In the upcoming months, students of Woodland Regional High School will choose classes to enroll in for the 2016-2017 school year. As a senior, I have had the privilege to take many exceptional classes at Woodland. Although you may not initially seem interested in these classes at first glance, they are sure to surpass your expectations. So, to all the underclassmen, here is some advice.

1. Astronomy- Astronomy class provided me with a plethora of knowledge and philosophical confusion. This class will make you question your existence, spirituality, and purpose. If you decide to take this class, I can guarantee that there will be moments when you hear the bell ring but don’t want to leave without getting an answer to your question first. This class is without a doubt a necessity in your 2016-2017 schedule.

 

2. Middle Eastern Studies- Mr. Tomlin does an amazing job of explaining the past, present, and future of the Middle East. Some entertaining activities you can participate in are the Israel-Palestine debate and the model United Nations talks, in which the students are put in the position of solving issues and bringing peace to the Middle East. It is surprising to find out just how little we, as American students, actually know about the Middle East. This class is an excellent way to learn about past wars, religion, culture, and politics.

 

3. Photography- Not many classes give students the freedom that Photography provides. Should you choose to enroll into Photography, you will be given a wide range of assignments in which you will be able to use your creativity and truly express yourself by taking the assignment into your own hands. If you are looking for the right art class for next year, you can’t go wrong with Photography.

 

4. Digital Media- The Digital Media program at Woodland is one of the most successful classes and often receives much recognition for the short films that the students create each year for the Student Film Festival. The Digital Media students created a film called “Foster” which managed to win three awards. The short films that the Digital Media group has created have surpassed my expectations to say the least. This class has immense potential for anyone interested in filmmaking or simply making/editing videos with your friends.

 

5. Journalism- Last on the list, but definitely not least, Journalism. I was initially unsure if I would like this class but decided to give it a chance. This class provides a friendly environment of students that work together to report on anything and everything related to the school. This class is unlike any other; you get out of it what you put in. Anything you feel like reporting on, you can. If you have a problem with the school lunch, write a story about it and it just might change things. In a way, being a Journalist gives you more power than just being regular student. Your only regret will be not taking it sooner.