This past year has consisted of more learning, more sports, and more fun than past year so far. I have particularly learn more than I thought even possible in AP Lang - who knew that threre was more than just reading in order to master or begin to master the subjet of language. For me, writing has always been a struggle; I have always wanted to be good at it but never felt like I had improvd much until this year. (Honestly, the main reason I took this class was because my friends had told me that it had helped to improve their writing skills, and it worked!) Before this year, it would take me hours to wriite a simple paragraph, I could never stay on topic. But, after taking this class, I have learned not only how to structure my writing, but also devices and techniques to create more compeling arguements. Not only did my essay grades slowly begin to rise, but I personally began to see myself in my writing.
My favorite projects/activities this year where by far the two video projects. Not only were they extremely fun and unforgettable, but they also helped to highlight the differences between satire and parody. However those were not the only projects I found helpful. The research paper, although extremely stressful and terrifying, aided in my understanding of literary criticisms. Before I found them annoying and somewhat whinny; now I can grasp the concept of them better, but I am still not a huge fan.
My advise for next year would be give the HELL! I just kidding, kind of. I do think that more class discussions and seminars are always welcome (especially with books such as Huckleberry Finn). I find these to help with understanding and getting your own thoughts flowing. Also, possibly write journals more often or even blogs, I enjoy the "freedom" they provide (and they make nice project grades). Other than that I truly enjoyed this class. It was helpful as well as entertaining. Thank you for everything you have done, see you next year(or possibly in the summer because of yearbook!).
Monday, May 7, 2012
Television
Every time I sit down to watch television, I wonder how some of the programs aired can be so entertaining. When you think about it, the plots of these show consist of either ridiculous scenarios that will never actually occur, or even no plot at all. The concept of a plot is replaced by idiotic people that pretend to live out their "average" lives on television, but instead they act without thought as though common sense is nonexistent. How we find such entertainment in programs that lack in depth?
Slowley I began to realize that the craving for adventure and excitement that everyone holds within themselves is filled by the seemingly improbable plots. Since we lack adventure in our own lives, we live vicariously through the characters created on the shows we are so attached to. We find enjoyment not necessarly in the show itself, but in the idea of you embodying the charaters. As for reality television, I personal will never be a huge fan of it, but I believe that the reason people like it is for its stupidity. We, as the audience, find humor in the absolutely childish manner of realtiy television personas such as Snookie, or any of the house wives. Where as the adventure of action has one picturing themselves in the lead roles, in reality television, the audience finds their enjoyment through others stupidity and lack of common knowledge.
Basically when you watch television you do nothing to truely stimulate any of your senses. In a way, watching television is just a laxy way to get out of using your own imagination. Yet, at the same time, sometimes you need a rest from everything, ,including your own mind. Therefore, I wam still a big fan a televisiono even if that might make me laxy, because that I already know I can be.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
The Ending
Its that time of year again, where everyone starts to get exhausted. Kids and teachers are tired of school. Students are sick of testing, teachers resent grading, parents annoyed by their children's complaints. Basically, everyone is done with school and ready for summer. But jokes on them because there are still two weeks left of school. And these two weeks, are the worst two weeks of the entire year.
The amount of stress a single person can take on during these two weeks is probably not very health. The dearth of sleep students get due to late nights studying definitely screws them over for their next attempt to cram. For those luck few who also have AP test, these last two weeks are basically a generalized version of hell. Not only do they need to study - and by study I mean hard core cram session - but there are college credits on the line. I'm sorry, but no matter how many practice test you take, you will not be truly prepared for the real exam.
Basically, the only good this about these last to weeks besides the fact they there happen to be the last two weeks, is that you get out early some days. If you have an AP exam, you just get your parents to "make a doctor appointment" and you get to go home and crawl in a dark corner after the claw your way through that horrible exam. And then, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the last week, you only have half-days since you take two exams each day.
