My favourite project of English 12

    My favourite project of English this semester was creating the Dystopian graffiti poster. I have a passion for anything that involves creating, colouring, and drawing. To be able to work in groups was very valuable because it allowed me to work on my team work skills which benefits my career goals. There was plentiful of discussing, sharing ideas, and positive feedback which made me feel very proud of everyone in my group for being mature and friendly! Overall, our poster ended up looking very good because it incorporated everyone's artistic abilities and ideas. #TEAMWORK

My thoughts on the poem "Invictus"

  In class, we read a poem called "Invictus" by William Ernest Henley, and I was very inspired by the poem. The verse that especially caught my attention was: 

"It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul."

I was very captivated by this inspirational verse because it got me thinking even more about my senior year and having to decide on what to do while taking in all the opinions of others. It gave me a reality check that at the end of the day, it is I who controls where I go in life and who I want to be. People often waste their lives by being discouraged by the many obstacles and hardships in life. In reality, it is you that drives the car on your highways of life, therefore it is you that decides how you want to live your life.

Invictus Poem read by Morgan Freeman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FozhZHuAcCs

A New Experience in English 12

   

    One new experience I got the chance to have this semester in English 12 was working with an app known as "Book Creator App." We were given the chance to pick our groups and create a digital short story on the famous "To Be or Not to Be..." soliloquy of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, The objective of the assignment was to recreate the famous soliloquy into a modern language read for the class. Since I am a creative person, I really enjoyed being able to create a short story by recording our voices and adding images to represent the dialogue. It is always great when teachers assign different types of projects to allow students who are not usually strong in one aspect of the curriculum, to be able to show their strength in something else that is different to the "norms." More fun and different projects like creating digital books? YES PLEASE! 

A clip on the Book Creator App: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9F4JFCyQ3vc

An interesting article on the success rate of ios apps in this generation: http://arstechnica.com/apple/2012/05/ios-app-success-is-a-lottery-and-60-of-developers-dont-break-even/

Invictus "Inspirational" poem/song

Lose Yourself by Eminem 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fg1v0TpcZPs 


The Verse(s) I was inspired by and related to: 

  "Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted. one moment
Would you capture it or just let it slip?
Yo

His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy
There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti
He's nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready to drop bombs,
But he keeps on forgetting what he wrote down,
The whole crowd goes so loud
He opens his mouth, but the words won't come out
He's choking how, everybody's joking now
The clock's run out, time's up, over, bloah!
Snap back to reality, Oh there goes gravity
Oh, there goes Rabbit, he choked
He's so mad, but he won't give up that
Easy, no
He won't have it, he knows his whole back's to these ropes
It don't matter, he's dope
He knows that but he's broke
He's so stagnant, he knows
When he goes back to his mobile home, that's when it's
Back to the lab again, yo
This whole rhapsody
He better go capture this moment and hope it don't pass him

[Hook:]
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo
You better lose yourself in the music, the moment
You own it, you better never let it go
You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow
This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo
(You better)"

    The song "Lose Yourself" written and rapped by Marshall Mathers (Eminem) is a song that has stuck with me through difficult times where I am struck by some of life's obstacles. The verses/hook shown above are the parts of the song that I become very inspired by because it goes into how the artist himself is very nervous and is having trouble expressing his true talent and ability because of anxiety. My difficult times have always been presenting in front of the class because I am on the timid side when it comes to classroom activities and when I am required to do a presentation I get very nervous. Part of of my anxiety is that I want to do really good on the project and I prepare to an extent where I am fully aware and confident of what I am presenting but when it comes to actually doing it I often pull myself back from expressing my true ability because I forget parts of my speech due to nervousness. When I listen to "Lose Yourself" it motivates me to do anything and it gives me a boost to do better because a lot of the time in life "you only get one shot" and a truly good "opportunity comes once in a lifetime." Whether I am working out, preparing for a presentation, or lacking motivation in life, the song "Lose Yourself" by Eminem is a one of a kind song that never fails to inspire and encourage me to do the best of my ability in any situation. 

Interesting and beneficial article on "how to find inspiration from within yourself" : 
http://deepexistence.com/how-to-inspire-yourself-in-two-steps/

Found Poems

"Christmas Spirit"


It's that time!

Winter,

Formal parties,

Santa and his elves,

Warm drinks and Christmas spirit.

