Portfolio Link:
GLO PORTFOLIO
http://www.wix.com/melisponce/mellax3
Q: What did you learn about your child's achievements and experiences in MeneMAC this past year?
A: Well, first of all, I've learned how much she's grown into a young lady and how she's matured and this includes the work she does. I feel that that she really does exemplify the General Learner Outcomes, by the looks of it. Comparing to her portfolio last year, I can tell that she's improved a lot. What I did like, though was her essays. I remember when she used to write those baby essays, but now, she's writing at a college level. It amazes me so much. She really makes us proud. Her blog, in my opinion, is very creative. Other than that, keep up the good work!
Love, mom
(Macrina Ponce)
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
An Unforgettable Angel
We all know that best friends aren't like any ordinary friends. They're the ones who are there for you in the brightest of times and even in the darkest of times, who share tons of laughs with you, the one who you create billions of memories with, and the one who reassures you that everything is going to be okay. But how would you feel if the one who was there for you, laughed with you, and shared memories with you... left? It was April 20th of 2006. That was the day I lost my best friend.
The first day of 4th grade, not to mention that I've always loathed the first day of school because they were always the most scariest. Those days were the usual 'Who's my teacher this year?' or 'Who's in my class this time?' It's not much of a big deal, unless you got the worst teacher who yelled at you for making those very slight mistakes in that 'oh so difficult' math problem. Recess came and all of us rushed out carelessly to the playground. Giselle and I were just sitting down on the bench looking at all the returning 4th graders. Someone was missing. "Gess, where's Sam?" I asked. Giselle replied, "My mom was talking to her mom and remember how Sam was diagnosed with brain cancer? Well she got worse and it's gonna be hard for her to come back to school." My heart dropped and I was nothing but speechless.
Fortunately, Sam came to school as much as she could. But every time she walked into the classroom, I could see the pain in her eyes, not because of what the cancer was doing to her but because she was afraid of what's coming her way. I remember back in the 2nd grade when she was first diagnosed with cancer, I asked her gently if she was afraid to die. She simply said, "No". And that was it. Just a simple no. As days went by, she stopped coming to school because the doctor restricted her from going back. Every morning, we'd wait till the PA system came on to update us about Sam's condition and everybody would all pray together for her.
One day, our teacher told us that Sam will be in school but she won't be attending class with us because it's become a burden for her to walk up the stairs and instead, she'll be downstairs in another class. Giselle and I looked at each other, not sure whether to be happy or to be worried at the thought. We would visit Sam almost every lunch to eat with her. She was happy and it seemed as though she felt no pain and that brought me a sense of relief till one morning, when the PA system came on. They had told us that Sam was put into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Queen's Medical Center last night. The class grew silent. I walked over to Giselle's desk and we both gave each other a hug filled with so much pain. We couldn't fight the tears that were already running down our face and onto each other's uniform.
I visited her almost everyday at the hospital, but every time I did, she was sound asleep. Each time I looked at her, I couldn't bring myself to say anything because I knew I needed to stay strong for the both of us, even though the only thing I felt was the sorrow and grief that was driven through me. At school one morning, I found out that she was brought home from the hospital so I visited her there. She was sitting on the floor in her favorite purple princess sleep gown. Her face lit up when I walked through the door. She tried getting up but I saw that she was struggling so I just sat next to her. I brought her a precious moments snowglobe. I watched as she shook the globe and she gave out a light smile.
When I got to school, everyone was asking me how she was doing. I assured everyone that she was doing well. The PA system came on and told us that Sam was put back into the ICU, this time on life support. I visited her again at the hospital. Once again, she was fast asleep. "Hi Sam. This is Mel," hoping that she could hear me. She did. She grabbed my hand slowly and held onto it as tight as she could but kept her eyes closed. "I just want you to know that I'm here and that everything is going to be okay. Keep in mind that God will always be with you." I rested my hand on the railing next to her bedside, still holding her hand.
It was August 20th of 2006, we all had been informed that Sam's mom had pulled the plug on her life support because her brain was already dead and the machine was only helping her to breathe.
The first day of 4th grade, not to mention that I've always loathed the first day of school because they were always the most scariest. Those days were the usual 'Who's my teacher this year?' or 'Who's in my class this time?' It's not much of a big deal, unless you got the worst teacher who yelled at you for making those very slight mistakes in that 'oh so difficult' math problem. Recess came and all of us rushed out carelessly to the playground. Giselle and I were just sitting down on the bench looking at all the returning 4th graders. Someone was missing. "Gess, where's Sam?" I asked. Giselle replied, "My mom was talking to her mom and remember how Sam was diagnosed with brain cancer? Well she got worse and it's gonna be hard for her to come back to school." My heart dropped and I was nothing but speechless.
Fortunately, Sam came to school as much as she could. But every time she walked into the classroom, I could see the pain in her eyes, not because of what the cancer was doing to her but because she was afraid of what's coming her way. I remember back in the 2nd grade when she was first diagnosed with cancer, I asked her gently if she was afraid to die. She simply said, "No". And that was it. Just a simple no. As days went by, she stopped coming to school because the doctor restricted her from going back. Every morning, we'd wait till the PA system came on to update us about Sam's condition and everybody would all pray together for her.
One day, our teacher told us that Sam will be in school but she won't be attending class with us because it's become a burden for her to walk up the stairs and instead, she'll be downstairs in another class. Giselle and I looked at each other, not sure whether to be happy or to be worried at the thought. We would visit Sam almost every lunch to eat with her. She was happy and it seemed as though she felt no pain and that brought me a sense of relief till one morning, when the PA system came on. They had told us that Sam was put into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Queen's Medical Center last night. The class grew silent. I walked over to Giselle's desk and we both gave each other a hug filled with so much pain. We couldn't fight the tears that were already running down our face and onto each other's uniform.
I visited her almost everyday at the hospital, but every time I did, she was sound asleep. Each time I looked at her, I couldn't bring myself to say anything because I knew I needed to stay strong for the both of us, even though the only thing I felt was the sorrow and grief that was driven through me. At school one morning, I found out that she was brought home from the hospital so I visited her there. She was sitting on the floor in her favorite purple princess sleep gown. Her face lit up when I walked through the door. She tried getting up but I saw that she was struggling so I just sat next to her. I brought her a precious moments snowglobe. I watched as she shook the globe and she gave out a light smile.
When I got to school, everyone was asking me how she was doing. I assured everyone that she was doing well. The PA system came on and told us that Sam was put back into the ICU, this time on life support. I visited her again at the hospital. Once again, she was fast asleep. "Hi Sam. This is Mel," hoping that she could hear me. She did. She grabbed my hand slowly and held onto it as tight as she could but kept her eyes closed. "I just want you to know that I'm here and that everything is going to be okay. Keep in mind that God will always be with you." I rested my hand on the railing next to her bedside, still holding her hand.
It was August 20th of 2006, we all had been informed that Sam's mom had pulled the plug on her life support because her brain was already dead and the machine was only helping her to breathe.
For a long time, after Sam's passing, my faith and trust in God completely diminished and all I did was question his acts and why he did the things he did. I couldn't help but wonder why he took my best friend away. Letting go was never the easy part. But making new friends, especially after losing one was probably one of the hardest things I had to do because I was afraid of having to deal with the hurt of losing another one. I knew in my heart that no one could ever replace Sam's spot in my life, but it was because of her that I am who I am today.
