Because I Could Not Stop For Death by Emily Dickinson

Because I could not stop for Death – 
He kindly stopped for me –  
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –  
And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility – 

We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess – in the Ring –  
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –  
We passed the Setting Sun – 

Or rather – He passed us – 
The Dews drew quivering and chill – 
For only Gossamer, my Gown – 
My Tippet – only Tulle – 

We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground – 
The Roof was scarcely visible – 
The Cornice – in the Ground – 

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses' Heads 
Were toward Eternity – 

In this poem by Emily Dickison she expressed what she thinks of life by using literary devices and other ways to get her point across. Reading this poem right off the back I think her view on life is to get through life taking your time and enjoying it instead of it passing you by. Some of the devices she uses is personification, such as the word Death. When she says, "Because I could not stop for death; He kindly stopped for me." This is saying that she was able to get a second chance and an eye-opener for her. No one can stop for death because every day its getting closer and closer, and if you take life for granted, running through it as if it has no importance, your time will be up before you know it. All together she wrote this poem trying to warn everyone that they should enjoy life while they can because its passing you by without you even noticing.

What I Read that Mattered

At first I thought I would put all the text books I have read since I was five. Textbooks are important things I read , with out them I probably wouldn't be in the place I am now . If you know me , you know that I absolutely hate the thought of reading. As much as I have tried to read it is just really hard. But this year , since we have been given the opportunity to read works that we want , reading has become a little easier. What I have read that has mattered was the book " The Help" . I just recently finished reading this book and it was absolutely amazing , the movie didn't even compared to the book. If I could reach everyone in the world I would tell them to read this book. Why does this matter? It matters because this book shows us what this poor African American women went through. This book shows us what kind of unjust society we lived in. To me it is important to show others that this is something we could never go back to. That as loving human beings we can't treat others like that just because of skin tone. Skin tones, being handy capped, etc. is no reason to treat someone differently . God made all of us for a reason and we all come to this world with a purpose, whether it be a good one or a bad one. The thing i really enjoyed about the book was that the main character Skeeter (who was white) loved the company of the maids and she consider her best friend to be her maid. She considered that because her maid was the only one around her that didn't make fun of her and the maid treated her with respected. This book was just amazing and I hope that others get the chance to read this.“ The Help” really makes you wonder how not that long ago people were treated like that. It also makes you want to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again. Another thing that helped me during reading this book and that I would encourage for others is to watch the movie before reading the book. I watched the movie before reading the book and it helped a lot because you could see in your mind while reading every characters face. Not only that the movie is pretty similar to the book , so it also helps you understand the plot.

Why I Dance

Why do I dance? Well, that is a really hard question… There are so many reasons as to why I dance that it's hard to explain, but I’ll do the best that I can. I dance because it gives me the freedom to be who I want to be. It allows me to express how I feel without any words at all- I can go into my own little corner and just dance and I immediately feel so much better. There are many times in life where a lot of people go through tough times and unfortunately, some may turn to things such as alcohol or drugs, or even both, but I turn to dancing. When I have bad days I like to play random music and just dance. Dancing helps the soul, or at least that is what I believe. Dancing is a safe haven for me, something that no one could ever take away from me. It has become a part of me and I will always find a way to incorporate dance into my life. Not only is dancing good for your soul, but it is also beneficial for the body. Dance provides a way of losing weight and keeping healthy without even thinking about it. Dance is an integral part of my life. That feeling that I get when I put on my jazz shoes and hit the dance floor is indescribable. I love being able to not only learn new things everyday, but to also experience being around people who love the same thing I do. It’s the best experience and feeling when everyone is willing to help you and also when you make new friends through dance. The best part about dancing is that you don’t have to be perfect. Dance allows anyone of any age to join. Dancing is an art that comes in various forms. You could be leaping gracefully across the room or simply swaying from side to side and it is still considered to be dancing. It has this amazing power to make others and more importantly, yourself happy. Who knew that something so simplistic could possibly bring so much gladness and joy to my life? I dance because it is me- it’s what I do. And I really could not imagine living a life that doesn’t involve dance.

