"As your Children's Story writing draws to a close, consider that people haven't always felt the same way about children as we do now. The idea that childhood is a special time and that a child's innocence should be protected largely originated with the Victorians. Before that, children were sent to work in factories as soon as they were old enough, often working 10 hour days at the age of 7 or 8. Chimney Sweeps used to employ even younger children since they could be dangled from a rope and used to knock soot and highly carcinogenic coal dust out of chimneys. By the time these young people reached the ripe old age of 15 or 16 they were adults for all intents and purposes.
Now, as a society, we have reached a point where we try to insulate children from the more unpleasant and laborious aspects of life but we have also delayed adulthood for many. Some "children" (perhaps you know some?) continue to live in their parents' basements until their late twenties. What do you think? How much (and from what) should children be protected? How well are we handling this issue now as a society? What kind of childhood will you try to create for your own offspring? What expectations will you have? What are some of the most valuable experiences and lessons from your own childhood that you will try to pass on to the next generation?"
As a society today, we tend to try to protect our children, the young and innocent, from the harsh realities of today’s adult world. This view is very different than it was in the past. In the past, many children were working in the brutal conditions of the adult world at the young age of 15 or 16. Children as young as five and sometimes younger were working in factories or as chimney sweeps. Today, children are opting to stay in the security of their parents home until they are in their late teens to early twenties and sometimes even later. While they are in the security of their parent’s home, some will work and some will not. Why do we protect the young and innocent so much more than we did in the past? How long should we be providing this protection?
Children, in today’s society are vulnerable, trusting and easily persuaded. With all of the cruelty in the world today, our children need to be protected and taught how to deal with the harsh realities of the world. By the time they are 15 or 16, many may believe that they are ready for the adult world, but are they really? At that young age, many teens fall into the trap of supposed love, parties and many may make inappropriate choices. It is for these reasons that, many teens, at the ages of 15 or 16, are still living at home, in the safety and security of their parents. It is here that they can make mistakes, and learn from it, in a way that is more understandable and less harsh for them. Being at home presents them with a lot of unique opportunities. They do not have to pay for rent or utilities (usually), and they eat their meals for free.
Some children may take advantage of this opportunity and use it much more then needed. Is this the fault of the parents or the fault of the children? Some parents are just unable to say no to their children and will let them have whatever they want. This includes letting them live in their house until they are 30 or so. Children may choose to live at home while in their adult life for various reasons. It could be due to financial reasons, or it could be for emotional security. I believe it is both the fault of both the child and the parent.
For my own children, I will protect them from all they need to be protected from, and let them go when I feel they are ready to be out on their own, taking care of themselves. I will ensure that everything is in place for them to have the opportunity to make the correct choices. But, at the same time, I will give them enough leeway in order to make some wrong decisions. This way here, I believe, they will be able to learn from the mistakes they have made. Raising children is about having a good balance. You give them enough space to grow on their own, while at the same time you are still there in the background, hovering over them.
From my own childhood, I have learned a lot from my mom. She has always been there for me and has allowed me to make and learn from my mistakes. She has always been supportive of the choices I make, even if she hasn’t agreed with them. I will try my best to incorporate all of this into the way I raise my own children, when the time arises.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Poem # 1 - Imitation Poem
HE is loved the gorgeous teen
A heart of gold, never mean
He, the beauty within us all
One who will always take the fall
They all will follow without regret
The star of the night sky, the shining light
The bright sparkle of every set
Just last night, as everyone slept
In the dark of the night, someone
Planned a plan of horror and fear
Only dreaming, just wishful fun
To themselves their dreams were kept
Never thinking he would be the one
For which would escape their eyes, a tear
Accidental, never meant to happen
Wishful fun put into play
With a trigger pulled came reaction
And that was the end of HIS day
Many screamed, many hollered
At the scene that lay before them
Not able to believe they were mournin’
Put in a coffin and laid to rest
Now He’s laying among the best
Many screams and cries of pain
Wanting revenge on those to blame
Tears and flowers still remain
Roses and lilies laid on his grave
Nothing ever left the same
A dream of simple wishful fun
Turned deadly for the one of joy
Nothing more than a young sweet boy
Leaving those to blame on the run
Because of their simple wishful fun
HIS short life is finished now
No more running, no more life
No more smiles, only strife
An abrupt finish, He takes a bow
The original poem is "Killed at the Ford" by Henry Wadsworth Lengfellow.
The poem can be found at http://www.readbookonline.net/read/3148/12715/
A heart of gold, never mean
He, the beauty within us all
One who will always take the fall
They all will follow without regret
The star of the night sky, the shining light
The bright sparkle of every set
Just last night, as everyone slept
In the dark of the night, someone
Planned a plan of horror and fear
Only dreaming, just wishful fun
To themselves their dreams were kept
Never thinking he would be the one
For which would escape their eyes, a tear
Accidental, never meant to happen
Wishful fun put into play
With a trigger pulled came reaction
And that was the end of HIS day
Many screamed, many hollered
At the scene that lay before them
Not able to believe they were mournin’
Put in a coffin and laid to rest
Now He’s laying among the best
Many screams and cries of pain
Wanting revenge on those to blame
Tears and flowers still remain
Roses and lilies laid on his grave
Nothing ever left the same
A dream of simple wishful fun
Turned deadly for the one of joy
Nothing more than a young sweet boy
Leaving those to blame on the run
Because of their simple wishful fun
HIS short life is finished now
No more running, no more life
No more smiles, only strife
An abrupt finish, He takes a bow
The original poem is "Killed at the Ford" by Henry Wadsworth Lengfellow.
