This semester hasn't been as intense as I thought. Maybe because I didn't have to really write a thesis (which I will later regret). I think this class in particular has pushed me to examine my writing vs. the writing I'll be expecting from my students. I was a strong writer in high school and then I came to college where it all turned to mush. I hope that some of the strategies I learned in this class, I will apply with my future students.
Blogging has been common this semester with this class and another. I have to say, I really enjoy it because it's convenient, I can write what I want, and people actually read it. I would definitely apply this to my future class because I think a common thing with high school students is that they always have something to say and blogging is a great place for them to say it!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Argument Paper
The American educational system is about competition and success of the individual. Majority of the content students learn in school is geared towards an exam that represents each student as a numerical value, which in turn creates competition. Another reason why the American educational system is about competition and success of the individual is because learning is individual based and not group based. Lastly, because the system focuses on individual success, it has caused more students to fall through the cracks while a few succeed.
If the American educational system must have students learn one thing, it is that they must be the best. Relatively, they must learn to compete with their neighbor, their friend, and with China, Japan, and Finland. President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan passed a bill in 2009 entitled, “Race to the Top.” By examining the title of the bill alone, one can see that the words “race” and “top” have a direct correlation to the idea of competition. In fact, the bill is described as a competition, “… states that outperform the rest will be rewarded with a grant”, said President Obama (www.ed.gov/pressrelease). What does this mean for students? They are trained to “outperform” their peers that will in term “outperform” schools; schools will “outperform” districts, and so on, leading to “outperforming” states. The quality of learning is not mentioned anywhere in this bill unless one counts setting benchmarks for standards and assessments. The educational system is teaching students that in order to be successful, you must out-beat the rest. Meaningful learning is negated when administration and teachers are pressured to educate students through the idea that they must receive a grade. If children are raised to believe that being unique is just as important as being number one, than we might as well raise them all to be the same.
Diverging from the fact that the educational system is about competition rather than quality learning, competition can be likened to an innate instinct, which in turn makes it an uncontrollable part of human nature. Take “Darwinism” for example, survival of the fittest. People will always do better than others in a various things in life. Competition creates people who can achieve what they want and hence help a society foster the things they need in order to survive. Therefore, education must be competitive because it weeds out those who are inept to performing certain tasks for society’s needs and wants. Success of the individual to “outperform” will create many successful individuals who can then group together to attain a common goal.
Jobs are now seeking for future employees that can work collaboratively, think critically and creatively. How are we preparing students to attain these jobs? Individualized learning is about individual success. Yes, it is important for each person in society to be as successful as they hoped to be, but if success means only caring about the wellbeing of the self, then we cannot see that we need to support the wellbeing of others. In the book, Waiting for Superman, Lesley Chilcott explains her observations of a group of kindergarteners. Each student had to draw a picture of what their father looked like. She compares this activity with a similar one in Japan. Contrastingly, in Japan, the teacher would have students create one image together of how a father would look. There are many reactions that people had about both approaches. The American classroom may be emphasizing difference and uniqueness but the Japanese classroom is emphasizing the fact that “all the kids in the class are learning together, with no one left out” (Chilcott pg. 49). Japan bases most of their facets on collaborative learning and it shows in their ranking world-wide. Ranking seems to be the most important aspect of education not only in America but around the world. With all this ranking and competition to get to the top, what do people or countries receive when they get there? Prestige, honor, and gloating rights may feel like success has been achieved but students are not influenced that learning is a lifelong process or that they must share what they learn with others.
With those students who do reach to the top, there are many who are left behind to fall through the cracks. The educational system promotes that every child can and will be successful but we made this idea an empty promise. A perfect example of this is “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB). Raising standards does not necessarily mean that every student can reach it. Standards were not met before with the same approach of learning, therefore raising standards while keeping the same approach will only result in more student failure. The ideas “NCLB” and “Race to the Top” are completely the same; both strive on competition and individual student- state success. Students are unable to process the benefits of working together towards one goal if even those who create laws seem to want to out rank one another. The educational system is forgetting the ideals that it was based on and the ideals it teaches its students every day in history class. America’s revolutions were formed on the idea that many people got together in a group and decided to produce change. Yet, students today are growing up in a world that is more importantly about themselves than the affect they have on the world.
http://ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07242009.html
If the American educational system must have students learn one thing, it is that they must be the best. Relatively, they must learn to compete with their neighbor, their friend, and with China, Japan, and Finland. President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan passed a bill in 2009 entitled, “Race to the Top.” By examining the title of the bill alone, one can see that the words “race” and “top” have a direct correlation to the idea of competition. In fact, the bill is described as a competition, “… states that outperform the rest will be rewarded with a grant”, said President Obama (www.ed.gov/pressrelease). What does this mean for students? They are trained to “outperform” their peers that will in term “outperform” schools; schools will “outperform” districts, and so on, leading to “outperforming” states. The quality of learning is not mentioned anywhere in this bill unless one counts setting benchmarks for standards and assessments. The educational system is teaching students that in order to be successful, you must out-beat the rest. Meaningful learning is negated when administration and teachers are pressured to educate students through the idea that they must receive a grade. If children are raised to believe that being unique is just as important as being number one, than we might as well raise them all to be the same.
