For some odd reason, every year I always find a way to underestimate the amount of sadness I will endure once school is finally out. Maybe it's just the way my brain has decided to cope with the dramatic transition from school to summer. What ever the reason maybe, this year I am more affected than ever before. I can already feel the emptiness within that part of me that is so accustomed to attending school Monday through Friday. I've grown to have more confidence in myself and the things that I could accomplish. Honestly I truly believe that I have gained a great part of who I will be just from absorbing the many life lessons that Mr. Thomas has given. I've also grown to take responsibility for a number of thing by first realizing that excuses can sometimes distract and limit your capabilities. Although studying is like breathing for me, I can say that my studying habits have become more efficient throughout this school year. This course did more than just prepare me for school, it molded me into wiser young adult, broadened the range of my perspective, and introduced me to a plethora of unique individuals who share similar ambitions as myself.
1. Which essay did you feel was the most difficult to write? Why?
I feel that the Synthesis essay was the most difficult to write based on time consumption, developing a stance, and the process of reading the sources. For starters, I would usually go over the amount of time I would set for myself. Reading and determining the stance of each source is a lengthy process, as well as pick and analyzing the appropriate sources to help support my stance. No matter what I would always analyze the sources more than necessary, consuming more of my total time.
2. Which essay did you find the easiest? What made it easy?
I found the Argumentation essay this easiest, because it was more versatile and I comprehended the structure very well. It was also the essay that provided the most room for creativity.
3. What novel/book did you enjoy the most? Why?
I enjoyed The Things They Carried the most, because it gave me an insight of the Vietnam War that I couldn't have obtained from any other source. It exposed the tragic stories of those who witnessed, experienced, and endured the harsh consequences of war during that time.
4. What novel/book did you enjoy the least?
Not that I didn't enjoy reading The Crucible I just enjoyed reading In Cold Blood more.
5. Anything you would like for me to know?
I think you should know that describing my experiences in your class with words doesn't do enough justice. This is a school year that can't and will never be repeat in history. It is rare that a student will experience a teacher as talented as yourself. I say talented, because it requires skills, practice, ambition, and effort to be as accomplished as a teacher as you are in your classes. You are ultimately the ideal example of what the art of teaching is all about.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
The things I carry
Reading the novel The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien has really opened my eyes to a number of perspectives. I now deeply understand the term "carry" more analytically and I have a more indept intake of the Vietnam war.
http://www.photo-dictionary.com/photofiles/list/4535/6008hair_bobby_pins.jpg
The majority of teens today would most definitely admit that their cellular devices carry the most significance of all their possessions. Although I too rely on my cell phone it is not the end of the world when I leave it at home. There is however one item I can not bear to leave at home no matter the occasion, time, or place. To some it may seem tiny and insignificant but if you've ever used one you'd know the potential they carried. I guarantee you if I were to dig to the bottom of my book bag, look in to my wallet or check my pencil pouch I'd find at least one bobby pin. They make my day and hair so much more versatile. Have you ever seen a movie where a woman picks a lock with a bobby pin from her hair and makes a run for it. Well I feel just as alive as that woman escaping, when I have the emergency aid of a universal hair accessory. They complete me and make my world go round. Not to mention what I'd do with out them, probably have an anxiety attack. Just kidding.
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We all dream of dreams, hopefully. The experience of a dream is almost unexplainable and words do not completely serve it justice. Being said I'll attempt to express the very passions and visions I carry, which motivate me every second of the day. Everyday that I wake up is another day and opportunity to prove my capabilities to the world. My enthusiasm to learn all that I can is simply a result of my passion to make a difference in the world. Ever since I was a child the world has always fascinated me in the wonders that it worked for all of those it inhabited so comfortably. The one day that my art gives me a name would be the day I'd savor every God-given second. Also when the day comes that I am recognized for finding one of the world's most accomplished non-profiting organizations know to man, I'd too feel accomplished. Creating a better world for everyone and developing into a confident and independent artist are goals that I've carried for as long as I can remember.
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Both my parents together have individually instilled respectable values into me. From my father I've learned how to be independent and confident in every decision and action that I've ever made. If I don't have confidence within my self how am I to exceed limitations and grow into a stronger individual. I've learn to especially embrace my wild imagination-the depths at which my creativity derives from, and who I am as a person. Without my parents I wouldn't be as enthused as I am everyday, I wouldn't be as passionate as I am with everything I do, and I am privileged to carry their values and their love with me, everywhere I go.
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From my own perspective I'd describe by self as artistic, optimistic, and very much open-minded.