Sammi was an inspiration to many, especially me. She simply said no because what she was afraid of was not being able to see her friends anymore. When she learned that she first was diagnosed with cancer, the doctor had told her that she had only a couple weeks to live. She answered back with a stern reply, "Do not tell me how much time I have left. Only God can. He's the only one who can say when I'm leaving." The belief and the love she had in God brought her to live 2 more years here on earth, instead of 2 weeks. Samantha came to school even though the cancer was bringing her nothing but pain in order to learn all that she could on earth before she left to go to Heaven and to spend every lasting second with her friends.
Sam and I have always shared one dream together and that was singing. Before she past, she made me promise her to never stop chasing my dream and to continue this dream for the both of us. Over the years, I've grown from my past and I owe it to my best friend to live my life the way she wanted me to live it and that is to be happy. It was because of her that giving up was never the option for me because she taught me how to remain strong no matter what negativity comes shooting right at me. She’s the reason I believe that miracles exist, but happen in mysterious ways. Till this very day, no matter what obstacle or whatever it is that brings me down, I think of what Sam said to that doctor. I know that she's still with me and still watching over me. She will forever be my best friend and my unforgettable angel and for this, I believe.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
An Unforgettable Angel
We all know that best friends aren't like any ordinary friends. They're the ones who are there for you in the brightest of times and even in the darkest of times, who share tons of laughs with you, the one who you create billions of memories with, and the one who reassures you that everything is going to be okay. But how would you feel if the one who was there for you, laughed with you, and shared memories with you... left? It was April 20th of 2006. That was the day I lost my best friend.
The first day of 4th grade, not to mention that I've always loathed the first day of school because they were always the most scariest. Those days were the usual 'Who's my teacher this year?' or 'Who's in my class this time?' It's not much of a big deal, unless you got the worst teacher who yelled at you for making those very slight mistakes in that 'oh so difficult' math problem. Recess came and all of us rushed out carelessly to the playground. Giselle and I were just sitting down on the bench looking at all the returning 4th graders. Someone was missing. "Gess, where's Sam?" I asked. Giselle replied, "My mom was talking to her mom and remember how Sam was diagnosed with brain cancer? Well she got worse and it's gonna be hard for her to come back to school." My heart dropped and I was nothing but speechless.
Fortunately, Sam came to school as much as she could. But every time she walked into the classroom, I could see the pain in her eyes, not because of what the cancer was doing to her but because she was afraid of what's coming her way. I remember back in the 2nd grade when she was first diagnosed with cancer, I asked her gently if she was afraid to die. She simply said, "No". And that was it. Just a simple no. As days went by, she stopped coming to school because the doctor restricted her from going back. Every morning, we'd wait till the PA system came on to update us about Sam's condition and everybody would all pray together for her.
One day, our teacher told us that Sam will be in school but she won't be attending class with us because it's become a burden for her to walk up the stairs and instead, she'll be downstairs in another class. Giselle and I looked at each other, not sure whether to be happy or to be worried at the thought. We would visit Sam almost every lunch to eat with her. She was happy and it seemed as though she felt no pain and that brought me a sense of relief till one morning, when the PA system came on. They had told us that Sam was put into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Queen's Medical Center last night. The class grew silent. I walked over to Giselle's desk and we both gave each other a hug filled with so much pain. We couldn't fight the tears that were already running down our face and onto each other's uniform.
I visited her almost everyday at the hospital, but every time I did, she was sound asleep. Each time I looked at her, I couldn't bring myself to say anything because I knew I needed to stay strong for the both of us, even though the only thing I felt was the sorrow and grief that was driven through me. At school one morning, I found out that she was brought home from the hospital so I visited her there. She was sitting on the floor in her favorite purple princess sleep gown. Her face lit up when I walked through the door. She tried getting up but I saw that she was struggling so I just sat next to her. I brought her a precious moments snowglobe. I watched as she shook the globe and she gave out a light smile.
When I got to school, everyone was asking me how she was doing. I assured everyone that she was doing well. The PA system came on and told us that Sam was put back into the ICU, this time on life support. Every one looked at me and asked, "Why did you lie?" I yelled back with dreaded fear going down my face, "I didn't lie! She was fine last night!" I visited her again at the hospital. Once again, she was fast asleep. "Hi Sam. This is Mel," hoping that she could hear me. She did. She grabbed my hand slowly and held onto it as tight as she could but kept her eyes closed. "I just want you to know that I'm here and that everything is going to be okay. Keep in mind that God will always be with you." I rested my hand on the railing next to her bedside, still holding her hand.
It was August 20th of 2006, we all had been informed that Sam's mom had pulled the plug on her life support because her brain was already dead and the machine was only helping her to breathe.
Sammi was an inspiration to many, especially me. She simply said no because what she was afraid of was not being able to see her friends anymore. When she learned that she first was diagnosed with cancer, the doctor had told her that she had only a couple weeks to live. She answered back with a stern reply, "Do not tell me how much time I have left. Only God can. He's the only one who can say when I'm leaving." The belief and the love she had in God brought her to live 2 more years here on earth, instead of 2 weeks. Samantha came to school even though the cancer was bringing her nothing but pain in order to learn all that she could on earth before she left to go to Heaven and to spend every lasting second with her friends.
Till this very day, no matter what obstacle or whatever it is that brings me down, I think of what Sam said to that doctor. I know that she's still with me and still watching over me. She will forever be my best friend and my unforgettable angel.
The first day of 4th grade, not to mention that I've always loathed the first day of school because they were always the most scariest. Those days were the usual 'Who's my teacher this year?' or 'Who's in my class this time?' It's not much of a big deal, unless you got the worst teacher who yelled at you for making those very slight mistakes in that 'oh so difficult' math problem. Recess came and all of us rushed out carelessly to the playground. Giselle and I were just sitting down on the bench looking at all the returning 4th graders. Someone was missing. "Gess, where's Sam?" I asked. Giselle replied, "My mom was talking to her mom and remember how Sam was diagnosed with brain cancer? Well she got worse and it's gonna be hard for her to come back to school." My heart dropped and I was nothing but speechless.
Fortunately, Sam came to school as much as she could. But every time she walked into the classroom, I could see the pain in her eyes, not because of what the cancer was doing to her but because she was afraid of what's coming her way. I remember back in the 2nd grade when she was first diagnosed with cancer, I asked her gently if she was afraid to die. She simply said, "No". And that was it. Just a simple no. As days went by, she stopped coming to school because the doctor restricted her from going back. Every morning, we'd wait till the PA system came on to update us about Sam's condition and everybody would all pray together for her.
One day, our teacher told us that Sam will be in school but she won't be attending class with us because it's become a burden for her to walk up the stairs and instead, she'll be downstairs in another class. Giselle and I looked at each other, not sure whether to be happy or to be worried at the thought. We would visit Sam almost every lunch to eat with her. She was happy and it seemed as though she felt no pain and that brought me a sense of relief till one morning, when the PA system came on. They had told us that Sam was put into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Queen's Medical Center last night. The class grew silent. I walked over to Giselle's desk and we both gave each other a hug filled with so much pain. We couldn't fight the tears that were already running down our face and onto each other's uniform.
I visited her almost everyday at the hospital, but every time I did, she was sound asleep. Each time I looked at her, I couldn't bring myself to say anything because I knew I needed to stay strong for the both of us, even though the only thing I felt was the sorrow and grief that was driven through me. At school one morning, I found out that she was brought home from the hospital so I visited her there. She was sitting on the floor in her favorite purple princess sleep gown. Her face lit up when I walked through the door. She tried getting up but I saw that she was struggling so I just sat next to her. I brought her a precious moments snowglobe. I watched as she shook the globe and she gave out a light smile.
When I got to school, everyone was asking me how she was doing. I assured everyone that she was doing well. The PA system came on and told us that Sam was put back into the ICU, this time on life support. Every one looked at me and asked, "Why did you lie?" I yelled back with dreaded fear going down my face, "I didn't lie! She was fine last night!" I visited her again at the hospital. Once again, she was fast asleep. "Hi Sam. This is Mel," hoping that she could hear me. She did. She grabbed my hand slowly and held onto it as tight as she could but kept her eyes closed. "I just want you to know that I'm here and that everything is going to be okay. Keep in mind that God will always be with you." I rested my hand on the railing next to her bedside, still holding her hand.
It was August 20th of 2006, we all had been informed that Sam's mom had pulled the plug on her life support because her brain was already dead and the machine was only helping her to breathe.
Sammi was an inspiration to many, especially me. She simply said no because what she was afraid of was not being able to see her friends anymore. When she learned that she first was diagnosed with cancer, the doctor had told her that she had only a couple weeks to live. She answered back with a stern reply, "Do not tell me how much time I have left. Only God can. He's the only one who can say when I'm leaving." The belief and the love she had in God brought her to live 2 more years here on earth, instead of 2 weeks. Samantha came to school even though the cancer was bringing her nothing but pain in order to learn all that she could on earth before she left to go to Heaven and to spend every lasting second with her friends.
Till this very day, no matter what obstacle or whatever it is that brings me down, I think of what Sam said to that doctor. I know that she's still with me and still watching over me. She will forever be my best friend and my unforgettable angel.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Journal 4: Process Paper: How you shaped and produced the "impact activity"
For my impact activity, I am going to sing my original song in front of the class using the skills and research that I've learned about songwriting and singing itself. However, before doing so, I need to practice my song a whole lot to make it sound at least close to perfect. I'd need to review all my lyrics and make sure that it makes sense and that it shoots out a meaning to the audience. That way, it'll show that I've went beyond my skills and that I clearly understand the techniques that I didn't know before. I want to be able to be a motivation to others and teach them through my song that no matter how difficult the task is, if you push past the obstacles that go with it, I promise you that you'll be rewarded in the end. I want to be able to prove to the audience that I've worked hard and that I didn't put pieces of junk together.
The process of coming up with this impact activity wasn't really difficult. At first, I was thinking of just making a video of me singing, but I thought to myself that it would have much meaning to it if I did. So in that case, I decided to sing it in front of the class because I want to be able to see the reactions and emotions.
The process of coming up with this impact activity wasn't really difficult. At first, I was thinking of just making a video of me singing, but I thought to myself that it would have much meaning to it if I did. So in that case, I decided to sing it in front of the class because I want to be able to see the reactions and emotions.
Journal #3: Reflective Journal: Response to your learning
Since I was a little girl, I've always been passionate about singing and music, in general. Singing became a huge part of my life since the day I could actually hold a mic. And ever since then, I knew that I wanted to improve more and more as I go along, whether it be through my music teachers or even myself. Singing, in my opinion is another way of being creative and expressing yourself. It's like reading a poem, but with melodies and rhythms. When singing a song, you are able to add in and create your own styles to your liking or however way you're more comfortable, whether it be an R&B style or something slow and simple; the way I like my music. This project taught me to think beyond just singing the usual Celine Dion or Mariah Carey songs. It allowed me to let my creative juices flow in order to compose a song all on my own. Although it took a lot of hard work, time, and dedication, it turned out to be something I'm definitely proud of. I have to say, though, that it wasn't easy. It took a lot of papers in the trash and a lot of listening to music to gain inspiration. What motivated me the most were the old poems that I used to write back when I was in elementary school, along with the poems that I've gotten from my friends over the years. Whenever I look at them, I reassure myself that writing a song is just like writing a poem and that the only difference is that you need to create a melody to go along with it. The different techniques about singing, rhythms, pitches, etc I've learned were a big benefit to me when creating this song because without knowing rhythms, my beat would be all over the place and it wouldn't sound too great. Aside from that, the other research that I did on how to write a song helped me a lot because without the tips on songwriting, composing a song would be much harder than I thought it would be. And let's not forget the tips and tricks I got from other people who's had the experience. Overall, this project was another way for me to just be myself and pour my feelings that I don't really share with everyone out on paper. School is very essential to our lives because without it, we'd have no knowledge with not only the basic subjects we learn everyday, but with life. School teaches you to do everything to the best of your ability and push past your limits and it teaches you a lot about yourself, especially when it comes to your strengths and weaknesses. Without school, we wouldn't know what to improve because we honestly wouldn't know how or know what we need to improve on. Project Icarus inspired me to go beyond my talents and capabilities and just take it to the next level. I'm inspired each and everyday by the people I love to continue chasing my dreams and to never stop believing in myself because I never know where life might take me one day.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Journal 1: Learning and Research Process
Topic
- Music
Passion and Stretch
- Started singing since I was 4 and I still do.
- I started taking voice lessons at the age of 8 and I started taking guitar lessons at the age of 12, but stopped just recently because my guitar teacher left to continue with school
- I was a member of the concert choir at my old school from grades 3-8 and and I'm currently a member of the music ministry for my church.
- I sang for numerous recitals, talent shows, parties, and many solos back when I was in concert choir.
- I want to be able to create my own song with my own lyrics and melody.
- I pretty much know the basics, but for some reason, my lyrics can never match the rhythm to what I play on my guitar and I always leave it unfinished.
- This time, I want to be able to compose my own song and be able to finish it with success.
Resources and Research
- Vocal Coach (William Daquiaog) --- I see him every Sunday for practice
- Old music teacher (Mrs. Bernie) --- I'm able to visit her anytime at my old school
- Music ministry teacher (Mama Fay) --- I see her every Sunday morning/evening for Church
- Cheesa Laureta (The Voice Semi Finalist) --- She's currently in Hawaii but will be leaving to go back to California on Saturday, but I'm able to contact her via Facebook, text/call.
- Youtube videos (Albert Posis, Mark Mejia, Melissa Polinar, and all those other youtube famous people) -- for inspiration
Process and Product
- Continue to sing and play the guitar on my own.
- Practice new chord progressions and plucking on the guitar to master my weakness.
- Start off with writing a chorus, then add in the verses. From there, create a memorable title.
- For the final product, put the lyrics together with the guitar and sing it on front of the class and possibly make a youtube video of my original song.
Questions
- What does it take to compose a whole original song?
- What skills do I need?
- What are the basic elements to composing a song?
- How much time does it really take?
- What's the easiest way or trick I can use?
- Any advice?
