Ceilie's Essay #9

Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
December 15th, 2008

Living in Regret:

   An Essay On What I Wish I Could've Done

Regret is something that haunts us every single day. There is no way to change it and no way to get rid of its constant taunting in your ears, unless you could magically turn back time and undo what you now regret. If only before we acted, or didn’t act, we could realize that we all make our fair share of errors, but our errors are also what make us, us. (Chiasmus)

TS People often regret living too much into a moment and doing something spontaneous that they wish they hadn’t. SD For me, I feel exactly the opposite and wish I could do something without thinking it through once in a while. CM When the situation to do something fun and unplanned presents itself, I am often up for the risk, or at least the idea of it. CM Once the impulsive idea is put into motion, I fail to comply and simply stand by to watch all my friends have the times of their lives as they take this chance. SD To avoid feeling such regret in the future, I just have to teach myself that taking risks are a part of life. CM If no one ever dared to take a chance, we would be living our lives with no new revelations, no groundbreaking strides and no historic moments in our textbooks. CM Life barely ever follows the schedule we like to plan it in, and at one point the only thing we can do is take the chances we need to take to get life back on the course we want it to be on.

TS Another past regret I have is not being independent enough. SD Looking back on my previous actions, I realize I have been too dependent on the company of others and not enough on myself. CM I have always been a little hesitant to do things on my own and honestly, I cannot pin point an exact reason to be nervous about such a thing. CM Maybe it’s the possibility of something going wrong, and a lonely me, flying solo, wouldn’t be able to handle a situation like that by myself. (S-V Split) CM3 Or it could be just the natural idea that independence coincides with maturity and adulthood, something that makes most children uneasy. SD To avoid this behavior in the future, I again have to do one simple thing, be aware that being on my own is a good thing. CM Proving that I can do something without my hand being held the whole way through can only show how capable of a person I am. CM Whether I like it or not, I will eventually need to break free, so by putting it off, I am only letting the pain it will ultimately cause me grow more and more agonizing. CS As the band ZOX says in one of their songs, “You have to leave the ground to learn to fly”, meaning I have to slowly ease myself into a life of independence if I ever want to accomplish something that requires such self-reliance.

I regret many things that I have and haven’t done in the past, but those regrets are a part of life and will probably never go away. When in a state of pure remorse, I also have to remember that my past mistakes make me who I am. The fact that I didn’t take enough risks only proves that I am a responsible and cautious person, and my lack of independence only paves a new path for me to walk down in the future.

Self Assessment
What Do I Like Best About My Essay?
I especially like my introductory paragraph. I feel that in just three sentences it sums up exactly what my essay is about.

What Was The Hardest Part About The Assignment For Me?
I thought the writing tools that were required were definitely the hardest part. Both of these writing tools are brand new things that I just learned and having to take them right out of a textbook and apply it to my writing was difficult.

Graphic Organizer
Topic: Regretting not taking enough risks, not being independent

SD: I regret not taking enough chances
CM: Never lived in the moment
CM: Nervous I might regret what I did, but found myself regretting not doing it
SD: Just live life in the moment
CM: Life isn’t always planned out
CM: Risks can result in something good

SD: Regret not being independent enough
CM: Felt scared to do something on my own
CM: Wanted someone to always be there in case something went wrong
SD: Don’t be scared of being on your own
CM: At one point you have to break free
CM: Why not do it sooner than later

Lydia's essay 9

This is an essay for an application on the ingredients for a meaningful life

Lydia Schulz

Mr H. Salsich

9 English

December 15, 2008

The Ingredients for a Meaningful Life

an Essay by Lydia Schulz

So many features can contribute to a meaningful life, and there are so many definitions of a meaningful life. Some think it is being successful and rich, others think it has to do with being caring and good. However, whichever way you want to classify a meaningful life, it will always come down to your values and morals. This is why to me, some ingredients for a meaningful life are giving and honesty.

One thing that everyone should do in his or her life is to give. Many people think that the value of your existence is measured by your wealth and possessions, but I disagree. When you give to someone who needs it, you may not obtain anything physically, but you can gain so much character and insight. Without generosity, your life can be quite empty. For instance, last year my class did a project called the 8th Grade Assessment. For my project, I chose to volunteer at a local animal shelter that was short on volunteers. I thought my visits would be no fun at all, but it made me feel so good to be helping the people there and making the animals happy. With this understanding of giving, I know that, as Winston Churchill says, “We make a living by what we get, bit we make a life by what we give.”

Honesty is an excellent quality, and we should all strive for it. I do now and have always believed that it is better to be a good person than a successful one. If you are always honest, people will not question what you say, but instead trust that you are telling the truth. When you have established the reputation of truthfulness, you will be respected and valued as a person. I learned long ago that lies get you nowhere. The thing about a lie is that once you tell one, you can’t go back, and it will continue to grow until it owns you. Now that I am older, I know that little ramification will come from owning up to a lie right away, but when I was younger, I would lie about something seemingly insignificant, not realizing what it would mean when someone found out. I now try to be totally honest because I know that it can gain you lots of trust and respect, and when you tell a lie, it can tell a lot about you.

In my opinion, giving to those who need it and being honest are two fundamental parts of a meaningful life. Nevertheless, people’s greed, no matter how strong, can sometimes get in the way of these components. Knowing the benefits that can come from them, I strive for these things in my life everyday. We all must learn to put these things first instead of giving in to greed, for what do we have if not ourselves?

topic: ingredients of a meaningful life- giving, honesty
ts- giving
1st chunk- how you can benefit from giving
2nd chunk- assessment
cs- churchill quote

ts-honesty
1st chunk- better to be honest and good than successful
2nd chunk- lies get you nowhere
cs- you can gain respect and trust

Timmy's Essay 9

Timmy O’Brien
Mr. Salsich
English 9
12 September 2008

Past Regrets and Future Plans;

An Essay on my Past and Future

        1. As you live your life, you make decisions that lead to one another. 2. Eventually, all the decisions lead to one outcome. 3. This result could be jovial (FAST), but it could also be depressing, so you must figure out how to make future decisions better. 4. In my life, I have made decisions that I have come to regret, but then I made other decisions to help me better myself in the future.
        TS During my life, I have made many mistakes that I regret. SD My main regret is not being present for my grandfather’s death. CM At the time, I was in Canada watching lacrosse to my heart’s content while many other people were surrounding his deathbed waiting for his time to come. CM I feel as though I should have been there helping him along with the rest of my family into his next phase. SD Something else I regret is regretting itself. CM Even though I have made mistakes in my past, I don’t want to think about them for too long. CM If I do focus on the past a lot, I could miss the opportunity currently being presented to me and have more to regret later. CS Right now I regret events that have passed, but I must learn to pass my regrets (chiasmus).
        TS Oppositely, I have made some plans to prevent making as many regrettable mistakes. SD First of all, I plan on trying to keep in touch with the world more. CM I should still focus on my current task, but always keep my ears open too. CM In other words, whatever I’m working on matters most, but other things can still have weight in my life at that time. SD Along those lines, I want to focus in the moment. CM I want myself to understand that now is the time that matters. CM For example, when playing in a lacrosse game in the springtime, I want to focus on the moment of that game instead of after-game snacks, that night’s homework, or even the next day. CS With these ideas in mind I, planning in the moment, will be able to accomplish tasks with more vigor (FAST) and efficiency (S-V split participle).
        1. For now, all I have to realize is that things happen, and when they do I have to let them go. 2. The past doesn’t matter as much as the future, and the future doesn’t matter nearly as much as the present. 3. If for some reason I end up focusing on either of the two, I could miss an opportune moment and have more to regret later. 4. Now all I have to do is somehow keep myself in the present – away from the past and future, and it will truly be a gift.

                Self-Assessment

What do I like best about my essay?

    One thing I really like about my essay is that it seems to be under one big "umbrella". I think it stays on topic pretty well and focuses on the work to be done.

What was the hardest part of this assignment for me?

    The hardest part of this assignment was finding an example of chiasmus to use. Nothing really seemed to fit and I had to think a lot about the one I used.
     