My artistic side is more intrinsic than it is a learned behavior. Art is my life. I eat, sleep, and think art 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It excites me like no other hobby and is a blessing that I never forget to count. From experience I can tell you that overcoming a struggle is easier to do with a positive attitude than with a negative one. I like to view the world in a sense that life is more enjoyable with the presence of hope and happiness. I am also best describes as indecisive consequently because I am the type of person that tends to consider variables x, y and z when variables a and b are the only two variables provided. If my immediate family were to describe me they'd say I am intelligent, determined, and respectful but if my close friends were to describe me they'd say I am super-goofy, generous and studious. My personality is an original and one that is hard to replicate. Most importantly carrying my personality has allowed me to broadened my perspective on life's long list of possibilities.
http://www.photo-dictionary.com/photofiles/list/4535/6008hair_bobby_pins.jpghttp://www.fineartphotoblog.com/wp-content/uploads/art-800.jpgWe all dream of dreams, hopefully. The experience of a dream is almost unexplainable and words do not completely serve it justice. Being said I'll attempt to express the very passions and visions I carry, which motivate me every second of the day. Everyday that I wake up is another day and opportunity to prove my capabilities to the world. My enthusiasm to learn all that I can is simply a result of my passion to make a difference in the world. Ever since I was a child the world has always fascinated me in the wonders that it worked for all of those it inhabited so comfortably. The one day that my art gives me a name would be the day I'd savor every God-given second. Also when the day comes that I am recognized for finding one of the world's most accomplished non-profiting organizations know to man, I'd too feel accomplished. Creating a better world for everyone and developing into a confident and independent artist are goals that I've carried for as long as I can remember.
(http://deliverawaydebt.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/workaholic1.bmp)(http://business.salary.com/Image/300/300/Media/Default/graphics/leadership_considerate.jpg)My artistic side is more intrinsic than it is a learned behavior. Art is my life. I eat, sleep, and think art 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. It excites me like no other hobby and is a blessing that I never forget to count. From experience I can tell you that overcoming a struggle is easier to do with a positive attitude than with a negative one. I like to view the world in a sense that life is more enjoyable with the presence of hope and happiness. I am also best describes as indecisive consequently because I am the type of person that tends to consider variables x, y and z when variables a and b are the only two variables provided. If my immediate family were to describe me they'd say I am intelligent, determined, and respectful but if my close friends were to describe me they'd say I am super-goofy, generous and studious. My personality is an original and one that is hard to replicate. Most importantly carrying my personality has allowed me to broadened my perspective on life's long list of possibilities.
 http://www.coasterphotos.com/SFAW/images/Dungeon2.jpg |
| One of my favorite memories that I carry with me naturally, happened a couple of summers a go at Six Flags Fiesta Texas when I gathered the courage to ride the dungeon drop and for those who know me, know that that was a huge accomplishment for me. Waiting in a that long line only made time for my adrenaline to build up and once my time came to face my fear of heights. I did not back out. No, I screamed to the top of my lungs and kicked uncontrollably. The entire time I thought how could any one enjoy this horrid machine but if there was one thing that I could do over, I definitely would not have done that memory over. |
Friday, February 14, 2014
Individuality
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Growing up when children experience the process of being their own person, they run into the tough issue of both honoring their parents heritage and as well as their own. The teenage years are the most common years when people begin figuring out what kind of individuals they are. I believe that's why we are perceived as rebellious because we have not yet established a way of easily transitioning away from our parents customs without them taking offense.
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When I was younger I would occasionally get my hair straightened by my mom because when she was younger her younger sister and her would, get a permanent straighten on their hair by my grandmother. I as an individual have solely established that no longer will I ever straighten my hair again, because I have learned to embrace my naturally curly hair. I would not ever straighten my hair just because it was apart of my moms childhood. I would completely be going against what I so strongly stand for. I have openly expressed to my mom my concerns with ever straightening my hair again and she was completely understanding of my strong individuality. She has expressed to me that there is absolutely nothing wrong with my decision and she agrees according to my reasoning. She has always stressed to me growing up that the necessary fundamentals of becoming an individual does not come from the opinions of the public, but from what makes that individual most comfortable and happy while staying 100% true to ones self, because at the end of the day one must live their life for themselves and no one else.
