tiny nuggets of blog

https://laceyngitup.wordpress.com/2016/10/27/my-hobbies/comment-page-1/#comment-9

Lacey’s hobby post which I stumbled upon caught my eye due to her topic of none other than A&M Consolidated’s very own, Bengal Belles. Her blog discussed the dedication and passion you must have not only for the team but for dance as a whole. This hobby post made me miss my days as a belle and reminded me of all the heart I had put into the team for the past two years.

https://hsueji.wordpress.com/2016/11/11/back-to-the-past-2/comment-page-1/#comment-22

Sueji’s blog about her nicknames caught my eye for one specific reason: I was there to witness the earning of the first one mentioned, Sweji. Her blog made me reminisce in our intermediate and middle school days. She also addressed a few more personal nicknames which she had gotten from a close friend and a memorable teacher a few years back.

https://heyyallitssydneyblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/12/syd-the-squid/comment-page-1/#comment-56

Sydney’s nickname post caught my eye due to the vast list of names that include: Squid, Syd the Sloth, Syd the Science Kid, Syd Vicious, Sydnerella, Sydward, and Syd. Not only does she has a long list of names but each name has a story and laugh to accompany it.

After reading the three articles as direct my first reaction is: Wow. I want to read more. I want to know more.

First, the article based on book critic Maureen Corrigan (Article One) dived into background and created a sense of credibility or rather a sense of relation about her opinions and why she thinks in that way. I was able to connect to her views which lead me to jump straight into reading Article Two, an except from her book written due to her experience with Fitzgerld’s The Great Gatsby. The except from So We Read On, made me want to read on. So We Read On established a connection, being that Corrigan also read Gatsby in high school and her viewpoint on the book was relatively similar to mine. It was also intriguing to uncover that like Corrigan and myself, the lack of a strong female lead hampered our enjoyment of the novel (I thought it was just the pro-feminism in me).

Article two would be the one that shocked me most about Gatsby history and the one I found most interesting. The first shock comes from knowing the author Fitzgerald was and reading on about how people of the time were so unimpressed with his writing of Gatsby; it’s just mind boggling to me. The next shock comes from how Gatsby manifested into the success it is today. The US Military did that. That being manufacturing and distributing well over 100 MILLION copies of  The Great Gatsby encouraging service men to read it. It’s incredible to me that the US Military occupied their free time by simply reading a book to escape the war surrounding them.

In short these articles help to solidify my opinion that The Great Gatsby is indeed great.

Queen Min became a symbol of progress and independence in Korea. She instilled reforms in the face of adversity between Conservatives and Progressives around her.

Barely 16, she became known as Her Royal Highness, Queen Min. She had an assertive and ambitious personality, unlike other queens. Also unlike other queens: “she didn’t enjoy lavish parties, rarely wore extravagant clothing,  and almost never hosted afternoon tea parties with the royal family” (New World Encyclopedia).

Overall, she was more interested in the well-being of the nation than social gatherings  which had no benefit to the nation. She was well educated and taught herself philosophy, history, science, politics and religion. Overall she had “greater political skill and intelligence than her husband” (New World Encyclopedia).

Queen Min’s life ended brutally and tragically in what has been named the Eulmi Incident. Evidence accepted by all parties indicates that Japanese soldiers, with the full compliance of the Japanese government in Tokyo and consul in Korea, butchered her on the royal palace grounds in the early morning hours.. Japanese assassins attacked her in her private quarters, killed her with samuri swords, dragged her body outside and burned her remains.

Her long impactful life was ended tragically but although this brutal murder killed her, it didn’t kill the hope for the future of Korea. She was a political powerhead and a symbol of progressive reforms.

 

“Empress Myeongseong.” – New World Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016.

For this week we were told to discuss a great hobby which we find enjoyable; this was not an easy task for me. I’m not a student heavily involved in sports nor in any club nor do I hunt for Pokémon like my fellow teacher. However a very life changing hobby I am lucky enough to partake in is traveling.

For as long as I could remember my family has constantly opened my eyes to the world and has given me the oppertunity to travel this breathtaking world. So far a few of my favorite places have been: Alaska, Spain, and my personal favorite, Italy.

This past summer I started the first week on a cruise to the Grand Cayman Islands, Cozumel and Jamaica. Then only a few short weeks later, I took a 15 hour flight to Barcelona to start my adventure in Spain.

Traveling has impacted my life in amazing ways and has really opened my eyes to the various cultures found around the world. Personally, it is of utmost importance when I travel to fully take in the beauty in the culture around me. As far as language, architecture, and the people in general, each place is unique and indescribable.

The next adventure I’m already preparing for is to Greece this upcoming summer.

Here’s a short video of my first few days in spain, enjoy: http://youtu.be/DDJ69kZcEsc

Within my last blog post I confessed to many things that although make me who I am, are seen as rather negative traits. However; I’m pretty sure there’s a saying that goes “there’s always something good in the bad” or something like that, SO let’s take a look at who I am from a different view point. Rather than assessing my flaws and shortcomings, lets acknowledge a few strengths and key quirks I posses.

