I chose AP Human Geography because of my love for Modern World History, especially the second semester’s focus on politics, the World Wars, and current events. When AP HUG students pitched the course, I decided to challenge myself with my first AP class—it was an easy choice. The idea of exploring the connections between geography and human activity was fascinating to me, especially since it ties directly into understanding world events and their historical impact.

I walked into D-108 on the first day of school exhausted. I’d stayed up until 2:00 a.m. the night before, not for any particular reason but because I was (technically still) on summer break. My first impression was that I didn’t know many people. During icebreakers, when we were handed a Human Bingo worksheet, I worked to fill it out. The last box was “Find a person who wants to go to the same college as you.” I noticed the USC banner on Mr. Wong’s wall and approached him. It was a bit awkward, but he signed it.

One day after school, while I was packing up my belongings, I struck up a conversation with Mr. Wong. I’d noticed that he was also interested in current events, and I wanted to get his thoughts on the issues happening in the world at that time. That first real conversation stuck with me because of how approachable and thoughtful he was.

What sets Mr. Wong apart is how he genuinely connects with students. Whether he’s helping with class material or offering advice on challenges, he always makes time for us. He genuinely wants to talk and cares about what you have to say. Even while grading papers, he remains unbothered by discussions happening in the room and former students are welcome to visit his class and catch up. I felt comfortable telling him exactly what I felt about AP HUG and the material we had learned that day.

What started as a simple conversation slowly evolved. I told him about my personal difficulties in some of my other classes, and he offered his own opinions and options I could take. AP HUG has become a class I look forward to after a long and arduous day at school. There is never a moment of dullness in period 6, either because we’re always peppering Mr. Wong with our what-if scenarios, and because his lectures are so entertaining, there’s no reason to feel bored. After receiving back our graded tests, he takes the time to answer each and every question that students may have, even if it takes extra time out of class.

School is difficult, but Mr. Wong makes it better by creating an atmosphere where learning doesn’t have to feel so constrained. Thank you, Mr. Wong, for making such a difference in my sophomore year, and have a Happy Thanksgiving!