  Graphic Organizer:

Main Point: Regrets and Plans

Opening:

-Regrets don't need to be in your life

-They are in mine and i have to power through them

1st body

-Not being present for my Grandfather's death

-I regret regretting, not necessary, the present matters

2nd Body

-Stay in touch with the world, keep my eyes and ears open to everything

-Focus on the moment, now matters more than before or after

Closing

-What is gone is gone, let it be

-Try not to regret

Sarahs Essay #9

Hamilton Salsich
English 09
Sarah Shourds
15 December 2008

No Regrets For Me:
An essay on my life regrets, and what I'd like to change in the future

Everything happens for a reason, whether its good or not. No one should live with any regrets, weighing down their "chain", because everything happens for a reason. In, "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Scrooge, a cold hearted man, is conveniently taken back to his past, and sees many things he wishes he could change [SV SPLIT]. If I had the equipment to pause my life,look at the past, I would not do so because I simply have no regrets.

TS Having a regret is like having a chain pulling at your ankle's everyday, and everyone has at least one. SD If I could get a hold of a life remote, and rewind to two years ago when my grandfather passed away, I would. CM I would've liked to get to know him better, get to have quality time with him and I would've liked to know the side of him that my mother knew. CM If I had accomplished these simple tasks before death ever so rudely took him, I think I would have had a better understanding of him and I would have appreciated life more. SD When my grandfather died, my family had a very hard time coping with his death. CM I regret not having the courage to withstand my aunts and uncles at the time. CM I think if I could have concurred my fears and helped my aunts and uncles through the rough time, I could have made it less harder on them. CM I would've talked with them about the good times they had with my Grampey Bell, and i would've been there so that they could vent off their steam. CS Regrets are a harsh thing to have, and can make a person do crazy things. CS2 All you need to learn to do is let go of them, and learn to move on, like I had to do when my grandfather died.

TS Gaining trust from your peers is a strength that most people toil [FAST] with. SD I try and try everyday to gain respect and trust from my friends, but being a truthful friend doesn't always have the same sensation as having a friend to laugh with. CM Learning the hard way, the truth can hurt. CM Not all people know and respect the truth, but in the long run, people will thank you. SD In my future, I hope to gain trust from every single person I know, and every person I know hopes to trust me at one point in their life [CHIASMUS]. CM I have had a history of not keeping secrets, and basically having a big mouth, but I want that all to change. CM I want people to come to me for advice, or come to me when they have dyer gossip they need to spill, or come to me first when they're feeling blue. CS I am trying to be a more truthful and trusting person, because in the end, it will all pay off.

Having a chain constantly tugging at your ankles, and knowing that a lot of people can't trust you, are two big mishaps in my life. I am trying to be more honest and trustworthy, and I am also trying to not regret anything in my life, but these are two huge steps that I must take one at a time. I believe that being truthful is a key aspect in any persons life, and although it may hurt others, it will help in the long run, starting with earning trust from your fellow peers.

Graphic Organizer
Main Idea: Regrets in My Life
- don't have any regrets
- if I could change anything, probably would be getting to know my grandfather more before he died
-we didn't get much time to bond
- wish I could have known more about him

Main Idea- change (or a few) you hope to make in the future
- "trust"
- I am working on keeping secrets better
- Try and not tell one person because then a chain reaction occurs, which is not good
-Trust is a key ingredient in a persons life

************************************************************************

SELF ASSESSMENT
What Do I Like Best About My Essay? I think that this essay in particular had a nice flow to it. I think I stayed on topic and under the "umbrella" for the most part, and I am very proud of it.
What Was The Hardest Part About The Assignment For Me? The hardest part of the assignment for me was tryingt o fit in chiasmus. I have some difficulties, not neccessarily writing the chiasmus, but placing it in its rightful place.
My Grade: B

In-class essay

Sarah Shourds
5 December 2008
Hamilton Salsich
English 09
Don’t Let Your Chain Get Too Heavy:
An Essay on a Quote in, “A Christmas Carol”

Everyone in the whole world wears a chain around their waste, with a variety of different things linked onto it. In, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, Marley’s ghost wore a chain made up of keys, ledgers, and other matters of that sort. The meaning of the chain can be viewed in many different ways, and why Marley’s ghost wears the chain with such things on it, can also be seen in many different ways.
SD When Marley was a human, he carried many burdens on his chain, such as not being able to pay such and such, or that he just worked too much. CM Consequences did occur when he died. CM Marley was forced to “walk abroad” and carry those heavy links with him. SD Being that many people carry anonymous burdens around with them, people like Marley should learn to let them go so that their “chain” does not get too heavy. CM When someone’s chain gets overwhelmed with such things as keys and ledgers, they start to get stressed out and become more and more like Scrooge; an unhappy, gloomy person. CM I have taken more off my chain then my chain has taken off of me. [CHIASMUS] CS The next time you are faced with a dilemma, don’t bottle it up because it will come to face you in the near future.
If you don’t consider your burdens a hefty thing, and just let them sink into you, then soon your chain will start getting heavier and heavier, and it will start to weigh you down. Soon you will turn into a Scrooge, and never see the warmth in a good Christmas Carol. [Purposeful Repetition] Marley carried burdens with him, and because he didn’t solve his dilemmas in his life, then he was forced “on his own will” to wear the chain. The chain represents his life, and his life represents the chain. [CHIASMUS]

Ceilie's Essay #8

Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
December 4th, 2008

Making His Death Chain:

An Essay On A Passage From "A Christmas Carol"

“I wear the chain I forged in life”, says Marley’s ghost as he comes back to haunt Ebenezer Scrooge. His words are more than just a spirit’s scare tactic, but also a piece of wisdom from the afterlife. Those who have passed on can’t tell others what happens after death, leaving the living people in the dark. In Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol”, a ghost warns Scrooge that his wrongful actions he makes during life could follow him after death.

TS We often do things that we regret, but did you ever think we might have to suffer the consequences after death? SD That is what happens for Jacob Marley, a dead man forced to wear his heavy chains around his waist. CM These heavy chains he speaks of are symbolic for everything a man’s spirit is supposed to "go forth [with]" before passing on. CM Now that the spirit has died, he is “doomed to wander through the world” while literally being chained to his decisions from his past life. SD Out of all the people Marley could’ve chosen to give these words of wisdom to, he chose Scrooge for a specific reason. CM Marley saw that Scrooge was taking his life for granted, living coldly, cruelly and cowardly. (Purposeful Repetition) CM Marley knew that Scrooge’s faulty way of living would affect his life, even after he was buried under his grave. CS Overall, Marley’s spiritual pop-in was a way of forewarning Scrooge that if he isn’t careful, he’d make his mistakes as he lived, and his mistakes would make him once he died. (Chiasmus)


In the end, this is a lesson we hear all the time, just in a more morbid setting. The ghost of Jacob Marley is simply saying, “live life to the fullest”, but with adding and spooky ending to the phrase. If Scrooge goes on living this way, he’s going to regret his remorseful actions as he carries that heavy weight all through the afterlife.

Lydia's Essay 8

Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
December 4, 2008

What Goes Around Comes Around
An Essay on a Passage From “A Christmas Carol”

Have you ever heard of the saying “what goes around comes around”? Many people will tell you that this phrase means nothing, that a person’s karma cannot affect the path their life takes. However, a lot can change during and after your life based on the decisions you make. This is exactly what the ghost of Jacob Marley was trying to warn Scrooge about in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

This passage refers to the cost of your actions and decisions and how they affect you after your death. Marley’s chain represents all the bad things he has done in his life and now he has to carry them through the after life, weighed down by all his bad decisions. At the time, these choices may have seemed like they were helping Marley, but he didn’t realize that these decisions would come back to bite him. He made unwise choices, he failed to do the right thing, and he now has to pay the penalty(purposeful repetition). However, this is not to say that Marley had bad intentions. It seems to me that “the chain [he] forged in life” is comprised of the choices he made that displayed his selfishness, the choices that were for his own benefit instead of the benefit of another(purposeful repetition). Marley is now trying to warn Scrooge to be less selfish so he will not be condemned to the same fate. Perhaps Dickens is telling us that to avoid a miserable life after death, we must be selfless and generous which can shorten our metaphorical chain.

