One Month From Yesterday

In one month (from yesterday), I will be graduating.  Graduating High School, the place I've been for the past 4 years.  The place where I have grown into the person I am today--the student I am today.  The place where bonds were made and some where broken.  The place where my future unfolded before my eyes without me even knowing.  It is unbelievable to think the place I have come to call my "second home" is now just going to go back to being the building I can see outside my kitchen window or from standing atop my diving board.  I say its just going to be a building but I know I will never look at it like that.  There were so many memories made inside that building (while some better than others) that I will never forget.  I give a big shout out to all the teachers who have had my back for the past four years.  They have put up with my tears and my high stress levels.  They gave me those words I needed when I was ready to give up.  They have held my hand through these years and it sure will be empty when I have to let go.  But letting go is okay.  It is time.  I was never the biggest fan of high school to begin with.  So it is time to close my locker for a final time and open up the that next chapter in the book of "me."  I am ready.  One month from yesterday, I will be graduating.

Doonesbury

This cartoon plays off of the attitude of teachers who believe in placing their students on high pedestals even when it is not deserved.  The teacher in the cartoon has a realistic mind set and is putting reality into focus for her students.  She is giving it to them cold and true.  The teacher explains that you have to work for success.  Success is not something that is just going to land in your lap if you give something half your effort.  However, there are teachers out there who will continue to praise their students for not doing 100% or just simply “showing up”.  This attitude is shadowed in other activities such as little league sports.  So the team did not place 1^st, does that mean they shouldn’t receive a trophy too?  If children start out thinking they are going to be rewarded even if they didn’t achieve “first place standards”, why would they try?  If something is just going to be handed to them for showing up, why give extra effort?  That is why this cartoon is so crucial.  Teachers need to start understanding their students need to work for their grade.  Teachers need to see firsthand they can’t just give their students false hope that they are doing exactly what they are supposed to.  Teach them right.  Show them the correct way to achieve good grades.  Then the students will understand the reality of life.  You have to work for what you earn.  It is not just “a-given” that greatness can be achieved. 

Sequoia Cheating

Cheating, plagiarizing, and simply not creating your own idea is a great offensive to the person you’re stealing from, but also, you are cheating from yourself.  The mind at work is an incredible thing.  To let something so amazing go to waste is a heartache.  Sure, we all have our moments.  Maybe we don’t have the time or we are having “writers block”.  Especially in an honors class, the pressure to do the best work all the time is at its max.  This creates a huge amount of stress on students to perform their best all the time.  This request is unforgiving and at most times, unfair.  The situation with the student from Sequoia High School is an interesting one greatly because of sheets signed in the beginning of the year regarding rules and regulations for cheating.  Two papers contradict themselves.  One “declares cheating is grounds for immediate removal from the advanced-level program”, while the other “states that a student will be removed from the program only after a second plagiarism offense.”  So which side wins? It will be interesting to see who prevails with the best arguments.  My opinion: the student is a sophomore, it was the first time, and the student is probably just getting used to the demand of high school.  This whole debacle has taught the lesson itself, I am sure.  So think logically here.  Second chances, second offence; everyone deserves one.

Tryvon Martin

It is interesting how this article points out the harsh reality of the role that media outlets play in a news story.  It is mind-blowing to think that station A could change the focus on certain facts just to catch the attention of a certain audience.  Deggans says himself, “I think at some point, this story became different things for different media outlets, depending on how they galvanized audiences.”  This proves that once the story is in the hands of a company, there is no range of how far left or right they can pull the facts.  This also then creates a fear not covering the whole range of the story.  “On Fox News, there is sense of worrying about a rush to judgment, trying to reflect George Zimmerman, the shooter's side.”  We see here how on Fox, they are concerned about one side more than the other, leaving viewers to obtain a biased take on the situation.  I understand that if someone is watching a certain news station, they have come to know which side the station takes on a story.  Even with that knowledge, I still believe it is just to give each side of the story, allowing the viewers to create their own opinions and stand points. This case has troubled me from the beginning.  To think that news stations are taking sides within their company is troubling me even more.  It was a confrontation, not a death threat.  In my eyes, Zimmerman is taking it way too far by claiming self defense. 