Diverging from the fact that the educational system is about competition rather than quality learning, competition can be likened to an innate instinct, which in turn makes it an uncontrollable part of human nature. Take “Darwinism” for example, survival of the fittest. People will always do better than others in a various things in life. Competition creates people who can achieve what they want and hence help a society foster the things they need in order to survive. Therefore, education must be competitive because it weeds out those who are inept to performing certain tasks for society’s needs and wants. Success of the individual to “outperform” will create many successful individuals who can then group together to attain a common goal.
Jobs are now seeking for future employees that can work collaboratively, think critically and creatively. How are we preparing students to attain these jobs? Individualized learning is about individual success. Yes, it is important for each person in society to be as successful as they hoped to be, but if success means only caring about the wellbeing of the self, then we cannot see that we need to support the wellbeing of others. In the book, Waiting for Superman, Lesley Chilcott explains her observations of a group of kindergarteners. Each student had to draw a picture of what their father looked like. She compares this activity with a similar one in Japan. Contrastingly, in Japan, the teacher would have students create one image together of how a father would look. There are many reactions that people had about both approaches. The American classroom may be emphasizing difference and uniqueness but the Japanese classroom is emphasizing the fact that “all the kids in the class are learning together, with no one left out” (Chilcott pg. 49). Japan bases most of their facets on collaborative learning and it shows in their ranking world-wide. Ranking seems to be the most important aspect of education not only in America but around the world. With all this ranking and competition to get to the top, what do people or countries receive when they get there? Prestige, honor, and gloating rights may feel like success has been achieved but students are not influenced that learning is a lifelong process or that they must share what they learn with others.
With those students who do reach to the top, there are many who are left behind to fall through the cracks. The educational system promotes that every child can and will be successful but we made this idea an empty promise. A perfect example of this is “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB). Raising standards does not necessarily mean that every student can reach it. Standards were not met before with the same approach of learning, therefore raising standards while keeping the same approach will only result in more student failure. The ideas “NCLB” and “Race to the Top” are completely the same; both strive on competition and individual student- state success. Students are unable to process the benefits of working together towards one goal if even those who create laws seem to want to out rank one another. The educational system is forgetting the ideals that it was based on and the ideals it teaches its students every day in history class. America’s revolutions were formed on the idea that many people got together in a group and decided to produce change. Yet, students today are growing up in a world that is more importantly about themselves than the affect they have on the world.
http://ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07242009.html
Sunday, November 27, 2011
For a Moment.
This week, Occupy News posted the following picture. What do you see? People bending down as a few men hold hands.
What it is: Tahrir Square, Cairo: Christians protecting Muslims at prayer.
When I first saw this picture and read the caption, I was so moved that my eyes began to tear. I've always believed that our differences in beliefs have caused the most tragedy in this world. When we reject what we don't understand or fear, we lose out in the biggest opportunity to look into a different perspective. Egypt has a history of tension between their Muslim and Christian communities. In this picture, the citizens of Egypt are united in acting against their government and police force. It's the first time in many years that common people have revolted as a mass against their government. What is so moving to me is that people were able to put away their differences and protect one another. For a moment, no one was better than anyone else, no one's belief or religion was stronger. For a moment, people protected people.
Could you imagine the power we'd have if we'd commonly practice respect and appreciation for other human beings? Power. When I think of that word, I think of money, status, and greed. It's rare that I think of "good power.” What does "good power” look like?
It looks like this picture.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
This post is a commentary to: Arielle Hall's post: http://liberatedbythewords.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-much-can-you-or-i-change.html
I think that as a country, we hope to not be controlled by our past, so we record everything, hoping we'd never let history repeat itself. Yet, we are sitting in a continouse black hole in space that looks the same on every angle.
I think that we've become immune to seeing problems and never drawing more than one solution. We go with the only solution that we believe is good enough. War, is a good example of that.
I agree with you, Arielle, when you say "The problem I am still grappling with my relationship with the world." For, I too am grappling with that relationship;especially since we both hope to mark the world with change. It's hard to go about doing it because we're never taught how. I hope that being a teacher will open the most important door for change in the world.
I think that as a country, we hope to not be controlled by our past, so we record everything, hoping we'd never let history repeat itself. Yet, we are sitting in a continouse black hole in space that looks the same on every angle.
I think that we've become immune to seeing problems and never drawing more than one solution. We go with the only solution that we believe is good enough. War, is a good example of that.
I agree with you, Arielle, when you say "The problem I am still grappling with my relationship with the world." For, I too am grappling with that relationship;especially since we both hope to mark the world with change. It's hard to go about doing it because we're never taught how. I hope that being a teacher will open the most important door for change in the world.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Do you have U.D.S?
U.D.S: Ugly Duckling Syndrome. Yeah, I had no idea what this was until I heard it from a comedian. According to Urban Dictionary, it’s:
Ugly Duckling Syndrome:
“A Girl who grew up all her life unattractive until High School or College when she then "Blossomed" into a really hot girl. Unlike naturally pretty girls though, her self-esteem is pretty low (As it'll almost permanently be for life) but, she has a good heart, personality, and soul because that's all she could afford to have when she was unattractive. Also, any girl with UDS, will go out with any guy cause to her "Looks Doesn't Matter. As long as they have a good Sense of Humor." As long as they never realize that they're a Ten, they'll always be humbled and down to earth.
