Graduation Wisdom List - 8 lessons to live by from a graduating 8th grader

Hey there readers! As my last blog of the 8th grade year, I like to send out a wisdom list to those who will take my place next year.

1.  Take advantage on the review sessions before school starts with Mr. Moore. Not only will you earn extra credit on the tests, but you will also have to chance to get your last-minute questions answered.

2. Focus on the present. Don't get too far ahead of yourself; you'll miss whats right in front of you.

3. Be organized. Don't let your assignments become a mess. Make sure that you are on top of things and get everything turned in on time. 

4. Always be present. No matter which class, being present will make sure that you have good grades and that you understand all of the material.

5. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure about something, especially in science, make sure that you ask a teacher or a classmate for help; it will only benefit you!

6. Take electives that truly interest you. If you are not interested in the elective that you take, you most likely won't have the best experience in that class.

7. You can only get out of life what you put in. In other words, cutting corners to achieve good grades won't exactly get you where you want to be.

8. Go beyond the mare minimum. Teachers can tell when you've barely put in any effort. Make sure you let them know that you really care about the work that you put. 

I hope that you can take something from these pieces of advice. Its been a good year of blogging, maybe I'll write to you guys again some day.

"Fire in the Bush" James Warwick

Hey there readers! Today I will be writing about a short story called Fire in the Bush.

    Fire in the Bush written by James Warwick takes place in the Australian bush. Here, a small homestead lies, where a mother, Jerry Armytage, her two children, and a black ginn, Mary, call home. One afternoon, Jerry comes face to face with her worst fear: a bush fire. She does everything in her power to save all that she can, including her sheep, horses, children, and pieces of her home.

     As Jerry fights to save her homestead, she shows instances of resourcefulness and courage. She transforms to realize what is most important to her and becomes more selfless than ever. Jerry recognizes that not all can be saved, but the fate of her family depends on her livestock, so she risks her life moving thousands of sheep and many horses. In doing this, she secures a hopeful future for her children. A raging bush fire causes this transformation. With rain being the only force to reckon with destruction, Jerry shows her true selfless character by saving what she can. If I were to choose an event that has transformed me, I would have to say that it was when I fell off in my first big medal final. I had finished an amazing first round and flat phase, but by the time the second round came, I fell off and was disqualified. I was devastated, as I felt that I had a good chance to having a top place. Looking back at this time now, I realize that this was the event that truly changed my perspective. I learned to strive for success and to carry on even when something doesn't go as one would expect it to. Failure is often something that drives one to try harder, and I feel that that directly applied to me. I have grown to overcome my struggles, and to strive to do my best.

A Growing Relationship With My Parents

Hey there readers! Today I am writing about my parents, and how my relationship has grown with them over the years.

     Many say I look quite like my dad, and I would have to agree. My mom often says that I got my dad's face, but I definitely got her eyes. Between the both of them, I believe that their artistic and creative traits were passed down through my siblings, and onto me. As an architect, my dad is always working hard, and constantly striving to make anything to it's best possible state. Everyday that I wake up, I try my hardest to succeed, and I credit some of that drive to him. The both of us are addicted to drinking tea, and have the same passion for good food. As for my mom, she is extremely artistic, and has a good sense of dry humor. My sister, Morgan, got most of the artistic genes, but I would like to think that I got the humor genes. However, in many ways, I am somewhat different from each of my parents. My dad is definitely more selfless than I am, and has the ability to engineer and create things that I don't have the mindset to. I may be more of a writer than him, but in the end, he is easily one of the most enjoyable humans to be around. My mom is incredibly caring, and as a mother, she has a natural ability to look out for everyone around her. As a young teenager, I don't think that I have developed this trait enough, and that is only something that time can tell.
    
