Since beginning the APLAC course, I feel that I have learned what to expect in college. Although it hasn't always been fun or easy, it's been mentally challenging---which prepares students for life in general.When I took the AP test, I felt like the Rhetorical Analysis Essay was the most difficult to write. My mind was going 1000 miles per hour and found it very difficult to focus and take the time to decipher the author's purpose for using the devices. I found the Synthesis essay to be the easiest. Most of what you're writing about is given to you and I am an expert at bs'ing and being extremely good at it. The novel I enjoyed the most was In Cold Blood. Who doesn't enjoy a nice piece of literature about killing? I am currently hating (or least enjoying) The Great Gatsby. I'm not sure if it's because it's boring as hell, or if senioritis has killed what was left of my brain. Probably a little of both. Any who, it's been an awesome year in APLAC and I will miss all these gahoons dearly. Thanks for being my teacher, Mr.Thomas.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Monday, March 3, 2014
The Five Things I Carry
The first of the things I carry, a physical thing I can't live without, is my charm bracelet. It represents who I am and carries a small token of each of the people in my life whom I love unconditionally. Even when I am away from them, it reminds me that I'll always have them with me.
The second...my lifelong dream...is not to be rich or famous, but to be a parent. To be entrusted with another life is an enormous responsibility, but anyone can call themselves a parent. To me, however, being a parent means loving your children more than you've ever loved yourself and putting them above your needs and wants. Providing the love and support that it takes for a kid to grow and flourish in this hell we call Earth. Doing little things like the simple "I love you" that most people think don't matter, but in actuality, shape your child's life.
Third (see fifth), my relationship with my god mother. She is my best friend. No matter happens, I know without a doubt that I will always be able to count on her. We are "ridin until the wheels fall off!"
Fourth...when I think about myself, three adjectives that come to mind are caring, driven, and determined. Although things haven't always gone right, I haven't allowed people to change who I KNOW I am. In some situations, my personality depends on what would be best for everyone. However, these are three qualities of mine that no one will ever be able to change or take away.
Fifth...meeting my godmother was an experience and memory that shaped my life forever. When we first met, I had no clue that she would end up saving my life. With the love and care of a mother, the understanding of a sister, and the "ride or die" spirit of a best friend, she took me under her wing and nurtured my damaged heart. We quickly formed an unbreakable bond---withstanding any and everything thrown at us. Without her, I would not be here. I am eternally grateful for her existence and I love her with every fiber of my being. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
The second...my lifelong dream...is not to be rich or famous, but to be a parent. To be entrusted with another life is an enormous responsibility, but anyone can call themselves a parent. To me, however, being a parent means loving your children more than you've ever loved yourself and putting them above your needs and wants. Providing the love and support that it takes for a kid to grow and flourish in this hell we call Earth. Doing little things like the simple "I love you" that most people think don't matter, but in actuality, shape your child's life.
Third (see fifth), my relationship with my god mother. She is my best friend. No matter happens, I know without a doubt that I will always be able to count on her. We are "ridin until the wheels fall off!"
Fourth...when I think about myself, three adjectives that come to mind are caring, driven, and determined. Although things haven't always gone right, I haven't allowed people to change who I KNOW I am. In some situations, my personality depends on what would be best for everyone. However, these are three qualities of mine that no one will ever be able to change or take away.
Fifth...meeting my godmother was an experience and memory that shaped my life forever. When we first met, I had no clue that she would end up saving my life. With the love and care of a mother, the understanding of a sister, and the "ride or die" spirit of a best friend, she took me under her wing and nurtured my damaged heart. We quickly formed an unbreakable bond---withstanding any and everything thrown at us. Without her, I would not be here. I am eternally grateful for her existence and I love her with every fiber of my being. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Friday, February 14, 2014
The "Third" Option
Growing up in the church (literally) has been a very influential factor on who I am today and who I will become. From a young age, I was taught what I consider now to be passive and no matter what, to do what Jesus would do. However, I learned rather quickly that I am not Jesus and I am incapable of imitating his ways to perfection. I always questioned my elders, and I always required some sort of explanation---either that, or I would not respect and quite frankly could care less about their opinion. Being in a Black, Southern, Christian church, we are supposed to follow tradition just because this is how it is and this is how it will always be.
