Invictus " Inspiratonal" Poem/Quote Response

A quote which has impacted the decisions I make in my life is:

 "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" 

by John Lewis. This quote not only provided me with inspiration and hope in difficult times but also, resulted me into thinking deeper about myself. This quote constantly reminds me to not waste a single minuscule moment of the essence of opportunities which is in front of my very two eyes. I found these few lines by Lewis, quite inspiring because I believe that it is very easy to miss small opportunities which can help us to develop as a person. By keeping our eyes open and by taking initiative to every opportunity available to us possible, only then will we be successful and content with ourselves. If we never tried, or did something different then when will we do it? We need to learn from the difficult obstacles that come into our life, that keep coming to us like a continuous game of domino's. This quote can be implied to the context of creating a greener environment for instance, if someone did not recycle or throw their garbage away now then who will and when? Its all a matter of being proactive and taking charge of your life.

By being able to live in the moment and take charge, one becomes successful.

A link to the poem "Invictus" which impacted Nelson Mandela and gave him hope and inspiration:

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/182194                                     

Found Poem: "The World is Yours"

To be great,

 you have to show up.

We are all humans.

Share what you can. 

Explore modern languages.

Celebrate equality.

Reveal your potential.

Connect with those who share aspirations. 

            Engage the world!

    

Ophelia Post-Mortem Monologue

Ophelia:

Ophelia has decided to suicide by the means of drowning after
she hears of her fathers death and that Hamlet killed him.

    Dearest Hamlet how depressed has't thee been to knoweth that I hast drowned.  I could not bear that thee hadst hath killed mine father.  I could see no more happiness in mine life. Mine father means the world to me. How dare thee killeth mine frail father? After many suicidal thoughts, I hath decided to finally end mine life. After mine death, I cameth to realize Hamlet hath killed mine father by accident. Still I am confused. How could this be an accident? Killing is not an easy duty. What wast the real reason? I want to knoweth the answers. I wilt not rest in peace until I doth not findeth the reason behind this accident.




A link to the play Hamlet on Google books :
https://books.google.ca/books?id=BA9GAAAAcAAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Hamlet&hl=en&sa=X&ei=wXWnVJnHE4_foASx1oDYAg&ved=0CCgQ6wEwAA#v=onepage&q=Hamlet&f=false

A link to a video on Shakespeare words and expressions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbgZxAIiO04

Hamlet on Revenge

In Act 1 scene 5 of Hamlet, the ghost commands Hamlet to "[r]evenge his foul and most unnatural murder" (1.5.29). Hamlet is quite indecisive and does not know what to do. In my opinion, I feel that taking revenge is very damaging to one's emotional well-being. It can have a tremendous negative affect on the person and can also influence future actions that they decide to take in life. It soon can becomes a domino effect by feeling things such as revenge is acceptable.  Fighting fire with fire only causes more flames and chaos. In some incidences, revenge may seem like the best option but there is another path of forgiveness which people rarely think about. The path of forgiveness can be the most difficult path to take however it is better in the long run. By forgiving, one is letting go of all the grudges on ones chest. It makes one feel content by letting go whereas revenge will continue to ignite the fire in oneself and will allow one to bottle up all the anger and it will also bring a wave of unexpected emotions. Avenging is to punish a wrongdoing with intent of seeing justice done whereas revenge is more personal, less about justice being done and more conflict based. I think Hamlet should avenge rather than take revenge because his uncle needs to be punished so that he could realize his mistake. By murdering his uncle, there would be no use since he would not feel guilty or regretful about it. I feel that avenging is better than revenge because justice is seen and the person who did the wrong doing is punished.

              
         Never take personal revenge instead avenge, it punishes the wrongdoing and  justice is given to victims.

Advice to My Grade 8 Self

Dear Grade 8 self,

Coming from an elementary school of only five hundred students and only knowing a few people can be quite intimidating when starting high school, with over twelve hundred hundred students. With so many kids, it's impossible for everyone to like you. Don't change who you are in order to fit in or to impress people. Find true friends that will like you for you, and not the person people want you to be. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. There are so many kind and supportive teachers who are willing to help you. It's okay to not know the answer to something but instead of obsessing over it, take initiative and ask for help. Try to get involved with school activities and clubs as much as possible. It will help you to meet new people and will allow you to be part of the various events happening at school. Balancing school work and other things can get chaotic along the way. Use a planner to plan and make room for all your extra-curricular, clubs, school work and personal life. Make a realistic schedule that will help you to stay on task. Most importantly, stop being so conscious of what other people think. Don't let fears and doubts take over your life. Just be content and confident with who you are and be comfortable in your own skin. Be yourself.

Sincerely, 
your Grade 12 self

Giving advice to one's younger self

Inquiry Question : Reflect and Re-examine

My inquiry question : How does the impact of travel and new cultures shape one's identity?

