A friend of mine talked me into writing a poem. I have never written a poem before so I am sorry if it isn’t that good. I wrote it about something I really like. I know it’s cheesy but bear with me when you read it.
Volleyball,
The place where I can breathe
Where the sounds are drained out by my thoughts
The place where I can think
Volleyball,
The only thing that seems to understand me
Where I can blow off steam
The place where yelling ceases
Volleyball,
The place where I won’t be judged based on my friends or what I wear.
Where you are accepted for who you are
The place where I am judged on what I bring to the court.
Volleyball,
A place where nothing else matters
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Mean
Author’s Note: I feel like music speaks to you so I chose a song that I think has a lot of meaning behind it. I chose Mean by Taylor Swift. This song tells a story. A story of strength and courage that I think most teenagers can relate to. I wrote what each of the lines made me think that the writer was trying to talk about.
You with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me
You make fun of me
You have knocked me off my feet again got me feeling like a nothing
You have made me feel bad about myself
You with your voice like nails on a chalkboard calling me out when I’m wounded
You make fun of me when I mess up
You pickin’ on the weaker man
You pick on the people who can’t stand up for themselves
Well you can take me down with just one single blow
I am not as strong as you
But you don’t know what you don’t know
You don’t know what’s coming next
Someday I’ll be living in a big old city
Someday I will be stronger
And all you’re ever going to be is mean
You will never change your ways
Someday I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me
I will be stronger
And all you’re ever going to be is mean
You will never change
You with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me
You make fun of me
You have knocked me off my feet again got me feeling like a nothing
You have made me feel bad about myself
You with your voice like nails on a chalkboard calling me out when I’m wounded
You make fun of me when I mess up
You pickin’ on the weaker man
You pick on the people who can’t stand up for themselves
Well you can take me down with just one single blow
I am not as strong as you
But you don’t know what you don’t know
You don’t know what’s coming next
Someday I’ll be living in a big old city
Someday I will be stronger
And all you’re ever going to be is mean
You will never change your ways
Someday I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me
I will be stronger
And all you’re ever going to be is mean
You will never change
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Save Alaska's Wilderness
Author's Note: There are a lot of people who are asking if we should drill for oil in Alaska's wilderness. I will be talking about what my opinion is on whether or not they should drill for oil in Alaska's wilderness.
Many people are wondering, should we drill for oil in Alaska? There are many factors to take into consideration like, environment, money and you also have to think about the people that live in Alaska. You need to think about how this will affect them and their home. There should be no drilling for oil in Alaska, because of environmental issues, economic issues and lastly how it will have an impact on the people who live in Alaska.
One of the reasons that I think that drilling in Alaska is a bad idea is because of the economy. According to http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-oil-drilling.html we already use thirty billion barrels of oil per year and oil keeps getting harder and harder to find. If we keep using the amount of oil we are using we won’t have any oil left. The solution to this is that we should cut back on oil so we don’t have to rely on foreign oils, and so we don’t use all of the oil that’s left in the United States. We are using way too much oil in the United States.
Not only is the economy a big reason that we shouldn’t drill for oil in Alaska, the oil would also have a big impact on the environment. Oil is very messy and can destroy the entire Alaskan wilderness especially if there is an oil spill. According to, http://www.scienceinthenews.org.uk/contents/?article=59, if an oil spill occurs, it can take months to years to clean up all the oil and thousands of animals will still be killed in the process. The oil can be very harsh on plant life also; once the plants are damaged it can take decades to recover from the oil says, http://www.unc.edu/~money/geography/anwr2.html. Not only that but Alaskan wilderness is a sanctuary and birthing ground to many animals. If oil spills, those animals will be either killed or forced to leave and find a new sanctuary and birthing ground. That’s why drilling for oil in the Alaskan wilderness will have a big impact on the environment.
