The Year-Long Moral Compass Project
The Moral Compass Project is a year-long project in which I will collect quotes, art, pictures, etc. that I can reflect on. Through this project, I will be able to discover more about myself and my moral values. Therefore, all through the year I am going to compile different quotes and art that speak to me.
Rain is one of my favorite things in the world. I absolutely love when it rains. I love the way it feels as it pours down on my face and I love the sound of it rattling against my window. I feel that rain can symbolize a variety of things: happiness, sadness, solemness, hopelessness, etc. Rain is beautiful to me and I wish it rained here more because it makes me calm. I think that rain can also represent cleaning or washing away. If I'm in a bad/sad mood and it rains, it makes me feel better and calmer, as though it washed away my emotions. Rain can also symbolize happiness and beauty. There are times during storms that I just love to go outside to stand, run or dance in the rain. To me, rain is one of the most wonderful aspects of nature, and I don't know what I would do if there was none.
Humanities: Travel
Of the pictures Ms. Carol showed us, I would want to go to Rome the most. I have always wanted to go to Europe, especially Rome. The Colosseum has always looked like such a beautiful place with amazing history. Even though terrible things happened in the Colosseum, I want to see it and learn about it's history. I also think that Europe has amazing architecture. I love the beauty in old things and I wish America had more buildings and stories like those in Europe.
Headline: Break in Siege is Little Relief to Syrian City
Out of all the articles, this is one that I would want to read the most. I am interested in the conflict in Syria, and I would like to read the latest news on it. Also, I’d choose it because it seems more important to the world than some of the other articles (such as a football player being gay). I think I am intrigued by this headline because I read a lot about the war in Syria while picking my political topic and I want to read more about their current state. I think that this article has more of an impact on world news because other countries are getting involved and it is a popular topic of discussion. This headline also catches my attention because it makes me want to read the article without giving too many details away.
Out of all the articles, this is one that I would want to read the most. I am interested in the conflict in Syria, and I would like to read the latest news on it. Also, I’d choose it because it seems more important to the world than some of the other articles (such as a football player being gay). I think I am intrigued by this headline because I read a lot about the war in Syria while picking my political topic and I want to read more about their current state. I think that this article has more of an impact on world news because other countries are getting involved and it is a popular topic of discussion. This headline also catches my attention because it makes me want to read the article without giving too many details away.
This picture shows a piece of street art in Paris, France. It appears to be two children playing a game called "Kill Yourself!!! And your Best Friends!!!!". I saw this in a video we watched in class and it really stood out to me. I think it is showing the influence people have on those around them. I think that when people commit suicide, they have no idea the effects it has on the people they knew. I think that this art piece shows that when one person kills themselves, it effects and influences the people around them, and in a way, it kills a part of the people close to them.
I also think that this piece is showing how culture is starting to embrace and accept suicide ("Be Cool!", "Only 19.99!", etc.). It makes a joke of a serious topic, and I think that could be good or bad. It could show the public that they need to take the issue more seriously, or it could make suicide look fun and inviting. Either way, I feel that this art piece sends a strong message about the effects of suicide on society.
I also think that this piece is showing how culture is starting to embrace and accept suicide ("Be Cool!", "Only 19.99!", etc.). It makes a joke of a serious topic, and I think that could be good or bad. It could show the public that they need to take the issue more seriously, or it could make suicide look fun and inviting. Either way, I feel that this art piece sends a strong message about the effects of suicide on society.
The News
I don’t usually watch the news. Usually that is because I don’t find it interesting. I think that local news is pointless and unimportant. I would rather learn about world issues and conflicts. If the news is left on, or my parents are watching, I will watch it. I can get very interested sometimes when they discuss certain events. On a regular basis, though, I prefer avoiding the news and reading magazines like “The Week” to get an overview of world topics. I do believe that the news is important for keeping people educated and informed about our world. I just think that there are some local news topics that don’t deserve to be covered.
After watching the Nightly News in Humanities, I think that the most significant story was the one regarding heroin usage in the United States. It was stunning and informative, and one of the only stories that actually affects the people of our country in a destructive way. I think that one of the most interesting was the one about the firefighter who donated bone marrow to save a dying man’s life. I liked it because it wasn’t a huge well-known topic or issue; it was just a story of a man’s life being saved. I think it was good to end the newscast with a sweet story and some hope and happiness.
I don’t usually watch the news. Usually that is because I don’t find it interesting. I think that local news is pointless and unimportant. I would rather learn about world issues and conflicts. If the news is left on, or my parents are watching, I will watch it. I can get very interested sometimes when they discuss certain events. On a regular basis, though, I prefer avoiding the news and reading magazines like “The Week” to get an overview of world topics. I do believe that the news is important for keeping people educated and informed about our world. I just think that there are some local news topics that don’t deserve to be covered.
After watching the Nightly News in Humanities, I think that the most significant story was the one regarding heroin usage in the United States. It was stunning and informative, and one of the only stories that actually affects the people of our country in a destructive way. I think that one of the most interesting was the one about the firefighter who donated bone marrow to save a dying man’s life. I liked it because it wasn’t a huge well-known topic or issue; it was just a story of a man’s life being saved. I think it was good to end the newscast with a sweet story and some hope and happiness.
This work of art, showcased at the Museum of Contemporary Art, was created by Catherine Opie. It is a photograph of a house in Los Angeles that burned down, and the side panels are full of possessions retrieved from the home. I'm not sure why this piece stood out to me, but I think it really captured the effect of the fire. The photograph itself appears to just be a photo of an old house that burned down. However, seeing the articles and possessions that belonged to the family gave the piece more depth, and made me realize that the fire was an event that affected real people's lives forever. I didn't enjoy all the art I saw today and I didn't understand a lot of it. This piece, though, really stuck with me and made me wonder about the way that this tragedy affected this family, and how it changed them. This particular piece was among the few that caused me to have somewhat of an emotional reaction. This piece wasn't overly bold, fancy, or busy. I feel like it made a statement and told a story in a simple way.
"You're mind is working at its best when you're being paranoid. You explore every avenue and possibility of your situation at high speed with total clarity." -Banksy
I completely agree with this quote because when my mind races during situations when I am scared, nervous, anxious, or paranoid, my thoughts are deep and extensive and also very clear. I think my mind does work at its best then because it's analyzing a situation down to the core and the possibilities/probabilities of all the outcomes. We talked about this in class today, and like some of my friends, most of the time, when I am in situations, I automatically worry and plan for the worst case scenario. Therefore, when something better happens, I feel better and more prepared for it. It is always strange to me, though, how fast I think and consider things in certain situations and how although my mind is scattered with thoughts all over the place, it is the time my mind is the most clear. I think it is because all my thoughts are solely directed at one thing and I am not distracted like I usually am. My thoughts are always scattered and I can be thinking of tons of things at once, but when all those thoughts are related to one situation, I am thinking perfectly clearly and deciding on problems and solutions for my current situation.
I completely agree with this quote because when my mind races during situations when I am scared, nervous, anxious, or paranoid, my thoughts are deep and extensive and also very clear. I think my mind does work at its best then because it's analyzing a situation down to the core and the possibilities/probabilities of all the outcomes. We talked about this in class today, and like some of my friends, most of the time, when I am in situations, I automatically worry and plan for the worst case scenario. Therefore, when something better happens, I feel better and more prepared for it. It is always strange to me, though, how fast I think and consider things in certain situations and how although my mind is scattered with thoughts all over the place, it is the time my mind is the most clear. I think it is because all my thoughts are solely directed at one thing and I am not distracted like I usually am. My thoughts are always scattered and I can be thinking of tons of things at once, but when all those thoughts are related to one situation, I am thinking perfectly clearly and deciding on problems and solutions for my current situation.
