Too be honest, this week was not a good week in consideration of my Curation Website. I continued to research my topic, however, I could not find any new useful information. I don't know if it was because I cannot think of the next step to Improvisation, but finding new information was very tough.
When I think of a step, I continue to find flaws in them and decide to think of a new one. I don't know if it's because I am over analyzing everything. Maybe for this coming week I should just shoot for anything that pops up in my head. After I come up with an idea, then I should work on top of it rather than getting a step perfectly at the first attempt
I know in my last post, I said that I wanted to overcome my obstacles and think of the next steps without making mistakes of skipping a step. However, this time, I couldn't even come up with a step. I guess in a way, this week's obstacle was getting over last week's obstacles. Constantly, I researched, but everything I found did not help me all too much.
However, I did find additional information for my previous steps such as videos from Youtube. I found a couple, but I don't know which one would be the most of helpful because all of these videos are with the guitar or piano. I need to find a video that can help people with any instrument, not just specifics.
For next week, I am hoping to be more creative in my thinking. I want to think in different approaches to come up with more and more steps opposed to hitting a wall, coming up with nothing. I need to find my own style and flow to make my blog unique; I want my blog to be one of a kind that everyone talks about. I want to help the future musicians.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Curation Progress Report: Week 2
This week, as usual, I continued to research on the steps to be an amazing improviser on any instrument. Last week, I put "Knowledge" as my first step to improvising; and I said knowledge of the scales is the most important thing before learning how to improvise. However, after researching this week, I realized knowledge of the scales is not the first step. The first step is knowledge, but a different kind of knowledge.
The actual first step is the knowledge of notes! Before I even began my curation website, I wanted something that was easy and simple to help my viewers to take improvisation one baby step at a time. But I realized that I jumped the gun and I assumed that each viewer already knew all of the notes and can play scales right away. So this week I knew I had to take a step back for my viewers.
For my curation website, the biggest obstacle I am facing is to finding the next step. I constantly have an "ah hah" moment, but then once I start to build on top of it, I realize it's wrong. There's always a step I skip and miss, which is not good because I need to provide that information to my viewers who are trying to learn.
However, regardless of these obstacles, I know there will be more and I have to overcome them. So my next three steps I want to take is to find my next two steps by next week. I want to be able to move on to my next two steps of the improvisation process without moving backwards. Secondly, I want to find some good videos of tutorials that can help my viewers have a visual. Third, I want to make my website more appealing. I feel like it's kind of dull, but I have to learn how to catch more of the viewers' eyes.
One thing i can do to make the project run more smoothly is by not doing my research on a million sources at once. While I do my research, I have at least fifteen tabs on my internet browser and it's overwhelming and I just get drained and have more trouble concentrating. This week I want to find one reliable source and put forth all of my concentration and absorb all of the information I need to make my curation site the best site for future improvising musicians!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Curation Progress Report: Week 1
Throughout all of the research I've done to find how to become a create improviser on any instrument, there is one thing I found to be the foundation of improvising: Scales. Regardless of what instrument one plays, one needs knowledge before becoming a great musician. On almost all of the websites I have come across, learning the scales was one of the first steps so I decided that this is the first thing I should address on my curation website.
In the aspect of organizing my curation website, I wanted to keep it simple and straight to the point. So to start off my site, I simply wrote two small paragraphs as an introduction to explain to my readers that knowledge is the first thing required before learning to improvise. With a little bit of explanation in my own words, I also provided a site that explains better than I could about scales to get my readers started.
Because my first point referred to the significance of knowledge, I set my background as bunch of shelves of books. It may be cliche, but I thought it suited my topic very well. Once I learn a little bit more throughout the process, I will be adjusting the design quite often.
Overall, I did not do a whole lot to my curation website, but it is a start. I wanted to just kick off with a simple and easy introduction to get my readers started. The reason I want to pursue simplicity is because when I attempted to learn how to improvise, my teacher overwhelmed me with a vast sea of information on music theory and it just ate away my motivation to learn. Rather than becoming a hassle, I want my readers to take baby steps and take in the information little by little.
In the aspect of organizing my curation website, I wanted to keep it simple and straight to the point. So to start off my site, I simply wrote two small paragraphs as an introduction to explain to my readers that knowledge is the first thing required before learning to improvise. With a little bit of explanation in my own words, I also provided a site that explains better than I could about scales to get my readers started.
Because my first point referred to the significance of knowledge, I set my background as bunch of shelves of books. It may be cliche, but I thought it suited my topic very well. Once I learn a little bit more throughout the process, I will be adjusting the design quite often.
Overall, I did not do a whole lot to my curation website, but it is a start. I wanted to just kick off with a simple and easy introduction to get my readers started. The reason I want to pursue simplicity is because when I attempted to learn how to improvise, my teacher overwhelmed me with a vast sea of information on music theory and it just ate away my motivation to learn. Rather than becoming a hassle, I want my readers to take baby steps and take in the information little by little.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Dialectics: Body Art Vs. Street Art
Body art has been used for thousands of years. History has shown that it has been used for religion and cultural purposes. However, in the 21st century, body art has stretched beyond the realms of religion and culture. Now, body art is seen everywhere as a form of expression. There's even a vast selection of colors one can choose from.
Street art, in comparison to body art, is very similar. Graffiti has been around since ancient times as well. Artists like to walk around with cans of spray paint and leave their marks for the world to see. No different from tattoos, street art varies from pictures to words and black and white to colors. It's a form of expression many people today use, especially in the more urban areas.
Although body art and street art have many similarities in aspects of designs and color arrangements, there are much more similarities that are much deeper in meaning. Both forms of art is a form of expression with hidden meanings. Many street artists and people with tattoos have symbols or phrases that have a rooted meaning in their lives. Some represent death of loved ones or one's life motto. In essence, both have hidden secrets of their lives. Many works of these forms of art can look bizarre and odd, but to the street artist and to the person with the tattoo, it goes beyond the factor of appearance and how "cool" it looks.
These two forms of art share the idea of expressing one's feelings and emotions, but however they also share the idea of being looked down upon - sometimes even ridiculed for. Street art has always had its enemies due to the fact that it is vandalism! Street artists are usually viewed as hoodlums.
Just as the street artists are viewed as thugs, people with tattoos all around their body are viewed as people who are being stupid and young. When parents, especially some cultures like Korean cultures, see people with tattoos all around, they scoff at them. Body art is being slowly accepted, but mainly from the younger generation of the 21st century.
