We Day!

       Today’s Friday, but I didn’t go to school. Because… I went to We Day!! We Day is an event that inspires young people to make the world a better place.

       I have never been to We Day before. Others who have been described it mainly as a concert with different celebrities singing and a gathering with people talking (I didn’t even know what about). However, after today --- my first time, I would not tell people what others told me, but I would describe is as an inspiring event with heroes, speakers breathing out words which give such strong impact that they brought me tears.

       Mainly, the entire day was about building a brighter future with young people with dreams. Moreover, the problems with the modern world are explained. Via a variety of ways, the topics of poverty, lack of education, famines, problems with water sources in the developing countries and bullying issues in Canada are presented. Some of the time, videos were put on the screens. Other times, hosts and guests spoke with a clear purpose. Another small portion of time was the performances with singers and dancers.

       What touched me the most is the idea of having a dream and achieving it through blood and sweat. Spencer West had a shocking and incredible life. I barely watched the TV or listened to the news on radio before. I didn’t care anything about the world outside of my own social and family circle. I never really learned about anything from anywhere, except, sometimes, from Socials Class. So I didn’t know who Spencer West is until I came to We Day. Spencer was amputated from pelvis down due to a genetic disorder when he was five. Spencer now walks both on his hands and in his wheelchair. But even without legs, he successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the largest mountains in Africa in May 2012. He also completed a 300 km trek from Edmonton to Calgary in May 2013. To be honest, the video We Day showed us about Spencer made me laugh a little while watching Spencer walking on his arms, because his actions made him look exactly like a gorilla. However, this, ironically, also made me cry a little. Spencer has this huge disability and abnormality differing him from regular people; But even him, raised more than 500,000 dollars for Kenya Clean Water Project! He had a dream, and it was to raise 750,000 dollars. I admire him not for he has or almost will achieve his goal, but it is because he overcame obstacles, believed in the impossible, and made a difference. He chased after his ridiculous dream with no legs, no matter how many “no”s he has heard. There are other inspiring examples and this is only one of them. Real heroes face their impossible goal that others think cannot be achieved, but finish with cuts and scars, yet glory and pride.

       Now, after seeing so many videos both at school and at We Day, I cannot wait for my PR Card to get returned to me, so I can go on a service trip, either by school or by Me to We Organization. I would love to experience the culture of developing countries filled with sweet love and joy. The videos are breath-taking and I know I would so much enjoy the trip.

       We Day was extremely inspiring and I definitely would love to go again next year. Learning the facts that I never wanted to face or even hear, understanding the misery yet the hopefulness the victims in developing countries face, realizing the job that young people, like me have ----- spread the word, take actions, and make a difference. I look forward to the next We Day!

Grade 9 Report

Grade 9 Report

Grade 9 has already started for 20 days. It hasn’t felt long or particularly short. After a happy summer which I don’t recall doing anything important right at this moment (except for Yellowstone), I was not ready for school to start. Maybe I was, but I definitely was not willing. Yeah yeah, I have friends and I couldn’t wait to hang out with them full day-5 days, but the “getting up early” and “taking the bus” thing didn’t sound at all pleasing to me, to be honest.

Honestly, I have no clue what I am about to write in this blog. But… Anyways, it has already been awhile since school started, so I can say I’m getting used to it pretty well. This year’s classes are amazing. I have at least my friend I can chit-chat with in every class. I love this year’s courses. I’m doing Band and Art for electives and French for language. Nothing special. Nothing different from last year. I joined choir this year. I’m doing Intermediate Chamber Choir and jazz choir with “not class time”. I have to wake up one hour earlier than usual to do Intermediate Chamber Choir twice a week, and jazz choir is just at lunch every Friday. I love Intermediate Choir. It is so much fun and I just love to sing (though I suck)! It probably is also because it is for credit. Though I have only been to “practices” twice since school started, I already love it and am able to participate confidently now. I also joined Round Square, a small organization in school, but a pretty big organization in the world. Through Round Square, I signed up to go to We Day, and I was selected to go! So, this is coming up in less than a month, and I already can’t wait (though I have no idea what the real point of the whole #concert/celebrity/songs event etc. In the beginning of October, I will be volunteering at the West Vancouver Community Center for the PumpkinFest Event. I have never been in the event, let aside volunteering there before. I was too lazy to go last year, but I desperately want some service hours. So, why not? My friends are doing it, my sister’s probably going there too, so I guess I’ll show up as well. I’m looking forward to my service hours! Oh, I got School Colors today. It’s like a reward for the students who got honors for academics: Straight A’s, except for 1 grade no lower than B is allowed to get this award. Well, I got it! No middle school student in my house except for me, got it! :D So proud, but praise the Lord. I have to leave for the first volleyball game this year in ten minutes. Oh right, I totally forgot about volleyball. I went to two out of three try-outs, and I got in (though only 4-5 people got cut)! Yay! Praise the Lord again. I suck big time and I still got in! Now, I’m like one of the worst players on the teams. There are so many practices in the morning and afternoons. So tiring. Right now, I’m almost freaking out because of the game. I’ll feel so bad if I miss a easy ball or mess up a easy pass or fail my simple underhand serve. Hah, I don’t know why I’m worrying. I’m probably not gonna be put on the court a lot anyways. Well, either way, Lord Jesus, I am weak, and help me out a bit please? “For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of sobermindedness. Amen.

Umm, anyways, there’s a lot going on lately, and it’s been tiring but fun. I’m ready for another happy and successful school year! 

