"Dark Flame"

"Shadowland"

Assignment #18: My Poem

I went from bottles to make-up,

from barbies to boys.

I went on my own and

left all my toys.

From happy to sad,

from a life of depression

I wish i never had.

From joy to tears,

with fears from over

the years.

From laughter,

from crying,

from hurting,

from smiling.

From love to pain

and watching the love

drip away like rain.

Looking for comfort,

but finding no one.

I thought that I did,

but lost him through things

that I've done.

From scars to sorrows,

from yesterday's to tomorrow's.

From broken promises that

I couldn't keep.

From crying all night

and finding no sleep.

From night to day,

it's faded away,

and now I've moved on and

gone another way.

I've learned to make the

most of things,

even from where I came from

and things that life brings.

#14 Persuasive Essay:Uniforms

   I think that uniforms shouldn't be allowed in schools for a few reasons. One reason is that they can be very expensive and hard to come by. Also another reason is that they don't give us the chance to show our own personality and different tastes. I know and understand that some schools want to have uniforms for purposes such as to try to prevent teasing of other students who might not be able to afford certain clothing and also a lot of gang issues. Although it is for a good purpose I still do not agree with it.


   My family don't have a lot of money right now, but it enough for us to get by. When I was in middle school I had to wear uniforms. It was very hard for me to find some and they were also expensive. My family had just started going into financial problems and there wasn't a whole lot of extra money to give me for uniforms when I needed them, so I had to make the best of what I had.

   In schools I know that students can be rude and make other students feel like if they are not as good, but no matter what there is always going to be someone that isn't going to like you. I have been made fun of in the past, not really for the clothes that I wear, but for other reasons. It hurt a lot, but I have come to realize that you shouldn't let little things like that bother you and that no one should tell you how to dress, act, and most certainly who you should be.

   I also don't like school uniforms because you can't express who you are and your own tastes in style. Everybody has there own style and I respect that. I don't judge people by what they wear or what brand they wear. It's about what's inside that counts and other students that tease and bully students should realize that what you wear doesn't matter and what they are doing is wrong.

   The majority of the students that wear uniforms do not like them. Also if they would ask for a vote for wanting uniforms, most of them would vote for no uniforms. People should be themselves and wear what they want. Without uniforms shouldn't mean that there is no dress code though. The clothing that the students choose to wear should be appropriate and should also be followed by certain rules. Some rules no gang, drug, sexual, or any other related clothing that is also not appropriate. I think that the privileges for no uniforms can be taken away to the individuals who don't follow the dress code.

   In conclusion, I think that there should be no uniforms in schools. Students should be able to express themselves as long as it's appropriate and they follow the rules. By that happening we won't look the same and we should look past our appearences and look within each other.

#10 Bullying

Being bullied is a horrible experience. It can be so bad that you don't want to get up and get out of bed each day because it can seem like you won't ever get through it. I have experienced bullying over the years, by a few people, but I have learned how to stand up for myself.

#13 Halloween Haiku

From dusk till dawn you hear the piercing cries of the lost souls that are doomed.

You can smell the bitter sweet smell of death that lingers in the nights air.

Blood freezes your veins as they burst and you know this is no illusion.

#12 The Black Cat

In the story "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allen Poe there are two cats. This story seems to have a few different morals and messages. For example, how the way you treat people is how they are going to treat you. Like what goes around comes around. Another is what kind of person you are... weather good or bad and which one you are more. The both cats in the story represent his personality that changed over time. The white mark that was on the second cat symbolized not just the noose that killed the cat, but which also killed him.

He was a well tempered man that because of the addiction grew to a selfish horrible person. It changed the way he looked at things and also the person who he used to be. The first cat was just the beginning of the unstoppable changes. The first cat became an innocent bystander who died a dreadful and horrible death for no apparent reason. The man was looking at the cat as if the cat was a monster when it was him. The cat also changed as well as the man.

