"This I Believe"

In my 11th grade Honors English class, our final assignment was to write a "This I Believe" essay. When I first heard about the assignment I thought,"good, something easy." I didn't realize how wrong I was. It has been a struggle trying to come up with a statement. I also believe that Mr. Rich, our teacher, wouldn't give us this assignment to please himself. He was trying to make a point, (I think). I think that the reason Mr. Rich gave us this particular assignment, was to help us understand and find something we truly believe in. Beliefs are important no matter who you are or where your from. Without something to believe in, then what is the point living. Believe by definition means, "to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right on doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully." (www.dictionary.com) I believe in believing. Somethings we just don't understand, so we believe in something, or someone that does. This I believe, that without belief, life is empty and there is no hope for the future.

"Life's hard, then you die."

"Life's hard, then you die." That it what my sixth grade teacher told my class repeatedly. "Life's hard, then you die." Of course, they are probably not the most encouraging words to tell a twelve-year-old. But, they stuck with me. They have made me think over and over again about why life is so hard. Maybe the better question is, does life have to be so hard? After thinking about it for a while i have come to the conclusion that life can be made easier by focusing more on others. Each day my goal has become to say "hi" to as many people as I can. Not to the point where I sound cheesy, but to make others smile. In my short but memorable high school experience, I have learned that if I could forget about what others might think of me, but instead, what I think of others, I will be a lot happier. Popularity wouldn't matter if we all stopped caring about ourselves. Sadly, this is not true and cannot be true. The "natural man" will win. back to my main point. Life doesn't have to be hard if we make it a little bit easier for someone each day. It is my belief that if we all cared a little more for others and less for ourselves, MVHS would be a happier place, and perhaps everyone would feel included. And I don't see a problem with that.

Summer

Summer, Good or Bad? When most students think of summer, they think of it as the best time of the year! Yes, it is true. But, are there disadvantages? Let's see: sun, friends, no school, etc. The only bad thing about summer is the extreme heat. (unless you live in Alaska) Summers in UT are very hot and dry. It can be a miserable experience when you are stuck out in the heat all day in a desert. I remember one time I was working outside on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, all day. The temperature was hot, my water was hot, I was hot, (and I don't mean looking.) It was a miserable day. Even though I wasn't in school and I was with my friend, I wanted nothing more than a snowstorm. This example shows that even during the best season of the year, the worst can come upon us. It isn't always sunflowers and flowing rivers. When things are going great they can still take a turn for the worse. So, summer may be the "most wonderful time of the year," but things can go wrong and get pretty ugly. Just don't be too shocked this summer when you can't wait for school to start again. Oh, and wear sunscreen.

Analyzing Analyzing

What should I analyze today? Hmmm…….dogs, cats, computers, manicures, mars…I’m not getting anywhere. How about I analyze Analyzing? Why do we analyze? What makes people think about things in detail? I think that analyzing is a human’s way of understanding and learning. When someone watches a movie what do they see? Do they just see the storyline, the characters, and the scenery? No, what usually happens is that somebody will see the introduction, the climax, the happily ever after, the actors, the setting, the special effects and much more. It is easy to look at something, but when you really look at something and see the hidden information, that is when the learning begins. And, I think that is why Mr. Rich had us analyze one thing once a week. It is more than learning how to write paragraphs with an introduction, concrete detail, and commentary. It is learning about the world around us. Every time I analyzed something I had to think deeper and try to make an interesting story. We are all investigative journalists. Searching for something new and understanding how it applies to everyday lives. I guess blog writing isn’t so bad after all.

Couch potatoes

I am a fat person, because all I do is sit on my couch and play Wii. That first statement was placed in my blog by a friend to prove that one of the causes of obesity is sitting on a couch playing Nintendo all day. I am no scientist, but anyone is smart enough to realize that staring at a screen all day and consuming an entire bag of Doritos is no healthy. Where’s the sun? Where’s the fresh air? Where’s the carrots and celery? Children have no right to come home and play video games all day. (I don’t care how much movement you get from playing Wii.) Your body needs to be taken out for a walk every once in a while. There is no reason to destroy your beautiful body by becoming a full-time couch potato.
Not only is the couch potato business harmful to your body, but it could also cause damage to your eyes and kill brain cells. The eyes will become tired after staring at a screen all day. The little things can’t handle the stress of focusing for such a long period of time. Plus, your brain cells are slowly dying. Your mind quits thinking after so long and it is not active. Just like the body, brain cells and eyes need exercise. They need a chance to be outside and functioning. The thought of killing your brain cells is terrible. Thou shalt not murder thy brain cells.
Now, I’m not saying that playing Wii and Xbox is a horrible sin. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve played Wii before and think it is really fun. But it is not an everyday activity. Limitations are necessary. Do not be a fat person, because you sit in your couch and play Wii.

