Dear APUSH 3rd hour, 

If you would have told me a year ago that my second favorite subject in school was history, I would have laughed and instantly run away from the future version of myself. But, after trying to learn over seven centuries of history in APUSH, in the course of one school year, I can definitely say that history is hands-down one of the most fascinating subjects ever. 

Even though I may never be able to memorize the year of every single war in history or how to correctly write the different types of essays we learned in APUSH, in more ways than others I am so grateful that I was given the chance to switch into the class last minute.

From completing the never-ending homework assignments to learning how to make historical connections to America’s backstory, I have not only learned how to be more aware of the things around me, but to also have a respectful opinion on things that are happening in the real world. 

With that being said, I believe every person in APUSH deserves a thank you for being the most entertaining yet educational hour of the day for me. 

Ayla, thank you for always telling the class funny stories about your life. Grace, thank you for always being willing to participate in class; your intelligence doesn’t go unnoticed. Berkleigh, thank you for helping me understand the APUSH curriculum better. Mia, thank you for always showing up to class and updating me on your life. Jia, thank you for always being willing to ask Mr. Labenz the questions no else wants to. Eva,  thank you for always being willing to share your point of view and to hear the other side. Sofia, thank you for coming into the classroom with such an energetic and kind attitude. Andrew, thank you for always entertaining us with both your funny and factual anecdotes. Matthew Taylor, thank you for always showing up to class with the weirdest snacks. Noah, thank you for being the class clown for 3rd hour. Hayden, thank you for always knowing the answer to Mr. Labenz’s never-ending questions. Aiden, thank you for being a walking timeline for APUSH. Addy, thank you for always letting the class know about your after-school job, and you have such amazing fashion sense! Parker, thank you for always entertaining us with your APUSH jokes, I will never forget the joke you made about “Stalin Ballin.” Joey, thank you for sharing your love of APUSH with us, I always like hearing your point of view. Owen, thank you for always being the most studious kid in our class, I sometimes wish I was just as calm and contained as you. Claire, thank you for always being able to answer every question Mr. Labenz asks, I am constantly amazed by the amount of knowledge you are able to retain from APUSH. Matthew Seurynck, thank you for always willing to put in all your effort, and congratulations on getting your Model Congress Bill passed.

And lastly, but certainly not least, Mr. Labenz. I sometimes wonder how you manage to remain calm despite all the chaos that goes on during our hour, but I just want to say a big thank you for sharing your love for history with us. Although the APUSH era is coming to an end, my love for history never will and will only continue to grow from here on out. It’s classes like yours that motivate me to continue being a “junior historian.”

Sincerely, 

Arpita Das