A girl with the Ugly Duckling Syndrome or UDS, is The Perfect Catch! She's a Perfect 10 both in and out and she'll do whatever you want her to do! She'll date anybody and could never do anything wrong to you because to her, she's lucky just to have you!”
–Urbandictionary.com
Based on other websites where I searched for the definition, I noticed that this UDS seems to be common in females than male. This obviously made me think of the story, “The Ugly Duckling”, in fact, in the original story, the duckling was a male. It’s interesting how self-conscious and self-esteem issues are more often portrayed in women when men feel the same way. Men may not display their feeling the same or deal with them in the same way, but they do have their days/moments when they’re not feeling their best.
I’m not sure I even like the term “U.D.S.” because it denounces a transformation that someone makes. In fact, what makes someone feel ugly before they feel beautiful is the fact that everyone else thought they were ugly. They seemed “different” because they did not have similar traits like everyone else. This is where being different as an adolescent is rejected and then accepted as an adult. We can’t seem to win with “difference,” either you’re rejected or admired. It is society that is labeling the word “different” and not the individual person.
If we change in looks or personality, media/society should not have the right to label that too. Our change is our work, our sweat, our time, how dare we “diagnose” that! Mad rude.
To anyone who has transformed in any positive way, congrats to you! No, you don’t have UDS, you’ve always been beautiful. I’m sorry people have made you feel otherwise. I’m sorry you let yourself feel otherwise.
Ugly Duckling Syndrome:
“A Girl who grew up all her life unattractive until High School or College when she then "Blossomed" into a really hot girl. Unlike naturally pretty girls though, her self-esteem is pretty low (As it'll almost permanently be for life) but, she has a good heart, personality, and soul because that's all she could afford to have when she was unattractive. Also, any girl with UDS, will go out with any guy cause to her "Looks Doesn't Matter. As long as they have a good Sense of Humor." As long as they never realize that they're a Ten, they'll always be humbled and down to earth.
A girl with the Ugly Duckling Syndrome or UDS, is The Perfect Catch! She's a Perfect 10 both in and out and she'll do whatever you want her to do! She'll date anybody and could never do anything wrong to you because to her, she's lucky just to have you!”
–Urbandictionary.com
Based on other websites where I searched for the definition, I noticed that this UDS seems to be common in females than male. This obviously made me think of the story, “The Ugly Duckling”, in fact, in the original story, the duckling was a male. It’s interesting how self-conscious and self-esteem issues are more often portrayed in women when men feel the same way. Men may not display their feeling the same or deal with them in the same way, but they do have their days/moments when they’re not feeling their best.
I’m not sure I even like the term “U.D.S.” because it denounces a transformation that someone makes. In fact, what makes someone feel ugly before they feel beautiful is the fact that everyone else thought they were ugly. They seemed “different” because they did not have similar traits like everyone else. This is where being different as an adolescent is rejected and then accepted as an adult. We can’t seem to win with “difference,” either you’re rejected or admired. It is society that is labeling the word “different” and not the individual person.
If we change in looks or personality, media/society should not have the right to label that too. Our change is our work, our sweat, our time, how dare we “diagnose” that! Mad rude.
To anyone who has transformed in any positive way, congrats to you! No, you don’t have UDS, you’ve always been beautiful. I’m sorry people have made you feel otherwise. I’m sorry you let yourself feel otherwise.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
"A Place Where Two Rivers Meet..."
“ A Place Where Two Rivers Meet…”
In a small village in Gujarat, India called Kadod, two rivers meet to create a passageway, still enough to still your heart. I was able to see the beauty these two rivers created from the back of Principal Mahida sir’s backyard. A tall, deeply rooted, old-aged tree sat pleasantly before this river as if it was there when the rivers met in matrimony. The tree was their witness.
A man on a boat caressed the water lightly with his fishing net hoping to catch enough fish to sell at the market. He was the only soul in the river that day as the sun set. The river help him afloat to the upmost esteem.
A young girl sat restlessly next to her grandfather wondering why he was staring at the river so wondrously.
“Grandfather,” she said “why are you staring at the river in that way?”
He smirked, letting out a small laugh. “Have I ever told you the story of how this river came into existence?” He watched as his granddaughter perked up in her posture awaiting for him to start his story.
_________
King Raj stood looking out of his balcony as he watched the sun disappear out of the sky, leaving rays of color upon little water that still belonged to the river that once lay greatly amongst his presence. He had great respect for the sun, but once it began to steal from his river, he only awoke every morning with the worry that the sun would take his river from him, and indeed it did. Now, what use to be a great river full of commerce, children splashing at one another carelessly, and women washing clothes vigorously, was a puddle and dry earth.
“Sire?”, King Raj’s thoughts were interrupted by his assistant, Kumar.
“Yes.” King Raj folded his hands behind his back and walked gracefully towards his desk. Sitting down, he lightly massaged his temples and took a sip of his cup of chai. The smell relaxed the folds in his forehead for a moment.