The poem can be found at http://www.readbookonline.net/read/3148/12715/
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Journal # 8 - "Free Write"
Why do the easiest things have to be so hard? At least, that's what ignoring someone should be like. It should be easy, nothing to it. You simply just do not talk with the person. And yet, with you, it's the hardest thing I can do. Everything you do makes me want to talk to you, to not ignore you anymore. The way you stand there, the way you act so effortlessly, the way you keep your cool even though your boiling over inside, and most of all, the way you look at me.
I don't enjoy not talking to you, but you brought this upon yourself. Yeah, I'm blaming you. Our relationship was short-lived, maybe could have been longer. Would have been longer if you hadn't of cheated on me while I was on vacation. Maybe if you had of talked things out with me, let you know how you were feeling, things would have been alright. But, of course, that didn't happen. None of it did. You rather do things your own way.
I could have easily understood. But, the thing is, you didn't give me a chance to, at all. No, you decided to sleep with her and then start to date her, leaving no room in that equation for me. Point blank, you hurt me. A lot. Chewed me up, spit me out and left me there.
The worst thing about all of this is the way I feel about you. How I feel about you right now. Every time I see you, every time I think about you, there's this crazy surge of energy that runs through me. My heart races, and I get insanely nervous. Right now, all I can chalk it up to is attraction. There's a crazy attraction between us that is making me go crazy, every time I see you.
And you can't deny that you don’t feel it as well. I know you do. There's something about the way you look at me that just tells me that you know there's something there. You wont admit it, but I know you know it. Why else would you look at me that way?
Can you just help me please? Explain to me what is going on? Why it is that whenever I look at you, I get nervous and my heart races? Why it is that when I see you, all I can think is, "Oh shit, I can't do this?" What is going on between us, if anything? Maybe I'm just crazy, but then again, maybe I'm not. Maybe I'm just crazy for falling for you, all over again.
I don't enjoy not talking to you, but you brought this upon yourself. Yeah, I'm blaming you. Our relationship was short-lived, maybe could have been longer. Would have been longer if you hadn't of cheated on me while I was on vacation. Maybe if you had of talked things out with me, let you know how you were feeling, things would have been alright. But, of course, that didn't happen. None of it did. You rather do things your own way.
I could have easily understood. But, the thing is, you didn't give me a chance to, at all. No, you decided to sleep with her and then start to date her, leaving no room in that equation for me. Point blank, you hurt me. A lot. Chewed me up, spit me out and left me there.
The worst thing about all of this is the way I feel about you. How I feel about you right now. Every time I see you, every time I think about you, there's this crazy surge of energy that runs through me. My heart races, and I get insanely nervous. Right now, all I can chalk it up to is attraction. There's a crazy attraction between us that is making me go crazy, every time I see you.
And you can't deny that you don’t feel it as well. I know you do. There's something about the way you look at me that just tells me that you know there's something there. You wont admit it, but I know you know it. Why else would you look at me that way?
Can you just help me please? Explain to me what is going on? Why it is that whenever I look at you, I get nervous and my heart races? Why it is that when I see you, all I can think is, "Oh shit, I can't do this?" What is going on between us, if anything? Maybe I'm just crazy, but then again, maybe I'm not. Maybe I'm just crazy for falling for you, all over again.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Journal # 10 - What Is Poetry? (Your Turn)
"Reflect upon your past experience with poetry, as well as your idea of what poetry is. How useful, in your opinion, is the study of poetry? How open minded are you about our study of poetry?"
Poetry is one of my favourite forms of writing. Magic lives within poetry, whether it is written or read, there is some form of magic to it. Poetry is a form of communication. It is a communication that is beautifully and articulately done. For some people, poetry is nothing more than a bunch of words that have some form of rhyme scheme attached to it. For me, poetry is communication, poetry is art, poetry is magic.
The study of poetry is extremely useful, in my opinion. It shows people a different form of communication, one that is able to be understood through interpretation. It displays a completely different way of writing. A way where you don’t have to include detail in order for the reader to understand what is going on. In poetry, everyone has their own, separate interpretations of what things mean. This, I believe is the beauty of poetry. The way that five hundred people can read one poem, and in the end, there are five hundred interpretations of the same poem.
The way I read poetry is, I read it through completely the first time, and then I go back and read it again, reading each line carefully. By doing this, I am able to get a better understanding of what the poem’s overall meaning is, and what the poem is saying. I am able to draw my own interpretation through this.
I am very open-minded about poetry. It being one of my favourite forms of writing, how could I not be. I enjoy reading sonnets, short poems, long poems, any kind of poetry, I enjoy. Now, that’s not to say that I enjoy every topic used in poetry. There are certain topics that I would rather not read about in poetry, or in any form of writing, for that matter.