Keep calm and carry on...everyone knows the phrase and it's plastered on every other t-shirt and phone case, but I don't think many people know the meaning behind it. My brother went to London last year and brought me back one of the classic bright red posters, and it was the first time I ever heard the history of the poster. Posters like these were made in Britain during WWII to give townspeople hope for the rough times that were approaching. They said other things too, such as "Freedom is in Peril" and "Your Courage, Your Cheerfulness, Your Resolution Will Bring us Victory". The posters were symbols of hope looking forward to a time when there would be peace. I had more of an appreciation for these posters after hearing the story behind it because I realized it was truly a way to put a smile on people's faces in a time of war. During this year, we have read books such as Night and In The Time of The Butterflies and each one displayed characters in dire situations that held on by a strand of hope and faith. These posters are just another illustration of a simple phrase, object, or memory that can give people hope to carry on. Now, when I look at these posters, I see a genuine message coming from them that is open to interpretation. For me, it is a reminder to not worry about the future, but live in the present and appreciate every day for what it is.
"Writing is a struggle against silence."
I chose this quote because I love to write. For me, writing is a way to express my feelings, thoughts, and ideas without concern. I think that this quote was meant to inspire people that there are more ways than one to voice their opinion. Writing is one of my favorite parts of school because I get to say what I want and give my opinion. When I was younger, I didn't like writing because I didn't understand the value of it. However, I have read so many amazing books that have changed my life and the way I see the world, I have an appreciation for writing and the influence it can have upon people. When I am upset, scared, worried, happy, or excited, I write. I am not the type of person who likes to talk to other people about my feelings, so I write to understand myself and the situations I am in. I love writing, and though I don't always feel like I have a voice to speak out my opinions, I can always scribble my thoughts down on paper and pour my heart out on a page.
I chose this quote because I love to write. For me, writing is a way to express my feelings, thoughts, and ideas without concern. I think that this quote was meant to inspire people that there are more ways than one to voice their opinion. Writing is one of my favorite parts of school because I get to say what I want and give my opinion. When I was younger, I didn't like writing because I didn't understand the value of it. However, I have read so many amazing books that have changed my life and the way I see the world, I have an appreciation for writing and the influence it can have upon people. When I am upset, scared, worried, happy, or excited, I write. I am not the type of person who likes to talk to other people about my feelings, so I write to understand myself and the situations I am in. I love writing, and though I don't always feel like I have a voice to speak out my opinions, I can always scribble my thoughts down on paper and pour my heart out on a page.
“I support ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.”
I disagree with this quote because I do not support gay marriage. I believe that people should be permitted to make their own decisions and live their lives however they want. Despite my support for equality, though, I strongly believe that marriage is solely for a man and a woman. I think that gay people should be accepted for who they are, and I don’t object to their choices. I just have grown up believing in heterosexual marriages and intact families.
Most people argue that legalizing gay marriage will not harm heterosexual marriages or "family values," and society will continue to function successfully. They also believe that it will allow gay couples to provide more stable homes for adopted children. However, studies have shown that children growing up in a same-sex household are more susceptible to gender and mental disorders and confusion. Gay couples may believe that they are providing a stable environment, but they are depriving their children of an intact family and a mother or father.
After reading this quote and other articles on gay marriage, I have come to wonder about why other people form their opinions. Do people with gay family members support gay marriage more than others? Do children growing up in same-sex households really suffer from confusion and disorders? Do gay couples solely raise gay children? Although I have my opinions, I am open to more research and discussion to hear both sides of the argument.
I disagree with this quote because I do not support gay marriage. I believe that people should be permitted to make their own decisions and live their lives however they want. Despite my support for equality, though, I strongly believe that marriage is solely for a man and a woman. I think that gay people should be accepted for who they are, and I don’t object to their choices. I just have grown up believing in heterosexual marriages and intact families.
Most people argue that legalizing gay marriage will not harm heterosexual marriages or "family values," and society will continue to function successfully. They also believe that it will allow gay couples to provide more stable homes for adopted children. However, studies have shown that children growing up in a same-sex household are more susceptible to gender and mental disorders and confusion. Gay couples may believe that they are providing a stable environment, but they are depriving their children of an intact family and a mother or father.
After reading this quote and other articles on gay marriage, I have come to wonder about why other people form their opinions. Do people with gay family members support gay marriage more than others? Do children growing up in same-sex households really suffer from confusion and disorders? Do gay couples solely raise gay children? Although I have my opinions, I am open to more research and discussion to hear both sides of the argument.
Week 9:
1/8/2014
Right now, there is a civil war going on in South Sudan, Africa, between tribes. I went to South Sudan in 2012, and I met wonderful people there that we have continued to stay in touch with. However, due to the tribal warfare we have begun to lose contact and worry about the people we care about. It is in times like these, when countries are at war with themselves, killing their own people, that I am thankful for my freedom and my country. I am so grateful to have grown up in a safe environment and a free country. I wonder every night how many innocent people are dead and dying, and why people must fight, We listened to a song by Bob Dylan in class today and one of the lines was "How many deaths will it take till he knows that too many people have died?" As I read through articles about this war and as we talk to the people who live there, I can't help but question why conflict must escalate to war and death.
1/7/2014
I thought that this street art by Banksy was very interesting because it made me consider the value of graffiti. Most people think that graffiti is harmless but annoying. The artist is trying to convey that people are voicing their opinions in an effort to be heard by their people. Graffiti would start to matter more if people started to care and it started impacting society. If graffiti began to influence the community and change people’s thoughts and actions, it would be more of a problem.
This particular piece reminds me of when I went to Israel and Palestine a few years ago. My neighborhood has had a lot of graffiti in it as I have grown up. Most of the graffiti is simple words or gang signs that lack deep meaning. On the wall separating Israel and Palestine however, there is detailed, meaningful art that depicts images, sometimes disturbing, about the things people hate and the change they want. They make people stop and think about the full message behind it. There were beautiful pieces of art all over the wall that showed people’s opinions in the face of the government. Their graffiti was powerful enough to change minds, provoke thoughts, and encourage action. If all graffiti was like that, people would be more inclined to voice their opinion and stand up to the government.
In a way, graffiti can be a form of democracy in a place where no one is being heard. Graffiti is a form of art, and art is expression. People can express emotion and passion through their graffiti that can influence people and touch people. This piece by Banksy is one of my favorite because it grasps the true meaning behind graffiti: the hope for change. People who write messages on walls are showing their feelings and dreams. If graffiti sparked the action it depicts, people would be more involved and have more courage to stand up and speak for themselves in response to their government and leaders.
This particular piece reminds me of when I went to Israel and Palestine a few years ago. My neighborhood has had a lot of graffiti in it as I have grown up. Most of the graffiti is simple words or gang signs that lack deep meaning. On the wall separating Israel and Palestine however, there is detailed, meaningful art that depicts images, sometimes disturbing, about the things people hate and the change they want. They make people stop and think about the full message behind it. There were beautiful pieces of art all over the wall that showed people’s opinions in the face of the government. Their graffiti was powerful enough to change minds, provoke thoughts, and encourage action. If all graffiti was like that, people would be more inclined to voice their opinion and stand up to the government.