Friday, April 13, 2012
White, Black, and Shades of Gray
Looking at this chart, I've never really reflected heavily on what I've done in my lifetime and that's just a very few. This assignment taught me about my morals and what I consider is morally right, along with what's wrong. This timeline ranges from what good I've made of myself; however, along with the mistakes I've made in my past and even present. It's amazing to think about the things that we consider 'wrong' (lying, cheating, stealing, etc) but can be associated with the right. I've always been taught that the past makes us, however the present shapes us. I never really understood that saying, till now.
This assignment taught me a lot about myself as an individual and how much I've grown since I was a little girl. I've definitely made mistakes that I'm not very proud of, but I've learned to accept them and move on with my life. As our lives change and as we grow older, we begin to realize what really is important and what we become of ourselves. We may not be the perfect human beings, but we are human and we're still in the process of learning the difference between what's right and what's wrong. And this leads me back to the quote: "The past makes us, however the present shapes us". This is the time to make mistakes but there's no need to dwell on what was then and let what happened define who we are. The past will always be there, but it's up to us whether or not we want to grow from it.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Allusion Graphic Draft
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Allusion Poem Draft
Opening Up
[Based on Jessie from the Toy Story]
I try to walk away from what haunts me.
It's my past.
I can't let them see.
I'm vulnerable, weak.
I'm not who you think I am.
Hiding the pain behind my genial smile
Is the best I could do.
They think I'm that girl,
Sassy and sweet.
Rambunctious and adventurous, too.
But there's something different, wrong.
A million eyes are on me.
It's obvious.
They see the pain
And they offer a hand.
I confess that I'm okay.
But it's not enough to convince them.
I appreciate the help
But I'd rather stay independent.
They call me stubborn and hard headed.
They just don't know why.
They don't understand.
I want to open up to them.
I want to be released from this box
I'm trapped in.
It's just too complicated.
I just can't.
I'm afraid.
Once I get close to them,
they'll leave.
I know.
I was abandoned once,
I can't be abandoned again.
But I'm gonna try
To open up.
It's worth a shot.
Maybe I'll actually learn something
Or even find something.
That's friendship and trust.
[Based on Jessie from the Toy Story]
I try to walk away from what haunts me.
It's my past.
I can't let them see.
I'm vulnerable, weak.
I'm not who you think I am.
Hiding the pain behind my genial smile
Is the best I could do.
They think I'm that girl,
Sassy and sweet.
Rambunctious and adventurous, too.
But there's something different, wrong.
A million eyes are on me.
It's obvious.
They see the pain
And they offer a hand.
I confess that I'm okay.
But it's not enough to convince them.
I appreciate the help
But I'd rather stay independent.
They call me stubborn and hard headed.
They just don't know why.
They don't understand.
I want to open up to them.
I want to be released from this box
I'm trapped in.
It's just too complicated.
I just can't.
I'm afraid.
Once I get close to them,
they'll leave.
I know.
I was abandoned once,
I can't be abandoned again.
But I'm gonna try
To open up.
It's worth a shot.
Maybe I'll actually learn something
Or even find something.
That's friendship and trust.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Writing Standards Portfolio
WEBSITE: http://www.wix.com/melisponce/melsportfolio
To my parents: Please answer the following questions as a comment.
1) What piece of writing did you like best in my portfolio? Why?
2) Do you feel that I've improved as a writer? Explain.
3) Which trait did you feel that I need more work on?
4) Which trait did you feel that I was the most successful on?
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Angry Letter Draft
Dear AT&T,
In addition, I decided to just go to the AT&T where I bought my phone. They basically told me that they couldn’t do much just because my contract hasn’t expired yet. So they led me back to customer service so that they’ll be able to trouble shoot the problem with my phone. My mom and I clearly mentioned our experience and how it didn’t help at all. All AT&T did was give us a number to call to try it again. My mom and I didn’t want to go through the same downloading and waiting again, so we decided to not do anything further because we weren’t gaining the assistance we really needed.
Despite all of that, I appreciated the way they helped me as best as they could, even though it wasn’t as easy doing it through the phone. They were very patient with me and even though it’s their job, they didn’t get frustrated with how many questions I was asking.
I have nothing against AT&T but I do feel that in case a situation like this comes up again from a different person, they should state their policies a lot more clearly and explain the difference between warranty and insurance; basically giving a lot more accurate information so there’s no confusion.
Sincerely,
Melissa Ponce
I have been a satisfied AT&T user for the past year or so. I very much like the quality in your phones and the reasonable prices that vary on how outdated or new they are.
However, I have had some problems regarding the service you give to help out the customers. There was one point where my Blackberry Bold’s trackpad stopped working and it became difficult for me to get anywhere on my phone. All I really could do was text and call, but even that was difficult to work around because of the constant clicking of different numbers and letters. So I called customer service who told me that I needed to update my software. They led me to a website in order to download Blackberry Desktop Software onto my laptop. After doing that, they told me to connect my phone using the USB onto my laptop and using the computer, I needed to get rid of all my files, but they reassured me that I will be able to get all my files back after troubleshooting. After hours of troubleshooting, waiting, and downloading, my trackpad still didn’t work. So my mom asked them if they could just replace my phone with a new one because we still had warranty on it. However, AT&T services said that they can only give me a used phone, not of the same brand and they stated that I needed to pay about 100 dollars for insurance.
In addition, I decided to just go to the AT&T where I bought my phone. They basically told me that they couldn’t do much just because my contract hasn’t expired yet. So they led me back to customer service so that they’ll be able to trouble shoot the problem with my phone. My mom and I clearly mentioned our experience and how it didn’t help at all. All AT&T did was give us a number to call to try it again. My mom and I didn’t want to go through the same downloading and waiting again, so we decided to not do anything further because we weren’t gaining the assistance we really needed.
Despite all of that, I appreciated the way they helped me as best as they could, even though it wasn’t as easy doing it through the phone. They were very patient with me and even though it’s their job, they didn’t get frustrated with how many questions I was asking.
I have nothing against AT&T but I do feel that in case a situation like this comes up again from a different person, they should state their policies a lot more clearly and explain the difference between warranty and insurance; basically giving a lot more accurate information so there’s no confusion.
Sincerely,
Melissa Ponce
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Eating Disorders
Ever looked in the mirror and think of yourself as ugly or you feel as though you don't fit in with the crowd? Well, you're not the only one. Many teenagers nowadays tend to feel so insecure about themselves; most cases are because they feel that they're too fat or just way too skinny to fit into society, so they either binge or purge. Many of them suffer from depression and low self esteem. They feel as though they're so alone, so they have to do something with their bodies to impress others. But without thinking, they try to 'fit in' in the most negative way possible- by bingeing or purging. Because the statistics of eating disorders in the United States are increasing, the government should take action by requiring a class for nutrition.
The only way to to understand the effects of an eating disorder is to know how to eat normally and well. It's very important to eat three meals a day with at least 1 snack time. Regular eating habits include controlling or managing what is eaten by eating when hungry or stopping when full. People eat well for health and energy. In fact, nutritious food play a big role in an individual's life. It helps people to think clearly, to keep their moods in balance, and to help them have positive relationships with family and friends. Therefore, it's highly important for people, especially teenagers to understand that the body needs nutrients to grow, to fight diseases, and to make energy. Types of nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All of these play a key role in keeping the body's systems in good repair.