July Overlook

      Time flies so fast that it is already mid-August. Sadly, July passed quickly and summer is almost over. My summer has been pretty full and busy, honestly. In July, I took Math 10 at Sentinel for three weeks, from 8:30 to 13:00. It wasn’t hard, mostly reviewing knowledge from Grade 9 Math. In the afternoon of the two weeks included, I took environmental architecture lessons at Green Apple Art Centre in Vancouver. Since it starts at 14:00, an hour after I finish Math in the morning, and is in busy Vancouver, I had to rush to my art class directly and eat lunch at a simple sushi restaurant nearby in an I-barely-know driver’s car. Then, after three hours of making models and sketching diagrams, I take the bus, either #14 or #16 to go Downtown, and switch to any bus heading to Park Royal, West Van. It can get crowded and humid in the bus due to the number of passengers and the traffic time of the day. I stick to myself and go home myself. Normally, it takes less an hour to get home by those two fairly convenient buses. However, on every Monday and Thursday, I have French tutorials at 19:00 in West Van. I go directly to my academy by bus after finishing my architecture class. So, basically, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, I leave home at 8:15 for summer school and come home in the afternoon, at around 18:00. Then, on Monday and Thursday, I don’t rest or get home for the whole day until approximately 20:45 at night. Those two weeks were very occupying but satisfying. I don’t think I haven’t been so busy but independent for an extremely long time. I catch the bus, I eat by myself, I spend a lot of time studying, and I stand alone and face the rest of the whole world with courage and curiosity. At home, I piddle less, I sleep better, and I treasure my family more. It was a new and enjoyable experience. It didn’t feel like much, but I’m sure I had taken myself to a whole new level. :)

Never Know the Preciousness of Something until It Is Lost -- So Cherish It

This one is for you, Jack.

Though summer is here, I can’t help but feeling a little sadness spreading through me. First reason is probably of the heartbreaking Chinese music I’m listening to. Second reason is that school is over, and there’s one extremely important people is just walking out of my life.

My best guy friend, Jack, is leaving for a military school next year. In retrospection, he is the friend who made me laugh the most and bought me the most amounts of cookies, the only person who ever asked for homework to copy from and pleaded me to do his lab report, the one who made fun of me but then quickly comforted me when I fell. He is patient. He is chubby. He is thoughtful. He is careless. He is funny. He is emotionless. He is understanding. He is arrogant. He is confident. He is just… unique. He is my rough blanket, my dangerous harbor. Strangely, there is only pure friendship between us, and honestly, it is extremely hard to have a guy friend who makes himself so easy and comfortable to be approached. Sometimes, my friends believe love sparks are being created, but, from my angle, I have no feelings for him other than the appreciation and honor for him for our friendship. I’m a little shy. When my friends talk to a guy so easily and directly, I would just stand far away awkwardly smiling. From his angle, I have no clue who he likes or if he does like me. And I am very grateful for that. For making our companionship so simple and easy. Now, he is leaving, after only one year of us knowing each other. I feel so stupid for just realizing how important he is to me. I guess they are right, “You never know how precious something is until you lost it.” I hate it that I have to face my loss of him while knowing and regretting that I could have but haven’t done more for him. Though one year seemed like a very short time, he has already comfortably settled a position in my heart, where he will be, though he leaves.

I know you won’t ever see this, but Jack, I am so sorry that I never got a chance to say goodbye to you properly. And I know I won’t able to see you in a really long time. Just remember to influence more people with your carefree and delighted spirit. I genuinely thank you for being an amazing friend and making my year so special. Good luck. 

Summer!

     Time passed so quickly. I can’t believe my once-in-a-lifetime Grade 8 is over. I just finished my last final exam this morning, which is French. Now I can’t believe I don’t need to study anymore. I still can’t exit my “study mode” quiet yet. I guess it’s gonna take a while for me to adjust to my new, lazy, and free summer life. It’s kind of annoying that I got sick as soon as school ended. Actually, a little before that. Yesterday, during my Math exam, my head was killing me. I felt like I was going to explode. My breaths burnt my nostrils as I exhaled. You know, it feels wrong to even breathe while someone’s sick. While I am writing this blog now, I can’t stop myself from forcing air to come through my plugged nose. I guess the first week of summer, which is the best time, would be used to stay home and deal with pathogens in my body. (Haha, sorry, I’m still thinking through my scientific brain from the Science exam last Friday.) Anyways, I’m really happy school ended, though a little sacrifice has to be made. It’s totally understandable that my body needs to release the stress it got over the past two weeks. I’m so excited for summer! I’m going shopping next Friday with my mom at Metrotown in Burnaby, before going to church. I haven’t been to Metrotown in such a long time that I don’t even remember. Then, I’m going to PNE Playland, Water Park, and horseback riding at least once. Plus I’m ready to grow ten centimeters over the summer. I’m a little excited for summer school for Math 10 (not -.-‘). I’m going to this really expensive program in the summer. It’s for learning architecture stuff. I kind of want to become an architect when I grow up. I might go to Yellowstone National Park in the states in August. I’m going to tell my crush that I like him. Since he’s leaving for Saint George’s next year, there’s no point in hiding anymore (except that I will see him on a Christian Camp I’m going to). Oh yes, as I said, I’m going to a Christian Camp for 5 days or so at the beginning of August. And, I might have to get a French tutor, because I’m probably almost failing my French course. Well, I guess my summer is all planned out, full of courses I either hate or love; so it’s really not that bad.
     By the way, I’m starting to listen to Chinese songs! Vision (魏晨) is a really good singer. Some of his songs are really poetic and gives an ancient feeling, while some are so soft and sometimes sad, and the rest are so swaggy and energetic. He is the best Chinese singer I know, though I don’t really know any. He really can sing, I think, though I don’t really know how to judge an artist’s actual singing ability and skills. But Vision’s voice comforts me, and it’s smooth and convincing. I honestly have no idea how to describe music and stuff, but there’s just a strange but familiar feeling about his songs. Another exciting thing is I’m back to movies! I kind of stopped watching movies because of exams. Now I’m free again, movies here I come!

     I can totally imagine myself going back to school, complaining why summer passed so quickly. So this summer, I should just relax and enjoy time while it is not too late. Time always passes before we’re ready. So why not be ready and let life pass with it happily?

Meteor Shower Reflection

I love watching movies of any kind but I have never finished any TV shows. Actually, I just finished Meteor Show Season I yesterday. Shockingly, it took my only five days in total to finish 36 episodes each with the length of 45 minutes. Anyways, as an introduction, it is a romantic Chinese TV show about four rebellious and rich University boys (who want to be kicked out of school) from families with high social hierarchy and one diligent and poor freshman girl who was looked down at. It is pretty good overall, except for the fact that it is a TV show, which I rarely watch. The reason I watched it is simple – because I never get to finish it four years ago, but I remembered it to be special and moving. I was right actually. Though it was great to me because I was only in around Grade 4 or 5 when I first watched it, it actually did not disappoint me at all. Memories of me using my mom’s computer secretly made me want to watch it all over again, just to finish my childhood dream. Well, anyway, I’d like to write a report or discussion with some criticism for this only TV show I finished in my whole life.