For me, the last day will be horrible yet amazing at the same time. You see, my birthday is May 18th, the last day of school is - oh look at that- May 18th. Happy birthday to me, I get to take my absolutely impossible physics final that day. But there is potential for me to get the absolute best birthday present ever, the Girls Lacrosse State Champion title. The championship game is the 19th. Ergo, my final grade is physics is pretty much screwed due the fact that there is no possible way I will be able to concentrate on taking a test when the fact that our team could win the state play-offs in girls lacrosee. That definitely trumps a physics test; and the fact that I just said that and believe it is probably not a good sign about my future educational status, but can you blame me?
Yes, there is lots of stress and pressure and yawning that inhabit these last two weeks of school. And the outcome of it all could be extreme excitement and jumping up and down happiness, or tears, lots of tears that make you want to crawl under a rock and hid. So good luck to everyone, I know I will personally need it, a lot!
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Any Given Sunday
Any Given Sunday - Locker Room Speech
Last year, when the time came for lacrosse tryouts, I was loosing my mind. I couldn't stop think about how this was my chance, and I could not mess it up! However, my nerves were starting to get to me, I could sleep, and it even got to where I could barley throw a ball. I had no idea why I was freaking out that much (probably because I wanted to impress my brothers).
On the first day of try-outs, my brother called to wish me luck. When I told him how nervous I was getting, he told me to go to Youtube and look up the locker room speech from the movie Any Given Sunday. I could not believe how clam but motivated that one speech made me feel. Al Pacino's words seemed to stick with me all through that day of try-outs. I "[fought] for that inch" every step of the way, pushing my self to run faster, word harder, and never give up even when I was put up against some of the seniors who had now been on varsity for four years.
After that, I would watch the video before each day of try-outs and before each game of play-offs. To some people, this video may not come across the way it did to me. This post might seem really cheese to some, and I can understand that. But, either way, not only is this speech/movie one of the best sports movies, but the message it cares is true. Working hard for what you want is were true success lies.
Last year, when the time came for lacrosse tryouts, I was loosing my mind. I couldn't stop think about how this was my chance, and I could not mess it up! However, my nerves were starting to get to me, I could sleep, and it even got to where I could barley throw a ball. I had no idea why I was freaking out that much (probably because I wanted to impress my brothers).
On the first day of try-outs, my brother called to wish me luck. When I told him how nervous I was getting, he told me to go to Youtube and look up the locker room speech from the movie Any Given Sunday. I could not believe how clam but motivated that one speech made me feel. Al Pacino's words seemed to stick with me all through that day of try-outs. I "[fought] for that inch" every step of the way, pushing my self to run faster, word harder, and never give up even when I was put up against some of the seniors who had now been on varsity for four years.
After that, I would watch the video before each day of try-outs and before each game of play-offs. To some people, this video may not come across the way it did to me. This post might seem really cheese to some, and I can understand that. But, either way, not only is this speech/movie one of the best sports movies, but the message it cares is true. Working hard for what you want is were true success lies.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Winning
It definitely amazes me just how much winning can boost your adrenaline and completely change your mood.
It starts with the anticipation, even hours before it is time to take the field. You feel the butterflies start to build in your stomach. As the time approaches, ever so slowly, the fluttering begins to rise up your body all the way to your throat and head. You feel nauseous, you know longer look forward to playing. Instead, you just want it all to be over before it even begins.
It hits you hard, the moment you step off the bus, everything become real. You are here, this is happening, you can not mess this up! As you prepare for the game, stretching, doing warm up, your heart beat pick ups and your start to shake slightly. Adrenaline rushes through your body with every heart beat, with ever breath. The whistle blows and you know its time. You take the field, and suddenly everything fades away. Nothing matter but getting the ball and keeping it away from your goal. You go through the game, hardly realizing the passing time. Your focus stays on the ball, on winning; despite the pushing, the falling, the checks, the yelling, you keep your focus. You're snapped back to reality by the buzzer.