This passage is telling us that our lives are defined by the choices we make and why we make them. With his decisions, Marley made his chain, but in the end, the chain made Marley(chiasmus). This just goes to show that all our actions have outcomes, whether we realize it or not. It is a good reminder that we should always be aware of what we do or say because it could always come back to bite us.

Timmy's Essay 8

Timmy O’Brien
Mr. Salsich
English 9
4 December 2008

An Attempted Revelation:
An Essay About a Passage

When someone is trying to prevent you from taking part in a behavior, what do they do? Sometimes a simple “No!” does the job, but other times a different approach must be taken. On occasion, people will resort to scare tactics. In this passage, Jacob Marley tries to scare Scrooge into doing the right thing.
TS In this section of the reading, Marley tries to scare Scrooge in two major ways. SD The first one was when Marley went into a lot of detail about his chain. CM He said he made it “link by link, and yard by yard; [he] girded it on of [his] own free will…is its pattern strange to you?” CM This was where Scrooge started to realize that he was forging a chain to wear, and he would soon wear the chain he forged [chiasmus]. SD The other way he scared Scrooge was by saying, “[I am] doomed to wander through the world […] and witness what [I] cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness!” CM In other words, Marley told Scrooge that he only had a limited amount of time on this earth, and he had to enjoy what he had while he could. CM When Scrooge dies, all his chances of happiness will be destroyed. CS All he will be able to do is watch others be happy.
After hearing this speech, Scrooge is faced with a decision. Marley tells him that 3 spirits will be visiting him soon, and he can welcome them, abandon them, or ignore them completely [purposeful repetition]. Scrooge knows what is waiting for him in the after-life, and can no longer deny that he is living the wrong life. Now he must decide whether to change his ways, or be burdened with the fetters of his business – mankind.

Lydia's essay 7

Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
9 English
20 November 2008

A New Kind Of Awareness
An Essay on Heterosexism and Stump Olsen

Heterosexism, or the discrimination against homo, bi, or transsexuals by heterosexuals, is a raging battle that comes down to those who can accept these other sexual orientations and those who cant. With heterosexists under the impression that they are lording over all other orientations, thinking that they are the best, how can a homosexual woman like Stump Olsen ever gain the confidence to tell her story to a group of high school students, maybe the same types of students that used to harass her when she was our age? This will remain a mystery, because when Ms. Olsen spoke to our class, we gained much more than forty minutes with a funny, intelligent woman. We left with a greater understanding of heterosexism and of how hurtful words can be.

TS: In my opinion, heterosexism is absolutely ridiculous. SD: Heterosexism is based around something that goes back to the beginnings of mankind: being scared of something you don’t understand. CM: These fears date back to when everyone thought the world was flat and that the sun revolved around it, and when someone presented a different idea they couldn’t understand, they locked him away. CM: Fortunately, we did eventually come to realize that the earth moves around the sun, so maybe there is hope for people to overcome heterosexism and realize that a person’s sexual orientation does not define them. SD: Another main part of heterosexism is that people don’t realize that your sexual orientation is not a choice, but something you are born with. CM: These heterosexists are so set in their own ways that they cant begin to comprehend or wrap their heads around something different. CM: These stubborn, ignorant people are so busy thinking about how God intended for love and marriage to be between a man and a woman that they don’t have time to think about the fact that if God really thought that way, people wouldn’t be gay. CS: Sadly, heterosexists are too narrow minded to see new ideas.

TS: Then I see a person like Stump Olsen and I am amazed by how casual she is about her sexual orientation. SD: I don’t know how she dealt with the harassment and bullying she endured during high school. CM: A person should not have to focus all their concentration on staying alive while getting from one class to another, but this is exactly what Ms. Olsen found herself doing. CM: The worst part was that “not one teacher stood up for [her],” (quote) they were merely spectators, standing aside, watching their student get abused. SD: I’m sure when Ms. Olsen officially came out, she expected her family to be supportive and help her through it, but they were just the opposite. CM: Her family requested not to be in contact with her, refusing to accept that their daughter was gay (participle). CM: Her entire family against her (absolute), Ms. Olsen was finally able to face the world as who she truly is. SD: I was impressed that through all this, Ms. Olsen always stayed true to herself. CM: Though she has gone through hard times, she is happy with herself and is free to be the person she has always known she is. CM: She said that though she is aware that another birthday will go by without a card from her family, she will have her friends behind her to celebrate and show her a good time. CS: I admire Stump Olsen for her strength and her resilience on her journey to become her true self.

Ms. Olsen’s story is an inspiring one and it made me think about how hurtful words can be. I know that I occasionally say things that could be perceived as offensive, but I never thought about them actually hurting someone until I had heard what Ms. Olsen had to say. I will definitely be more careful with what I say and take her advice of thinking before I speak. Perhaps if we all do our part, we can abolish heterosexism once and for all. What will you do to help?
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1. I am continuing to work on tightening my writing and cutting out unnecessary words. I am also trying to be more careful with my polishing and proofreading.
2. I think I got my point across well in this essay. I said everything I wanted too and to me, it seems to all fit in nicely.
3. Some of the sentences seemed a little bit rambling. This is difficult because I am having trouble seeing where I could shorten them
4. I would give this essay an A- or a B+

Timmy's Essay 7

Timmy O’Brien
Mr. Salsich
English 9
20 November 2008

Prejudices Reign Free:

An Essay on the Queer Side of Life

        1. When you criticize someone, whether it is deliberate or accidental, it can have different effects. 2. They can see the joke and take it in stride, or they can dwell on the negatives and have a hard time forgiving you. 3. This can happen with heterosexism because if someone says the word “gay” with a negative connotation, they might let it slide a few times, but if the vocabulary persists, things could get more extreme physically and verbally. 4. Heterosexism changes a lot of lives for the worse, including Ms. Stump Olsen.
        TS Being an expert on the harshness of words, Ms. Olsen came in to talk to us about the effect they can have on people. SD The first thing that stood out to me was her saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones. That’s not true.” (quote) CM Sometimes when we say something that we think might hurt someone, we think of that phrase to reassure ourselves. CM Contrarily, this phrase, according to Olsen, is completely and utterly meaningless to the targets of the harsh words. SD Something else that caught my attention was when she told her story – her inability to lead a normal life. CM People had assumed she was “queer” since she was about 12, and punished her for it. CM She spent most of her teen life thinking about how to survive the walk to the next class rather than the next class itself. SD Along with her story, I was surprised by the way “coming out of the closet” changed her life. CM At the age of 20, she decided it was time to tell people because she had already been hiding her true self for 15 years. CM When she told her parents, they politely asked her to get out of their lives, and she hasn’t spoken to them in 15 years – something I can’t even think about. CM Along with that, if she got into an accident and had to be hospitalized, her parents would be able to make an uninformed decision – not knowing what she would want because of the 15-year gap. CS Her fate being in the hands of another person (absolute), Ms. Olsen was horrified, and I understand her feelings toward this and wonder how anyone could impose so much negativity onto a person just because of prejudices.
        TS In this case, the prejudice is called heterosexism. SD Unbeknownst to many people, heterosexism happens a lot in this world. CM Trying to ignore it (participle), we pass it off as unimportant and that the targets should deal with it themselves. CM Unfortunately, this doesn’t work because there seem to be more people actively supporting this prejudice than opposing it. SD With this information, we must also consider that the people being discriminated against did not choose this life. CM People don’t wake up one morning and say, “Today, I think I’ll turn some of my family, friends, and people I don’t even know against me and be physically and mentally abused on a daily basis.” CM It is an uncontrollable action, and we must try and respect them and their views. CS If we don’t, aren’t we saying that we don’t believe they are a whole person?
        1. If a person isn’t considered whole, how can they be forced to pay attention to our laws of society? 2. How can we make them pay taxes if we refuse to let them marry whom they love? 3. As Melissa Etheridge says, “I am taking that to mean I do not have to pay my state taxes because I am not a full citizen.” 4. Through this, she says that if she cannot be treated as an equal because of heterosexism, why should she, Ms. Olsen, and people like them have to deal with the consequences of being seen as such a monstrosity?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Self-Assessment

1. Some writing issues I am continuing to work on are tightening my writing - trying to omit unnecessary words. Also, I am trying to make sure my writing makes sense and doesn't cause confusion for the reader.