In a way, graffiti can be a form of democracy in a place where no one is being heard. Graffiti is a form of art, and art is expression. People can express emotion and passion through their graffiti that can influence people and touch people. This piece by Banksy is one of my favorite because it grasps the true meaning behind graffiti: the hope for change. People who write messages on walls are showing their feelings and dreams. If graffiti sparked the action it depicts, people would be more involved and have more courage to stand up and speak for themselves in response to their government and leaders.
Week 8:
“When the chips are down, you are alone, and loneliness can be terrifying. Fortunately, I've always had a chum I could call. And I love to be alone. It doesn't bother me one bit. I’m my own company.” (Audrey Hepburn)
- I really like Audrey Hepburn, and her quotes are some of my favorites. Some are funny and clever, but others are deep and serious. I chose this quote because it stood out to me since I like to be alone. Like she says, loneliness can be scary, and I don't always love it, but for the most part I enjoy being alone. In another quote that I found, Audrey said that she didn't like to be alone; she liked to be left alone. I relate to both of these quotes because, like many people, I don't like feeling alone. I like to be by myself sometimes because I can clear my head and think about things, but I never like to feel completely alone. I always want to have a friend to call on when I need to, and to know that I will never be completely alone. However, there are times where I like to be left alone, to think, to wonder, and to just be by myself.
- I really like Audrey Hepburn, and her quotes are some of my favorites. Some are funny and clever, but others are deep and serious. I chose this quote because it stood out to me since I like to be alone. Like she says, loneliness can be scary, and I don't always love it, but for the most part I enjoy being alone. In another quote that I found, Audrey said that she didn't like to be alone; she liked to be left alone. I relate to both of these quotes because, like many people, I don't like feeling alone. I like to be by myself sometimes because I can clear my head and think about things, but I never like to feel completely alone. I always want to have a friend to call on when I need to, and to know that I will never be completely alone. However, there are times where I like to be left alone, to think, to wonder, and to just be by myself.
"Did my heart till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." (Romeo)
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
- For the past couple weeks, we have been reading Romeo and Juliet, and although it was a good play and a nice love story, I didn't really like the whole concept. I don't believe in "love at first sight", or that a 13 year old can fall in love. Last week, we had a discussion in class about what love is, who believes in love at first sight, whether 13 year old kids can be in love, and whether we or someone we know has been in love. There was a lot of dispute about love at first sight, and I found the conversation interesting because both sides had good points. Half of the class believed that love at first sight was real because people can have feelings for each other that arise in any amount of time. They can find someone attractive and have a nice personality with a feeling that appears to be love. Also, one of my classmates made an interesting point that she loved her mother from the beginning of time, and her mother loved her from the time she saw her, which can be seen as love at first sight. I think that people can have feelings for each other after seeing or meeting the first time, but a feeling is different than love. Also, in regards to the love at first sight between mother and child, I think that that is motherly and family instinct. Of course, I love my family, and I always have. But love for another person is different than love for my family. I do think that people can develop "like" and "attraction" to each other after a first meeting, but "love" requires a more deep meaning and feeling than that.
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
- For the past couple weeks, we have been reading Romeo and Juliet, and although it was a good play and a nice love story, I didn't really like the whole concept. I don't believe in "love at first sight", or that a 13 year old can fall in love. Last week, we had a discussion in class about what love is, who believes in love at first sight, whether 13 year old kids can be in love, and whether we or someone we know has been in love. There was a lot of dispute about love at first sight, and I found the conversation interesting because both sides had good points. Half of the class believed that love at first sight was real because people can have feelings for each other that arise in any amount of time. They can find someone attractive and have a nice personality with a feeling that appears to be love. Also, one of my classmates made an interesting point that she loved her mother from the beginning of time, and her mother loved her from the time she saw her, which can be seen as love at first sight. I think that people can have feelings for each other after seeing or meeting the first time, but a feeling is different than love. Also, in regards to the love at first sight between mother and child, I think that that is motherly and family instinct. Of course, I love my family, and I always have. But love for another person is different than love for my family. I do think that people can develop "like" and "attraction" to each other after a first meeting, but "love" requires a more deep meaning and feeling than that.
Week 7:
10/23/13
“Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed.
Never shall I forget that smoke.
Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.
Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever.
Never shall l I forget the nocturnal silence that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes.
Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live as long as God Himself.
Never.” (Wiesel, 34)
- As we read Night over the past few weeks and finished it up this week, the quote that stood out to me the most was this one. I used this quote as the inspiration for my "Day" art piece and wrote a poem based on it. I like the way this is written, starting every sentence with "never shall I forget..." because I feel like the repetition emphasizes the impact the camp had on Elie. There are moments in my life that happened years ago that I still remember vividly, and I can't even imagine having to fall asleep every night picturing a concentration camp. It breaks my heart to even read about it, and I don't know what it would be like to live it and see it every time I close my eyes. Of course, I've had some bad things happen in my life, and I've experienced some traumatic things, but watching children be thrown into mass graves and burned is unbelievable and unacceptable. What I wonder most about things like this is whether or not the survivors and people in the camps reacted in rebellion towards the Nazis when they saw all this happening. Did they think it was all a dream? How did they react to children being tortured and burned? How did people first react, and did they get "used" to it over time? I can't picture myself ever accepting that my people were being slaughtered and burned daily, and I can't help but wonder how I would respond.
Never shall I forget that smoke.
Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.
Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever.
Never shall l I forget the nocturnal silence that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes.
Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live as long as God Himself.
Never.” (Wiesel, 34)
- As we read Night over the past few weeks and finished it up this week, the quote that stood out to me the most was this one. I used this quote as the inspiration for my "Day" art piece and wrote a poem based on it. I like the way this is written, starting every sentence with "never shall I forget..." because I feel like the repetition emphasizes the impact the camp had on Elie. There are moments in my life that happened years ago that I still remember vividly, and I can't even imagine having to fall asleep every night picturing a concentration camp. It breaks my heart to even read about it, and I don't know what it would be like to live it and see it every time I close my eyes. Of course, I've had some bad things happen in my life, and I've experienced some traumatic things, but watching children be thrown into mass graves and burned is unbelievable and unacceptable. What I wonder most about things like this is whether or not the survivors and people in the camps reacted in rebellion towards the Nazis when they saw all this happening. Did they think it was all a dream? How did they react to children being tortured and burned? How did people first react, and did they get "used" to it over time? I can't picture myself ever accepting that my people were being slaughtered and burned daily, and I can't help but wonder how I would respond.
10/22/13
- Lilo and Stitch will always be one of my favorite movies :) This quote is the famous quote from the movie, and it is definitely one of my favorites. I like this quote because of the way it is phrased, saying that family means "nobody gets left behind or forgotten". I don't think this quote is just talking about people's biological families. My friends are like brothers and sisters to me. Family means sticking together, believing in each other, caring about each other. By that standard, I have a huge family! My friends mean the world to me, and this quote sums up my feelings for my family and friends together in one sentence. Whether blood related or not, the people who I love and care about are my family, and I shall never forget them because they are my ohana.
10/21/13
"Sing with me, sing for the years. Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears....Dream on, dream on, dream until your dreams come true."
