Monday, December 19, 2016
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
College Prompt Essay Final Draft
University of Washington: What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give younger siblings or friends (assuming they would listen to you)?
Growing up and developing into young adults is an exciting, unpredictable journey. In kindergarten, we looked up to our parents and never wanted to let go of their hands. We told them about how our day went, and every little thing that had happened to us. By the time 5th grade came, we were begging them to let us sleepover our friend's house, or to go to the mall alone with our friends. Then, came our teenage years, better known as the rebellious stage. We stay in our rooms, only coming out to eat, and the main reason we talk to our parents is when we want something. We shop at the same stores, and buy things that we may not necessarily like, just for the name brand. Girls cake their faces with makeup and go on diets, so they can look like the models on the covers of magazines.
To me, the hardest part about being a teenager now is making the right decisions, and having to think about how my actions will affect my future. If I could, I would eat taco bell everyday, go to the beach instead of doing homework, and spend all my money at the mall. However, life isn't that simple. Being a teenager is complicated and confusing. We're still trying to find our identity and the person that we want to become in the future, or at least I am. My parents have told me that since I'm in high school now, every decision that I make matters. So far, as usual, they were right. I've had to make countless decisions for myself, ranging from things as small as choosing to do my homework, no matter how tired I was, to refusing to vape with my friends. I want to fit in with everyone, but I don't want to be under the negative influence of some people. I'm not perfect, and I don't always make the right decisions, but I feel that the only way to truly be able to grow up, is to learn from your mistakes and to change.
The best part about being a teenager would have to be independence. When I'm not on the soccer field or the volleyball court, you can find me shopping at a mall, hiking, or tanning at the beach. At this age, my parents pretty much just let me do whatever I want, as long as they know what I'm doing and where I'm going. It's pretty great having all this freedom, especially since I live in a place as beautiful as Hawaii. I love exploring different places, and driving all around the island just to take pictures. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in my life, because once I'm in college, they won't be there to worry or to set a curfew for me. Independence is definitely the best part about being a teenager, because it means that I'm finally growing up, and making the transition into a young adult.
If I were to give advice to my younger siblings or friends, I would tell them to choose their friends wisely. Friends have a really big influence on you, because often times you do whatever your friends do, so you don't feel left out or boring. If your friends make bad choices, then you probably will too. I've had the same best friend since kindergarten, and that's all you really need. You just need that one person who will stay by your side through everything. Although it may not seem like it at the time, there is much more to life than being popular. Think before you act, and trust your instincts when determining what's right or wrong.
Monday, November 21, 2016
College Prompt Essay Rough Draft
University of Washington: What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give younger siblings or friends (assuming they would listen to you)?
Growing up and developing into young adults is an exciting, unpredictable journey. In kindergarten, we looked up to our parents and never wanted to let go of their hands. We told them about how our day went, and every little thing that had happened to us. By the time 5th grade came, we were begging them to let us sleepover our friend's house, or to go to the mall alone with our friends. Then, came our teenage years, better known as the rebellious stage. We stay in our rooms, only coming out to eat, and the main reason we talk to our parents is when we want something. We shop at the same stores, and buy things that we may not necessarily like, just for the name brand. Girls cake their faces with makeup and go on diets, so they can look like the models on the covers of magazines.
To me, the hardest part about being a teenager now is making the right decisions, and having to think about how my actions will affect my future. If I could, I would eat taco bell everyday, go to the beach instead of doing homework, and spend all my money at the mall. However, since I have my future to consider, I need to exercise a lot to stay in good shape, do my homework to get good grades, and save up so I can afford to go to college. Being a teenager, I also have to deal with a lot of peer pressure. I want to fit in with everyone, but I don't want to give into people's influence, especially if it's negative. I've been called lame for not wanting to vape with my friends, but I know that I'm making the right decision by saying no. I may not make the right decisions all the time, but learning from my mistakes is what helps to shape me into a better person.
The best part about being a teenager would have to be independence. When I'm not on the soccer field or the volleyball court, you can find me shopping at a mall, hiking, or tanning at the beach. After all, that's pretty much all I do here in Hawaii! At this age, my parents pretty much just let me do whatever I want, as long as they know what I'm doing and where I'm going. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in my life, because once I'm in college, they won't be there to worry or to set a curfew for me. Independence is definitely the best part about being a teenager, because it means that I'm finally growing up, and making the transition into a young adult.
If I were to give advice to my younger siblings or friends, I would tell them to choose their friends wisely. Friends have a really big influence on you, because often times you do whatever your friends do, so you don't feel left out or boring. If your friends make bad choices, then you probably will too. I've had the same best friend since kindergarten, and that's all you really need. Although it may not seem like it at the time, there is much more to life than being popular. Think before you act, and trust your instincts when determining what's right or wrong.
Growing up and developing into young adults is an exciting, unpredictable journey. In kindergarten, we looked up to our parents and never wanted to let go of their hands. We told them about how our day went, and every little thing that had happened to us. By the time 5th grade came, we were begging them to let us sleepover our friend's house, or to go to the mall alone with our friends. Then, came our teenage years, better known as the rebellious stage. We stay in our rooms, only coming out to eat, and the main reason we talk to our parents is when we want something. We shop at the same stores, and buy things that we may not necessarily like, just for the name brand. Girls cake their faces with makeup and go on diets, so they can look like the models on the covers of magazines.
To me, the hardest part about being a teenager now is making the right decisions, and having to think about how my actions will affect my future. If I could, I would eat taco bell everyday, go to the beach instead of doing homework, and spend all my money at the mall. However, since I have my future to consider, I need to exercise a lot to stay in good shape, do my homework to get good grades, and save up so I can afford to go to college. Being a teenager, I also have to deal with a lot of peer pressure. I want to fit in with everyone, but I don't want to give into people's influence, especially if it's negative. I've been called lame for not wanting to vape with my friends, but I know that I'm making the right decision by saying no. I may not make the right decisions all the time, but learning from my mistakes is what helps to shape me into a better person.
The best part about being a teenager would have to be independence. When I'm not on the soccer field or the volleyball court, you can find me shopping at a mall, hiking, or tanning at the beach. After all, that's pretty much all I do here in Hawaii! At this age, my parents pretty much just let me do whatever I want, as long as they know what I'm doing and where I'm going. This is only the beginning of a new chapter in my life, because once I'm in college, they won't be there to worry or to set a curfew for me. Independence is definitely the best part about being a teenager, because it means that I'm finally growing up, and making the transition into a young adult.
If I were to give advice to my younger siblings or friends, I would tell them to choose their friends wisely. Friends have a really big influence on you, because often times you do whatever your friends do, so you don't feel left out or boring. If your friends make bad choices, then you probably will too. I've had the same best friend since kindergarten, and that's all you really need. Although it may not seem like it at the time, there is much more to life than being popular. Think before you act, and trust your instincts when determining what's right or wrong.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Colleges
University of Washington:
I would want to go to this school because it has a good pharmacy program. They also have a good D1 soccer team. Washington is also one of my favorite places to visit and travel to, so it would be easier to get used to living there. I like the weather and climate, and the campus is very nice as well.
Oregon State:
I would want to go to this school because it has good D1 soccer program. It's acceptance rate is 77.8%, which is pretty reasonable. The weather in Oregon is really nice, and it is somewhere that I wouldn't mind living. I also visited this campus before, and I loved it.
Colorado Mesa University:
I chose Colorado Mesa University because it they are known for having a very successful D2 soccer team. The acceptance rate is 82.3%. I would want to go to this college because they play our UH Manoa soccer team, so I would get to come back home every once in a while. I also like the weather in Colorado, and the campus is big, but not too big.
Azusa Pacific University:
The weather in California is nice all year round, similar to Hawaii. I would want to go to Azusa Pacific because I met their soccer coach, and I feel like I would want to play for her. They have a pretty good D2 soccer program. The campus is on the smaller side, but it's modern and new looking.
Seattle University:
Seattle University is a D1 school, meaning I would have to work hard at soccer to be able to play. It's acceptance rate is 73.4%. I really like the climate in Seattle, and I've always wanted to live there. My family travels to Seattle a lot, so I'm pretty familiar with the city.
University of Washington:
I would want to go to this school because it has a good pharmacy program. They also have a good D1 soccer team. Washington is also one of my favorite places to visit and travel to, so it would be easier to get used to living there. I like the weather and climate, and the campus is very nice as well.
Oregon State:
I would want to go to this school because it has good D1 soccer program. It's acceptance rate is 77.8%, which is pretty reasonable. The weather in Oregon is really nice, and it is somewhere that I wouldn't mind living. I also visited this campus before, and I loved it.
Colorado Mesa University:
I chose Colorado Mesa University because it they are known for having a very successful D2 soccer team. The acceptance rate is 82.3%. I would want to go to this college because they play our UH Manoa soccer team, so I would get to come back home every once in a while. I also like the weather in Colorado, and the campus is big, but not too big.