“To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. “

~Agnes De Mille

Why I write

The reason I write is not just because of grades and what not, but because of my passion for using words to describe a feeling, an event, and something to share to the world. Diaries, the book of secrets and privacy, is what made me start writing. Not only did it let vent out my emotions, frustrations and happiness, but its soft, smooth and clear paper allowed me to writer when I am happy or sad. Tpapers serve as a shoulder for me to cry on, and it also serves as a playground for me to play on. The sound of writing on the paper, the smooth and light lines and curves of the alphabets all prove to be joy. The paper does not criticize you for what you write, neither does the pen object you from writing. The paper does not care what kind of writing you choose to establish, whether it be cursive, formal, or even a different language. The languages on different papers are all the same. They mean the same thing, but just not the same characters. Writing lets people express themselves freely and clearly. It does not need to be read by someone else for one to appreciate their own writing. I write for my own pleasure, I write to share the various experiences in my life, I write to permanently have a certain memory in my mind. The different types of emotions one gets when they're writing affects the style of their work. The smooth and graceful printing on a piece of paper when one is in a good mood, or the dark and imprinted writing when something goes wrong. The paper does not complain and neither does the pencil. Writing is a type of relaxation, it clears my mind while absorbing the memory on paper. On the other hand, writing proves to be an improvement of speech and language. To me, writing is just like drawing.

-Millicent L.

Book Review- Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Westerfeld, Scott. Uglies ( New York; Simon Pulse,2006), 406 pages.
Reviewed by Lee Millicent, Los Osos High School, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

The society depicted in the book Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is that of the future generations. Apparently, the book mentions that the society we live in today, still exists, but is in ruins. It is referred to as The Rusties. There is a social status that is upheld in the society shown in the book. It is divided between the Pretties, Uglies, and the Specials. Basically, every one can turn into a pretty at the age of 16. By the phrase 'turning into a pretty', it is pretty obvious that they were talking about a surgery we would probably categorize as being 'plastic surgery'. Whereas the specials are just pretty people with stern faces (or in this case, they work for the government) Other than the distinctions between being an ugly and pretty, the world they live in is divided into various towns.   There are Pretty Town, Ugly Town, and Special Circumstances Town.

I really like the descriptive way they introduce us to the new world, where technology plays a really important factor of the lives of both the uglies and pretties. In the setting of the book, we have Tally Youngblood the main protagonist taking off her interface ring. This interface ring serves as the purpose of communicating with the room. She says into midair,"Good night" and the room replies with a, " Sweet dreams, Tally." Here we can slowly foreshadow how technology would be portrayed in the new world. The book started with Tally's physical features and slowly progresses toward her emotional and mental features. Gradually, we can see the distinctions between an ugly and a pretty. The Pretties have high self esteem whereas the Uglies don't. I get extremely engrossed in Tally's narration because the author makes her seem as if she was a normal individual like us, ourselves. I found myself slowly becoming a part of the character as we are considered as one of the 'Uglies'. I slowly found out that the Uglies were normal people, whereas the Pretties were the abnormal ones. They all went through surgery and their faces look similar.Thus, us readers can relate to the experiences and thoughts of that of Tally's.

The theme of the book is pretty apparent, it revolves around friends and appearance. The author's intention of showing that theme is properly depicted in every chapter. Sometimes, right when we get pretty much absorbed into the book and forget the main motive of the book, the author drops a little hint of her theme here and there to remind us of the main idea in this book. I really enjoyed reading this book, not only because of the plot itself, but also because the author does a really good job of expressing the life of the new world. Although some things of the new world seem weird, the author never fails to explain to us.

-Millicent L.

Reflection on Senior Memoir

This project has made me realize how much we all have matured, not just on our own but together as well. It is hard to believe these past four years will be coming to a close on the 23rd of this month and as excited as we all are to start our new journeys into the world, the memories created with the people here at Los Osos will never be forgotten. I am so proud of each and every one of us in the graduating class of 2012, we finally made it! High school has taught us a lot of things that will be carried by us throughout our lives, but just don't forget that we will always have room to keep learning. Always walk with your head held high my fellow Grizzlies and take every chance you are given.

Reading Poetry

I have been reading the Poetry 180 collection and came across a poem written by Kaylin Haught titled "God Says Yes To Me". The main reason why I noticed this poem is because the author refers to God as a woman which isn't very common in our society. Although people perceive God in their own way and no one is to say which is right or which is wrong, it is just hard to adapt to the authors comparison as God being a woman due to the fact I was raised believing He was well, a "he". Haught uses traits such as forgiving, kind, and accepting which are usually characteristics we would place on a mother figure because of their nurturing persona. After reading the poem about three times I began to understand how the author could possibly portray God as a womanly figure.