- Aerosmith, Dream On
- I really like the band Aerosmith, and "Dream On" is one of my favorite of their songs. This line has always stood out to me, and I consider it a reminder. I learned long ago not to complain, to learn from my mistakes, and to be thankful for the lessons I've learned. When I hear this song, I'm reminded to be thankful for the good things that have happened in my life, and also to remember the not-so-good things because those experiences are the ones I have learned the most from. I also like this song because of the hope that is conveyed in the chorus as the lead singer says over and over "dream on..." My dreams drive me to work hard and pursue great things. If I stumble along the way, I will always get back up, and continue to go after my dreams. I won't mind regretting things I've done; I don't want to regret things I didn't do.
- Aerosmith, Dream On
- I really like the band Aerosmith, and "Dream On" is one of my favorite of their songs. This line has always stood out to me, and I consider it a reminder. I learned long ago not to complain, to learn from my mistakes, and to be thankful for the lessons I've learned. When I hear this song, I'm reminded to be thankful for the good things that have happened in my life, and also to remember the not-so-good things because those experiences are the ones I have learned the most from. I also like this song because of the hope that is conveyed in the chorus as the lead singer says over and over "dream on..." My dreams drive me to work hard and pursue great things. If I stumble along the way, I will always get back up, and continue to go after my dreams. I won't mind regretting things I've done; I don't want to regret things I didn't do.
Week 6:
10/16/13
“I told him that I did not believe that they could burn people in our age, that humanity would never tolerate it . . .”
- Elie Wiesel, Night
- We have been reading Night in class, and although it is astonishing and well-written, it is tearing me apart. I cannot believe that something so horrible could happen, and that people could be so evil. Elie, in the book, at first does not believe that people are being killed and burned because he doesn't believe that people would tolerate such actions. If I was in his place, I would never believe that something so awful could be going on in the world, and I have a hard time understanding it. This quote stood out to me because Elie says that he doesn't believe that it's happening because "humanity would never tolerate it", which I would hope to believe also. However, it did happen, and I think it's possible that it could happen again. We watched a Ted Talk video today about a study in which regular people (ages 20-50) were assigned to be a teacher or a student, and the "student" had to sit in a shock chair while the "teacher" asked them questions. For every question answered wrong, the teacher gave them a shock, and with each shock, the power increased. It started with 15 volts, where people couldn't even feel it, but it ended with 450 volts, a dangerously high amount. The "teacher" figures saw that the people were being injured and became worried, but when the man in charge said that he would take responsibility for any damage, about 90% of the people tested went all the way to 450 volts. They knew that they were putting the poor victims in serious danger and pain, but they were willingly following blind orders. This was concerning to me because it proved that something like the Holocaust could happen again due to people blindly following any orders given by authority. If someone told me that in 2013, men, women, and children were being shot and burned, I would never believe it, but because of the things I have now read and seen, I wonder if something like that could very possibly happen.
- Elie Wiesel, Night
- We have been reading Night in class, and although it is astonishing and well-written, it is tearing me apart. I cannot believe that something so horrible could happen, and that people could be so evil. Elie, in the book, at first does not believe that people are being killed and burned because he doesn't believe that people would tolerate such actions. If I was in his place, I would never believe that something so awful could be going on in the world, and I have a hard time understanding it. This quote stood out to me because Elie says that he doesn't believe that it's happening because "humanity would never tolerate it", which I would hope to believe also. However, it did happen, and I think it's possible that it could happen again. We watched a Ted Talk video today about a study in which regular people (ages 20-50) were assigned to be a teacher or a student, and the "student" had to sit in a shock chair while the "teacher" asked them questions. For every question answered wrong, the teacher gave them a shock, and with each shock, the power increased. It started with 15 volts, where people couldn't even feel it, but it ended with 450 volts, a dangerously high amount. The "teacher" figures saw that the people were being injured and became worried, but when the man in charge said that he would take responsibility for any damage, about 90% of the people tested went all the way to 450 volts. They knew that they were putting the poor victims in serious danger and pain, but they were willingly following blind orders. This was concerning to me because it proved that something like the Holocaust could happen again due to people blindly following any orders given by authority. If someone told me that in 2013, men, women, and children were being shot and burned, I would never believe it, but because of the things I have now read and seen, I wonder if something like that could very possibly happen.
10/15/13
"Doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world 'No, you move'".
- Captain America
- I have my beliefs and I have my values, and I hate when people try to change my mind. I am open to discussion, but I am planted in my faiths, and that won't change. I don't mind input from outside people, and I like talking about things, but in the end, I will have my opinions and people will have theirs, and when they tell me to move I will stand on solid ground, firm in my beliefs. Conflicts from this have risen in the past, for example, when academics and my religion were at opposing sides (i.e. Evolution vs. Creation), and I have suffered consequences for not changing my beliefs in God to the open beliefs of the world. I have gotten in trouble before for not believing that man evolved from ape, but I won't change what I believe. I stand up for what I believe in, no matter what other people think and no matter what the consequences might be.
- Captain America
- I have my beliefs and I have my values, and I hate when people try to change my mind. I am open to discussion, but I am planted in my faiths, and that won't change. I don't mind input from outside people, and I like talking about things, but in the end, I will have my opinions and people will have theirs, and when they tell me to move I will stand on solid ground, firm in my beliefs. Conflicts from this have risen in the past, for example, when academics and my religion were at opposing sides (i.e. Evolution vs. Creation), and I have suffered consequences for not changing my beliefs in God to the open beliefs of the world. I have gotten in trouble before for not believing that man evolved from ape, but I won't change what I believe. I stand up for what I believe in, no matter what other people think and no matter what the consequences might be.
Week 5:
10/3/13
- Dr. Seuss has very powerful quotes sometimes, and I really like this one. There have been moments in my life that I never wanted to end, but the memories that I keep are amazing. For example, 7th grade was my favorite school year ever, and on the last day of school, I just didn't want it to end. I had so many amazing memories from 7th grade. I met new people, I had a great time, and I never wanted it to be over. People were crying and upset that it was over, but even though I was sad, I wasn't crying. I was so grateful for an awesome year, and now that it's over, I look back on that year, happy that it happened, and I have great stories to tell. I loved 7th grade, but instead of crying that it's over, that I miss my old friends, and that I don't have the same amazing people in my life, I look back on it and smile at the crazy memories and things that I did.
10/2/13
- Calvin and Hobbes was always my favorite comic, and still is. This strip, which I saw on Aaron's DP, is hilarious to me because it is really true. Whenever I clean the house and vacuum, I go really quickly because I want to get it over with. I always get in trouble when I go too fast, and I end up having to redo the whole house. I have learned that if I do it right the first time, I don't have to vacuum again, which is nice. Every time I vacuum, I have to contemplate whether to do it fast and get it over with (where I risk getting in trouble and having to vacuum again...), or I can do it right the first time (which may take longer, but be worth it in the end) :).
10/1/13
“Walk a mile in another man’s moccasins before you criticize him.”