2. Some strong points I see in this piece of writing is my first paragraph. It was all I wanted it to be and I was able to write what I wanted without any misinterpretation.

3. Some weak points I see in this writing is the concluding paragraph because it brings up a new topic and seems a little jumbled.

4. The grade I would give myself is around a B.

Sarahs Essay 7

Sarah Shourds

Hamilton Salsich

English 09

20 November 2008

Think Before You Talk:

An Essay On A Talk By Stump Olsen

What exactly is wrong with homosexuals? Thinking at this very moment, I realized why people may not like "gay" people [PARTICIPLE]. Is it the simple fact that they found love before you? Is that why you don't like them? Today Stump Olsen joined our ninth grade class and shared with us her past, and harsh words that can be exchanged between a group of people.

TS Today there are many terms that can be offensive and hurtful to the gay community. SD The general definition we think of when we hear the word "gay" is someone who likes the same sex, when truly it's when two people are in love, just like "straight" people. CM Heterosexuality is discrimination against people who aren't "normal", and things like this make the world and its people so different and apart. SD The way American's jugde one-another is unbalanced, and unfair. CM Even in school communities, people on a day-to-day basis are being threatened, and verbally abused for being gay. CM The youth of this country view these harmful comments and think its "alright" to say these things, when it truly is not. CM These harmful phrases are often used in negative ways, and used upon objects, and in ways that literally make no sense. CS Being in love shouldn't hurt you, and no one should be able to take your love away from you. CS2 Next time your about to say something is "gay", think about who your going to hurt when you say it.

TS Her head aching, her heart racing, Mrs. Olsen came in to tell us about her harsh past and about heterosexuality. [ABSOLUTE] SD When she walked into the board room, she knew that the only information we knew about her was her sexuality, and she was perfectly fine with that. CM Although her sexuality was not the only thing about her. CM Ms. Olsen had more interesting attributes that we did not even consider, and we learned that she really didn't care what people thought about her. SD As Ms. Olsen began to speak, she spoke with dignity and her words flew out of her mouth as if she were speaking to life-long friends. CM She spoke with a smile as she told us of her hard years in high school, as if they were washed out memories that faded away as time went on. CM She said, "I didn't use my brain in high school for education, I used my brain to stay alive" with a slight smile, that cringed at the sides of her face. SD Ms. Olsen had a kind of reliance in herself, only true people have. CM How could she speak of such harsh memories with a smile painted on her face? CM Only someone who knows those things happen for a reason could bare to re-live them, and talk about them. CM Only someone who believed in themselves could bare to talk about their unfortunate childhood. CS How could we people judge someone on their sexuality? CS2 Love is love, let it be. CS3 Ms. Olsen taught us a very important lesson- to not judge others by their outer appearance, to not talk in a way that could offend others unintentionally, and to respect one another.

Stump Olsen's story was inspiring, and made me realize how hurtful words can truly be. I know I have said my fair share of fowl words, but I never thought who could have overheard, and who I may have hurt. Americans need to take Ms. Olsen's advice into consideration, and think before they speak. Maybe one day we can defeat heterosexism and learn to all love one another.


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Self Assessment

1. I am continuing to work on proofreading my essays and catch minor mistakes. Also, I'm working on organization.

2. I think I organized my essay pretty well. I tried to keep everything under one umbrella

.3. I had some trouble with the absolute and participle. I wasn't quite sure how to change them to make them work.

4. I would give this essay an B-

Ceilie's Essay #7

Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
English 9
November 20th, 2008 

Infectious Discrimination: 

An Essay On Heterosexism and Stump Olsen

1. Heterosexism seems almost like a verbal plague. 2. It is rapidly infecting the world with its symptoms being ignorance towards different sexual orientations and wounding words being spat out of their mouths every day. 3. This disease is also contagious, spreading from person to person because hearing these discriminatory remarks is almost normal and saying it is practically out of habit. 4. Heterosexism does not require a vaccine or a prescription to cure it, but an eye-opening lecture from a homosexual herself and a new awareness on what your saying actually means.

TS It seems today that we live in a world where heterosexism is a common thing to come upon. SD In the general dictionary definition, heterosexism is a type of prejudicial belief. CM It is discrimination against homosexuals and other sexual orientations that are not heterosexuality. CM Heterosexuality is believed to be the “normal” sexual orientation among people and anyone who’s sexual attraction agrees otherwise, is discriminated and prejudged. SD These days it seems heterosexism is progressively affecting people’s views on people being different, especially among youth. CM In middle schools and high schools heterosexism is displayed on a daily basis and in most cases, the derogatory words that are thrown around aren’t even used in the correct context. CM Youth today sees the difference in people’s sexual orientation and hurtful slurs that are used against them as something to joke around about in day-to-day conversations and these words as adjectives to something unrelated to homosexuality. CS In the end, heterosexism is more than just another type of unfair prejudice, but also a new era of supposed jokes and slang words being used in the hallways and even classrooms in educating facilities all over the country.

TS Ms. Stump Olsen, a representative from the Rhode Island Youth Center, came to visit with both the eighth and ninth grade to talk about homosexuality, heterosexism, and the power of the words we use when referring to the two. SD Stump came in and greeted us with a welcoming smile and a positive attitude, prepared and ready to educate us. (Absolute) CM First, she gave us a background story and what her childhood was like as she grew up as a homosexual. CM After that, she was more than willing to answer any of our questions, of which we had many. SD The talk from Ms. Olsen really got me thinking about a couple of things, one would be the impact our words really had on people. CM Ms. Olsen talked about how she was younger, the words she heard that referred to homosexuality were all negative and that these negative words are being taken out of their original context and used even more dismissively today. CM As she absorbed these hurtful words that were referring to homosexuals, she was “being told very actively that there was something wrong with [her]” (Quote) meaning that the words and saying people often use to make reference to gay people are gaining crueler meanings than originally intended. SD Another thing I thought about after I left the boardroom after the lecture was how much different Pine Point is from other schools. CM As I walk the halls at Pine Point, I can’t recall a recent time in which I have heard a homophobic remark or a slur towards homosexuals being uttered. CM This situation is most likely uncommon for other schools, where these words are used almost daily, proving how lucky we all are to be a part of a community that does not judge, nor disrespects people with a different sexual orientation than our own. (Participle) CS Ms. Olsen is nothing less than an admirable role model for young people because she taught us that in a world full of hate, all we need is a little support to get us through the confusing and questioning times in our lives.
1. Heterosexism is like a disease, and this past Monday, Stump Olsen seemed to be the cure. 2. She shared her first-hand experience with being tormented for being gay and expressed to us how truly painful it is to be harassed for your sexuality. 3. Ms. Olsen’s talk left us all not only shocked, but able to see heterosexism in a new light and how it affects everyone. 4. Whether you’re a victim of heterosexism, the person discriminating a homosexual, or just a mere stander-by, watching and letting this unjust prejudice happen, the world needs to eliminate heterosexism all together and learn to accept that we are all different.
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Self-Assessment

1. I am continuing to work on eliminating unnecessary words in my writing. I am also continuing to work on polishing my work and carefully looking for errors.

2. Some strong points I see in this piece of writing are the first two paragraphs. Both the introductory and first body seem clear and strong, getting straight to the point of what I am trying to say. 