Azusa Pacific University:
The weather in California is nice all year round, similar to Hawaii. I would want to go to Azusa Pacific because I met their soccer coach, and I feel like I would want to play for her. They have a pretty good D2 soccer program. The campus is on the smaller side, but it's modern and new looking.
Seattle University:
Seattle University is a D1 school, meaning I would have to work hard at soccer to be able to play. It's acceptance rate is 73.4%. I really like the climate in Seattle, and I've always wanted to live there. My family travels to Seattle a lot, so I'm pretty familiar with the city.
University of Washington:
- Tell a story from your life, describing an experience that either demonstrates your character or helped to shape it.
- Describe a time when you made a meaningful contribution to others in which the greater good was your focus. Discuss the challenges and rewards of making your contribution.
- Has there been a time when you’ve had a long-cherished or accepted belief challenged? How did you respond? How did the challenge affect your beliefs?
- What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What’s the best part? What advice would you give younger siblings or friends (assuming they would listen to you)?
- Submit an essay on a topic of your choice.
University of Oregon:
The UO is interested in learning more about you. Write an essay of 500 words or less that shares information that we cannot find elsewhere on your application. Any topic you choose is welcome. Some ideas you might consider include your future ambitions and goals, a special talent, extracurricular activity, or unusual interest that sets you apart from your peers, or a significant experience that influenced your life. If you are applying to the UO's Robert D. Clark Honors College, feel free to resubmit your honors college application essay.
Monday, November 7, 2016
There was only a few seconds left in the championship game, when I scored! I practiced and perfected that shot in practice, and it had finally payed off. It was the best feeling in the world. I had butterflies in my stomach, my heart was beating out of control, and I couldn't stop smiling! The crowd roared and yelled my name. Moments like these were the reason why I loved playing soccer.
I thought it was just another day at the beach when I saw her. She was just floating there, not moving, not breathing. My heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest as I swam to save her. We were pretty far out, and I didn't know if I could pull her all the way back to shore. My legs and arms were sore and weak from treading water for so long. I felt like I was going to die, and it became harder and harder to breathe. I knew that time was running out and I had to do something. My legs were too weak to move so I screamed and shouted for help, hoping someone would hear.
Coming of Age Graphic Draft
For my graphic, I wanted to show the event of change. I put a picture of the leaves changing in the fall to represent that. I also changed the opacity of the picture of me, to show the "ghost of my past".
Monday, October 31, 2016
Coming of Age Final
The transition from adolescence to adulthood varies for each individual. For some, it may happen at an early age, and for others it may take longer. No matter when it happens, it is often a significant day in a person's life, because it's the day that they've finally come of age.
When I was younger, I used to be really mean to my older sister. I would roll my eyes whenever she said something dumb and get mad at her over every little thing. Then, one day, we had a pretty bad fight, so my mom had a talk with me. Little did I know that something as simple as a conversation would help me to grow up and change into a better person. At a younger age, I didn't quite understand my sister's condition and how lucky we were to have her in our lives. I wasn't alive to see any of the many surgeries she had to go through to fix the hole in her heart, and I wasn't aware of how much medication she had to take, just to maintain her health. I didn't know what DiGeorge Syndrome was and how it affected her everyday.
My mom continued to tell me about the major obstacles that she had to overcome to get to where she is today. She said to me, "You have to learn to appreciate her more, and to let the little things slide. You can't change the way other people are, but one thing you can change is the way you act towards them." In that moment, I realized how strong my big sister was, and I admired her for that. My mom helped me to understand that although she wasn't perfect, neither was I. There were still many things that I could do to become a better sister. I was snobby, unappreciative, and I made everything about me. I made lots of sassy comments whenever she said anything, and I rarely had any meaningful conversations with her. I didn't include her in anything, because everything that I did was with my twin. We would gang up on her and leave her out when we would go outside to play volleyball, or watch a movie. Then, I felt bad, and I realized that this was not the person that I wanted to be. She already had a tough life since she was born, and I was only making it harder. I should have been there to cheer her up when she was feeling down, and support her in tough situations. I should have been more grateful that my sister was healthy and pretty much normal.
I was then determined to become more loving and caring towards my big sister. Instead of being quick to point out her mistakes or to judge her, I learned to keep my comments to myself. From making that small change, I noticed that we started fighting less and less. Now, my sister and I talk a lot more, and do a lot more things together. When we go shopping with each other, I help her to pick out things to wear. When we play volleyball, she serves and hits to me to help me become a better passer. I was opposed to changing myself at first, because I was stubborn. But when I finally did, I found myself laughing more and being a better person overall. Change is not always easy, and it may take some time, but in the end it was worth it.
My mother's words helped me to learn to appreciate every moment that I have with the people that are important to me, and not take them for granted. Without that conversation with my mom, my sister and I might not be as close as we are today. I learned that the only life that you have control over is your own, and that change is okay. By making changes for myself, I've become a much happier person than I was before. Change is needed for the coming of age, and is necessary for a person to finally be able to grow up.
When I was younger, I used to be really mean to my older sister. I would roll my eyes whenever she said something dumb and get mad at her over every little thing. Then, one day, we had a pretty bad fight, so my mom had a talk with me. Little did I know that something as simple as a conversation would help me to grow up and change into a better person. At a younger age, I didn't quite understand my sister's condition and how lucky we were to have her in our lives. I wasn't alive to see any of the many surgeries she had to go through to fix the hole in her heart, and I wasn't aware of how much medication she had to take, just to maintain her health. I didn't know what DiGeorge Syndrome was and how it affected her everyday.
My mom continued to tell me about the major obstacles that she had to overcome to get to where she is today. She said to me, "You have to learn to appreciate her more, and to let the little things slide. You can't change the way other people are, but one thing you can change is the way you act towards them." In that moment, I realized how strong my big sister was, and I admired her for that. My mom helped me to understand that although she wasn't perfect, neither was I. There were still many things that I could do to become a better sister. I was snobby, unappreciative, and I made everything about me. I made lots of sassy comments whenever she said anything, and I rarely had any meaningful conversations with her. I didn't include her in anything, because everything that I did was with my twin. We would gang up on her and leave her out when we would go outside to play volleyball, or watch a movie. Then, I felt bad, and I realized that this was not the person that I wanted to be. She already had a tough life since she was born, and I was only making it harder. I should have been there to cheer her up when she was feeling down, and support her in tough situations. I should have been more grateful that my sister was healthy and pretty much normal.
I was then determined to become more loving and caring towards my big sister. Instead of being quick to point out her mistakes or to judge her, I learned to keep my comments to myself. From making that small change, I noticed that we started fighting less and less. Now, my sister and I talk a lot more, and do a lot more things together. When we go shopping with each other, I help her to pick out things to wear. When we play volleyball, she serves and hits to me to help me become a better passer. I was opposed to changing myself at first, because I was stubborn. But when I finally did, I found myself laughing more and being a better person overall. Change is not always easy, and it may take some time, but in the end it was worth it.
My mother's words helped me to learn to appreciate every moment that I have with the people that are important to me, and not take them for granted. Without that conversation with my mom, my sister and I might not be as close as we are today. I learned that the only life that you have control over is your own, and that change is okay. By making changes for myself, I've become a much happier person than I was before. Change is needed for the coming of age, and is necessary for a person to finally be able to grow up.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Word Choice Olympics
It was the concert of their dreams. They've been looking forward to this concert for months now, counting down the days one by one. When their favorite singer came on stage, they couldn't believe it. The fact that they saw Justin Bieber in person made them scream in disbelief, for this was the moment that they've been waiting for forever. They reached out to grab his hand as he walked by, still screaming and chanting his name. When he pulled up a random girl on stage to dance with him, they started crying in disappointment. They wanted so badly to get the chance to go up on stage with the love of their life, but he'd chosen a different girl.
A couple years ago, I remembered that my grandma had told me the one thing that she wished she did when she got a chance to was to shoot a gun. I recently bought a gun for protection, so I decided to bring it over to grandma's house. Of course, I emptied out the bullets so she wouldn't hurt anyone. When I gave her the gun, the look on her face was priceless. She was grinning from ear to ear, and giggling in nervousness over such a dangerous object. She didn't even try to pull the trigger, she just thanked me and gave it back to me. She couldn't stop smiling, for this was by far the most excitement that she's had in her life for years.
I was waiting by the window, growing impatient as the clock ticked by. "He should be home by now", I thought to myself. Then, right on cue, I saw my dad's car turn onto my street. I screamed and ran outside, my mother and brother following close behind me. I yelled for my dad, and all three of us jumped on him. I missed him so much, and I was glad that he was okay. Although we hugged each other for a long time, I never wanted to let him go.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Coming of Age Rough Draft
The transition from adolescence to adulthood varies for each individual. For some, it may happen at an early age, and for others it may take longer. No matter when it happens, it is often a significant day in a person's life, because it's the day that they've finally come of age.
When I was younger, I used to be really mean to my older sister. I would roll my eyes whenever she said something dumb and get mad at her over every little thing. Then, one day, we had a pretty bad fight, so my mom had a talk with me. Little did I know that something as simple as a conversation would help me to grow up and change into a better person. At a younger age, I didn't quite understand my sister's condition and how lucky we were to have her in our lives. I wasn't alive to see any of the many surgeries she had to go through to fix the hole in her heart, and I wasn't aware of how much medication she had to take, just to maintain her health. I didn't know what DiGeorge Syndrome was and how it affected her everyday.
My mom continued to tell me about the major obstacles that she had to overcome to get to where she is today. She said to me, "You have to learn to appreciate her more, and to let the little things slide. You can't change the way other people are, but one thing you can change is the way you act towards them." In that moment, I realized how strong my big sister was, and I admired her for that. My mom helped me to understand that although she wasn't perfect, neither was I. There were still many things that I could do to become a better sister. I thought about all the times where I could've been a nicer and more caring sister to her. Then, I felt bad, and I realized that this was not the person that I wanted to be. She already had a tough life since she was born, and I was only making it harder. I should have been there to cheer her up when she was feeling down, and support her in tough situations. I should have been more grateful that my sister was healthy and pretty much normal.
I was then determined to become more loving and caring towards my big sister. Instead of being quick to point out her mistakes or to judge her, I learned to keep my comments to myself. From making that small change, I noticed that we started fighting less and less. I was opposed to changing myself at first, because I was stubborn. But when I finally did, I found myself laughing more and being a better person overall. Change is not always easy, and it may take some time, but in the end it was worth it.
My mother's words helped me to learn to appreciate every moment that I have with the people that are important to me, and not take them for granted. Without that conversation with my mom, my sister and I might not be as close as we are today. I learned that the only life that you have control over is your own, and that change is okay. By making changes for myself, I've become a much happier person than I was before. Change is needed for the coming of age, and is necessary for a person to finally be able to grow up.
When I was younger, I used to be really mean to my older sister. I would roll my eyes whenever she said something dumb and get mad at her over every little thing. Then, one day, we had a pretty bad fight, so my mom had a talk with me. Little did I know that something as simple as a conversation would help me to grow up and change into a better person. At a younger age, I didn't quite understand my sister's condition and how lucky we were to have her in our lives. I wasn't alive to see any of the many surgeries she had to go through to fix the hole in her heart, and I wasn't aware of how much medication she had to take, just to maintain her health. I didn't know what DiGeorge Syndrome was and how it affected her everyday.
My mom continued to tell me about the major obstacles that she had to overcome to get to where she is today. She said to me, "You have to learn to appreciate her more, and to let the little things slide. You can't change the way other people are, but one thing you can change is the way you act towards them." In that moment, I realized how strong my big sister was, and I admired her for that. My mom helped me to understand that although she wasn't perfect, neither was I. There were still many things that I could do to become a better sister. I thought about all the times where I could've been a nicer and more caring sister to her. Then, I felt bad, and I realized that this was not the person that I wanted to be. She already had a tough life since she was born, and I was only making it harder. I should have been there to cheer her up when she was feeling down, and support her in tough situations. I should have been more grateful that my sister was healthy and pretty much normal.
I was then determined to become more loving and caring towards my big sister. Instead of being quick to point out her mistakes or to judge her, I learned to keep my comments to myself. From making that small change, I noticed that we started fighting less and less. I was opposed to changing myself at first, because I was stubborn. But when I finally did, I found myself laughing more and being a better person overall. Change is not always easy, and it may take some time, but in the end it was worth it.
My mother's words helped me to learn to appreciate every moment that I have with the people that are important to me, and not take them for granted. Without that conversation with my mom, my sister and I might not be as close as we are today. I learned that the only life that you have control over is your own, and that change is okay. By making changes for myself, I've become a much happier person than I was before. Change is needed for the coming of age, and is necessary for a person to finally be able to grow up.
Monday, September 26, 2016
Angry Letter Final
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Dear Ala Moana Administration,
My family and I have been coming to the Ala Moana shopping center for many years and come almost every other week. The variety of stores and restaurants, along with the location ensures that we come back.
However, recently with the introduction of the Ala Moana gift cards, it's been very inconvenient for me along with other shoppers. I was shopping at one of the stores in the mall and wanted to buy something using the Ala Moana gift card. The cashier asked me if I knew how much was on the card and I said no. Then, she gave me this website to go on to check my balance, which resulted in me just paying cash to avoid the hassle and holding up the line. I went to a couple of other stores and got the same response. Also according to your website, it says that in order to check your gift card balance, you need to visit guest services or call. It is very inconvenient to have to remember your balance whenever you purchase something, or have to call/visit the kiosk to find out how much you have on your card. I understand that this card is different from regular gift cards because of the fact that you can use it any store in the mall, but it would be much easier for the shoppers if they could just swipe the card and go.
Also, if I wanted to buy something that costed more than the amount that was on the card, the transaction wouldn't work. There are many examples of similar experiences that I saw on yelp.com, along with an article by The Honolulu Advertiser. Some customers ended up throwing away the gift card while there was still money on it to avoid the hassle of obtaining a balance. By making the gift cards easier to use, I think that more people will purchase them and be more satisfied.
Getting a gift card that you can use at whatever store you want is a perfect gift, but I feel that you should make it easier for the shoppers by allowing us to use the card without having to know the balance of it. It would be much more convenient and would make our shopping experience at the mall much more enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Kelci Sumida
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Dear Ala Moana Administration,
My family and I have been coming to the Ala Moana shopping center for many years and come almost every other week. The variety of stores and restaurants, along with the location ensures that we come back.
However, recently with the introduction of the Ala Moana gift cards, it's been very inconvenient for me along with other shoppers. I was shopping at one of the stores in the mall and wanted to buy something using the Ala Moana gift card. The cashier asked me if I knew how much was on the card and I said no. Then, she gave me this website to go on to check my balance, which resulted in me just paying cash to avoid the hassle and holding up the line. I went to a couple of other stores and got the same response. Also according to your website, it says that in order to check your gift card balance, you need to visit guest services or call. It is very inconvenient to have to remember your balance whenever you purchase something, or have to call/visit the kiosk to find out how much you have on your card. I understand that this card is different from regular gift cards because of the fact that you can use it any store in the mall, but it would be much easier for the shoppers if they could just swipe the card and go.
Also, if I wanted to buy something that costed more than the amount that was on the card, the transaction wouldn't work. There are many examples of similar experiences that I saw on yelp.com, along with an article by The Honolulu Advertiser. Some customers ended up throwing away the gift card while there was still money on it to avoid the hassle of obtaining a balance. By making the gift cards easier to use, I think that more people will purchase them and be more satisfied.
Getting a gift card that you can use at whatever store you want is a perfect gift, but I feel that you should make it easier for the shoppers by allowing us to use the card without having to know the balance of it. It would be much more convenient and would make our shopping experience at the mall much more enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Kelci Sumida
Friday, September 16, 2016
Angry Letter draft
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Dear Ala Moana Administration,
My family and I have been coming to the Ala Moana shopping center for many years and come almost every other week. The variety of stores and restaurants, along with the location ensures that we come back.
However, recently with the introduction of the Ala Moana gift cards, it's been very inconvenient for me along with other shoppers. I was shopping at one of the stores in the mall and wanted to buy something using the Ala Moana gift card. The cashier asked me if I knew how much was on the card and I said no. Then, she gave me this website to go on to check my balance, which resulted in me just paying cash to avoid the hassle and holding up the line. I went to a couple of other stores and got the same response. It is very inconvenient to have to remember your balance whenever you purchase something, or have to call/visit guest services or the kiosk to find out how much you have on your card. I understand that this card is different from regular gift cards because of the fact that you can use it any store in the mall, but it would be much easier for the shoppers if they could just swipe the card and go.
Also, if I wanted to buy something that costed more than the amount that was on the card, the transaction wouldn't work. There are many examples of similar experiences that I saw on yelp.com, along with an article by Honolulu Advertiser. Some customers ended up throwing away the gift card while there was still money on it to avoid the hassle of obtaining a balance. By making the gift cards easier to use, I think that more people will purchase them and be more satisfied.
Getting a gift card that you can use at whatever store you want is a perfect give, but I feel that you should make it easier for the shoppers by allowing us to use the card without having to know the balance of it. It would be much more convenient and would make our shopping experience at the mall much more enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Kelci Sumida
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Dear Ala Moana Administration,
My family and I have been coming to the Ala Moana shopping center for many years and come almost every other week. The variety of stores and restaurants, along with the location ensures that we come back.