(Krznaric; 6 Habits of Highly Empathic People)
- For the past few weeks, we have been reading through an article on empathy. One of these habits is to "try another person's life", or view things from someone else's perspective before judging them and their circumstances. This was a common topic in TKAM, but also in this article, and it was the part that stood out to me the most. A lot of times, I know I have judged people before truly knowing them. For example, on my first day of school in 7th grade, I was standing outside against a wall during break. I was a new student, and I didn't know anybody. All of the sudden, a girl walks up to me and says, "Hey! My name is Lizzy! You look like you could use a friend!" At that moment, I thought she was crazy, but since she was reaching out, I went along with her. That day, Lizzy and I became fast friends, and I realized she was an awesome person. When she first approached me, I thought that she was weird. No one ever just walks up to talk to the new girl, and works to start a friendship, just out of kindness. Lizzy took a chance and reached out to me, and we became best friends and were inseparable all through that year, and have been friends for these last few years. Looking back on that moment, I have considered things from her perspective. She was just a really friendly person who saw me in need of a friend, all alone, and she wanted to hang out with me. Even though I thought she was crazy at first, I am so grateful for Lizzy's kindness and sweetness in that moment.
(Krznaric; 6 Habits of Highly Empathic People)
- For the past few weeks, we have been reading through an article on empathy. One of these habits is to "try another person's life", or view things from someone else's perspective before judging them and their circumstances. This was a common topic in TKAM, but also in this article, and it was the part that stood out to me the most. A lot of times, I know I have judged people before truly knowing them. For example, on my first day of school in 7th grade, I was standing outside against a wall during break. I was a new student, and I didn't know anybody. All of the sudden, a girl walks up to me and says, "Hey! My name is Lizzy! You look like you could use a friend!" At that moment, I thought she was crazy, but since she was reaching out, I went along with her. That day, Lizzy and I became fast friends, and I realized she was an awesome person. When she first approached me, I thought that she was weird. No one ever just walks up to talk to the new girl, and works to start a friendship, just out of kindness. Lizzy took a chance and reached out to me, and we became best friends and were inseparable all through that year, and have been friends for these last few years. Looking back on that moment, I have considered things from her perspective. She was just a really friendly person who saw me in need of a friend, all alone, and she wanted to hang out with me. Even though I thought she was crazy at first, I am so grateful for Lizzy's kindness and sweetness in that moment.
9/30/13
“We plan for days and days and when the time comes, we proceed to improvise.” -Quicksilver
- I like to make plans to follow to ensure that things will work out well, but I also love spontaneous action and being able to be flexible in things that I do, because it can lead to even great outcomes. I go to a church in Carlsbad, and my family is very involved. We have gone on many mission trips, which require lots of time and planning put into them. However, the biggest lesson and most important thing I've learned all these years is that no matter how long you plan something, how many things you have scheduled, and whatever you want to do, you always have to be prepared to have everything get flipped upside down. In so many cases, we've had to be flexible enough that we were prepared to do everything by the schedule should it all go as planned, but also be able to change our plans in the blink of an eye and improvise. For example, I went to Costa Rica in 2008 on a "work and witness" trip, which is a when a group of people go somewhere to do work projects, but save half of the time to witness, preach and have bible studies and games with people (usually children) we meet. In Costa Rica, we planned for months, and were prepared one afternoon to go to a small school and have a VBS (Vacation Bible School), in which we taught little lessons and played games with young kids. Everything was planned out, and as we walked down the hill to this school, the Spanish-speaking translator on our team fell and broke his ankle. His wife was the only other one who spoke Spanish, and she hated public speaking. She agreed to do it for the sake of the children and our team, and it ended up being wonderful. Later that day, we had the opportunity to either go site seeing, which we had planned, or stay at the school for a couple more small groups of kids. Our team decided to stay at the school, because our trip was more about witnessing than site seeing. Even though some people, at first, were not as happy about staying, the day ended up being the best out of the entire trip. We were able to have VBS with over 800 kids in about 7-8 different groups. We had an amazing time, we met awesome people, we changed lives, and it was all so worth every minute.
- I like to make plans to follow to ensure that things will work out well, but I also love spontaneous action and being able to be flexible in things that I do, because it can lead to even great outcomes. I go to a church in Carlsbad, and my family is very involved. We have gone on many mission trips, which require lots of time and planning put into them. However, the biggest lesson and most important thing I've learned all these years is that no matter how long you plan something, how many things you have scheduled, and whatever you want to do, you always have to be prepared to have everything get flipped upside down. In so many cases, we've had to be flexible enough that we were prepared to do everything by the schedule should it all go as planned, but also be able to change our plans in the blink of an eye and improvise. For example, I went to Costa Rica in 2008 on a "work and witness" trip, which is a when a group of people go somewhere to do work projects, but save half of the time to witness, preach and have bible studies and games with people (usually children) we meet. In Costa Rica, we planned for months, and were prepared one afternoon to go to a small school and have a VBS (Vacation Bible School), in which we taught little lessons and played games with young kids. Everything was planned out, and as we walked down the hill to this school, the Spanish-speaking translator on our team fell and broke his ankle. His wife was the only other one who spoke Spanish, and she hated public speaking. She agreed to do it for the sake of the children and our team, and it ended up being wonderful. Later that day, we had the opportunity to either go site seeing, which we had planned, or stay at the school for a couple more small groups of kids. Our team decided to stay at the school, because our trip was more about witnessing than site seeing. Even though some people, at first, were not as happy about staying, the day ended up being the best out of the entire trip. We were able to have VBS with over 800 kids in about 7-8 different groups. We had an amazing time, we met awesome people, we changed lives, and it was all so worth every minute.
9/29/13
"The only reason I enter an event is to win. It's not to make the cut, or even finish top 10, or even second. It's to win the event."
- I was on the internet the other day, and came across this quote, and immediately thought of myself. I am so competitive, and I hate losing. I don't head into things with the hopes that I will "do well"...I do things to win, and to beat everyone else. I don't feel like I am a bad sport, because even though I hate losing, I don't usually have a bad attitude. I will work from that to win in the future. This also goes for my academic career. To me, an "A-" is not passing, and a "B" is as bad as an "F". I hold myself to really high standards, and I always try my best. I do good work because I want to produce a product I'm proud of, and I like to see good grades as a representation of that. I would work just as hard without getting grades because I hold myself to high expectations. When I get bad grades, no one can punish me more than I punish myself. Not only because I didn't win, but because I didn't do the best that I know I could.
- I was on the internet the other day, and came across this quote, and immediately thought of myself. I am so competitive, and I hate losing. I don't head into things with the hopes that I will "do well"...I do things to win, and to beat everyone else. I don't feel like I am a bad sport, because even though I hate losing, I don't usually have a bad attitude. I will work from that to win in the future. This also goes for my academic career. To me, an "A-" is not passing, and a "B" is as bad as an "F". I hold myself to really high standards, and I always try my best. I do good work because I want to produce a product I'm proud of, and I like to see good grades as a representation of that. I would work just as hard without getting grades because I hold myself to high expectations. When I get bad grades, no one can punish me more than I punish myself. Not only because I didn't win, but because I didn't do the best that I know I could.
Week 4:
9/26/13
- I love good stories. Stories are the type of thing that can keep me occupied for hours, deep inside a interesting book with emotion, adventure, and mystery. This quote stands out to me because one of my greatest fears is dying and not having made a difference. I want to have made an impact on at least one persons life. When I die, I'll just be a story, a memory. I won't be any more than that. However, memories and stories can live and go on for years, and I want to be remembered. I'm not saying I want everyone to love me and miss me and remember my story; I want to have made some impact, somewhere, that someone will benefit from. I want to matter. I want to live life to the full, and leave people with good memories and a great story.
