Well, it is hard to believe, but we have closed yet another year at Odyssey. Soon, we will be blowing a kiss and waving a tearful farewell to the Class of 2023. As first and second-year DP Language and Literature students gear up for their summer assessments, the Class of 2023 will be zipping up their gowns, donning their cords, and looking forward to the next phase of their exciting life journey: college, career, military service; wherever their dreams take them...
So, DP Language and Literature Students of now and tomorrow, here it is, advice from your seniors to you; those who have successfully reached the summit of DP Language and Literature will give you pieces of the map and a compass to guide YOU on your journey. They have officially and successfully finished both years of study, so really take their words to heart! And to you seniors who are quoted here, please know that I have learned just as much, if not more, from working with you as you did in this classroom, and I will miss your intensity and determination through all the seasons. This advice is quite meaningful in light of the experience, and so...
Read the book on time! Don't wait until the last moment, the reading is too long! Read the sections as assigned!" ~ Sarah Emmett
Collaborate as much as possible! Especially on the lit trackers. If you are planning on taking any DP tests, start practicing writing in pen right now! Finally, find ways to destress or just don't stress at all. Some things are just out of your control. ~ Soleil Sanchez
Questions are the key to learning. Don't feel ashamed of any questions you may have. ~ Landon Cozad
As a scholar in DP Lang/Lit, I have learned a few important lessons in my past 2 years. My first piece of advice is to never procrastinate! I know you've heard this about a million times in your lifetime, but trust me, you do not want to get behind on the Lit Tracker, World View Charts, HL essays, or even something as simple as the blog. It's better to get work done sooner rather than later in case you have questions. Another piece of advice is to always find higher level vocabulary words to use in your HL essays. I used thesaurus.com when I needed help finding more advanced words in place of simple words. My last piece of advice is never to be afraid to ask questions. If you're confused about an assignment or something that occurred in one of the novels, do not be afraid to ask Mrs. Caraway or a fellow classmate for help. Don't forget to have fun and make the most of your time. It will go by faster than you think! ~ Hana Trom
SHE KNOWS. When you come to class unprepared, she can tell. She has been doing this for a REALLY long time!
Work together on assignments, like the Lit Tracker, when you can and work on them ahead of time rather than the day of (don't stress more than you need to). For the Lit Tracker, it will be a source of a variety of quotes to use for your HL essays, Paper 2, and IO for later and give different perspectives on how to go about analyzing the works and pairing them. This will also develop your collaboration skills as you share your strengths with others. ~Danae Martinez
Do your lit trackers with more than one person. Don't be afraid to write in your books, or use sticky notes! USE TAP!!! Don't be afraid to ask questions. When sending an email to Mrs. Caraway, make sure you provide a greeting, edit carefully, and spell her name correctly! Always check your spelling before you submit your essay! Don't abbreviate or use slang words in your writing assignments. ~ Elizabeth Day
Check the language arts website!!
Do rough drafts/outlines on time (you WANT the feedback!)
Do not hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand something. Someone else might have the same question as you. Be engaged in the class conversations; the class will be so much fun if you do! ~ Madeleine Emmons
Take advantage of the time you have here. You will learn so much about yourself and your writing if you throw yourself into your work. Take advantage of Mrs. Caraway's advice, both for your writing and life; it has never steered me wrong. Lastly, do your lit tracker with other people! - Olivia Elledge
1. READ THE BOOKS. I know this sounds obvious, but actually reading the assigned chapters (as they are assigned) is so important! Not only so you don't embarrass yourself, but also because the readings can be so fun! My favorite part of Mrs. Caraway's class was our group discussions about the previous night's chapters. Make sure that you engage in the discussions. They can be very helpful and so fun. It feels like a cute, little book club.
2. TRY NEW THINGS! This one is relevant to your junior and senior years as a whole and not just Mrs. Caraway's class. Try new clubs, try out different jobs, make new friends, and branch out! Put effort into all of your classes, not just the ones that you are interested in. These years can be so fun, but only if you make them! :) ~Taylor Alger
1. Collaboration is such an important thing in ANY IB course, so stay open-minded and communicate with your peers to gain perspectives and improve your work, whether it be your writing or your technique. Take feedback and USE it!
2. Stay Organized! This cannot be stressed enough. Make schedules, write down your homework, and stay on top of your assignments because they can rack up quickly.
3. Balance Yourself. Find a way for you to cope with the stress and anxiety from school, otherwise you'll just become overwhelmed and fall behind and that is not something you want to happen (I recommend the game "Cat Snack Bar")
4. Don't overthink it! The DP classes are not to be scared of or intimidated by as long as you stay engaged in class and with the material. ~Tatum Aguilar
Do your lit trackers! I promise you they will help you with your essays, and later on they will come in handy when preparing for any IOs or Paper 2. Make sure to come to class prepared and to read what is assigned. It is truly so much fun to participate in class discussions and it's important to know what's going on. Plus, there is a lot to learn from Mrs. Caraway. Trust her!! - Jacelle Martinez
1. My biggest advice is when Mrs. Caraway gives feedback on your essays or papers, always appreciate and acknowledge that advice and try to implement that in your writing next time. I have become a significantly better writer just through the feedback and practice that Mrs. Caraway provides so don't take that for granted!
2. When it comes to the summer assessments, I highly recommend NOT doing it 2 days before it is due. This is perhaps from personal experience, but I'm going to exercise the 5th Amendment to retain some deniability. Anyways, I recommend gathering the will power to do it in the beginning of your summer while you are still in the groove of writing essays and don't extend your procrastination. (Although I know this is a problem for all of us!)
3. Read. It's so easy to skip a chapter reading and end up creating a very bad habit. Just know that it is so fun sharing ideas and participating in the class discussions. By reading not only do you get familiar with different writing styles but the book can be extremely fulfilling and fun to read. It also avoids the issue of awkwardly showing up to class with nothing to say and hoping you don't get called on to share! ~Jasmine Redfield Lagos
My first word of advice is to always ask for help. Do not feel embarrassed, or shy to ask for help. Someone is always willing to help you, especially Mrs. Caraway. She is totally open to giving you feedback and it can be very helpful! Whether that is for an essay, an IO, etc. My second piece of advice is to get your IO done in the first semester. You don't want to be that person who is the last one to do your IO! It can be very stress-relieving to just get it done and out of the way. Another piece of advice is to actually pay attention in class and put effort and care into your assignments. If you aren't trying or you don't care about what you are writing about, it will be obvious. Write with passion! Finally, have fun. Personally, I think DP Language and Literature was one of my most fun classes. Between all of the discussions we would have and the assignments we would do, I had fun with it all!! :~Allyson Mills
Okay, now it's time to reflect and respond!
Future Year 2 scholars: What piece of advice above really resonates with you? What advice or words of reflection would you like to add?
Year 1 Scholars: Welcome! What words of advice do you find most helpful or interesting? What do you see as your greatest source of anxiety and/or excitement? Why are you here, and what are you hoping to accomplish this year?
Year 1 Scholars: Welcome! What words of advice do you find most helpful or interesting? What do you see as your greatest source of anxiety and/or excitement? Why are you here, and what are you hoping to accomplish this year?