That's all.
That just did NOT cut it for me. I quickly became known as the trouble child.
Throughout my life, I have always been outspoken. While EXTREMELY loving and very easily hurt by those whom I love, I was never afraid to buck the system. Being sort of quiet and socially awkward, my family was really all that I had. No matter how much I was hurt, I always returned, always loved....I was taught to do so. My problem occurred when my family or church friends got so caught up in their faith, that they would turn their noses down on the rest of society and see them as "sinners"...for instance, the Bible does come against homosexuality. I get that. However, it is not my place to judge or form an opinion of someone based their sexual preferences. I don't have a heaven or hell to put them in. The Bible also states that my "sins" are just as great as theirs...as all are equal. God hates all sins. Since mine are included, if I am going to hate them, I have to hate myself as well.
Not happening.
In reality, I have found homosexuals to be some of the best and most real friends one could ever have. Because they are open and honest with themselves, they aren't afraid to be that way with others.
That's a friend.
Situations such as this have caused many conflicts between my family/church family and I---I refuse to back down. Because most Christians ARE stereotypical and love to generalize (let's be honest)....everyone else is wrong and they're right...I often found myself questioning my beliefs. Last time I checked, there were over 41,000 denominations of Christianity. Who's to say that any of it is right?
But you gotta believe in something.
I know that I don't have it all together yet, but one of the things that I have learned is to accept people for who they are and always love hard. That doesn't mean that I am not a Christian. Church has taught me (though it didn't mean to) that having my own voice is important. I can be a Christian and not be like everyone else. I believe that this theory will take me far in life and help develop me into the strong, young woman that I aspire to be.
That's all.
That just did NOT cut it for me. I quickly became known as the trouble child.
Throughout my life, I have always been outspoken. While EXTREMELY loving and very easily hurt by those whom I love, I was never afraid to buck the system. Being sort of quiet and socially awkward, my family was really all that I had. No matter how much I was hurt, I always returned, always loved....I was taught to do so. My problem occurred when my family or church friends got so caught up in their faith, that they would turn their noses down on the rest of society and see them as "sinners"...for instance, the Bible does come against homosexuality. I get that. However, it is not my place to judge or form an opinion of someone based their sexual preferences. I don't have a heaven or hell to put them in. The Bible also states that my "sins" are just as great as theirs...as all are equal. God hates all sins. Since mine are included, if I am going to hate them, I have to hate myself as well.
Not happening.
In reality, I have found homosexuals to be some of the best and most real friends one could ever have. Because they are open and honest with themselves, they aren't afraid to be that way with others.
That's a friend.
Situations such as this have caused many conflicts between my family/church family and I---I refuse to back down. Because most Christians ARE stereotypical and love to generalize (let's be honest)....everyone else is wrong and they're right...I often found myself questioning my beliefs. Last time I checked, there were over 41,000 denominations of Christianity. Who's to say that any of it is right?
But you gotta believe in something.
I know that I don't have it all together yet, but one of the things that I have learned is to accept people for who they are and always love hard. That doesn't mean that I am not a Christian. Church has taught me (though it didn't mean to) that having my own voice is important. I can be a Christian and not be like everyone else. I believe that this theory will take me far in life and help develop me into the strong, young woman that I aspire to be.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Our Homie Poe: The Grandfather of Goth
*insert scary picture here*
*not really because I'm scared of scary stuff*
Edgar Allan Poe is our ancient, mysterious macabre lovin' short story writin' homie. Why HOMIE, you ask? Well....apparently, Americans love being scared shitless----a quality that our homie Poe invented and perfected.
Homie Poe's Stupefying Strategies:
The use of madness, uncanny sexual behaviors, fear, gore, and identity are a few of Our Homie's strategies that I would [attempt to] imitate in my 'story'...
However, because I am a young G, I have to do things a little differently.
Young G's Stupefying Strategies:
Due to the audience that horror usually draws, all people may not fully understand the depth and purpose of Our Homie's short stories. Thus, I would attempt to communicate the plot with more clarity. Also, Poe tends to end his stories with cliffhangers. If you aren't having a sequel, saga, series, part 2 or ANYTHING of the kind....THAT IS NOT OK!! I don't want to have to create an ending in my head! I'm a teenager...we do NOT like to think. Tell me what happens!!!!
