by Nick Hammond ’25

As a senior with a full-day schedule, many classes can feel monotonous, pointlessly difficult or easy, or simply annoying. While I do come to school to learn, some classes like Calculus have mostly failed to prove significant real world applications of the material, even in a class called Calculus with Applications. Especially as I transition to college focusing more on my hobbies, interests, extracurriculars, and college applications – basic class content has become even less enticing. However, one class has retained and even piqued my interest: AP Psychology.

I’ve finally found the perfect class for me: one which is both challenging, and also directly im-
pacts my own life. Further, taking this class this year has also led me to realizing the value of class-
es beyond grades, credits, and test scores. When schools provide students with more of these kinds of courses and relate them to meaningful things in one’s life, we become more driven, interested, and overall just have a better educational experience.

In my generation, it feels numerous students have lost track of the point of actually coming to school in the first place. While many still put great effort into their work and show up consistently, they may do it due to internal and external pressures to achieve and be perceived as capable. However, the thing that should be most prioritized is to learn. To learn well; to learn deeply. To learn in ways that will benefit everybody: ourselves, each other, and our world as a whole.

While our classes strive to teach students skills and knowledge that will allow them to be successful, we need more application of that information to one’s personal life, as well as the state of our entire current society. For instance, even in our county’s ‘Honors’ classes, I have my self perceived how often critical thinking is forgotten as a priority. Many test questions ask what is basically common sense, and written responses often funnel students into one predetermined perspective without so much as allowing us to draw our own conclusions on things such as the impacts of history. Yet I’ve long felt that there is still a drastic gap in difficulty between Honors and AP classes, often not allowing something for students who are seeking something more than the base level without a huge jump in
homework and stress.

But these perspectives of mine have been challenged by AP Psych. It certainly isn’t a class without required homework, preparation, and effort. But to me it all feels worthwhile. Being able to learn about the inner workings and fundamentals which make up all of us translates to thinking about and applying the content out of class, and actually has enabled me to approach and understand my decisions from a new perspective.

Now, I’m not sure I’ll actually pursue a career in Psychology. Even so, I can see how much a greater understanding of psychological fundamentals and more applicable, truly interesting learning is important to incorporate in our schools. When it feels like high school is simply an obstacle in place to move towards college or a job, classes like AP Psych help remind me of its value.