      Over the years, my relationship with both parents has grown stronger. However, overtime, I've begun to see my dad less and less, as he works on the east coast and rarely has opportunities to come back home. This has made my appreciation for him as a father grow, and has taught me to make the most of every moment in life. As for my mom, she has helped to shape me into who I am, and I've grown more mature than I could imagine over the past few years. Although I keep most things to myself, she is always willing to listen, and that has helped our relationship to grow stronger. With the time that has passed, I have been able to observe what its like to be an adult. I've learned that life never gets easier, and that staying positive in any situation is crucial. I have also learned that responsibility is incredibly important, and is something that must never be overlooked. With that said, I have definitely learned to never take my time doing what I love for granted. Our life goes by very quickly, so I have grown to appreciate the little moments, especially those with my dad.

Innovation and Transformation Throughout the World.

Hey readers! Today I'll be writing about what innovation I believe has most transformed the world, and why.

In my opinion, the telegraph is one of the most important innovations in human history. This invention not only changed communication for life as we know it, but it also made a breakthrough in human technology. With the ability to send messages quickly across wide expanses, a great impact was made on government, banking, industry, trade, news media, warfare, and several other areas. The telegraphy truly formed a warehouse of information for the future. Today, billions have the ability to send a text message without even thinking about it, or to press call and talk to a family member thousands of miles away. Without this crucial invention, none of this would have been possible. The telegraph not only improved communication means, but also paved a road for new technology. Sending a letter and waiting weeks for an answer surely must have made any form of global business deals near-impossible, and situations such as communicating with a loved one at war was certainly difficult. All in all, the telegraph was an incredibly important innovation, and our world would have never made the improvements that we have today without it.

Progressive Era - Then and Now

During the Progressive Era, multiple transformational movements took root (1890's to 1920's).

Out of all the issues that muckrakers focused on during this time period, I feel that farming monopolies, environmental protection, and women's rights the most pressing issues today. Although, these "monopolies" started early in these transformational movements, time has not done much to solve these issues. With companies such as Monsanto, their power easily destroys any other businesses that try to make a mark. Large farming companies make huge amounts of money, but fail to pay their workers a decent wage or to include any reasonable health benefits. With money comes power, and with power comes greed. Needless to say, farming is an incredibly large part of any economy, but it is in the U.S. that a particularly huge gap between worker and owner lay. These issues are very important as they continue to make the lives of laborers harder, and the economy more uneven. 

Another important issue which still occurs today includes environmental protection. With a change in production particularity in the 1890's, global emissions soared, and continue to do so today. Although the population now has become increasingly more aware, the health of the earth has dwindled down. Many national parks have been installed, and laws to reduce emissions have been passed, but huge and effective attempts at saving the earth have yet to appear. This issue is especially important since humans and creatures alike on this planet have nowhere else to live as of now. I find that making an effort to protect the planet is the least we can do.

Finally, another major issue that has lasted since transformational movements which took root in the 1890's is women's rights. Today, women still have to bear an incredibly unjust average wage gap of 21% percent to men. This is just one example of how women continue to be unequal to men, regardless of other efforts to change this. In order for these issues to be resolved, women must be seen as equal to men, and that is a change that will hopefully change with time. 

Ideal Transformation

Hey Readers! Today I am writing about what is it I hope to transform in the world, and why.

Although there are many issues in the world that need to resolved, I find that one of the biggest issues is hunger. In order to feed everyone on earth, it is necessary that we find a sustainable way to produce food. With greenhouse gas emissions at a dangerous high and pollutants trapping heat, time is running out. Earth is estimated to warm up by 3℃ within a small time frame, which means that important foods, such as corn, will be nearly impossible to grow. Many people in several different countries already struggle to find food, and with climate change, major improvements need to be made. With this said, my only concern isn't hunger, its global warming. There is still hope that conditions can be improved, but if action isn't taken immediately, there will be serious consequences. In order to feed the planet, new ways of growing food need to be instated. Hydroponics allow for 10x the crop yield per acre. This would vastly improve the efficiency of farming, while eliminating machines completely, and creating jobs (manufacturing). Electric cars are slowly making their rise, but with oil prices low, companies such as Tesla have had troubles making gains. If we can find a sustainable way to feed the planet while reducing our emissions, there is hope that life can go on in a normal and healthy fashion.