I am a good person.

I say this in the most non-arrogant way. Yes, there are a lot of good people in the world so why is this such a quirk for myself? Well, I believe to be a good person you must have a kind and genuine heart. I believe to be a good person you must trust that there is good in each soul. I’ve always been the friend to call when something goes wrong or something goes so right, the friend you call when you need a favor, the friend you call when your going through a heartbreak, the friend you call when you just need someone to talk at 2am, the friend who won’t judge you and won’t spread your business. I’ve always been “that” girl.

I tend to see the good in everything. I find the smallest ounce of hope and can put my full faith in that to believe the best will come from it. Personally, I believe this is my strongest trait. My faith in the pure goodness of everything. As previously mentioned there are a lot of “good people” in the world, leaving there only to be “bad people” to fill in the rest. However; I don’t believe in fully bad people. I believe there can be something good found in each individual. I seem to see all the confidence and potential in my friends that they seem incredibly blinded to, being so I constantly am trying to prove those things to them. “You’re smarter than that grade.” “You’re worth more than the words that slander you.” “You deserve more than the stars and the moon but you’re never going to get that until you believe in that too.”

What is remarkable to me and makes me so proud of these things is simple: life sucks sometimes. Life is hard and unfair and I’ve seen both ends of it and yet through it all I’ve come out stronger and still believe and have faith in the better things. I still believe the best is yet to come, and if it’s not better then it is not the end. But with my optimistic point of view I can look at it like so: each and every hardship that I have ever gone through has made me in to the girl I am today. The strong willed, kind-hearted, willing to do anything to help anyone girl. That’s who I am.

Okay let’s be honest here, as cliche as it sounds, no body is perfect. Everyone has flaws, everyone has imperfections. For the purpose of this post, it has become time for me to address those things which i dispize most; my flaws.

Let’s begin with the flaw which all the others fall under. I’m extremely insecure. But wait, aren’t all teenage girls insecure? Yes, but not to this extent. My insecurities have grown into self lead depression and constant jealousy. This jealousy could feed off literally anything. First I feel insecure, next thing you know i’m jealous, followed by being depressed, at which point i get jealous again seeing others around me so happy. It’s a continuous cycle that only hurts my happiness. I’ve began coping with these flaws and have been working to overcome them all. It’s a vigorous cycle which will take a whole lot of strength to get through, which I guess is where my next flaw falls.

I am incredibly strong willed and headstrong. Although this sounds like a good thing, the negative equivalent would be stubbornness. I am incredibly stubborn. When I set my mind to something, I make it happen. There is not one thing that would be able to change my focus off that goal. I’ve decided to think positive about this, thinking of it as determined rather than stubborn.

Overall these flaws and shortcomings make me who I am and I would not change them. Nobody is perfect and I am not an exception to that statement. I am who I am, flaws and all.

After reading Alexander’s article entitled, “A+ Students/ C- Learners: Education’s Report Card.” it is evident to me that Alexander’ claims about the educational system for many students is beyond valid. It was just last semester when my old principal, Mr.Hogan, came to speak to my class about the specific claims in this article. As Alexander gave statistics, Hord did the same; however Hord’s words hit a little harder due to more relatable intel. With the connection to Hord’s lecture along with this reading, I can presume that Alexanders assertion is valid.

Speaking broadly, Alexanders statements imply that world or country wide there is a misjudgement and a misunderstood connotation that goes along with the need to “go to school”. Alexander implies that the educational system at a large must change due to students not truly learning skills they need but instead just learning how to get by with a passing grade. If we want to narrow this in a little more, let’s think about this articles reflection of our campus. This read describes how the change needed rests in the hands of better educators. educators who are focused on growing each students individual minds rather than rushing through curriculum simply to cover content. She compares the study habits and how tests are the end point where students metaphorically “dump” everything they know just to trash it later. I can personally testify to this, I like many others on campus are  guilty beyond question of this. From a student perspective it’s hard to see the big picture, “oh this class isn’t just giving me unreasonable loads of work, it’s teaching me time management”, or “geez that was such a hard class, life is nothing like this.” With that in mind teachers whom believe each student learns at the same rate by doing the same activities are beyond ignorant. Speaking from experience, it is things such as these previously mentioned, that push the students to do whatever they must to simply “get the grade”.

Overall Alexander’s work serves to prove various solid claims about the educational system today as well as the students involved. I can acknowledge that being a A- or B+ student all the time isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Although my brain looks good on paper that does not mean if you were to give me 3 questions over the past unit I tested over I would be able make a corresponding grade. This term of “dumping” is all too real and I see it even as a student. Something must be done otherwise this will start the generation of those who can “just get by.”

