In September, an unusually small English class of ten seniors wondered how they would adequately prepare for their AP Literature exam since their teacher was out of school and a substitute teacher was hired at the last minute. Fortunately, their substitute teacher, Michael Carroll, was “super cool, philosophical, and liberal artsy,” according to class member Andrei Aprea. “I feel like we were able to connect with him through music,” he added.

According to another class member, Sophie Blanchard, the group bonded when they helped Carroll figure out the curriculum and select the books they wanted to read. Blanchard commented, “It was such a close-knit class. We had to come together and figure it all out with Mr. Carroll. We read The Odyssey, and we made it our own. ”

As the year progressed, students started a group chat called “Live, Love, Lit” to keep up with their assignments. Daily attendance questions developed by the students also became an important bonding factor, with “Would you rather…” questions being the most popular. When the class read The Awakening, one attendance question sparked intense discussion about the novel’s main character, Kate Chopin: “Would you rather be in a love triangle or have no love at all?” All but one member of the class voted for no love at all.

When the students’ teacher, Meredith Pumphrey, returned to school, she was welcomed “with open arms,” and the small class “was more like a seminar or college course,” said Aprea. “She was able to open up and relate to us as a mentor and a friend,” he explained. In agreement, Blanchard noted, “Miss Pumphrey was the best. She’s super cool.”

Reflecting on what they’ve learned from their unique class experience, Aprea said, “We learned how to have a good relationship with a teacher and be mature about it. We treat each other with respect. We can share our opinions—it was easier to do so because there were less people. It was a super. It was a great class.”

Before their final class on Tuesday, May 21st, students organized a party to celebrate their accomplishments. Class member Grace Dunning ordered a cake from Shaw’s that included a picture of the class with substitute teacher Michael Carroll photoshopped into the image. Aprea commented, “I’m going to miss our chats, Ms. Pumphrey, and the funny jokes. We learned how to communicate with a small group and learn from each other.”