The New Year!

This New Year’s I spent with some of my friends. We all went to my best friend, Taylor’s house. There was eight of us, myself, Taylor, Lauren, Morgann, Dan, Mike, Tim, and Josh. Most of them, which I became friends with in 2009. I met a lot of new people in 2009 and is looking forward to seeing them much more in 2010. I am definitely looking forward to 2010, though 2009 was pretty good. I got close to a lot of people this past year, and hope to get to closer this year. In 2009 I made a lot of mistakes and I’m glad that the year’s over, so they’re over too! I know this isn’t like a fresh start or anything, but I’m sure this year will be much better. My best friend, Taylor and I became best friends in 2009, so that’s got to be one of my favorite things of that year. Just a few days before 2010, I had the best day of the year. I went to the NeverShoutNever concert with Taylor, and my friend Josh. It was so much fun, because N.S.N. is my absolute favorite band. I had so many adventures this past year. But I of course, plan to have many more in 2010. I can’t wait for all the school break, and of course summer break! It’s my favorite time of year and it can’t come soon enough. Summer also certifies for me, passing freshman year, and becoming a sophomore. I’m going to miss 2009, but I’m sure I’ll love 2010 just as much, if not more!

Holiday Traditions

My family has a few traditions, which are usually at Christmas time, which we celebrate. By Christmas Eve, all of my sister’s are home from college. Laura, Melanie, Gina, and Jill are moved away. At five o’clock that evening the whole family loads into the van, all 10 of us make our way to church about five minutes away. We go through the hour long mass then all come back home. My Mom finished making lasagna then had us all sit down at the table and eat. A few hours later, we opened presents from the family. My Aunt Diann comes over, who is with us on Christmas Day too. After presents, we’re sent to bed and wait until the morning to open presents from ‘‘Santa.’’ That morning, everyone wakes up and checks out their stockings. After everyone has woken, we all take a seat on one of the couches and my dad will go present by present letting everyone open each of theirs. Then it comes down to the very last one with a big red bow on it. That one is called the “big present.” It’s usually the most exciting, expensive one. After presents are all done, for the rest of the day we just relax, enjoy presents, and eat! This day everyone stays up very late, and just hangs out. We all get to chat about our lives that we’ve been missing out while everyone’s in college. Some may not consider this a tradition, but my family has this time very year, once a year.

The Power of One

I thought the movie, the Power of One was really great. I thought P.K. was a real hero, throughout the whole movie. In the movie, I saw that in Africa there aren’t only black people. There are also Caucasian’s, called Afrikaners. P.K. was not an Afrikaner, but a British boy. Because he was like this, at the private school he went to, her was tortured. I was surprised, when In the Power of One that P.K. was hurt, and beat up for being British. He grew up to be a hero. He was bilingual and could interact with all the races. He stood up for everyone who deserved it, and when he met an Afrikaner girl, Maria that he liked, he didn’t stop just because they were different. I was surprised when Maria and P.K. were in a church teaching the African’s how to read and write and the police came in to kill P.K. and Maria saved him, by pushing him out of the way and was killed herself. I felt so extremely bad for P.K., because he truly loved Maria. And I was really happy towards the very end when P.K. eventually got revenge on Sgt. Botha after the many years of him trying to kill P.K. he got him back, by killing him. Though P.K. was alone, he was set to going to Cambridge University and left on his long journey back to Britain.

10 Things I'm Thankful For

My Parents
Since I was born, to this day my parents have been here for me. They take care of me in a few ways; being loved, financially, and just plain old being there.
My Sisters
They have been here for me since day one, I can go to any of them for anything. They are here to keep me company, and support almost anything I do.
My Brothers
They somewhat balance out the diversity in the family, they are the boys. They are immature, and foolish but I love them for that!
My Bestfriend
I see her everyday, and I feel like I would be nothing without her. I can, and do tell her everything. She’s basically my other half.
All My Other Friends
I do really need them, I would be so bored if I didn’t have them. They basically complete me!
School
Even though I’m not so much a fan of school, I know I really need it and it will be so great for the future.
Music
Because I love to dance! What would you dance to with no music? I love the way artists can express themselves through enjoyable music everyone can listen to.
Technology
I wouldn’t be typing this paper without technology! I absolutely need my computer, t.v., and phone. I couldn’t deal without it!
Food
I’m not talking about normal food. I’m talking about the wonderful, tasty creations food put together can make. All the luxuries of different foods we can eat.
Art
I love art, it is a way to express your self through creativity. To me, it is a lot of fun to do.

