Reflection #2 Valuable Possessions

I believe my most valuable possession is my e-journal on my laptop. Early in middle school, I became very intrigued by the Diary of Wimpy Kid books by Jeff Kinney. Amused by the funny style of writing, especially in contrast to the typical teenage girl mushy diary entries I had previously seen, I decided to emulate Kinney, and write one for myself. Comprised of the various embarrassing moments and memories from my middle school and early high school life, the journal soon began to take shape. At first, I would write in it religiously every night, add pictures, comment on old posts, and have several "updates" every week. Soon after, however, high school’s busy schedule began to take its toll. The entries became sparse and short, and eventually pretty much stopped.
One night in junior year, however, 5 months after the last entry, I was feeling a bit down and decided to open up my old e-journal and take a look back. As opposed to studying for the countless tests the next day, I spent the next few hours laughing to myself alone in my room, which in hindsight probably seemed a bit amiss to my parents in the other room. Reading the diary took me back to a “simpler time” and reminded me to simply take a step back when the stresses of life began to take its toll. Now, every time I look at the journal, it’s like I’m reliving these cherished memories I had forgotten all over again. The diary never fails to remind me that no matter how difficult a situation may seem at the moment, everything will eventually work out in the end.

Reflection #6 Daily Schedule

My day commences with me waking up at around 7:00 AM which is followed by showering and eating breakfast by 7:25 AM. I usually have to run to school because I typically run late. After school, I end up getting home around 2:30PM after picking up my sister from elementary school. This is followed by my afternoon snacks and hours of procrastination. Typically procrastination includes binging various TV shows and video chatting with my friends. Finally, the night winds down with dinner around 8:45 PM. Soon, however, I realize in a panic that it is 10:30PM and I have yet to start my homework. After cramming in hours of work into approximately half the time, I soon fall asleep around 12:30 AM, realizing that I have a plethora of work to do between classes the next day. The next morning, the vicious cycle repeats.
My routine has pretty much been consistent throughout high school, however, the time I spend procrastinating each night has definitely increased over the years. In terms of self-improvement, I wish to be more organized with my time and work in daily exercise into my routine. I feel the redundancy of my daily life has made me more lethargic and unhappy as an individual and I wish to combat the aforementioned by making an effort to make each day slightly more unique. I feel that happiness is something that can be enhanced by variety. Therefore, some of the things I wish to incorporate into my new schedule are some time for chores, trying new recipes, and learning new life skills. Overall, I feel this would help me strike a better balance between improving the mind and my happiness in general.

Reflection #9 Letter To Children

Dear my future offspring, It felt like just yesterday that I was sick and tired of hearing all those “back in my day” stories from my parents. Now, however, it is my turn to bombard you with the same. You have officially made it to one of the major milestones in your early life – high school. As a realist, I feel it is my duty to tell you, at times it won’t be easy. You will find yourself gasping for time to breathe amidst the cut-throat environment. You will ask yourself, what is the point of the countless hours you put in each and every day in this breeding ground for teenage insecurity? What does that piece of paper you will get whilst sweltering in your long grad robes on a hot summer morning even mean? I, too, asked myself these questions while attending the enigma that is high school, and I found the answer to these questions for myself. In short, there is not a point to the hours put in, and the paper in itself was useless, but the knowledge and experiences you will have along the way made the entire journey one worth cherishing. Remember to enjoy all the opportunities you have to the fullest, and never turn down an opportunity to try something new. Albeit it can be scary, but who knows, you may find the very thing your life had been missing whether it may be anything from a food to a new skill. Most importantly, however, remember that you are not alone. Even though you are the only one who can truly influence your path in high school, your friends and family are always there to support you in your times of need!
Love, Your BFF (mom) 

Favorite Book - The Giver

I believe reflection is key to growth, and the social commentary in The Giver by Lois Lowry is that very key.  A tale of a seemingly utopian society, I think it is telling of the dangers of conforming to a societal mold. The story explores a society in which all pain and strife have been eliminated in order to achieve an ideal society. Citizens are brainwashed by propaganda, and have every decision, from the number of kids they’ll have to the job they’ll hold, predetermined for them. While this may be a far cry from our current society, this book portrays where we are possibly headed. Our perception of perfection is more defined than ever before: a secure job, a mansion, a luxury car, and of course the latest iPhone. However, in our plight to achieve “perfection” we no longer take time out for the little things. We have arguably lost our spark and our creativity. “Love thy neighbor” is now just another phrase said in the event of a tragedy. I think we as a society must become the instigators of change, those who urge each other to choose our passions and make them sustainable. Thus, I like the book The Giver as it is a premonition of what we must avoid. It should serve as an incentive to overcome this counter-current of societal conformity and work towards all the new innovation, passion, and friendships that will soon follow.

ME-usic : Friday

I think a song that speaks to me is Friday by Rebecca black because even though it is quite a terrible song, it really brings out the monotony of the everyday highschooler's life. Every day starts out with the pretty much the same daily routine and continues with similar decisions. It is at the end of the week, however, that students look for a release and for means to relax. Thus, as terrible as the song is, it captures the reality of my mundane daily life.

7am, waking up in the morningGotta be fresh, gotta go downstairsGotta have my bowl, gotta have cerealSeein' everything, the time is goin'Tickin' on and on, everybody's rushin'Gotta get down to the bus stopGotta catch my bus, I see my friends (My friends)Kicking it in the front seatSitting in the back seatGotta make my mind upWhich seat can I take?
[Chorus: Rebecca Black]It's Friday, FridayGotta get down on FridayEverybody's lookin' forward to the weekend, weekendFriday, FridayGettin' down on FridayEverybody's lookin' forward to the weekend
[Post-Chorus: Rebecca Black]Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)Partyin’' partyin' (Yeah)Fun. Fun. Fun. FunLookin' forward to the weekend

My Top 10

1. TV Show: The Office                                          
2. White Chicks                                                    
3. Harry Potter                                                      
4. Senator We Run Ads
                                                                                                                                                                              
5. Arthur 
   


6. Substitute Teacher                                         

7. Trump 

8.  My Heart Will Go On                          

9. Evolution of Music - Pentatonix          

10.  Dwight Schrute 

Highschool in Pictures

Freshman Year: 

           

Sophmore Year: 

              

Junior Year: 

          

Senior Year: