This semester, students in Ms. Cromer’s English composition class are facing a final exam that is setting them apart from the traditional English final. Unlike other classes, Ms. Cromer’s students will tackle more of a journalistic angle for their final assessment, designed to reflect the curriculum and skills learned in class.
In this essay, students had 10-30 minutes to interview their interviewee. The result is to be written in the third person as a narrative so that the writer can accurately articulate the interviewee’s voices and opinions through storytelling.
“ For our Composition final, we had to interview someone older than 57 and write about an interesting story that occurred in their life,” said McKenna Shumaker.
Ms. Cromer shared that it is valuable to connect with others of a different age group. This is especially true when it comes to people you know firsthand, such as your own family members.
Her significance in family connection showcases how important it is to listen to the stories of those closest to you. Reminding her students that wisdom and lessons can be easily portrayed through a person’s experience.
Composition student, Alayna Banks, shared that since being in Composition, rather than being in the standard English class, the assignments and the finals have been more creative and have opened up a lot of doors for freedom in their writing.
Although this may be a step outside of their comfort zone, all of Ms. Cromer’s students seem to enjoy the journalistic process. As they are writing and reporting, they will also need to write a reflection on how the interview has impacted them.
“Since my grandparents live an hour away, I don’t see them as much as I would like to. But sitting down and listening to stories about her childhood was amazing, and I feel like I’ve connected to her so much more,” said McKenna Shumaker.
School is almost at an end, so it is significant that as a student, you are utilizing and spending your time accordingly. Finish your homework, finish your study guides, and don’t get distracted by small things that will be detrimental to your overall grade. Your finals might not be a huge percentage of it, but they are designed to be your very last assignment in the class. That makes it the most important one before we can finally be free for summer break! (Please lock in so no one has to see you at summer school)