PROM

The biggest (and not to mention most expensive) dance of the year is Prom. Now Mountain View High School's Prom is coming up in about 3 weeks. What I would like to analyze is the "stuff", if I may, that goes on before the actual dance. This is one if the scariest times if the year for girls. Because it all boils down to "Will I get asked?" For a sixteen or seventeen year girl nothing else matters. This dance is all they think about. Why is this such a big deal? Don't they realize that there is more to life than high school dances. Oh, sorry, that's right, they haven't realized that there is more to life than high school prom. They fear that their social status will be determined by this dance and who they go with is essential in social survival. They don't want to go with the smartest guy or most talented guy. No, their dreams include the star of the basketball team and the guy voted best-looking in the yearbook.
What is the cause of this abstract thought process? Who has put these ideas into their obviously puny brains? The answer is simple. Themselves. Popularity is a self-given status. No one has the right to tell you who are. That is your job. So if you go to Prom with a guy that is not the most attractive or if you don't even get asked, the only person that will put you in the outcast group is yourself. And if your willing to name yourself so low then maybe you don't know who you really are. Prom is one night in on lifetime. It may hurt at first if you are left home or jealous of your friend's date, but you need to realize that it is a dance. Prom is special but not important. There's a difference.

Are you a Chicken?

I have realized that a chicken is mmore than a delicious white meat. A chicken is someone brave and willing to do something they would never do. A chicken is someone I admire. I am a chicken. I know what you're thinking. "What is she saying? A chicken is a scardy-cat and a wimp." You, however, are wrong. A chicken is someone willing to put their neck on the line, realizing that it may or may not get chopped off. Truly, we should all be chickens. Some of the greatest chickens I know are My good friend and my cousin. These girls are the nicest people I know, and try for everything, knowing that it may end up in a disater. My friend, for example, wanted to try out for the play. She put her heart and soul into her audition. No matter what anyone said, she still didn't let losing get in her way of doing the best she could. My cousin worked her hardest to win Jr. Miss Orem. And though she didn't win, she took what she could from the learning experience and applied it to her life. So, if you feel like you are failing and your neck keeps getting chopped off, don't quit. The title "chicken" is better than not trying at all. The true failures are those that stop trying. So, perk up chickens and try again.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!

The day of green has finally arrived. Today is March 17, 2007. (a.k.a. St. Patricks Day!!) Today I am going to analyze the different traditions of St. Patricks Day. First of let's start with the name. St. Patrick, who was he? Honestly, I don't know! So, let's move onto the next subject. On this hallowed day, it is tradition to wear the wonderful, bright, luscious color GREEN! What a happy color. As much as I love the color, I would like to know why it was chosen. Let's see, St. Patricks Day originated in Ireland, the land of beauty and redheads. Ah, what lovely thought. What comes to mind when I say the word, "Irish"? I know what you are thinking, rolling, green hills, vast blue-green oceans, redheaded people with a wicked awesome accent, and of course, funny little redheaded men dressed in green and chasing gold. Maybe each of those things goes with, is, or compliments green. Rolling, green hills are self-explanatory, the vast blue-green oceans also needs no explanation. How about redheaded people with cool accents? I have many redheaded friends, and most of them are beautiful hazel green eyes. Plus, most redheads look wicked awesome in green. The color compliments them. Alright, I explained all of them, what was that you said? I forgot the funny little men in green outfits? Oh, of course, the symbol of St. Patty's day, the LEPRECHAUNS!! They may be a funny image, but truly add to the spirit of green day. Without them, the holiday would be no fun. No one would look for a rainbow, or hunt for pots of gold, or eat Lucky Charms. All St. Patricks Day would be is a lot a people wearing green on March 17. Our little green friends are the reason why most Americans celebrate this positively Emerald day. So, enjoy your green-ness and think of all your green heroes. (Personally none come to mind, so just go eat green food!) Happy St. Patricks Day!

Stag or not to Stag??