Behind the Scenes

This week I learned quite a bit of new information regarding film techniques and filmmaking. My class this week watched the behind the scenes look at Rabbit Proof Fence. In order to cast the perfect characters, film directors like Phillip Noyce go through hundreds of people testing each of them. Each wannabe actor has to go through many different training camps in order to be ready for the film. After the film director has chosen who he wants in the film, they are immediately put to work. The training camps prepare them for what they will be doing in the actual film. The setting for shooting has to be very well known, and has to be perfect for the movie to seem as realistic as possible. But most likely, the most important thing in movie making is to have compatible actors. The actors have to be able to work together, so there is good chemistry with the characters in the movie like Molly, Gracie, and Daisy.
Movie directors can use the ‘silver screen’ to influence politics or cultural understanding. Directors can put out a movie knowing thousands or even millions will watch it. They can throw in whatever they want into the movie to possibly change the influence on that topic of those who see it. Phillip Noyce, director of Rabbit Proof Fence showed those who watched the film the cultural understanding of the Aborigines at that time, and showed us what happened to these poor children. The screen can show what’s going on in the world, or just a part of the world. Directors can be very informative with what they pursue on the screen; such as show some interesting truthful facts like how Phillip Noyce does. Filmmakers can record and show what happens or happened in different cultures then put it on the market. People will view the movie and the directors will have effectively influenced their view on the theme.

