The first time we met you, you were test subjects. Now, you have become loyal members of the AP Biology class. I am talking, of course, about the isopods (or Rolly Pollies, or potato bugs, if you prefer) in Dr. Stephens’ room. Unassuming, small, and a bit hassled by students, these little isopods have scuttled into our lives.

Not only did they provide crucial data for our very first experiment, but they’ve also been doing their best to keep their new home clean. Whether or not people have noticed, the isopods in the front of the room have been thriving, finding comfort in the paper towels of their new home. In fact, they’ve actually been turning the paper in their bucket into soil, continuing the carbon cycle even in the classroom.

It was also due to their help that I conducted the first live experiment that I have had in two years. These little creatures helped reintroduce me to just how much fun an actual lab can be. No more labs behind a screen or assigned simulations on Zoom. 

People might be scared of the isopods. After all, they are bugs. But I found a kindred spirit in those tough isopods, working away at absolutely derailing statistical calculations. These isopods continued to give me hope, sitting in their little pink bucket, working on making paper towels into soil. 

Thank you, an AP Biology Student.