What I Read That Mattered

Something I’ve read that really mattered to me was “The Perks of Being A Wallflower”. I feel as if every person goes into high school more afraid than excited. We’re wondering what’s going to happen, who we’re going to meet, what our teachers will be like, whether or not we will fit in. We strive so hard to be someone we’re not that first year of high school. This book was something I could relate to. Charlie is the main character and it’s about his experience his freshman year of high school and his answers to all the questions we had. He met new friends, experimented with drugs, sex, partying, learned to rely on himself, felt his first heart break; he went through everything just like any other person in high school would.  Reading the book after I had experienced all of that made it even more enjoyable, because I could feel those same emotions right alongside him. I remember what it was like walking onto the campus for the very first time; I got a little teary eyed because I wondered how I was ever going to make friends considering I knew absolutely no one. I had lived in Fontana my first twelve years of my life and after my parents got divorced I moved to Arizona with my mom for two years. I made the best of friends with people out there, people I still communicate and catch up with every time I’m out there. Two weeks before freshman year was about to begin my mom decided she was ready to move back to California, before I knew it I was enrolled in Los Osos High School. Just like Charlie, I was very lonely the first few months of my freshman year and tried so hard to fit in with anyone who would accept me. But just like Charlie did, I met people who have impacted me all throughout high school. I’ve met teachers who have heavily influenced me and I’ve also made friends who I will always cherish. We all have our fair share of decisions we wish we hadn’t made, the things that if we could go back and do them again we wouldn’t. But I believe that’s what made each of us grow up, it was the mistakes that made us fall down and have to get back up, sometimes alone, that made us mature. We learned to grow up and leave the people behind who were holding us down and stick close to those who were bringing us up. A lot can happen in a year, but looking back on the past four years I can gladly say everything I did had a reason and even the moments I made mistakes I would never take them back. I highly recommend this book to anyone in high school regardless of your age or the things you have experienced; every word on every page is worth a read and if you cannot relate to it now I can promise you will be able to relate to it later. The title speaks wonders and there’s nothing more that could better relate to my high school experience than this book.

Favorite Poem Project

I wanted to let you guys read my favorite poem! It's really simple and easy to understand, which makes readers feel at ease. The definition of a photography stated here is definitely what I feel about photographs.

By: James Metcalfe

A photograph is more than just
A gift to bring or send.
And more than just the likeness of
A relative or friend.

It is a kindly greeting and
A memory to hold.
Of happy times and pleasant things.
However new or old.

It is a mirror that reflects
Companionship and cheer.
And now and then the wistfulness
That turns into a tear.

A photograph is something to

Adorn a desk or wall.
Or carry in a pocket and
Display to one and all.

It is a faithful portrait
The smile that friendship shares
To add its sunshine and to show
That someone really cares.

So this is my favorite poem because of its precise definition of a photograph. A photograph definitely serves more than the purpose of just showing someone or sending it to someone. It holds certain past memories within the picture itself. Some of these memories might make us tear, while other memories make us smile and reminisce about the past. The meaning and purpose of a photograph is unlimited. This poem certainly brings out the many different meanings of a photo.

Response to Senior Memoir Project

After completing the senior memoir, I've realized how fast time passes. Remember when we first entered high school? I think the senior memoir project definitely brought out many past memories and the gradual change of ourselves. While looking at other people's senior memoir, I definitely see the physical changes that they have went through. So many memories were created throughout the years of high school, we shared it with our friends, teachers, parents and even people that we don't even know! Your friends, teachers and parents are the people who made you into the person you are today. As we are heading off to college, we must thank our parents, teachers and friends that helped you throughout the years because through this journey, they were always there to encourage and help you both physically and emotionally.

Sestina

I've finally decided to post my Sestina for you guys to read! As high school is coming to an end, college is getting nearer and nearer. Thus I have decided to dedicate this to our Los Osos Seniors! Sestina is actually a really fun way to work your brains, afterall, there are only 6 words to use over and over again. However, each word turns out differently from the way it was used before. Although it was hard, I was still able to accomplish the task.

We are all students
with many friends,
different teachers
and a lot of homework.
As we head off to college,
we will definitely miss high school.

Remember the day we started high school
there were thousands of students.
Everyday, we dream of college
and having fun with our friends,
a place where there is lesser homework
and no naggy teachers.

This place has many teachers
that are different from those of high school.
There is a lesser amount of homework
because teachers have too many students,
either way, some copy from their friends.
Is this what we call college?

Everyday seniors dream about college.
Every year, students get new teachers.
Every week, students make new friends.
Every day, students attend high school.
Every Saturday, is a free day for students.
While every Sunday, students rush their homework.

A year from now, when you're doing your english homework,
in the cafe of college,
with your fellow students,
you realize that the assignments assigned by your college teacher
are extremely different from high school
It is then, that moment when you think of your high school friends.

Remember the things we used to do with our friends?
All those times we spent doing homework
meeting up before entering the high school,
and daydreaming about colleges,
listening to the instructions of your teachers
and walking among the thousands of students.

The past was high school while the future is college
It's time to look forward to new friends, harder homework
new teachers and new fellow students.