However, recently with the introduction of the Ala Moana gift cards, it's been very inconvenient for me along with other shoppers. I was shopping at one of the stores in the mall and wanted to buy something using the Ala Moana gift card. The cashier asked me if I knew how much was on the card and I said no. Then, she gave me this website to go on to check my balance, which resulted in me just paying cash to avoid the hassle and holding up the line. I went to a couple of other stores and got the same response. It is very inconvenient to have to remember your balance whenever you purchase something, or have to call/visit guest services or the kiosk to find out how much you have on your card. I understand that this card is different from regular gift cards because of the fact that you can use it any store in the mall, but it would be much easier for the shoppers if they could just swipe the card and go.
Also, if I wanted to buy something that costed more than the amount that was on the card, the transaction wouldn't work. There are many examples of similar experiences that I saw on yelp.com, along with an article by Honolulu Advertiser. Some customers ended up throwing away the gift card while there was still money on it to avoid the hassle of obtaining a balance. By making the gift cards easier to use, I think that more people will purchase them and be more satisfied.
Getting a gift card that you can use at whatever store you want is a perfect give, but I feel that you should make it easier for the shoppers by allowing us to use the card without having to know the balance of it. It would be much more convenient and would make our shopping experience at the mall much more enjoyable.
Sincerely,
Kelci Sumida
Friday, September 9, 2016
Peer Pressure and Alcohol: Final Draft
When growing up, everyone will experience some form of peer pressure. Peer pressure often influences teens to act similarly to their peers. In an effort to fit in or be cool in social events, it can be very hard to say "no" in these situations. Peer pressure can be as harmless as following a simple fashion trend, to as dangerous as doing illegal activities. At parties or places with lots of people, it can be hard to resist the temptation to look cool amongst peers. When teenagers see other people drinking and having fun, they feel the need to join in so they don't feel left out. The most common type of peer pressure is in relation to alcohol. Although peer pressure with alcohol can boost a persons social status, it impacts your future in a negative way, causing people to make risky choices, lowering your chances of getting into a good college, and it affects brain growth and development.
Alcohol along with peer pressure can cause people to make dangerous decisions. 72% of students have had alcohol by the end of high school (National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). Underage drinking is linked to an increase of temper and physical violence. Also, if it's their first time drinking, they don't know the side effects of it and can lose self control. Peer pressure with alcohol also plays a big role in drunk driving. The Edgar Snyder and Associates Law Firm states that about 4,300 people die annually, due to underage drunk drivers. The pressure to be cool can cause teenagers to put their lives, along with others, in jeopardy just because they wanted fit in and drink with the rest of their peers. Teenagers today face countless tensions that can heavily impact the decisions that they make.
Peer pressure involving alcohol can also harm your chances of getting into a good college. Getting a disciplinary infraction in high school can affect your chances of getting into the college that you want, especially if it's put on your permanent record (Collegeconfidential.com). By drinking in high school, some teens are risking a possible scholarship or acceptance just because they wanted to drink and party with their friends. According to Brain and Alcohol Research with High School Students, 25% of seniors say that alcohol has affected their grades in a negative way. Drinking can have an impact on your memory and your sleep schedule, causing you to miss class or show up without being able to pay attention. Grades are the most important thing that colleges look at during applications, so if they see a decline in your grades, it harms your chances of being accepted.
At a younger age, your brain is still growing and developing every day. A study by George Washington High School proved that 39% of students experienced peer pressure to drink and did it. The effects of alcohol on an adolescents brain can be significant, depending on the amount they drink. Alcohol is proven to affect memory and balance. It also slows down your central nervous system, slowing your reaction time, and decreasing coordination and academic performance. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). Underage drinking affects a teenagers spatial learning, changing their behavior and making it very difficult to do specific tasks, such as finding their way out of a maze. Overall, the effects of alcohol on the brain are mainly targeted to the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a part in many cognitive functions, such as learning abilities and memory. Many teenagers don't know the risks and long term effects that alcohol can have on their lives, and how it can impact their future in a negative way. When they see that the people, like their peers, are drinking and having fun, it makes them want to do it too. However, while it may be fun at the time, alcohol affects and damages parts of your brain, making it unable to reach it's full potential.
Peer pressure with alcohol can help teenagers to become more popular, but it also affects your future in the long run, affecting one's decisions, decreasing college acceptance opportunities, and impacts cognitive abilities. The pressure to fit in can be very stressful at times, so teenagers don't think about their choices all the times. They feel a need to dress, talk, and act like everybody else. Many times, the things that your friends do will have an impact on the decisions that you make for yourself. Some teenagers drink to fit in and be considered popular in high school, but will being cool help you become successful and have a career? Does being cool in high school even matter once you're an adult?
At a younger age, your brain is still growing and developing every day. A study by George Washington High School proved that 39% of students experienced peer pressure to drink and did it. The effects of alcohol on an adolescents brain can be significant, depending on the amount they drink. Alcohol is proven to affect memory and balance. It also slows down your central nervous system, slowing your reaction time, and decreasing coordination and academic performance. (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). Underage drinking affects a teenagers spatial learning, changing their behavior and making it very difficult to do specific tasks, such as finding their way out of a maze. Overall, the effects of alcohol on the brain are mainly targeted to the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a part in many cognitive functions, such as learning abilities and memory. Many teenagers don't know the risks and long term effects that alcohol can have on their lives, and how it can impact their future in a negative way. When they see that the people, like their peers, are drinking and having fun, it makes them want to do it too. However, while it may be fun at the time, alcohol affects and damages parts of your brain, making it unable to reach it's full potential.
Peer pressure with alcohol can help teenagers to become more popular, but it also affects your future in the long run, affecting one's decisions, decreasing college acceptance opportunities, and impacts cognitive abilities. The pressure to fit in can be very stressful at times, so teenagers don't think about their choices all the times. They feel a need to dress, talk, and act like everybody else. Many times, the things that your friends do will have an impact on the decisions that you make for yourself. Some teenagers drink to fit in and be considered popular in high school, but will being cool help you become successful and have a career? Does being cool in high school even matter once you're an adult?
Monday, August 29, 2016
Peer pressure and alcohol essay: rough draft
When growing up, everyone will experience some form of peer pressure. Peer pressure often influences teens to act similarly to their peers. In an effort to fit in or be cool in social events, it can be very hard to say "no" in these situations. Peer pressure can be as harmless as following a simple fashion trend, to as dangerous as doing illegal activities. The most common type of peer pressure is in relation to alcohol. Although peer pressure with alcohol can boost a persons social status, it impacts your future in a negative way, causing people to make risky choices, lowering your chances of getting into a good college, and it affects brain growth and development.
Alcohol along with peer pressure can cause people to make dangerous decisions. Underage drinking is linked to an increase of physical violence, according to a study by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. When drunk, many teens don't think about how their actions will affect them later on, therefore they do whatever they want. Also, if it's their first time drinking, they don't know the side effects of it and can lose self control. Peer pressure with alcohol can also cause an increase of drunk driving. The Edgar Snyder and Associates Law Firm says that 4,300 people die annually, due to underage drunk drivers. The pressure to be cool can cause teenagers to put their lives, along with others, in jeopardy just because they wanted fit in and drink with the rest of their peers. Teenagers today face countless tensions that can heavily impact the decisions that they make.
Peer pressure involving alcohol can also harm your chances of getting into a good college. Getting a disciplinary infraction in high school can affect your chances of getting into the college that you want, especially if it's put on your permanent record. Underage drinking is illegal, meaning you could go to jail if caught. That means that by drinking in high school, some teens are risking a possible scholarship or acceptance just because they wanted to drink and party with their friends. According to a Brain and Alcohol Research with High School Students, 25% of seniors say that alcohol has affected their grades in a negative way. Drinking can have an impact on your memory and your sleep schedule, causing you to miss class or show up without being able to pay attention. Grades are the most important thing that colleges look at during applications, so if they see a decline in your grades, it harms your chances of being accepted.
At a younger age, your brain is still growing and developing every day. A study by George Washington High School proved that 39% of students experienced peer pressure to drink and did it. The effects of alcohol on an adolescents brain can be significant, depending on the amount they drink. Alcohol is proven to affect memory and balance. It also slows down your central nervous system, slowing your reaction time, and decreasing coordination and academic performance. Underage drinking affects a teenagers spatial learning, changing their behavior and making it very difficult to do specific tasks, such as finding their way out of a maze. Overall, the effects of alcohol on the brain are mainly targeted to the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a part in many cognitive functions, such as learning abilities and memory. Many teenagers don't know the risks and long term effects that alcohol can have on their lives, and how it can impact their future in a negative way. When they see that the people, like their peers, are drinking and having fun, it makes them want to do it too. However, while it may be fun at the time, alcohol affects and damages parts of your brain, making it unable to reach it's full potential.