The beginning was attracting. It started with YuXun Chu getting the letter of acceptance excitedly and YunHai MuRong (with a broken leg in the hospital) getting the same thing angrily. It is completely funny, which made me laugh.

Later, when YuXun and the most respected boys met, problems started. YunHai then joined the rebellious boys and they become the ‘H4’. YuXun is a just and righteous freshman, unknowing the powerful authority of H4 and admiration they get from every student in the University. YuXun therefore got herself into trouble, because pissing off the H4 is no good. Eventually, YuXun becomes the only enemy of the whole school. This part made me cry a little, when silly YuXun gets herself into such big troubles. I actually liked the part that made me cry because it contained memories I had years ago. I remember the part that makes me cry now, made me depressed for days years ago when I first watched it. I guess crying over a TV show or movies can be silly, but it is an excuse for me to finally release the pressure and stress I get in my daily life. Anyway, the part YuXun getting bullied made me sad, which usually shows me how much I am enjoying a certain book, movie or TV show. However, it also made me angry. I am mad at YuXun herself for being so stupid and immature and also a little angry at the writer. This is something the writer and director could have avoided. I think causing audiences to hate a character for his/her mistakes and problems that could have been easily avoided is not a good sign of a successful movie/TV show. Problems that rarely happen in real life because of their stupidity would never appear in a fluent and perfect movie/TV show.

DuanMu is a member of the H4 and also the first one of them who started being nice to YuXun. He is a little gloomy and somber and amazing at piano, which makes him seem like such a gentleman with the most love from all the girls. I think this is a good plan of the writer. Personally, I love this character and the actor himself actually. So I am glad he is who he is now. Sadly, he falls in love with their graceful music teacher, Xin, while YuXun starts to fall for him. Xin and DuanMu go to London, England together, but he realized they would never work out, so he comes back and becomes a little mental. Meanwhile, YuXun and YunHai become good friends and YunHai discovers his love for YuXun. When YuXun almost accepts to be his girlfriend, DuanMu comes back as single and takes away YuXun’s heart once again. However, this time, YuXun and DuanMu are in a serious relationship, leaving YunHai hating DuanMu. Friendship between DuanMu and YunHai was torn apart for a girl who they were once enemies with. I think there is a little imperfection here. DuanMu changes way too fast that I never adapted even until the end of the show. He was once a quiet and gentle pacifist, but now, he is the cause of the broken friendship between YunHai and himself, and also the lead of the torn relationship between YuXun and YunHai. This is a huge change but why did it only take like only one or two episode? At first, I thought DuanMu was only using YuXun to heal his wound from his break-up, but then he was shown to be actually in love with YuXun, a lot. This is not only too fast; it is also too confusing.

The other conflict is between YunHai and his mother, who disapproves YuXun. This is irritating but well organized and put in. However, after all, YunHai and YuXun got together, in love deeply. Meanwhile, friends of YunHai (H4 members) fall in love with some other minor characters.

At the end as soon as YunHai and YuXun are together, YunHai loses his memory. I think it is way too quickly. This is supposed to be a love story, but the conflicts are popping up one after one, leaving no time for actual romance. First time when it was torn apart by his mother, I had pity for them. But this second time, I am just angry at the director for doing this. I think there should be at least two to three episodes after everything they went through. To, at least, give time for the audiences to heal their own wounds from the characters’ frail relationship.

YunHai finally remembers everything with the help of DuanMu, who loves YuXun silently and chooses to bless and support the assembly of YuXun and YunHai.

This ending is satisfying and the whole plot makes much sense. This is a good show after all. It might not be so good in others’ views, but since it is the only TV show I have ever finished in my whole life, I think it is very good for a romantic TV show.

Now, I would like to talk about the themes of this TV Show, Meteor Shower. There are plenty (since it is very long), such as friendship, finding true love, dignity, proving oneself, determination, disbelief in destiny, forgiveness, motherhood, use of lies etc.

First of all, I would like to talk about finding true love. YunHai admits that he likes YuXun pretty early in the show and he is not afraid to show it. He pursues after YuXun for a long time until finally, she accepts him. Though his mother opposes his decision, he still chases after her. However, as a contrary, YuXun does not realize her true love is YunHai, even when she is in a relationship with DuanMu. YuXun does not want to admit that she likes YunHai, or it is simply just that she does not believe she likes YunHai. DuanMu, on the other hand, already sees that YuXun is crazy about YunHai, even when she is together with DuanMu. She does not know it at all. However, when she almost loses him, she finally realized how much she loves him. Not knowing to cherish until it/he/she is lost is one of the messages in Meteor Shower.

Secondly, disbelief in fate is important throughout Meteor Shower. Topic relating to fate and destiny is talked among many of the characters. YuXun thinks it is destiny after so many failures to try to be together with YunHai. However, whenever DuanMu encourages her to keep going, he claims fate can be changed if she tries.

Last but not least, motherhood was shown many times. YunHai’s mother tries to prevent YunHai from loving YuXun, especially after YunHai loses his memory. She says it is because YuXun has hurt YunHai so many times, she does not want her to be with him. She says it is to protect YunHai. Maybe some people would think it is just an excuse, but I honestly believe her. If I were her, I may not be as contemptible as her, but I would separate my son from someone who would hurt him. I know she may be the cause of some mental break-down of YunHai, but her care and love and expectation to YunHai is genuine. However, I think she pampers YunHai too much. She makes too many decisions for him that it is starting to have a negative effect. This is also one of the messages in Meteor Shower: we should never spoil people too much because it can ruin them.

This is the end of my report or discussion. It is overall a great TV show. It was definitely worth my time. 