The New Kid by Murray Heyert

Dear younger Marty,

           As I write to you today, I recount a memory that I simply cannot forget. I have several mixed emotions about this event, so I must tell. One afternoon, I raced past the dentist's office, past the new paint smell, the place where the new kid lived, the garlic smell from an Italian movie. I reached the door, waited for mother, and threw on my white sneakers. I then ran past all of the familiar scents again, but reached the ball game too late. All the players were out on the field, ready for the game and waiting for Eddie Deakes to chalk a base against the curb. I felt defeated; there was no way I was going to play ball. If I had made it on time, maybe I would have fit in.
          I begged and begged to be chosen, but not one person would take a chance on me. I racked my mind for ways to play. That's when I saw the kid, and the whole day changed. I thought that if another would join the game, then the teams would be equal. The new kid sat on his steps, eating rye bread covered in apple sauce, wearing boy scout pants. "He'll do good enough," I thought, and I raced over to his porch. At first he was dismissive, saying he had to go to the store, but he eventually caved in. It took some convincing to make Gelberg and Eddie take in the new kid and I. I ended up on Gelberg's team, but neither really wanted me. When it came my time to catch, I missed the ball and screwed up the play. I wished to fit in, to feel wanted, but I had messed up, and that was it. When it came time for the new kid to catch, he ran from the ball, and I took it as a chance to feel better about myself. I said "he's scared of the ball!" and "he's a yellow belly!" over and over again, feeling better about my mistakes as I yelled. My intentions looked great in my mind, but my words made the biggest mistake. The new kid slumped, and felt miserable. I took this as a chance to beat him up, and I can only say how much I regret doing that. For a young boy like you, fitting in was my goal. I wanted to be seen as a 'cool person,' but I never knew how. When the new kid came along, I took my chance to pick on him as the others had picked on me. Looking back on that day, I can only regret those things I said.
           I can only hope that when my son hears this story, he learns that bullying can only lead to harm. Being a popular person shouldn't define who one is, its the personality that really matters. I hope that my mistakes will teach my son to be the better person, and to always rise above. If I could go back, I would have never done what I did. It was nice writing to you, and I wish you a great childhood.

Sincerely, 

Older Marty.

General Lee's Horse - Life on the Battlefield

Hey! Today our class is working on a RAFT Civil War Letter.

Dear General Lee,

Today is April 9th, 1865, which marks the last day of the war. Life on the battle field surely hasn't been easy, but I will continue to be with the South. With you as my rider, I have protected you, and kept you safe. The sounds around me boomed like falling mountains, but I learned to block them out and keep persisting. I must say, watching you lead the South has been a great experience. Despite the fallen soldiers and gore on the battlefield, I have enjoyed prancing around with you as orders are barked out. I have definitely learned that together we make a great team, and I wouldn't be the same without you.
We have seen a great deal, and witnessed a few courageous wins. I do miss my lady friend, Travelerella, but luckily we will be reunited soon. Perhaps my favorite battle we fought was the First Battle of Lexington, which truly set the tone for the war. With a fresh win, I happily galloped to where you led me. I will miss being your main homie, and I hope that you will take me out often so we can remain close. A bond like ours is irreplaceable, please don't leave me in the barn forever.
I can't thank you enough for the experiences we both have endured, and I hope to go on another journey with you another time.

The Holocaust, Tolerence, and Japanese American Museum

Hey there readers! Yesterday my class visited the Holocaust/Tolerance and the Japanese American Museum. We learned several things, along with the meaning of being a witness. 

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What does being a witness mean to you? How, if at all, were you transformed by your experience in LA?