My favourite part of poetry is being able to interpret in the way that I want. In poetry (for me anyways) there is no right or wrong answer in interpretation. Unless, of course, the poem is about a dog and it clearly mentions a dog, and you think its about a tree. Then, in that case, your just wrong. But anyways, back on track.
Many poets will write what they are thinking or are feeling. Reading their words, you are unable to know exactly what they were thinking or exactly how they were feeling at the precise moment they had written the poem. When you first read a poem, no one else is able to feel the exact same while you are reading. Personal interpretation of poetry is perhaps, the most important part of poetry.
I am excited to be doing a poetry unit, as I love reading and writing poetry. Poetry is an intimate form of commination, one that can only come from within. For me, personally, poetry is a form of magic. It is the type of magic that allows people to be as creative as they want, say what they want, the way they want.
Poetry is one of my favourite forms of writing. Magic lives within poetry, whether it is written or read, there is some form of magic to it. Poetry is a form of communication. It is a communication that is beautifully and articulately done. For some people, poetry is nothing more than a bunch of words that have some form of rhyme scheme attached to it. For me, poetry is communication, poetry is art, poetry is magic.
The study of poetry is extremely useful, in my opinion. It shows people a different form of communication, one that is able to be understood through interpretation. It displays a completely different way of writing. A way where you don’t have to include detail in order for the reader to understand what is going on. In poetry, everyone has their own, separate interpretations of what things mean. This, I believe is the beauty of poetry. The way that five hundred people can read one poem, and in the end, there are five hundred interpretations of the same poem.
The way I read poetry is, I read it through completely the first time, and then I go back and read it again, reading each line carefully. By doing this, I am able to get a better understanding of what the poem’s overall meaning is, and what the poem is saying. I am able to draw my own interpretation through this.
I am very open-minded about poetry. It being one of my favourite forms of writing, how could I not be. I enjoy reading sonnets, short poems, long poems, any kind of poetry, I enjoy. Now, that’s not to say that I enjoy every topic used in poetry. There are certain topics that I would rather not read about in poetry, or in any form of writing, for that matter.
My favourite part of poetry is being able to interpret in the way that I want. In poetry (for me anyways) there is no right or wrong answer in interpretation. Unless, of course, the poem is about a dog and it clearly mentions a dog, and you think its about a tree. Then, in that case, your just wrong. But anyways, back on track.
Many poets will write what they are thinking or are feeling. Reading their words, you are unable to know exactly what they were thinking or exactly how they were feeling at the precise moment they had written the poem. When you first read a poem, no one else is able to feel the exact same while you are reading. Personal interpretation of poetry is perhaps, the most important part of poetry.
I am excited to be doing a poetry unit, as I love reading and writing poetry. Poetry is an intimate form of commination, one that can only come from within. For me, personally, poetry is a form of magic. It is the type of magic that allows people to be as creative as they want, say what they want, the way they want.
Journal # 9 - "Lockdown"
"The world is a different place than it was prior to the shootings in Montreal, Columbine and any number of other places. How much do you pay attention to violent issues in the media? How safe do you feel in school? What suggestions do you have for finding our way (as a society) to a more peaceful state? Do you have any thoughts, comments, opinions, or suggestions about how the situation at Stamford on Oct. 14, 2009 was handled?"
There are times when I do watch and pay attention to the news. This mainly happens in the morning, just before I go to school, or after dinner, when my dad has it on. Things that are showcased on the various news channels are often horrible events that have happened, or are happening. Someone has been killed, a store has been robbed, soldiers being held captive. More often than not, the top news stories are horrid tales of reality.
It seems that for things to be changed and for things to be taken seriously (such as threats and lockdowns), something terrible must happen first. After the shootings in Columbine, many places began to practice lockdown procedures and become more aware of what was occuring amongst the student population.
I've had my fair share of lockdowns. Years back, when I was in grade 7, my class was on a bowling trip and the community went into a lockdown procedure. So, pretty much, we were locked in a bowling alley without a clue as to why we couldn't leave at the time. All we knew was that we had to stay quiet. Finally, they were able to bus us back to the school. It wasn't until after the suspect was in custody that we were able to leave the school. It had happened at the local high school. A man had shot one of the teachers there (it was his wife.)
From my knowledge of how lockdowns are supposed to be played out, this terrible example was played out really well. We may have been annoyed with the lack of information, but I know that the staff and the community were only doing it to protect our safety. In the event of an emergency, there is only so much teaching staff are able to do. They are responsible for looking out for our safety while at the same time, there own safety is at risk.
On the event of the October 14th lockdown of Stamford Collegiate, I am not able to say to much about it. The reason for this being, I was not in the building at the time it had happened. Walking back from Co-op, I went to enter the school, as I always do. Except this time, I wasn't allowed in. One of the teachers told me to go some place warm for about an hour because we were in a lockdown. He didn't tell me the purpose of the lockdown, whether it was real or a practice one. So, I did what he told me to do. I went some place that was warm.
When I returned about an hour later, the school had been taken off of lockdown and I was allowed to go to my class. Towards the end of the day, the principals went around the school handing out a letter, eplaining what had happened.
I think the staff at Stamford handled the situation very well. It may have only been a written threat, but they did take it seriously. There is only so much that can be done in potentially dangerous time such as that day, and the staff at Stamford did there best.