The half is over and you are up by one. Your coaches talk to you telling you what you do wrong and what you need to do to win. Most importantly, they tell you that now is not the time to relax; it is the time to give it your all, push harder than you ever thought you could. Time to play again, the adrenaline keeping your focus and pushing your determination. This half you are more aware of the time, you want to use it to your advantage. The fouls begin to get more intense as the game pushes on. But your team starts to work as one. Always where you need them, they have your back.
You push past exhaustion, push through pain and your team begins to gain a lead. Nothing could stop you know. Not only are you winning, your team is playing like never before, they are playing like a true team. You begin the count down five minutes, then its down to two, and before you know it you are counting down the last ten seconds. At one second left you begin to turn around to run to your goalie and teammates. But, before you turn completely, you see out of the corner of your eye a shot, one final shot. Right before the the buzzer sounds the ball passes by the goalie straight into the net.
Its a feeling like no other. You can't contain it. The team runs to each other. Everyone is jumping and screaming. You are so high on excitement and joy that nothing could ever touch you. No matter how horrible you may feel before that moment, you can't contain the way winning makes you feel. Personally, I love it!
It hits you hard, the moment you step off the bus, everything become real. You are here, this is happening, you can not mess this up! As you prepare for the game, stretching, doing warm up, your heart beat pick ups and your start to shake slightly. Adrenaline rushes through your body with every heart beat, with ever breath. The whistle blows and you know its time. You take the field, and suddenly everything fades away. Nothing matter but getting the ball and keeping it away from your goal. You go through the game, hardly realizing the passing time. Your focus stays on the ball, on winning; despite the pushing, the falling, the checks, the yelling, you keep your focus. You're snapped back to reality by the buzzer.
The half is over and you are up by one. Your coaches talk to you telling you what you do wrong and what you need to do to win. Most importantly, they tell you that now is not the time to relax; it is the time to give it your all, push harder than you ever thought you could. Time to play again, the adrenaline keeping your focus and pushing your determination. This half you are more aware of the time, you want to use it to your advantage. The fouls begin to get more intense as the game pushes on. But your team starts to work as one. Always where you need them, they have your back.
You push past exhaustion, push through pain and your team begins to gain a lead. Nothing could stop you know. Not only are you winning, your team is playing like never before, they are playing like a true team. You begin the count down five minutes, then its down to two, and before you know it you are counting down the last ten seconds. At one second left you begin to turn around to run to your goalie and teammates. But, before you turn completely, you see out of the corner of your eye a shot, one final shot. Right before the the buzzer sounds the ball passes by the goalie straight into the net.
Its a feeling like no other. You can't contain it. The team runs to each other. Everyone is jumping and screaming. You are so high on excitement and joy that nothing could ever touch you. No matter how horrible you may feel before that moment, you can't contain the way winning makes you feel. Personally, I love it!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
What this week has in store for me
Here we go, round two.
SO, this week is going to be like any other week I guess. I get to turn in my APUSH project tomorrow which will feel nice to have it off my back. I also get to do my interview for an internship tomorrow, that I am actually excited for. Speaking of interviews, I applied for a job at Lifetime Fitness and got a call back with in two hours (not even kidding). The annoying part how ever is that I have now gone through three interviews, THREE!! How many people do I need to talk to?? Who's next, Jesus?
Anyway, back to this week. I get to do my practice APUSH exam, I don't even know what day even though I should. Also I have to work on this stupid french project that I officially hate. I have know clue when I'm going to do it but it'll get done at some point (hopefully). The one thing I am really excited for though is my lacrosse game this week. On Thursday, we play Johns Creek who we HAVE to beat. If we win, then we are area chaps, if they win then they are. But even more important, we just straight up have to beat them. It's going to be intense.