While economy and environment are reasons that drilling for oil in Alaska shouldn’t be done there is also the people in Alaska to think about. Like how their lives and homes will be affected because of the drilling for oil. The oil industry promised to preserve the Alaskan environment but what if they break their promise and make a huge mess, then the Alaskan wilderness will be ruined and the Inupait people, who are native to Alaska, will have no wilderness for hunting or making money. Also the Inupiat people say they want their environment to be clean, but if there is one mistake on the oil industries part, their precious wilderness is gone and will take years to get back. People in Alaska need to be considered before they even think about drilling in Alaska’s wilderness.
As you can see, the oil companies shouldn't be allowed to drill in Alaska’s wilderness because of the environment, the economy and the people in Alaska. The United States needs to cut back on oil because the oil that they would get from Alaska would only last approximately six months. So, remember try to conserve oil because we are using too much oil and we can’t rely on foreign oils forever.
Friday, March 9, 2012
One Thing Leads to Another
Author’s Note: Depression is a very dangerous and sensitive subject to some family’s especially when one of their own teens’ struggles from it. I will be talking about a book that I think hints to a case of teen depression due to bullying.
Imagine sitting on your couch, feeling as lifeless as a bag of bones, hopelessly depressed. This is how the main character in All Summer in a Day, Margot, felt. Margot was tortured at school every day for trying to share with the other kids who don’t remember the sun, what it was like, how wonderful the glistening sun felt against their dull pale skin. The main character in All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury, Margot, shows through symbolism in the book that she is most likely in a state of depression due to constant bullying.
Margot used to live on earth like you and me, but when her dad got a job on Venus her whole life changed. On Venus it’s always raining except for two hours every year. When Margot moved there she was judged as spoiled, a know it all, just plain ignorant. Her classmates always picked on her and put her into a spiraling state of depression. Except for one day when the sun was supposed to come out she had been talking about it all day, and so her classmates decided to lock her in a closet and she never saw the sun. This part of the book is when Margot’s depression really seemed to stick out.
Margot is not the only teenager who struggles through depression. According to teendepression.org, about 20% of teens will struggle through depression before they reach adulthood. Most cases of depression come from bad friends, bullying, and broken homes and the main character Margot had two of three of those things. One thing that really surprises me is that Margot’s parents don’t even seem to notice that their daughter has no friends or self confidences, which are common traits in teens going through different phases of depression, like Margot.
Most causes of depression starts with a bully. According to martialartsforpeace.com, one of four kids are bullied and seventy-seven percent of student are bullied. Like in All Summer in a Day, Margot was bullied which cause her struggles with depression. She was bullied because she was different and more often than not, students are bullied for what makes them different or unique. Under no circumstances is bullying okay; it should be monitored throughout the school, because when teachers are looking, bullies don’t bully.
In the book All Summer in a Day, Ray Bradbury shows that Margot is going through a state of depression due to constant bullying and explains that through symbolism. Over 34,000 people die from suicide every year and currently suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States according to, http://theovernight.donordrive.com. Next time you see someone getting picked on or bullied think about the effects that has on the persons’ life because, bullying leads to depression and depression leads to suicide. Think about the effect your decision will have on their life.
Imagine sitting on your couch, feeling as lifeless as a bag of bones, hopelessly depressed. This is how the main character in All Summer in a Day, Margot, felt. Margot was tortured at school every day for trying to share with the other kids who don’t remember the sun, what it was like, how wonderful the glistening sun felt against their dull pale skin. The main character in All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury, Margot, shows through symbolism in the book that she is most likely in a state of depression due to constant bullying.
Margot used to live on earth like you and me, but when her dad got a job on Venus her whole life changed. On Venus it’s always raining except for two hours every year. When Margot moved there she was judged as spoiled, a know it all, just plain ignorant. Her classmates always picked on her and put her into a spiraling state of depression. Except for one day when the sun was supposed to come out she had been talking about it all day, and so her classmates decided to lock her in a closet and she never saw the sun. This part of the book is when Margot’s depression really seemed to stick out.