For me, being a witness means that I've experienced a (usually bad) situation. I might not have taken part in the particular event on that day, but I've been told and "seen" what the situation was like. By going through the Holocaust museum, I have experienced in a way, what it was like. With this new found knowledge (as in new information to me), I can share with others, and make them aware of the horrific past that has happened. Being in LA was definitely emotionally exhausting. Witnessing all of the genocide the took place was extremely hard to swallow, and seeing the short clips of movies made me way more aware of what really happened. My point of view on being a witness has changed since we went through the museums. I now know that witnessing a crime isn't only seeing something. When you see something horrific, I feel that its your duty to share with others what you experienced, and to make them more aware as to what shouldn't happen in the future.

Description and meaning of Identity items

Hey there bloggers and readers! Today I will be discussing the items that I would present as a way to identify myself. 

What would go in your time capsule if you could only pick four things: (1) family/childhood, (2) heritage/culture roots, (3) accomplishments/achievements, and (4) legacy left behind? And what kind of container would you put it all in?

If I could only choose four things, it would be extremely difficult to narrow down my legacy to so few possessions. If it were up to me, I would bury a treasure chest the size of Russia and hide my whole life in it, but since I'm left with no choice, I must decide on four. As for my family, I might leave behind a map of where each of use came from, so that later generations could identify with our roots. If not a map, I would leave behind a hammer. This may seem like an odd object, but it shows the hard work and persistence to preserve and to try harder instilled in each family member. As for heritage/culture/roots, I would leave behind a charm of Nantucket Island, because it is a place where my siblings and I grew up (for the most part), and generations of my family return there annually. It is truly a special place, where so many cherish-able memories have been made, and for that, I am truly grateful for the life that I have been given to live in such wonderful places. When generations down the road look at this island, I hope that they can remeber that it is a place of connection, a place where family will always be. As for accomplishments, I would leave behind a special medal or ribbon that signifies all of my hard work as a rider. I pour my heart and soul into this sport, so I feel that it is very important to leave behind part of my legacy as an equestrian. Lastly, for my legacy, I would leave behind my first dollar earned from one of the companies that I hope to create one day. This bill would represent hard work paying off (literally). It shows others that dreams can become a reality, as long as you work for what you want, and work for yourself and what makes you happy. For the container, it would be a silver plated wooden box, carefully handcrafted. Since my dad is an architect and my mom is a fine interior designer, I feel that I should leave behind their masterful skills in the form of a beautifully made box, which holds the essence of my life. 

The Bottle Imp

Hey there Readers! Today I'll be writing about the Short Story, The Bottle Imp, that I read in English class. 

       The protagonist, Keawe, in the short story "The Bottle Imp" by Robert Louis Stevenson, is faced with making two important decisions. One of these includes the choice to buy the bottle, as there are a few risks associated with it: depression when the luck runs out, going to hell if one dies while in ownership, and abusing its powers, only to turn into a greedy person. Along with this, when Keawe discovers that he has the disease of Leprosy, he must also choose to buy back the bottle so that he can marry his love, Kokua. 
      
       When Keawe sees a gorgeous house atop a hill, he falls in love, wishing he could have his very own. His decision to commit himself to the bottle not only once, but twice, shows that he has a drive to live a joyful, comfortable life. Although he wishes to get rid of the bottle and its powers, he pushes the risks aside, not only achieving happiness for himself, but also for others. I feel that my biggest past decision that I have made was moving barns when I was a younger child. Although I was happy enough, I wanted to succeed more, to get better. I loved the sport, and I wasn't willing to stay at a mediocre level where I wasn't improving. The only downfall to this was that once I moved, I would never have a reason to stop, and the thought of horses forever to my parents wasn't completely pleasing. Over time, I believe that this choice reflects my drive to constantly improve and get better at whatever I do. I feel that giving all of one's effort in whatever one does is extremely important, and I believe that the sport that I've fallen in love with has driven me to be more successful.