9/25/13
- "Suck it up, cupcake." That is usually my mom's response to my complaining. My mom has always told me not to complain, and this quote really reminded me of her. I agree that complaining doesn't help anything. When I want situations in life to get better, I need to work to make it better. Change comes from action, and things won't change unless I make an effort. As a minor example, I get migraines, which makes me annoyed, and I get mad quickly at the slightest things other people do. I can't do anything about it, and just have to wait it out, which can take days, and every day I get more and more angry and less fun to be around. My mom doesn't like when I have a bad attitude, and since I can't change the fact that my head hurts, I can change my attitude and not take my frustration out on other people. Through this, I have found that changing my attitude to be more positive not only affects the people around me, but it also helps me to forget a little bit about the headache and it makes me feel a bit better.
9/24/13
"And I just cried...I cried so much, and it was beautiful...Sadness is poetic; you're lucky to live sad moments. And then I had happy feelings because when you let yourself feel sad, your body has, like, antibodies that have happiness that come rushing in to meet the sadness. So I was great full to feel sad, and then I met it with true, profound happiness. Because we don't want that first bit of sad, we push it away [for other things], and you never feel completely happy. You just feel kind of satisfied with your product, and then you die." -Louis CK
- In class today, we watched an interview with Louis CK on why he doesn't want his kids to have cell phones. We watched it because he talks about how cell phones take you away from real emotions and face to face conversations with people, and that related to our studies on empathy. This quote from it really stood out to me because he talks about the importance of feeling sadness. I think that sadness is important to feel, because (in relation to empathy), you can't be able to feel what other people are going through, or understand pain and sadness if you haven't felt it yourself. I like listening to sad music because it brings out different and deeper emotions than happy pop music does. I do like all different kinds of music, but what always sticks with me is the music that captures people's deep emotions and thoughts. When music brings out memories and I start to feel sad, I do sometimes push it away, because I don't want that feeling. I don't like to feel sadness (no one does), but I should let my emotions go sometimes, and just be sad. Without sadness, I wouldn't be able to know true happiness, and without being hurt, I wouldn't be able to know what love is.
- In class today, we watched an interview with Louis CK on why he doesn't want his kids to have cell phones. We watched it because he talks about how cell phones take you away from real emotions and face to face conversations with people, and that related to our studies on empathy. This quote from it really stood out to me because he talks about the importance of feeling sadness. I think that sadness is important to feel, because (in relation to empathy), you can't be able to feel what other people are going through, or understand pain and sadness if you haven't felt it yourself. I like listening to sad music because it brings out different and deeper emotions than happy pop music does. I do like all different kinds of music, but what always sticks with me is the music that captures people's deep emotions and thoughts. When music brings out memories and I start to feel sad, I do sometimes push it away, because I don't want that feeling. I don't like to feel sadness (no one does), but I should let my emotions go sometimes, and just be sad. Without sadness, I wouldn't be able to know true happiness, and without being hurt, I wouldn't be able to know what love is.
9/23/13
- I am a dancer. I have done ballet and jazz for over a year, and I love it. I am so excited and passionate about dance, and I am always trying to learn new things and get better. I know that I'm not the best dancer, but I am always trying to be the best dancer I can be. I really like this quote because it inspires me to do my best. In the end, people will notice my passion and love for the art more than my technique and all the things I can do. I have other friends who are amazing dancers, and even though that has discouraged me every once in a while, it encourages me to always try to improve, and that someday I will be a better dancer than I am now because of the effort and passion I pour into my technique, making it unique to me.
9/22/13
- I saw this picture a few days ago, looking through Ms. Cabrera's Moral Compass on her DP and it really stood out to me. I thought it was an interesting quote because it's how I feel sometimes. I lose sleep many nights because my mind races with random thoughts, ideas, and just reminiscing on things that have happened in the past or current days. Some nights I just can't stop thinking, which makes me unable to fall asleep. Sometimes, I like to just lay down and think about things, and I enjoy wondering, questioning, and analyzing my world and life, but other times, I just want to be able to have a clear and empty mind. Although it can be annoying to stay up for hours just pondering things, it is also one of my favorite things because I can just think and not have to worry about other things, and it can be relaxing.
Week 3:
9/19/13
“It is a miracle if you can find true friends, and it is a miracle if you have enough food to eat, and it is a miracle if you get to spend your days and evenings doing whatever it is you like to do, and the holiday season - like all the other seasons - is a good time not only to tell stories of miracles, but to think about the miracles in your own life, and to be grateful for them."
- This quote is from one of my favorite Christmas books, The Lump of Coal, which is about a lump of coal that just wants to be an artist. I like this quote because, even though most of this book is funny and sarcastic, this quote is actually quite deep, true, and serious. Miracles are amazing things, and I agree that it is a miracle to find true friends, food to eat, and the ability to do what I like to do. I do believe that it is a miracle that I have such amazing, honest, and hilarious friends that I have today. I am thankful for all the times and days I spend doing the things I love, like doing dance, writing, and roller skating. I think that it is very true that not only I should tell stories of miracles, like at Christmas with the nativity story, but also to look back on my year and reflect on the miracles that have happened in my own life: things I am grateful for, dreams that came true, and people I am thankful for.
- This quote is from one of my favorite Christmas books, The Lump of Coal, which is about a lump of coal that just wants to be an artist. I like this quote because, even though most of this book is funny and sarcastic, this quote is actually quite deep, true, and serious. Miracles are amazing things, and I agree that it is a miracle to find true friends, food to eat, and the ability to do what I like to do. I do believe that it is a miracle that I have such amazing, honest, and hilarious friends that I have today. I am thankful for all the times and days I spend doing the things I love, like doing dance, writing, and roller skating. I think that it is very true that not only I should tell stories of miracles, like at Christmas with the nativity story, but also to look back on my year and reflect on the miracles that have happened in my own life: things I am grateful for, dreams that came true, and people I am thankful for.
9/18/13
"If it's time to go, remember what you're leaving. Remember the best. My friends have always been the best of me." -Doctor Who
- This quote was in an episode of Doctor Who, and it really stood out to me. The end of this quote is what stood out to me the most: "My friends have always been the best of me." This is so true to me. My friends mean the world to me, and they are the only people with whom I can really just be me. My friends are an important part of me and my life, and in relation to the quote, they really are the best of me. My best memories are the crazy ones with my best friends. I think that it's important for me to not take advantage of my friendships, and not recognize how important they are.
- This quote was in an episode of Doctor Who, and it really stood out to me. The end of this quote is what stood out to me the most: "My friends have always been the best of me." This is so true to me. My friends mean the world to me, and they are the only people with whom I can really just be me. My friends are an important part of me and my life, and in relation to the quote, they really are the best of me. My best memories are the crazy ones with my best friends. I think that it's important for me to not take advantage of my friendships, and not recognize how important they are.
9/17/13
"An' they chased him 'n' could never catch him 'cause they didn't know what he looked like, 'an Atticus, when they finally saw him, why he hadn't done any of those things...Atticus, he was real nice..."
"Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them."