Peer pressure with alcohol can help teenagers to become more popular, but it also affects your future in the long run, affecting one's decisions, decreasing college acceptance opportunities, and impacts cognitive abilities. The pressure to fit in can be very stressful at times, so teenagers don't think about their choices all the times. They feel a need to dress, talk, and act like everybody else. Many times, the things that your friends do will have an impact on the decisions that you make for yourself. Some teenagers drink to fit in and be considered popular in high school, but will being cool help you become successful and have a career? Does being cool in high school even matter once you're an adult?
At a younger age, your brain is still growing and developing every day. A study by George Washington High School proved that 39% of students experienced peer pressure to drink and did it. The effects of alcohol on an adolescents brain can be significant, depending on the amount they drink. Alcohol is proven to affect memory and balance. It also slows down your central nervous system, slowing your reaction time, and decreasing coordination and academic performance. Underage drinking affects a teenagers spatial learning, changing their behavior and making it very difficult to do specific tasks, such as finding their way out of a maze. Overall, the effects of alcohol on the brain are mainly targeted to the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a part in many cognitive functions, such as learning abilities and memory. Many teenagers don't know the risks and long term effects that alcohol can have on their lives, and how it can impact their future in a negative way. When they see that the people, like their peers, are drinking and having fun, it makes them want to do it too. However, while it may be fun at the time, alcohol affects and damages parts of your brain, making it unable to reach it's full potential.
Peer pressure with alcohol can help teenagers to become more popular, but it also affects your future in the long run, affecting one's decisions, decreasing college acceptance opportunities, and impacts cognitive abilities. The pressure to fit in can be very stressful at times, so teenagers don't think about their choices all the times. They feel a need to dress, talk, and act like everybody else. Many times, the things that your friends do will have an impact on the decisions that you make for yourself. Some teenagers drink to fit in and be considered popular in high school, but will being cool help you become successful and have a career? Does being cool in high school even matter once you're an adult?
Friday, May 20, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Our own Society: Kelci and Kaylee
10 ultimate laws:
1) Everyone must follow curfew and be at home by 1am, people who fail to do this will be sent to the Dome of Death.
2) You must only take as much food and water as you need. Those who take an excessive amount will be sent to the Dome of Death.
3) Those who are caught harming an animal will be sentenced to the death penalty.
4) Jobs will be assigned once they turn 18.
5) Children must go to school from the time they are 5, until they graduate at 17.
6) At age 10, everyone is to select a sport that they would like to play until they are 25, so everyone stays fit.
7) At age 22-24, everyone will be sent to the Home of Love where they will meet people and find a spouse of their choice. Those who fail to find a spouse after 24 will be sent the the Dome of death.
8) Transportation will be heel's and bikes. Those who cannot afford them must walk everywhere.
9) Everyone's income will be the same. Everyone is equal, (except Kaylee and Kelci)
10) Anyone who steals or shows violence will be sent to the Dome of Death.
Things that are allowed:
1) Allowed to choose own religion.
2) Allowed to dress how they please.
3) Parents are allowed to choose child's name.
4) Allowed to do their own recreational activities, as long as they follow curfew.
5) As many pets as you would like, as long as you can take care of them.
Things not allowed:
1) Makeup. People must show what they truly look like.
2) Electronic devices. People must talk face to face, or send pigeons as messengers.
3) Smoking
4) Alcohol
5) Firearms
Paragraph:
In our society, if people fail to follow the laws, they will most often be sent to the Dome of Death. In the Dome of death, they will fight others for their lives. There are poisonous gases and other obstacles that the criminals must face. Everyone in Treeville is allowed to wear their own clothes and allowed to live in the house they choose, as long as they build it. Our society is surrounded by a wall of trees and plants, which protects our citizens from danger. Everyone is considered equal. It's a small society, with streams running through the town, and a large community garden.
1) Everyone must follow curfew and be at home by 1am, people who fail to do this will be sent to the Dome of Death.
2) You must only take as much food and water as you need. Those who take an excessive amount will be sent to the Dome of Death.
3) Those who are caught harming an animal will be sentenced to the death penalty.
4) Jobs will be assigned once they turn 18.
5) Children must go to school from the time they are 5, until they graduate at 17.
6) At age 10, everyone is to select a sport that they would like to play until they are 25, so everyone stays fit.
7) At age 22-24, everyone will be sent to the Home of Love where they will meet people and find a spouse of their choice. Those who fail to find a spouse after 24 will be sent the the Dome of death.
8) Transportation will be heel's and bikes. Those who cannot afford them must walk everywhere.
9) Everyone's income will be the same. Everyone is equal, (except Kaylee and Kelci)
10) Anyone who steals or shows violence will be sent to the Dome of Death.
Things that are allowed:
1) Allowed to choose own religion.
2) Allowed to dress how they please.
3) Parents are allowed to choose child's name.
4) Allowed to do their own recreational activities, as long as they follow curfew.
5) As many pets as you would like, as long as you can take care of them.
Things not allowed:
1) Makeup. People must show what they truly look like.
2) Electronic devices. People must talk face to face, or send pigeons as messengers.
3) Smoking
4) Alcohol
5) Firearms
Paragraph:
In our society, if people fail to follow the laws, they will most often be sent to the Dome of Death. In the Dome of death, they will fight others for their lives. There are poisonous gases and other obstacles that the criminals must face. Everyone in Treeville is allowed to wear their own clothes and allowed to live in the house they choose, as long as they build it. Our society is surrounded by a wall of trees and plants, which protects our citizens from danger. Everyone is considered equal. It's a small society, with streams running through the town, and a large community garden.
Monday, April 25, 2016
The Merchant of Venice Final Draft
People will often do whatever it takes to get their hands on money. It can be dangerous, risky, or even illegal, and people will still do it. A person needs money to live the lifestyle that meets their expectations, and to manage life's necessities. In the Shakespeare play, "The Merchant of Venice, two merchants Antonio and Shylock, who hate each other (due to religious conflicts), make a deal involving a lot of money. If their bond failed, Shylock could cut out a pound of Antonio's flesh. When Antonio fails to pay Shylock back, both characters learn important lessons about money and greed. In the end, Shylock ends up not gaining anything from the trial. Money causes people to make selfish decisions, and tends to worsen situations. This play demonstrates how being greedy and never content with what you are offered can actually break and ruin and person. The play, "The Merchant of Venice", portrays that money is the root of all problems and often directs a person towards the pathway of evil.
People that have problems with money lack compassion for others and quite often have a hard time showing emotions towards other people. "I'll have my bond! Don't speak against my bond! I've sworn an oath that I will have my bond!" Shylock decided that he would rather have a piece of Antonio's flesh than to have three times more money than the original bond. This cruel decision was made in an effort to harm Antonio because of their religious differences. But,the original reason why they are in this situation began with the problem of money. "You might as well stand on the seashore and bid the tide not to reach its usual height, or as the wolf why he has made the ewe cry for its lamb. Anything equally hard you might as well attempt to do, as try to soften the hardest thing of all - his Jewish heart." Antonio believes that Shylock is a cold hearted person and the hardest thing that you can possibly think of is probably easier than trying to soften his heart. Shylock has no mercy at all for Antonio, because he wanted to see Antonio suffer. However, if Antonio and Shylock had not made such an outrageous deal in the first place, they wouldn't be having this problem. Money was the start of this conflict, and lead Shylock to become an even crueler person than he was before.
When people have lots of money, they start fulfilling their wants intead of their needs. "Give me my money back and let me go." Once Shylock learns that he can't shed any blood when he cuts of a pound of Antonio's flesh, he decides to take the money instead. However, the judge says that its too late because he already denied the money. Since Shylock was already rich from being a successful merchant, he wanted to watch Antonio suffer, because he didn't necessarily need the money. "Well, then, may the devil give him joy of it! I'll tolerate no more of this." In the end, Shylock ended up with no money, no piece of Antonio's flesh, a signed will that gave all of his possessions to his daughter (who hated and stole from him), and had to convert to Christianity. This shows that money and greed causes people to make evil choices and does no good. People with lots of money are never content with the offers that they are presented with, which leads to problems in the long run.
The majority of this play revolves around a singular theme; money. Money was the main cause of the character's problems, and made them make improper choices and decisions. In the end, Shylock was the most unhappy man because he had to give up things that truly mattered to him. Antonio was the one who broke the bond, yet Shylock was the one who had to pay for it because of his greediness. There is nothing wrong with money itself, but once it starts controlling a person and their decisions is when the real problems begin to happen. Ones desire for money causes them to become selfish and ruthless and does more harm than it does good.