#11 The Concrete Rose

   The meaning of Tupac Shakur's poem "The Concrete Rose" is very touching to me. For one reason, how many people would even notice a rose that has grown out of concrete? I don't really know a lot about Tupac, but I do know that he is admired by a lot of people and friends that I know. This poem of his has really made me think about certain things.

  

One thing that has been brought to my attention by it is that if you believe in your dreams and you do not give up, you can accomplish them. Also even if it seems like nobody notices you, it does not mean that you don't matter or that your life is worthless. Tupac probably had a hard life, but even if so, look at how it made him who he was. Sometimes the hard times in life change us and make us a better and stronger person than we were before.

   If you stop and think about it, it seems really impossible for a rose to grow from concrete. The concrete would be an obstacle for the rose to overcome. I mean when I think about it I don't think that Tupac was talking about an actual rose, I think that he was talking about himself. He might have felt alone and out of place, but that didn't stop him and it didn't make him give up on his dreams.

  This poem made me realize that even the impossible is possible. I think that Tupac deserves a lot of credit. He was an awesome writer with a lot of talent. He has a lot more courage than most people because he didn't keep his thoughts to himself and expsessed them.

#8 The Necklace

 There is more than one moral or message to the story "The Necklace." One is that money can't buy everything. Also another is that you should always tell the truth no matter what. The last one is that you should not try to be something or someone you're not.

The moral about money can't buy everything is so true. Sure it's a fact that you need money to survive like for food, water, clothes, and other needs. Money can come in handy when you want something to, but you should always be realistic. Meaning that you shouldn't waste your money all the time on things that could leave you broke or on things that are very useless. One issue that a lot of people struggle with is that they think that money can buy happiness which is not true. Sure you might be happy for the moment, but it can't full fill you. For example, you may have lost a friendship and if you think that buying a new car can take there place after you get the car you will feel the same way that you felt before.

I Dream A World

The poem "I Dream A World" by poet Langston Hughes is such an amazing poem. Every person... every individual has their own point of view or opinion of what they would dream our world, and Langston seems to speak for the majority. In my opinion, I would want the world to be a place of peace and comfort. Never having that fear of a war and such things that are very similar. Also being able to feel accepted by all and never having to be judged or labeled, but obviously that is not going to happen any time soon.

I do think that somethings that do and are going on that we seem to be having issues with can be stopped and discontinued. In my opinion, a lot of adults act like little children who are very immature and have like no brains at times. I mean who cares what race, color, background, or anything else that people make a huge deal about and discriminate others by. Yes we are all different, yet still the same. It's the differences that make us unique and special. If everyone was the same our world would become boring. I haven't found one single person who eats the same food everyday or wears the same clothes. Most people like myself seem to like variety. After awhile you get bored and want something else.

I personally enjoy meeting new people of different cultures, races, and religions. That does not mean that I am going to believe like them or even dislike them. All it means is that I will except them for who they are. I haven't been judged for being different, but I have had friends and family who have gone through it. I think that it is one of the cruelest things someone can do.

There are a few powers that I have that can make my dream a reality. One is the knowledge that I gain in school and throughout life experiences. Without knowledge there is no power. Another is my voice, and not always literally speaking. For instance, voting for what I believe in and things that I believe are right. If you do not speak up, no one will ever know and you wiil never find out if it will make a difference. You can't just wait around and think that someone else will get things done. Like many people say,"if you want something done, you got to do it yourself." I've learned to find out how true it really is. I believe that every person has these powers weather or not they realize it and in the end we are all humans with different things that make us special and who we are. 

Race in America

My opinion about the current controversy which is surrounding the building of the Islamic mosque in New York City is that I personally think that they have a right to build there mosque. I mean the 1st Amendment of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution clearly states that everyone in the United States has the freedom of religion. Which obviously means that they do have the right to build it.

Now my other opinion is that they do not have the right to build it two blocks away or anywhere close to ground zero. I think that it would be very disrespectful to the people who were lost that day, their families and loved ones, and not only them but all Americans and our country.