“Sire, your people are wondering what is it they will do for food now that the river is gone. How will our market thrive if our main staple is gone?” Kumar asked nervously, careful not to irritate King Raj even more with his endless questions. King Raj thought for a long moment. Once more, he looked out of his balcony. I cannot let my people starve, I must comfort them with some hope, he thought to himself.
He got up determinedly and exited his palace. Once he saw the crowd of worried mothers holding their crying babies, fathers carrying burdens upon their shoulders as they sat restlessly on the palace step, the determination ran furiously out of him, and he too began to feel the brunt of his people’s pain.
“ My people”, he said greatly “ I know we are at the most troublesome time, for we have no water, no fish, --no river. We must pray that the clouds bless us with the sound of rain in the days to come. I will not let you go hungry. For I too will remain hungry with you until we are all fed.” King Raj watched as his people rose with his words, growing slightly hopeful, then began to cheer. He let out a deep breath and walked back into his palace, Kumar following quickly behind him.
“ Sire, what exactly is your plan?” Kumar asked cleverly.
“ I’m not sure as yet…but I will find one.”
In a small village in Gujarat, India called Kadod, two rivers meet to create a passageway, still enough to still your heart. I was able to see the beauty these two rivers created from the back of Principal Mahida sir’s backyard. A tall, deeply rooted, old-aged tree sat pleasantly before this river as if it was there when the rivers met in matrimony. The tree was their witness.
A man on a boat caressed the water lightly with his fishing net hoping to catch enough fish to sell at the market. He was the only soul in the river that day as the sun set. The river help him afloat to the upmost esteem.
A young girl sat restlessly next to her grandfather wondering why he was staring at the river so wondrously.
“Grandfather,” she said “why are you staring at the river in that way?”
He smirked, letting out a small laugh. “Have I ever told you the story of how this river came into existence?” He watched as his granddaughter perked up in her posture awaiting for him to start his story.
_________
King Raj stood looking out of his balcony as he watched the sun disappear out of the sky, leaving rays of color upon little water that still belonged to the river that once lay greatly amongst his presence. He had great respect for the sun, but once it began to steal from his river, he only awoke every morning with the worry that the sun would take his river from him, and indeed it did. Now, what use to be a great river full of commerce, children splashing at one another carelessly, and women washing clothes vigorously, was a puddle and dry earth.
“Sire?”, King Raj’s thoughts were interrupted by his assistant, Kumar.
“Yes.” King Raj folded his hands behind his back and walked gracefully towards his desk. Sitting down, he lightly massaged his temples and took a sip of his cup of chai. The smell relaxed the folds in his forehead for a moment.
“Sire, your people are wondering what is it they will do for food now that the river is gone. How will our market thrive if our main staple is gone?” Kumar asked nervously, careful not to irritate King Raj even more with his endless questions. King Raj thought for a long moment. Once more, he looked out of his balcony. I cannot let my people starve, I must comfort them with some hope, he thought to himself.
He got up determinedly and exited his palace. Once he saw the crowd of worried mothers holding their crying babies, fathers carrying burdens upon their shoulders as they sat restlessly on the palace step, the determination ran furiously out of him, and he too began to feel the brunt of his people’s pain.
“ My people”, he said greatly “ I know we are at the most troublesome time, for we have no water, no fish, --no river. We must pray that the clouds bless us with the sound of rain in the days to come. I will not let you go hungry. For I too will remain hungry with you until we are all fed.” King Raj watched as his people rose with his words, growing slightly hopeful, then began to cheer. He let out a deep breath and walked back into his palace, Kumar following quickly behind him.
“ Sire, what exactly is your plan?” Kumar asked cleverly.
“ I’m not sure as yet…but I will find one.”
Monday, October 31, 2011
Invictus
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
I'm not sure what took me so long to ever read this poem. Maybe I have but the meaning wasn't probably the same for me back then or maybe I just didn't read it loud enough. You see, this poem serves great meaning to me today. Why? Because I am in a bit of a pickle. My degree is being tested every Thursday when I sit in the back of classrooms at Mineola H.S. The battle with myself is constantly at the highest peak of war and i ( the doubtful side) is winning against I.
I wish I could say that I have not "winced nor cried aloud" but indeed, i have. You will not find me unafraid, the truth is that i am. I fight everyday just like everyone else who fights every day. We fight because of who we are, because of what we look like, how we smell, what we wear, how we speak...everyone is fighting. Sometimes though,i believe we are mainly fighting ourselves for letting our souls become victims.
The word invisible usually has a negative connotation but right now, to me it means that my soul is so unconquerable that you just can't see it.
You can't see it because I am the captain of my being.
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
I'm not sure what took me so long to ever read this poem. Maybe I have but the meaning wasn't probably the same for me back then or maybe I just didn't read it loud enough. You see, this poem serves great meaning to me today. Why? Because I am in a bit of a pickle. My degree is being tested every Thursday when I sit in the back of classrooms at Mineola H.S. The battle with myself is constantly at the highest peak of war and i ( the doubtful side) is winning against I.