People that have problems with money lack compassion for others and quite often have a hard time showing emotions towards other people. "I'll have my bond! Don't speak against my bond! I've sworn an oath that I will have my bond!" Shylock decided that he would rather have a piece of Antonio's flesh than to have three times more money than the original bond. This cruel decision was made in an effort to harm Antonio because of their religious differences. But,the original reason why they are in this situation began with the problem of money. "You might as well stand on the seashore and bid the tide not to reach its usual height, or as the wolf why he has made the ewe cry for its lamb. Anything equally hard you might as well attempt to do, as try to soften the hardest thing of all - his Jewish heart." Antonio believes that Shylock is a cold hearted person and the hardest thing that you can possibly think of is probably easier than trying to soften his heart. Shylock has no mercy at all for Antonio, because he wanted to see Antonio suffer. However, if Antonio and Shylock had not made such an outrageous deal in the first place, they wouldn't be having this problem. Money was the start of this conflict, and lead Shylock to become an even crueler person than he was before.
When people have lots of money, they start fulfilling their wants intead of their needs. "Give me my money back and let me go." Once Shylock learns that he can't shed any blood when he cuts of a pound of Antonio's flesh, he decides to take the money instead. However, the judge says that its too late because he already denied the money. Since Shylock was already rich from being a successful merchant, he wanted to watch Antonio suffer, because he didn't necessarily need the money. "Well, then, may the devil give him joy of it! I'll tolerate no more of this." In the end, Shylock ended up with no money, no piece of Antonio's flesh, a signed will that gave all of his possessions to his daughter (who hated and stole from him), and had to convert to Christianity. This shows that money and greed causes people to make evil choices and does no good. People with lots of money are never content with the offers that they are presented with, which leads to problems in the long run.
The majority of this play revolves around a singular theme; money. Money was the main cause of the character's problems, and made them make improper choices and decisions. In the end, Shylock was the most unhappy man because he had to give up things that truly mattered to him. Antonio was the one who broke the bond, yet Shylock was the one who had to pay for it because of his greediness. There is nothing wrong with money itself, but once it starts controlling a person and their decisions is when the real problems begin to happen. Ones desire for money causes them to become selfish and ruthless and does more harm than it does good.
Friday, April 22, 2016
The Merchant of Venice Rough Draft
People will often do whatever it takes to get their hands on money. It can be dangerous, risky, or even illegal, and people will still do it. A person needs money to live the lifestyle that meets their expectations, and to manage life's necessities. In the play, "The Merchant of Venice"by Shakespeare, two of the characters Antonio and Shylock, who hate each other, make a deal involving a lot of money. If their bond failed, the Shylock could cut out a piece of Antonio's flesh. When Antonio fails to pay Shylock back, both characters learn important lessons about money and greed. This play portrays that money is the root of all problems and often directs a person towards the pathway of evil.
People that have problems with money lack compassion for others and show no emotions towards others. "I'll have my bond! Don't speak against my bond! I've sworn an oath that I will have my bond!" Shylock decided that he would rather have a piece of Antonio's flesh than to have three times more money than the original bond. He doesn't care that Antonio could possibly die, and only cares about himself. "You might as well stand on the seashore and bid the tide not to reach its usual height, or as the wolf why he has made the ewe cry for its lamb. Anything equally hard you might as well attempt to do, as try to soften the hardest thing of all - his Jewish heart." Antonio believes that Shylock is a cold hearted person and the hardest thing that you can possibly think of is probably easier than trying to soften his heart. Shylock has no mercy at all for Antonio, because he wanted to see Antonio suffer. However, if Antonio and Shylock had not made such an outrageous deal in the first place, they wouldn't be having this problem. Money was the start of this problem, and lead Shylock to become an even crueler person than he was before.
When people have lots of money, they start fulfilling their wants intead of their needs. "Give me my money back and let me go." Once Shylock learns that he can't shed any blood when he cuts of a piece of Antonio's flesh, he decides to take the money instead. However, the judge says that its too late because he already denied the money. Since Shylock already has money, he wanted to watch Antonio suffer, because he didn't necessarily need the money. "Well,then, may the devil give him joy of it! I'll tolerate no more of this." In the end, Shylock ended up with no money, no piece of Antonio's flesh, a signed will that gave all of his possessions to his daughter (who hated and stole from him), and had to convert to Christianity. This shows that money and greed causes people to make evil choices and does no good. People with lots of money are never content with the offers they have, which leads to problems in the long run.
The majority of this play revolves around a singular object; money. Money was the main cause of the character's problems, and made them make improper choices and decisions. In the end, Shylock was the most unhappy man because he had to give up things that truly mattered to him. Antonio was the one who broke the bond, yet Shylock was the one who had to pay for it because of his greediness. There is nothing wrong with money itself, but once it starts controlling a person and their decisions is when the real problems begin to happen. Ones desire for money causes them to become selfish and ruthless and does more harm than it does good.
People that have problems with money lack compassion for others and show no emotions towards others. "I'll have my bond! Don't speak against my bond! I've sworn an oath that I will have my bond!" Shylock decided that he would rather have a piece of Antonio's flesh than to have three times more money than the original bond. He doesn't care that Antonio could possibly die, and only cares about himself. "You might as well stand on the seashore and bid the tide not to reach its usual height, or as the wolf why he has made the ewe cry for its lamb. Anything equally hard you might as well attempt to do, as try to soften the hardest thing of all - his Jewish heart." Antonio believes that Shylock is a cold hearted person and the hardest thing that you can possibly think of is probably easier than trying to soften his heart. Shylock has no mercy at all for Antonio, because he wanted to see Antonio suffer. However, if Antonio and Shylock had not made such an outrageous deal in the first place, they wouldn't be having this problem. Money was the start of this problem, and lead Shylock to become an even crueler person than he was before.
When people have lots of money, they start fulfilling their wants intead of their needs. "Give me my money back and let me go." Once Shylock learns that he can't shed any blood when he cuts of a piece of Antonio's flesh, he decides to take the money instead. However, the judge says that its too late because he already denied the money. Since Shylock already has money, he wanted to watch Antonio suffer, because he didn't necessarily need the money. "Well,then, may the devil give him joy of it! I'll tolerate no more of this." In the end, Shylock ended up with no money, no piece of Antonio's flesh, a signed will that gave all of his possessions to his daughter (who hated and stole from him), and had to convert to Christianity. This shows that money and greed causes people to make evil choices and does no good. People with lots of money are never content with the offers they have, which leads to problems in the long run.
The majority of this play revolves around a singular object; money. Money was the main cause of the character's problems, and made them make improper choices and decisions. In the end, Shylock was the most unhappy man because he had to give up things that truly mattered to him. Antonio was the one who broke the bond, yet Shylock was the one who had to pay for it because of his greediness. There is nothing wrong with money itself, but once it starts controlling a person and their decisions is when the real problems begin to happen. Ones desire for money causes them to become selfish and ruthless and does more harm than it does good.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Merchant of Venice Act 1
Scene 1-2
1) The setting of this story is in Venice, in the 16th century. The people are rather noble and appear to be rich.
2) Antonio is a sad person, who is sad for an unknown reason. Since he's a merchant, he might be worried about the investments that he made on the ships that were at sea. If they return safely, then he could be rich, but if they don't then he could be in trouble.
3) Bassanio asks Antonio for a loan, so he could appear rich and live up to Portia's expectations.
4) Portia thinks that Bassanio is a good option to be her husband, because he seems like he has the right characteristics. She only saw him once, but Nerissa thinks that he was the most deserving of a pretty person like Portia.
Scene 3
1) Portia can't control who she marries because the people that she is able to marry is in her father's will. Therefore, she cannot choose a man suitable for her.
2) Shylock is a Jewish merchant who hates Antonio for being Christian and for lending out money free of interest. He is important to the story because he's the one that lends the money to Antonio and Bassanio.
3) The deal between Antonio and Shylock was that if Antonio didn't pay him back his money in time, then he can have "a pound of his flesh" from wherever part of his body that he chooses.
4) Shylock is hesistant of this agreement because they have a bad history with each other. They hate each other for their beliefs, and Antonio treats Shylock as a dog and spat on his beard. He doesn't know if Antonio can be trusted with his money, so he makes an extreme deal with him.
5) I would trust Antonio because if he is willing to make a big deal, like a pound of flesh if he fails to pay him back, then he must be pretty confident. Plus, he also said that he feels like he can get the money in 2 months rather than 3.
Reflection Question:
I think it is smart that Antonio and Shylock are doing buisness together because they aren't friends. If they were friends then they would feel like they have to give the other person more time, if they couldn't pay them back. If you are dealing with a lot of money, then you have to be very strict on the rules and contract if you want to get your money back. Friends try to be nice to each oher, and that's why they would make bad buisness partners.
1) The setting of this story is in Venice, in the 16th century. The people are rather noble and appear to be rich.
2) Antonio is a sad person, who is sad for an unknown reason. Since he's a merchant, he might be worried about the investments that he made on the ships that were at sea. If they return safely, then he could be rich, but if they don't then he could be in trouble.
3) Bassanio asks Antonio for a loan, so he could appear rich and live up to Portia's expectations.