However, regardless of if they are looked down upon, with their share of enemies comes the share of fans. Society is slowly beginning to open up to street art and body art. Street art has been less viewed as a crime, but more as a public museum for everyone to view. Tattoos are being viewed as cool and meaningful symbols of each unique individuals. Even though the fans are more directed towards the younger crowd, the younger generation is the future. So eventually, and hopefully, society will see the kids walking around with spray cans as artists; I'm also crossing my fingers that society will view these people with tattoos as individuals and that they see there body art as a sign of freedom of expression and beauty.
Street art, in comparison to body art, is very similar. Graffiti has been around since ancient times as well. Artists like to walk around with cans of spray paint and leave their marks for the world to see. No different from tattoos, street art varies from pictures to words and black and white to colors. It's a form of expression many people today use, especially in the more urban areas.
Although body art and street art have many similarities in aspects of designs and color arrangements, there are much more similarities that are much deeper in meaning. Both forms of art is a form of expression with hidden meanings. Many street artists and people with tattoos have symbols or phrases that have a rooted meaning in their lives. Some represent death of loved ones or one's life motto. In essence, both have hidden secrets of their lives. Many works of these forms of art can look bizarre and odd, but to the street artist and to the person with the tattoo, it goes beyond the factor of appearance and how "cool" it looks.
These two forms of art share the idea of expressing one's feelings and emotions, but however they also share the idea of being looked down upon - sometimes even ridiculed for. Street art has always had its enemies due to the fact that it is vandalism! Street artists are usually viewed as hoodlums.
Just as the street artists are viewed as thugs, people with tattoos all around their body are viewed as people who are being stupid and young. When parents, especially some cultures like Korean cultures, see people with tattoos all around, they scoff at them. Body art is being slowly accepted, but mainly from the younger generation of the 21st century.
However, regardless of if they are looked down upon, with their share of enemies comes the share of fans. Society is slowly beginning to open up to street art and body art. Street art has been less viewed as a crime, but more as a public museum for everyone to view. Tattoos are being viewed as cool and meaningful symbols of each unique individuals. Even though the fans are more directed towards the younger crowd, the younger generation is the future. So eventually, and hopefully, society will see the kids walking around with spray cans as artists; I'm also crossing my fingers that society will view these people with tattoos as individuals and that they see there body art as a sign of freedom of expression and beauty.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Metacognition: the Mashup Process
Throughout the Mashup project, one specific thought of process I had was "what's next?" After I decided what to do on one of the steps, I asked my self how I should transition to the next step in one voice. During this time of questioning, too be honest, I did not do as much as I should have. I tried to almost force out any knowledge I could think of. However, all of my ideas just did not seem to work. I grew frustrated.
My dynamics of thinking were very poor in the beginning. I wasn't thinking out of the box. All I did was to jog up any memories of the curriculum since August, and it did nothing. Then it hit me. Realizing that the answers won't just come up in my head, I actually began to search.
I began to search through previous novels and excerpts we read earlier this year. This is where I found most of my information. Utilizing quotes from Sophie's World and Letter from a Birmingham Jail, my mashup began to form. Slowly, I constructed more ideas on top of this foundation of quotes.
What really surprised me about my thinking was how my mind worked in general throughout the project. When I really got in the zone while working on this, my mind began to go on cruise control. Browsing through quotes and the mashup and rearranging the different steps, I did many things almost at once.
What was the most surprising to me was how the mashup actually turned out. I was almost in disbelief at how I, Danny Kang, actually made such a project on my own. I doubted myself at first, but after seeing the results, it was a very rewarding feeling.
One thing I wish I did better was to utilize more pictures. Although I was very content with out the mashup turned out, I realized that there were very few visuals. Personally, visuals make a project much more interesting to a viewer. I only hope that the other aspects of the mashup really makes up for the lack of visuals. Hopefully the context of it will make the point I wished to get through.
My dynamics of thinking were very poor in the beginning. I wasn't thinking out of the box. All I did was to jog up any memories of the curriculum since August, and it did nothing. Then it hit me. Realizing that the answers won't just come up in my head, I actually began to search.
I began to search through previous novels and excerpts we read earlier this year. This is where I found most of my information. Utilizing quotes from Sophie's World and Letter from a Birmingham Jail, my mashup began to form. Slowly, I constructed more ideas on top of this foundation of quotes.
What really surprised me about my thinking was how my mind worked in general throughout the project. When I really got in the zone while working on this, my mind began to go on cruise control. Browsing through quotes and the mashup and rearranging the different steps, I did many things almost at once.
What was the most surprising to me was how the mashup actually turned out. I was almost in disbelief at how I, Danny Kang, actually made such a project on my own. I doubted myself at first, but after seeing the results, it was a very rewarding feeling.
One thing I wish I did better was to utilize more pictures. Although I was very content with out the mashup turned out, I realized that there were very few visuals. Personally, visuals make a project much more interesting to a viewer. I only hope that the other aspects of the mashup really makes up for the lack of visuals. Hopefully the context of it will make the point I wished to get through.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Letters to a Young Poet Mashup: Patience Grasshopper
Patience is a virtue.
1.
2. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.
3. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved
4. You are so young, so much before all beginning, and I would like to beg you, dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
5. Through it all
6. That is perhaps the most difficult task that has been entrusted to us, the ultimate task, the final test and proof, the work for which all other work is merely preparation.
7. Patience is the key to life. Rather than searching for all of the answers, one must love and live the questions of life. However, the answers will come throughout your entire journey through life, eventually, so one must not be anxious and lose discipline.
8. It's not a silly question if you can't answer it.
9. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer. Perhaps you do carry within you the possibility of creating and forming, as an especially blessed and pure way of living
10.
11. When you realize there is something you don't understand, then you're gradually on the right path to understanding all kinds of things.
12. In order for personal growth to occur, one needs to not look for answers outside, but within. It may take a while, but be patient. You will find all the answers to all your questions inside you. No one can help you, but yourself. You are your only source of help and growth. Keep searching.
13. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity
14. But it comes only to those who are patient, who are there as if eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly silent and vast. I learn it every day of my life, learn it with pain I am grateful for: patience is everything.
15. After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
16. Most experiences are unsayable, they happen in a space that no word has ever entered, and more unsayable than all other things are works of art, those mysterious existences, whose life endure beside our own small, transitory life.
17. The difficulties in life is when people receive the most benefits as a person. Our hardships in life help you grow. Taking the easy route only displays laziness and lack of passion.
18. Hardships may take you into a time of darkness and sorrow. However, you must not shut out the sicknesses and negative experiences in life. So rather than asking why, just be patient and endure. Let these phases of sickness take over and embrace them. Accept them. At first you might not realize it, but the things you learn as a result shapes you into a better you.