Thanks For Your Ears,
~ Young G
*not really because I'm scared of scary stuff*
Edgar Allan Poe is our ancient, mysterious macabre lovin' short story writin' homie. Why HOMIE, you ask? Well....apparently, Americans love being scared shitless----a quality that our homie Poe invented and perfected.
Homie Poe's Stupefying Strategies:
The use of madness, uncanny sexual behaviors, fear, gore, and identity are a few of Our Homie's strategies that I would [attempt to] imitate in my 'story'...
However, because I am a young G, I have to do things a little differently.
Young G's Stupefying Strategies:
Due to the audience that horror usually draws, all people may not fully understand the depth and purpose of Our Homie's short stories. Thus, I would attempt to communicate the plot with more clarity. Also, Poe tends to end his stories with cliffhangers. If you aren't having a sequel, saga, series, part 2 or ANYTHING of the kind....THAT IS NOT OK!! I don't want to have to create an ending in my head! I'm a teenager...we do NOT like to think. Tell me what happens!!!!
Thanks For Your Ears,
~ Young G
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Hero or nah?
Andre Daniels----The Love Struck Adulterer
Being Mary Jane is a new drama television series starring actress Gabrielle Union. The show features a young, self-made black woman on the courageous endeavor of finding Mr. Right. However, on her tedious journey, Mary Jane falls deeply in love with her beautiful, wealthy, perfect Mr. Wrong.
After a rough past with men, Mary Jane finally finds HIM. The one who opens the doors, showers her with gifts, takes her to nice places, and expresses his love to her in every way that he can. Although she is known for not jumping (walking..or crawling) into intimate relationships, with Andre, everything is different. She cannot hide the stars in her eyes. Andre completely changed her life.
Then...the unbelievable (but believable) happens. Mary Jane is confronted by Andre's wife.
No matter how hard she attempts to ignore him, Mary Jane cannot get over him. Even though she has only been dating him for a few months, she can't let go. Andre goes to H-E-double hockey sticks and back to try to get Mary Jane to forgive him. Even though he has a wife, kids (and complete turmoil) at home, all he can think about is her.
Then...the unthinkable (but thinkable) happens---he proposes to Mary Jane.
Like fellow Ichabod, Mr. Daniels outwardly broadcasts his anti-heroism. Instead of being true to his wife and children, Andre acts selfishly and does what he feels is best for himself---without regard to the needs of his family.
In The Legends Of Sleepy Hollow, Ichabod only wants Katrina for her money, not her love. The narrator divulges, "He was satisfied with his wealth, but not proud of it; and piqued himself upon the hearty abundance, rather than the style in which he lived." Because of his greed, Ichabod selfishly used Katrina just as Andre selfishly betrays his family.
However, Andre is in love. Does love conquer all?
Is he a hero or nah?
Lewinsky Scandal
Lewinsky
SCANDAL
In January 1998, news broke of President BillClinton's nine alleged sexual encounters with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. President Clinton admitted to having an "inappropriate relationship" with Lewinsky----one that would cost him his reputation, and eventually, his job (kinda).
Independent Counsel Ken Starr alleged that Clinton had broken the law during his handling of the Lewinsky Scandal. Every man has....needs. As of 2012, about 70 percent of men admit to cheating on their wives at least once. What makes him any different? The fact that he held a significant platform over 313.9 million people?
Clint...he was a pretty decent guy and an even better president. He presided over the longest period of peacetime economic expansion in American history, and signed into law the North American Free Trade Agreement. He passed welfare reform and the State Children's Health Insurance Program, providing health coverage for millions of children.
Despite his contributions to modern day America, people scrutinized Bill Clinton so harshly for his actions that he was impeached before the grand jury. Americans seemed to be more concerned about his personal life than what he was doing for our nation. Thankfully, he was acquitted by the U.S. Senate and completed his term in office. Congress reported a budget surplus between the years 1998 and 2000...the last three years of Clinton's presidency. Had Clinton not been so jarringly pestered, his success as a U.S. President could have greatly exceeded the achievements he had already attained.
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