Individualism and Humanism's Impact on the Modern World

Individualism is the theory that everyone has freedom to develop and pursue after one’s goal. Humanism is the belief that most of the people have worth and dignity, instead of sins.

Imagine people today still being like peasants who do whatever their masters (nobles) tell them to do. Individualism is important because it makes people understand their own values and worth which causes they to believe in themselves. Everyone has a talent, or something s/he is good at. Having to do something s/he is bad at every day is irritating. If individualism was not practiced hundreds of years ago, then people today would not be as free and happy. For example, if individualism was not practiced, Leonardo da Vinci, a historical and inspiring figure, would not have had any reputation. He would have just been a humble peasant who works in the field all day long. He would not be allowed to paint, design, draw or write. A talented man like him would have never been discovered. Therefore, individualism allows people to discover and use their talent and ability, which confidents them.

Humanism is the idea that all people are basically good. The three ideas are individual worth – improving through study and reflections, commitment to public service – donations and foundations, and development of skills and talents – faith in human’s limitless abilities. The most important idea is commitment to public service. In this generation, people distribute and also receive things to and from the others. If this idea of committing to public service was never practiced, people today would be living in their own small worlds, worrying about their own problems. They would not have such a harmonious and peaceful society right now, without buildings for public uses. Practicing this idea also helps people build a caring heart and a thoughtful mind. People learn to give away their properties for building a better and happier place for everyone. This is only one idea of humanism. Humanism is, overall, an important idea.

Both individualism and humanism help build a more joyful place today because it causes a person to believe in himself/herself with his/her talents and build up a more amicable personality. 

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: Final Essay

The Relationship between Miss Brodie and the Brodie Set

The novel, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, written by Muriel Spark, talks about a group of six girls growing up with a debased teacher. Miss Brodie is a teacher who desires for attention and agreement with a bad influence on her students, who Sandy eventually betrays.

      Sandy betrays Miss Brodie. Sandy does this because she thinks Miss Brodie considers herself almost as a holy God. Sandy thinks “[Miss Brodie] thinks she is Providence” and “she is the God of Calvin” (129). Because Sandy already studies psychology – the study of human emotions and thoughts and always looks through her small eyes -- showing her deep deliberation, she must be accurate on her accusation on Miss Brodie. Therefore, she reports to Miss Mackay that Miss Brodie practices Fascism, which is illegal, which eventually caused Miss Brodie’s retirement (133-134).

      Miss Brodie needs attention and agreement from her Brodie Set to ensure her control over the Brodie Set. She teaches them the information of Mussolini and Fascism (45). When she talks about it, she looks proud and supportive (45). Clearly, she talks in an almost exaggerated way for the agreement from her students. When Mary is reading a comic book in Miss Brodie’s class when Miss Brodie is talking, Miss Brodie becomes angry and makes fun of her (8). Miss Brodie desperately needs, not only agreement, but also attention from her Brodie Set to confirm her Brodie Set’s loyalty towards her.

      Miss Brodie has a bad influence on the Brodie Set. Miss Brodie herself is an improper person. Miss Brodie is bossy because she once tells her favorite girls to go to supper no matter what events that they already planned (6). She never discusses her plans or affairs with any other teachers (7). This indicates that Miss Brodie is an independent and haughty woman. The Brodie Set, who are still changing and adapting to the society around them easily because of their age, bewilderedly copy the behaviors of Miss Brodie. However, she is a horrible leader the Brodie Set follows. Therefore, she has a bad influence on the Brodie Set. Miss Brodie also directly makes her Brodie Set girls do different corrupted things according to their hobbies and advantages. For example, Miss Brodie tells Rose to seduce Mr. Lloyd, who is already married (112) because Miss Brodie herself is no longer able or attractive enough to make Mr. Lloyd fall in love. Miss Brodie supports Sandy to sleep with Mr. Lloyd (118) which leads to the beginning of an affair. Miss Brodie is a bad influence because she has a perverted personality and she teaches her students to do evil things.

Miss Brodie is a pernicious and immersion-and-concurrence-thirsty woman who Sandy betrays. A person should not be corrupting and greedy, because if there are too many people like Miss Brodie, the world would become an unpleasant and lawless place. 

Obasan: Final Essay

Why is “Obasan” chosen for the title for this novel, written by Joy Kogawa, instead of “Mother” when the book focuses on the search for the truth about Naomi’s mother? Because Naomi’s mother leaves Naomi when she was young, and since then, she was raised by Obasan, who played the role of mother. The love between Naomi and her mother is feeble, as Obasan and Naomi’s relationship is more powerful because of their eons as a family and the impact Obasan had on Naomi.

      Naomi’s relationship with her mother is weak and simple. Naomi’s mother goes back to Japan, and never comes back (71). Naomi no longer feels any connections with her mother since the first time she was harassed by Old Man Gower, a pedophile (67). She cannot even bring herself to report to her own mother, because her fear is stronger than her love towards her mother. She finds her relationship with her mother breaking down even before her mother leaves Canada (69). Though at the end of the novel, Naomi’s mother is revealed as a strong woman who keeps her silence for the sake of her children, she can never be considered as a real mother, because she has never really been there for Naomi. Naomi’s love towards her mother is not vigorous.

      On the contrary, Obasan’s relationship with Naomi is much stronger than her mother’s, because Naomi has spent almost her whole life with Obasan. Obasan does everything a mother does. She cooks for Naomi, takes Naomi and Stephen to school, and even brings Naomi to public baths (176). She takes care of Naomi since the time her mother left. Even now, when Naomi is already thirty six years old, Obasan and Naomi still live together as a family. Obasan is more like a real mother, though she is only an aunt.

      Obasan is a proper model for Naomi to learn from. Naomi remembers that Obasan once told Naomi to put others’ desires before her own. “We must always honor the wishes of others before our own. We will make the way smooth by restraining emotion.” (137-138). Without trying, Obasan easily imprinted a life lesson into Naomi’s head. Also, Naomi admires Obasan as a decorous and different woman. Naomi learns Obasan’s silent defense against racism, as Obasan “remains in a silent territory, defined by her serving hands.” (248). Obasan, as a distinct woman, fights racism with silence, which was learned by Naomi later on.