19. But more than that, it leads them to places they never expected to see and enables them to accomplish things that surprise them and satisfy them.
20. Instead of expressing every single emotion that comes to mind, from the vast sea of emotions you have, pick out your true feelings. Do not let all of these emotions clash. Through the process of growth, you have to also stick with some of your friends, but also let some go. Whatever emotion and whoever you choose, make sure you love life through everything you do.
Works Cited
1. "The Testimony of Modern Art" Humanities Website
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail."
3. Bible: Matthew 24:13
4. Rilke, Rainer Maria, and Franz Xaver Kappus. Letters to a Young Poet. New York: Norton, 1954 Print. (34)
5. Hillsong United. "Through it All"
6. Rilke, Rainer. (68)
7. Personal Reflection
8. Gaarder, Jostein. Sophie's World. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1994. (203)
9. Rilke, Rainer. (34-35)
10. Ghandi. Google Search.
11. Gaarder, Joestine. "The Solitaire Mystery"
12. Personal Reflection
13. Rilke, Rainer. (6)
14. Rilke, Rainer. (24-25)
15. Nelson Mandela. "Long Walk to Freedom"
16. Rilke, Rainer. (4)
17. Personal Reflection
18. Personal Reflection
19. Alan Alda. "Pass the Plate, Mr. Feynman"
20.Personal Reflection
1.
2. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.
3. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved
4. You are so young, so much before all beginning, and I would like to beg you, dear Sir, as well as I can, to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
5. Through it all
6. That is perhaps the most difficult task that has been entrusted to us, the ultimate task, the final test and proof, the work for which all other work is merely preparation.
7. Patience is the key to life. Rather than searching for all of the answers, one must love and live the questions of life. However, the answers will come throughout your entire journey through life, eventually, so one must not be anxious and lose discipline.
8. It's not a silly question if you can't answer it.
9. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer. Perhaps you do carry within you the possibility of creating and forming, as an especially blessed and pure way of living
10.
11. When you realize there is something you don't understand, then you're gradually on the right path to understanding all kinds of things.
12. In order for personal growth to occur, one needs to not look for answers outside, but within. It may take a while, but be patient. You will find all the answers to all your questions inside you. No one can help you, but yourself. You are your only source of help and growth. Keep searching.
13. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity
14. But it comes only to those who are patient, who are there as if eternity lay before them, so unconcernedly silent and vast. I learn it every day of my life, learn it with pain I am grateful for: patience is everything.
15. After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.
16. Most experiences are unsayable, they happen in a space that no word has ever entered, and more unsayable than all other things are works of art, those mysterious existences, whose life endure beside our own small, transitory life.
17. The difficulties in life is when people receive the most benefits as a person. Our hardships in life help you grow. Taking the easy route only displays laziness and lack of passion.
18. Hardships may take you into a time of darkness and sorrow. However, you must not shut out the sicknesses and negative experiences in life. So rather than asking why, just be patient and endure. Let these phases of sickness take over and embrace them. Accept them. At first you might not realize it, but the things you learn as a result shapes you into a better you.
19. But more than that, it leads them to places they never expected to see and enables them to accomplish things that surprise them and satisfy them.
20. Instead of expressing every single emotion that comes to mind, from the vast sea of emotions you have, pick out your true feelings. Do not let all of these emotions clash. Through the process of growth, you have to also stick with some of your friends, but also let some go. Whatever emotion and whoever you choose, make sure you love life through everything you do.
Works Cited
1. "The Testimony of Modern Art" Humanities Website
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail."
3. Bible: Matthew 24:13
4. Rilke, Rainer Maria, and Franz Xaver Kappus. Letters to a Young Poet. New York: Norton, 1954 Print. (34)
5. Hillsong United. "Through it All"
6. Rilke, Rainer. (68)
7. Personal Reflection
8. Gaarder, Jostein. Sophie's World. New York: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1994. (203)
9. Rilke, Rainer. (34-35)
10. Ghandi. Google Search.
11. Gaarder, Joestine. "The Solitaire Mystery"
12. Personal Reflection
13. Rilke, Rainer. (6)
14. Rilke, Rainer. (24-25)
15. Nelson Mandela. "Long Walk to Freedom"
16. Rilke, Rainer. (4)
17. Personal Reflection
18. Personal Reflection
19. Alan Alda. "Pass the Plate, Mr. Feynman"
20.Personal Reflection
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Captured Thought: Starting
Throughout senior year and what we've discussed, one main idea that stuck to me was "starting is the hardest part." When we first talked about that concept, for some reason I was so caught up with how true it was. Upon reflection of my past experiences, especially dealing with academics, the greatest struggles I've had with big projects or assignments was starting! Even starting this blog took a lot of initiative. This got me thinking.
When we began to watch the video about Frank Gehry, he too, talked about how starting was very difficult to him. However, once he gets started on a big project he asks himself, "what's the big deal?" Too be honest that's when I stopped concentrating on the movie because I began to brainstorm - what is the big deal? Why is starting so hard for everyone? Why does it take so much will power and effort to start?
Eventually, I realized why it's so hard to start, for me at least. Whenever I have an essay or project coming up, I expect everything I do to be top notch quality. Regardless if it's the first draft, I expect too much out of my works, especially from my brainstorm sketches, which is contradictory. However, I remembered something. When we discussed Ernest Hemingway in class, too be honest, I remember one thing about him. And that thing is when he said that "the first draft of anything is shit."
At first, my reaction was that his remark is too blunt; but it's true! First drafts of all my works are terrible, but the key to starting is realizing it's terrible. After you understand it's awful, and it's meant to be awful, it's easy to start. Having the mindset that it doesn't have to be perfect and it's okay for it to be bad helps. That's when I understood why Frank Gehry is so amazing at what he does.
Frank Gehry's works are admired by our country because they're so unique and modern. The reason he is able to do that is with his sketches. I don't know if you have ever seen his sketches, but they are mere scribbles. When I saw them I had no clue what they were, but somehow the final draft always ends up taking my breathe away. If one of the world's greatest architect's rough drafts look like that, than I have no need to worry. Rough drafts are supposed to look like that so you can only make progress, rather than digress. That's my opinion at least.
When we began to watch the video about Frank Gehry, he too, talked about how starting was very difficult to him. However, once he gets started on a big project he asks himself, "what's the big deal?" Too be honest that's when I stopped concentrating on the movie because I began to brainstorm - what is the big deal? Why is starting so hard for everyone? Why does it take so much will power and effort to start?