3. Some weak points I see is the concluding paragraph. It's a little weak and kind of rushed. 

4. The grade I would give myself would be a B+ or maybe even an A-

Ceilie's Essay #6

Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
9 English
November 12th, 2008

A Man Who Remembers:

An Essay About An Essay and Its Author's Past

1. There are people in this world that have a lack of respect when it comes to their culture’s origins. 2. They are ashamed of where they come from and try to shake off their past, as though it is possible. 3. As I read the essay, “The Way To Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday, I realize that Momaday is clearly not one of these ignorant people. 4. Instead of thinking of the sacred lands he came from as nothing more than ancient dirt, Momaday sees the soil of his native Oklahoma as ancestral grounds that should be respected and appreciated.
TS Momaday is a Kiowa Native American and it is very apparent (FAST) from the way he talks about his homeland that he respects where he came from. SD The main thing it seems Momaday appreciated about his culture is the actual land that he came from. CM “The highland meadows are a stairway to the plain[…] The sun follows a longer course in the day, and the sky is immense beyond comparison”, says Momoday when describing his native land. CM This description proves that Momoday is passionate and respects the beauty of this land. SD There is another instance in which Momoday reveals his admiration (FAST) and respect for the Oklahoman land. CM Momoday says, “And this, you think, is where Creation was begun.” CM I think in this statement, the author is trying to say that the land he stands on has so much history and so many stories behind it, you think of it as an ancient ground where the creation of the earth was started. SD Another aspect of Momoday’s past that he appreiciates is his grandmother, who is the main reason he travels back to his homeland of Oklahoma. CM “She never forgot her birthright”, states Momoday when talking about his grandmother. CM I like how he says this because it shows how similar he and his grandmother are, never forgetting where they came from. CS In the end, I think Momoday’s respect for his family and heritage is inspiring and the way he writes about it is even more influential. 

1. You and your family’s past is something that should never be pushed aside and ignored. 2. Heritage is one of those things that should be understood, respected and cherished by everyone. (Three-Action Sentence) 3. If you forget where you came from, or never even learn about it, you are essentially missing a part of who you are-your background. 4. Momoday not only understands his culture, but he goes as far as to revisit it and write about it, proving his past truly means something to him.

Timmy's Essay 6

Timmy O’Brien
Mr. Salsich
English 9
12 November 2008

Discovering the Message:

An Essay on the “The Way to Rainy Mountain”

        1. When you read a book, you tend to look at the more important aspects of the story. 2. The trivial [FAST] details seem to melt away in your summary. 3. This was not the case when I read “The Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday. 4. I tried to pay attention to every single word and pick out the lines that meant the most to me rather than the ones that were the most influential to the story.
        TS While reading this essay, I came across some lines that I found very captivating. SD First, I thought the line, “At a distance in July or August the steaming foliage seems almost to writhe in fire” was particularly fascinating. CM It was a great example of imagery that presented me with a vivid picture, explained Rainy Mountain’s weather, and allowed me to see through the Momaday’s eyes [three action sentence]. CM I was actually very surprised to see such a powerful sentence so near the beginning of the essay. SD Another line I found quite interesting was, “Their migration was the fruit of an old prophecy, for indeed they emerged from a sunless world.” CM This sentence caught me by surprise because it was an idea that I hadn’t even thought about. CM Right before this, Momaday says that this tribe, the Kiowas, acquires a sun-dance doll and came from a hollow log, and it never occurred to me how opposite these two concepts were or how indicative it was of their feelings of their old lives. SD Finally, the line, “A cricket had perched upon the handrail, only a few inches away from me,” caught my attention. CM It brought out that fact that, when something bad happens, people tend to focus on insignificant details in their lives. CM When Momaday went back to the small house; all he contemplated [FAST] was one little cricket and its place in the world. CS So much can be learned about the individual writer by paying close attention to the seemingly superfluous [FAST] lines, and all one needs to do is try.
        1. When reading, paying attention can have numerous benefits. 2. You could understand the writer, the story, or even a mountains climate better. 3. You may even uncover things that haven’t ever been discovered before. 4. All you have to do is ignite your thinking and take the first step.

Lydia's essay 6

Lydia Schulz

Mr. H. Salsich

9 English

12 November, 2008

The Way to Rainy Mountain

an Essay on Why I Enjoyed "The Way to Rainy Mountian" by N. Scott Momaday 

Mostly everyone has that one favorite book that they simply love, and many people may have an author they cant stand. If this is the case, you probably have something about the writing you either love or hate, and whether it be the fast-paced action of a story or the long, drawn-out descriptions, these preferences are different for everyone. Sometimes you just can’t explain why you are drawn to a particular piece of writing. For me, this was not one of those times.

TS: I greatly enjoyed reading “The Way to Rainy Mountain,” by N. Scott Momaday. SD: I was especially partial to the way Momaday described his appreciation for all things small and large. CM: His essay’s topic ranges from the history of his tribe to a cricket in the night. CM: Though many people could boast their appreciation for their heritage, the tone of Momaday’s writing when he talks about the cricket that “had perched upon a handrail,” you can tell that this man cares about living things, big or small. SD: This goes right along with Momaday’s reverence for nature. CM: From his mentioning of “the divinity of the sun” to the way that from “a distance […] the steaming foliage seems almost to writhe in fire,” it is obvious that this man has great respect for nature and life. CM: To him, his grandmother, and his ancestors, the environment is something to love and protect. SD: I was amazed by how close Momaday was with his grandmother. CM: She told him stories, prayed with him, and helped raise him to the man he would become, perhaps not realizing what a colossal influence she was to her grandson. CM: But when you read the way he spoke about what she was like the last time he saw her, you cannot help but see how much Momaday loved and respected his grandmother. CS: Mr. Momaday has proved to be an extremely talented and touching author.

There are so many aspects of N. Scott Momaday’s writing that I enjoy; it is hard to fit them all into one 11-sentence paragraph. His style, his phrasing, and his smooth synchronization from one topic to the next make him really appeal to me as a writer. However, the main part I enjoy about Momaday’s essay is how much of himself he put into it. I wholeheartedly appreciate the fact that I got to read something by this creative and inspiring author.

Sarahs Essay Number 6

Sarah Shourds
English 09
Hamilton Salsich
12 November 08
A Journey Called Life:
A Look an Essay

1. Who are the Kiowa? 2. The Kiowa are a Native American tribe, which the author of the essay "The Way to Rainy Mountain", Navarre Scott Momaday was apart of. 3. In this essay there is one main theme- his life-long journey. 4. This essay also talks about his grandmother and how she impacted his life-long journey.

TS In the essay, "The Way to Rainy Mountain", by N. Scott Momaday, Momaday talks about one key theme- his journey through life, and how his grandmother helped him through the journey. SD His grandmother played a big role in his tribe, the Kiowa, and in his life-long journey. CM She told the story of the "Seven Sisters", which then led the tribe to believe in the myth, and she taught him his culture. CM He would watch her pray, vaguely knowing what she is saying by her tone of voice. SD She had also taught him to look at the world in a new perspective. CM He would "lay down with [his] grandmother and [...] hear the frogs away by the river and feel the motion of the air" [Momaday 318]. CM She taught him to slow down and look at the phenomenal [FAST] nature that surrounded him. SD These few things his grandmother taught him would influence his long and strenuous journey called life. CM Being able to relate back to your own culture and heritage is a value most people lack now-a-days. CM Momaday, thanks to his grandmother, can relate to his culture and even tell the stories from her, and pass them on to his grandchildren. CM Being able to slow down and look at the marvelous world is another thing we American's tend to lack now-a-days. CS Momaday's grandmother enriched [FAST] him in the basic teachings of life, led him through his journey, and loved him fondly. [Three Action Verb]

1. Whether your Native American, White, Asian or other ethnicities, everyone will have to overcome the wearisome journey most call life. 2. Momaday skimmed through his journey, with the simple teachings from his grandmother. 3. Instead of looking at the moon, he looks at the "perched cricket upon the handrail" [Momaday 318]. 4. This theme is a very big picture most people forget about, and step all over, but Momaday's grandmother had taught him better. 5. "The Earth unfolds and [there is no] limit." [Momaday 315]

Ceilie's Essay #5

Ceilie Moore

Mr. Salsich

9 English

November 5th, 2008

The Second Story:

An Essay On The Benefits Of Re-Reading Books

1. Most people have a love for one special story that they find it necessary to read the book over and over, never getting tired of reliving their favorite story. 2. Now would you ever think to reread a book you didn’t like in the first place? 3. Would you think that you would learn something new about the story and see it in a different light, or just loose even more interest in the book after reading it a second time through? 4. After reading Katherine Mansfield’s, "A Garden Party", for a second time, I got an opportunity to see the story a way I didn’t see it before.