You Come So Close (Wash. Twp. Teen)

Having gone all day Sunday without hearing about the Washington Twp. Senior who died in a car crash late Saturday night, has left my heart in an ache.  First off, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends who she has left behind.  It is hard to think that in one moment, you have everyone around you that you love and in an instant, they are taken from you.  After watching the video posted of the vigil that was held for her on Sunday, I was able to see firsthand the pain that those individuals were going through.  It hurt me just to watch it; I can only imagine what type of real pain the friends and family have to endure.

Being a high school senior myself, I have a feeling of accomplishment and readiness for that next step in my life.  I have come so far in these past 4 years and I have confidence inside me when I look ahead to the new chapter I will be starting this summer.  To think that this was all taken away from a senior just like me is unimaginable.  Her dreams and goals she has built up to this point, her success and readiness for that next step, all taken away in that instant.  I cannot even wrap my head around this.  For someone who has come so far in her life and to have built up all that has become her, it is beyond anyone’s thoughts that it could all just be taken away.  She came so close to that new chapter.  However, that new chapter is just going to be written differently than what was expected. 

It Is Finally Over

The adventure has finally come to a close, or should I say it is just beginning?   After traveling down to Charleston, South Carolina last week, I knew my mind had been made up.  My mom and I attended the two-day “Accepted Student Weekend” at the College of Charleston.  I knew I was going to love the school but the question was, “will the communications program be what I am looking for?”  After day one, I was not feeling so great about the information I was receiving and my carefree mood instantly went down in the dumps.  However, I was not going to give up.  I kept an open mind hoping day two would show me something I was missing.  It started out that morning when I had a revelation about the academic s I was interested in.  I had planted in my head that I was majoring in Communications and minoring in a form of journalism, preferably broadcast.  There was no question, it was what I wanted and I was going to get it.  But then it came to me.  After meeting with a professor the day before and hearing wise words from my mother, I saw a different light.  It is not always smart to study two topics that are fairly close in relation with one another.  I will have my core focus be on communications but why not change up the sub-focus?  And that is when it came to me: I will minor in Hospitality.  There is absolutely no better place than Charleston South Carolina to study such a topic.  I was so excited about my decision and could not wait to see what the rest of the day held.  Before our weekend came to a close, the last event on the agenda was to talk to students.  I happened to find someone who was majoring in communications AND minoring in hospitality! (How did I get so lucky?)  This girl was so passionate about her studies, Charleston, and her life!  Seeing how happy she was at the College and how just two simple topics could make her eyes widen, I knew it was time.  I turned to my mom and said I was ready to go make that deposit.  About an hour later, I was officially a Charleston Cougar. 

Reality TV

"I think [reality TV] is affecting teens in the way they don't understand the difference between the good things it takes to be a celebrity and the bad," Wells said. "The danger in that is they don't have an issue compromising their morals for the purpose of celebrity and everything that celebrity brings. In their minds, the end justifies the means."

Reality TV was made for entertainment.  The desired age group aims for teenagers who will be drawn into the mundane tasks performed by celebrities, which to them will mean all the world.  This is will create a buzz among the teens, attracting more viewers to the show.  Here comes the downfall.  While the booming ratings are great for the show, the lifestyle of the teenager will come crashing down.  Automatically, teens will begin to think that what they see is how they should act.  It becomes their “birthright” to swim in luxuries and unnecessary expenses.  But when they see the celebrities doing it, they believe that must be the only way.  Teenagers will lose sight of what they should hold high in their lives at sixteen years old.  Instead, they will be raising Starbucks coffee cups and neglecting normal conversations with their parents.  The morals of these teens will be based off of the “cattiness” that they see on the screen, rather than how their parents raised them all the years before.  The teenagers will stride to emulate the lifestyle of the teens on the screen, partying when they want, spending what they don’t have, and simply just being non-realistic on a day-to-day basis.  There needs to be a point in which teenagers can stop and think,"’I saw how cool those parties were…and yes, I get a little jealous of the people on the show, but I know it's not me,’” just as Fitzgerald said in the article.  Like I said, reality TV was made for entertainment, and I truly believe that.  However, the shows need to be watched with a filter and reminders that even though those celebrities look like they are living a normal life, being a celebrity is their job.  Reality TV is hardly realistic. 