As of currently my jamadoo is “Purpose” by the Justin Beiber. This incredible song was featured on the 2015 album titled Purpose. Okay okay; I know what you’re thinking, “oh geez we have a Belieber in our midst…how greaaattt..” BUT before we start the glares and eye rolls let me give a quick disclaimer here: I am in no way a die hard Beiber fan at all. However, the lyrics in this song have a certain meaning and such a driving passion that it just hits hard. I think the best way to prove this is through the lyrics themselves, so take a gander and then stroll down a little to listen to the passion in the video itself.

“Purpose” by Justin Beiber
Feeling like I’m breathing my last breath
Feeling like I’m walking my last steps
Look at all of these tears I’ve wept
Look at all the promises that I’ve kept

I put my heart into your hands
Here’s my soul to keep
I let you in with all that I can
You’re not hard to reach
And you bless me with the best gift
That I’ve ever known
You give me purpose
Yeah, you’ve given me purpose

Thinking my journey’s come to an end
Sending out a farewell to my friends, forever peace
Ask you to forgive me for my sins, oh would you please?
I’m more than grateful for the time we spent, my spirit’s at ease

I put my heart into your hands
Learn the lessons you teach
No matter when, wherever I am
You’re not hard to reach
And you’ve given me the best gift
That I’ve ever known
You give me purpose everyday
You give me purpose in every way

Oh, you are my everything
Oh, you are my everything

[Spoken:]
I don’t know if this is wrong because someone else is telling me that it’s wrong but I feel this so let me just like, try my best not to let this happen again. We weren’t necessarily put in the best position to make the best decisions.

You can’t be hard on yourself for these were the cards that you were given so you have to understand that these, like… that’s not who you are. You know you’re trying to be the best you can be but that’s all you can do. If you don’t give it all you got, you’re only cheating yourself. Give it all you got, but if it ends up happening, it ends up happening.

That’s what—that’s what’s happening with me. It’s like God I’m giving it all I got, sometimes I’m weak and I’m gonna do it, and it’s like I’m not giving myself grace, I’m just like understanding, that’s just how it is.

Now that you’ve had a chance to let the lyrics tug at your heart strings and put you into your feelings (even if it’s just a little, let it happen, it’s okay to cry), I think you’re ready for the video so here it is. I have decided against a visual music video simply due to awkwardness and somewhat inappropriate scenes which that video contained : Purpose Audio Video

Although I love this song for a multitude of reasons I suppose the biggest would be the way I connect to his words. He directly says that although he does sin, all he wants is to gain the forgiveness for them. In his lyrics he’s quite literally pleading for someone to help put his soul at ease. He explains that his sole purpose of his life was exposed to him by this great influence and now that he is aware of it, he’ll do anything to refrain from losing it. I feel as though anybody and everybody can connect to this song in some way. Everyone has made a mistake or messed up and in order to get through those trials and tribulations people must find a purpose in themselves to push onward. He repeats “you are my purpose” throughout the chorus and although it’s quite possible he was referring to a certain person, it’s not  inconceivable to connect that reference to a hobby, lifestyle, sport or any other source instead.

I know personally, this previous year was complete and utter hell for me for various reasons. There were people who did me wrong and in response I did people very wrong. Looking back I can see that was no way of living for me, but what helped me realize that was the love my close friends and teachers showed me. They gave me purpose. They gave me purpose to be better, or rather to the best me I could be. Many a times I pushed away, knowing I was in the wrong but pursuing anyway just because my head was in it. Once I learned to “put my heart into [their] hands” everything started looking up. They all impacted my life and in a very real sense gave a meaning or rather a purpose to my name. Justin Beiber addresses this sense of relief and built up emotion by simply releasing it all in a musical form which turned out beautiful. Due to those reasons and more, I highly recommend this song to anyone needing an escape or needing to feel understood. Everyone has a purpose on this Earth and once you uncover that incredible reason, each and every struggle and hardship doesn’t seem so bad anymore.

When I was younger, about 8 or 9 years ago, my favorite book was “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” by the one and only, Dr.Seuss. At the time I was not aware of the underlying message but I was rather enthused with the vibrant illustrations and sing-song sentences on the page. I recall times I could not sound out the words I did not know, so I would frantically search the house for my older sister to read the rest to me.

Dr. Seuss was a consistent favorite of mine and to this day I still own not one, but two copies of his work. I thoroughly enjoy rereading his writing and even used the theme of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” as a message in my teaching class. When I was younger this little piece of poetry appealed to me as simply a creative and colorful read that I believe many children enjoy. Now, I see Dr.Seuss’ as a creative writer who could express his ideals about life and controversial issues in a way that captured everyone’s inner child.

So as Dr.Seuss said, “Oh, the places you’ll go, today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!”

Oh my…reopening my blog but this time with a twist. It’s time to upgrade from an honors English II site to a AP English III resource. This is the first of many blogs I am required to write as a new AP student.. here’s to junior year..let’s go.