I wish I could say that I have not "winced nor cried aloud" but indeed, i have. You will not find me unafraid, the truth is that i am. I fight everyday just like everyone else who fights every day. We fight because of who we are, because of what we look like, how we smell, what we wear, how we speak...everyone is fighting. Sometimes though,i believe we are mainly fighting ourselves for letting our souls become victims.
The word invisible usually has a negative connotation but right now, to me it means that my soul is so unconquerable that you just can't see it.
You can't see it because I am the captain of my being.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sophia peered her eyes up, slowly browsing around the classroom. Everyone wrote furiously, some people stopping to shake cramps out of their hands. She looked back down at her exam:
You want to cut a recipe for cookies by one third (that is, you want to make only 2/3 of a full batch of cookies). Your measuring cup is marked with fourths of a cup and also milliliters. The recipe calls for 4 cups of flour. How many milliliters of flour are required for your reduced recipe?
A) 237
B) 632
C) 1264
D) 1896
Crap, now I'm hungry. Alright, focus Sophia, focus. I've got cups and milliliters. Wait, how much is a milliliter again? 100? oh no, it's definitely .10. But it's gotta be a high number if there are such big numbered options..., Sophia's mind began to race. She tried to open every file cabinet in her brain, bring back every memory of her sitting in math class and staring at the bored. Her palms began to sweat and her stomach growled once more. This was only the Math A Regents and she only had to pass...
You want to cut a recipe for cookies by one third (that is, you want to make only 2/3 of a full batch of cookies). Your measuring cup is marked with fourths of a cup and also milliliters. The recipe calls for 4 cups of flour. How many milliliters of flour are required for your reduced recipe?
A) 237
B) 632
C) 1264
D) 1896
Crap, now I'm hungry. Alright, focus Sophia, focus. I've got cups and milliliters. Wait, how much is a milliliter again? 100? oh no, it's definitely .10. But it's gotta be a high number if there are such big numbered options..., Sophia's mind began to race. She tried to open every file cabinet in her brain, bring back every memory of her sitting in math class and staring at the bored. Her palms began to sweat and her stomach growled once more. This was only the Math A Regents and she only had to pass...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Regret.
I always wondered that when I reached the ripe age of 95, will I have any regrets in my life? Being only 22, I can think of at least one that I have:
When I was about 10, my mother enrolled me in a dance class at an Indian dance studio. I had a huge passion for dance and I was really good at it, so I thought, why not take classes? The first few weeks of the class was easy and mundane. Then one day in class, my dance teacher turned on music and dared one of us to dance in front of everyone. He wanted to see who would be brave enough to do it. I was so nervous and scared that I just stood there, swearing to myself that I’d never go back if he would continue to put us on the spot, and so I never went back.
I later enrolled in hip-hop and tap classes, which I enjoyed immensely. Yet, whenever I heard Indian music or watched people perform Indian dances, a part of me yearns to be on stage dancing. In fact, I know I have a certain look on my face whenever I see Indian dancing. It’s this look of complete awe and sometimes it’s a little bit of regret in the thought that it could have been me dancing.
Looking at where I am now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come in everything I’ve achieved thus far, but when I’m alone in my room, turn on Indian music, and really dance, that regret dances with me too. I am a firm believer in the “it’s never too late” motto and I would enroll into dance classes but I don’t have the money or the time right now. I can’t wait until I do though, that way I can bring that part of my heart alive with dance. I don’t want to live with the regret that I stopped doing one of the things that made me feel alive, living now without it hurts me enough.
When I was about 10, my mother enrolled me in a dance class at an Indian dance studio. I had a huge passion for dance and I was really good at it, so I thought, why not take classes? The first few weeks of the class was easy and mundane. Then one day in class, my dance teacher turned on music and dared one of us to dance in front of everyone. He wanted to see who would be brave enough to do it. I was so nervous and scared that I just stood there, swearing to myself that I’d never go back if he would continue to put us on the spot, and so I never went back.
I later enrolled in hip-hop and tap classes, which I enjoyed immensely. Yet, whenever I heard Indian music or watched people perform Indian dances, a part of me yearns to be on stage dancing. In fact, I know I have a certain look on my face whenever I see Indian dancing. It’s this look of complete awe and sometimes it’s a little bit of regret in the thought that it could have been me dancing.
Looking at where I am now, I’m proud of how far I’ve come in everything I’ve achieved thus far, but when I’m alone in my room, turn on Indian music, and really dance, that regret dances with me too. I am a firm believer in the “it’s never too late” motto and I would enroll into dance classes but I don’t have the money or the time right now. I can’t wait until I do though, that way I can bring that part of my heart alive with dance. I don’t want to live with the regret that I stopped doing one of the things that made me feel alive, living now without it hurts me enough.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Draft #2
“…although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming it.”—Helen Keller,Optimism 1903
Helen Keller once wrote in her book, Optimism (1903), “ …although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming it.” In other words, people everyday come face to face with challenges that make them feel like there is no future or light in their path. However, this does not mean that the world will remain dark; it also means that there are many people who have suffered but overcame their suffering.Change: However,....it also means that there are many people who overcome their suffering. Two novels that prove this quote true are The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brian and Sold by Patricia Mccormick.