According to statistics made by South Carolina Department of Health, 8 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder; 7 million of them are women and the other million are men. However, the National Eating Disorder Association think that there are way more than just 8 million women. Based on research, they came up with 10 million women living in the United States have an eating disorder. Although women are higher in statistics, 10-15 percent of people with anorexia or bulimia are men. Many men disguise bulimia as 'staying in shape' and they exercise intensively as a form of purging. In some cases, an eating disorder can last up to 1 to 15 years, or even longer. 1 percent of adolescent girls develop anorexia nervosa and that is when they starve themselves to death and another 2 to 3 percent of young women develop bulimia nervosa which is when a person over eats and then vomits it all out in order to control their weight.
Anorexia usually occurs in adolescents between the ages of 10 to 18, but there's a high possibility that it can happen at any age. Anything could trigger the disease, such as an attack, school, or personal commitments that can be overwhelming. A Seattle psychologist states that some teenagers just juggle way too much, such as aiming for a 4.o grade point average, becoming prom queen, the captain for a certain sport, and being in a relationship and it's highly impossible to function at that high level all the time. Other problems such as another family's health problems, a divorce, alcoholism, drug abuse, broken friendships, or even a misguided insult could trigger the disease. People with anorexia try to handle the chaos they feel inside by taking complete control of the size and shape of their bodies. They tend to count calories obsessively, weigh themselves several times a day, and skip eating meals.
Adults normally recommend teenagers with these problems to see any healthcare professional. However, many of them don't like to talk about it unless it's beginning to show. Most teenagers would be embarrassed of the situation and if they can't talk about it with their friends or family, then they won't be able to open up to a stranger. So in order to help the problem, high schools should really require every student to take a nutrition class. That way, teenagers wouldn't need to talk about it but they'll be aware of the harmful effects of bingeing or purging. And through these nutrition classes, they'll understand the importance of eating right and the positive effects of health eating.
The only way to to understand the effects of an eating disorder is to know how to eat normally and well. It's very important to eat three meals a day with at least 1 snack time. Regular eating habits include controlling or managing what is eaten by eating when hungry or stopping when full. People eat well for health and energy. In fact, nutritious food play a big role in an individual's life. It helps people to think clearly, to keep their moods in balance, and to help them have positive relationships with family and friends. Therefore, it's highly important for people, especially teenagers to understand that the body needs nutrients to grow, to fight diseases, and to make energy. Types of nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. All of these play a key role in keeping the body's systems in good repair.
According to statistics made by South Carolina Department of Health, 8 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder; 7 million of them are women and the other million are men. However, the National Eating Disorder Association think that there are way more than just 8 million women. Based on research, they came up with 10 million women living in the United States have an eating disorder. Although women are higher in statistics, 10-15 percent of people with anorexia or bulimia are men. Many men disguise bulimia as 'staying in shape' and they exercise intensively as a form of purging. In some cases, an eating disorder can last up to 1 to 15 years, or even longer. 1 percent of adolescent girls develop anorexia nervosa and that is when they starve themselves to death and another 2 to 3 percent of young women develop bulimia nervosa which is when a person over eats and then vomits it all out in order to control their weight.
Anorexia usually occurs in adolescents between the ages of 10 to 18, but there's a high possibility that it can happen at any age. Anything could trigger the disease, such as an attack, school, or personal commitments that can be overwhelming. A Seattle psychologist states that some teenagers just juggle way too much, such as aiming for a 4.o grade point average, becoming prom queen, the captain for a certain sport, and being in a relationship and it's highly impossible to function at that high level all the time. Other problems such as another family's health problems, a divorce, alcoholism, drug abuse, broken friendships, or even a misguided insult could trigger the disease. People with anorexia try to handle the chaos they feel inside by taking complete control of the size and shape of their bodies. They tend to count calories obsessively, weigh themselves several times a day, and skip eating meals.
Adults normally recommend teenagers with these problems to see any healthcare professional. However, many of them don't like to talk about it unless it's beginning to show. Most teenagers would be embarrassed of the situation and if they can't talk about it with their friends or family, then they won't be able to open up to a stranger. So in order to help the problem, high schools should really require every student to take a nutrition class. That way, teenagers wouldn't need to talk about it but they'll be aware of the harmful effects of bingeing or purging. And through these nutrition classes, they'll understand the importance of eating right and the positive effects of health eating.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
What Matters
There are those who wonder what life is all about, the purpose of it, and there are those who question their existence. I was one of them. But what is it, really? The answer to that question comes from people who make mistakes but are able to learn from them. It took me a while to grasp that whole concept because in my perspective, life itself seemed like a broken guitar being thrown around, smashed to the ground; its strings unloosening and its figure cracking into a million pieces. From there, you can't put the pieces back together. The way we see it, life is like that broken guitar, but in reality, it's not.
Throughout my middle school years, many were afraid of me because the label I was given which was 'Ms. Popular'. Those were the ones who didn't bother to get to know me. There even was a teacher who tried to get rid of me because she saw me as a threat to her daughter, who was once my best friend, and everyone around me. And this is how it all started; my question for existence. I never realized that so many people were out to get me for things I haven't done. Most of them were lies and rumors and it was difficult to cope with at the time. Every little thing I did somehow led back to Mrs. Red. I never would have thought that I had to be so very careful with what I said around people or even on the social network, even about the tiniest detail. Somehow, my words would be twisted and everything I said would come back to bite me in the butt. I felt that every step I took, I would trip.
At first, I thought I was over exaggerating and being overdramatic till things started to become way more than a teenager could handle. It came to the point where I was being threatened to be expelled for things I didn't do. Nothing made much sense; there were never two sides to the story, just one and the side that was heard would definitely not be mine. When worst came to worse, there was me against the whole 8th grade class, unfortunately, even my friends, who were on Mrs. Red's side. So there was no one really to turn to because there wasn't a human being I knew I could trust, other than my mom.
But I couldn't bring myself to explain what was happening to me when I got home, not because things would possibly get worse, but because my mom's heart condition was all I could think about. I knew that in my heart that if I said something, I can't bear to see the hurt in my mother's eyes as she sees the pain in mine. Besides, my mom was already under a lot of stress and I didn't want to add more weight on her shoulders. But I can only hide everything for so long.
Walking towards us after a basketball game was my coach who had told me great job. In addition to that, he added, "Hope things get better with all the 'Mrs. Red' situations." My parents looked at me with such a confused yet skeptical look. Getting in the car, they demanded to know what's been going on. In the middle of explaining everything, the hardest ones to say hit me the most, leaving me in tears. I honestly didn't know what bothered me the most, whether it was Mrs. Red turning all my friends against me or threatening to expel me or on the days I'd have her class, I was her main target and the things she said would hit me emotionally and mentally.
Many of my classmates were sympathetic, but it made me wonder if they really meant it or if they just wanted to get a few words out of me so they could bring the information back to Mrs. Red to get me into more trouble. Things were crashing down and it felt like I was free falling into a never ending hole representing the many things I've lost and each time I'd grab ahold of a small piece of rock embedded into the wall of dirt, my hands would eventually slip off again.
