The People That Create Us

What is friendship? Is it just people to be with? Or is something more? I've always had differences from everyone else. I can remember when I could count how many friends I had on one hand. Given, I had other "friends" but not the people that I truly consider friends. According to www.merriam-webster.com, a friend is one attatched to another by affection or esteem. I find that definition to be so vague and indescript. A true friend cannot be explained in a simple sentence or definition; because a friend and their meaning vary person to person. A friend to one person may be the exact opposite to another. What fascinates me is the affect of friends on an individual. In my opinion, a person is not just there, they don't simply exist and grow on their own. An individual is created by those around them, they use the actions of others to build their character. A real friend is family; they protect you and provide safety when you need it most. A lack of blood similarity doesn't stop brotherly/sisterly love.

Until this year, I haven't had true friends. I mean, one or two here or there of course, but never the same as i have now. After involving myself fully in the theatre/music/art world, I have found somewhere that I can call a home. I feel like home is not necessarily a house, I feel that is just commonly thought of as synonomous. Instead I believe a home is somewhere safe, a haven where anything can be shared and everything feels right. My family, my parents and brother, have always been there, always. And they always will be. I am ever grateful for everything I've recieved from having the most wonderful family in the world. However, I feel there is a place for everything; by that I mean some things that occur, that are shared with the family are completely different from those with friends. I know there are certain things I would not want to discuss with my family, however those things would literally make everything right if talked about with friends. Friends are family to me. TRUE friends, which are rare and few but always there. Always. They are the people that create you and me. They get us through the hard times and they go through them with us. And those who don't, are weeded out slowly until only 'they' are left. They being those who us. Those who ARE us. I mean, if they create us, aren't they a part of us. It's a mysterious thing. People grow together; a common cliche phrase which is so unbelievably evident looking at people. When two people talk simultaneously and freak each other out, it's proven. People become one another in a sense. They create each other and in the process create themselves using the same thoughts and ideals. Phenomenons such as this are indescribable and irrational. And yet, wonderful things to experience.

A life without friends is hardly a life. How could we live without people taking a ride along with us. After all, "success is not the same alone".

"Walk you Home" by Karmina
Slow down, what's on your mind?
It's alright, I'm on your side.
I hate to see your injury, I wish that you could transfer all
Your pain to me.
Stay here, it's ok to cry.
Let me help you make it right.
Lets turn on a radio, let the bands remind you that you're not
Alone.
We all get low.

Even the brave may depend on someone.
The moon only shines with the help of the sun.
It's not as safe when you're walking alone.
I'll walk you home.

Sun's out, but it feels like rain.
So I will, illuminate your day.
I'm afraid I'm losing it, what's it gonna take for me to get
through this?

Even the brave may depend on someone,
The moon only shines with the help of the sun.
It's not as safe when you're walking alone.
I'll walk you home.

Need the band to play the song.
Someone's hand to keep you strong.
It's harder when you're on your own.
Success is not the same alone.
Can't have up without the down.
Need the straight to have the round.
I'll provide the harmony,
Your song is best accompanied.

Even the brave may depend on someone,
the moon only shines with the help of the sun.
It's not as safe when you're walking alone.
I'll walk you home.

The Drive of Humans

Human nature is so fascinating. Why do we love to compete with one another? What makes us so driven to win and beat our peers? Throughout the last few weeks, I have noticed and thought about the amount of competition, both healthy and hurtfull, going on around me. I find the ugly side of human nature comes out much more than it should when competition occurs. Not only do I see this in sports, arts, etc. but in simple everyday life; everyone feels they need to be better than everyone else. I personally don't like competing very much. I don't like proving I'm better than everyone else because everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.

I know my view on competing is extremely obsqure; I say that because I am VERY competetive, and yet, I really don't like competing. And to put these thoughts into words is very difficult. I just feel like there is so much unecessary competition accompanied by necessary competition. Clearly, the real world of jobs if full of requisite competition. But looking at the little things such as grades in school; students focus too much on comparing with one another, they forget to look at realizing and knowing their strengths and working to improve weaknesses. I am being quite hypocritical here in the sense that I compare myself to others so much, I forget to realize there are good things about me. However, I see it in others, and realize that it is both helpful and hurtful. It is helpful because having others who are better than you at something pushes you and helps you grow in that area. But when people beat themselves up by comparing themselves to others is extremely degenerating to one's energy and happiness.