Margot is not the only teenager who struggles through depression. According to teendepression.org, about 20% of teens will struggle through depression before they reach adulthood. Most cases of depression come from bad friends, bullying, and broken homes and the main character Margot had two of three of those things. One thing that really surprises me is that Margot’s parents don’t even seem to notice that their daughter has no friends or self confidences, which are common traits in teens going through different phases of depression, like Margot.
Most causes of depression starts with a bully. According to martialartsforpeace.com, one of four kids are bullied and seventy-seven percent of student are bullied. Like in All Summer in a Day, Margot was bullied which cause her struggles with depression. She was bullied because she was different and more often than not, students are bullied for what makes them different or unique. Under no circumstances is bullying okay; it should be monitored throughout the school, because when teachers are looking, bullies don’t bully.
In the book All Summer in a Day, Ray Bradbury shows that Margot is going through a state of depression due to constant bullying and explains that through symbolism. Over 34,000 people die from suicide every year and currently suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in the United States according to, http://theovernight.donordrive.com. Next time you see someone getting picked on or bullied think about the effects that has on the persons’ life because, bullying leads to depression and depression leads to suicide. Think about the effect your decision will have on their life.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Graditude
Authors Note: I really think that Hatchet’s author Gary Paulsen does a good job of teaching appreciation, selflessness and consequences. He does so through the character Brian and his problems. I think that learning appreciation and selflessness are very important to know about.
Many people wouldn't ever think that they would ever be face to face with death. Brian thought the same thing, but when that pilot had a heart attack and the plane went down all sense of security was lost. Hatchet's author, Gary Paulsen, teaches lessons on not taking things for granted.
One message that the author Gary Paulsen seemed to be trying to get across throughout the book was appreciation. He really focused on how the main character, Brian, should appreciate what he has because one day it may be gone. Many people would probably think that won’t happen to me it’s too slim of a chance, but that’s exactly what Brian thought and he ended up stranded in the wilderness with only a hatchet and the clothes on his back. Not only was the author trying to send a message about appreciation he was also trying to talk about consequences.
Bad actions and bad thoughts come with consequences. Some consequences are larger than others. The author really tries to push this message throughout this book. Like when Brian was rude and disrespected his parents he ended up missing them and wanting his old life back when he got stranded. Younger children know that when you misbehave there are consequences, but why is it that once you get older you think that you don’t have to do the right thing anymore? Brian, the main character, learns a lesson on consequences and learns to appreciate the good things he has in life. I remember when I didn’t want my sister’s help with something but once she didn’t help I realized that I really needed her, which is like the lesson Brian learns in the book.
While Brian learned about consequences and appreciation, he also learned how to be less selfish. He came into the book thinking only about how much he hated his life and how moving between homes was a huge inconvenience for him; but while he was stranded in the Canadian wilderness he realized that he had to think about surviving verses how hard life is for him.
Hatchet’s author, Gary Paulsen’s theme for the book was life lessons. Next time you read a book see if you can pick out the theme the author tried to push. Everyone really needs to be careful and to try not to take things for granted because someday, you may regret it.
Many people wouldn't ever think that they would ever be face to face with death. Brian thought the same thing, but when that pilot had a heart attack and the plane went down all sense of security was lost. Hatchet's author, Gary Paulsen, teaches lessons on not taking things for granted.
One message that the author Gary Paulsen seemed to be trying to get across throughout the book was appreciation. He really focused on how the main character, Brian, should appreciate what he has because one day it may be gone. Many people would probably think that won’t happen to me it’s too slim of a chance, but that’s exactly what Brian thought and he ended up stranded in the wilderness with only a hatchet and the clothes on his back. Not only was the author trying to send a message about appreciation he was also trying to talk about consequences.
