’s about thinking through what the author is really saying, or even what the story is saying about me. It’s made reading feel less like a task and more like an experience, and one I actually look forward to.

The classroom itself has been a big part of that. Compared to my other classes, AP Lit feels like a much-needed break. It’s not that we don’t work hard, but the environment is different. Discussions are laid-back and honest, and it feels like there’s space to share ideas without feeling judged. It’s one of the only classes where I don’t feel the pressure to have everything figured out, it’s just about engaging with the material.

        

In a semester full of constant deadlines and stressful tests, AP Lit has been a kind of breather. It’s reminded me that learning doesn’t always have to feel like a grind. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, reading something meaningful, and walking away with a better understanding of the world (or yourself).

Looking back on the semester, I can honestly say this class has changed the way I think about stories. They’re not just entertainment or something you analyze for a grade, they’re a way to connect, to empathize, and to see the world differently.