AP Students Prepare for Tests

Feeling rather confident for his tests and upcoming finals, AP Human Geography student, Diego Martinez, 9, describes his study routine at the DHS quad on Jan. 16. “I’ll study one day starting with flashcards and the [given] packet. The second day, I’ll quickly review material that I studied before, and then study other papers and notes,” Martinez stated. “I will finish off by reviewing the KBAT [know and be able to do] paper.”

Jasmine Fernandez, Editor-In-Chief
January 29, 2018

As the first semester of the 2017-2018 school year comes to an end, students are beginning to feel the pressures of AP courses. With exams quickly approaching, the time has come for students to think about exams.

Although most AP classes are year long, students face the pressure of memorizing and retaining the curriculum for exams in May. Oftentimes, students turn to online sources for study material such as videos, lectures, and articles penned by seasoned AP educators. Included is Leyvi Barron, 11, who focuses on studying videos to improve her retention of information learned in class.

“My best studying routine has been going to sleep listening to videos and listening to them through the day at school or at home,” Barron said. “The videos review topics which will be on the test and listening to them helps me remember and learn better.”

Alongside studious upperclassmen are freshmen and sophomores taking their first AP classes. Freshman Human Geography students have come to adapt to the workload and demands of their rigorous studies. Diego Martinez, 9, enjoys the challenge “AP HUG” has introduced to his schedule.

“Well, I feel rather confident for my next tests and upcoming finals since I’m able to understand and memorize most things after they are taught,” Martinez said. “I balance AP class material by just spending a bit more time trying to tie everything together from previous chapters.”

Ultimately, AP exams test not only a student’s learning capabilities but their management skills as well. With tests, deadlines and lectures consuming most of students’ time, Alyson Lucena, 9, keeps an optimistic attitude when faced with the responsibility of scholar.

“I feel as if these tests and finals are going to be detrimental to my grade, but I’m pretty sure I’ll still have the grades I want,” Lucena said. “I have my priorities straight.”

Downey High offers AP courses for every grade level, beginning with Human Geography for freshmen and ending with American Government and Microeconomics for seniors. 2018 exams take place from May 7 to May 18. For more information on how to enroll in an AP course, visit the counselor’s office or visit www.apstudent.collegeboard.org.

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About the Contributors

Jasmine Fernandez, Editor-In-Chief

For Jasmine Fernandez,12, it’s about the journey and the destination. As a student involved in almost all aspects of Downey High from Theater to Newspaper she loves having goals and pursuing success. “In five years I want to be pursuing something more.” Fernandez stated, “The thing that I would want the least coming out of college is not knowing what to do.’’

When I first met Jaz I was surprised at how lovable she is. This girl who is the current Editor in Chief for newspaper, who is a quiz bowl state champion, and the president of the writing center, put so much on her shoulders and will make you surprised at how well she handles everything that gets thrown at her. Jasmine Fernandez is the girl who makes you want to live her life for even a second, adored by all who meet her and baffled by how many faculty members she has befriended; to the point where she even attended board meetings.

She is the silly person everyone wants to be friends with, I mean if you saw someone sitting in a Panera for eight hours wouldn’t you have the urge to go speak to this mindless girl?

Many people call her ‘mom’ seeing how she cares for all of her friends, and honestly everyone who she meets. Instead of calling her my mom I would prefer to call her my comrade, seeing how we both go through the same struggles in life, dealing with the drawbacks of high school and life.

Rather than letting the torments get to her and slow down her path to Cornell Jasmine confidently thrives on through high school, as she states, “I am so grateful for the opportunities i’ve had and lessons i’ve learned in those gates but i’m also really excited to move onto the next”. Having the ability to push obstacles out of her way to focus on what actually deserves her attention, causes many around her to envy her, and secretly hate her, but that is besides the point.

-Vanessa Carillo

Vanessa Carrillo, Co-Editor-in-Chief

Co-Editor in Chief, Vannesa Carrillo, 12, has been part of Downey High School’s Newspaper, The Downey Legend, for the past 2 years. Carrillo has also been part of the Downey Viking’s girls wrestling team since freshman year and wishes to end her last season off strong. As a dependable soul, she spends every lunch with the special needs students in hopes of pursuing a career in teaching the disabled.

As a frequent aid to those with special needs Carrillo has made it her life mission to help those in need. “I help the students with severe developmental issues,” Carrillo stated. “I help feed them. I read to them. I sing to them and I do arts and crafts with them.”