Eventually, I realized why it's so hard to start, for me at least. Whenever I have an essay or project coming up, I expect everything I do to be top notch quality. Regardless if it's the first draft, I expect too much out of my works, especially from my brainstorm sketches, which is contradictory. However, I remembered something. When we discussed Ernest Hemingway in class, too be honest, I remember one thing about him. And that thing is when he said that "the first draft of anything is shit."
At first, my reaction was that his remark is too blunt; but it's true! First drafts of all my works are terrible, but the key to starting is realizing it's terrible. After you understand it's awful, and it's meant to be awful, it's easy to start. Having the mindset that it doesn't have to be perfect and it's okay for it to be bad helps. That's when I understood why Frank Gehry is so amazing at what he does.
Frank Gehry's works are admired by our country because they're so unique and modern. The reason he is able to do that is with his sketches. I don't know if you have ever seen his sketches, but they are mere scribbles. When I saw them I had no clue what they were, but somehow the final draft always ends up taking my breathe away. If one of the world's greatest architect's rough drafts look like that, than I have no need to worry. Rough drafts are supposed to look like that so you can only make progress, rather than digress. That's my opinion at least.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Blogging Around
I thought that video was pretty hilarious. However, although it is something I laugh at, it's completely true. When my previous phone broke, I was so excited to get the iPhone without even researching what other possibilities there were; I'm sure there were a million other better phones I could have chosen from, but regardless I stuck with the iPhone. The only reason to back up my decision was, "everyone has one!" If everyone had one then the iPhone MUST be amazing. Yeah I was obsessed with it and used it 24/7 the first week I got it, but within the month my friends got different smart phones that were far more efficient than mine.
The response above was to Ryan Brander's last post titled "iMedia:Consumerism." Basically, Ryan portrayed that in today's economy, high schoolers especially, people buy products based on how popular they are, using the iPhone as an example. Just by looking at a brand of a product, society buys the most well-known brands regardless of how crappy they are compared to other products with less popularity. Ryan's intention of his blog was to inform society not to buy products just based on their fame, but more for their quality.
I enjoyed reading this blog because of the reality of it. Today, people of this society long to become successful. However, they are too scared that their product or company would not meet the consumers' satisfaction; all this proves is the lack of creativity the people of today have.
The paragraph above is my response to Ronald Te's blog. In his blog, titled "iMedia: Authenticity," he posted a commercial by Burger King. Pretty much the commercial shows the "King" stealing McDonald's sausage McMuffin "blueprint." Ronald wanted to show the lack of creativity our society has come to. New businesses with CEO's trying to reach for success merely imitate products of other successful companies opposed to creating an original product since they are scared it will fail. However, if this game of "copycat" persists, consumers will have millions of companies to buy from. That may sound like a good thing, but how good is it when the millions of companies are selling the exact same product with a different logo?
The response above was to Ryan Brander's last post titled "iMedia:Consumerism." Basically, Ryan portrayed that in today's economy, high schoolers especially, people buy products based on how popular they are, using the iPhone as an example. Just by looking at a brand of a product, society buys the most well-known brands regardless of how crappy they are compared to other products with less popularity. Ryan's intention of his blog was to inform society not to buy products just based on their fame, but more for their quality.
I enjoyed reading this blog because of the reality of it. Today, people of this society long to become successful. However, they are too scared that their product or company would not meet the consumers' satisfaction; all this proves is the lack of creativity the people of today have.
The paragraph above is my response to Ronald Te's blog. In his blog, titled "iMedia: Authenticity," he posted a commercial by Burger King. Pretty much the commercial shows the "King" stealing McDonald's sausage McMuffin "blueprint." Ronald wanted to show the lack of creativity our society has come to. New businesses with CEO's trying to reach for success merely imitate products of other successful companies opposed to creating an original product since they are scared it will fail. However, if this game of "copycat" persists, consumers will have millions of companies to buy from. That may sound like a good thing, but how good is it when the millions of companies are selling the exact same product with a different logo?
Monday, February 13, 2012
Change of Mind: Postmodernism
I always believed that postmodernism referred to the era after a community or environment was established. For some reason this is was the definition I stuck to. Chances are that I took the word literally opposed to actually finding out the definition. It wasn't until last week in class that I learned the real meaning of this term; I was embarassed to be quite honest after realizing how wrong I was.
Dictionary.com defines postmodernism as: any of a number of trends or movements in the arts and literature developing in the 1970s in reaction to or rejection of the dogma, principles, or practices of established modernism, especially a movement in architecture and the decorative arts running counter to the practice and influence of the International Style and encouraging the use of elements from historical vernacular styles and often playful illusion, decoration, and complexity.
Upon reading this definition, I was still a tad bit confused. The only basic understanding of postmodernism, even after learning about it in class, was an idea or something that cannot be fully grasped or explained as a whole. Regardless of the many examples presented in class, my mind was still jumbled up. I was starting to think that the process of studying postmodernism is postmodernism; I simply cannot grasp the concept as a whole.
Although I still have little understanding of what postmodernism actually is, with the little knowledge I have grasped, the meaning of postmodernism has taken a 180 flip. Because understanding postmodernism is so difficult for me, I am sure I will have many "changes of mind" towards this concept. If my definition of postmodernism went from interpreting it through a literal perspective to a completely different understanding, the more we focus on postmodernism, the more my perspectives will alter-continuously.
Dictionary.com defines postmodernism as: any of a number of trends or movements in the arts and literature developing in the 1970s in reaction to or rejection of the dogma, principles, or practices of established modernism, especially a movement in architecture and the decorative arts running counter to the practice and influence of the International Style and encouraging the use of elements from historical vernacular styles and often playful illusion, decoration, and complexity.
Upon reading this definition, I was still a tad bit confused. The only basic understanding of postmodernism, even after learning about it in class, was an idea or something that cannot be fully grasped or explained as a whole. Regardless of the many examples presented in class, my mind was still jumbled up. I was starting to think that the process of studying postmodernism is postmodernism; I simply cannot grasp the concept as a whole.
Although I still have little understanding of what postmodernism actually is, with the little knowledge I have grasped, the meaning of postmodernism has taken a 180 flip. Because understanding postmodernism is so difficult for me, I am sure I will have many "changes of mind" towards this concept. If my definition of postmodernism went from interpreting it through a literal perspective to a completely different understanding, the more we focus on postmodernism, the more my perspectives will alter-continuously.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Connection: Sophie and Alberto + Martin Luther King Jr.
One thing we began to discuss to kick off second semester was Martin Luther King Jr. and challenging the status quo and some of its criteria. By reading the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," we studied many different aspects of challenging the status quo. From annotating and pointing out these aspects, not only did I learn a lot from the activity, I began to draw a connection to "Sophie's World."