TS As I was reading this famous, yet in my eyes, tedious, story that I had not appreciated the first time I had read it, I noticed new things that I had never been brought to my attention before. (Three-action sentence) SD For one, I realized an important interaction Laura has with some workmen in the beginning scene. CM In the scene, Laura is given the decision to choose where the workmen get to pitch the marquee in the backyard. CM I found it interesting how she assumed the workmen were lower class and felt uncomfortable being around them, but as she studied them, she realized they were “extraordinarily nice” and regretted feeling so self-conscious around them. SD Another thing I noticed that I hadn’t before was the conversation Laura has with her mother after the dead man was discovered in the street. CM Laura confides in her mother, questioning whether or not to cancel the garden party because this poor man has died and it was almost inconsiderate to continue with the gathering. CM As Laura says this, I never realized that her mother responds to the suggestion by basically blaming her daughter for trying to ruin everyone’s fun, then places a pretty hat on her head and shoos her along. SD One last thing I observed as I re-read this story was the positive reaction Laura has as she visits the dead man’s home. CM As she watches the deceased man in his bed, she doesn’t see him as a dead person, but more of “sleeping[…] soundly […][and] peaceful”. CM She sees him as a lucky, unknowing of the struggles she goes through with picking out the perfect party decorations and sitting through hours of social events. CS In the end, I am glad I re-read this story because it shows how observant you really need to be to truly understand a story and appreciate it to its full potential.

1. We have all re-read a favorite book, but have you ever re-read one you didn't like in the first place? 2. The idea of doing such a thing would never cross my mind, but after actually doing it, I got a much better understanding of the book that I re-read. 3. By seriously absorbing the information in the story, "The Garden Party", many details that were not brought to my attention before, were noticed during my second round of reading. 4. So don't set down a book after reading it the first time, but instead read it again, hopefully you'll benefit from the story the second time around. 

Timmy's Essay 5

Timmy O’Brien
Mr. Salsich
English 9
6 November 2008

A Second Look:

An Essay on the Advantages and New Insights of Re-reading

        1. Every once in a while during your reading you may be confused by a certain sentence or paragraph, so you go back to read it again. 2. What some people don’t realize is that this can be helpful on a much larger scale. 3. If you reread a whole story or novel, you may come to understand everything about that work much better. 4. I put this into use with the short story “The Garden Party” in the hopes that I will better be able to understand the particular events of the story.
        TS Upon taking a second look at “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, I saw several things I had not noticed at first. SD First, the peculiar relationship of Laura and her mother stood out to me. CM When Laura suggests that to have a party in the area of a dead man would “terribly heartless of [them]” (brief quote), Mrs. Sheridan gets angry. CM Instead of talking with her daughter about this conflict, she deliberately tries to change her mind by giving her a hat and shifting her mindset from their heartlessness to her own prettiness. SD Another thing that stood out to me was the new theme of focusing on oneself instead of others. CM This was made apparent to me because Laura admired her own arranging capabilities, was asked not to care about a dying man so they could have a garden party, and said that because the little cottages were “eyesores, [] they had no right to be in that neighborhood at all.” (three action sentence and brief quote) CM Her mother directly tells Laura that the garden party they are hosting should be more important than a dead man in their neighborhood, which seems quite self-serving. SD The last thing I noticed while re-reading this story was the use of the word “relish” in the sentence: “ ‘Dead when the picked him up,’ said Godber’s man with relish”. CM He seems to be happy about informing the Sheridans of the death just down the street, which doesn’t seem right. CM The man could have produced a sympathetic tone to fit the story, but instead he talked with a seemingly arrogant manner, as if the content didn’t actually matte – the only thing that did was that he had a story to tell. CS Re-reading the story, I found many things that helped me understand it’s story, events, and themes.
        1. The things one can achieve through re-reading are endless. 2. You could find a whole new side of a character you never saw before, or discover a different view on a particular event. 3. Either way, whatever you find will most likely enrich your understand of the work you are reading, so next time you finish a book with even the slightest trace of misunderstanding, go back and re-read what you finished. 4. It may come back to help you in later days.

Lydia's essay 5

Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
5 November 2008

It’s The Details That Count
An Essay on Rereading “The Garden Party”

With the exception of things necessary to living, people don’t repeat a lot of their actions. You might think “I’ve already done that, why would I do it again?” but this view certainly does not apply to all things. For example, rereading a book or story can give you a much better understanding of it. This was definitely the case when I reread “The Garden Party,” by Katherine Mansfield because it helped me see the details I hadn’t noticed before.

TS: When I reread “The Garden Party”, I noticed many things I had skimmed over before. SD: The main part I became aware of was how influenced Laura is by her mother. CM: Mrs. Sheridan told Laura how beautiful she looked in the hat and then when Laura mentioned the man who had died, her mother told her she was being absurd. CM: When Laura sees herself in the hat, she starts to think “Is mother right?” SD: Laura then starts to think that maybe she is being extravagant. CM: Maybe she, Laura, who helped plan the party, oversaw the placement of the marquee, and felt compassionate toward the man who died, was being extravagant. CM: Once she thought this, “she hoped her mother was right,” and as if this settled the matter, she went to join the party. SD: Another thing I noticed was how opposed Jose was to the idea of calling of the party. CM: Jose was utterly astonished when Laura suggested that they stop everything. CM: When Jose remarked, “if you’re going to stop a band playing every time someone has an accident you’ll lead a very strenuous life,” I was surprised by how seriously annoyed she was. CS: Rereading “The Garden Party” definitely improved my understanding of the story.

Though many people may not think much of the idea of rereading, I found it immensely helpful. If I hadn’t reread the story, there would be so many aspects of the theme I would have missed. Of course, I have reread certain favorite books of mine, but I never thought of doing it with a story like this. I am glad I got to read “The Garden Party” again, even for just the details.

Sarah's Essay Number 5

1. Do you think re-doing something can help you in any way? 2. Most people think re-reading a book is unnecessary and a waste of time, but for some people, when re-reading a book, they gain new perspectives of the book. 3. I re-read a short story, skimmed for new, and important facts I didn’t notice before, and saw “The Garden Party” in a whole new way [ three action verb]. 4. Re-reading Katherine Mansfield’s, “The Garden Party” made me see the short story in a whole new standpoint.

CM Re-reading “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield has made me look at Laura’s mother in a whole new perspective, and it helped me view the smaller, yet harsh comments the Sheridans make about poor people. SD The most compelling piece evidence about Laura’s mother was on page 10 where Jose and her mother were talking about the death of the man down the street. CM In this discussion Jose asked if it was “completely heartless of [them]” to continue their extravagant party, and her mother ignored the question and gave Jose a new hat. CM Once Jose referred back to the question her mother got irritated and said that just because a man died down the street, they couldn’t “spoil every[one’s] enjoyment”. SD A small comment that stood out to me was when Laura was explaining the “very smoke coming out of [the poor people’s] chimney was [even] poverty-stricken.” CM It is very harsh of her to compare even the slightest of things against the people that aren’t as fortunate as her. CM I also thought it was very ironic because she was just saying how they shouldn’t hold the garden party anymore because of the poor people down the street. SD Another small quote that captured my attention was how she called all of the workmen, “workmen” and the cook, “cook”. CM I think she called them just that because they were of a different class than she. CM For example, when she was eating her bread and butter, not only did she think it was rude to eat in front of them, but also because they probably don’t have such exquisite meals. CS Re-reading has made me look at the short-story in a whole new perspective. CS2 At first I thought re-reading was pointless, but now I see the advantages you can gain from it.

1. Reading a book for the first time is always a marvelous experience, but re-reading can give you the full-on experience you truly wanted. 2. While re-reading “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield, I noticed things about Laura’s mother that I never noticed before. 3. I now know that Laura and her mother both secretly, and harshly speak about the poor people down the street- I had never noticed that before. 4. By reading a story for the second time, you can gain more than you would think, and it could change your entire view on the book, or the characters themselves.

lydias essay 4

Lydia Schulz
Mr. H. Salsich
English 9
21 October 2008

The Beauties Of Appreciation
An Essay Discussing Appreciation in Zora Neale Hurston’s Essay “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”

Constantly in life, people are judging themselves, saying they need to be better or more confident. With the world that we live in, it can be difficult for people to stop comparing themselves or their appearances to those of big icons and celebrities. Some people might think, “Where does that confidence come from? How can they always seem so vibrant?” not realizing that all they need to do is have some appreciation for themselves. Zora Neale Hurston certainly knows how to appreciate herself, and now I must figure out how to do the same.