The stag dances at MVHS are not as popular and as well attended as the date dances. This is a strange, yet true, phenomenon. Perhaps the reason is because you're not with a guy or girl. But wait, you can still hang out and dance with the opposite gender. It's not against the rules. The dance isn't any different than a date dance, except MAYBE the attire. However, what goes on before the dance is huge, especially in UT. A typical date dance consists of a day date, dinner, dance, doorstep scene (but that's another blog). Still, my original question has not been answered. Why aren't the stag dances as well attended as the date dances? They should be just as popular. You can still dance with a certain special someone, and you can have a good time. Basically, people just want to be with someone. It's natural for the human race to want security and date dances give you that. At a stag dance it is scary because you don't have the assured slow song. You may or may not get asked to dance. It is hard for teenagers to stick their neck on the line hoping and waiting for someone to talk to and someone to dance with. Maybe that is the reason that stag dances are less attended. I went to a stag dance last night and the attendance was very low. That proves my point, stag dances are not as popular as date dances.

Bonjour! Hola! yadyadyada!

Vous parlez Francais? Oui, moi aussi. Did you get that? How about this one, Hola, como-esta? or Ho, Ho, Hotartu Koi. No, you didn't understand that? Me neither. It is a proven fact that the average American speaks one language. American English and I say American English because even the actual English have a different vocabulary than us Americans. If asked, any foreigner would say that American English is one of the hardest languages they have learned. Notice how I used past tense in "have learned". That is right, most foreigners speak English. In fact, many languages are going exticnt because everyone is speaking English. So, why don't Americans speak Japanese or French? Well, the answer is so simple, and yet, so complicated. Americans are LAZY! They are not willing to take the time and become culturally educated. There is a joke about this and it goes something like this: "What do you call a Trilingualist? Someone who speaks three languages. What do you call a Bilingualist? Someone who speaks two languages. What do you call someone who speaks one language? American. Ha, Ha, very funny. However sad this joke may be, it is painfully true. Americans should spand their horizons and learn a different language, I don't know; it's just a friendly suggestion. Maybe the schools should stop cancelling the foreign language classes, and start putting more in. Americans could use a little culture.

Superpowers

What's in a superpower? A hero as any other man would act just as heroic. Okay, I TRIED to write like Shakespeare, it didn't exactly work. The word superhero represents a sacred idol to the five-year-old boy, a very good-looking, buff, man to the sixteen-year-old girl, and a crazy dream to the 45-year-old man. What makes a superhero? The traits of a hero include: strength, justice/honesty, and love. I will analyze each of these traits. First, strength. The power to lift a car over your head is pretty incredible, but not as incredible as the power to crush the cement concrete of New York City. Strength is important, but is it necessary? Superman had the strength of a giant, batman was a Gold's Gym regular, and the hulk, well, you get the point. In my opinion, it is the hero's strength that makes them super. What if batman had not had any muscles? Most people would think of him as a crazy guy dressed in a bat costume. A super hero can be super without a six pack. The second trait is justice/honesty. Superheroes never let anyone down. They are the dfender of justice and keeper of peace. It is the heroes job to fight crime, they don't have the choice. If they want to be super, they have to act super. Like Uncle Ben once said, "With great power comes great responsibility." So, in a way, all superheroes must be just and honest. The final trait is love. I don't mean love in a romantic way. It is more of a caring, and showing devotion way. Spider-man cared about the people of NYC. He didn't do it for the glory. Nobody knew that he was spider-man. It was because he cared. He had to, or the natural man would have taken over. It was romantic love that got in the way. He fell for MJ, and was almost killed for it. A hero cannot love. Spider-man's, and Batman's, and Superman's love only proves that heroes are not perfect. Even the super ones. They have a natural man/woman that can take over a emotions. So, what is a hero? A super-strong, honest, devoted friend? No. A hero is anyone. You and I are heroes, we just don't realize it. You may be someone's hero because you smiled and said hi to them, or because you helped someone with your math homework. A hero lies in YOU!

SHOES!

I have noticed that there has been an increase in the shoe population of my closet floor. I am running out of room. Now, if a guy were to read this he would think I was insane because he most likely has plently of room on his closet floor. On the other hand, if a girl were to read this, she would most likely be nodding in agreement. (I know you are, aren't you girls. I can see you, stop it.) Shoes are one of the largest barriers between boys and girls. Meaning, girls really like them and have fifty pair, and boys where two of them on their feet. I know that anyone who is reading this is nodding in agreement, becauseI am. Why? Why do girls crave to have another pair? Well, I'll tell you. They're cute. No, seriously, it's the only reason we like them. They're cute. Females take much pleasure in finding that perfect pair of shoes to go with that perfect skirt that matches that new purse they just bought, oohh. If guys were to say that his shoes match his new purse, I would be a little disturbed. Another question you "men" might have that I would like to address is, "Why do they have so many?" Shoes are stylin', but not only that, they are fun to go and buy. Girls don't NEED to go buy shoes every week, but we WANT to. A girl finds joy and serenity in buying new shoes. It is important to them. It makes them happy. And when the girl is happy the guy is happy. So, now that you boys know the secret of shoes and girls, what are you going to do? I know what I am going to do, go SHOE SHOPPING!