The main focus of "Sophie's World" was to discuss and inform the readers about the many famous and well known philosophers who impacted the world. What I did not discover till our activity in class with the "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" activity was "Sophie's World" also focuses on challenging the status quo.
Fulfilling their role as fictional characters of Jostein Gaarder's book, Sophie and Alberto played along at first because, well, they had no idea they were mere ideas and thoughts of Knag. However, once they discovered the fact they were fiction, they began to challenge the status quo of the world, or Sophie's world at least.
The status quo of the characters were to fulfill their fictional roles and play along, however Sophie and Alberto could not just stand around and do nothing after they realized their so called life was nonexistent. They came up with many plots to bust their escape; they eventually did.
Yes, I do realize that in the end Sophie and Alberto were still mere fictional characters, but their determination and bravery was not any less real than Martin Luther King Jr's courage in my opinion. One might call this rather odd, but this is my belief. These three really motivate me to attempt to fight the trends and status quo of not only high school, but for the rest of my life. Sophie and Alberto, although fiction, motivate me just as much as MLK does; isn't that all that matters, fiction or non-fiction?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Blog 10:Steps to Learn
Throughout first semester, I have learned a lot about my old study habits and its flaws. Personally, I never had a problem with my study habits until this year when I discovered just reading over my notes over and over again wasn't going to cut it. Not only in Humanities, but also in my AP Psychology class, my old study habits has inhibited me to earn the grades I desired. I have been able to improve my study habits to learn more efficiently.
As Mr. Allen said today, you can't just "look it over" and expect to earn a good grade. Especially with the connect the dots assignments, I learned that the process of connecting the terms helps you understand the material on a whole new level. This process pushes you to genuinely understand the material, rather than just recognizing the terms. Thinking beyond the definition of the term or who the philosophers were enabled me to really dive into the material.
With my old study habits, I would only have been able to recite the definition of a term or what a philosopher was mainly known for. After practicing the connecting the dots assignments, I am able to fully explain the terms into deeper levels. I am able to compare and contrast two different philosophies and philosophers and dive into a full out philosophical conversation. I have gotten to really engage in the book after connecting the dots because it helped draw myself into the book to learn more and more.
However, in order to engage in the book, I had to take on Mr. Allen's optional assignment of annotating, especially the more efficient technique. In previous years, all I did for annotations were underline random sentences I assumed were significant; this was of no assistance.
Progressively, I learned how to annotate in a way that would best benefit me when it comes to remembering the information for future tests. I began to draw circles, boxes, arrows, and more. These symbols and margin notes eventually became an outline of the major events or information I needed to know. Although I may not be able to remember everything I annotated, the annotations enable me to find what I am looking for with great ease.This new skill of annotating has really enabled a more efficient way of processing the ocean of facts about philosophy rather than an unorganized, meaningless array of lines.
Overall, the process of analyzing Sophie's World with these two assignments has become a more manageable task. Not only was I able to understand the book more, I was able to set a stable foundation of skills for my future, such as college. These skills will continue to assist me beyond the class of Humanities.
As Mr. Allen said today, you can't just "look it over" and expect to earn a good grade. Especially with the connect the dots assignments, I learned that the process of connecting the terms helps you understand the material on a whole new level. This process pushes you to genuinely understand the material, rather than just recognizing the terms. Thinking beyond the definition of the term or who the philosophers were enabled me to really dive into the material.
With my old study habits, I would only have been able to recite the definition of a term or what a philosopher was mainly known for. After practicing the connecting the dots assignments, I am able to fully explain the terms into deeper levels. I am able to compare and contrast two different philosophies and philosophers and dive into a full out philosophical conversation. I have gotten to really engage in the book after connecting the dots because it helped draw myself into the book to learn more and more.
However, in order to engage in the book, I had to take on Mr. Allen's optional assignment of annotating, especially the more efficient technique. In previous years, all I did for annotations were underline random sentences I assumed were significant; this was of no assistance.
Progressively, I learned how to annotate in a way that would best benefit me when it comes to remembering the information for future tests. I began to draw circles, boxes, arrows, and more. These symbols and margin notes eventually became an outline of the major events or information I needed to know. Although I may not be able to remember everything I annotated, the annotations enable me to find what I am looking for with great ease.This new skill of annotating has really enabled a more efficient way of processing the ocean of facts about philosophy rather than an unorganized, meaningless array of lines.
Overall, the process of analyzing Sophie's World with these two assignments has become a more manageable task. Not only was I able to understand the book more, I was able to set a stable foundation of skills for my future, such as college. These skills will continue to assist me beyond the class of Humanities.
Monday, December 12, 2011
An Inconvenient Truth: I Am Not a Monkey
Ever since I was in elementary school, my science classes basically said that mankind came from monkeys. As a Christian, you can see where conflicts may occur when I learn about evolution. Thinking about the theory of evolution honestly makes me furious. I don't get angry at the fact that it sounds so bizarre as other people might think, I get annoyed at the fact that evolution can sometimes make so much sense to me, but that would disprove my belief in Christianity to a certain extent.
Some people simply tell me that there's no wrong in believing in both evolution and Christianity; I can't. Consciously I am convinced that I lean towards Christianity, but I don't know what happens subconsciously. All of the scientific evidence to prove the theory of evolution makes it more plausible and so much easier to believe. I think the idea of scientists making evolution more difficult to deny with all the evidence really infuriates me.
If I were to agree that evolution is true, then that indirectly means I am denying Christianity, because according to the bible, Adam and Eve were created, not from monkeys, but from God. Evolution toys with my faith in Christianity causing it to grow more and more unstable, which for some reason drives me crazy, even though I am not a very devout Christian. My mind just can't settle to accept that these two completely opposite ideas, both, may be true.
Another thing that bothers me about this topic is that non-Christians point out that the idea of believing a supreme being is completely unrealistic. I agree that it sounds a little iffy, but the idea that mankind came from monkeys is just as crazy. What's even worse is that I can't argue because I sometimes lean more towards evolution.
I have personally experienced phenomenons that proves, to me at least, that Christianity does exist. My own mother passed away, and re-obtained her life after praying! There has been incidents on the news where two kids who never met, both passed away and went to heaven, and came back to life. One of the kids drew an image of Jesus, and the other kid was able to pick out that exact, same picture from a collection of other pictures. The fact that evidence of Christianity does exist and people fail to believe these miracles, but believe that we came from monkeys drives me nuts.