There are times when I do watch and pay attention to the news. This mainly happens in the morning, just before I go to school, or after dinner, when my dad has it on. Things that are showcased on the various news channels are often horrible events that have happened, or are happening. Someone has been killed, a store has been robbed, soldiers being held captive. More often than not, the top news stories are horrid tales of reality.
It seems that for things to be changed and for things to be taken seriously (such as threats and lockdowns), something terrible must happen first. After the shootings in Columbine, many places began to practice lockdown procedures and become more aware of what was occuring amongst the student population.
I've had my fair share of lockdowns. Years back, when I was in grade 7, my class was on a bowling trip and the community went into a lockdown procedure. So, pretty much, we were locked in a bowling alley without a clue as to why we couldn't leave at the time. All we knew was that we had to stay quiet. Finally, they were able to bus us back to the school. It wasn't until after the suspect was in custody that we were able to leave the school. It had happened at the local high school. A man had shot one of the teachers there (it was his wife.)
From my knowledge of how lockdowns are supposed to be played out, this terrible example was played out really well. We may have been annoyed with the lack of information, but I know that the staff and the community were only doing it to protect our safety. In the event of an emergency, there is only so much teaching staff are able to do. They are responsible for looking out for our safety while at the same time, there own safety is at risk.
On the event of the October 14th lockdown of Stamford Collegiate, I am not able to say to much about it. The reason for this being, I was not in the building at the time it had happened. Walking back from Co-op, I went to enter the school, as I always do. Except this time, I wasn't allowed in. One of the teachers told me to go some place warm for about an hour because we were in a lockdown. He didn't tell me the purpose of the lockdown, whether it was real or a practice one. So, I did what he told me to do. I went some place that was warm.
When I returned about an hour later, the school had been taken off of lockdown and I was allowed to go to my class. Towards the end of the day, the principals went around the school handing out a letter, eplaining what had happened.
I think the staff at Stamford handled the situation very well. It may have only been a written threat, but they did take it seriously. There is only so much that can be done in potentially dangerous time such as that day, and the staff at Stamford did there best.
Journal # 7 - "The Best When"
Having the ability to be able to go back in time to anywhere I want, I would go back to the time of the time of the second world war. I would choose this time period solely because of the hardships that were forced upon everyone. During this time, many countries were at war with each other and those that weren't, were still affected in some way. Men were off at war fighting, and women and children were left at home, left to fend for themselves.
The job market was becoming increasingly small. All of the jobs that were available had previously been left up to the men, but now, with the men at war, women had to take over. Women began working the jobs that had previously been only for men. It was during this time period that many women began to gain more independence.
I would live in this time period for the significant impact women had on the world, while the men were off fighting a war. To have been a part of that and to be able to prove that women can handle more than just housework, would have been amazing to go through. It would not have been amazing for the hardships and the suffering that was endured, but rather to be a part of something amazing. I would love to know how theses now working moms were able to adapt to this sudden change in the world. They were raising their kids, without the help of their husbands, plus working at the same time. This time period was crucial to the way things are today.
In today’s society, it is very common to see a single mother, raising her kids as well as working. Or even at times, a single father working. In the times during the war, single parents were not common.
During this time period many women were able to prove that they were capable of running a household, and going out to work every day. It was this time that helped to pave the way for women in today’s workforce.
The job market was becoming increasingly small. All of the jobs that were available had previously been left up to the men, but now, with the men at war, women had to take over. Women began working the jobs that had previously been only for men. It was during this time period that many women began to gain more independence.
I would live in this time period for the significant impact women had on the world, while the men were off fighting a war. To have been a part of that and to be able to prove that women can handle more than just housework, would have been amazing to go through. It would not have been amazing for the hardships and the suffering that was endured, but rather to be a part of something amazing. I would love to know how theses now working moms were able to adapt to this sudden change in the world. They were raising their kids, without the help of their husbands, plus working at the same time. This time period was crucial to the way things are today.
In today’s society, it is very common to see a single mother, raising her kids as well as working. Or even at times, a single father working. In the times during the war, single parents were not common.
During this time period many women were able to prove that they were capable of running a household, and going out to work every day. It was this time that helped to pave the way for women in today’s workforce.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Journal # 6 "Technology - The Myth"
"One of the great myths of modern times is the idea that new technologies improve a person's quality of life. No one has yet to demonstrate that access to computers has improved someone's literacy or numeracy skills. Likewise, futurists in the 50's predicted we would be enjoying a three day work week by now since machines would be doing all the manual labour. What do you think? Is your life better now than it would have been 100 years ago because of technology?"
In truth, the thought of advancing technology scares me. The way the world has changed since the various advancements of technology (computers, internet, Ipods, etc.) has been huge for our society and continues to do so. All of these advancements are considered to help better society as a whole. Many futurists believe that we will be completely run by computers in the near future. This thought, is horrible, for me.
Technology is creating a whole new world. A world that has everyone becoming more and more lazy and addicted to the world of computer technology. Computer technology presents everyone with access many simple way to do things. Things such as sending an email, researching, getting advice, listening to music, computer technology can do just about anything. At the rate technology is progressing at currently, it is very much possible that we could be run by technology in the near or distant future.
