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Many of you may feel uncertain as the time approaches to select your electives for next year. For underclassmen, the future might seem distant, while upperclassmen may be focused on challenging themselves with new opportunities. Regardless of where you stand, the decision can feel overwhelming. In this article, I break things down to help make the process a little easier, so that you can make an informed choice for your academic journey.
Photo via Media Arts Center San Diego under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Firstly, while many already know this, there is an art requirement at FHS where you must take 2 semesters of an art class. While this can include many courses such as graphic design, ensembles, and 3D modeling there is one that seems to stick out in the crowd known to be a creative, dynamic, and engaging class filled with new material to learn: Video Production One and Two. This two-part course will take you on an adventure from behind the scenes of your favorite films to the cinematic acting that many are interested in.
One of your fellow peers Syed Azhar, stated, “For me, the most beneficial elective by far has been video production one and two, I took these courses my freshman year and still use the material to this day. They taught me the fundamentals of camera work and forced me to overcome the overuse of CapCut and instead learn how to use professional editing software". However, the class is not only known for its content but also for the fantastic teacher, Mr. Bailey. One fellow peer highlighted him by saying, “Being in a class with my cross-country coach created a nice bond”. Of course, you should hear what your peers have to say but do not just take their word for it. If you are interested in creativity and storytelling, Video Production is an amazing choice—I took it myself and still use the skills I learned.
But electives are not just about hands-on skills; they can also help you understand how people think and interact. That’s where Psychology comes in. Whether you want to learn more about human behavior or just enjoy analyzing why people do what they do, this class offers valuable insights into human interactions and delves deeper into the signals that cause the body to act in such a way. This course is amazing for those in pursuit of a more memory-focused elective that will offer valuable insight into many career paths. One student stated, “I feel though everyone should take psychology at least once in their high school career at any level as it helps you critically think in your other classes as well”. Moreover, if you are interested in studying human behavior, why not learn more about how people make financial decisions? This is where AP Microeconomics comes in. “Micro, technically, is a business elective; the class is particularly intriguing since it allows you to look further into corporate operations and finances”.
Photo via Nick Youngson under CC BY-SA 3.0.
While the "AP" designation may make it appear difficult, students believe it retains the joy and flexibility of an elective. “Although it is an AP subject, it is an elective, so it is fun and simple since the things you do are different from a math or english class; it is unique. Furthermore, a superb teacher always improves a class, and AP Micro is no exception. Mr. Healy, the teacher is also extremely pleasant. That is the beauty of electives: they allow you to "do something different". Whether you are interested in business or simply curious about how the economy works, AP Microeconomics could be a good fit for you!
Switching gears, we know that some students aim to go above and beyond. If that sounds like you, and you have a passion for computer science, there is a course that might be the perfect fit. At FHS, we offer many AP course. AP classes are college-level courses that you can show your passion in by challenging yourself and expressing genuine interest not only for your current self but for colleges in the future.
Furthermore, if you have not taken any AP classes yet, AP Computer Science Principles is by far the most vouched AP for being the most rewarding and the overall best first pick in your AP draft. This class offers an extensive review of computer science material and allows you to code in this technologically advanced world. AP Computer Science Principles not only teaches you the principles of computers but also helps you “develop problem-solving abilities that are useful in almost any field”. The course covers a wide range of topics. Zeina stated, “The first half of the years was from scratch, but during the end, we found out how to identify a variable and what that variable does” But that's not it the curriculum also includes “programming and data analysis, as well as the social impact of technology”. Whether you are interested in hands-on coding experience or simply learning about the ever-changing field of computer science, this class is the place to start. Another reason students praise AP Computer Science Principles is its accessibility. Unlike some AP courses, which require substantial prior knowledge, this subject is meant to welcome beginners while also offering a new point of view to computer science connoisseurs. It's the ideal method to enter the world of APs, especially if you want a challenging yet fun class.
With an addition to the FHS graduation requirements students now have to complete a semester of a physical ed class or play a sport in their junior and/or senior year. Team Sports is a great class to take to build upon 9th and 10th-grade P.E. classes. This class offers an extensive background in the rules and strategies of many sports such as tennis, gatorball, and volleyball. Not only will you have the opportunity to polish your skills in traditional sports, but Team Sports also encourages teamwork, leadership, and communication—skills that are useful in all aspects of life. Whether you're an experienced athlete or want to have fun with your friends, this class has something for everyone. Additionally, Team Sports is an excellent method way active while meeting your graduation requirements. Instead of going through the motions, you'll be able to participate in competitive activities, develop your coordination, and discover the intricacies of many sports. You will also experience the camaraderie of working together for the same objective, making it one of the most fulfilling and fun electives.
As you can see, whether you're looking to challenge yourself, explore new interests, or simply fulfill graduation requirements in a fun way, there’s an elective for everyone. From the creativity of Video Production to the problem-solving skills of AP Computer Science Principles, and the teamwork in Team Sports, your elective choices allow you to customize your high school experience and set yourself up for future success. Remember, electives aren’t just about ticking boxes—they’re about exploring what excites you, developing new skills, and preparing for the next chapter in your life. So, take the time to reflect on what you're passionate about, what skills you want to build, and how you can challenge yourself to grow. Whether you’re aiming for college, a future career, or just looking for something new, the electives you choose today can have a lasting impact on your future.
Thus, go on and flee to your interest. The possibilities are endless, and your high school journey is waiting to be shaped by the electives you select!
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