I think that ever since the incident of 9/11 happened it has filled a lot of people with hurt and bitterness which for some has turned into hatred against certain religions and races. A perfect example of this is a pastor from Florida by the name of Terry Jones. He said that this year on 9/11 he was going to burn the Koran, which is the holy book of Islam. He felt that there needs to be a message across to the radical Islams. I think that they already know that they have done us wrong, but I do not think that Terry Jones needs to do that because it will create more problems and put all Americans at risk.

Another issue that is going on is the governor of Arizona who is against immigration rights and laws. She wants to send all immigrants back to where they came from and not allow any more in. She really made herself look bad because she has said that people have been beheading people of Arizona and that there are headless bodies, but everything has been proven to be a lie.  

The issue that ties all of these things together is race issues. People seem to not be able to get along with each other because of differences that they can't seem to accept and the problem don't seem to be getting better. Certain people seem to discriminate just because it is weird of new when they don't realize that they don't have to change or be like them...all they have to do is learn to understand and accept them. 

Cultural Underpinnings of liturature

The Juedo-Christian paradigm has helped shaped a lot of things in the Western Civilization. Almost everything can somehow relate back to it. Some examples of it are literature, science, history, writing, poetry and many other things. Certain cultures are shaped by this because many people follow certain traditions and beliefs which have somehow shaped Americans. For example, here in America most Christian people celebrate Christmas. Jew's celebrate Hanuka which is sort of like their Christmas.

An example of some stuff that is going on in the world is the Mosque that the Islam people want to build in New York. Some people don't want that to happen because the place where they want to build is near the place where the Twin Towers used to be. Others are saying that they should be allowed because of certain rights that our country offers. My personal opinion is that they have the right to build it, but I also believe that it cannot be within a certain distance of the Twin Towers. It is sort of like how certain places and stores cannot sell liquor or any alcoholic drinks by homes or around schools.

Another thing that is very similar is a Pastor named Terry Jones who said that on 9/11 he was going to burn the holy Islamic book called the Koran. He said that he wanted to get a message across to radical Islam saying that they can build their Mosque, but they have no right to try to make our people from our country believe in what they do and they cannot enforce their life style on Americans.

Also the Governor or Arizona wants to pass laws about immigration. She is trying to have all immigrants (Mexicans in general) sent back to where they came from. She has also lied because she has been saying that there have been beheadings which there is no proof that it is true. Another thing is that when she has been interviewed, the questions that she has been asked, she completely avoids them by simply changing the subject. By doing that she seems to not be a good communicator and the fact that she lied makes her look really bad to the public.

"Blue Moon"

This is the second book of The Immortals series by Alyson Noel. Everything seems to be going fine with Ever and Daman now that they are like inseperable. Now that Drina's not in the picture and Ever is learning about how to live and things that she needs to know about being immortal. Everythings fine until another new student arrives. His name is Roman and all it takes is one look from Ever and she knows that he's no ordinary human and there is something creepy about him.

"Evermore"

Evermore is a girl of six-teen who's family has died in a car accident. She almost didn't make it either, but she came back to life, but not as a normal girl. She found out that she had special  psychic powers because every time she touches someone she learns their whole life story. She also can see peoples aura colors depending on their mood and if that's not bad enough she also hangs around with her dead little sister. Just thinking about having powers like that may seem really cool, but not to Ever. All she wants is to have a normal and happy life like before the accident. At school she tries to drown out everyone with her ipod unless she's with her two friends. They're what you would call the outcasts of the school. Then a really hot guy named Damen tranfers to the school and has all of the girls falling for him. All except for Ever. She secretly does like him, but she don't to. She just wants to be normal once more. She finally can't control her feelings for him and they both end up falling in love, but Ever realizes that there's something strange about him. His charm, talents, and most of all the fact that he has no aura and when he speaks it seems to silence everyone elses thoughts and voices. For once in her life he makes her feel some what normal again. She's yet to find out that he's not normal, he's an immortal. 

Haiku

Life can be hard at times, but you have to push on and make it better.
It can sometimes seem like you are walking on a path of broken glass.