I do not believe that my life would be any better today than it would have been 100 years ago, due to technology. I believe that everyone would be able to get along just fine without the wonderful advancements of technology. There are many people today that are still living with the luxury of technology, and they are doing just fine. North American culture has, for the most part, become dependent on technology.
Many people in North American culture would become lost if they did not have their cell phones, blackberrys, Ipods, etc. always attached to them. They act as if they would die without the constant use of technology. Truth is, they wouldn’t die. Without technology, things would be tremendously different, but they would not die without it.
There are some technologies available that have helped our society. Items used in a hospital have increased the life expectancy rate. Technology used in schools have helped to learn in a new, more interactive way. Technology used within the workforce have also helped worker’s to do their jobs more efficiently and free from error.
On the down side of technology, it has caused people to become less social within society. Now, instead of making a phone call or visiting a friends house, many people will just send off a text message or an IM instead. This takes less time and seems to be more convenient for many people. Using these methods can lead to many problems, however. It can lead to the misinterpretation of a message, and may perhaps end in a fight. Using an IM or a text takes away the true meaning behind messages.
Technology is important as it does assist our society in many ways, but at the same time, many things are being lost from it. I think advancing technology is a great idea, as long as it is done so in small doses. This will help people to become less dependent on technology. Technology is a great asset to North American culture, but we have to be careful with it.
In truth, the thought of advancing technology scares me. The way the world has changed since the various advancements of technology (computers, internet, Ipods, etc.) has been huge for our society and continues to do so. All of these advancements are considered to help better society as a whole. Many futurists believe that we will be completely run by computers in the near future. This thought, is horrible, for me.
Technology is creating a whole new world. A world that has everyone becoming more and more lazy and addicted to the world of computer technology. Computer technology presents everyone with access many simple way to do things. Things such as sending an email, researching, getting advice, listening to music, computer technology can do just about anything. At the rate technology is progressing at currently, it is very much possible that we could be run by technology in the near or distant future.
I do not believe that my life would be any better today than it would have been 100 years ago, due to technology. I believe that everyone would be able to get along just fine without the wonderful advancements of technology. There are many people today that are still living with the luxury of technology, and they are doing just fine. North American culture has, for the most part, become dependent on technology.
Many people in North American culture would become lost if they did not have their cell phones, blackberrys, Ipods, etc. always attached to them. They act as if they would die without the constant use of technology. Truth is, they wouldn’t die. Without technology, things would be tremendously different, but they would not die without it.
There are some technologies available that have helped our society. Items used in a hospital have increased the life expectancy rate. Technology used in schools have helped to learn in a new, more interactive way. Technology used within the workforce have also helped worker’s to do their jobs more efficiently and free from error.
On the down side of technology, it has caused people to become less social within society. Now, instead of making a phone call or visiting a friends house, many people will just send off a text message or an IM instead. This takes less time and seems to be more convenient for many people. Using these methods can lead to many problems, however. It can lead to the misinterpretation of a message, and may perhaps end in a fight. Using an IM or a text takes away the true meaning behind messages.
Technology is important as it does assist our society in many ways, but at the same time, many things are being lost from it. I think advancing technology is a great idea, as long as it is done so in small doses. This will help people to become less dependent on technology. Technology is a great asset to North American culture, but we have to be careful with it.
Journal # 5 "The Irony of Education"
Why is it that in North America we (as a society) seem to take education for granted? In other countries students will take any opportunity they can get to improve themselves. In our society, educators sometimes have to take extreme measures to perform their function. Why is this?
Education in North America is one of society's largest assets. It is prized and respected internationally. So, why is it that many people have a blatant disregard for the education system? In other countries around the world, people will take and use every opportunity to improve themselves in every way possible. In North America, it is seldom done. Of course, there are the few who jump right on board with this. But, what about those who don't? There are times when teachers seem as if they have to force the education down a kids throat in order for them to learn something. Even then, at times, it still doesn't work.
It all comes down to a lack of caring. Why, do we, as North Americans care so little about our education, when it is the thing that will do wonders for us in life? I think that many people do not seem to care about their education because they believe that they can get by in life, with or without education. A lot of people know that there are always going to be jobs out there that don't require more than a high school diploma. Knowing this, that's what they aim for. It doesn't matter if they have really poor grades, as long as they can manage a 50%, they can graduate. As well, there are also other institutions that will grant you your high school diploma if not previously received. Places such as Second Chance are available.
Education is the one thing that has always been available to us. In the past, only the privileged and the rich were able to receive education. Now, it is mandatory for everyone under a certain age (14, I think) to attend school. After a certain point, people are able to leave school, at their own free will.
As well, school is just not for everyone. Not everyone is able to excel in school, and not everyone wants to spend five years in University in order to be considered ‘successful’ in their lives. There are also people that are quite content doing a job that does not require post-secondary schooling. The opportunities that school is able to present to you are always stressed. But, what about the opportunities that do not require schooling? Some people don’t care about schooling because they are happy with their lives at present, and believe that they are able to get by.
In North America, there are many opportunities to succeed with or without education. These opportunities are taken all the time and many North Americans are able to live successful lives. People in other countries take their education a lot more seriously than we as a society do, because they are unable to be presented with the same opportunities as we are.