I learned a variety of new things from the researching process of my project particularly from a video I found on Craig Kielburger's travelling experience to third world countries. He went to South Asia to learn about child poverty and how children are treated there. From that short video, it visually showed me the impacts of travel. That event in his life shaped who he has become, a humanitarian and an activist. He is the co-founder of the very large charity, Free The Children and also the Me to We enterprise. The video was an eye opening experience to all of the things out there when one travels. We  easily take the smallest things to granted however in some countries where there's nothing, they put great value on the smallest things. Travel and new cultures can really enhance your outlook on life and broaden your horizons. The challenge I faced was not finding that one perfect answer since this question was quite open ended and it varied person to person. Next time I would spend time on watching a handful of videos because the one that I saw and used for my presentation was very good and it taught me more than even some websites. I feel that travel and cultures has also shaped my life by giving me an identity. Travelling to different places is an eye opener which has taught me the value of where I live. As for my identity, I have become more open to change and open minded in learning new things such as languages, or about cultural beliefs. I would like to continue to explore more in depth of how different cultures can specifically change ones identity.From this I have become interested in religion, if I had to develop a new question it would have to be how do different religions and define us and how do they help us to come together as one?

An example of someone who was impacted by travelling is Craig Kielburger.
He wanted to "free the children" who were working in poor circumstances, that is
why he became an activist to aid children and to create global awareness about child labour.

This is a link to a video of Craig Kielburger's life changing adventures:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afClM91uQFU

Prezi Link of  Inquiry Project:
https://prezi.com/6u9eg4ey3xoa/how-does-the-affect-of-travel-and-new-cultures-shape-ones-i/

GATTACA

GATTACA is a very unique film where it displays both elements of a dystopian society and a utopian society. It represents elements of a dystopian society because everyone is not genetically engineered which causes the degenerates to rebel or to go against in what they are in order to succeed. The society is teribbly unfair for the degenerates who have to do labor jobs due to the fact that there genes and such are not modified to ensure the "perfect" person. Whereas the "perfect" people have all the benefits of the society and can pursue anything they would like due to their high level of physical fitness, strength, and mentality. GATTACA can also be considered a reperesentation of a utopian society since an ideal society is also visible in the movie which are genetically modified people. They have the all the advantages and live the perfect lifestyles.  Both the elements are evidently present in the society as the central character try's to overcome stereotypes and restrictions that are placed on him by his society to a apart of the utopian lifestyle. Its a unique society where some parts are ruined and some parts to it are ideal.

   

Gattaca displays both a utopian and dystopian society as both elements are represented in the movie.

A trailer of the movie "Gattaca":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZppWok6SX88

The Road: Point of View of the father and son (pgs 161-175)

Event: When the father and the son encountered an old man "Ely", on the road. The son wanted to give the old man something to eat and wanted to comfort him  however the father didn't want the old man to come with them.

The boy gave the old man a fruit cocktail tin

The Son:

 The old man looked terribly frail, filthy and in very poor shape. He could barely walk and he looked like he was starving from his weak physique. I felt really bad for him, he had nothing whereas Papa and I, had each other. We also had a whole collection of canned foods, it would have been great if  Papa allowed me to give the old man more than just that one tin of fruit cocktail.

 I really wanted to help him more than I did. We are the good guys after all, and so its our responsibility to help. I don't understand why Papa didn't help the old man, sometimes I tend to question myself; are we even the good guys? It was brilliant how fast the old man ate all the fruit from the tin and drank all the juice that was in it, in mere seconds.I really wanted to keep him, I knew that I would take good care of him and make his face glow and look bright like when he got the fruit cocktail tin. However Papa refused but we luckily managed to compromise by having dinner with the old man and by giving him a few vegetable and fruit cans in the morning before we departed in our separate ways.

The road is a dangerous place and no one can be trusted

The Father:

The road is a dangerous place and no one can be trusted. My son has the innocence of a young child and a heart full of warmth always on the go, consistently wanting to help people in need. He does not realize that we, ourselves are struggling to eat and so it is quite difficult to help someone else. Trusting someone is a risk out here. Anyone can easily go against you for survival that's why you can't characterize who is good or who is bad.



No one should be trusted even someone like the old man who might look frail on the outside but could be devious and cunning from the inside. That is why I sternly refused my son from keeping the old man. I want to teach my son the difference between thinking and feeling. He needs to think smart and not get caught up in emotions. That is what will keep us safe around here and if I do not survive, at least my son will know how to survive on his own.

Inquiry Project

In Cormac McCarthy's The Road  a father and son are roaming alone through burned America.  This  post-apocalyptic novel, displays a future where no hope remains. Nonetheless this father and son duo triumph through their love and support. In this novel, the character's identities are progressing and changing due to the horrific surroundings they are in.

This is Cormac McCarthy's novel The Road

A link to the novel on Google books: 

http://books.google.ca/books?id=hoTU7NliHCwC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

A video link to the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94KcI0gLq1A

This is why I have chosen to revolve my inquiry question around identity. I am interested in identity because it is never constant and due to various factors, is always changing. I also really enjoy travel and all the perks that come with it like learning new languages, experiencing several unique cultures, understanding different types of cultural beliefs, tasting unfamiliar cuisines, and meeting people with contrasting backgrounds. My inquiry question is:

 

       " How does the affect of travel and new cultures shape one's identity?"