TS: As we can tell from her essay, “How It Feels to be Colored Me,” Zora Neale Hurston has much appreciation for who she is. SD: One aspect of Ms. Hurston’s personality that she truly appreciates is her culture. CM: She seems to be undoubtedly connected to her roots and what it was like to be little Zora of Orange County. CM: When she “set[s] [her] hat at a certain angle and saunter[s] down Seventh Avenue, Harlem City, feeling as snooty as the lions in front of the Forty-Second Street Library,” she is embracing and showing off her culture and what it means to her. SD: Many people do not realize how much their race can mean to them, thinking that they may be perceived as prejudiced or racist. CM: But Ms. Hurston compares herself to “a dark rock surged upon, overswept by a creamy sea.” CM: She is showing us that she knows how to really appreciate her race and how it changes her. SD: However, the aspect of Ms. Hurston’s self-appreciation that stuck out to me the most was her soul. CM: When she attended the jazz orchestra and heard the music, she had a profound experience sensed in the depths of her soul. CM: When the man sitting next to her did not feel all that she felt, she was astounded by how superficial a person could be. CM: This shows us that no matter what we look like, we are all like brown bags filled with “a jumble of small things priceless and worthless.” CS: All of these things have led her to a better appreciation of herself, for Ms. Hurston herself says, “How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company! Its beyond me.”
 

TS: So now I think, “What do I appreciate about myself?” and I realize there are multiple things of which I can be appreciative. SD: I came to recognize that though this is unrelated to me as a person, I appreciate the fact that I have a loving and caring family. CM: They are always there to encourage me, to support me, and to offer advice- something I admit I do not always accept. CM: Though I will always have brothers and cousins bothering and teasing me, I know that they would never deny my company, and I appreciate their tolerance. SD: I also realized that I would be a totally different person if it weren’t for my talents. CM: Whether I am learning in a classroom, playing with a sports team, or working in the art room, the things that I do well make me who I am, and we should all appreciate the things that set us apart from others. CM: The fact that I have things I can do with ease is very empowering and I have great appreciation for that. SD: Finally, I am thankful for my confidence. CM: I have never had particular issues with self-esteem or body image, and I think that not being self-conscious has helped me to focus on important things like achieving goals. CM: Being comfortable with myself has aided me in forging strong friendships, pushing myself to the limits, and most importantly, accepting myself. CS: All of these things have led me ultimately to a fine appreciation of myself.
 

These days, we can’t let things we see get to us and make us want to change who we are. Zora Neale Hurston has learned to appreciate herself, and I have followed her example. This is the way to overcome all of those qualms and insecurities, because we are all like brown bags filled with the assorted jumble that makes up who we are. What’s in your bag?

Ceilie's Essay #4

Ceilie Moore
Mr. Salsich
9 English
October 23rd, 2008

Appreciating Who We Are:

An Essay on Zora Neale Hurston’s Essay and An Appreciation For Myself

1. We all seem to have those moments when we just do not like who we are. 2. Whether we can’t stand the way we look or dislike how we act, accepting ourselves for who we were born to be is a bit of a struggle. 3. But in Zora Neale Hurston’s essay, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me”, it is very difficult to see what she disapproves of in herself. 4. Even if it's hard sometimes, I, much like Hurston, express great contentment with who I am and who I hope to become. 
TS: In her essay, Hurston writes about who she is and where she's from, without the slightest bit of embarrassment or resentfulness (FAST). SD: One thing Hurston especially appreciates about herself is how she is set apart from other people. CM: Hurston explains that she is different from every other person in the world by saying, “I have no race, I am me”. CM: In no way does she try to blend in with other people and she is grateful for what makes her different, because that is what makes her, her. SD: Another thing Hurston greatly appreciates about herself is her background. CM: Being African-American, she is aware of the fact that her ancestors fought for freedom and she is clearly thankful for it, but she also notes that it doesn’t affect how she acts. CM: “Someone is always at my elbow reminding me that I am the granddaughter of slaves. It fails to register depression in me”, meaning she understands who her relatives were, but it doesn’t define her as a person. SD: One more thing Hurston appreciates about herself is her company. CM: She recognizes the fact that she is a joy to be around, so when someone discriminates against her because of her skin color, it doesn’t offend her as much as it baffles her. CM: “Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company…”, proving she is just surprised that people are depriving themselves of her friendship just because she is black. CS: Overall, Hurston is so strong and so content with herself that nothing can bother her, because she knows and loves who she is, something everyone should learn to do.
TS: After seeing Hurston’s inspirational confidence in herself, it makes me realize the things I appreciate about myself. SD: One thing I really appreciate myself is my ability to laugh. CM: When times have been rough and I should be upset, there’s always something there to keep me going, which is laughter. CM: If I’m having a bad day or an unfortunate event happens (purposeful repetition), I am able to keep my head up high and find something to laugh about, proving I can stay positive in any situation. SD: Another thing I really appreciate about myself is the many ways I express myself. CM: I have a great interest and passion for academics, the arts and athletics, all things that I use for self-expression. CM: Whether I’m in art class, creating a painting, on the playing field, leading the team in warm-ups, or in the classroom, solving math problems, in each area of which I am interested in, I display a different side of myself. SD: The last thing I really appreciate myself is my everlasting potential to grow even more as a person. CM: In the last few years, I feel like I have evolved (FAST) in many different ways including I am more driven, more passionate, more outgoing and overall more confident (purposeful repetition) than I was just a couple of years ago. CM: I think that my capability of growing into as a person is never ending, and there will always be new things and new experiences that will keep me transforming into a better person. CS: In the end, there are still those days when I wish I could be smarter, more talented or better at something, but those moments mean nothing and the great qualities I have certainly outweigh those slight, unimportant things that I can’t and never will be.
1. There will always be things we wish we could change about ourselves, but those desires will fade away in time. 2. I used to be someone who wanted to look different, act differently and overall, be a different person (purposeful repetition), but I soon learned in time that I can’t change who I am and I have to be able to appreciate who I was born to be, which I now can. 3. Zora Neale Hurston is a perfect example of someone who is confident about every aspect of who she is and her essay “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”, she expresses how proud she is to be herself. 4. I feel that everyone should get the chance to appreciate themselves for who they are and live by what Hurston emphasizes (FAST) in her essay, “I am who I am, so what?”

Sarahs Essay # 4

Sarah Shourds
Hamilton Salsich
English 9
23 October 2008
Childhood Dreams
An Essay on Appreciation
To appreciate and to love are two different things. In the essay,
"How it Feels To Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston, there were
many things Hurston appreciated, such as her ancestors and her skin
color. In my own life there are things I appreciate such as my family,
my passion towards things and how I stand out from others
[Purposeful Repetition]. Both of us appreciate our ancestors, and like
who we are as a person and I don't think that will ever change.
TS Zora Neale Hurston appreciates her skin tone, her ancestors
and herself, and doesn't let the thoughts of others bring her down
[Purposeful Repetition of Her]. SD Hurston appreciates many things
in life, but one key element that helps her move on, is her
appreciation of her skin color. CM She appreciates the fact that she
is different from some people, and "[has] no race". CM This helped her
move through life, helped her ignore the rude comments, and helped
her be a better person by letting it go and not judging people by their
outer appearance but what's on the inside [Purposeful Repetition].
SD "But [she] isn't tragically colored," or dissapointed by her outer
appearance, she "does not mind at all". CM She thinks that everyone
should be looked upon as a blank canvas, and as they go on through
life, little by little their canvas will be drawn in with all sorts of things.
CM She thinks that everyone should stop worrying about their outer
appearance and start worrying about drawing on their canvas, or
living life. SD Lastly, Hurston treasures [FAST] herself. She has been
through a lot and learned to truly appreciate herself throughout her
childhood. CM When she moved to Jacksonville, and she "was not
Zora from Orange County anymore, [but] now a little colored girl,"
she learned that loving herself in any way possible was the best way
to get through the big change. CM One way of loving herself was to
simply ignore anyone's comments, and to just think of herself as the
one-and-only Zora. CS Hurston is an incredible woman and
appreciates many key factors that Americans tend to forget in life- to
love, and appreciate yourself.
TS After reading her essay I thought "what do I appreciate
about myself?" and many attributes [FAST] came to mind. SD The
first quality I truly admire about myself is what sets me apart from
others. CM I know I can be loud, I dress weird and I may not have
the best sense of humor, but those qualities alone help me stand out
of a crowd. CM I have a great appreciation for those several
attributes, because I know that no one else can stand up to them,
or do them as easily as I. SD Another aspect of myself that I
appreciate is the passion I put in towards things I love. CM For
example, I love modeling. CM Having such a strong passion for
this career has helped me move towards that childhood dream, which
I am now pursuing. CM If I didn't have such a strong passion for this
career, and I just let it go, I don't think I'd be where I am now. SD
Lastly, the most important thing I appreciate about myself, is pretty
much my family. CM They have gotten me to where I am today by
teaching me right from wrong, and by supporting me. CM They have
abided [FAST] by all of my busy schedules, and I know they will
always be by my side no matter what. CS I appreciate every
moment of my life, and thanks to all of these fine attributes and
family members, I even appreciate myself.
Zora Neale Hurston and I have a lot in common- we both
appreciate ourselves. No matter how conceited it may sound,
appreciating yourself can get you far in life if you just take it one
step at a time. Hurston learned to appreciate herself and she sets
a good example. Appreciating myself has got me to fulfill a
childhood dream, where can it lead you?