Education is important, but so is doing what makes you most happy.
Education in North America is one of society's largest assets. It is prized and respected internationally. So, why is it that many people have a blatant disregard for the education system? In other countries around the world, people will take and use every opportunity to improve themselves in every way possible. In North America, it is seldom done. Of course, there are the few who jump right on board with this. But, what about those who don't? There are times when teachers seem as if they have to force the education down a kids throat in order for them to learn something. Even then, at times, it still doesn't work.
It all comes down to a lack of caring. Why, do we, as North Americans care so little about our education, when it is the thing that will do wonders for us in life? I think that many people do not seem to care about their education because they believe that they can get by in life, with or without education. A lot of people know that there are always going to be jobs out there that don't require more than a high school diploma. Knowing this, that's what they aim for. It doesn't matter if they have really poor grades, as long as they can manage a 50%, they can graduate. As well, there are also other institutions that will grant you your high school diploma if not previously received. Places such as Second Chance are available.
Education is the one thing that has always been available to us. In the past, only the privileged and the rich were able to receive education. Now, it is mandatory for everyone under a certain age (14, I think) to attend school. After a certain point, people are able to leave school, at their own free will.
As well, school is just not for everyone. Not everyone is able to excel in school, and not everyone wants to spend five years in University in order to be considered ‘successful’ in their lives. There are also people that are quite content doing a job that does not require post-secondary schooling. The opportunities that school is able to present to you are always stressed. But, what about the opportunities that do not require schooling? Some people don’t care about schooling because they are happy with their lives at present, and believe that they are able to get by.
In North America, there are many opportunities to succeed with or without education. These opportunities are taken all the time and many North Americans are able to live successful lives. People in other countries take their education a lot more seriously than we as a society do, because they are unable to be presented with the same opportunities as we are.
Education is important, but so is doing what makes you most happy.
Journal # 3 "The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword"
Writers have an extraordinary potential to change people's minds and to create revolutions. Reflect upon some of the radical changes that have been wrought by such texts as 'The Declaration of Independence,' 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and 'The Communist Manifesto.' What issues or topics are you interested in exploring in your writing? What changes do you feel are worth making?
I think that there are a lot of things that are worth changing in the world. One thing I feel is worth changing is people's views on gays, lesbians, transexual, bisexuals, etc. People of a different preference for love than the societal norm are often degraded and looked down upon. Being gay is slowly becoming more and more acceptable in today's society, but we still have quite a way to go. The main reason it is not widely accepted is history. In history, people were brought up not liking gays because they were 'wrong.' The traditional union of a man and a woman was accepted, anything else, was not. The people living in these unaccepting times relayed their morales and beliefs onto their children, who then passed it tot heir children and so on. These views of unacceptance have been passed on for generations and generations. There is always a time for people to change. The time can be now, we can rock the nation with this change. Society has slowly begun to change their views, we just need those few unaccepters to accept. The thing that many people in today's society fail to realize is that love is love, no matter with who. As long as two people love each other, and are happy with each other, they should be free to do what they want, without society looking down upon them. Love is blind, so why should gender matter?
I think that there are a lot of things that are worth changing in the world. One thing I feel is worth changing is people's views on gays, lesbians, transexual, bisexuals, etc. People of a different preference for love than the societal norm are often degraded and looked down upon. Being gay is slowly becoming more and more acceptable in today's society, but we still have quite a way to go. The main reason it is not widely accepted is history. In history, people were brought up not liking gays because they were 'wrong.' The traditional union of a man and a woman was accepted, anything else, was not. The people living in these unaccepting times relayed their morales and beliefs onto their children, who then passed it tot heir children and so on. These views of unacceptance have been passed on for generations and generations. There is always a time for people to change. The time can be now, we can rock the nation with this change. Society has slowly begun to change their views, we just need those few unaccepters to accept. The thing that many people in today's society fail to realize is that love is love, no matter with who. As long as two people love each other, and are happy with each other, they should be free to do what they want, without society looking down upon them. Love is blind, so why should gender matter?
Journal # 2 "Why Wait?"
Why wait? It's time to think about what you will leave behind after your time on the 'third' rock from the sun is finished. Some people manage to leave a great deal of wealth or a legacy of public service. Others are long remembered for their momumental works of aart. A lucky few are long cherished by adoring family and friends. How do you want to be remembered? What will be your reason for being?