Firstly, in Tim O’Brian’s The Things They Carried, every soldier’s story that the narrator tells is one of internal suffering. Change: internal conflict. Many of the men simply want to go back to their homes but instead must also suffer in the worst conditions, for a war they may or may not support, while missing those they love and long for at home. Change: Tim O'Brian wants to go back home but instead must fight in a war he does not support, in the worst conditions. Soldiers, if they haven’t been killed, are sent home to overcome their suffering but not many overcome it. The author writes Change: Tim O'Brian writes his story to share with others like him who did suffer. The telling of his story is his form of overcoming his suffering.
Secondly, the women and young girls in Sold, bare a different type of suffering than the characters in O’Brian’s novel, but it is suffering all the same. Being devalued as a woman, as a human, being monetarily valued, are all the types of suffering that may not look like one can overcome. Lakshmi’s value for her life decreases every day and she must hold on to every little hope she can, which eventually influences her to free herself from her oppression.
What is interesting about both novels is that both the main characters, O’Brian and Lakshmi, had to motivate themselves to overcome their suffering. In other words, although their suffering was completely different but extreme, they could no longer live within themselves if they did not save themselves out of their oppression. Although O’Brian could not immediately leave the war, when he did finally return home, a huge part of him was still there. In order to cope with all that he saw and experienced, he had to overcome it by writing. His audience, soldiers who fought in the war like him, can use his novel as a way to overcome their experience too. As for Lakshmi, it was only until she learned to value her life to be more than forty rupees, that she was able to yell out her name to the man she hoped came to rescue her.
Finally, in agreement to Helen Keller’s quote, I believe that as people, we may feel like we suffer alone but it is only when we motivate ourselves to overcome our hardships, do we see that there are many others like us who have fought the oppression. Tim O’Brian and Lakshmi are two of many characters who have found motivation within themselves and their surroundings to overcome their plight.
Helen Keller once wrote in her book, Optimism (1903), “ …although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming it.” In other words, people everyday come face to face with challenges that make them feel like there is no future or light in their path. However, this does not mean that the world will remain dark; it also means that there are many people who have suffered but overcame their suffering.Change: However,....it also means that there are many people who overcome their suffering. Two novels that prove this quote true are The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brian and Sold by Patricia Mccormick.
Firstly, in Tim O’Brian’s The Things They Carried, every soldier’s story that the narrator tells is one of internal suffering. Change: internal conflict. Many of the men simply want to go back to their homes but instead must also suffer in the worst conditions, for a war they may or may not support, while missing those they love and long for at home. Change: Tim O'Brian wants to go back home but instead must fight in a war he does not support, in the worst conditions. Soldiers, if they haven’t been killed, are sent home to overcome their suffering but not many overcome it. The author writes Change: Tim O'Brian writes his story to share with others like him who did suffer. The telling of his story is his form of overcoming his suffering.
Secondly, the women and young girls in Sold, bare a different type of suffering than the characters in O’Brian’s novel, but it is suffering all the same. Being devalued as a woman, as a human, being monetarily valued, are all the types of suffering that may not look like one can overcome. Lakshmi’s value for her life decreases every day and she must hold on to every little hope she can, which eventually influences her to free herself from her oppression.
What is interesting about both novels is that both the main characters, O’Brian and Lakshmi, had to motivate themselves to overcome their suffering. In other words, although their suffering was completely different but extreme, they could no longer live within themselves if they did not save themselves out of their oppression. Although O’Brian could not immediately leave the war, when he did finally return home, a huge part of him was still there. In order to cope with all that he saw and experienced, he had to overcome it by writing. His audience, soldiers who fought in the war like him, can use his novel as a way to overcome their experience too. As for Lakshmi, it was only until she learned to value her life to be more than forty rupees, that she was able to yell out her name to the man she hoped came to rescue her.
Finally, in agreement to Helen Keller’s quote, I believe that as people, we may feel like we suffer alone but it is only when we motivate ourselves to overcome our hardships, do we see that there are many others like us who have fought the oppression. Tim O’Brian and Lakshmi are two of many characters who have found motivation within themselves and their surroundings to overcome their plight.
Monday, October 3, 2011
“…although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming it.”—Helen Keller, Optimism 1903
To begin with, Helen Keller once wrote in her book, Optimism (1903), “ …although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming it.” In other words, people everyday come face to face with challenges that make them feel like there is no future or light in their path. However, this does not mean that the world will remain dark; it also means that there are many people who have suffered but overcame their suffering. Two novels that prove this quote true are, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brian and Sold, by Patricia Mccormick.
Firstly, in Tim O’Brian’s, The Things They Carried, every soldier’s story that the narrator tells is one of internal suffering. Many of the men simply want to go back to their homes but instead must also suffer in the worst conditions, for a war they may or may not support, while missing those they love and long for at home. Soldiers, if they haven’t been killed, are sent home to overcome their suffering but not many overcome it. The author writes his story to share with others like him who did suffer. The telling of his story is his form of overcoming his suffering.
Secondly, the women and young girls in Sold, bare a different type of suffering than the characters in O’Brian’s novel, but it is suffering all the same. Being devalued as a woman, as a human, being monetarily valued, are all the types of suffering that may not look like one can overcome. Lakshmi’s value for her life decreases every day and she must hold on to every little hope she can, which eventually influences her to free herself from her oppression.