Through it all you have to keep walking forward just one step at a time.

Show and Tell

I have a lot of special things that are very important to me put they don't come to mind... all except for my dog "Nibbles" which everyone calls Huppies. She is black and part poodle and part chihuahua. When I first got her she was a small bundle of fur. She has always been really hyper and playful even until now. She's like a puppy who won't ever grow up. I've had her for a year and eight months now and she is always there to put a smile or just make me laugh by doing something funny. I named her "Nibbles" because she would always nibble on my fingers or toes, but my brother is the one who started calling her "Huppies". I'm not sure why he started calling her that and I didn't like it at first, but it grew on me and now I catch myself calling her that.

I was supposed to get her for my birthday which is in November, but my mom didn't have enough money at the time so I ended up getting her around Christmas time. I had been wanting a dog ever since my chihuahua "Rolly" died. I had had him for 14 years until my neighbors dog broke our fence and draged my dog out of its coller and killed him. I was so sad and I didn't want another dog right away because I was still very sad. When I was ready I had told my mom that I wanted another dog and she had spent months trying to find one. She had found out that her friend was selling puppies and she was actually going to get me a golden brown puppy, but she had sold it and told my mom that she didn't have any left. My mom was disapointed, but a few weeks later her friend called her and told her that she still has a black one left. So my mom had bought her and gave her to me after Christmas.

I don't like to say that she has replaced my other dog, but I love her just as much and she has helped heal the sadness. That is why she is very special and important to me and has a special place in my heart.

My Sophmore Year

Well this year hasn’t been a piece of cake, but it could have been worse. To me high school is like a roller coaster, always going up and down and sometimes making you sick, but fun at the same time. This year I’ve learned a lot of new things. My relationships with my friends have also grown. This year has also changed the way I look at certain things. I feel that this year was just the beginning of my life’s adventure and the first step in preparing me for what’s ahead.
I’ve learned so much this year about many things. I didn’t just learn things in the classroom, but also in my high school world around me. One main thing that I’ve learned was that going to college is a very smart decision to make. By going to college you can fulfill and dream that you desire. By staying in high school and graduating and choosing to go you have opportunities in your reach. By going to college you have a successful future and that’s what I want. Now that I’ve taken another year in health class it has given me a glimpse of what lies ahead for me when I’m in college and has helped me prepare for what is to be expected and learned. All the things I’ve learned have made me realize how important it is to stay on track and don’t fall behind because it’s rare to get certain opportunities back when you lose out on them.
I’ve also gained more confidence and self-esteem throughout the year and by that being gained it’s helped me push on through the year. I’ve had my ups and downs with my friends and have held on to them. They’ve stood by my side through all the drama and all the good times that this year has brought. We have grown really close to one another. When my future beyond high school comes I want and hope that they will be there. My spirituality has also made a difference in my life by helping my inner growth and results that happen daily in the world that I live in and how I deal with them.
I think that I’ve done a lot of growing this past year in so many ways. Not physically, but mentally for sure. I’ve grown and learned new things, but I know that there’s still some growing to do. I’ve learned that I’m able to accomplish any and everything. I’ve also learned that life is too short to worry about those little problems that bug and distract us from what we really should be focusing on. I’m not sure what my place is in this world, but I know that I was brought here for a reason and I intend to figure it out. I’m also not so sure of where I’m going to end up, but where ever it is, it’s not so far.
I’ve realized how important my voice in this world is even though I’m only one to billions. Sometimes the smallest action makes the bigger difference. We are the youth of the nation and the world and we have to let the world know that we exist by giving our opinions and making a change. Our time on earth is short… a hundred years goes and comes so fast. If we want our time to be worth while we have to find our voice and use it.
In conclusion, all the experiences that I’ve encountered in my life have taught me a lot of what I know and has helped me find covered pieces of me that I never knew. I have changed and I think that I’ve become a better person, but I still have much to learn. My sophomore year was just another stepping stone towards my oncoming future.