One morning, dropping me off to school, my mom saw tears falling on my cheek in the rear view mirror. She didn't need to ask what was wrong because she already knew, but immediately, she said, "Do you want to transfer schools?" As miserable as I knew I was, I immediately said no. The whole ride, mom was giving me advice that went somewhere along the lines of, "I know you're hurting so much and I hate to see you like this, but I want you to keep in mind that God is always there for you and He's only testing you to see how far you'll go and if you'll give up. If you keep your head up, He will reward you someday later on in life, but for now, when you come across obstacles, pray to Him and for His guidance. He is always next to you. Remember, good things come to those who are patient."
Looking back on things, I never felt so alone in my life. But now I realize that my mom was right. I was never alone. God was with me every step of the way. Life is full of obstacles and that's what I went through. I learned that everyone goes through hardships, but some just get it easier than others. However, it's only a matter of being patient and being optimistic about things. Till today, people ask me, "Do you regret not transferring?" In response to that, I tell them "No, because if I hadn't of went through the things that I have, I never would have become the person I am today." Now that I'm in high school, I've learned to be a lot more independent and a lot more stronger and wiser than I was. Apart from that, I've learned to forgive. I went through the challenges life gave me and I don't regret any of it. And because of life, what matters to me the most is knowing that God is always there and He'll always be ready to carry me when I've grown tired.
Throughout my middle school years, many were afraid of me because the label I was given which was 'Ms. Popular'. Those were the ones who didn't bother to get to know me. There even was a teacher who tried to get rid of me because she saw me as a threat to her daughter, who was once my best friend, and everyone around me. And this is how it all started; my question for existence. I never realized that so many people were out to get me for things I haven't done. Most of them were lies and rumors and it was difficult to cope with at the time. Every little thing I did somehow led back to Mrs. Red. I never would have thought that I had to be so very careful with what I said around people or even on the social network, even about the tiniest detail. Somehow, my words would be twisted and everything I said would come back to bite me in the butt. I felt that every step I took, I would trip.
At first, I thought I was over exaggerating and being overdramatic till things started to become way more than a teenager could handle. It came to the point where I was being threatened to be expelled for things I didn't do. Nothing made much sense; there were never two sides to the story, just one and the side that was heard would definitely not be mine. When worst came to worse, there was me against the whole 8th grade class, unfortunately, even my friends, who were on Mrs. Red's side. So there was no one really to turn to because there wasn't a human being I knew I could trust, other than my mom.
But I couldn't bring myself to explain what was happening to me when I got home, not because things would possibly get worse, but because my mom's heart condition was all I could think about. I knew that in my heart that if I said something, I can't bear to see the hurt in my mother's eyes as she sees the pain in mine. Besides, my mom was already under a lot of stress and I didn't want to add more weight on her shoulders. But I can only hide everything for so long.
Walking towards us after a basketball game was my coach who had told me great job. In addition to that, he added, "Hope things get better with all the 'Mrs. Red' situations." My parents looked at me with such a confused yet skeptical look. Getting in the car, they demanded to know what's been going on. In the middle of explaining everything, the hardest ones to say hit me the most, leaving me in tears. I honestly didn't know what bothered me the most, whether it was Mrs. Red turning all my friends against me or threatening to expel me or on the days I'd have her class, I was her main target and the things she said would hit me emotionally and mentally.
Many of my classmates were sympathetic, but it made me wonder if they really meant it or if they just wanted to get a few words out of me so they could bring the information back to Mrs. Red to get me into more trouble. Things were crashing down and it felt like I was free falling into a never ending hole representing the many things I've lost and each time I'd grab ahold of a small piece of rock embedded into the wall of dirt, my hands would eventually slip off again.
One morning, dropping me off to school, my mom saw tears falling on my cheek in the rear view mirror. She didn't need to ask what was wrong because she already knew, but immediately, she said, "Do you want to transfer schools?" As miserable as I knew I was, I immediately said no. The whole ride, mom was giving me advice that went somewhere along the lines of, "I know you're hurting so much and I hate to see you like this, but I want you to keep in mind that God is always there for you and He's only testing you to see how far you'll go and if you'll give up. If you keep your head up, He will reward you someday later on in life, but for now, when you come across obstacles, pray to Him and for His guidance. He is always next to you. Remember, good things come to those who are patient."
Looking back on things, I never felt so alone in my life. But now I realize that my mom was right. I was never alone. God was with me every step of the way. Life is full of obstacles and that's what I went through. I learned that everyone goes through hardships, but some just get it easier than others. However, it's only a matter of being patient and being optimistic about things. Till today, people ask me, "Do you regret not transferring?" In response to that, I tell them "No, because if I hadn't of went through the things that I have, I never would have become the person I am today." Now that I'm in high school, I've learned to be a lot more independent and a lot more stronger and wiser than I was. Apart from that, I've learned to forgive. I went through the challenges life gave me and I don't regret any of it. And because of life, what matters to me the most is knowing that God is always there and He'll always be ready to carry me when I've grown tired.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
College Essay Topic
Stanford University: What matters to you and why?
Links to Colleges:
Links to Colleges:
- Stanford University: http://www.stanford.edu/
- New York University: http://www.nyu.edu/
- Hawaii Pacific University: http://www.hpu.edu/
- University of California, Los Angeles: http://www.ucla.edu/
- University Of Southern California: http://www.usc.edu/
- University of Hawaii: http://jabsom.hawaii.edu/jabsom/
- Columbia University: http://www.columbia.edu/
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Coming of Age Poster Draft
I might probably change the font color and the background and since I have my baby picture on there, I'm gonna add a recent picture of myself (maybe) jumping on the stones. :)
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Learning to Go On My Own
It was midnight, everyone was fast asleep but me. I could hear snores bouncing from room to room and I could feel the wind bustling which gave me chills down my spine and noticeably rough goosebumps on my arms. Taking a good look at the time, I realized that in just a couple of hours, I'll be on my way to the airport leaving for my destination. That means forcing myself to get a good night's rest, knowing that I won't be getting much sleep on the plane, considering that I won't be able to find a comfortable position in a seat that won't recline, nor have much arm or leg space. But getting enough sleep wasn't really what left me with my mind so full. Pacing slowly back and forth, I felt my arms beginning to tense up a bit as I began to think loudly to myself.
It was the first choir trip without my mom. These trips, my mom always came along, but not this time. My head was very conflicted and in fact, I think I was hallucinating. I could hear voices arguing in my head about the wonders and joys of not having a parent around for a week. But for some reason, I didn't really like the idea. All these years, I've only spent one night away from my parents and that was for a school retreat. In just a couple of hours, I'll be gone a week away from them, on the other side of the United States. I tried thinking optimistically, "It's not going to be that bad. A week not being told what to do and a week exploring the 'Big Apple' with my closest friends. I can so do this!"
Beep Beep Beep Beep. My alarm rang. I hadn't even realized I fell asleep. I got up so slow and sluggishly. I can't believe I was the last to wake up considering that I'm normally the first, but I guess it was my lack of energy. Dad already had all my bags stuffed into the car. I felt the urge to move even slower as it seemed like my parents just couldn't wait to get rid of me.
Getting to the airport, I see my friends, my choir director, and some teachers who will be chaperoning us on the trip. I was done checking in my luggage, so all I had with me was the carry on I was going to be bringing on the plane. It was time to head to our gate. Everyone was saying their last goodbyes to their families.