Celebrate and welcome others,

Invite everyone,

Everyone should be able to feel included,

Acceptance is the best,

Share what you can,

And don't forget to wear red, green, or your holiday sweaters!



A Christmas Video to get more in the spirit!: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qUzIF4eYRkg

Some good advice on how to create better poems: 
http://writersrelief.com/blog/2009/11/un-think-your-poetry-how-to-write-better-poems/

Hamlet Post Mortem Monologue

  
     To be or not to be that wast the question, but now I has't hath found mine self in the purgatory that I wast curious yet frightened of. What has't I done! Mine mother, mine love Ophelia, that lady father, that lady brother and now mine self, dead and hath lost in death's portal. Polonius, no whither to beest hath found here. That rogue must beest in perdition for all his malefactions. Hath mine requite becometh revenge? So much unnecessary deaths has't occurred while I wast busy going insane by mine thoughts. Who would of bethought that a competitive sport such as fencing would has't turned into the deadliest match. A poke of a sporting sword wast the end to mine fate. It is unfortunate that one man and his actions could be the downfall of everyone else. Though the question is, was it my actions or Polonius' actions that is to blame? What dole this journey has been! I was dejected and hurt by the cruel injustices of my so called "uncle." To beguile his people, his family, his wife, his own brother! I was sickened. Peradventure, I wast wrong at times. Peradventure, I should not has't taken t to extremes with mine loved ones. I regret hurting Ophelia. That lady wast so gentle and loving, yet I undone that lady to bits. hath shown myself as a stranger to mine mother and frightened that lady with mine hallucinations. Those ladies must beest in firmament due to their caring and gentle souls. While I remain in purgatory, reflecting on mine doings and carrying the true pains of life; abhorred treachery, contumely, rogues and the greed of diadem. A long cometh the dirge... 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEeeVbqxbQc
(A shakespearean Dirge)

Revenge Response: Hamlet

 

 

     In my opinion, when it comes to revenge, it does not fall directly under "good" or "bad" because of the intentions. It may in fact feel really good if one took revenge for something that happened because it seems that a person that does wrong truly deserves what is coming for them. However, the act of revenging can be damaging to one's self because it usually ends up with a person doing the exact action of the person that made them feel revengeful in the first place. Two wrongs do not make a right and can actually be more emotionally damaging for one who is taking revenge because it results in not only mourning or dealing with  the initial incident but furthermore dealing with the aftermath of the revenge as well.  In other words, "never fight fire with fire" because it actually would create an even bigger fire.

    It is human nature to want to protect, defend, or obtain justice for one's loved ones whether it is physically or verbally. Therefore, in some cases due to emotions, feelings, and the "heat of the moment" revenge can seem justified even though forgiveness is the harmonious approach in dealing with terrible events. Also, if revenge seems justified, it is fruitless. Being the better person is always the most beneficial choice to move on from a terrible event in the most healthiest manner. 

   The difference between revenge and avenge is that revenge is the "bad" way to deal with an injustice event and avenge is the better way to deal with an injustice event. For instance, if someone were to kill a person's loved one and the person decides to pay back by doing the same wrong action such as killing the killer; it would be revenge. On the other hand, avenge would be for the person to obtain justice for their loved one by making sure that the killer gets put in prison. Avenge is when justice is served in the right way by avoiding the increase in emotional damage and complexity of an issue yet making sure the person at true fault (a cold blooded murderer) is given the appropriate punishment that appropriately shows how wrong their action was.

The Psychology of Revenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUB5s1ZKCRI
 

Advice Letter To Yourself

Dear Grade 8 Self, 

High school is not as scary as you think it will be. No one shoves you in lockers, you will be able to open your locker (most of the time) and you will eventually be able to memorize where all of your classes are. Be wise when choosing friends and do not fall for "popularity" because it means absolutely nothing. If you focus on your school grades and aim for the highest marks, it will make your life so much easier by your senior year, trust me! Enjoy each and every year of high school because it goes by very fast. As your grade increases every year, so will your stress level, so remember to not procrastinate and study days prior to a test. Join any clubs that interest you because they will help you find who you are as a person. If you don't want to join clubs, at least try new things and don't be afraid to do so. When you take Co-Op Leadership in grade eleven, it will help you learn so much about yourself that you may not of found out if you took regular classes. You will also realize how much you enjoy participating and being apart of school events because it will give you a sense of purpose. Also, do not be afraid to say "hello" to someone because that "hello" will be the start of a beautiful new friendship that will help you get through the stressful times of high school. Finally, remember grade 8 self, that this time of your life where you figure out who you want to be in this world will go fast, so seize each and every moment of this crazy journey young grasshopper! 