Kind of like riding a seesaw, going back and forth, I find myself not being able to stick with one finite decision. The theory of evolution simply brings stress upon me due to all of the debate and "what if's" and "but's." The only way to come to terms with it in my opinion is to avoid heavy conversations or debates about this topic. If not, I get too angry and can't help but get too caught up with it and potentially blow up on someone.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Metacognition: Get Organized "Did I Always Have That?"
Everyday my mom would constantly nag me to organize my desk. I would subconsciously nod my head in agreement, but I would just continue with what I was doing at that moment. When we were assigned to organize something for homework, I figured I'd organize my desk to kill two birds with one stone.
As I scanned the things on my desk, I began to think of how I can organize all of the random items. Each individual items were completely different so I had no idea how to organize my desk. What's even worse is that almost every object I picked up, I asked myself, "did i always have that?" It seemed like there was no possible way to do this task.
Something I noticed about my thinking process was that, the second I was stumped, I would have a complete brain fart. My thinking process and mind would just stop and draw a blank. I realized that this isn't the first time this has happened to me. This project has made me realize that my thinking process is quite underdeveloped. My creativity and ability to go beyond and think outside of the box is extremely limited. As a direct consequence, in everything I do at school, I tend to be the last one to complete it compared to my peers.
Although I wish that my thinking process was a lot more efficient and quick, I do appreciate that I am able to work on a task for a long period of time without taking breaks. My mind simply would not let me take a break from organizing my desk, even though it took me quite a while. The hardworking ethic that has been engraved into my head has subconsciously helped me throughout all of high school in my academics.
After completing the project, something I didn't know before was that I am a total slob living in a pig pen. Before I started the project, I was dreading it. During the project, I was dreading it. But after I had finished and saw how clean my desk was, I was quite satisfied and proud and even flaunted my desk to my mom.
As I scanned the things on my desk, I began to think of how I can organize all of the random items. Each individual items were completely different so I had no idea how to organize my desk. What's even worse is that almost every object I picked up, I asked myself, "did i always have that?" It seemed like there was no possible way to do this task.
Something I noticed about my thinking process was that, the second I was stumped, I would have a complete brain fart. My thinking process and mind would just stop and draw a blank. I realized that this isn't the first time this has happened to me. This project has made me realize that my thinking process is quite underdeveloped. My creativity and ability to go beyond and think outside of the box is extremely limited. As a direct consequence, in everything I do at school, I tend to be the last one to complete it compared to my peers.
Although I wish that my thinking process was a lot more efficient and quick, I do appreciate that I am able to work on a task for a long period of time without taking breaks. My mind simply would not let me take a break from organizing my desk, even though it took me quite a while. The hardworking ethic that has been engraved into my head has subconsciously helped me throughout all of high school in my academics.
After completing the project, something I didn't know before was that I am a total slob living in a pig pen. Before I started the project, I was dreading it. During the project, I was dreading it. But after I had finished and saw how clean my desk was, I was quite satisfied and proud and even flaunted my desk to my mom.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
iMedia: Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
In Michael Jackson's song "Man in the Mirror," he talks about how he wants the world to change. One thing that is different from all of the other people that desire a better world is that Michael Jackson if he wants to see a difference in the world, he has to be start with himself. His lyrics really spoke to me and got me thinking.
Personally, I think this is a very humble and mature approach to creating a better world. When I think about all of the times I criticized the flaws and faults of this world, I realized that I completely disregarded the fact that I, too, have to change. If I continually watch as a spectator, I will receive no satisfaction because nothing will change; I'll have a better chance if I, myself, changed in the ways I want the world to change.
If everyone realized this idea and began to change themselves first, civilization on planet Earth would be a far better place, especially the United States of America. Foreign countries look down on America and its views and cultures. As a people, we are known to be selfish, stuck up, and full of pride.When each individual progressively changes their ways of life, America as a country would have such a far more popular and likable reputation.
One other aspect of this song I really appreciate is the verse "I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life. It's gonna feel real good." This verse really says not only could you make a difference in the world, but it will "feel real good." Giving the needy assistance has an outcome, a reward. That reward is feeling good for doing a good deed.
This song is very important to me, not only because the catchy tune, but because its deep meaning. I honestly feel that this song should and could be the revolution to how humanity should be. Rather than saving up money for that car or that iPod, use the money to help the needy. Give the money to the people who truly need our assistance opposed to showering ourselves with luxuries, which only provides for temporary satisfaction and feeds the greedy hunger within us. If you want to see change in the world, start with you.
Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
Personally, I think this is a very humble and mature approach to creating a better world. When I think about all of the times I criticized the flaws and faults of this world, I realized that I completely disregarded the fact that I, too, have to change. If I continually watch as a spectator, I will receive no satisfaction because nothing will change; I'll have a better chance if I, myself, changed in the ways I want the world to change.
If everyone realized this idea and began to change themselves first, civilization on planet Earth would be a far better place, especially the United States of America. Foreign countries look down on America and its views and cultures. As a people, we are known to be selfish, stuck up, and full of pride.When each individual progressively changes their ways of life, America as a country would have such a far more popular and likable reputation.
One other aspect of this song I really appreciate is the verse "I'm gonna make a change, for once in my life. It's gonna feel real good." This verse really says not only could you make a difference in the world, but it will "feel real good." Giving the needy assistance has an outcome, a reward. That reward is feeling good for doing a good deed.
This song is very important to me, not only because the catchy tune, but because its deep meaning. I honestly feel that this song should and could be the revolution to how humanity should be. Rather than saving up money for that car or that iPod, use the money to help the needy. Give the money to the people who truly need our assistance opposed to showering ourselves with luxuries, which only provides for temporary satisfaction and feeds the greedy hunger within us. If you want to see change in the world, start with you.
Michael Jackson: Man in the Mirror
Friday, November 4, 2011
Best of Today
In class today I really liked how we spent the whole day watching Youtube videos that students chose. Originally I thought it was just a time to relax; it was quite the opposite. Watching the wide variety of videos, I realized how different and unique each individual student is. Everyone's perception of beauty and creativity was displayed through the video they chose.
This activity made me wonder about what events in their lives influenced the students and how it defined their interests in life. I came to the conclusion that there was an endless amount of possibilities of how each student appreciates things. For example, one of the students chose a video clip of the Jackass crew. Although some people see stupidity, the student that chose the video sees art within their bizarre actions.
After the period was over, I really connected the experience to my own knowledge and beliefs. I believe that a person should be open to all sorts of ideas because it will benefit them not only as a person, but also in the artistic perspective. Personally, I would like to use this activity more often; whenever I am with friends, this activity can help everyone to know each other on a deeper level by merely showing Youtube videos they think is interesting. Such a simple idea can take one so far.