Personality Profile

1) Multiple Intelligence Quiz: http://literacynet.org/mi/assessment/findyourstrengths.html

My top three multiple intelligence ranked from logic/ math being the highest at 3.71, then being spatial at 3.43 and being intrapersonal at 3.14.

 These results do make sense since I really enjoy solving problems in math which makes me a problem solver. I am spatial because I am a visual learner and learn from sources such as the internet, watching videos, diagrams, etc. I use my intrapersonal intelligence by self reflecting and thinking about the choices I shoould make.

2)Jung & Meyers Briggs Personality Quiz: http://humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

In this quiz, I resulted in having a strong preference of introversion, a moderate preference of intuition over sensing, a moderate preference of feeling over thinking , and a slight preference of perceiving over judging.

This is quite accurate since I am not always the loud one in public surroundings. When I need to do something and I am unsure, I usually go with my gut feeling. I am also emotional therefore I like to give a preference to feeling over thinking. When meeting with new people for instance, I like to understand them before making any conclusions about them.

3) Visual Personality Quiz: http://personality.visualdna.com/?c=us#quiz

My result was that I am a harmonizer who puts others needs before myself. It also stated that I am  a reflective and a more reserved individual who likes to be structured through clear rules.

I think the word harmonizer, is a perfect word to describe my personality. I really do like to see everyone happy and not only myself. For instance, if one of my friends is struggling with something, I do my best to help them.

This displays my personality since I am always there
to help my friends or family when they need it.

Getting To Know You

     The chill in the air sent shivers down my spine. It was a cold but glistening snowy day in the middle of December. I was in  grade three and recess seemed to be too short, to do all the things I wanted. There were so many possibilities; creating snow angels, making snowmen, sledding on the big hill, making snow forts, and even  secretly having a snowball fight without any of the teachers knowing. I spend most of my time admiring the bright, white snow and having a last few laughs with my friends. I saw my mom coming out of her vintage, emerald green car to pick me up early, from school. I said my final goodbyes to my friends and headed off in the direction where my mom was standing. I couldn't believe that from today onwards, I would be at a different school. Moving was something, that I was completely unaware of. I already had my ideal friends and perfect school. I didn't want to leave.As my mom and I left the school grounds, I was in a state where tears were flooding down my rosy red cheeks. Even though I tried to hide them, from my peers. Being away from my friends and being at a new school was unbearable for me. This new change seemed like an absolute catastrophe!

      High school has made me experience numerous changes and transitions. Having different teachers and students in my classes has made me comfortable with change. I've learned a lot from people that I thought I would never meet. I am also able to easily accept people for who they are. Hearing everyone's stories and experiences has given me a broadened prospective on life. I don't necessarily enjoy change all the time however it is an important aspect in my life that has taught me a lot. At school, I am a part of the Community Volunteer Club and the Global Issues Club. I really love volunteering and through that I make many new friends. Moving to a new school, has given me a variety of assorted skills that I incorporate in my daily life. I am easily able to fit in with others, start a conversation, and just be friendly! I am very grateful for all of the changes in my life because without them, I wouldn't be the person who I am, today.

After I graduate, My goal is to be successful
and to be ready for the adult world.

         By the end of the school year near graduation, I hope to be a determined young adult ready for post secondary. My goal is to develop countless skills that will prepare me for the adult world. Like everyone else, I also wish to be successful. I want to accomplish my goals by working hard, staying focused, and by keeping an open mind to new things. Another dream of mine besides going to post secondary is travelling the world. I would love to meet new people and encounter their peculiar cultures! I have learned to embrace change rather than hide from it. As I grow older, I hope to continue to embrace change and keep learning from it.

About Me

I am a dedicated and hard working student who not only loves to learn but also enjoys helping or teaching my peers. My hobbies include playing sports like basketball or badminton, listening to music, reflecting on my life, and my favourite, volunteering! I really love to volunteer all over the city regarding various events like youth programs, children's day camps, Canada day and more! I love making new friends and learning about their backgrounds. I love to travel and experience new cultures. If I had one wish, that would be to travel to as many countries as possible. I feel that travelling is a medium where learning never stops because there are so many interesting things for us to learn from all parts of the world.When I find the "perfect" book to read, reading is all I will do! My favourite book is an intriguing, modern dystopian novel called The Hunger Games. My favourite genres of movies and books are mystery. romance, adventure and comedy. I just like anything that keeps me continually engaged and doesn't bore me halfway through.  In school, my favourite subjects are Math because I enjoy problem solving and English since there is so much freedom of what one can do or write about. My favourite aspect of English is creative writing since the detailed descriptions help one to imagine those characters and places making them come to life, in ones mind. Three learning goals, I have for English 12 are increasing my vocabulary, being able to engage the reader throughout my text and working faster a story or essay doesn't take so long.

My goals are to improve my vocab, make the reader engaged in my writing and to work faster/efficiently.