Sincerely,

Your Grade 12 Self 

Link of School Extracurricular Activities and Clubs: https://www.surreyschools.ca/schools/sullivanheights/Extra-curricular/Clubs/Pages/default.aspx

GATTACA Response

              

In what way does GATTACA represent the elements of a dystopian society? 

  GATTACA represents a Dystopian society because there are examples of suppression and discrimination. For instance, the name "de-gene-erates" is given to people who are not genetically modified, which  displays these people  as something  negative or undesirable. Furthermore, the "de-gen-rates" are only allowed to have labor jobs such as being a janitor because these jobs are thought to be do-able without any experience or skills. If one is not a genetically modified human or isn't blessed with the healthiest transcript, they are forbidden to follow their dreams of being able to do any occupation. Many personal aspects of life are taken away because even one's workplace can look  into their whole genetic transcript with just a pluck of hair or a shed of skin (dust). 


In what way might GATTACA be considered a representation of a utopian society? 

  GATTACA  could in some ways represent a Utopian society because of its motive to have a perfect society and to create citizens that do not have to go through the pain of illnesses and disabilities due to the discovery of genetic modification. They have a system that does in fact prevent any flaws and mistakes from occurring  and makes life in general easy to live for most. The only aspect it is missing is the equality for all to be emotionally content with their life and status. In GATTACA it is the people who have been genetically "blessed" or modified before birth that get to live the Utopian parts of  the society but the "de-gen-rates" mainly live the Dystopian part of the society which results GATTACA in being a more Dystopian society. 

GATTACA Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWjlUj7Czlk 

Animated movie Wall-E exemplifies a Dystopian Society: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1BQPV-iCkU

Inquiry Reflection

 
Inquiry Project Link:

http://prezi.com/kw1ghojubjsu/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
 
    From doing the Inquiry Project, I learned many unexpected aspects to my question. For instance, there are three main factors to the psychology of male dominance causing gender inequality; biology, traditions and socialization. I didn't expect there to be an actual answer to my question because my question was very particular.. I was not entirely sure if the subjects of my question would even connect smoothly, yet they ended up having a connection such as the three main factors that contribute to my question.

   During the inquiry process, my main challenge was researching because my question was very precise. Thus, finding the answer of my question involved a lot of critical thinking, connecting and deep research. A scholar article ended up giving me a boosting help since it consisted of the three main factors of my answer (socialization, biology, and traditions). Overall, I feel as though I fulfilled all the requirements of the project but I would maybe try to find more different styled sources to present my information such as a short video for those who may find it easier to learn from motion visuals.

   Being a female myself, I know that the world is not yet over gender inequality, so being able to understand the history and psychological reasons as to why male domination exists and affects gender inequality is very vital to changing the issue because that way I myself and others who listened and watched my presentation will be aware of what not to do when raising their children one day or what actions to avoid in prevention of gender inequality. It is just like taking social studies in the junior years of high school because we learn history to know and understand the faults and actions that affected people many years ago.

   Now that I am aware and understand the reason why male domination has a psychological impact on gender inequality, I would like to take the issue furthermore by researching on what actions would help the act of eliminating gender inequality. Other than having protests, what can families teach their kids to stop the inequality between genders and what is the fastest way to enlighten the whole world on this issue in hopes to end it. Just like in psychology, I have described the issue, understood the issue, predicted the issue (if certain actions continue, the issue will continue), and now I would need to change the issue by coming up with solutions and applying them to real life experiences.

Interesting discussion clip on the psychology behind gender discrimination:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIn81ySIj64

A motivational speech on gender equality by Emma Watson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-iFl4qhBsE

Dystopian Novel Character Journals

The Handmaid's Tale

Chapter VIII Birth Day 19-21

Ofwarren (Janine) : 

    It is finally the day where  I get to help a human enter this world. I call the baby in my stomach a human because I know I cannot get too attached to him or her. After all, If the baby turns out healthy I will only be able to nurse him or her for a few months then I'll be transferred. I might as well enjoy the delicious food gestures from the Marthas and the non-stop complements from the Commander Wives for being the ideal Handmaid. The other handmaids made it to the house and they seemed to possess the emotions that I feel deep inside such as nervousness, anxiety and yet happiness. I feel the contractions kicking in and get assisted upstairs to the birthing room. As the handmaids enter, they stared at me. Did they feel sorry, happy, envious, or all of those feelings at the same time? As the pain increased I started to yell and the handmaid's started to chant with the Aunt's initiation. If it were the normal days and I was giving birth to my child again, I would yell for them to stop chanting... 
       