Naomi’s mother’s relationship with Naomi does not exceed Obasan’s love towards Naomi, for Obasan has a huge influence on Naomi in the decades they spend together. The title of this book is “Obasan”, because Naomi’s relationship with Obasan is stronger than with “Mother”. Mother does not necessarily have to be the closest friend a person can have, because there might be someone else replacing “mom” for she may does a better job than the real mother. 

Descriptive Writing

It was a cloudy day. I walked to school nervously. Whenever I thought of the promise I made to my friend, the butterflies in my stomach started to try to break through. “Today is the day,” I said to myself.

It was lunch time, and I went to the library as usual. After positioning myself in a chair and catching enough sneaky glances from my three friends who stood by the library door, I stood up and started roaming in the library. My best friend points toward the silent guy in the corner who was reading intently. “Okay…” I took a deep breath, scared, “as I practiced.” I stared at him with admiration. He rested his head o、n his left hand, with his right hand holding the book. He seemed so calm and relaxed. I knew I would hate myself for disturbing him. “But, a deal is a deal. I never break a promise.” I whispered to myself. I looked down at my feet and laughed at myself for being such a coward all the time. Today is the day to change; today is the day to talk to him for the first time, I thought. I glanced at my friends who were already spread out, waiting for the show to begin. It was not going to be long conversation, I knew. However, I also knew, the first impression is the most important. I walked towards him. I stopped. I looked at one of my friend and wished to receive encouragement. Instead, she smiled evilly and pointed at him a few times with her chin. I shook my head a little and looked around to make sure none of the people I know are looking. I kept on walking slowly with my head low. There’s still a chance to turn back, I thought, breaking a promise is better than embarrassing myself in front of the guy I like. But, I kept going, because sooner or later, I’d have to do it. I glanced up and saw his innocent face focused on his book. I felt a little encouraged.

“Hi.” I said awkwardly.

He looked up slowly. Obviously, he liked his book more than me. “Hey.”

I hesitated. My head went blank. What was the line again? I thought nervously. All I practiced was forgotten. “I’m Tracey.”

He looked at me, a little confused, and looked down at his book for a second. “Oh, I’m *****.” He held out his hand. It took me eternity to realize or believe that he was offering me a handshake. I just stood there and stared at his hand, unable to believe my eyes. Then I finally remembered to take it and gave it a little squeeze. I tried to smile, but my burning and numb face was only allowing me to make a grimace.

Crap, what am I doing? I wasn’t supposed to say my name until I was ready to leave. Understanding his tiny hint on how much he wanted to continue his book, I felt pressured. I felt like he had been waiting for me to talk for five minutes. But after feeling the gentle but strong touch of his hand and having his beautiful eyes set on me alone was so relieving and comforting, that I literally forgot how to breathe. I choked and heard some loud laughter and giggles coming from my friends.

He smiled, at me.

While still choking from the shortage of breath, I said awkwardly, “Well, I got to go. It seems like my friends are waiting.”

He laughed out loud softly. It was the most attractive sound I have ever heard. Well, I just ran outside and punched one of my friends in the stomach. It was so screwed up. It went not at all according to the plan.

(This is based on a true plan which is about to happen sometime this week.) 

The Blood Stone: Final Essay

Greed and Desire

Erich Fromm, a philosopher, once said, “Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.” The Blood Stone, by Jamila Gavin, reflects the negative aspect of greed through characters like Geronimo, Noor and Bernardo. Greed may not lead to consummation; instead, it causes serious corollary, such as death and stress.

Greed is not the absolute solution to success. Noor, a dancer, craves to dance for the emperor of Moghul (304). She refuses to marry Filippo, because she chooses to stay in India and to dance for the rest of her life (351). She is excessively eager to dance that she would rather die (304). However, just because of her greed does not guarantee she will. When Noor visits Filippo in Venice, she tells him that she “[is] given in marriage within a year of [Filippo’s] departure”, and “only ever danced for children” (399). She never achieved her goal though she has a determined goal and strong desire.

      Greed causes consequences, like death. Bernardo longs for the precious pendant (53) that Geronimo’s father received from the Moghul Prince who he saved (55). Bernardo even tries to get the diamond through Elizabetta, who Teodora trusts drastically (75). Bernardo even “[strikes] Elisabetta a blow which [pitches] her to the ground” (91). He is so greedy and enraged that he no longer cares if Elisabetta realizes he is only taking advantage of her. The result of his avidity was death. Bernardo goes to the Veroneo family to get the diamond himself (315). He becomes angry at Teodora, which provokes Carlo who stabs Bernardo in self defense (307). Bernardo dies because he is covetous; death is the price he must pay for his acquisitiveness.

      Avarice can also generate stress to the family of the person. Geronimo is adventurous which makes him a selfish husband and an irresponsible father. He longs for traveling and finding diamonds (12). He leaves his family behind for his own desire. Teodora always believes that Geronimo is still alive though the society gives her much pressure (5-27). The children do not understand where their father is. Filippo has never even seen his father until the rescue was successful. Geronimo causes sorrow and grief to his family because of his own greed.

      Rapacity does not guarantee prosperity, but on the contrary, it evokes consequences. People from this generation are becoming greedier and more longing. They want more than they need. This leads to damage to relationship and friendship, broken down of countries, harm to the Earth, which would eventually cause war. They all should try to become more abstemious and liberal, so the world will gradually become a more peaceful and joyful place for every one of them. 

Wolf Brother: Final Essay

Cherise Sinclair once said, “Responsibility and confidence are internal, so don't overlook the quiet guy in the corner. He might be shorter, and yet able to drop you to your knees with a low command.” The protagonist, Torak from Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver is a confident and responsible boy who did not know his own personality. Confidence and responsibility is important for people to be successful though some do not show or know their true ability. Torak is the responsible and confident Listener who completes his quest perfectly, even though he used to be afraid and diffident.