Personally, I like performing and creating for others pleasure than competing. I feel that I am not accomplishing anything when I am just putting other people down whereas I am only entertaining and pleasing others when I am performing or creating something. For example, in my auditioning for the spring musical, I find the cutthroat nature of competetors stands out. People are touchy, sensitive, rude, and obnoxious. I think auditions should smply be a learning experience, not a bloodbath competition. But in the end, the musical is made to entertain, so why make the process so hurtful? People should worry less about others and more about self-improvements to be made from criticism or rejection. Not to say someone shouldn't be upset, but to take it out on others seems unfair and unecessary.

Negativity

Something I've really noticed lately is the amount of criticism I see within people. As I walk around and talk to people, I hear so much negative gossip and so many harsh comments toward other people. I mean, drama is somewhat a "given" in high school but, why? Why do people need to tear down other people? Why is negativity such a huge part of American life? I believe this issue is one with no definate solution, but it's certainly been circling my mind frequently.



Not to say I don't say negative things ever, or that I don't gossip, because I do. And each time somehing of the sort comes out of my mouth, it inspires me to change my actions. However, I know I am very capable of staying out of negative situations, conversation, and the like, and I apply that to my every day life as it is one of my focus points in improving myself as a person. To see others complain about such nonsensical drama is quite silly to me because of how I find it so easy to steer clear of it. It is such a seemingly simple concept: not gossip, be positie, and be nice to everyone. Well, why can't we avoid it as a society? I think people secretly like drama; they feed on it to keep them in the center of attention. Which is why the most attention hungry people are generally the most dramatic. People love to complain and draw attention to themselves. Again, drama frequently depends based on personality types. A very quiet, intraverted indivual has seemingly less drama; not to say they never have drama but it is certainly not the same as an attention hog. Because really, for many, negative attention is better than no attention. Which is really sad if you think about it: people's lives often revolve around negativity and how negativity seems to outweigh positivity. I don't completely understand it and i don't think I ever will.



I feel like changing this is a completely indivudually based issue. Changing this universally is virtually impossible. However, actions tend to be like diseases: they spread. Happiness is contagious; if one person starts a positive new life, others will follow. It's a chain affect of positivity, forever helping those around.

Always busy

Americans are like bees; we are always working, always thinking about work, and always busy. Why? Why can't we all take a step back and relax? Because we will not be able to keep up with everyone else. The average day of an American is hectic and has no time for truly living. We are indirectly taught to believe that school, college, work, etc. are the most important things in life. We are raised to compete, and keep up.

I think we as Americans need to slow down and take a look at everything around us. There is so much going on in our world that we are blatantly unaware of because we are SO busy. Even simple things like sitting outside and basking in the beauty of nature. We have no time to just feel the wind against our faces and let the sun rain down on us. These simple things are lost in our fast-paced lives; even the "bigger picture" of life is coveted by everyday business. Life should always be lived in the pursuit of happiness; after all, life is too short to be boring.

In Spain (and several other Latin countries), they have a completely different outlook on life. They leave work, school, etc. around 2 o'clock everyday to go home, spend time with family, eat, sleep and relax. Everything shuts down for Siesta (defined as a midday or afternoon rest or nap, esp. as taken in Spain and Latin America) including stores, workplaces, schools, gas stations, etc. This break is a time to relax and reflect, something that Americans lack in their lives. Americans as a whole could really learn from the Spaniards. We are always going, going, going every day, all day, and have no time to slow down and enjoy life the way we should.

On top of the extremely busy lives we all lead, we complain. We all whine about being extremely busy, and yet, it's almost impossible to avoid. Because of the economy, people are forced to keep up by maintaining an extremely busy schedule as to "put in more time" towards everything. I don't think the amount of time we spend on something is not as how that time is spent. The busy life of the average American is caused by lack of focus and concentration, If we all fully put our minds to everything we do, we could get things done in half the amount of time. We could easy have more relaxed lives if we just focused in on everything we did and eliminated distractions. Maybe living like the Spaniards would help ease the stress, worry, and complaint caused by business.

Requirements

I go through school, everyday, dreading certain classes. Not to say I hate school or hate duing work, but there are certain things I don't understand; why are we forced to take classes that we are never going to use? Someone who plans to be in music their entire life shouln't have to take all of the same classes as someone who wants to be an author. Obviously, some core classes are obligatory but to what extent? The school system currently in place has clearly proved successful, but a change could boost the level of achievement in all areas.

Personally, i think the distribution of curriculum in primary and secondary school needs to be adjusted. Elementary school is a true foundation for the remaining years of school. It is the preparation for learning; it teaches kids how to learn through basic knowledge. Clearly, primary education is not enough background for the rest of a person's life. I think Junior High/Middle School should be more rigorous and should prepare and help us to start understanding where we want to go in life (help us find interests, abilities, etc.). High school, in my opinion, should really be about finding your place, finding what you love to do, and starting to perfect your talents. College would be that place to really specialize in a certain "area" after trying new things in high school.