My Anything Essay

This year for me has been another adventure. I’ve had my ups and downs. I’m so glad that this school year is almost over. One of the things that I’m very thankful for is that I still have my three best friends in the whole wide world (Janessa, Patricia, and Aundrea). They’ve stuck by my side through the good times and the bad ones; even though I know that I don’t deserve them they’re still here by my side. We’ve gone through so much drama in the last two years, but not even that has been able to tear us apart. I know I’m not perfect and that I make mistakes… a lot of them, but what I know for sure is that becoming friends with them was never a mistake. Also this year my friend Jimmy came back into my life. I was so glad because he was a very good and close friend to me. We’ve both gone separate ways, but I’ll never forget the memories that I had with him.
Ever since the first day that I started high school I keep thinking about the day that I will graduate. It has really motivated me to do the best that I can because I really want to go to college. I know that it’s possible because I know that if you really set your mind to do something you’re sure to succeed and accomplish your goal. When I graduate from high school I’m going to college to study and to become a nurse. I know that it will take a lot of work, but in the end it will be worth it.
Sometimes I get so caught up in life that I let certain things go by. Just like how some people go through life, but don’t enjoy it. Sometimes we miss out on something just because we weren’t paying attention. Just like if there’s a butterfly on the ground and someone steps on it. That person wouldn’t have even realized that they stepped on it unless he’d look under their shoe. That’s how a lot of us go through life…careless. Then we look back and wish that things would have turned out better. So now I try to not focus on the bad things in life and try to just make them better and enjoy every good thing that happens and comes my way.
I’m still going through a hard time at my house, but slowly things are falling back into place. I sometimes feel like I’ve lost so much for the past five years and I just can’t wait for all the things that I’m going through. I wanted to give up on everything, but I’ve learned that you can’t run away from your problems because sooner or later they’ll catch up to you and that there isn’t a easy way out. So I’ve decide to make the best of things until they get better. Sometimes life gives you lemons and you just have to do your best and make lemonade out of it all.

"Life can be like walking barefoot on shattered glass and broken branches, but if you don't give up along the way you'll reach a beautiful meadow"

When I’m gone I’d want people to remember and know that everyone is able to accomplish and overcome anything in life. I’d want to be an example that anything you set your mind to is possible. A wise thing to do when you’re going through a difficult time or obstacle is to not be pessimistic and look at things half empty.
Life can have its ups and downs and it can seem like your living in a never ending darkness. Life can be a struggle and sometimes you just want to give up and not push on any further, but good things come to those who wait. Things don’t always go the way we want them to, but what I’ve learned is that things happen for a reason. For example, maybe someone isn’t in your life anymore and you’re wondering why they’re gone but maybe they were holding you back or weren’t meant to be there.
Some people have no motivation and they give up on everything. Sometimes things look foggy and like they’re never going to clear up, but even after it rains the sun comes out followed by a rainbow.My life hasn't been a piece of cake, but I'm not going to just give up.

Someone I'd Be For A Day

Well I'd really have to think about it. I would probably like to be my mom. My mom is one of the most amazing people in the world. My mom is one of a kind. She’s funny, smart, lovable, and most of all she’s my mother. She has always been there for me and has done her best to raise me.
Ever since I can remember I’ve had a lot of fun with her. I was an only child for six years and most of the time she spent it with me. She didn’t work so our normal day was to get up and go water the flowers and to play outside. Then to go in about lunch time and after we ate to start cleaning the house. At about four o’clock dinner was made and ready for when my dad walked in and I would be watching TV. She went out of her way just so she could to try to make me and my dad happy.
When our family was starting to get bigger we didn’t spend as much time as we used to, but we still find time. My mom has taught me so much. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t know a lot of things. Now that she’s gone back to working every chance I get to be with her I take. She’s more than a mother, she’s also a best friend who I can trust with anything.
Whenever I needed something weather it would be just someone to talk to or someone to laugh with she’d be there. She gives of herself so much and I wish I could pay her back for everything that she’s done for me. She also does her best in anything and everything.