4) Portia thinks that Bassanio is a good option to be her husband, because he seems like he has the right characteristics. She only saw him once, but Nerissa thinks that he was the most deserving of a pretty person like Portia.
Scene 3
1) Portia can't control who she marries because the people that she is able to marry is in her father's will. Therefore, she cannot choose a man suitable for her.
2) Shylock is a Jewish merchant who hates Antonio for being Christian and for lending out money free of interest. He is important to the story because he's the one that lends the money to Antonio and Bassanio.
3) The deal between Antonio and Shylock was that if Antonio didn't pay him back his money in time, then he can have "a pound of his flesh" from wherever part of his body that he chooses.
4) Shylock is hesistant of this agreement because they have a bad history with each other. They hate each other for their beliefs, and Antonio treats Shylock as a dog and spat on his beard. He doesn't know if Antonio can be trusted with his money, so he makes an extreme deal with him.
5) I would trust Antonio because if he is willing to make a big deal, like a pound of flesh if he fails to pay him back, then he must be pretty confident. Plus, he also said that he feels like he can get the money in 2 months rather than 3.
Reflection Question:
I think it is smart that Antonio and Shylock are doing buisness together because they aren't friends. If they were friends then they would feel like they have to give the other person more time, if they couldn't pay them back. If you are dealing with a lot of money, then you have to be very strict on the rules and contract if you want to get your money back. Friends try to be nice to each oher, and that's why they would make bad buisness partners.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Merchant of Venice Anticipation Guide
People should never judge a person just because of the way they look. For example, on the show One Tree Hill, people judged the main character, Brooke Davis to just be dumb, pretty, and boy-crazy. However, in the end, she proved to be very smart, independent, and strong. The only thing that should matter about a person comes from the inside, and what their personality is like.
Justice is always blind. (Agree)
Justice is not based on the color, gender, race, or age of a person. Justice does not see those things, therefore is equal to all people. That's why in the greek statue of Lady Justice, she is blindfolded. It is impartial and not influenced by a person's characteristics when considering the outcome of a situation.
A brotherly love between two friends can be just as strong as an intimate love between a man and a woman. (Agree)Justice is not based on the color, gender, race, or age of a person. Justice does not see those things, therefore is equal to all people. That's why in the greek statue of Lady Justice, she is blindfolded. It is impartial and not influenced by a person's characteristics when considering the outcome of a situation.
A true friend is one who stays by your side no matter what. It can be as strong or maybe even stronger than intimate love between a man and a woman because most relationships don't last for your whole life. On the other hand, two friends can be friends for forever. My best friend and I have been best friends since kindergarten, and that hasn't changed. Our relationships have ended, but we stuck together and stayed friends through everything.
You can break a promise as long as you have a good excuse. (Disagree)
Promises are meant to be kept. If someone knew that they couldn't keep a promise, then they shouldn't have made it in the first place. On the show One Tree Hill, Brooke's father ,who she never saw for years, made her a promise that he would be there on her wedding day. But just like the other times, he broke his promise and wasn't there to walk her down the aisle or dance with her. When a promise is made to someone, they'll hold it to you, and expect you to keep it. Love is blind. (Agree)
Love is blind because it oversees people's imperfections, because the only thing that matters is the love that they feel for the other person. On the show Gossip Girl, Blair loved Chuck for the man that she saw him as, not the man that everyone else saw him as. She saw the best in him, despite how cruel and selfish he was. True love can be so overwhelming that you can't see the real world around you.Stereotypes are often right. (Disagree)
Stereotypes are not accurate, and only apply to certain people. One stereotype I hear a lot is that all asians are smart. One time, I got bad grade on my test, and my friend told me,"You're asian, you're supposed to be smart." However, this isn't true because everyone needs to work hard and study hard if they want to be smart.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is a good motto to live by. (Disagree)
Promises are meant to be kept. If someone knew that they couldn't keep a promise, then they shouldn't have made it in the first place. On the show One Tree Hill, Brooke's father ,who she never saw for years, made her a promise that he would be there on her wedding day. But just like the other times, he broke his promise and wasn't there to walk her down the aisle or dance with her. When a promise is made to someone, they'll hold it to you, and expect you to keep it. Love is blind. (Agree)
Love is blind because it oversees people's imperfections, because the only thing that matters is the love that they feel for the other person. On the show Gossip Girl, Blair loved Chuck for the man that she saw him as, not the man that everyone else saw him as. She saw the best in him, despite how cruel and selfish he was. True love can be so overwhelming that you can't see the real world around you.Stereotypes are often right. (Disagree)
Stereotypes are not accurate, and only apply to certain people. One stereotype I hear a lot is that all asians are smart. One time, I got bad grade on my test, and my friend told me,"You're asian, you're supposed to be smart." However, this isn't true because everyone needs to work hard and study hard if they want to be smart.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is a good motto to live by. (Disagree)
People should always take the high road, and choose to be the better person. If someone pushes you, and you push them back, then both people are going to get in trouble. In the end, it doesn't matter who started it and why. Both people would face consequences. People should just do the right thing, no matter what others have to say about it.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
M&M Character Analysis and Research Connection
Character Analysis
In the book "Of Mice and Men", the character Lennie Smalls would best be described as a little kid in an adult body. "Lennie's lip quivered and tears started in his eyes." This quote shows that Lennie, although big and strong, is very sensitive towards things. He doesn't know how to react in certain situations, and he doesn't know how to deal with his emotions. "You tol' me to, George, he said miserably." Many times, Lennie isn't aware of what he is doing, and how much power he is capable of. He depends on other people to make his choices for him, and to guide him throughout his everyday life. Based on these examples, Lennie Smalls isn't just big and dumb like everyone thinks he is, but rather sensitive and ignorant.
Beyond the basic attributes of Lennie Smalls, one may categorize him as a gentle giant. "I could pet it with my thumb as we walked along." In this quote Lennie was talking about the dead mouse he found when he was walking. Strong and tough people don't normally care about small, irrelevant things such as mice. "I like to pet nice things with my fingers, sof' things." The gentleness and kindness of Lennie is a characteristic that most people would not see, just by the look of him. If one truly reads the book, they will come to see that each of the characters is not quite as they seemed in the beginning. Each person has hidden qualities that cannot be seen from the outside, and only show when a person really gets to know them.
Research Connection
Lennie Smalls has a disorder called mental retardation. Mental retardation makes it difficult for one to adapt to life and to different situations. They have trouble processing and understanding certain things, and makes their reaction time slower. It affects 1% to 3% of our population. Because of this disorder, Lennie experiences attention difficulties, low frustration tolerance, and dependency. He depends on George to guide him and to care for him. When someone is talking to him, he is pretty much never paying attention. Instead, he is concentrating on the rabbits that he is going to tend when they get their own land. He also can't control his emotions, and gets frustrated when things don't go his way. For example, when he accidentally killed the puppy, he lashed out, first in anger, then in sorrow. This book also took place in the time of the Great Depression. At this time period, people were very poor, and had to take the first job opportunity that they got. Pay was low, and jobs were scarce. Many of the guys that were on the ranch all had "ranch dreams" of their own. However, given the time period, those dreams were almost considered hysterical. That's why when Lennie was telling Crooks about how he was going to have a piece of land with rabbits, Crooks called him nuts, and tried to shut down his idea. He had a pretty negative view of life, mainly because it was the time of the Great Depression and racism.
In the book "Of Mice and Men", the character Lennie Smalls would best be described as a little kid in an adult body. "Lennie's lip quivered and tears started in his eyes." This quote shows that Lennie, although big and strong, is very sensitive towards things. He doesn't know how to react in certain situations, and he doesn't know how to deal with his emotions. "You tol' me to, George, he said miserably." Many times, Lennie isn't aware of what he is doing, and how much power he is capable of. He depends on other people to make his choices for him, and to guide him throughout his everyday life. Based on these examples, Lennie Smalls isn't just big and dumb like everyone thinks he is, but rather sensitive and ignorant.
Beyond the basic attributes of Lennie Smalls, one may categorize him as a gentle giant. "I could pet it with my thumb as we walked along." In this quote Lennie was talking about the dead mouse he found when he was walking. Strong and tough people don't normally care about small, irrelevant things such as mice. "I like to pet nice things with my fingers, sof' things." The gentleness and kindness of Lennie is a characteristic that most people would not see, just by the look of him. If one truly reads the book, they will come to see that each of the characters is not quite as they seemed in the beginning. Each person has hidden qualities that cannot be seen from the outside, and only show when a person really gets to know them.
