#4 Paperboy Reading Response

I liked the way these interviews were written.  Each character told a good story and had a different perspective on his job.  I find it intriguing that these boys, at such similar ages, have such different views on their job.  I never thought that delivering papers on a bike was easy; after reading their takes, I truly understand how strenuous it could be to be a paperboy.  I enjoyed these easy-to-read interviews told by kids around my own age, which made them relatable.

#3 Career Exploration

Although my mother majored in chemistry in college, that is not what she ended up doing with her life.  My mother is a human resource and payroll manager at an electronic company.  She has been working there for over 10 years and loves it.  An entreprenuer in the making, she has also begun a custom cake making business with her two nieces, called Keremo Cakes.  She has always loved art, cooking, and baking--so what better way to incorporate all three!  My father, on the other hand, is a self-employed CPA.  He has always loved his job, despite tax season.  He is often stressed, although he has the advantage of working at home.

#2 What do you believe?

In my 17 years of existence, I have come to believe many things.  I believe that people have a hard time admitting their faults.  Everyone always says "nobody's perfect," yet they continue to judge others for their imperfections.  I will admit that I have trouble admitting the truth about myself when I am feeling attacked by a friend who may merely be giving me a reality check.  I also believe that it's hard to take the truth sometimes.

MP4 #1 Losing: our constant companion

I actually find this article quite interesting.  It's not every day that you can give losing and winning a different connotation, in essence the opposite meanings of one another.  I agree with the author's belief that there can always be a lesson learned in losing, and winning isn't always beneficial to a person.  One can benefit from losing in various ways: by learning from past mistakes, teaching others the skills to actually win, or even taking a tough hit to the heart in order to appreciate the times of victory.  This article can be applied to the play, Death of a Salesman, by relating it to Willy's past success and many losses.  When he first started his family, Willy was used to the idea of happily living the high life, however once he lost his "touch" in the world of selling, Willy also lost the money and happiness.  He did not take this too well, causing him to lose his job, his money, and his piece of mind.  In this case, losing was not much of a benefit for the Loman family.

#18 Poem

Uninspiréd

The Greatest Writer of the English Language,
Shakespeare could portray the World.
the least inspired student of Pascack Valley,
i can barely convey a thought.

#17 Epiphany

My partner and I were having trouble figuring out the best design for our Bridge Project a little while back.  After putting a lot of time and thought into it, I finally had an epiphany.  I imagined what I believed would be the most efficient construction for our Bridge--and my partner agreed.  I think this will work.

#16 Money or Happiness?

As a high school junior, in the process of finding the right college for me, I'm also trying to figure out the right career.  I would love to discover a skill or career that I am truly interested in and love.  I don't want to live paycheck-to-paycheck working this job, however, as long as I am happy, healthy, and getting by just fine, I am fine with that.  I would never want to work a job that I loathe every day and torture myself for the rest of my life.  Not only will that make me depressed, I will also go through the same trouble of finding a new job, just as I am now.  I really hope I never have to go through this process again.

#15 Future

For the most part, my parents will agree with anything I want to do as long as I am happy.  If there is a school I would like to go to, they are supportive, however the price of the school will probably be a major deciding factor.

#14 Random Acts of Kindness

• Donate blood
• Shovel snow for a neighbor
• Show up at a friends house without letting them know
• Volunteer at an old age home
• Share a talent with the elderly
• Do something for someone without them knowing; leave it up to them to find out
• Vacuum the house for mom
• Donate to kids at a lemonade stand
• Replacing the toilet paper after it runs out

#13 News Log

          Due to obvious modern advancements in technology, especially Apple products, there has been a recent proposal by vendors who control taxi TVs, to replace at least 30 of the city's 13,237 taxis to have their cumbersome TVs replaced with iPads.  While customers are making payments on the iPads, the taxi driver would have an iPhone by him to process credit-card payments.  According to the article, "the system charges drivers less in credit card transaction fees than the current rates."  However, a major issue that has risen is whether or not it is safe to have the credit transactions done this way--is it more susceptible to hackers.  Bhairavi Desai, a founder of the New York Taxi Workers' Alliance, feels that the adoption of this technology will benefit customers; they will pay 2.75% of every credit card transaction rather than the 5% they are currently charged.
          I feel that during such a bad time in our economy, it is not a priority for these iPads to be installed into taxi cabs.  Although customers will benefit from it in the long run, America will not benefit from it now.  The issue on whether or not hackers are more susceptible to credit transactions is also a huge problem.  I do no think taxis should have iPads installed just yet.

