America is divided into two distinctive groups — Republicans and Democrats. We all know this, but what can teenagers do to help heal the wounds of political turmoil? My answer is simple: take AP United States Government and Politics.
This class, offered to juniors and seniors, provides an interactive learning experience to understand better how our government functions. In most spaces, political conversations are off-limits for high school students, as bitter feelings and long-lasting arguments may result. But in AP Gov, these conversations aren’t just permitted–they are encouraged. This class is a safe outlet for students to express their opinions and participate in group discussions regarding America’s most pressing issues: immigration, abortion rights, or equality.
Before I continue, I have a confession that sets me apart from many other teenagers: I love politics. I thoroughly enjoy learning about America’s current and past political figures—their consequential leadership, their service to our nation, and the lessons Americans can learn from their tenures of office. And, of course, I am fascinated by America’s founding documents—how the ideas proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence, proposed in the Federalist Papers, and then ratified in the Constitution have remained the foundation of America’s promise for nearly 250 years.
Perhaps you don’t feel the same. But I haven’t always been this way. I likely began in a similar position as you: unsure about my political beliefs but curious to learn more about the world around me. SHS AP Gov teacher Heather Willinger noted, “As long as you have a curiosity for politics and a willingness to work hard…you can do well in this class.”
High school is a time for personal discovery. Most students still don’t know where they stand politically. Perhaps you come from a conservative household but find you carry more ideological similarities with your liberal friends or vice versa. Regardless, AP Gov will help you pinpoint where you fall on a broad spectrum of political issues.
Above all else, the AP Gov classroom is a safe space for students seeking to understand politics while living in an extremely divided political climate. Most of us know the imaginary yet very real tear that seems to rip our nation in half along party lines. But in AP Government, this divisive nature is brushed to the side, to create a learning environment where all opinions are welcomed and respected. In AP Gov, all voices are heard. All questions are answered. All remarks are met with fair pushback and opposing arguments. Thus, students who take this class learn very well how to feel comfortable advocating for what they believe.
Perhaps this class intimidates you because of its AP level of education. Undoubtedly, taking an AP class is a big decision to make. But pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone is a step you must eventually take. Furthermore, this class is taught by SHS history teacher Heather Willinger, who has over 20 years of experience as a teacher and who earned a degree in political science from the University of Vermont. Willinger is a well-rounded and devoted teacher who has served as a faculty advisor to Model United Nations and has also taught AP United States History for about two decades. Willinger pushes students in every way possible to become the best they can be—perhaps explaining why her students have received incredibly high scores on AP exams. Senior Jake Linnell, for example, credits Willinger with helping him earn a 5 on the AP Gov exam last year. He said, “Mrs. Willinger’s passion for the subject and affirmative teaching style pushed me to work extremely hard.” Linnell added, “AP Gov was one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taken.”
Senior Liah Brennan, who is currently taking AP Gov, is participating as a contributing member of a webinar hosted by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute—an opportunity she attained through Willinger. Brennan commented, “Mrs. Willinger is very passionate about government…she goes above and beyond to incorporate current events into our classroom material.” Senior Allie Ryan, who took AP Gov last year, continued to praise the class, saying, “It’s a comprehensive course that challenges students to think about the world around them with a broader perspective.” Ryan added, “Every student should know how their government functions.”
Willinger described AP Gov as a “college-level course that is accessible for all levels of students.” Willinger added the material in this class is “really super important for high schoolers to learn.” Willinger cited the structure of the class as being “engaging”—crediting class discussions, debates, and group projects as contributing to a positive learning environment for all. According to Willinger, students who take the class learn very quickly the “value of listening to different perspectives.”
As an AP Gov student, I believe choosing this class has been the best academic decision I’ve ever made, especially during the 2024 presidential election. Although I do love politics, unlike most teenagers, I believe I come from a place of impartiality, and I urge all of you to consider taking this class. In AP Gov, you not only learn about the world around you but also about yourself. This is a truly fun and interactive class that provides the tools and resources each student needs to succeed. I simply couldn’t recommend this class more.