Research Connection
Lennie Smalls has a disorder called mental retardation. Mental retardation makes it difficult for one to adapt to life and to different situations. They have trouble processing and understanding certain things, and makes their reaction time slower. It affects 1% to 3% of our population. Because of this disorder, Lennie experiences attention difficulties, low frustration tolerance, and dependency. He depends on George to guide him and to care for him. When someone is talking to him, he is pretty much never paying attention. Instead, he is concentrating on the rabbits that he is going to tend when they get their own land. He also can't control his emotions, and gets frustrated when things don't go his way. For example, when he accidentally killed the puppy, he lashed out, first in anger, then in sorrow. This book also took place in the time of the Great Depression. At this time period, people were very poor, and had to take the first job opportunity that they got. Pay was low, and jobs were scarce. Many of the guys that were on the ranch all had "ranch dreams" of their own. However, given the time period, those dreams were almost considered hysterical. That's why when Lennie was telling Crooks about how he was going to have a piece of land with rabbits, Crooks called him nuts, and tried to shut down his idea. He had a pretty negative view of life, mainly because it was the time of the Great Depression and racism.
Monday, February 22, 2016
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Great Depression
The Great Depression was America's biggest economy downfall ever. "In 1929, one of Americas biggest stock market crashed causing the biggest economic struggle in the entire world." America struggled in finances from 1929-1939. This was the "longest lasting downturn in the industrialized world." Due to the Great Depression, many people lost their jobs and became unemployed. As the economic struggle deepened, America became not only in financial trouble, but political as well. Many hard-working individuals struggled with poverty.
During this period, comparnies struggled in making money, and many people didn't have jobs. "About 12 - 15 million Americans were left unemployed". Since men were expected to provide for their family, they felt humiliated and disappointed that they could not get a job. Females and children sometimes had to take on new responsibilities, just so that their family could survive. "By 1933, 11,000 of the nations 25,000 banks had disappeared." Nearly half of America's banks had failed, due to the large amounts of people that needed to withdraw cash. These people needed to take back their money, so they could feed their families. The Great Depression was a time of hardships and setbacks for the people and their families.
http://www.econlib.org/library/Enc/GreatDepression.html
http://thegreatdepressioncauses.com/great-depression/banks/
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Of Mice and Men Vocab
"She paused and her face lost its sullenness and grew interested"
Word: sullenness
Definition: showing irritation or illhumor by gloomy silence
Sentence: The little boy was known for his sullenness, for he rarely spoke to anyone, and responded with one word answers when he did.
"He felt morosely silent." Page 23
Word: Morosely
Definition: Gloomy
Sentence: The girls morose personality made it unpleasent for the people around her.
Word: sullenness
Definition: showing irritation or illhumor by gloomy silence
Sentence: The little boy was known for his sullenness, for he rarely spoke to anyone, and responded with one word answers when he did.
"He felt morosely silent." Page 23
Word: Morosely
Definition: Gloomy
Sentence: The girls morose personality made it unpleasent for the people around her.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
A Coney Island Life Final Draft
A person only gets one shot at life. Whether they live it to the fullest or spend it in regret is all up to them. One should be thankful for life's opportunities and not take it for granted. Life will never be perfect, it's the way that a person deals with adversity and overcomes obstacles that will make their life memorable. The poem "A Coney Island Life" by James L. Weil teaches people to stop worrying about the past, and live your present life to the fullest, because you never know when your life could end.
Instead of being stuck in the past, one should start thinking about how their present life could affect their future. "And seen my helium hopes break skyward without me" is a quote that compares a persons hopes and dreams to balloons at a fair. An opportunity only lasts for so long; a person can either grasp it quickly or watch as it drifts away without them. In order for a person to live their life to the fullest, they need to make the most out of every situation that presents itself. "I take perhaps my last ride on this planet carousel." The writer is comparing life to a carousel, and is wondering how many days she has left to live. However, instead of worrying about the numbered days, one should go out and make their life worth living. Life is only so short, so one should take advantage of every opportunity that they get.
If a person wants something, they should chase after it, instead of reminiscing about past events in their life. "And ask how many times round I have" is a quote in the poem that refers to the amount of days they have left to live. A person should take a risk every once in a while, instead of settling for something they know that they can achieve. One does not want to live their life with regrets, so they should live each day to the fullest, because they will never get that day back."To catch that brass-ring-sun before the game is up". The "brass-ring-sun" is a goal that they want to achieve before they die. A person's attitude determines whether they will achieve that goal or not. One should always have a positive attitude about life, because by doing so, they can accomplish more things.
If a person wants something, they should chase after it, instead of reminiscing about past events in their life. "And ask how many times round I have" is a quote in the poem that refers to the amount of days they have left to live. A person should take a risk every once in a while, instead of settling for something they know that they can achieve. One does not want to live their life with regrets, so they should live each day to the fullest, because they will never get that day back."To catch that brass-ring-sun before the game is up". The "brass-ring-sun" is a goal that they want to achieve before they die. A person's attitude determines whether they will achieve that goal or not. One should always have a positive attitude about life, because by doing so, they can accomplish more things.
Time on Earth is very precious and limited. One does not want to spend their life constantly wondering "What if" or saying "I should've done this". The past is the past, and a person can't change that. The only thing they can change is what their future will look like. People make mistakes, but it doesn't mean you stop trying when the road gets bumpy. One should live their present life with no regrets. Life is already so short, and anyone's life could end in a split second. "A Coney Island Life" by James L. Weil, states that when a person's time comes, one should be proud of their achievements and the fact that they lived their life to the fullest.
Thursday, January 28, 2016
I am the Ocean Metaphor Poem Draft
My moods are the waves,
Always coming and going
My confidence is the tides,
Rising, then falling
Most of me is undiscovered,
Yet people are quick to judge
I am the ocean
Simple on the outside,
But filled with many mysteries beneath the surface
I crash and I break,
But then I rise stronger than before,
Like a wave battering against the shoreline
I am the ocean,
Very unpredictable
I could be peaceful for a moment,
Then stormy the next second
When disrupted, I could just flow over you
As if you were never there
I am the ocean
Sometimes shallow, and sometimes abysmal
Only few have the courage to plunge in deep
And learn all about me
I am the ocean,
Limitless, Tranquil, Everchanging
Like a wave battering against the shoreline
I am the ocean,
Very unpredictable
I could be peaceful for a moment,
Then stormy the next second
When disrupted, I could just flow over you
As if you were never there
I am the ocean
Sometimes shallow, and sometimes abysmal
Only few have the courage to plunge in deep
And learn all about me
I am the ocean,
Limitless, Tranquil, Everchanging
Thursday, January 21, 2016
A Coney Island Life Rough Draft
A person only gets one shot at life. Whether they live it to the fullest or spend it in regret is all up to them. One should be thankful for life's opportunities and not take it for granted. The poem "A Coney Island Life" by James L. Weil is a poem that teaches people to stop worrying about the past, and live your present life to the fullest, because you never know when your life could end.
Instead of being stuck in the past, one should start thinking about how their present life could affect their future. "And seen my helium hopes break skyward without me". This quote compares a persons hopes and dreams to balloons at a fair. An opportunity only lasts for so long; a person can either grasp it quickly or watch as it drifts away without them. "I take perhaps my last ride on this planet carousel." The writer is comparing life to a carousel, and is wondering how many days she has left to live. However, instead of worrying about the numbered days, one should go out and enjoy life, since life is so short. A person never knows when their life could end, so they should take advantage of every opportunity that they get.
If a person wants something, they should chase after it, instead of reminiscing about past events in their life. "And ask how many times round I have". In this quote, the author is referring to the amount of days they have left to live. One does not want to live their life with regrets, so they should live each day to the fullest, because they will never get that day back. "To catch that brass-ring-sun before the game is up". To me, the "brass-ring-sun" is a goal that they want to achieve before they die. A person's attitude determines whether one will achieve that goal or not. One should always have a positive attitude about life, because by doing so, they can accomplish more things.
Time on Earth is very precious and limited. One does not want to spend their life constantly wondering "What if" or saying "I should've done this". The past is the past, and a person can't change that. The only thing they can change is what their future will look like. One should live their present life with no regrets. Life is already so short, and anyone's life could end in a split second. And when their time comes, one should be proud of their achievements and the fact that they lived their life to the fullest.
If a person wants something, they should chase after it, instead of reminiscing about past events in their life. "And ask how many times round I have". In this quote, the author is referring to the amount of days they have left to live. One does not want to live their life with regrets, so they should live each day to the fullest, because they will never get that day back. "To catch that brass-ring-sun before the game is up". To me, the "brass-ring-sun" is a goal that they want to achieve before they die. A person's attitude determines whether one will achieve that goal or not. One should always have a positive attitude about life, because by doing so, they can accomplish more things.
Time on Earth is very precious and limited. One does not want to spend their life constantly wondering "What if" or saying "I should've done this". The past is the past, and a person can't change that. The only thing they can change is what their future will look like. One should live their present life with no regrets. Life is already so short, and anyone's life could end in a split second. And when their time comes, one should be proud of their achievements and the fact that they lived their life to the fullest.
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