Be Prepared

           Preparedness is “a state of adequate” readiness.  It can be in reference to specifics such as an exam, a game, or a trip.  Otherwise, preparedness can be applied to larger concepts or experiences such as marriage, lifestyle, or independence.  Certain individuals can be more prepared than others by nature.  For example, an individual with an aggressive personality (the development of the personality may be argued to be nurture rather than nature) would be more prepared to excel as an athlete than an individual who is rather meek compared to the aggressor.  One may become more prepared through his or her own efforts.  For example, the student who is active in learning environment and is committed to studying will be more prepared for his or her exam than the “slacker” will be prepared. 

            Literary heroes, such as Beowulf, can be viewed as more prepared to become a hero in his or her society because of his or her abilities.  Beowulf was a strong, courageous, and skilled warrior.  This caused him to be prepared to defeat Grendel, thus increasing his fame and heroism throughout the region.  Beowulf was prepared to be a hero. 

            Some heroes, such as Camus’s Meursault, are prepared to be rejected by society.  Meursault was a “stranger” to society through his emotions (or lack of) and perspective on the world.  Therefore, Meursault was prepared to fail.  He was adequately ready because of his personality to face the rejection of society and, thus, justice system.

            May 5 is rapidly approaching.  This is a day on which AP English students need to be prepared to face the exam.  Some students have been born with a mind that tends to favor the English subject, and these students are in fact “born ready” to take the exam.  Others, however, have spent years in English classes developing the skills necessary to be successful in the subject of English.  These students’ successfulness in developing these skills will be tested on May 5.  Regardless of natural ability, all AP English students have had to better their skills, learn new vocabulary, develop their writing, and focus on the goal.  This goal is receiving 5 on May 5.  May all the AP English students be PREPARED!