Torak is fearful and unsure when he first hears he is the Listener who needs to give his heart’s blood to the Mountain (66). He is scared of death – being sacrificed by giving his heart’s blood away. He tries to flee (81) though he is caught later by Renn (88). He is shown unconfident in the fight with Hord as “they [circle] each other [warily]” (60). Torak copies exactly what Hord does because he is so faithless and afraid to use his own moves he learned from his father (60). “He [thinks] it wouldn’t be much longer” because “[he doesn’t] think [wolf and him] are going to get out” (62). Torak doubts his ability because he is in lack of faith in himself.

Even though Torak used to be an unwilling boy, Torak becomes certain and accountable. Torak puts his own life at risk to search for Renn in the fierce snow storm (185). He is unselfish and answerable for his partner, Renn even though he knows he might die. Torak argued without hesitation with Hord who is aggressive and tough, that Torak is the Listener and he would be the one who goes to the Mountain of Spirits and fights the Demon Bear (202-203). Torak is liable because he thinks fighting the Demon Bear and protecting the human race is his responsibility as he is the Listener. He is also assured because he has courage to claim in front of every member of Raven Clan that he would try to kill the Demon Bear and he has faith that he stands a chance of defeating the Demon Bear. Torak is dauntless, caring, accountable and responsible.

Torak completes his quest entirely. Torak’s quest is to collect three Nanuaks and defeat the Demon Bear. The only clue of finding the three Nanuaks is a riddle: “Deepest of all, the drowned sight. Oldest of all, the stone bite. Coldest of all, the darkest light.” (102). His first Nanuak is found at the bottom of the freezing and fast river after he almost drowns (111). Even though Torak almost dies from lack of air in the river, he does not give up on the Nanuak and even dives for it. The second Nanuak is found in a dark stone mouth that Torak goes into where he is attacked by the Watchers, the evil spirits (139-141). The third Nanuak is found in an ice hole on the Ice River (180). Torak is tested right after to see if he would sacrifice himself for searching Renn (182). He passes the test by deciding to take a chance to save Renn (183). Torak finally makes it to the Mountain of Spirits to kill the Demon Bear (227). He offers the three Nanuaks to the Spirits of the Mountain through his wolf brother and the spirits helped Torak defeat the Demon Bear (230). Torak completes his quest successfully and saves the human race.

Torak used to be craven and faithless, but he progressively becomes assured and amenable and completes his quest faultlessly. Wolf Brother reveals that being responsible and confident is vital for a person. Therefore, people should all start to build confidence and sense of responsibility day by day to become a mentally mightier person filled with determination. 

Wolf Brother: Descriptive Paragraphs

Descriptive Paragraphs

The spring sun was high in the sky but was hidden behind the dense branches. The bright and warm sun ray prodded through the fissures in between the boughs as it melted the frost on the berry bushes and the icy streams. The ground was muddy and living once again as the wild flowers bloomed gracefully. The forest was peaceful and quiet other than the sound of fast running water. The birds that just got back from the South were resting on the thin branches after flying for weeks. The energetic but hungry bears just woke up from their long dreams during hibernation, silently searching for food. The wolves intermittently howled at somewhere far away. As the hunter roamed around his campus, he could almost taste the refreshing minty and sweet smell of the pine and cedar trees mixed together in his mouth. He collected a basket of fresh berries from the berry bushes and was mesmerized by the strong nectarous smell.

I sat on a black stone like a pure gem alone. I sang as the birds hummed along. Watching the nature gradually resurrecting from the deadly winter is like listening to a long and slow piece of music becoming faster and at the same time, more enjoyable, and as the joy and bliss behind the never-melting frost is finally shown completely in the warmth. I ate a rabbit leg that I just cooked on the open fire, and prayed that it would draw no animals. As I enjoyed the peace and calmness of this forest and forgot the time, I realized the sun is already down. This piece of rabbit leg plus the scene in front of my eyes got me eating for hours. It seemed like I got stuck in my day dream until the crisp breeze blew me awake. I threw the rest of the rabbit leg by the river, letting it become the food of the wild creatures.

      The two young hunters took small and quiet steps on their tiptoes towards the deer behind the trees. They walked as silent as they could. At the time, they walked cautiously with their hunting guns on their hands. Suddenly, the deer sensed danger and looked back suddenly. It started running to the opposite direction because it spotted the hunters coming towards it. The hunters fired at the deer which was helplessly aimed already. But because of its speed, the first shot missed. But as the shooter reloaded and ran after, the other hunter aimed carefully through the trees and “Bam”. The deer fell as its soul was suddenly taken out of its body. However, it managed to keep running with its bleeding neck. Its determined and valiant spirit kept it running. The first hunter took a shot patiently as its appearance was almost blocked behind the thick trunks of the trees. However, he did not miss this time but shot the deer’s neck. It fell at once. Its body twitched hard as it had gotten a seizure. It was a piece of dead meat a minute after. The hunters cut it up and collected the useful parts on the spot. 

The Neverending Story: Fantastica in My Imagination

    The waterfall is enormous and forte. It sings with the pines in the forest as the wind runs by. The gnomes take showers under the huge and plentiful water drops as they falls on the gnomes like the rain of a storm. The waterfall slows down as it gradually becomes a river. The river is peaceful but rich with lives. The pandas collect bamboos for their babies by the river. The male beetles with beautiful, wide butterfly wings fly freely and flirt playfully with the cute, fat caterpillars that are enjoying sun bath. Bastian, the human hero, picnics with the Moon Child on the flat land by the river. They are talking about the new world without the Nothing. The green grass tickles Bastian’s back when he lies down and the flowers bloom beside his head. The mountains surround them like a bowl and the pine trees are tall and straight, shooting into the sky like a rocket. 

    At night, the sun does not go down and there is no moon or stars. But everything becomes an underwater play land. The sea water floods the bowl and blocks out the strong sun light, and everything is able to live underwater at night. The sea water is calmer and less salty near the bottom, the ground, than the surface. Every land creatures go to sleep at night, excluding the living things in the ocean. They swim around peacefully with no land creatures bothering them. All kinds of fishes meet at night with each other and play and sing. However, when the day time comes and the sea water ebbs, the fishes go to rest quietly until it is night time again. 