Rush

Terminology plays a large factor in everyday speech.   A word or statement can be taken in one way and then everything becomes blown out of proportion.  The true meaning of what was trying to be said is then rushed to be put together in the way it was suppose to come out sounding.  However, the case with Limbaugh, there was no mistake.  He out front called Sandra Fluke a “slut” and “prostitute” after she stood up for what she believed was right.  If her college is going to make her obtain health insurance, she wants the coverage to be complete.  In her case, the completion includes the coverage of birth control.  The first thought after hearing those words is sex.  Therefore, she must be having sex to want/need to be on these pills.  That is not at all the case.  If Limbaugh was educated to not be so quick to jump to conclusions, he would take into consideration that birth control serves many alternative purposes.  Women go through many health issues and routines.  Birth control covers many of the problems and helps regulate such occurrences.  But no, that is not good enough for Limbaugh.  Take a look at former G.O.P. leader/Viagra spokesperson.  You are mixing government with a “sex issue” right there.  But this situation is far worse!  It now becomes a battle of the sexes.  Men can get away with “needing” a pill that stands for only one sole purpose: to be able to have sex.  But then you throw women into the mix who want to be on a pill to regulate health issues and it causes all sorts of uproar. 

It is easy to jump to conclusions.  However, it is at no time professional or morally correct.  If you are going to make a comment on something or especially someone, make sure all your research is completed first.  Make sure you know what you are talking about and not just focusing on the surface “truth”.   There is a lot more than what meets the eye.  Look before you speak.

South Park

'It goes without saying - but let's say it anyway - that nobody is required to watch the show"

When a show is created, there is bound to be some controversy; especially when the main issue is pointed at religion.  However, shows are created for enjoyment, and in this case, humor and comedy.  But when the ideas of some do not match up to the ideas of others, disputes are on the rise.  So let the people “picket the studios,” it is there right—just like it was the creators right to produce the show.  This article is dead on when they made the point that no one is forced to sit down and watch the show.  It was created for viewing pleasure, not punishment.  Viewers have the choice to watch the show or walk away from it. If it’s offensive, then ignore it.  Keep the show for what it was created for, comedy.  Not controversy.

Newspapers

Its all in the name.  From the beginning of this article, readers can learn that a name means so much.  Whether it is the name of someone who is writing a story or the name of the paper they are publishing it in, the name governs all.  Once someone has written something, they are held accountable for their words.  All focus is going to be on that writer for the appearance of, "a typo or factual error, for an ad that wasn't run as promised, (or) for a late paper," states Kevin Ferris.  That is why a name is so important.  Once a writer brands their name onto a piece of work, just as much focus will be on them as their words and actions.  If a biased has been made, a judgement of character will be made as well.  "No business person in his right mind wants to anger readers" but sometimes that is what is the result of writing what you believe.

However, if the paper a writer has chosen to write in does not make a name for themselves, the writer's name will no longer matter as well.  Just like it is all about name, remember, it is a business too.  "No matter how talented the writers and photographers,...they couldn't put those talents to use if your newspaper wasn't making money." Ferris puts this reality into focus for his readers and makes it known that with lack of popularity and revenue, the writer will lose his or her hard work to a failing production.  With the increase of electronic use, the newspaper's value has gone down and their business is falling with time.  In order to regain popularity, writers need to make a splash and highlight their names again.  This is where talent will outshine the paper and draw in more readers, resulting in a positive increase in sales.