"Americans" the Beautiful

America: A nation of pride and patriotism. We live in a land of freedom and democracy. We are the idol nation. We are top notch. And yet, we are very disliked. In this world we livein today, Americans are looked upon as the snobby, war-causing, obese country. But, to most Americans were are supreme and mighty. Why are some countries so against our beautiful land? Americans have offered so much to the world for which we are not acknowledged. For instance, we were right there in WWII, sending in supplies and troops. The Berlin Airlift was a great success because American pilots were flying in food and supplies. After WWII, soldiers were sent to Vietnam to help them with there difficulties, and they weren't even acknowledged. Now, our soldiers are risking their lives in Iraq, fighting against terrorism. I think the rest of the world has been oblivious to the great efforts America has pu forth. Another great thing about America is its advanced technology. U.S. scientists are searching for cures for diseases and researching for ways to improve the enviroment. The light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison, an American, Bill Gates invented Microsoft and he is an American. Even though Microsoft has little importance in smaller countries, it has made communicating and researching so much easier. And, it has a future in those smaller countries with the rate at which it is expounding. Americans may seem like snobby, unkind, obese people, but the amount of help it has offered the world is incredible.

Communication Between Males and Females

Just in case anyone missed highschool guys and girls are different. Not only do they look different, but they act and communicate differently. (Note: the title) In my very short highschool career, I have noticed that most highschool education can be learned from interaction with the opposite sex. Dating. In this particular blog, I would like to analyze, not the dating aspect, but the stuff that goes on before hand. Let's pretend we're in make believe land again like kindergarten. We are pretending that a certain girl likes a certain boy. How does she let him know without it being too obvious? Alright girls, what do you do?? What is your first move? Here's a hint: guys have short attention spans. If the girl is always talking about her and her problems, the guy will not want to listen. So, ladies, talk about the guy. Ask him QUESTIONS about his life. A boy will communicate with a girl, if the girl is making conversation that he can relate to. Now we are going to switch perspectives. A guy wants to ask a certain girl on a date. Fellas, don't scare her!!!! I know of many situations where the guy liked the girl so much that he was always near her and always following her and always trying to talk to her. The guy that does that will only scare her away! The right thing to do would be to say hi, have a polite conversation once a day, and make her want more. But, don't be too aloof. The relationship between males and females can be blocked by bad communication. Don't act like fools!!! And of course, just be you!

"but I still love technology"

Computer: is it man's greatest or worst invention? Most of the time computers are fantastic! They are a huge success in the technological world and are improving everyday! BUT recently in my life there have been many unfortunate experiences with this masterpiece of software. The problem was that technology decided not to work with me that day. The angry forces of computer chips were against me. My printer decided not to print and my internet decided not to work. How many times has this happened to any of us? I'm sure that there have been plently experiences where the computer wouldn't print a paper or not access an interet site. So, is technology really that lovable? The good thing about technology is the amont of work it does in a matter of minutes, that would have taken us perhaps hours to accomplish. With Microsoft Word alone, it is easy to type and edit papers that could take a long time with a quil and piece of parchment (not to mention the sore wrist afterward). Plus, the internet has provided a new world that our grandparents never dreamed was possible. We have the abilty to access almost ANY information we want with the click of a mouse. School work suddenly becomes easier, communication is faster (i.e. e-mail), and it's all right in front of our faces. So, is technology a friend or enemy? I guess that depends on the day.

.edu

I believe that WHERE you are has a great afffect on who you will be WITH, where you are GOING, and what you will BECOME. Because it's where you are that that determines the education you will receive. The United States has children who are suffering from lack of education. With the lack of education and public schools available in places such as, Crown Heights, theere is a desperate need for leadership. Someone to step in and set up a system that will educate the children, not send them to dirty, dangerous, broken down schools. They won't learn anything there. The most important thing is their safety. It is hard to find serenity and peace in the dangerous side of Brooklyn where kids run around in the streets all day. I recently saw a movie that was placed in Manhatten. The movie was about a ballroom dance competition held in the public school system for fifth graders. I don't remeber the title of the movie, but I do remember the effect it had on these kids. It was affordable, in fact, it was free. Kids learned a lot about etiquette and civility. But the thing that caught my attention was time it took. The rehearsals were after school and therefore the kids had a place to be instead of out in the streets of New York. It kept them away from harm. If the public schools could develope more programs like it would keep children safe and they would learn. I recently read an article from Time Magazine January 2007 edition by Caroline Kennedy. The article was about a principal in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. His name is Verone Kennedy and he is a very successful man who returned to his hometownn to make a difference. His school system had an effect on teh students. They were no lonfer going to school in a dump, but in a decent building. They were learning and had a place to be during the day. This man cares for the welfare and safety of his students and that is why he made a difference. That is what the school systems need. So, it does matter where you are, but maybe more importantly, who you are with that will determine where you will go in life and what you will become.