I think a good sense of communication between the children and parents is a significant key to bridging a mutual understanding as to why children not all the time want to continue their parents practices in life, but wouldn't mind acknowledging their importance to the parents individuality. Parents can sometimes be the rebellious ones by not wanting to accept that the child might not want to practice the same customs. Instead of forcing them on the child they are potentially pushing that child away and bruising their unique individuality. I can also understand why some parents make their children feel like they are obligated to continue the same practices no matter their desire may be. The parents are too under anxiety that their culture will fade away and generations to come in American will unify to create this one culture that is basically structured around the technology and everyone becomes mainstream. Both parties of the issue should just meet each other half way and compromise with one another.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Horror stories
In The Fall of the House of Usher, Poe vaguely establishes the ending of the short story. Leaving the reader with the impression that there was no sense of closure. This type of ending causes the reader to question the unknown possibilities while also challenging the extent of there imagination. By providing space for question it also increases the story's suspense. I would adopt this method when creating my own scary story because I believe that it would appeal the better nature of the average horror film fanatic. I personally admire this technique due to the fact that sometimes the question carries a deeper significance than the answer it self.
Introducing a mysterious sickness although later suspected to be catalepsy, instills the fear of death into the reader. Not knowing the specifics of the illness and a clear diagnostics leaves plenty of room for the reader's imagination to run wild and assuming the worst such as the association of sudden death. I particularly would approach this element of the short story by corresponding the unhealthiness or the house as being a contagion. That eventually spreads to the living individual that in habitat it.
Unexpected relations seem to keep the reader more surprised and fascinated with the intensity of the shocking news. The realavence of the narrators arrival at the house of Usher was then unknown until his relations with the was revealed as childhood best friends. Later on even the narrator was disturbed at the fact that he didn't know something as small as his best friend having a twin sister. Also later exposed was that the Usher blood line was never branched out and incest was among them. I believe when a scary story is formed the characters relationships between one another increases the readers understanding of their relevance to what then happens in the story.
I think just about the majority of the world has claimed to be claustrophobic in a time of panic when space was limited. I know that I'm definitely guilty of using that excuse to depart from the crammed crowd. It's understandable to why someone would claim they have a fear of confined areas. Otherwise problems are bound to developed. For instance, in a crowd one must compete for limited air, maneuverability, and space to do so. Almost no one desires the idea of confinement where freedom is no longer at reach, unless your a vampire fanatic and your ever lasting dream is to one day sleep in your very own coffin. Besides this one exception, being buried alive honestly strikes fear into the minds and hearts of the readers. Poe's use of claustrophobia is genus and I would definitely take this idea for my scary story. Since the very thought of the word claustrophobia remanences terrifying incidents, images, and scenarios of being buried alive to my mind. I'm confident that I'm not the only one that can admit that the though of being buried alive scares the living day lights out of me. Specifically for the reasons that no one would find me and that I would slowly perish. I would probably either go insane or build up so much anxiety and panic that I'd scare myself to death.
Sudden death is too a fear many posses. No time for good-buys, last wishes or second chances to accomplish the things that one has always dreamt of. "When you gotta go you gotta go." Is a familiar quote that explains this idea so well. Although Madeline was already sick, due to an unclear diagnosis of her illness limited the readers knowledge of what was in store for her character. Therefore her "death" was a sudden shock since both her and her brother were sick, but was the one to "die" first. This would intensify my scary story if I were to again take this idea. It's a plot twist that leaves the reader filled with emotions and makes them vulnerable. Making them feel that their sense of direction is unreliable and is a complete lost as to what to expect. This idea gives a great amount of power to the author and allows them to push the readers right off their high horses. Otherwise my scary story would be so predictable and cliche like the hundred of them already out there.
Some may find it difficult to ignore that Poe takes the story lines of other figures and put his own perspective on it. This can also referred to as copycat or plagiarism. In modern society, this is an issue that isn't lightly handled and most likely will carry unfortunate consequences if one were caught committing this particular crime. In consideration of my future as a creditable author I can use Poe's brilliant but risky idea of copy someone else's story line idea. For what is at stakes here I cannot take the chance of losing my creditability and trust with my future audience.
One other idea I don't think I'd be able to borrow is the minimum cast. I'd be too afraid for the characters because there wasn't enough bodies to seek comfort and safety from. Not at all was something wrong with the small cast it's just in the process of writing my scary story I'd unwilling put myself in those characters shoes and may I mention I have a low tolerance for scary movies.
Introducing a mysterious sickness although later suspected to be catalepsy, instills the fear of death into the reader. Not knowing the specifics of the illness and a clear diagnostics leaves plenty of room for the reader's imagination to run wild and assuming the worst such as the association of sudden death. I particularly would approach this element of the short story by corresponding the unhealthiness or the house as being a contagion. That eventually spreads to the living individual that in habitat it.