One of the Wives:

   What a delightful day for us wives. One of us are finally having a child. Unfortunately, the handmaid is not one of mine. My handmaid doesn't even take a shower and another refuses to eat many times. Most of the handmaid's are selfish. They take our husbands and they get to be apart of something so  beautiful and feminine. Ofwarren is having contractions now so we must cheer on the wife to go get prepared for the ceremony. I hate her, I hate the handmaid, and I hate this day unless it were me getting prepared for the ceremony. I might as well indulge myself in the food made for us wives and chug down the wine. What a great feeling, to be intoxicated while the handmaids chant their selves away in the birthing room. Eat sip of wine intensifies my envy and desire to be someone other than myself. I want to be the one being praised and taken care of. 

Ofwarren (Janine): 

    They held a portable toilet! In front of all these women who still feel like such strangers, they made me use the toilet in front of them all. This birth is miserable, it is terrifying, rude, uncomfortable, inhumane, and disgusting. The pain has gotten a lot worse and I know it is time. It is actually time. I regret this, I hate this, it isn't what I want and I've been lying about what I displayed as happiness. The Commander's Wife and I get into position. She is acting as if she's the one giving birth and as if she's the one who has an insanely horrifying pain in her lower abdominal. I want her to stop it, each time she pretends, I feel more enraged. I pushed, and pushed, and eventually the baby came out. I felt like holding her. I needed to hug her, care for her, nurture her, and tell her mommy will protect her. I was scared about the feeling I would get when I saw her, the motherly instincts. My eyes filled with tears and I was exhausted yet full of pain, emotional pain. The aunt took her away from me, cleaned her, then placed her in the arms of the Commander's Wife. The pain of not having her in my arms is worse than the physical pain of birth. I'll never be a mother again no matter how many babies I birth, those days are over forever now. 

One of the Wives: 

    It isn't time to enter the birthing room yet. We hear the screams and the chants of all the handmaids. We discuss things that were so off topic to why we were here. We talked about knitting, gardening and the newest things we have gotten from the black market. I drank more wine and I felt myself getting a bit woozy. I feel myself becoming a mess. Am I a mess? I hope the baby is in good condition but if not at least I got some delicious cheese and wine. Finally it was time to go upstairs to see the baby. I wondered what the sex of the baby is? The odor from the room was absolutely nauseating and I felt myself gagging. I chugged a bit more wine in hopes that the odor will die off from being a bit more intoxicated. The baby was in the wife's arms. It was a cute baby girl. I wish she were mine. I stared at the wife and the baby, I felt so jealous. The wife named the baby Angela. The name is okay but I would of named her Charlotte. I said Angela was a good name anyways. My handmaids better be pregnant already otherwise I will make their life hell, absolutely hell. 

Tips on writing first person viewpoint:
 http://www.the-writers-craft.com/first-person-point-of-view.html

How to make readers feel emotion: 
http://www.the-writers-craft.com/first-person-point-of-view.html

Inquiry Question

 

     The novel that I read was The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood which follows an adult female named Offred who has been placed into the new  societal ways. Offred is taken away from her husband and daughter then forced to be a Handmaid or in other words a female who's only duty is to be a child bearer. Throughout reading the novel I came to a conclusion that the theme that I want my inquiry question to incorporate is Gender Inequality. I mixed the theme of gender inequality with my interest in psychology. I wanted to figure out how the psychology of both females and males plays a role in gender discrimination. When digging deeper into my question I realized that females are usually the most affected in gender inequality and that male dominance plays a big role in that outcome. I then thought where did male dominance come from and why did it contribute to gender inequality. Therefore, I decided to join all my key ideas together and came up with the question "Why does male dominance have a psychological impact on gender inequality?"