- This conversation between Scout and Atticus is at the very end of To Kill A Mockingbird, after Scout meets Boo Radley and realizes that he is a good person after all. She feels bad for all of the untrue stories and judgments towards Boo, and understands what Atticus meant by "You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them." When Scout finally met Boo, she began to understand things from his perspective. This type of situation has happened to me before, and I have always felt bad for judging people before I get to know them. For example, my dad works at a game company called USAopoly (board games, monopoly, clue, chess, card games, telestrations, etc.), and he works with my friend Zoey's dad, too. Zoey and I haven't always been friends, though. When we were little, our parents would put us in a room together with a game and say, "Ok, play a game together. Have fun!", but neither of us wanted to. In fact, we hated it. We barely spoke, and when we did, it was usually harsh or rude comments to make one another angry. I didn't know Zoey all that well, but I hated being around her because we didn't give each other a chance from the beginning. In 7th grade, I started coming to the same school as Zoey (HTM), and I became friends with some of her friends. It was awkward at first, but eventually, I started talking to her when we sat together at lunch. We became friends fast, and found we had a lot in common and actually enjoyed each others company. I felt so bad that I had hated her and not given her a chance all those years. Zoey and I are closer than sisters now, and I can only imagine how even more amazing our friendship could have been if we had given each other a chance from the beginning.
"Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them."
- This conversation between Scout and Atticus is at the very end of To Kill A Mockingbird, after Scout meets Boo Radley and realizes that he is a good person after all. She feels bad for all of the untrue stories and judgments towards Boo, and understands what Atticus meant by "You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them." When Scout finally met Boo, she began to understand things from his perspective. This type of situation has happened to me before, and I have always felt bad for judging people before I get to know them. For example, my dad works at a game company called USAopoly (board games, monopoly, clue, chess, card games, telestrations, etc.), and he works with my friend Zoey's dad, too. Zoey and I haven't always been friends, though. When we were little, our parents would put us in a room together with a game and say, "Ok, play a game together. Have fun!", but neither of us wanted to. In fact, we hated it. We barely spoke, and when we did, it was usually harsh or rude comments to make one another angry. I didn't know Zoey all that well, but I hated being around her because we didn't give each other a chance from the beginning. In 7th grade, I started coming to the same school as Zoey (HTM), and I became friends with some of her friends. It was awkward at first, but eventually, I started talking to her when we sat together at lunch. We became friends fast, and found we had a lot in common and actually enjoyed each others company. I felt so bad that I had hated her and not given her a chance all those years. Zoey and I are closer than sisters now, and I can only imagine how even more amazing our friendship could have been if we had given each other a chance from the beginning.
9/16/13
"Luck? I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else: Hard work - and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't."
- I do not believe in luck, but like Lucille Ball, agree that good things come from hard work and taking opportunities. When bad things happen, I don't consider it 'bad luck', but a missed opportunity or a mistake that I can learn from. I think that working hard, trying new things and doing my best will get me much further in life than superstitions. My favorite part of this quote is the last line: "realizing what is an opportunity and what isn't." I think that often times in my life, when I see something that could possibly benefit me, I consider it a new opportunity of something great that will happen before thinking it through. When it doesn't work out or something goes wrong, I consider is it a mistake and something I will learn from and benefit from in the future. I don't want to wrap my life around superstitions and worries about good and bad luck. I want to work hard, take opportunities, and learn from the mistakes I make.
- I do not believe in luck, but like Lucille Ball, agree that good things come from hard work and taking opportunities. When bad things happen, I don't consider it 'bad luck', but a missed opportunity or a mistake that I can learn from. I think that working hard, trying new things and doing my best will get me much further in life than superstitions. My favorite part of this quote is the last line: "realizing what is an opportunity and what isn't." I think that often times in my life, when I see something that could possibly benefit me, I consider it a new opportunity of something great that will happen before thinking it through. When it doesn't work out or something goes wrong, I consider is it a mistake and something I will learn from and benefit from in the future. I don't want to wrap my life around superstitions and worries about good and bad luck. I want to work hard, take opportunities, and learn from the mistakes I make.
9/15/13
“It is difficult, when faced with a situation you cannot control, to admit you can do nothing.” -Lemony Snicket
- This quote, by Lemony Snicket (one of my favorite authors), stuck with me when I read it. I like to control things, and be in charge, and know what is going on. When I lose control of a situation, or anything in my life, I get frustrated and angry. I understand that I need to let things go, and know that I can do nothing more, but it is so hard for me. Even little things, like when I get a migraine. If I accidentally wait to long to take Advil, it can last for weeks on end, and it drives me insane. In the moments where the pain is overwhelming, I can't focus, and nothing can help, I am trying so hard to find a solution, that I can't let go and deal with the fact that no matter how much ice I put on my head and Advil I take, I just have to wait it out. Of course, this quote relates to bigger problems also, but no matter what, it is very difficult for me to let go of things that I feel the need to control and handle.
- This quote, by Lemony Snicket (one of my favorite authors), stuck with me when I read it. I like to control things, and be in charge, and know what is going on. When I lose control of a situation, or anything in my life, I get frustrated and angry. I understand that I need to let things go, and know that I can do nothing more, but it is so hard for me. Even little things, like when I get a migraine. If I accidentally wait to long to take Advil, it can last for weeks on end, and it drives me insane. In the moments where the pain is overwhelming, I can't focus, and nothing can help, I am trying so hard to find a solution, that I can't let go and deal with the fact that no matter how much ice I put on my head and Advil I take, I just have to wait it out. Of course, this quote relates to bigger problems also, but no matter what, it is very difficult for me to let go of things that I feel the need to control and handle.
Week 2:
9/12/13
- This quote, by Kurt Vonnegut, stood out to me because as I read it, I realized how true it was in my life. When I first came to High Tech Middle I had chances to join new friend groups and hang out with different people. As I began to meet new people and start spending time with them, I noticed that my behavior changed based on who I was with. When I spent a considerable amount of time with certain people, I started to become like them. My closest friends would notice and tell me when I was acting differently, but I couldn't see that I was changing. However, by surrounding myself with good people who have a good influence on my life, I become a better person, which is better for me and the people around me.
9/11/13
During class, I read an article on the war in Syria:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/02/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html
After reading the article on the war in Syria and looking through the pictures, one thing that stood out to me was what the UN high commissioner of human rights said. "This massive loss of life could have been avoided if the Syrian government had chosen to take a different path than one of ruthless suppression of what were initially peaceful and legitimate protests by unarmed civilians," she said. This stood out to me because last week, when we read about the reaction of the government and their attacks on their people, my first thought was "why couldn't they have just responded peacefully?" This is what I wonder most about the entire war and unrest. If the government had responded civilly and handled the problems of the citizens, wouldn't everyone be happy? Why did the government need to immediately respond negatively and start a war? Did they not want the citizens to feel they had any power? Another part of this article that really stood out to me was the picture of a boy walking down a street holding a mortar shell and helping his father in the army's weapons factory. I found this very interesting because here, kids help their parents at a little shop, or a farmers market, or with little things around the house. In Syria, the children are working, building, and fixing weapons to use in a war against their government. I found the contrast of kids working here and kids working there fascinating. I could never imagine being a child and having to build weapons with my father so he could go fight the government. I wonder what the boy thinks of his job. Does he fully understand what is happening around him and the war torn country he is growing up in? After reading this CNN article, I have become more interested in the war going on in Syria, and I want to learn more about it and be more aware of what is going on.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/02/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html
After reading the article on the war in Syria and looking through the pictures, one thing that stood out to me was what the UN high commissioner of human rights said. "This massive loss of life could have been avoided if the Syrian government had chosen to take a different path than one of ruthless suppression of what were initially peaceful and legitimate protests by unarmed civilians," she said. This stood out to me because last week, when we read about the reaction of the government and their attacks on their people, my first thought was "why couldn't they have just responded peacefully?" This is what I wonder most about the entire war and unrest. If the government had responded civilly and handled the problems of the citizens, wouldn't everyone be happy? Why did the government need to immediately respond negatively and start a war? Did they not want the citizens to feel they had any power? Another part of this article that really stood out to me was the picture of a boy walking down a street holding a mortar shell and helping his father in the army's weapons factory. I found this very interesting because here, kids help their parents at a little shop, or a farmers market, or with little things around the house. In Syria, the children are working, building, and fixing weapons to use in a war against their government. I found the contrast of kids working here and kids working there fascinating. I could never imagine being a child and having to build weapons with my father so he could go fight the government. I wonder what the boy thinks of his job. Does he fully understand what is happening around him and the war torn country he is growing up in? After reading this CNN article, I have become more interested in the war going on in Syria, and I want to learn more about it and be more aware of what is going on.