This activity made me wonder about what events in their lives influenced the students and how it defined their interests in life. I came to the conclusion that there was an endless amount of possibilities of how each student appreciates things. For example, one of the students chose a video clip of the Jackass crew. Although some people see stupidity, the student that chose the video sees art within their bizarre actions.
After the period was over, I really connected the experience to my own knowledge and beliefs. I believe that a person should be open to all sorts of ideas because it will benefit them not only as a person, but also in the artistic perspective. Personally, I would like to use this activity more often; whenever I am with friends, this activity can help everyone to know each other on a deeper level by merely showing Youtube videos they think is interesting. Such a simple idea can take one so far.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
iMedia: John Mayer:Heart of Life
John Mayer's song Heart of Life really portrays that life isn't always what you expect it to be. Life is blunt; life throws you down. But people tend to focus the hardships in their lives, completely disregarding all of the great things going for them; not to mention the people they have in their lives.
This song really spoke out to me because I've had a number of personal struggles just like everyone else and it really altered my outlook on life. Being a natural pessimistic, this song encourages me to look forward to the good things in life, which balances out the share of bad events in life. Helping me realize that the things I look forward to in life are so amazing, as a result, I began looking at the hardships as stages in my life to help me become a stronger version of myself.
Not only did I start looking forward to the good things in life, I began to appreciate my friends more. The song explains that the "circle of your friends will defend the silver lining" and "love turns the whole thing around." These lines helped me realize that I can't do everything on my own. Without the love of my family members, I would not be here today. There's one more thing I realized. My friends' roles were to make me laugh, spend time with me, and another that I ceased to realize - take care of me.
By personifying life, John mayer sings that the "heart of life is good" and has good intentions. The idea of live having good intentions can really affect our culture today especially with the high rates of depression, including the teenage population. If somehow as a culture we can incorporate this idea into the minds of society, people of all ages will pursue life with a completely different attitude. If the people unsatisfied with their lives were able to understand this concept, they will be able to comprehend what life is about.
Not one single person on this planet can endure life without their loved ones, including friends. People will be able to understand that not only do they need their loved ones, but their loved ones need them.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Comments
In Andrew's blog, he decided to connect the concept of creativity and humor, specifically in the show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" He explains how the skill of creativity can help a comedian's talent of entertaining his or her audience by making the skit original. The more creative a comedian is, the wider the spectrum of his or her skit can be. The cast of "Whose line is it Anyway" all have their own unique sense of humor. Since creativity has no limits, the variety of humor is endless in the show, which is why the show was so successful. The show is full of surprises and keeps you on your toes. Without creativity, the variety of humor will not be what it is today or maybe even cease to exist.
In Kevin's blog, he explains the concept of Yin and Yang. Kevin explains the basic meaning of Yin and Yang, which is the balance of all things, and how it is required in our society. Using the United States of America's Government as an example, he demonstrates how the balance of powers between the actual government and the people make up what our society is today. With the power of Checks and Balances, we as a society, are able to function efficiently. Maintaining a balance in everything we do may be difficult, however the outcome of maintaining a balance benefits us as humans. Receiving an equal amount of both Yin and Yang helps us grow and strive for goals in life. Knowing the counterpart will always give you the upper hand in life. Balance is what keeps the world functioning.
In Kevin's blog, he explains the concept of Yin and Yang. Kevin explains the basic meaning of Yin and Yang, which is the balance of all things, and how it is required in our society. Using the United States of America's Government as an example, he demonstrates how the balance of powers between the actual government and the people make up what our society is today. With the power of Checks and Balances, we as a society, are able to function efficiently. Maintaining a balance in everything we do may be difficult, however the outcome of maintaining a balance benefits us as humans. Receiving an equal amount of both Yin and Yang helps us grow and strive for goals in life. Knowing the counterpart will always give you the upper hand in life. Balance is what keeps the world functioning.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Best of Today: The Novel's Structure
Not that 8th period classes are boring, it's just that it's the last period of the day; my skin starts to crawl anxious to go home, or things begin to look blurry and I begin to nod off. Walking into 8th period, it seemed like the same routine, just like any other day, but today was different. Today we learned about Marianne Wiggins' way of structuring her book, Shadow Catcher, which acted like caffeine. I was wide awake, on the edge of my chair, anxious to learn more about her structure.
Dwelling on how Wiggins set up her book, my brain went wild. Ideas and questions began rushing into my head the more in depth we looked into her work. Attempting to answer the question of why the book was in three parts, rather than just revolving around "Edward and Clara," my mind went blank. I began questioning why there is a character version of Wiggins AND the author version of Wiggins. Blankly thinking as I was sitting in my chair, I was stumped.
Just like Wiggins said they would, realizations came rushing into my head out of the blue. What Wiggins was trying to portray was deeper than just explaining the story of "Edward and Clara." She wanted to do more than just tell a story; she wanted to show what she thought about "Edward and Clara" and explain her perspective. Constructing a three-part braided story is such an original idea to me. Without a single part of the three-part braided story, the story just would not be complete. Completely changing the book just by constructing the setup differently blew my mind.
I began to think how I did not notice this at all when Tim O'brien's The Things They Carried, as Mr. Allen mentioned he did. Then I smiled to myself because I think I've matured mentally and now capable of understanding this process. One thought kept leading to another as I continued to ponder this idea. I was awestruck at how creative and smart Wiggins approached this book and I knew that this was the best of today.
Although I wish I could make a connection, I can't. This idea is so brand new to me, I did not know how to relate to the situation and I was disappointed. However, I looked past that and began to think how I could use this for my own in the future. I could see myself using this to benefit my writing skills or simply thinking out of the box more. Creativity has always been a struggle for me, but Wiggins inspired me to do more than just the typical student would do. Looking deeper into ideas is what I want to be able to do not only in my future writing, but also in my day to day thinking process.
Dwelling on how Wiggins set up her book, my brain went wild. Ideas and questions began rushing into my head the more in depth we looked into her work. Attempting to answer the question of why the book was in three parts, rather than just revolving around "Edward and Clara," my mind went blank. I began questioning why there is a character version of Wiggins AND the author version of Wiggins. Blankly thinking as I was sitting in my chair, I was stumped.
Just like Wiggins said they would, realizations came rushing into my head out of the blue. What Wiggins was trying to portray was deeper than just explaining the story of "Edward and Clara." She wanted to do more than just tell a story; she wanted to show what she thought about "Edward and Clara" and explain her perspective. Constructing a three-part braided story is such an original idea to me. Without a single part of the three-part braided story, the story just would not be complete. Completely changing the book just by constructing the setup differently blew my mind.