What is interesting about both novels is that both the main characters, O’Brian and Lakshmi, had to motivate themselves to overcome their suffering. In other words, although their suffering was completely different but extreme, they could no longer live within themselves if they did not save themselves out of their oppression. Although O’Brian could not immediately leave the war, when he did finally return home, a huge part of him was still there. In order to cope with all that he saw and experienced, he had to overcome it by writing. His audience, soldiers who fought in the war like him, can use his novel as a way to overcome their experience too. As for Lakshmi, it was only until she learned to value her life to be more than forty rupees, that she was able to yell out her name to the man she hoped came to rescue her.
Finally, in agreement to Helen Keller’s quote, I believe that as people, we may feel like we suffer alone but it is only when we motivate ourselves to overcome our hardships, do we see that there are many others like us who have fought the oppression. Tim O’Brian and Lakshmi are two of many characters who have found motivation within themselves and their surroundings to overcome their plight.
To begin with, Helen Keller once wrote in her book, Optimism (1903), “ …although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming it.” In other words, people everyday come face to face with challenges that make them feel like there is no future or light in their path. However, this does not mean that the world will remain dark; it also means that there are many people who have suffered but overcame their suffering. Two novels that prove this quote true are, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brian and Sold, by Patricia Mccormick.
Firstly, in Tim O’Brian’s, The Things They Carried, every soldier’s story that the narrator tells is one of internal suffering. Many of the men simply want to go back to their homes but instead must also suffer in the worst conditions, for a war they may or may not support, while missing those they love and long for at home. Soldiers, if they haven’t been killed, are sent home to overcome their suffering but not many overcome it. The author writes his story to share with others like him who did suffer. The telling of his story is his form of overcoming his suffering.
Secondly, the women and young girls in Sold, bare a different type of suffering than the characters in O’Brian’s novel, but it is suffering all the same. Being devalued as a woman, as a human, being monetarily valued, are all the types of suffering that may not look like one can overcome. Lakshmi’s value for her life decreases every day and she must hold on to every little hope she can, which eventually influences her to free herself from her oppression.
What is interesting about both novels is that both the main characters, O’Brian and Lakshmi, had to motivate themselves to overcome their suffering. In other words, although their suffering was completely different but extreme, they could no longer live within themselves if they did not save themselves out of their oppression. Although O’Brian could not immediately leave the war, when he did finally return home, a huge part of him was still there. In order to cope with all that he saw and experienced, he had to overcome it by writing. His audience, soldiers who fought in the war like him, can use his novel as a way to overcome their experience too. As for Lakshmi, it was only until she learned to value her life to be more than forty rupees, that she was able to yell out her name to the man she hoped came to rescue her.
Finally, in agreement to Helen Keller’s quote, I believe that as people, we may feel like we suffer alone but it is only when we motivate ourselves to overcome our hardships, do we see that there are many others like us who have fought the oppression. Tim O’Brian and Lakshmi are two of many characters who have found motivation within themselves and their surroundings to overcome their plight.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Are You Serious? Grow Up.
I have had a serious streak all my life. I grew up having to be responsible, considerate, and giving because I am the eldest of three. Now, being 22, I’m not sure I remember what it’s like to have fun, to really enjoy life. Is it possible that I didn’t come with a fun bone?
I surround myself around all types of personalities and sometimes I find myself taking the “responsible adult” role. It’s only with selective people, that I really show my “silly” side. Yet, sometimes even with them, I’m perceived as “crazy”. I hope it’s a good crazy. Maybe, I should get some clarification on that.
I remember when I was 18, my cousin said that I have a lot of growing up to do. Although, she was right, I did need to grow up, I asked her why she said that. She replied, “You have this excitement about everything” and then I lost my excitement.
I have always wanted to be a “grown-up”, whatever that means. Now that I am half way there, I don’t think it’s much fun. Who made up that rule that we had to lose excitement and be serious when we become adults? I want to know the difference between having fun and turning on the serious button. If stress, sadness, depression are all leading killers in our nation, why should we let excitement and happiness slip through the frowns of our faces?
Now, I’m going to live by the following belief: If I haven’t laughed for the day. It’s a day wasted.
New Goal: be excited, have fun, be happy. Aint’ nobody gonna’ do it for me.
I surround myself around all types of personalities and sometimes I find myself taking the “responsible adult” role. It’s only with selective people, that I really show my “silly” side. Yet, sometimes even with them, I’m perceived as “crazy”. I hope it’s a good crazy. Maybe, I should get some clarification on that.
I remember when I was 18, my cousin said that I have a lot of growing up to do. Although, she was right, I did need to grow up, I asked her why she said that. She replied, “You have this excitement about everything” and then I lost my excitement.
I have always wanted to be a “grown-up”, whatever that means. Now that I am half way there, I don’t think it’s much fun. Who made up that rule that we had to lose excitement and be serious when we become adults? I want to know the difference between having fun and turning on the serious button. If stress, sadness, depression are all leading killers in our nation, why should we let excitement and happiness slip through the frowns of our faces?