I feel like in high school, they (politicians, school board leaders,etc.) say we have freedom to "go our own way", but we don't. to get into a good college, we as students are taking classes we aren't truly interested in just to fill the requirements. In meeting those requirements, we have a lack of choice in the classes we take. In addition, many people aspire to exceed the expectations to increase their chance of acceptance into their school of choice. However, they aren't taking classes for the sake of learning what they desire to learn. I think an education based around looser requirements would really benefit a lot of people.

With the current school system, this 'specialized program' would not be possible. Students need to have a stronger foundation entering high school. Junior high/middle school, like I said, would have to be much more preparatory. Understanding that some children would not be ready for such a demanding program, starting in 6th grade, students would need to be slowly weaned into this system. A huge benefit of this system would be more expierenced/knowledgeable 'specialists' in all different areas/careers. Our country would start to 'catch up' to other countries who currently have much stronger academic programs than ours. Obviously this isn't something that is certain to work but it very well might improve our education.

I know if I had a choice, my schedule would not look the same. I know my interests, abilities, and passions; taking classes that will never pertain to my life is preventing me from excelling in those areas. Hopefully, all these classes will come in handy sometime, but until i'm truly convinced, I plan on pursuing my passions through other connections.

English Expectations

Our discussion in 3rd period really got me thinking. Everyone is complaining but nobody has suggestions that could help improve the class to better everyone involved. Mr. Marshall even said he wants feedback in writing instead of a mass of people attacking him which I think is extremely reasonable. For our first blog, I think it's fitting that I talk about the frustrations everyone is feeling and how we might change them.



Since the first few days of school, I had a feeling pre-AP world lit would be an extremely overwhelming class. I was right. I know to block out at least an hour or two for english homework each day we have class. I think being a pre-AP class, the class should be challenging and should prepare us for AP classes. On the other hand, it's not an AP class yet; it should be preparatory, not exemplary of what an AP class is. I am in AP human geo right now and that is an actual AP class. I have homework in that class every night and it's challenging, however it is not so much that it's impossible to finish the assignment to the best of my ability. Understanding the need for a challenge and the demand for a fast pace in the class, I think taking everything a little slower might be beneficial. Looking at both sides of the problem, I see Mr. Marshall is assigning the many readings and journals/writings we do for homework to help us practice good writing/reading habits. On the other hand, the class is feeling like they are random assignments that take a significant amount of time and aren't helping us all that much. Personally, I'm doing the assignments just to get them done and not to really get something out of them. It's not that I don't want to get something out of them just that I don't have enough time to do the actual assignment and then really delve into it and understand the deeper meaning. If we stretch out the assignments and really discussed them thoroughly, we might be able to get more out of the assignments.



Along with that, I find many of the assignments to be random. When I say random, I mean very disconnected from whatever else we are doing in class. I feel as though we need a main unit, and for all of the assignments to relate to that unit. For example, I guess you could say our current, main unit is Oedipus Rex. I can understand most of the stuff we've been doing in class (research projects, performing parts of the play, etc.) and some of the homework assignments (Tragedy vs. comedy reading). However, we suddenly break off into this summary/response on a random piece of writing. It's not so much the assignment I'm frustrated with, it's the relevance of the assignments to what we're doing in class. I understand that we should have to think about the connection between everything but when everything is so different from one another, it's nearly impossible to come up with a connection. If our assignments could all be correlated with the main "unit" in the class, I think it might clear a lot of things up.



I talked individually to a couple people and everyone I talked to, including some seniors, felt the same way. "I think we need less unecessary homework, less pointless page-long reports that don't get read, more meaningful assignments, and more clarity on what we are doing. I don't even understand what the homework is half the time and I always ask people later because when I ask Mr. Marshall, he doesn't explain it to me." Obviously, I am not the only one feeling this way. After talking to several seniors, I recieved similar responses. "We kind of have to push Mr. Marshall for info. I don't think he gets across what we are doing in class clearly enough for us to understand." After all the feedback, I think a majority of the students in both the sophomore classes and the senior class have similar concerns.



In general, I think everyone feels like the class is disorganized altogether. There is so little structure in the class, it's hard for anyone to be motivated to strive for excellence. I can understand having some flexibility in the class for creativity, but currently I feel there is too little structure which causes confusion. A very easy change that could help clear some things up is organizing the 'notes' on the board. I think it would help if there was a column with what we are doing in class each day and another column with homework each day. Also, it would really help if we could either have a student write everything on the board or type it up. (Posting it on blackboard would really help as well.) This would definately add some clarity to the class and would be the first step to helping create a class deemed as beneficial by teacher and students alike.