Senior Memoir

As I was looking through my senior memoir book it made me realize the things that were most important to me during the years. It also allowed me to see how close graduation is and how things are beginning to get real. Throughout my four years of high school I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’m grateful my ups dramatically outweighed my downs. A few key things that made my high school experience great is meeting my best friend, playing basketball, and enjoying the feel of the REAL high school life. Even though in school was a great experience, my experiences outside of school were even greater. In the mist of these years I began to grow as a person and gain knowledge inside and outside of school preparing me for the next level in my life. The senior memoir project is great for the seniors because it gives them the chance to look back and see what have made them become the person they are today. Making my next step to college will be one of those life experiences that I will never forget, and I think we should all be looking forward to grow mentally and physically in life hoping for the best. On that note I wish all my classmates a well and successful journey in life.

How to Survive in The Hunger Games

So I've finally jumped on the bandwagon, and read/watched the Hunger Games.  Funny thing about my experience with it: I got a book from Ms. Visconti that was missing the first two chapters, so I read chapters 3-5. Then on a random impulse one day, I saw it in theatres. The thing about me, is that though I try to avoid doing this, I usually see the movie before reading the books, much to the chagrin of many people when I tell them this. A few days later, I started reading the book, from the VERY beginning. A few MORE days later, and I finished it! The Hunger Games, though a very simple book to read, boasts the same kind of credibility that is comparable to Harry Potter: it is aimed towards children, but nearly everyone can love it. And I do indeed love it.

*SPOILER ALERT*

I'll try to avoid giving spoilers, but I make no promises.
After all, you've been warned ;)

The Joy Luck Club – What I Read That Truly Mattered and Impacted My Life

I LOVED reading the Joy Luck Club, and seeing as how I've got a bit of catching up to do, blog-wise, this is what I'm probably going to talk about for a while :)

I mean, sure, I had to read the Joy Luck Club as an assignment for my independent reading, but as I progressed through the novel, it became more than that. With every story, I found an aspect that I could relate to. I might not be a concubine, but I can understand the feelings and relate in terms of the respect that one of the characters' mothers had to endure. Whilst reading this book, I couldn't remember all the main characters' names quite clearly, after all, they were on the chapter titles. But it didn’t matter. 

What mattered was the story each girl told, either of old world living or a more modernized time. This novel provoked a lot of thought, especially when it came to relationships. Quite often, the focus was not on the individual's relationship itself, but the pressures, respects, and issues that had to do with it. I found myself reflecting on my own life when I was reading it, thinking that even though I am at a quite young age, there are already pressures on me, due solely to the fact that I have a Chinese boyfriend.

But relating to the Chinese culture didn't stop there. The customs I had become so long adapted to were presented before me, something I just did but never understood why. Though my mother is also catholic, she still to this day, practices the way of our ancestors, praying to the many deities they also believed in. Whilst reading this book, despite a slight culture difference being they were primarily Mandarin while I am Cantonese, the relations were impeccable. Long standing traditions that I did not even realize our two very similar, yet also different cultures shared were in there, and sometimes, I even got a little Mandarin lesson along the way, much to the chagrin to my boyfriend, another Mandarin speaker.

This book inspired me, encouraged me to push through it, for it was entirely worth it. It took me longer than I expected, but as I pursued, I was rewarded with a lifelong lesson and understanding that I never dreamed possible, all from reading a book! The characters, entirely relatable to me, seemed almost too real, as if they were singling me out, and talking solely to me. Though I know this not to be true, it also brought another perspective to my attention: how do those without the background that I have, understand the true meaning of the stories these women have to share with us? Surely, people may be able to cope, but I feel that without my previous experience, I'd feel something missing. And that's what I feel like this book was to me: something that was missing. Something that mattered so much that I recommend it to all of my "Asian friends", for I hope that they have the same appreciation that I have had upon reading this enticing and completely mesmerizing novel.

Senior Memoir Projects

For the past month (and a half?) we've been working on our senior memoir projects in and outside of class. The goal of the project is to create a memorabilia that we can all proudly look back on and show others of our life in high school and as seniors and even before that. The project is bittersweet. I want to make it look great and make it as good as it can be, but I'm not the most creative so I'm getting help from friends and family. The project makes you look back at your whole life and at high school, and you just can't help but think that time has gone by so fast. Not only that, but the idea that we're turning in this grand project reflecting on our entire life thus far is scary in its own right because it reminds us that graduation is only a few weeks away, and pretty soon, all of our lives are going to be changed. As I'm wrapping up this project, I can't help but feel that another chapter in my life is complete, but I'm also excited to think that a whole new chapter is about to begin.