Timmy's Essay 4

Timmy O’Brien
Mr. Salsich
English 9
21 October 2008

True Appreciation:

An essay on Zora Neale Hurston’s essay “How It Feels To Be Colored Me”

        1. When someone mentions appreciation, people tend to assume they are talking about “thank you” and “your welcome”, but that is not always the proper [FAST] assumption. 2. Appreciation is also your view on life. 3. To be truly appreciative, one must acknowledge all the little things in life, and reflect upon how they make up the big picture. 4. Zora Neale Hurston seems to be one of the true appreciators in this world, and I try, sometimes successfully, to model her in that way.
        TS During her essay, Hurston mentions a lot of the little things in life that fulfill her or irk [FAST] her about her world. SD First of all, she appreciates the white passerby’s that grant her a friendly “hello”. CM They could have just kept going and ignored the little African American girl sitting on her porch, but they accept her and give her idle talk. CM You can tell Ms. Hurston appreciates this because she “needed bribing to stop” putting on a show for them, and they stopped to listen and watch out of pure will. SD Another thing Ms. Hurston appreciates is what people have done before her for her, but she must not always dwell on it. CM She describes their struggles as a race that started three generations before her with an “On the line […] Get set! [...] Go!”, and that she can’t look at what is behind her and feel sorrow. CM She has to realize what these people have done for her and all other African Americans in the country, but at the same time she must look to all the doors they have opened for her. SD Finally, Ms. Hurston appreciates individuality. CM She thinks that sometimes, “I am me.” And that everything around her matters not. CM She appreciates herself for who she really is by allowing it to come out with no hindrances [FAST] and “belong to no race nor time”. CS Ms. Hurston seems to appreciate many things, and these are just three of the examples I have interpreted from her essay.
        TS I also feel as though there are many things in life that I should appreciate. SD For example, my family, my friends, and even my acquaintances [purposeful repetition] should be recognized and appreciated. CM Through many different ways, they have done something that directly or indirectly affected me in a positive or negative way. CM For the positives, I should appreciate what they did, and for the negatives, I should appreciate what they tried to do. SD Another thing I appreciate in life is opportunities. CM I am very fortunate to have a family that can give me choices and that allows me to make decisions. CM It, similar to Ms. Hurston, allows me to focus on the present and the future instead of the past. SD The third thing I appreciate is individuality, much like Hurston. CM I, like the author, realize that everyone is different, and that I must respect them for it, and then appreciate them for those distinctions. CM I think that sometimes you really are you and you shouldn’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. CS In life, I appreciate many things, and I believe that they help me to be who I truly am, and to appreciate that as well.
        1. Appreciation is truly a glorious thing. 2. It allows people to understand themselves and everyone around them. 3. They must decide on the things that really matter, such as the little things, and pay special attention to them. 4. In the end, to truly appreciate, you must want to learn about yourself, about others, and about anything and everything else [purposeful repetition].

Sarahs Essay 3

English Essay Shourds 1
By Sarah Shourds
English 9
Hamilton Salsich
9 October 2008
Juggling
An Essay on the "Losses" and "Gains" in the Stories "Winter Dreams"
and "Sonny's Blues"
Losses and gains are two of the most popular games people play
everyday. People juggle losses and gains, toss them on fire and even
learn to dance with them. In the stories "Sonny’s Blues", by James
Baldwin, and "Winter Dreams", by F. Scott Fitzgerald, both main
characters learn to juggle their losses and gains, but only one
succeeds in their game. In one case, the protagonists gains
knowledge, and in the other case, the protagonist loses an emotion
thats hard to live without. Both protagonist learn life long lessons,
and have a hard time learning how to juggle.
In "Sonny's Blues," there is a lot of gains and losses between
both Sonny and the narrator. For example, at one point in the
story, it was almost like the narrator didn't even have a brother.
Sonny was never there, and the narrator was even scared to send
Sonny a letter while he was in jail. Sonny had lost himself, lost his
dignity and he had lost his own flesh and blood [purposeful
Shourds 2
repetition]. Going to jail was a rude awakening for Sonny, and it
made him realize his losses, and it made him think of how he can
control his losses and turn them into "gains". One of Sonny's "gains"
was in fact his dignity. He learned that playing music can help him
channel his anger and losses to make good out of them. He gained the
knowledge about the badness of drugs, and also learned that there
are healthier and more mature ways of unlocking the secrets to his
issues. In both cases the gain or loss was fairly important, and it
changed Sonny in a dramatic way. Sonny's loss led to his gain, which
could help him in the long run. His knowledge against drugs could
help him live longer and healthier and maybe even help him become a
better musician. Sonny has learned some life long lessons, and will
hopefully keep heading the way that he is- off of drugs and healthy.
In "Winter Dreams" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dexter shows
innumerable [FAST] amounts of emotions. He loses the love of Judy
and in which case he loses his sense to love. not only did his love of
his life just walk right out of his life, but she changed when she did so.
She lost the essence of true beauty when she walked out on Dexter,
and that tore him apart every day. On the bright side, Dexter gains
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all of the riches- minus the romance portion. He gained money, he
gained a wife, and he gained his ego back, until Judy stepped back
into his life and crushed it [purposeful repetition]. She made all of his
old feelings rekindle, then burst into flames. In this instance, sadly,
the loss was greater because it took away a key factor in Dexter's life-
his ability to love. He couldn't bare to look at another woman the way
he looked at Judy Jones. There just wasn't the same glow. He may
have a wife, and all of the riches, but love is a passion way above all of
that. It's an emotion deep within your heart, that if you take it away,
your whole life could sink to the bottom of the ocean. Dexter is
officially at the bottom of the ocean, and will never revisit the gates of
"love" ever again. As Clinton Burhans says, "Men like Dexter Green
do not cry," and when they do, it's a very large matter.
Both characters had lost something at one point, then gained
something in exchange. The differences in these stories is that out of
Sonny's loss he gained knowledge, and out of Dexter's loss he gained
wealth. These two stories are example of life and
how it all depends. At one moment, you could have your life totally
under your custody, [FAST] then in a blink of an eye you could lose it
Shourds 4
all. Both characters maintained their game of juggling, just like
everyday people have to do, and learn how to smoothen out the
bumps in their lives whether its drenching yourself in money, or
simply playing music.





Works Cited:

Clinton S. Burhans, Jr.. "Winter Dreams: ‘‘Magnificently Attune to Life’’: The
Value of ‘‘Winter Dreams’’." Short Stories for Students. Ed. Marie Rose
Napierkowski. Vol. 15. Detroit: Gale, 1998. eNotes.com. January 2006. 7 October
2008.
http://www.enotes.com/winter-dreams/magnificently-attune-life-value-winter-dreams