for what it's worth

"The best things said come last. People will talk for hours saying nothing much and then linger at the door with words that come with a rush from the heart." -Alan Alda

So here we are at the doorway of your sophomore year. Before you turn to go, linger a moment to tell us what's in your heart, whatever that may be. You can share what you've learned (in class or out), what you've struggled with, and what you've triumphed over. What were your accomplishments this year, academic or otherwise? Who changed your life in big or small ways? (Shout-outs are welcome!) When your mind rewinds the last nine months, what moments make you smile?

(For extra credit, post your response by midnight on 6/13.)

back of the bus

Discrimination is a major theme in To Kill a Mockingbird, which is set in the Jim Crow-era South. But discrimination isn't always a black-and-white issue. While it is often race-based, people are often treated differently or unfairly for a variety of other reasons: age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical appearance, disabilities, and more. The pervasive nature of discrimination means that most of us have experienced it.

For extra credit this May, write about a time that you were discriminated against. (If you can't think of a personal experience, you may write about one that you witnessed or heard of that affected you.) What happened, how did it make you react/feel, and did it teach you anything?

(For extra credit, post your response by midnight on 5/31.)

from the silver screen

The above video is Harrison Ford revealing his all-time favorite movie. (Harrison Ford is an actor who played Indiana Jones. Indiana Jones was a guy who ... oh, nevermind.) Btw, the Mockingbird movie is much different than the book, so you'll still have to read. Sorry, suckers.

Movies are texts just like literature, and like lit, they can entertain us, move us, and shape our opinions and behavior. For April's extra credit, choose one movie that has impacted you in some way--perhaps it made you LOL, inspired you to think about life differently, changed the way you speak, made you cry for hours, whatever--and explain, specifically, why you would recommend it to others. This doesn't need to be your favorite film, but just one that stands out to you for some reason.

Have fun reading each others' posts (and updating your Netflix queue!). Post by midnight on 4/30 for extra credit.