Dear President Snow

Dear President Snow,

      Hello President Snow, how are you? I am Annie from District 6. I am the older daughter of the two famous architects who designed the train of Panem starting from District 12 going across the whole nation to the Capitol. I would like to believe you respect and honor my parents. So please, take my letter seriously for I am the oldest daughter of them and as I am speaking for all the people of District 6. Also, please do not stop reading if I offend you with something unpleasant for you to hear, because the words I am going to tell you are serious and necessary to be heard.

      The Hunger Games once a year may be entertaining for you and the Capitol residents to watch, but they sacrifice too many young lives, break the dead ones’ family forever and overall, they are not necessary at all.

The Hunger Games is a competition that only one tribute out of twenty four will survive. Every year, young people cross their fingers and pray that they would not get chosen as a tribute. If they did not get picked, they would continue fearing that they might get chosen the next year. Even when they finally broke through of the wall of being scared to be a tribute, they would have to worry for their children. Fear of the Hunger Games is like people’s own shadows. It is always there and it will forever be haunting them. The Hunger Games not only destroy twenty three tributes’ lives, it also may ruin the rest of the victor’s life. Even though the victor survived, he may be physically broken for the rest of his life or he might feel guilty for being the only one coming out of the arena where the lives of the twenty three others who once were just like himself were taken away. The Hunger Games kill young people and damage victors’ souls, just for the sake of satisfying you Capitol people.

The family going crazy for their sister or father is even worse than being dead. A tribute died peacefully. But it is his family that has to bear with eternal sorrow. Can you imagine your own son being taken away? When you know they have no chance of coming back alive? And when the peacekeeper shows you your son’s copse with no sense of life in his dull eyes? Would you still be able to stand there still and calmly? Well, twenty three families have to suffer like this, seeing their beloved children or siblings but being powerless to do change anything. Families are scattered like a thousand pieces of puzzles because of the Hunger Games. I have a good friend who was chosen this year; her name is Amy Zhou. She was taken away and she is probably not going to walk down the train in a few months. I cannot describe my feelings. But I am certain I will always remember her and the pain plus the sorrow. Anyway, do you not feel guilty at all? Taking away the people and forcing family and friends to live with it.

The Hunger Games are not necessary at all. They are only entertainment, but while using lives in exchange for laughter. If you like entertainment, you can replace real and solid human being with animals or insects. Killing twenty three lives every year for the past seventy four years is not necessary. You know that, but you just love seeing tributes suffer so much, you’d rather go to hell, just like every other Capitol residents. However, you are the powerful president; you can stop the Hunger Games and save twenty three lives every year! Listen to my words with your conscience. Listen to all the people’s words with your heart! Save the man-kind! By simply stopping the Hunger Games.

Best regard,

Annie, from District 6

A Piece of Mushroom

I am a piece of mushroom. I contain a lot of carbohydrates, Vitamin C, B6 and D, proteins etc. I am low in saturated fat and sodium. I was placed on a plate, facing a young girl seemed bothered. She played with me with her fork for a while, and stabbed me hard and put me in her mouth. She chewed me several times and I was separated into several small pieces called boli, covered with saliva. The little girl swallowed and immediately drank a mouth full of water. As the girl swallowed, the epiglottis automatically closed and stopped the boli from going into airway tube to avoid choking the girl. My body parts passed through the pharynx into esophagus which is a tunnel that transports food into the stomach. The muscles in the esophagus pushed me down as a process called peristalsis. Later, I was in the stomach covered in gastric juice which is acidic. The pepsin, an enzyme (a protein found in human body that helps speeds up reactions) presented in gastric juice breaks down the boli into liquid, called chyme. If I were a kind of liquid already, it wouldn’t be so complicated. I traveled as chyme through the first meter of the small intestine called duodenum. My nutrients got absorbed by the villi on the wall of the small intestine. Villi cover the inside of the small intestine to increase surface area to fasten the absorption rate. If I was fried-chicken or corn, I would have became feces and been stored in the rectum until eliminated through the anus. However, fortunately, I am very easy to digest, so I became urine, which was stored in the bladder. I waited for a while until the bladder was full and was eliminated through the urethra. 

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Wolf Brother: Creative Writing

Wolf Brother Creative Writing

      A cub was born, as his mother lay down on the grass. His mother licked him clean. He did not know where he was but did not care. He smuggled closer his mother’s warm body and knew she was his mother naturally. After resting, he tried to move on his own. However, he could barely stand up until his father lifted him up by biting on his neck softly. He walked around and saw everything as gray. He gradually smelled more wolves with the scent of his parents. Three fade shadows came closer to him slowly as the new cub was some kind of freak. His mother licked him a few more times, comforting him. The three shadows appeared bigger as they came closer. They smelled like trees and mud, fresh and clean. They had just come back from the pond nearby. The cub realized they were his older brothers. They seemed to recognize their petite, new-born brother. His mother whimpered quietly. Though the cub did not understand her, he knew she has to be complaining about how dirty his three brothers are. Two of them lowered their heads as an apology as the other one rolled onto his back and licked his paw. The one on the ground made a squeaking sound, “ughf”, sweet enough to make his mother pity him. His father bit him on his back leg with a little strength enough to give him a warning and pushed the young wolf onto his feet with his gigantic maw. The father then licked the mother under her right ear as a comfort.

      The cub grew fast in his first few weeks. At the same time, he proudly became the naughtiest of his brothers. His brothers adored him but his mother becomes annoyed and upset while his father howled in his face. The cub does not care, because he knew it was his nature. The cub gained a lot of knowledge as well. He could finally communicate with his family by whimpering, growling, barking, squeaking and most importantly, howling. He also kind of learned to climb trees. He first climbs to the lowest branch of the tree and jumps from the branch to another branch of another tree and back and forth. At the end, he would get extremely high that his angry father would no longer see him. He knew not all of the wolves can climb trees, and he was very glorious of the fact that all his family could not.