I said my goodbyes to my parents one by one; my dad gave me a big hug, so big that he lifted me off the ground, then giving me a warm, soft kiss on the forehead. He made this one extra special, knowing that his baby girl will be gone for a week. Looking to my right, I see my mom. She, too, gave me an extra special hug that lasted for 20 seconds. There they were, the tears running down my face like a little baby, staining my mom's favorite shirt. She felt the tears sinking through her shirt, touching her skin, but she didn't care. I honestly couldn't believe I was crying. I won't be seeing them for a week, let alone college for months/years. I tried letting go, but my mom, as overprotective as she was, held on.
She whispered in my ear, "Be careful over there okay hunn? I'm sorry that I won't be able to be with you this time, but I know you're going to do great up there when you sing, as you always do. You've made me so proud and you still do. You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning. I love you and take care."
Days passed and I was having the time of my life in New York, from sight seeing to watching broadway shows to chowing down on pizza, gelatos, everything edible to bargaining for designer handbags in Chinatown. However, the days we had performances and clinics left me exhausted.
And to think I was having an exciting trip, things started to get even better after this one singing clinic that turned out to be the topping of all those amazing adventures I had. Thinking this was a clinic for all the choir members, my choir director arranged one just for me. I met one of the most famous broadway stars in New York and my eyes widened in astonishment when I first saw her. I could not believe with my own eyes who I was seeing. It was Sandra Joseph, who played as Christine in Broadway's very own Phantom of the Opera! Besides introducing ourselves, Sandra wanted to hear me sing. My mouth literally dropped and I went into shock as my body froze and everything became dark in my mind. I wasn't sure whether that was a good or bad thing, but I knew I looked like a complete and utter idiot to her. When I snapped out of it, I finally knew what I was feeling; scared, nervous, confused. I could feel the million butterflies flying around in my stomach and my heart was beating as fast as it could that I could hear it through my ears. I wondered whether Sandra could hear it too. This was the moment where I needed my mom right next to me, encouraging me, and telling me to go for it.
But then I thought back to what my mom told me, "You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning."
Repeating the encouraging words my mom told me before I left, in my head, I sang. I gave it my all and it didn't matter to me whether I messed up because I was standing in this very studio with Broadway's very own Sandra Joseph, who was still just a person and she was probably in my shoes once; afraid to sing in front of people alone. Even though I was nervous, it was time to come out of my shell and do what I love to do best which is sing, no matter who the person I was singing to was.
It was the first choir trip without my mom. These trips, my mom always came along, but not this time. My head was very conflicted and in fact, I think I was hallucinating. I could hear voices arguing in my head about the wonders and joys of not having a parent around for a week. But for some reason, I didn't really like the idea. All these years, I've only spent one night away from my parents and that was for a school retreat. In just a couple of hours, I'll be gone a week away from them, on the other side of the United States. I tried thinking optimistically, "It's not going to be that bad. A week not being told what to do and a week exploring the 'Big Apple' with my closest friends. I can so do this!"
Beep Beep Beep Beep. My alarm rang. I hadn't even realized I fell asleep. I got up so slow and sluggishly. I can't believe I was the last to wake up considering that I'm normally the first, but I guess it was my lack of energy. Dad already had all my bags stuffed into the car. I felt the urge to move even slower as it seemed like my parents just couldn't wait to get rid of me.
Getting to the airport, I see my friends, my choir director, and some teachers who will be chaperoning us on the trip. I was done checking in my luggage, so all I had with me was the carry on I was going to be bringing on the plane. It was time to head to our gate. Everyone was saying their last goodbyes to their families.
I said my goodbyes to my parents one by one; my dad gave me a big hug, so big that he lifted me off the ground, then giving me a warm, soft kiss on the forehead. He made this one extra special, knowing that his baby girl will be gone for a week. Looking to my right, I see my mom. She, too, gave me an extra special hug that lasted for 20 seconds. There they were, the tears running down my face like a little baby, staining my mom's favorite shirt. She felt the tears sinking through her shirt, touching her skin, but she didn't care. I honestly couldn't believe I was crying. I won't be seeing them for a week, let alone college for months/years. I tried letting go, but my mom, as overprotective as she was, held on.
She whispered in my ear, "Be careful over there okay hunn? I'm sorry that I won't be able to be with you this time, but I know you're going to do great up there when you sing, as you always do. You've made me so proud and you still do. You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning. I love you and take care."
Days passed and I was having the time of my life in New York, from sight seeing to watching broadway shows to chowing down on pizza, gelatos, everything edible to bargaining for designer handbags in Chinatown. However, the days we had performances and clinics left me exhausted.
And to think I was having an exciting trip, things started to get even better after this one singing clinic that turned out to be the topping of all those amazing adventures I had. Thinking this was a clinic for all the choir members, my choir director arranged one just for me. I met one of the most famous broadway stars in New York and my eyes widened in astonishment when I first saw her. I could not believe with my own eyes who I was seeing. It was Sandra Joseph, who played as Christine in Broadway's very own Phantom of the Opera! Besides introducing ourselves, Sandra wanted to hear me sing. My mouth literally dropped and I went into shock as my body froze and everything became dark in my mind. I wasn't sure whether that was a good or bad thing, but I knew I looked like a complete and utter idiot to her. When I snapped out of it, I finally knew what I was feeling; scared, nervous, confused. I could feel the million butterflies flying around in my stomach and my heart was beating as fast as it could that I could hear it through my ears. I wondered whether Sandra could hear it too. This was the moment where I needed my mom right next to me, encouraging me, and telling me to go for it.
But then I thought back to what my mom told me, "You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning."
Repeating the encouraging words my mom told me before I left, in my head, I sang. I gave it my all and it didn't matter to me whether I messed up because I was standing in this very studio with Broadway's very own Sandra Joseph, who was still just a person and she was probably in my shoes once; afraid to sing in front of people alone. Even though I was nervous, it was time to come out of my shell and do what I love to do best which is sing, no matter who the person I was singing to was.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
It's Time
It was midnight, everyone was fast asleep but me. I could hear snores bouncing from room to room and I could feel the wind bustling which gave me chills down my spine and noticeably rough goosebumps on my arms. I was walking around the entire room, from closet to drawer, gathering a bunch of my clothes and organizing them into my suitcase that was already too full to have any other things be put inside. I sat on top of it, trying to push all my weight down so that it would be easier to zip up. After a good 10 minutes trying to zip this thing up, I brought all the things I was taking on the trip together in one pile. Taking a good look at the time, I realized that in just a couple of hours, I'll be on my way to the airport leaving for my destination. That means forcing myself to get a good night's rest, knowing that I won't be getting much sleep on the plane, considering that I won't be able to find a comfortable position in a seat that won't recline, nor have much arm or leg space. But getting enough sleep wasn't really what left me with my mind so full. Pacing slowly back and forth, I felt my arms beginning to tense up a bit as I began to think loudly to myself.
It was the first choir trip without my mom. These trips, my mom always came along, but not this time. My head was very conflicted and in fact, I think I was hallucinating. I could hear voices arguing in my head about the wonders and joys of not having a parent around for a week. But for some reason, I didn't really like the idea. All these years, I've only spent one night away from my parents and that was for a school retreat. In just a couple of hours, I'll be gone a week away from them, on the other side of the United States. I tried thinking optimistically, "It's not going to be that bad. A week not being told what to do and a week exploring the 'Big Apple' with my closest friends. I can so do this!"