I want to be remembered for a legacy of public service. mt time here is mine for the living and I would like to use it as best as possible. One of the things I would like to remembered for is my passion for teaching, and for helpign others. I ahve been teaching for the past 4 years through the army cadet program, and I have also peer tutored a special needs class. My expereinces through these have been amazing. With this expereince, I have discovered that I love to teach and help others learn. The measure of a teach, I believe, is based on the success of their students. Along the way of my lifetime, I would like to earn a lot of money. One of my dreams is to open up my own business and be my own boss. This business of mine would be made for everyone, young and old, as a place to learn. It would be similar to school, but it would also be different. Anyone can come in at their own times, and we will always have staff there to help. It would consist of two sectors. One sector would be specifically designed for people with disabilities and/or special needs. The other sector would be for anyone who just feels they need a little extra help. This centre would teach skills needed for school, work and everyday life. This program would be fun, creative and enable people to learn at their own pace. It would also include motivational speakers, family day (to show off the progress of each individual), holiday fun days, sports days, field trips and most importantly, a lot of fun. It would be a safe, fun learning enviroment for everyone to enjoy. Now, I know this idea may seem a little far out there and most likely will take years of planning, but, wouldn't it be great? A lot of the time, people are denied the chance to learn because of one thing or the other. Whether it be they dropped out, they don't have the time, considered a 'lost cause', whatever the case may be, everyone should have an equal oppourtunity at the chance to learn. I'm not sure what to call it now or how exactly to get it started yet, but, I will figure it out. Ambition and determination will get me there, I believe. This centre and my passion for teaching and helping is what I want to be remembered for after my time on the third rock from the sun is finished.
I want to be remembered for a legacy of public service. mt time here is mine for the living and I would like to use it as best as possible. One of the things I would like to remembered for is my passion for teaching, and for helpign others. I ahve been teaching for the past 4 years through the army cadet program, and I have also peer tutored a special needs class. My expereinces through these have been amazing. With this expereince, I have discovered that I love to teach and help others learn. The measure of a teach, I believe, is based on the success of their students. Along the way of my lifetime, I would like to earn a lot of money. One of my dreams is to open up my own business and be my own boss. This business of mine would be made for everyone, young and old, as a place to learn. It would be similar to school, but it would also be different. Anyone can come in at their own times, and we will always have staff there to help. It would consist of two sectors. One sector would be specifically designed for people with disabilities and/or special needs. The other sector would be for anyone who just feels they need a little extra help. This centre would teach skills needed for school, work and everyday life. This program would be fun, creative and enable people to learn at their own pace. It would also include motivational speakers, family day (to show off the progress of each individual), holiday fun days, sports days, field trips and most importantly, a lot of fun. It would be a safe, fun learning enviroment for everyone to enjoy. Now, I know this idea may seem a little far out there and most likely will take years of planning, but, wouldn't it be great? A lot of the time, people are denied the chance to learn because of one thing or the other. Whether it be they dropped out, they don't have the time, considered a 'lost cause', whatever the case may be, everyone should have an equal oppourtunity at the chance to learn. I'm not sure what to call it now or how exactly to get it started yet, but, I will figure it out. Ambition and determination will get me there, I believe. This centre and my passion for teaching and helping is what I want to be remembered for after my time on the third rock from the sun is finished.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Journal # 1 "Write What You Know"
The first rule most writers learn is to "write what you know." What do you know? What issues, experiences and genres do you feel comfortabl tackling? What are some topics you think you should avoid? What sort of research might you be interested in doing in order to write more effectively?
Having only been alive for 17 years, I am limited in what I know. I have had a lot of experiences during my lifetime. I have dealt with death, life, young people, old people. I know a lot of random information. The genre I am most comfortable with writing is romance, and teen novels. Through these here I am able to use my imagination as well as what I know to help my writing. Topics I should avoid are things such as sports, and science fiction. I love sports, but, I feel that I am not strong with writing about sports. I am horrible at anything involving science. So, science fiction would be horrible for me to attempt. I would do research online, in books, newspapers, magazines, movies, television and people to become more informed on topics I know little about. In my lifetime so far, I have experienced major family illnesses such as MS and diabetes. I also know what it is like living in a big city, having grown up in Brampton, Ontario. I know how drugs and alcohol can affect you life indirectly. I know how you are able to have amazing friends one minnute, then have those same friends stab you in the back, the next. Some friends turn their back on you in an instant when things get tough. And when it is because a simple set of words, it can be truly devasting. I used to think I had the perfect life. Then, reality hit me. Nothing's perfect. I have been hurt many times before; twice because of a boy. After all the times people have been hurt, you would start to wonder, why do we keep going back? I believe we keep going back because of the endless possibilties. I know my different emotions. I know what my past experiences are. I know my strenghts and my weaknesses. I know me.
Having only been alive for 17 years, I am limited in what I know. I have had a lot of experiences during my lifetime. I have dealt with death, life, young people, old people. I know a lot of random information. The genre I am most comfortable with writing is romance, and teen novels. Through these here I am able to use my imagination as well as what I know to help my writing. Topics I should avoid are things such as sports, and science fiction. I love sports, but, I feel that I am not strong with writing about sports. I am horrible at anything involving science. So, science fiction would be horrible for me to attempt. I would do research online, in books, newspapers, magazines, movies, television and people to become more informed on topics I know little about. In my lifetime so far, I have experienced major family illnesses such as MS and diabetes. I also know what it is like living in a big city, having grown up in Brampton, Ontario. I know how drugs and alcohol can affect you life indirectly. I know how you are able to have amazing friends one minnute, then have those same friends stab you in the back, the next. Some friends turn their back on you in an instant when things get tough. And when it is because a simple set of words, it can be truly devasting. I used to think I had the perfect life. Then, reality hit me. Nothing's perfect. I have been hurt many times before; twice because of a boy. After all the times people have been hurt, you would start to wonder, why do we keep going back? I believe we keep going back because of the endless possibilties. I know my different emotions. I know what my past experiences are. I know my strenghts and my weaknesses. I know me.