.edu

I believe that WHERE you are has a great afffect on who you will be WITH, where you are GOING, and what you will BECOME. Because it's where you are that that determines the education you will receive. The United States has children who are suffering from lack of education. With the lack of education and public schools available in places such as, Crown Heights, theere is a desperate need for leadership. Someone to step in and set up a system that will educate the children, not send them to dirty, dangerous, broken down schools. They won't learn anything there. The most important thing is their safety. It is hard to find serenity and peace in the dangerous side of Brooklyn where kids run around in the streets all day. I recently saw a movie that was placed in Manhatten. The movie was about a ballroom dance competition held in the public school system for fifth graders. I don't remeber the title of the movie, but I do remember the effect it had on these kids. It was affordable, in fact, it was free. Kids learned a lot about etiquette and civility. But the thing that caught my attention was time it took. The rehearsals were after school and therefore the kids had a place to be instead of out in the streets of New York. It kept them away from harm. If the public schools could develope more programs like it would keep children safe and they would learn. I recently read an article from Time Magazine January 2007 edition by Caroline Kennedy. The article was about a principal in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. His name is Verone Kennedy and he is a very successful man who returned to his hometownn to make a difference. His school system had an effect on teh students. They were no lonfer going to school in a dump, but in a decent building. They were learning and had a place to be during the day. This man cares for the welfare and safety of his students and that is why he made a difference. That is what the school systems need. So, it does matter where you are, but maybe more importantly, who you are with that will determine where you will go in life and what you will become.

Dating: It's a Dangerous World Part 2

Guy's choice vs. Girl's choice dances? Me? I prefer the boy's choice. Less work, no hassle, just go and have fun. The difficult thing about highschool dating is the girl's choice and boy's choice dances. What's the difference? One of the main differences is the planning and preparation put into it by both genders. I am not saying that one does it better than the other, only that each does it differently. I have noticed that being a girl and planning a dance is a lot of hassle and stress. Boys take it easy and make it simple. I think that it is easier to be relaxed and easy going in the planning process rather than stressed and uptight. I know that a lot of girls take a lot of time on the dinner and the day-date, but the guys, they look for the cheapest restaurant in town. (Just Kidding Guys :)) I have a good friend that asked a guy to preference. She was excited at first but towards the end, her excitement decreased. Now all she wants is to get the date over with. Her planning is zero and doesn't really want to go. This is an example of girls choice dance that seems like murder to this girl. Because of this she stressed out even more because she's not looking forward to it with great anticipation. How is she she going to have fun with that kind of attitude? A guy in this scenario wouldn't stress or fret. He would be excited becasue to get into all the drama, which is another bif difference between guy's choice and girl's choice dating. Dating should be fun, easy, and AWESOME! Asking a girl or boy to a dance is a challenge and everyone, male or female, should make it an amazing experience without the stress.

2007

Happy New Year! Today is January 6, 2007! The New Year is finally here! To most people the new year means Goals and New Year's Resolutions. Everybody has at least one thing they want to do in the upcoming year. Whether it be to excercise or try a new diet, or get a 4.0 in school or climb Mt. Everest everyone wants to accomplish something. Why is it that we all want to make these sometimes impossible goals? The mind loves a challenge and the thrill of accomplishment. So, I guess the big question is if we are going to actually accomplish our goals. The problem with goal-making is that sometimes we want to do things we are not capable of. Our goals are sometimes unrealistic. So, how can we accomplish something that is impossible for us. For example, I could never be a professional skiier. Although I love to ski and swooshing down a mountain brings me great pleasure, my health would never allow me to work as hard as they do. Somethings we just can't do. I have always wanted to sing in Carnegie Hall. This most likley will not happen, and yet I make this goal and TRY becasue I have the DESIRE. If we can't do these impossible tasks then why try??? I think the main reason that human beings make these elaborate goals is to try to go somewhere in life. These huge goals are better than not making any goals at all. Each person has a potential and the mind wants to reach that potenial faster than the body can keep up. That is why when Jan. 1 comes along we make goals like Climb Mount Everest and Run a Marathon. Even though we might not climb Everest, the fact that we worked hard enough to try will still bring pleasure to our minds. Mortality is about living life to the fullest and reaching for the stars.