Now, I’m going to live by the following belief: If I haven’t laughed for the day. It’s a day wasted.
New Goal: be excited, have fun, be happy. Aint’ nobody gonna’ do it for me.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Who Fought Standardized Tests?
Vito Perrone Sr. did.
Who is this man? I didn’t know who he was until I browsed the New York Times yesterday. Mr. Perrone was an activist, professor, and implementer of educational reform. He dedicated his life to leading many young teachers towards activism and opened many eyes on what policy makers really were leaving behind in “No Child Left Behind.” He inspired people like Jonathan Kozol ( one of my biggest inspirations) to write his book, Death at an Early Age. When I read this, my heart sank because not only do I want to meet Kozol, but I want to meet the person who inspired Kozol. Sadly, I no longer can.
Let’s take a moment of silence.
…wait...now that he’s gone, who’s going to fight against standardized tests?
Me?
I was waiting for you.
Waiting.
That seems like something our youth has been really good at. We’re all waiting for “those people” to stand up and say, “No, this is wrong.”
Like most famous people who pass, their songs are played for centuries to come, movies are made about them, books written, but what can I can do to continuously remember Mr. Perrone? In fact, change that previous statement: …but what can WE do to continuously remember Mr. Perrone?
Stop being silent.
Yes, I said it. Stop being silent. Stop waiting for someone else to take Mr. Perrone’s place. We are the educators. We are the ones who have to teach to the exam, show our students how to narrow down vague answers to mundane stories; we are the ones who have to teach to a system that will be forgotten every day once the bell rings at 3. What’s that quote again? If you’re silent about the things that are wrong, you’re accepting it? Something along those lines. If we only accept and complain, we might as well bow down to the system of standardized tests.
As a future teacher, I wish I knew of more people like Mr. Perrone, Jonathan Kozol, or Alfie Kohn but I don’t. Therefore I must find them in my colleagues and professors. Most importantly, I must recreate them within myself.
Who is this man? I didn’t know who he was until I browsed the New York Times yesterday. Mr. Perrone was an activist, professor, and implementer of educational reform. He dedicated his life to leading many young teachers towards activism and opened many eyes on what policy makers really were leaving behind in “No Child Left Behind.” He inspired people like Jonathan Kozol ( one of my biggest inspirations) to write his book, Death at an Early Age. When I read this, my heart sank because not only do I want to meet Kozol, but I want to meet the person who inspired Kozol. Sadly, I no longer can.
Let’s take a moment of silence.
…wait...now that he’s gone, who’s going to fight against standardized tests?
Me?
I was waiting for you.
Waiting.
That seems like something our youth has been really good at. We’re all waiting for “those people” to stand up and say, “No, this is wrong.”
Like most famous people who pass, their songs are played for centuries to come, movies are made about them, books written, but what can I can do to continuously remember Mr. Perrone? In fact, change that previous statement: …but what can WE do to continuously remember Mr. Perrone?
Stop being silent.
Yes, I said it. Stop being silent. Stop waiting for someone else to take Mr. Perrone’s place. We are the educators. We are the ones who have to teach to the exam, show our students how to narrow down vague answers to mundane stories; we are the ones who have to teach to a system that will be forgotten every day once the bell rings at 3. What’s that quote again? If you’re silent about the things that are wrong, you’re accepting it? Something along those lines. If we only accept and complain, we might as well bow down to the system of standardized tests.
As a future teacher, I wish I knew of more people like Mr. Perrone, Jonathan Kozol, or Alfie Kohn but I don’t. Therefore I must find them in my colleagues and professors. Most importantly, I must recreate them within myself.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Who Am I as a Teacher?
I've been teaching for many, many years now. Well, I've been teaching an imaginary classroom, for many, many years now. That counts as experience, right? I have also been writing since the third grade by pouring every account of my day into journals. I call them the “Felicia Volumes 1-10”. I am not the type of writer that is completely fixated on the way my sentences look. Meaning, I don't really care about grammar. I care more about how my sentences convey what I feel and how they make my reader feel.
As a teacher and writer, I want my students to gain what they can in terms of grammar and syntax but more importantly, I want them to be able to turn to writing as an outlet of emotions. That was what it was for me in the third grade, when I received my first journal from my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Shombs. I still remember her and that moment she gave me my journal to this day. I had been bullied my whole elementary educational experience and I hated going to school for that reason. Writing in journals helped me express how I felt at every given moment because it was always right there with me. That's the thing about writing; all you need are your hands. There is no depending on another person, relying on someone to pick up the pieces that seemed to break instantly in your life. All you need to do is find somewhere to write.
As a teacher and writer, I want my students to gain what they can in terms of grammar and syntax but more importantly, I want them to be able to turn to writing as an outlet of emotions. That was what it was for me in the third grade, when I received my first journal from my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Shombs. I still remember her and that moment she gave me my journal to this day. I had been bullied my whole elementary educational experience and I hated going to school for that reason. Writing in journals helped me express how I felt at every given moment because it was always right there with me. That's the thing about writing; all you need are your hands. There is no depending on another person, relying on someone to pick up the pieces that seemed to break instantly in your life. All you need to do is find somewhere to write.
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