9/10/13
- This quote is from the song "Vienna", by Billy Joel, which is one of my favorite songs. I chose this quote because it really stands out to me when I hear the song. This quote is important to me because it encourages dreaming and imagination, while also being honest and stating that they won't all come true. I have dreams, big and small, that I hope to accomplish one day. For example, a couple dreams of mine are to travel the world and/or join a roller derby team. A big dream, like traveling is much less likely to fully "come true", considering the expenses and time that goes into it. I can dream of going anywhere I want, and I can go some places, but I also need to understand that I won't be able to go everywhere. A smaller goal would be joining a roller derby team. That type of goal is one that is closer to my grasp than others, since I can easily go to an orientation and join a practice squad. I know I can make some dreams come true, but I also know that some won't.
9/9/13
- I chose this quote by Marilyn Monroe because I thought it was very true to who I am. I am loud, I am crazy, and I am ridiculous. I am always up for an adventure and trying new things. I take risks, and I make mistakes, but I'd rather be living life to the full that being boring. I don't want to sit back and never try new things. As Einstein once said, "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." I like the idea in both these quotes that life isn't going to be full or fun if you never try different experiences and fault sometimes. I would much rather be ridiculous and have lived a great life full of ups, downs, escapades, and loss than to be boring and have lived a life with no thrill.
9/8/13
- I chose this quote because I feel like this is a great way to describe the passion of the teachers at High Tech High. I feel like in the past few years at HTM and HTH, the teachers have been so passionate, excited, and love their job so much that I learn better from them. In 2nd grade, I had a terrible teacher. She hated teaching, she had a bad attitude, and I never learned anything from her. I appreciate when teachers pour their hearts into their job. When I can see passion and enthusiasm in my teachers, they are always better at their job, and I can always get more out of their classes. The love that my teachers have for their students and their job is so much more than I could ever get from a teacher that only works because they feel like its their duty, and not that important.
Week 1:
9/5/13
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That's why we call it the present.”
- Winnie the Pooh
- I love Winnie the Pooh, and I think many of his quotes are brilliant; it doesn't matter that they are children's books, because many of the stories have great lessons. This quote for example, is a great reminder to not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but to live in the moment and be thankful for it. The quote states, "yesterday is history," and I think it's saying that you can't change the past, so people shouldn't worry about things that have happened, because the past will never change. This part of the quote reminds me of a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: "I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday." On the other hand, the quote also says that tomorrow is a mystery, and we shouldn't be concerned for what will happen, because we never know what the day will bring.
- Winnie the Pooh
- I love Winnie the Pooh, and I think many of his quotes are brilliant; it doesn't matter that they are children's books, because many of the stories have great lessons. This quote for example, is a great reminder to not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but to live in the moment and be thankful for it. The quote states, "yesterday is history," and I think it's saying that you can't change the past, so people shouldn't worry about things that have happened, because the past will never change. This part of the quote reminds me of a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: "I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday." On the other hand, the quote also says that tomorrow is a mystery, and we shouldn't be concerned for what will happen, because we never know what the day will bring.
9/4/13
"...and it's funny how you find you enjoy your life when you're happy to be alive."
-Relient K
- This quote comes from a song by one of my favorite bands, Relient K. I like this quote because it is true. If you're happy to be alive, and you take risks and chances, go on adventures, and understand that it will come with challenges, life will be so much better. I think that the more you are thankful and enjoy life, the better it becomes. Complaining and hating life never made anything better. This quote inspires me to make the best of situations and to try my best to make the most out of life.
-Relient K
- This quote comes from a song by one of my favorite bands, Relient K. I like this quote because it is true. If you're happy to be alive, and you take risks and chances, go on adventures, and understand that it will come with challenges, life will be so much better. I think that the more you are thankful and enjoy life, the better it becomes. Complaining and hating life never made anything better. This quote inspires me to make the best of situations and to try my best to make the most out of life.
9/3/13
- This quote, by Saint Augustine, is one of my favorite quotes of all time. This quote speaks to me because I love traveling. I think that traveling to new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people is very important. Seeing the world gives me a perspective outside of my life in California. Going to different countries and places, I have learned amazing things about other cultures and people. I have met incredible people that have changed my life. If I have a book, I don't start reading and stop after the first page. I dive into it and read it from cover to cover. I feel the same way about travel. I don't want to just see southern California for the rest of my life. I wan to experience new places and see different cities.
8/30/13
"Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing." - To Kill A Mockingbird, Chapter 2
- As we read this part of "To Kill a Mockingbird" in class, this quote really resonated with me. I really like the way that Scout uses the analogy of breathing. People don't walk around thinking and talking about how much they love breathing, and rarely acknowledge their appreciation for it. She talks about how she enjoyed reading but never really noticed its meaning to her until her teacher told her she wasn't allowed to anymore. Suddenly, Scout realized how much she loved it and wanted it back. I think that this can be true about may things in life. I know that I am not always thankful for the things I have and I take what I have for granted. When I was young, I almost drowned in the ocean because I got caught in a tidal surge and dragged into the deep along the jetti. As I screamed and gasped for air, I realized how much I wanted and needed to breathe. When my parents saw me, they weren't sure if I would survive, and neither did I. I never noticed how thankful I was to be alive and breathing until that experience, and I cherished it after that.
8/29/13
“We’re so lucky we’re still alive to see this beautiful world.
Look at the sky. It’s not dark and black and without character.
The black is in fact deep blue. And over there! Lighter blue.
And blowing through the blueness and the blackness, the winds
swirling through the air. And there, shining, burning, bursting
through: the stars! Can you see how they roll their light?
Everywhere we look, complex magic of nature blazes before our eyes.”
- This quote is from an episode of Doctor Who about Vincent Van Gogh. One thing that is addressed in the episode is the unique way that Van Gogh sees the world. This quote stood out to me because Van Gogh is describing how he sees the sky, and all of the colors of the night. I think that it is described beautifully and it made me think about how much beauty I forget about every day. There are many distractions in life, and they take us away from the simplest things, like stopping to take a look at the world around us. This quote is a great reminder to me to go outside and look up once in a while. This quote inspires me too look up into the night sky and discover the different shades of color and the shining stars and their patterns. One of my favorite parts of this quote is the way it shows a point of view on the mystery of nature along with its magnificent delicacy.