With the name newly furnished and the talent fresh, a newspaper is sure to keep up confidence and talents of the writers will be able to stand out and draw far away from ever being wasted.

Greater Than Us

It was a night of emotions, talent, and excitement at the 54th Grammy Awards.  Singers of all genres came out in their best fashions to be share in the night of performances and award presentations.  This year, the spot light was directed towards pop singer Adele.  Her recent vocal mishap left her cancelling tour dates and muting her breathtaking talent.  However, the 54^th Grammy’s were here and presented her time to shine (and boy she did!).  After undergoing throat surgery last fall, her fans had missed Adele’s appearances and angelic voice.  But last night when she took the stage, Adele left everyone in the audience on their feet.  The reaction from the audience was definitely the other lasting impression aside from the performance itself.  The energy and substantial reaction the audience gave by rising to their feet surely left Adele awestruck and more appreciative than ever.  This surely was a remarkable event.  Adele hit every note perfectly as though the surgery was just a dream.  This goes to show what kind of heart and determination this new artist holds.  Adele faced the odds and pushed towards excellence.  She did not want to let her fans down and not once did she give up. 

This is just one of many examples as to why it is a life goal of mine to one day attend the Grammy Awards.  I do not have to be in attendance as an artist or anyone special, I just want to be able to be a part of such a night that cannot be put into words.  As LL Cool J said himself in the beginning of the night, “this night is about something greater than us, it's about music.” 

And I for one truly believe that.

The Bookstores Last Stand

With electronics on the rise, bookstores find their businesses in jeopardy.  With a great fear of going under, bookstores such as Barnes & Noble take a stand to fight back.  They are eager to put a team together to crank out something that will save the business but unfortunately, they are on a time crunch.  To stand up to other competitors such as the Kindle and the iPad, the team creates the Nook: Barnes & Nobel's own e-reader.  This will put Barnes & Noble back on the map with hopes of increased sales and popularity. 

In the ideal world, a little bit of both sounds perfect, right?  However, that is not always the case.  With electronics teaming up with the old paperbacks, it becomes more of a competition, with electronics coming out on top.  That is why it is crucial for bookstores to create something that will keep up their popularity.  This idea seems smart and harmless up front, but in the long run, could hurt the business and their partners. 

With all eyes on the electronic devices, the popularity in book sales will decrease.  This will not necessarily hurt the company first hand but others such as publishers and authors.  If not all the proceeds from the sales are distributed properly, those deserving credit will be left in the dark.  On the contrast, some might find reading from devices such as the Nook more enjoyable which will increase sales from unexpected parties.

As long as there is a good balance between new and old, advancements in businesses will be a step in the right direction.  Keeping up with completion in today’s society is key and some sacrifices must be made in order to stay on top.

Winter What?

After ten days of not having to report to school for scheduled classes, students should be left feeling refreshed and ready to start off the new year.  However, that is not the case this year.  At least for me.  Five days out of the ten day break I had to report to school at 8:00am and earlier.  Its called Winter Track.  There is no break.  Having practice that kicks your butt so early in the morning leaves you tired and not wanting to do anything for the rest of the day.  So I would come home in a bad mood and not even really get the chance to settle down.  With the limited amount of break we had, there was not much time to do everything on my "wish list."  Having to juggle wanting to see friends home from college, spending time with the family, and working, before I knew it, my break was over.  I like to use winter break as a time to catch up on some lingering school work but every time I attempted to start, I was distracted and wanted to go do something else.  Maybe senior year is getting to me?  But coming into school today, the first day back, I had much anxiety hearing about all the work that is due in a short amount of time.  Everything just escaped me.  Coming back sick does not help the matter either.  But enough with the negative.  I haven't heard one positive out of any one's mouth today and it is pretty much on my last nerve.  So its time to suck it up and be productive.  One foot in front of the other.  One project at a time.