Personality Profiile

    After taking  the personality tests I have definitely figured out a lot more about myself. 
For instance, for the strength quiz I am recommended to keep a personal journal. I always was aware that I am a visual person but I never fully knew how to apply that trait of mine to help me become a better learner or person in general. From the quiz I was given a few tips corresponding being a visual person such as visualizing a word that I have trouble spelling accurately. For the Jung and Meyer Briggs Personality Quiz I received the INFJ group which is a "rare type". When digging into this personality type furthermore I discovered that I am often mistaken to be an extrovert because of my socialization with people but in reality I am an introvert. This discovery does make sense because I do enjoy having alone time. Being able to spend time with myself is much needed otherwise I do tend to get moody. A few Careers that were recommended for me were Social Worker, Psychology, Law, Arts, Humanities and Multimedia. During the summer break I did take the Meyer Briggs test and I got the same letters so I highly believe that this test is accurate.  I also learned that I am a person who highly believes in justice and speaking up for the rights of humanity. To my surprise Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King is also a INFJ which left me very shocked. I still have a lot more learning and growing to do as a person but to one day reach the level of influential leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King would be a such fulfillment for me.     

Getting To Know Yourself

 

    Life through my six year old self's eyes was very innocent. I was not aware of the dangers in the world and I was extremely eager to experience every part of the outdoors. My mom experienced my overly hyper self everyday and eventually decided to enrol me in activities. Girl guides, soccer clubs, ice skating lessons, swimming lessons were only few of the many activities that I participated in. These hobbies enabled me to show how much of an extrovert I was. At the same time, I was a shy extrovert because I could not yet push myself to be the conversation starter. I also obtained a lot of obedience for a six year old, but when at home I would still have my random bursts of tantrums. Being six and stepping into the world with the strong guidance of my parents allowed me to endure many elementary leveled experiences, such as making friends or the act of sharing with people which was new for me because I am an only child. I absolutely loved going out with my parents because I enjoyed observing others. I would observe how one spoke to another or how adults did everyday things. Aside from learning new things, I was still very naive. The world seemed like a like Disney movie to me and I was the "Disney princess". To conclude, my six year old self was a shy extroverted go getter who thirsty for the busy life.

    Today, I am a more self-aware person. My senior self is now able to not only help myself, but I am
also able to help my own parents by sharing my thoughts and giving my advice on certain issues. I am now able to contribute as a better team member for my family. I am more certain on who I am today. For instance, I am a very academically focused person and enlightened with the knowledge of knowing where my comfort level stands in certain situations which allows me to speak up. Views on the world from my point of view have grown to be more practical. Knowing more about who I am has made it possible for me to find the right crowd to hang out with. On the other side, I still carry my hyper and juvenile behavior during my leisure time. In conclusion, my sense of better understanding the type of person I am today has allowed me to transition into a stronger, more independent, mature and at times still silly adolescent.

 

   Looking into the future, I see myself having a career and mindset that grants me the opportunity to live a contented life. For example, my ability to not rush myself into things and think deeply before making a decision when it comes to life choices will allow me to have made my life somewhat more pleasing and less difficult. I hope to have gained the wisdom of knowing how to properly deal with the many scenarios, good and bad, that life may lay upon me. If lucky, I see myself having a "partner in crime" or in other words a companion who I can enjoy the various perks of life with. All in all, I see myself striving to achieve what almost everyone wants in life: success, happiness, the capability to give back to my parents and to provide for my family.

 
 

About Me

   Who am I? 

   

   I am a senior student who is currently taking AP Psychology, Physics, and English for my first semester. 

  What do I enjoy doing?

  I enjoy re-blogging pictures of places I wish to some day visit, photography (capturing life's amazing experiences and moments), listening to various genres of music, deep thinking and analyzing worldly events (yes, this includes pop culture gossip AND serious global issues), watching t.v shows such as Teen wolf or The Walking Dead (I am really into supernatural/suspenseful/thriller shows), working out, trying new foods/things, and trying to maintain a healthy life style by eating more healthy meals than junk food (although I do have a big sweet tooth.) 

What are my goals in English 12? 

  When it comes to English, I am always trying to improve on my skills. The goals I aim to achieve by the end of this semester are:

1) To become a better oral speaker, more confident in presentations, and improve on my speech pace.

2) Improve on my reading skills. I take a long time to read because I often reread to fully understand the main ideas. Thus, I want to become a more faster yet efficient reader.

3) Improve on my writing skills. I want to avoid creating awkward sentences in essays/paragraphs, and practice on identifying what is relevant to my writing passages and what information is unnecessary (I feel like I add extra sentences that are not needed.)