Journal # 4 - Free Write
People change. All the time. And, it's really annoying that you can't seem to see that. What does it matter that you don't see it, anyways? It's not like you would understand it, or accept it, accept who I've become. If I were to tell you the truth about half the things I want to, you wouldn't understand. You see, the problem is that you see me for who I used to be. The girl who always went to class. The girl who always did her homework. The one who was always on time. The girl who stayed away from drugs and alcohol. The girl who never got into trouble. Well, sorry to say, but, I'm not that girl anymore. Now, that's not to say I've changed entired. There is still a bit of that girl in me. Some things have changed, yes, but some things have stayed the same. How have I changed, you may be asking yourself. Well, I'll tell you. This is my one time of telling everything, so listen close.
It all started with labels. I was sick and tired of hearing the same old label. The label people had made for me: the good one. So, I decided to change that. Decided it was time for a change. Some of the changes I made were for the better, some, not so much. In the end though, it all comes down to one thing: personal choice. Somewhere along the line, I just stopped caring about things so much. I began skipping classes, not doing my work, my grades started slipping, but I didn't care. Friendships began to falter because of this lack of caring. Did that stop me? Not one bit. Truthfully, it inspired me. Inspired me to do what I want, and not care what others think. Those friendships that faltered? Well, they weren't real friendships. Had they been, those friends would still be in my life, supporting my choices, no matter what they may be. So, I found a new group of friends. A group that supports me in what I do, listens to me, jokes with me, and best of all, doesn't judge me. Now, this group of friends is a lot different from the friends I was used to. I have always been used to hanging out with people like me, 'the good ones.' This was all new terriotory to me, and at first, it was a little terrifying. But, it was a place I fit in. They accepted me, and I accpeted them. Hanging out with this group of friends, I picked uo some 'bad' habits off them. Skipping class, smoking, drinking, sneaking out, saying what I want. Now, most would consider these as bad, horrible habits. Me? I see it as a way of life; a lifestyle. One that I am now involved in. Does this make me a bad person? I don't think so. It's the lifestyle I chose and you are just going to have to accept that. If you can't accept that, then I geuss, its over?
I want to reveal this change to you. I truly do. It's a change that I am completely comfortable with and enjoy. I am just scared of what you may think of me. I try my best to not care what people think of me, but, with you, it's different. I care what you think, a lot. I thinking it may be because I care about you a lot, and I dont want to lose our friendship. But, should friendship be laced with a lie? Should I have to watch what I say around you, what I do around you? I really dont want to, but I feel I have to. You've never been the kind of person to accept change easily. Your beliefs are strong and you stick with them, and I respect that about you. The thing is though, I go against your beliefs. I have become a very different person than who I used to be, and I want you to know, that even though I have changed, I am still the same Kayla. The one that you know and love, just with a few extra kinks now. Please accpt that.
* I think I may have went off on a bit of a bit of a tangent, but, it was what is on my mind right now.
It all started with labels. I was sick and tired of hearing the same old label. The label people had made for me: the good one. So, I decided to change that. Decided it was time for a change. Some of the changes I made were for the better, some, not so much. In the end though, it all comes down to one thing: personal choice. Somewhere along the line, I just stopped caring about things so much. I began skipping classes, not doing my work, my grades started slipping, but I didn't care. Friendships began to falter because of this lack of caring. Did that stop me? Not one bit. Truthfully, it inspired me. Inspired me to do what I want, and not care what others think. Those friendships that faltered? Well, they weren't real friendships. Had they been, those friends would still be in my life, supporting my choices, no matter what they may be. So, I found a new group of friends. A group that supports me in what I do, listens to me, jokes with me, and best of all, doesn't judge me. Now, this group of friends is a lot different from the friends I was used to. I have always been used to hanging out with people like me, 'the good ones.' This was all new terriotory to me, and at first, it was a little terrifying. But, it was a place I fit in. They accepted me, and I accpeted them. Hanging out with this group of friends, I picked uo some 'bad' habits off them. Skipping class, smoking, drinking, sneaking out, saying what I want. Now, most would consider these as bad, horrible habits. Me? I see it as a way of life; a lifestyle. One that I am now involved in. Does this make me a bad person? I don't think so. It's the lifestyle I chose and you are just going to have to accept that. If you can't accept that, then I geuss, its over?
I want to reveal this change to you. I truly do. It's a change that I am completely comfortable with and enjoy. I am just scared of what you may think of me. I try my best to not care what people think of me, but, with you, it's different. I care what you think, a lot. I thinking it may be because I care about you a lot, and I dont want to lose our friendship. But, should friendship be laced with a lie? Should I have to watch what I say around you, what I do around you? I really dont want to, but I feel I have to. You've never been the kind of person to accept change easily. Your beliefs are strong and you stick with them, and I respect that about you. The thing is though, I go against your beliefs. I have become a very different person than who I used to be, and I want you to know, that even though I have changed, I am still the same Kayla. The one that you know and love, just with a few extra kinks now. Please accpt that.
* I think I may have went off on a bit of a bit of a tangent, but, it was what is on my mind right now.
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