Unexpected relations seem to keep the reader more surprised and fascinated with the intensity of the shocking news. The realavence of the narrators arrival at the house of Usher was then unknown until his relations with the was revealed as childhood best friends. Later on even the narrator was disturbed at the fact that he didn't know something as small as his best friend having a twin sister. Also later exposed was that the Usher blood line was never branched out and incest was among them. I believe when a scary story is formed the characters relationships between one another increases the readers understanding of their relevance to what then happens in the story.
I think just about the majority of the world has claimed to be claustrophobic in a time of panic when space was limited. I know that I'm definitely guilty of using that excuse to depart from the crammed crowd. It's understandable to why someone would claim they have a fear of confined areas. Otherwise problems are bound to developed. For instance, in a crowd one must compete for limited air, maneuverability, and space to do so. Almost no one desires the idea of confinement where freedom is no longer at reach, unless your a vampire fanatic and your ever lasting dream is to one day sleep in your very own coffin. Besides this one exception, being buried alive honestly strikes fear into the minds and hearts of the readers. Poe's use of claustrophobia is genus and I would definitely take this idea for my scary story. Since the very thought of the word claustrophobia remanences terrifying incidents, images, and scenarios of being buried alive to my mind. I'm confident that I'm not the only one that can admit that the though of being buried alive scares the living day lights out of me. Specifically for the reasons that no one would find me and that I would slowly perish. I would probably either go insane or build up so much anxiety and panic that I'd scare myself to death.Sudden death is too a fear many posses. No time for good-buys, last wishes or second chances to accomplish the things that one has always dreamt of. "When you gotta go you gotta go." Is a familiar quote that explains this idea so well. Although Madeline was already sick, due to an unclear diagnosis of her illness limited the readers knowledge of what was in store for her character. Therefore her "death" was a sudden shock since both her and her brother were sick, but was the one to "die" first. This would intensify my scary story if I were to again take this idea. It's a plot twist that leaves the reader filled with emotions and makes them vulnerable. Making them feel that their sense of direction is unreliable and is a complete lost as to what to expect. This idea gives a great amount of power to the author and allows them to push the readers right off their high horses. Otherwise my scary story would be so predictable and cliche like the hundred of them already out there.
One other idea I don't think I'd be able to borrow is the minimum cast. I'd be too afraid for the characters because there wasn't enough bodies to seek comfort and safety from. Not at all was something wrong with the small cast it's just in the process of writing my scary story I'd unwilling put myself in those characters shoes and may I mention I have a low tolerance for scary movies.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Unexplained
Paranormal is characterized as unusual experiences that have no current scientific explanation for it's very existence. As early as the Salem Witch Trials date back, what could not be explained was then feared. For its measurement of capability may exceeded our intelligence could pose a threat to human survival. Humans are naturally curious, being so from the moment of birth, but it wasn't till recent that the unexplainable transitioned from threatening to desirable. This transition took place once survival circumstances were established and so then the simultaneous stride for success began. Now, what we can't scientifically explain challenges our capabilities as a dominant species to find answers to questions and solutions to problems. Our growing intelligence over time has not only changed our physical appearances but has also altered our desires to become more competitive individually San as a whole.
In today's popular culture, there are supernatural themed entrainment has become acceptable and mainstream. It's what our culture prefers. My theory is that the possible existence of another world fascinates us and therefore is an opportunity to escape our man made scientifically explained world by getting lost in a mysterious book, estranged film, or getting our fortunes told. Something about getting ones fortune told allows them the fell prepared and aware through the guidance of higher powers and mysterious forces.
In today's popular culture, the supernatural has become acceptable and desirable. All forms of entertainment is base on the mysterious supernatural. A lot of time our fascination for the unknown is driven by the motive to escape our man made scientifically explained home to a place where your not in control. For instance, getting lost in a the television series Supernatural will do that for you. The series provides an opportunity for the viewers to be exposed to the best and worst of both worlds.
The strike of fear in us Americans we seem to experience at the mere association of the supernatural symbolizes a challenge, an existence we have yet to master the understanding of. It is something we have yet to conquer and prove our dominance.
Image 1: http://melindabrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/gypsy-fortune-teller1.jpg
Image 2: http://sciencefiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Supernatural1.jpg
In today's popular culture, there are supernatural themed entrainment has become acceptable and mainstream. It's what our culture prefers. My theory is that the possible existence of another world fascinates us and therefore is an opportunity to escape our man made scientifically explained world by getting lost in a mysterious book, estranged film, or getting our fortunes told. Something about getting ones fortune told allows them the fell prepared and aware through the guidance of higher powers and mysterious forces.
In today's popular culture, the supernatural has become acceptable and desirable. All forms of entertainment is base on the mysterious supernatural. A lot of time our fascination for the unknown is driven by the motive to escape our man made scientifically explained home to a place where your not in control. For instance, getting lost in a the television series Supernatural will do that for you. The series provides an opportunity for the viewers to be exposed to the best and worst of both worlds.Image 1: http://melindabrody.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/gypsy-fortune-teller1.jpg
Image 2: http://sciencefiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Supernatural1.jpg
Blog post #2
In today's popular culture, the supernatural has become acceptable and desirable. All forms of entertainment is base on the mysterious supernatural. A lot of time our fascination for the unknown is driven by the motive to escape our man made scientifically explained home to a place where your not in control. For instance, getting lost in a the television series Supernatural will do that for you. The series provides an opportunity for the viewers to be exposed to the best and worst of both worlds.
The strike of fear in us Americans at the mere association the supernatural symbolizes a challenge, an existence we have yet to mastery the understanding of. Our fear is an indication of the unexplainable and causes us to find answers to questions and solutions to problems to ultimately prove that we are in fact the superior species.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Anti-hero comparison of Benjamin Linus and Ichabod Crane
Short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving introduces one of the earliest anti-heroes in American literature. Ichabod Crane was his name and hero nor villain. He developed a complicated relation with his audience where he hated for his morally wrong actions and admired for his profession as a schoolmaster and member the choir. American television series Lost is a suspenseful jaw-dropping science fictional drama that follows the surviving victims of a plane crash. Later introduced into season 2 Benjamin Linus is now the root of all commotion.
If there's one thing Ben Linus has mastered then it's manipulation. He has the effortless power to control the other characters as though they are mindless puppets without the slightest clue of his deceitful doings. He will exhaust every reliable source of energy to make sure his ways are to be accommodated as best as possible. No better than Ben Linus, Ichabod Crane too will doubtlessly exhaust every useful soul in Sleepy Hollow just to live a more comfortable life, without an ounce of sympathy towards any of his victims. For instance, Ichabod does not seek Katrina Van Tussel's Hancock in marriage because of her youthful beauty but because of her fathers fat wallet.
Ben Linus fears no human being on the island exemplified after killing his own biological father to join the "others". There is however one thing that instills true fear into his veins. Mentioned and his eyes suddenly widen and he becomes filled with this emotion called fear. Something his inferiors would tell you he's incapable of expressing. His weakness is know as "The Monster", "The Smoke Monster" or "Cerberus", a supernatural figure which possesses the power the flip the tables around on him. Guilty of having superstitions of the supernatural, Ichabod fears and honestly believes in the very existence of goblins and monsters. He is so gullible when it comes to mythes, legends, tales, and scary stories from the locals.
Ben Linus could care less about sticking to a plan if he feels at that very moment he'd feel more satisfied by being impulsive. For instance, on Lost having been informed that the man thats partially at fault for his daughters death also possess the power to instantaneously take the lives of many innocent people. He complete undermines the plan and kills the man an consequently the other innocent lives. For Ichabod is everyday decision making in based on impulse and what best accommodates his desires at that moment and he can care less about the future consequences that are to follow his actions.
If there's one thing Ben Linus has mastered then it's manipulation. He has the effortless power to control the other characters as though they are mindless puppets without the slightest clue of his deceitful doings. He will exhaust every reliable source of energy to make sure his ways are to be accommodated as best as possible. No better than Ben Linus, Ichabod Crane too will doubtlessly exhaust every useful soul in Sleepy Hollow just to live a more comfortable life, without an ounce of sympathy towards any of his victims. For instance, Ichabod does not seek Katrina Van Tussel's Hancock in marriage because of her youthful beauty but because of her fathers fat wallet.
Ben Linus fears no human being on the island exemplified after killing his own biological father to join the "others". There is however one thing that instills true fear into his veins. Mentioned and his eyes suddenly widen and he becomes filled with this emotion called fear. Something his inferiors would tell you he's incapable of expressing. His weakness is know as "The Monster", "The Smoke Monster" or "Cerberus", a supernatural figure which possesses the power the flip the tables around on him. Guilty of having superstitions of the supernatural, Ichabod fears and honestly believes in the very existence of goblins and monsters. He is so gullible when it comes to mythes, legends, tales, and scary stories from the locals.
Ben Linus could care less about sticking to a plan if he feels at that very moment he'd feel more satisfied by being impulsive. For instance, on Lost having been informed that the man thats partially at fault for his daughters death also possess the power to instantaneously take the lives of many innocent people. He complete undermines the plan and kills the man an consequently the other innocent lives. For Ichabod is everyday decision making in based on impulse and what best accommodates his desires at that moment and he can care less about the future consequences that are to follow his actions.
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