Bad actions and bad thoughts come with consequences. Some consequences are larger than others. The author really tries to push this message throughout this book. Like when Brian was rude and disrespected his parents he ended up missing them and wanting his old life back when he got stranded. Younger children know that when you misbehave there are consequences, but why is it that once you get older you think that you don’t have to do the right thing anymore? Brian, the main character, learns a lesson on consequences and learns to appreciate the good things he has in life. I remember when I didn’t want my sister’s help with something but once she didn’t help I realized that I really needed her, which is like the lesson Brian learns in the book.
While Brian learned about consequences and appreciation, he also learned how to be less selfish. He came into the book thinking only about how much he hated his life and how moving between homes was a huge inconvenience for him; but while he was stranded in the Canadian wilderness he realized that he had to think about surviving verses how hard life is for him.
Hatchet’s author, Gary Paulsen’s theme for the book was life lessons. Next time you read a book see if you can pick out the theme the author tried to push. Everyone really needs to be careful and to try not to take things for granted because someday, you may regret it.
Friday, February 3, 2012
CLICK
Authors Note: Middle school is full of different groups and clubs. This essay addresses all the different kinds of people and groups you’ll see in middle school. Also notice how that connects to the book Clarie by Lisi Harrison.
Imagine going back to see your friends completely changed. It’s like you aren’t even the same person anymore. If this has ever happened to you, you and Claire from the clique series, by Lisi Harrison have a lot in common. In the book Claire, the main character, Claire, learns a valuable lesson on lying, cheating and pretending to be someone your not. Middle school students can relate to the book, because it deals with cliques, outcasts and people just trying to find their place in middle school.
Most people are in a clique one way or another. Take this for example, if you love sports you are typically considered a jock, girls who are into fashion are preps or popular people and then there are the geeks or nerds, they are the people who get straight A’s or are in advanced classes and have dreams of Harvard or Yale.There are many more groups but those are just the basic most common groups, and I promise you that every school has those cliques. You may not realize it, but the next time you look in the cafeteria, or you are walking through the halls look and you will see all the different cliques.
Although there are many cliques, there are still the few people who are considered the outcasts. Outcasts are people who don’t fit in with any cliques or groups. Those kinds of people never really have any friends or hobbies. They just do their own thing and they don’t seem to mind doing things alone. Usually there aren’t very many outcasts in a school, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there.
There is one type of person left. That type is the people who are just trying to find a place to fit in and have friends. They are usually new kids or people who’ve changed interests. Although the majority are new kids, they can also be very shy kids who are afraid to talk to anyone. Many times these people try a lot of different clubs and groups until they find one that they feel comfortable in. Sometimes this does take some time but they usually find a group of good friends and interests and move on to the next step, a clique.
Middle school consists of three main types of people and social groups, the cliques, outcasts and finally the kids just trying to find where to go, just like in the book Claire by Lisi Harrison. Next time you are walking through the hallways look around and see all the different types of groups there are, I guarantee you will see people you never even looked twice at. Middle school is made up of many different people and you’ll be surprised at what you see when you look hard enough.
Imagine going back to see your friends completely changed. It’s like you aren’t even the same person anymore. If this has ever happened to you, you and Claire from the clique series, by Lisi Harrison have a lot in common. In the book Claire, the main character, Claire, learns a valuable lesson on lying, cheating and pretending to be someone your not. Middle school students can relate to the book, because it deals with cliques, outcasts and people just trying to find their place in middle school.
Most people are in a clique one way or another. Take this for example, if you love sports you are typically considered a jock, girls who are into fashion are preps or popular people and then there are the geeks or nerds, they are the people who get straight A’s or are in advanced classes and have dreams of Harvard or Yale.There are many more groups but those are just the basic most common groups, and I promise you that every school has those cliques. You may not realize it, but the next time you look in the cafeteria, or you are walking through the halls look and you will see all the different cliques.