Beep Beep Beep Beep. My alarm rang. I hadn't even realized I fell asleep. I got up so slow and sluggishly. I can't believe I was the last to wake up considering that I'm normally the first, but I guess it was my lack of energy. Dad already had all my bags stuffed into the car. I felt the urge to move even slower as it seemed like my parents just couldn't wait to get rid of me.
Getting to the airport, I see my friends, my choir director, and some teachers who will be chaperoning us on the trip. I was done checking in my luggage, so all I had with me was the carry on I was going to be bringing on the plane. It was time to head to our gate. Everyone was saying their last goodbyes to their families.
I said my goodbyes to my parents one by one; my dad gave me a big hug, so big that he lifted me off the ground, then giving me a warm, soft kiss on the forehead. He made this one extra special, knowing that his baby girl will be gone for a week. Looking to my right, I see my mom. She, too, gave me an extra special hug that lasted for 20 seconds. There they were, the tears running down my face like a little baby, staining my mom's favorite shirt. She felt the tears sinking through her shirt, touching her skin, but she didn't care. I honestly couldn't believe I was crying. I won't be seeing them for a week, let alone college for months/years. I tired letting go, but my mom, as overprotective as she was, held on. She whispered in my ear, "Be careful over there okay hunn? I'm sorry that I won't be able to be with you this time, but I know you're going to do great up there when you sing, as you always do. You've made me so proud and you still do. You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning. I love you and take care."
Days passed and I was having the time of my life in New York, from sight seeing to watching broadway shows to chowing down on pizza, gelatos, everything edible to bargaining for designer handbags in Chinatown. However, the days we had performances and clinics left me exhausted.
And to think I was having an exciting trip, things started to get even better after this one singing clinic that turned out to be the topping of all those amazing adventures I had. Thinking this was a clinic for all the choir members, my choir director arranged one just for me. I met one of the most famous broadway stars in New York and my eyes widened in astonishment when I first saw her. I could not believe with my own eyes who I was seeing. Besides introducing ourselves, she wanted to hear me sing. My mouth literally dropped and I went into shock as my body froze and everything became dark in my mind. I wasn't sure whether that was a good or bad thing, but I knew I looked like a complete and utter idiot to her. When I snapped out of it, I finally knew what I was feeling; scared, nervous, confused. I could feel the million butterflies flying around in my stomach and my heart was beating as fast as it could that I could hear it through my ears. I wondered whether she could hear it too. This was the moment where I needed my mom right next to me, encouraging me, and tell me to go for it.
But then I thought back to what my mom told me, "You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning."
Repeating the encouraging words my mom told me before I left, in my head, I sang. I gave it my all and it didn't matter to me whether I messed up because I was standing in this very studio with this famous broadway star who was still just a person and she was probably in my shoes once; afraid to sing in front of people alone. Even though I was nervous, it was time to come out my shell and do what I love to do best which is sing, no matter who the person I was singing to was.
It was the first choir trip without my mom. These trips, my mom always came along, but not this time. My head was very conflicted and in fact, I think I was hallucinating. I could hear voices arguing in my head about the wonders and joys of not having a parent around for a week. But for some reason, I didn't really like the idea. All these years, I've only spent one night away from my parents and that was for a school retreat. In just a couple of hours, I'll be gone a week away from them, on the other side of the United States. I tried thinking optimistically, "It's not going to be that bad. A week not being told what to do and a week exploring the 'Big Apple' with my closest friends. I can so do this!"
Beep Beep Beep Beep. My alarm rang. I hadn't even realized I fell asleep. I got up so slow and sluggishly. I can't believe I was the last to wake up considering that I'm normally the first, but I guess it was my lack of energy. Dad already had all my bags stuffed into the car. I felt the urge to move even slower as it seemed like my parents just couldn't wait to get rid of me.
Getting to the airport, I see my friends, my choir director, and some teachers who will be chaperoning us on the trip. I was done checking in my luggage, so all I had with me was the carry on I was going to be bringing on the plane. It was time to head to our gate. Everyone was saying their last goodbyes to their families.
I said my goodbyes to my parents one by one; my dad gave me a big hug, so big that he lifted me off the ground, then giving me a warm, soft kiss on the forehead. He made this one extra special, knowing that his baby girl will be gone for a week. Looking to my right, I see my mom. She, too, gave me an extra special hug that lasted for 20 seconds. There they were, the tears running down my face like a little baby, staining my mom's favorite shirt. She felt the tears sinking through her shirt, touching her skin, but she didn't care. I honestly couldn't believe I was crying. I won't be seeing them for a week, let alone college for months/years. I tired letting go, but my mom, as overprotective as she was, held on. She whispered in my ear, "Be careful over there okay hunn? I'm sorry that I won't be able to be with you this time, but I know you're going to do great up there when you sing, as you always do. You've made me so proud and you still do. You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning. I love you and take care."
Days passed and I was having the time of my life in New York, from sight seeing to watching broadway shows to chowing down on pizza, gelatos, everything edible to bargaining for designer handbags in Chinatown. However, the days we had performances and clinics left me exhausted.
And to think I was having an exciting trip, things started to get even better after this one singing clinic that turned out to be the topping of all those amazing adventures I had. Thinking this was a clinic for all the choir members, my choir director arranged one just for me. I met one of the most famous broadway stars in New York and my eyes widened in astonishment when I first saw her. I could not believe with my own eyes who I was seeing. Besides introducing ourselves, she wanted to hear me sing. My mouth literally dropped and I went into shock as my body froze and everything became dark in my mind. I wasn't sure whether that was a good or bad thing, but I knew I looked like a complete and utter idiot to her. When I snapped out of it, I finally knew what I was feeling; scared, nervous, confused. I could feel the million butterflies flying around in my stomach and my heart was beating as fast as it could that I could hear it through my ears. I wondered whether she could hear it too. This was the moment where I needed my mom right next to me, encouraging me, and tell me to go for it.
But then I thought back to what my mom told me, "You're a very talented girl and you have this time to share your talents that God gave you to other people. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone famous. Remember, this is just the beginning."
Repeating the encouraging words my mom told me before I left, in my head, I sang. I gave it my all and it didn't matter to me whether I messed up because I was standing in this very studio with this famous broadway star who was still just a person and she was probably in my shoes once; afraid to sing in front of people alone. Even though I was nervous, it was time to come out my shell and do what I love to do best which is sing, no matter who the person I was singing to was.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Blog Revision
The changes I've made to my blog for this school year was a header that basically emphasizes the theme of my blog, which is Creating My Own Piece Of Mind. I used the skills I've developed from last year by making a graphic that portrayed the meaning of my header. So basically, I added pictures of things that explain what the whole Menemac program is about and pictures that I love to do, such as playing the guitar. All those relate in a way that creates my own piece of mind because I'm me; I'm my own person and only I can create myself. Aside from that, I organized my blog by archiving all the work I've done last year, such as the OR card, Brainy Pix, Querencia, etc. Aside from that, I got my all work from freshman year and sophomore year in different sections. That way, anybody who wants to look at my blog will be able to find things much easier.
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