So, I guess this week doesn't look too bad. However, I probably won't be saying the same thing about the next couple weeks. This is the worst part about the end of the year, all the test and the grades. I don't like the teachers don't like it, we should really just not do it, it would make a lot of people happier. Well. I hope this actually made since because I'm not really sure if I'm making complete sentences I am that tired. I guess one could say I'm like a five year old cause its way past my bedtime. (That bedtime part, it was a joke, I don't have a bedtime. I do what I want! Okay I'm done now.)
SO, this week is going to be like any other week I guess. I get to turn in my APUSH project tomorrow which will feel nice to have it off my back. I also get to do my interview for an internship tomorrow, that I am actually excited for. Speaking of interviews, I applied for a job at Lifetime Fitness and got a call back with in two hours (not even kidding). The annoying part how ever is that I have now gone through three interviews, THREE!! How many people do I need to talk to?? Who's next, Jesus?
Anyway, back to this week. I get to do my practice APUSH exam, I don't even know what day even though I should. Also I have to work on this stupid french project that I officially hate. I have know clue when I'm going to do it but it'll get done at some point (hopefully). The one thing I am really excited for though is my lacrosse game this week. On Thursday, we play Johns Creek who we HAVE to beat. If we win, then we are area chaps, if they win then they are. But even more important, we just straight up have to beat them. It's going to be intense.
So, I guess this week doesn't look too bad. However, I probably won't be saying the same thing about the next couple weeks. This is the worst part about the end of the year, all the test and the grades. I don't like the teachers don't like it, we should really just not do it, it would make a lot of people happier. Well. I hope this actually made since because I'm not really sure if I'm making complete sentences I am that tired. I guess one could say I'm like a five year old cause its way past my bedtime. (That bedtime part, it was a joke, I don't have a bedtime. I do what I want! Okay I'm done now.)
I am a slacker
I am an absolute slacker. Actually I'm not so much a slacker as I am extremely forgetful. Take this AP Lang project for example, all I have to do it write two blog a week and I can't even remember to do that. So here I am after laying down and getting all comfy in my bed, writing this. And after I finish, I still have to write another.
So I guess I will talk about my weekend since I can't really think of anything very creative right now. I basically did nothing. I slept which was actually very nice because I seem to be very sleep deprived because I do so little of it and I also happen to be horrible at it. Other than sleep I did my AP US History project. That was hell. I thought that it would be too bad, and it probably wouldn't have been but for the first hour or so I attempted to watch tv as I did it. Failure! Those two things don't happen to mix very well together. But, I got it done in the end so I just don't really even care right now.
But, that horrible project isn't it. No, when I finally finished and I was ready to sit back and relax, I had to go to lacrosse practice. I now practice 6 day a week for at the least two hours a day. So, basically I have absolutely no life. My world consist of school, lacrosse, and food. I am beyond ready for the summer! I figure it might be nice to hang out with friends or possibly even read a book, one that I choose to read (even though I will most definitely still have summer homework). So round one of the blog project is now done, I just have to write one more tonight, and maybe then I will remember to write them earlier in the week or at least earlier in the day.
So I guess I will talk about my weekend since I can't really think of anything very creative right now. I basically did nothing. I slept which was actually very nice because I seem to be very sleep deprived because I do so little of it and I also happen to be horrible at it. Other than sleep I did my AP US History project. That was hell. I thought that it would be too bad, and it probably wouldn't have been but for the first hour or so I attempted to watch tv as I did it. Failure! Those two things don't happen to mix very well together. But, I got it done in the end so I just don't really even care right now.
But, that horrible project isn't it. No, when I finally finished and I was ready to sit back and relax, I had to go to lacrosse practice. I now practice 6 day a week for at the least two hours a day. So, basically I have absolutely no life. My world consist of school, lacrosse, and food. I am beyond ready for the summer! I figure it might be nice to hang out with friends or possibly even read a book, one that I choose to read (even though I will most definitely still have summer homework). So round one of the blog project is now done, I just have to write one more tonight, and maybe then I will remember to write them earlier in the week or at least earlier in the day.
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