      One morning, when the sun was not yet out, the cub ran away to the river to drink some refreshing water. The water tasted sweet and cool. He played in the water alone until the luminous sun light stroke through the forest. The cub returned to his family. He saw his brothers were not yet fully awake, so he barked in their ears until they growled back madly. He found it fun torturing his brothers. His mother suddenly became so frustrated by the cub’s naughty bark every morning and whimpers in a deep voice. He knew that was the noise she makes whenever she is enraged. That was like telling him to shut up and go away. He had no choice but to back off and leave her alone. He tried to find his father and found him up the hill, staring upon the mountain. He suddenly howled loudly. He howled until the cub’s mother and brothers joined him. The cub knew there was trouble, so he howled together with the pack as a response to them as he heard and understood. There may be human but may be something worse. He froze staring into the deeper, higher parts of the forest and saw gigantic waves of water coming down from the mountain and pushing his father towards himself. He did not know what to do until there was two seconds before the water was going strike him too. He jumped onto a thick tree and hopped higher every time a new wave came. The water calmed and the waves disappeared. He immediately remembered to look back at his brothers and parents when he thought he was perfectly safe on the tree. They floated on the peaceful water which was just as fierce as the sea monsters in the ocean. They were silent and did not move. The cub did not understand, so he jumped into the water and swam towards them. He bit his brothers’ tails and they did not answer. Nor did his parents. He was lonely and wanted them to play. He sensed fear but did not understand where it came from. He started howling naturally. Then he stopped himself right away as he knew wolves only howl when the other wolves had died.

A few days later, the water had finally seemed to have retreated to the lower land and his pack still did not move once. He thought the joke was not funny if it was any joke. He did not understand why his family was neglecting him anymore. He whispered in his mother’s ears to wake her up and find food for him as an exchange for his promise to never do anything she did not want him to. Nothing. He strongly did not like being ignored. Plus, he was weak and starving. His belly was full of flood water, but he knew water would never keep him full or energetic. He lay on the ground for two more days without moving because he was tired and weak. He did not even bother moving when a rabbit appeared right in front of him. He hoped he would not die. Then he sensed hope.

      The smell of wolf woke him up from his journey to the Death Land. The smell was not strong and noticeable but to the cub, it was obvious. The smell came closer. As it got closer, the cub smelled more things about this creature. It smelled like wolf but also like deer and bear. He was confused but did not want to be afraid at the creature his life depends on. It got closer and appeared to him… 

The Lightning Thief: Essay

Betrayal and Suspicion

American actress, singer and author, Nicole Richie has said, “It's hard to tell who has your back, from who has it long enough just to stab you in it.” In our daily lives, not a lot of people we meet are trustworthy. The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is full of betrayal and suspicions. Luke betrays Percy, because he wants to use his wisdom and power to finally make someone proud of him and causes suspicions among the gods who do not trust each other already.

Luke betrays Percy by acting like Percy’s friend but stealing the Lightning Bolt and trying to kill Percy. Luke takes care of Percy one his first day and makes conversations with Percy (100-101). Luke even teaches Percy to fight with swords (108-111) Percy seems helplessly weak and useless with all the other weapons (107). Other than how he acts in front of Percy, he actually steals the Lightning Bolt (365) and tries to kill Percy with a scorpion (364). Luke betrays Percy by creating an untrue friendship but actually stealing Zeus’s Lightning Bolt and trying to kill Percy.

The reason Luke betrays Percy is that Luke wants to use his wisdom and power to make himself proud and special. “Kronos [gets him] to steal the master bolt [through his dreams]” (366). He does this for Kronos because he is finally asked to do something incredible that no one could do and thinks he could finally become useful. He is smart and sneaky and he wants to show it to the others.

Luke causes suspicions among the three gods ---- Zeus, Poseidon and Hades ---- who already suspect others. Zeus thinks Poseidon convinces his son, Percy to steal his Lightning Bolt (135). Hades thinks son of Poseidon, Percy steals the Lightning Bolt (and his helm) (313-314). Poseidon does not admit and agrees to start a serious war if it is not found (136-137). Luke causes the gods to suspect the other gods, so they could start a major war.

Luke betrays Percy, because he wanted to use and show off his wisdom and power which creates serious suspicions among the gods. The Lightning Thief reveals a truth that a person can be betrayed very simply by someone who is considered a friend or companion. There is a saying, “[Good friends should] share the fortune and bear the hardship together.” Therefore, in the future, do not trust another too easily before going through both joyful moments and rough days together with them. 

Ender's Game: Essay

How did Ender Change throughout the Book

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card is a book about an intelligent and hard-working boy named Ender, going through difficult trainings to become a successful commander who defeated the Buggers. Students get isolated at school in this generation for many reasons. However, at the same time, other students make many friends easily at school. Ender in Ender’s Game is isolated, popular and famed, but at the same time, he becomes far away from his old friends, but at the end, he makes many real and reliable friends.

Ender is isolated when he first gets to Battle School. Graff, who Ender considers friend, isolates Ender by calling him the best of the boys all, and making all other boys jealous of him (P31). Graff isolated Ender meaningfully because Graff wanted Ender to have no friends to rely on, so he would be forever independent. “Ender wanted to go home” because he feels lonely and fearful because “no one sat by him in the mess hall” during dinner time (P41).

Ender becomes beloved and because he is one of the best students in Battle School and trains the younger students during extra practice time. Ender first befriends with Alai, Bernard and Shen (P59-61). As he was promoted into higher level of army, more students attend his extra practice (P139). “He liked teaching the boys (who) followed him loyally and “even the teachers were respectful” (P139). He was admired and esteemed. However, “he had so much respect he wanted to scream” (P139), because “with his old friends there was no laughter, no remembering. Just work. Just intelligence and excitement about the game, but nothing beyond that.” (P139) Ender’s old friends are considering him as their teacher, not their friend. He is frustrated because he thinks he was abandoned from his old friends. Later in the book, Ender becomes a commander of his old friends for the ‘stimulation game’, but is constrained to be merciless and harsh with them (P284-285). He is pressured and thinks he betrayed his friends.

      After Ender and his army win the war against the Buggers, his old friends cheer him up when he is enraged with Mazer and Graff for making him kill things he never wanted to hurt (P301-304). He is allowed to have companions because the war is over. Ender and the rest of them are joyful and delighted that they can all be together again.