Although there are many cliques, there are still the few people who are considered the outcasts. Outcasts are people who don’t fit in with any cliques or groups. Those kinds of people never really have any friends or hobbies. They just do their own thing and they don’t seem to mind doing things alone. Usually there aren’t very many outcasts in a school, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t there.
There is one type of person left. That type is the people who are just trying to find a place to fit in and have friends. They are usually new kids or people who’ve changed interests. Although the majority are new kids, they can also be very shy kids who are afraid to talk to anyone. Many times these people try a lot of different clubs and groups until they find one that they feel comfortable in. Sometimes this does take some time but they usually find a group of good friends and interests and move on to the next step, a clique.
Middle school consists of three main types of people and social groups, the cliques, outcasts and finally the kids just trying to find where to go, just like in the book Claire by Lisi Harrison. Next time you are walking through the hallways look around and see all the different types of groups there are, I guarantee you will see people you never even looked twice at. Middle school is made up of many different people and you’ll be surprised at what you see when you look hard enough.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
BEAUTIFUL SONG
Authors Note: This song is very beautiful and I love the message behind it. I think people should really listen to their music and try to grasp the meaning the writer was trying to get across. Listen to this song and tell me what you think the message is. I got the lyrics from, http://www.metrolyrics.com/it-will-rain-lyrics-bruno-mars.html. I hope you agree with me about the meaning.
There is one last part of the song that I think is significant in the meaning Bruno was trying to get across. It’s when he says “I'll never be your mother's favorite Your daddy can't even look me in the eye Ooh if I was in their shoes, I'd be doing the same thing. Saying there goes my little girl walking with that troublesome guy.” I really like this part because He’s saying that to most people he’s a punk but the girl he’s talking about likes him anyway, but her parents disapprove and see him as nothing but trouble. Although her parents don’t like him, he says that he understands and can see why they disapprove of him. I really think this part of the song is very important to the story that is trying to be told, and it just puts it all in perspective to the listener.
I really like the song “It will rain” by Bruno Mars because it tells a story. The story that I get from the lyrics is almost like form of a love story, and I think the song is very beautiful and gentle. That’s what I get from the lyrics in the song “It will rain.”
In the song “It will rain” sung by Bruno Mars and written by Bruno Mars, it’s a love song and I love the message from the lyrics. Like in the beginning he says “If you ever leave me baby leave some morphine at my door. What he means when he says this he means that if she leaves him he will be in a lot of pain. This is one of my favorite parts of the song.
I not only like that part of the song there are more parts that I think tell this story very well. Like this next part is not only really good but also explains what this person is going through. Bruno says, “Cause there’ll be no sunlight if I lose you baby, there'll be no clear skies if I lose you baby, just like the clouds, my eyes will do the same if you walk away, everyday, it will rain, rain, rain. This to me sounds like he’s trying to say that if this girl he really likes ever leaves, his life will become dull and gray, also that if she ever leaves everyday he’ll cry. The reason I think he’s trying to say that he’ll cry is because he says just like the clouds my eyes will do the same, if you walk way everyday it will rain.” That’s what I think that Bruno is trying to say in this part of the song.There is one last part of the song that I think is significant in the meaning Bruno was trying to get across. It’s when he says “I'll never be your mother's favorite Your daddy can't even look me in the eye Ooh if I was in their shoes, I'd be doing the same thing. Saying there goes my little girl walking with that troublesome guy.” I really like this part because He’s saying that to most people he’s a punk but the girl he’s talking about likes him anyway, but her parents disapprove and see him as nothing but trouble. Although her parents don’t like him, he says that he understands and can see why they disapprove of him. I really think this part of the song is very important to the story that is trying to be told, and it just puts it all in perspective to the listener.
I really like the song “It will rain” by Bruno Mars because it tells a story. The story that I get from the lyrics is almost like form of a love story, and I think the song is very beautiful and gentle. That’s what I get from the lyrics in the song “It will rain.”
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