High School A Month in Review

Old Friends, New Friends
· Over the course of eighth grade and summer, I lost a lot of old friends. And throughout the beginning of freshman year, I’ve been losing more.
· Even though I have only been at Stevenson for about two months, I have already made many new friends. I have made new friends in each of my classes, some who I have none with, and even ones I barely see in school.
SHS Activities Attended
· I have attended quite a few of activities this year; such as all of the dances. I went to the freshman dance, and the Welcome Back dance. In a few days, I will also be attending the Homecoming dance.
· I’ve been to some after school Global Ed. Activities. About a week ago I stayed after school for food and games. I also went to a very inspiring activity; Invisible Children/ Night on the Field.
· I plan on attending many more Stevenson activities my ninth grade year.
Funniest, Weirdest, Scariest Moments
· Most of my funniest moments come from personal fitness. These moments happen to include of kids almost getting hurt.
· In soccer this week, I was versing my friend, Leslie. In the game, I accidentally tripped her, and she face planted into the ground, of course she was okay and that’s the only reason it was funny!
· Also, in soccer my friend Matt and I were both running after the ball extremely fast. He got to it a split second before me but I was going so fast and accidentally ran into him, which immediately he hit the wall. So basically, I body checked him. It was so funny, because he was alright and laughing too.
Hardest, Easiest Class and Assignments
· I would say Global Ed. History is one of my hardest classes. You will most likely get a decent grade if you do your homework correctly, but the news quizzes and tests are not easy.
· My easiest class is probably personal fitness. You will get an automatic A as long as you participate to your fullest. It will also help you quite a bit if you’re not late to class, always have your clothes, and do well on the quizzes.
Top Five Current Events
· Michael Jackson died this year, and it was in the news for a very long time.
· Obama’s speech in the beginning of the school year about school.
· During the VMA’s when Kanye West rudely interrupted Taylor Swift with an impolite comment.
· The murder of a Yale professor. It was very popular on the news, for about a week when the search was on deeply. Until she was discovered brutally killed.
· Patrick Swayze’s death was very sad, but expected. HE had battled with cancer, and had finally lost.
Faces in the News
· Some faces are; Michael Jackson, Kanye West/ Taylor Swift, President Obama, and the Balloon boy.
· Michael Jackson became very popular this year right after his death. Kanye West was very rude to Taylor Swift on national t.v., Obama became extremely popular after winning the role of president, and Balloon boy most recently as in the news for a set up scheme by his parents.
Interesting New Words
· There are no specific new words that I have learned specifically this year, but some still come into mind.
· Some words are; Alex Lopez(:, glomance (just because it’s so weird), legit (not new but one of my favorite words, and that’s about it.
Popular or Memorable Songs
· There are a few songs that come into mind: “I Gotta Feeling”- Black Eyed Peas, “You Belong With Me”- Taylor Swift, and “Party in the USA”- Miley Cyrus.
· ‘I Gotta Feeling’, ‘You Belong With Me’ and ‘Party in the USA’ are all really popular party songs this year. They are all normally played at the dances, and most everyone can sing along to.
Popular or Memorable Movies
· The most memorable movie I saw this Year was Fame.
· I saw this movie with my friends Heather, and Matt. I thought this movie was so good, and I fell in love with one of the main characters, Asher Book. This movie was so memorable because it wasn’t necessarily funny but it got really touching at some points and I got really into it.
Rumors or Gossip
· Before coming to Stevenson this year, there were many rumors about what it would be like. Some people said it was the most fun school years they’ve had. But others said they absolutely hated it.
· There’s always been rumors and gossiping. This year was no different. But I’ve learned to deal with it, and not always believe all the rumors, and tried not to gossip as much as I may have in my past years.
Fads or Trends
· There are always new fads or trends in the school year, there are a few that pop into my mind.
· Plaid shirts and Converse sneakers are very popular this year. Almost everyone I see or know have a different colored plaid shirt. Most everyone also has one or more pairs of converse.
Homecoming
· Homecoming is a very big thing for the beginning two months of Stevenson. Everyone worries about their date so much until they actually get one. Most guys don’t get so excited for Homecoming as all of the girls do.
· Everyone prepares for homecoming for about a month, and gets so pumped for the ‘big day’ within the last week.
· This year I’m hoping homecoming is as much fun as it seems. I think it will be, because I’m going in a really fun group. The group is me, my date Matt, Taylor, Adam, Alex, Andrew, Morgann, David, and Megan.
Advice for Freshman
· Coming to Stevenson is a fun, new experience. This year, you have just got to be yourself and you will make many new friends.
· It’s a really good idea to get active in the school clubs, sports, and activities. But don’t do too many or you won’t be able to keep up on homework. Homework is so important this year, and not doing it helps very easily to failing the class.
What I’m Looking Forward to…
· I am especially looking forward to this weekend. It is a pretty big weekend for Stevenson. Tonight, Friday is the last varsity football game of the season. It is homecoming game, and will show the homecoming court, and have the most interesting half time of all the games. Tomorrow night, at 7:00 is actual Homecoming. I am so excited, and I’m positive so is 95% of the school.
Other Noteworthy Achievements or Events

Culture, Culture, Culture

I would define American culture very diverse, different, and smart. In the U.S. everyone does something different in their culture, but some things are actually very similar. Holidays; most Americans celebrate holidays, such as Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and others. Americans also somewhat eat a lot of the same foods. Most of us have had Mexican, Asian, Polish, and of course American food. Even though most of the types of food we eat were not necessarily originated in the U.S., they are often made and eaten here. American culture is very advanced for the most part, unlike in all countries. America has televisions, cell phones, computers, and other technologically advanced pieces of equipment. Most Americans are use to these types of privileges in their culture. In America, there are many types of religion; Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, yet some people choose to not even have a religion.
I believe that I have a very similar culture as of most of my friends. In the U.S., I would say my culture is pretty normal. I have a religion, which is Christian. I celebrate a lot of holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, which I celebrate because of my religion. I also celebrate some nonreligious holidays; just for pure enjoyment. I myself have not been in many cultural experiences, but from what I know my culture may be very different from those around the world. In other countries, some people may have no religion, and can’t/ don’t rely on technology like I do. In my culture there is so much technological equipment that I have the privilege of using, unlike in some other countries where they have almost none. I have recently come to realize, that my own culture differs in some ways than the American culture, let alone the many cultures of the world.