Global Issue Paper

Before I lay down, fall asleep, and dream.  I would like to share some important information about my week/weekend dealing with my global issues paper.  This past week in Dr. D’s class, we’ve been working on developing our global issues paper.  We have been working in the writing lab every class period which has been a big plus for us.  Mainly because we have the ability to have a one-on-one conference with her, ask any necessary questions, and have time in class to work on it.  I have had difficulties previous times especially with the literary analysis but now I have a better understanding.  At first I was doubtful of myself because I was worried about how my paper would sound, and it was a new kind of style I wasn’t use to.  Although I asked a lot of questions, and Dr. D helped lead me in a good position.  I also feel very good about my paper, and I probably got a good grade on it as well.

          I chose to write my global issues paper on how many innocent people have been sentenced to the death penalty because of certain crimes that they assume they committed.  At first, I had a difficult time choosing my topic but I later found a great topic.  And I appreciate Dr. D and Coach Coco giving us the ability to freelance with our topics.  Mainly because now I have a good visual of how my topic will be constructed and I will be able to portray my argument similar to my literary analysis.  I am looking forward to the process and I have this feeling that my global issues paper will be better than my literary analysis.

Time constructed

1 hour and 30 minutes to complete my rough draft

Thought on Miss Nikki Giovanni's speech

I was enlightened by Nikki Giovanni’s speech last week at EHS.  I was thinking about it, and she has really opened my eyes.  She spoke about the life of an English professor at Virginia Tech and how difficult of a challenge it is being a writer.  You have to be extremely focused and dedicated as well.  Even though it may be time consuming, you always have to stay on task and be able to handle all of the constructive criticism.  She also spoke about her recent children’s book called, “Rosa”.  Even though it was a children’s book, it told a great story of about how one event changed American History.  She illustrated how Rosa Parks who was a good friend of hers didn’t give into segregation, and made a huge difference in our lives.

            Nikki Giovanni really went in depth with describing how bad segregation was back in the day.  She knew many loved ones who were killed by gangs that favored racism.  It was bad that some people didn’t want to open their eyes and see that segregation wasn’t right.  But from the help of some very strong African-Americans such as Martin Luther King, and Rosa Parks have made a big difference in our lives.  I was amazed at how Mrs. Nikki Giovanni portrayed it in a small children’s book.  She wrote a great book, and I am now inspired to strive to become a writer some day.

Eragon

Often times, I stop reading a book because I lose interest and focus on a book.  Although, Eragon has all ways had my attention.  I read this book on the way to basketball practice and on the way back from practice.  I am almost done with the book, and I really have had a good time reading it.  I am kind of down that I am done with this book but I am glad I've accomplished reading it.  I loved the analogies to different stories, and the ways the author portrayed different literary elements.  The author really did a good job of keeping me on my heels the whole time i was reading it.  This may be the second best book that I've ever read(the first LOTF).
I would definitely now offer this book to one of my friends that loves to read long books similar to the hunger games and Lord of The Flies.  Mainly because of the way that the author displays the interesting literary elements.  The author also compared it to other books like Lord Of The Rings type books.  I really think it is a good.  Although, I would only suggest it to the ones that have patience, and focus.

Reading

-Read 39 minutes
(of Eragon)
-read 15 minutes of Eragon Sunday

A Constructive Saturday

Usually on weekends, I am going out somewhere with my family and friends to hang out.  Although this weekend, I did nothing but work on cutting down my world history project.  Since my topic on capitol punishment was so broad, my mom told me that I needed to go to the library on Saturday, and read about important topics dealing with Capitol Punishment.  At first I didn't think that I needed to go to the library and read about certain topics in the United States that are over looked (dealing with capitol punishment).  I thought that this would be hard, frustrating, and would eat up my whole Saturday.  But my mom forced me to go, and work constantly.
Even though I sat in the library my whole Saturday.  I actually narrowed my topic to a very interesting argument and found many examples of my topic.  I'm glad that my mother encouraged me, and forced me to take the time out and go to the library because now I am closer to doing my outline.  I read many old news articles, sad stories, and police reports on my topic.  I did a lot of research which was a main reason why I was there so long, but now I am one step ahead.

Reading

-Read 45 minutes
(book- Eragon)
-Read 15 minutes
(book Eragon)

Reading Response

Today I have just started reading this new book that my cousin insisted that I read called, "Eragon".  At first i didn't know what to expect but after the first couple of pages.  I couldn't put the book down. I read 5 chapters in the book already. I can't wait to continue reading this book.  I enjoyed how the author used imagery through out the book to help you fantasize the adventures they go through.

This book is one that I would defintly offer this book to any of my friends that love adventurus books.  Mainly because I love how the author makes analogies toward different comics..  He relates the story a lot toward these other books.  And if your a fan of star wars and Lord of The Rings, you would be thrilled to read this book.  I haven't read or been that in love with Lord Of The Ringgs, but I still love reading this book.

In Memory of M.L.

Today isn't just any ordinary holiday that we just stay home and sleep all day.  Today is a day of coming together and working along side each other to better the community.  We shouldn’t do this because our parents and elders insist that we participate.  Mainly because, Martin Luther King stood up and made a change in the community.   Dr. Martin Luther King put his life on the line to end segregation.  He led many marches all over the United States.  Mostly all the marches were pertaining to end racial discrimination, unfair laws on African Americans, and the equal treatment for jobs.  Dr. King put up with a lot of hate and crime through out these marches.  He didn’t give in when people were threatening to kill him for trying standing up for what was right.  He ignored them and kept the movement going.  He was a dedicated man who felt as if the world needed to open up their eyes to realize what is right. 

Last year, I didn’t realize how important this day is to us.  I didn’t take advantage to go meet new people and bring justice to the community by helping out.  Now since I’ve participated in an event involving a tribute for Martin Luther King, I’m glad that I took the time out to go.  I had a great time with my new friends while recycling trash and painting a wore down elementary school.  I really feel like now I have a made a difference.  Even though, I only made a difference in a couple of kids lives who go to that elementary school, and some animals' lives.  I still made a difference like Dr.King did, and that's why we cherish Martin Luther King day on January 16.

New Beginning

Since its the new year, it is time for a new beginning.  A fresh start and a plan to resolve any bad habits.  My new years resolution is to stop being lazy and strive to improve my grades by one letter grade each.  I haven't had much success from previous years because I haven't stuck through with my resolution.  I didn't have a solid plan toward fulfilling my resolution.  I was doing all of my work and studying last minute.  I also didn't go to my teachers always like I was suppose to, and I began to cram stuff in.  It was horrible and my grades were decreasing drastically.
Although, its not like I did terrible last semester.  I just think that now I can fix my bad habits and increase my working skills.  I also have a strong steady plan to do this.  My plan doesn't just include more studying.  It also includes asking my teachers constantly for advice and help to prepare myself for what ever assignment or test.  And this will definitely change my grades, and help me gain success.