Redemption. A word loaded with passion, power, and determination, it holds enough promise to restore hope in the hearts of millions. But what does redemption mean to me? Redemption finds its way into my veins after shamefully losing to my eight-year-old cousin in Corn Hole at our annual family reunion. The sun decides to shine right into my eyes, but that never convinces anyone else. I cannot let one blemish tarnish my reputation as the Corn Hole Queen. Four more hours remain in the gathering and desperation fills me as I search to find a way to put this bragging ignoramus in her place. Eating contest? No, that corned beef and hash smells like Aunt Nancy’s dentures. Texting race? No, kids these days do technology so much better. Thinking, thinking, thinking, and then it hits me, Capture the Flag: the ultimate test of intelligence, endurance, and thievery. Not that I have any particular experience in stealing… *cough* Pumpkining *cough*. I gather the forces because I no longer wish to involve myself in one-versus-one combat with this demon. I find my tallest uncle, my fastest cousin, my oldest grandparent (because who really wants to harm the frail one?) and we prepare for war. To say that we dug and marked her grave before she could infiltrate our boundaries would stand as a large understatement. Ah, the sweet taste of redemption on a warm summer night. Not to characterize myself arrogantly, but I often reminisce on that moment and link the unmatched feeling to my life in AP English. AP English: (n) the sole class in high school that will take you on an emotional roller coaster on a daily basis. Every nine weeks of the school year, my brain throbs, my fingers cramp, and I swear by Shakespeare’s holy name that I have carpal tunnel syndrome. I begin to lose faith that I will ever catch a break and then, suddenly, a beacon of light shines through the windows in room 329. Call me crazy, but I believe that after four years of annotating with literary devices, I can apply symbolism to this majestic moment. This light symbolizes ebullience, happy endings, and fluffy unicorns in a horror movie. Why? Extra credit season has finally arrived and let us justsay the best way I know how to spell redemption looks a whole lot like b-o-n-u-s-p-o-i-n-t-s. The time has come for me to overshadow my humiliating loss against my number one enemy, grammar. I quickly scan the room for my usual crew, Kackin* and Mampers* (rest in peace, Sockie Slemens*). Our creation of a three-headed monster works diligently under the pressure of practice AP testing dominance. Yes, we miss questions from time-to-time, but working with two of the most intelligent people I know gives me great confidence that our success will prevail in the end. As they say, “three heads are better than one.” Not only do these bonus points give my grade a desired boost at the end of the quarter, but they also help alleviate the pain from my occasional “what was I THINKING?” essays. So, what have I learned from extra credit? For one, I have never appreciated an opportunity provided to me in high school more than Ms. Serensky’s extra credit. To future students, take full advantage of this day, make it fun, cheer obnoxiously, and thank your teacher for throwing you a lifeline at the end of a dark tunnel. Second off, life will throw its ups and downs at you. Sure, you may botch up a few times, but whatever path you choose to take, I can guarantee that at the end of that road, a little girl stands waiting to serve you a cup of sweet, sweet redemption.
*Pseudonyms used for the protection of students' identities.