I began to think how I did not notice this at all when Tim O'brien's The Things They Carried, as Mr. Allen mentioned he did. Then I smiled to myself because I think I've matured mentally and now capable of understanding this process. One thought kept leading to another as I continued to ponder this idea. I was awestruck at how creative and smart Wiggins approached this book and I knew that this was the best of today.
Although I wish I could make a connection, I can't. This idea is so brand new to me, I did not know how to relate to the situation and I was disappointed. However, I looked past that and began to think how I could use this for my own in the future. I could see myself using this to benefit my writing skills or simply thinking out of the box more. Creativity has always been a struggle for me, but Wiggins inspired me to do more than just the typical student would do. Looking deeper into ideas is what I want to be able to do not only in my future writing, but also in my day to day thinking process.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Connection: The Kids of Calcutta and Costa Rica
Three years ago I went to a mission trip to Costa Rica with my church. Our very first task was to paint this run down church in the middle of a run down neighborhood. When I got off the bus, I was appalled at what I saw in such little time. Kids were no where to be seen and it was in the middle of the afternoon. The roads were just lines of dirt, the houses had no electricity, and the playground in the center of the neighborhood could not even be called a playground due to its lack of quality. Questioning how any kid could have a good time in this neighborhood, my heart sank.
As we painted the church for hours, two little kids from the neighborhood began to prance towards the church. Shy at first, the kids grew more comfortable with us and they began to help us paint; not because we asked them to, but because they wanted to!
In the process of painting the house more and more kids began to show up and joined in. Then, this one kid slapped my butt leaving paint all over me and laughed hysterically. That's when it all started. A relationship began to form between my church kids and the local kids. We began to chase the kids all around the church. All of the kids began to grab our hands and taking us around the neighborhood. They taught us all of the hiding spots for hide and seek and which fruit you can eat from the trees. As a church we made them bracelets and sang and danced with them. What started off as a tedious job, transformed to an experience I will never forget.
As we were watching the film Born into Brothels, all I could think about were the kids from Costa Rica. I realized how the two different group of kids were so similar. Although they may not have everything that the kids in US has, they have MORE fun than we do. The kids that are born into families with practically nothing, but they know how to appreciate and cherish what they have. For example, the kids in Calcutta had a blast taking pictures; the kids in Costa Rica had a blast painting. What may not be so awesome to the kids in the US, is something so exhilarating for the kids in Calcutta and Costa Rica.
Both groups are also so mature for their age. From what I observed in the film and at Costa Rica, when they go through tough times, due to their hard life, it is almost as if they are able to fight through all of the hardships that are thrown at them. They are able to move past the difficulties and look forward to the good things they have in life.
The relationship between these groups of kids really blows my mind. Their stories really motivate me to live like those kids. Living life with an appreciative attitude will get me so much farther than how I am living my life right now. Being able to always put a smile on when things get tough is something I want to mold into my personality. Rather than complaining, but appreciating everything is how I want to live my life. The kids that live like the kids in Calcutta and Costa Rica are my role models. I can only hope to grow up as mature as these kids when they were only at a mere age of 5-10 years old by the time I'm a 100.
As we painted the church for hours, two little kids from the neighborhood began to prance towards the church. Shy at first, the kids grew more comfortable with us and they began to help us paint; not because we asked them to, but because they wanted to!
In the process of painting the house more and more kids began to show up and joined in. Then, this one kid slapped my butt leaving paint all over me and laughed hysterically. That's when it all started. A relationship began to form between my church kids and the local kids. We began to chase the kids all around the church. All of the kids began to grab our hands and taking us around the neighborhood. They taught us all of the hiding spots for hide and seek and which fruit you can eat from the trees. As a church we made them bracelets and sang and danced with them. What started off as a tedious job, transformed to an experience I will never forget.
As we were watching the film Born into Brothels, all I could think about were the kids from Costa Rica. I realized how the two different group of kids were so similar. Although they may not have everything that the kids in US has, they have MORE fun than we do. The kids that are born into families with practically nothing, but they know how to appreciate and cherish what they have. For example, the kids in Calcutta had a blast taking pictures; the kids in Costa Rica had a blast painting. What may not be so awesome to the kids in the US, is something so exhilarating for the kids in Calcutta and Costa Rica.
Both groups are also so mature for their age. From what I observed in the film and at Costa Rica, when they go through tough times, due to their hard life, it is almost as if they are able to fight through all of the hardships that are thrown at them. They are able to move past the difficulties and look forward to the good things they have in life.
The relationship between these groups of kids really blows my mind. Their stories really motivate me to live like those kids. Living life with an appreciative attitude will get me so much farther than how I am living my life right now. Being able to always put a smile on when things get tough is something I want to mold into my personality. Rather than complaining, but appreciating everything is how I want to live my life. The kids that live like the kids in Calcutta and Costa Rica are my role models. I can only hope to grow up as mature as these kids when they were only at a mere age of 5-10 years old by the time I'm a 100.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Captured Thought: Major in Music, Not Medical
Ever since my brother went into the medical field, my family kept pressuring me to pursue the same dream as my brother. My family wants me to grow up wealthy so I can provide my children with a good life that my family couldn't provide to my brother and me.
I thought it was a good idea. Academically, science was always my favorite subject since it is so interesting to me. Since it was my favorite and best subject I figured that the medical field was the most suited for me.
Becoming a pharmacist was my goal ever since I was in elementary school until this year when I realized I love music and playing music. Playing the acoustic guitar was a hobby I picked up in 7th grade. My brother would always teach me a new chord to practice everyday and I loved it. I never figured I would want to do it for a living until I got a lot better.
I thought it was a good idea. Academically, science was always my favorite subject since it is so interesting to me. Since it was my favorite and best subject I figured that the medical field was the most suited for me.
Becoming a pharmacist was my goal ever since I was in elementary school until this year when I realized I love music and playing music. Playing the acoustic guitar was a hobby I picked up in 7th grade. My brother would always teach me a new chord to practice everyday and I loved it. I never figured I would want to do it for a living until I got a lot better.
When the idea of majoring in music came to me, the medical field meant nothing to me. Although I would earn a lot of money in the medical field, I wouldn't enjoy it as much as playing the guitar for a living. The idea hit me. It doesn't matter if I make less money as long as I love doing it. The saying of "money can't buy you happiness" became so real to me. Doing what I love as a living is the happiest I can become in life. The joys of having all the money in the world wouldn't come close to the joys music brings to me. ♪
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