Source:  In a Yearlong Test, iPads Will Replace TVs in the Back Seats of Some Cabs

#12 Vacay Reflection

         This past vacation was the most eventful vacation I have probably had in a long time.  I wanted to make sure that I visited at least one college this break, and I managed to visit UCONN with some friends.  I thought I wouldn't really like it because I would probably be similar to UDEL, but once I got there, I felt really different about it.  I thought about what I always hear at college lectures, "go with your gut feeling," and that was exactly what I did.  I'm still not sure what exactly it is that I am looking for in a college, but something about this school appealed to me.  I think I liked the fact that it has a medium-sized campus and it seemed somewhat modern.  The ride there was also a plus; it was really pretty and extremely wooded.

#11 Insult or Honor?

     I think this problem has been taken too far.  Being called an Indian was never a degrading term, therefore, I don't see why any Native American should feel disrespected.  Although I am not the biggest Indians fanatic in our school, I am still a proud member and I would never want our mascot to change.  It has now become a part of Valley culture, and other schools for that matter, and I don't think it would be right to force a school to change their mascot all of a sudden.  I feel that everybody is looking to start trouble these days when there is really nothing worth being troubled over.  If I were to put myself in a Native American's shoes, the only reason that I might find an Indian mascot demeaning is because of the way students portray Indians.  However, I don't think that students are mocking Indians, rather we are glorifying what it means to be one--strong, team player, and brave!

#10 News Log Response

Being a celebrity isn't always as good as it seems.  What many people don't realize is that celebrities are people too.  They do things that are just as bad as common people, often taken to an even further degree.  I never understood the idolization of most celebrities, especially after they have done something wrong.  The incident between Chris Brown and Rihanna was spread all over the news, however people don't realize that these things are happening every day, everywhere.  I feel that celebrities get too much attention for all of the wrong reasons, and when something wrong happens, they are not treated equally to a common person; they are often given second chances--even thirds.  After Chris Brown abused Rihanna, he was allowed to get back on stage to perform for the Grammys.  I don't think that he shouldn't be up there, but I also don't think he should be given the attention he is getting.

#9 News Log: Boy Genius

     Cutting out some TV time sure makes a difference for 14-year-old genius, Moshe Kai Cavalin.  He enrolled in college in 2009 at age 11, graduating with two Associates of Art degrees and a perfect GPA.  His book, "We Can Do," explains how other young people could succeed like he did with some hard work.  Cavalin, who dislikes being called a genius, tells interviewers, "People need to know you don't really need to be a genius. You just have to work hard and you can accomplish anything."  When he was younger he was more involved in extra-curricular activities, however his studies in UCLA and writing his book have taken up his life.  Just barely a teenager, after earning his bachelor's degree, the math major plans to enroll in graduate school with hopes of eventually earning a degree.  Originally inspired to write by his professor, Richard Avila, he hopes to motivate others with his methods for success. 
       It's not every day that you find an 11-year-old enrolling in college.  Although Moshe does not like being called a genius, I geniunely believe he is one.  It's not to say that he is naturally born that way and doesn't work to achieve his success, but I think it would be somewhat degrading not to call him a genius.  I always find myself envious of younger, or older people for that matter, that are incredibly smarter than me.  Cavalin does state that hard work has gotten him where he is today, but I don't think that that's all there is to it.

Source:  Boy Genius's Book Reveals Life in College

#8 Happy Valentine's Day

The last real crush I can remember back to was in 3rd grade, when we had a new student in my Armenian middle school.  We only had a few boys in my class, one of which was my cousin.  They all felt like brothers to me for the most part, but this new kid was really funny and outgoing.  Although all of the girls in my class denied that they liked him at some point in time, I still think until this day that almost every girl in the class liked him.  There wasn't anything particularly interesting about him, but I think it was because he brought new and outgoing personality to our class.

#7 News Log: Exercise

     Studies have shown that many runners have different patterns when they run, often being the cause of their injuries.  Members from the Harvard University were interested in finding out where their pains emerge from.  From their studies, they have concluded that people's running forms have a huge impact on their distressing bone and muscle injuries.  When runners take strides from heel to toe, they are more likely to have soreness in their legs.  If runners decide to change their strides, they must slowly do so.  Sudden changes can cause tears in different areas of the foot.  Running barefoot is especially harmful and can cause major injuries.
     I am not really a runner, but I did run track last year.  I noticed about a few weeks into the season that my shins and feet began to hurt.  I believe this had to do with either my sneakers or my form when I was running.  I ended up keeping the sneakers I already had because there wasn't much of the season left.  However, I still notice pain in my feet sometimes when I am walking, and often in my shins when I am running.  I guess something that I thought was so minor has made a great impact in my life.

Source: Does Foot Form Explain Running Injuries?

#6 Superbowl

This year's Superbowl was definitely a big deal in the East Coast.  Although I'm not a huge fan of football, it was exciting to hear that the New York Giants were going to be playing.  It seems crazy that the love of one thing could bring so many people together at home and in the stadium.  However, it may differ a little at home.  I just recently heard on the radio that 50% of viewers watch the Superbowl just for the commercials!  I never knew they were such a popular thing until last year, when I got to school and everybody was talking about them.  This year I made sure to watch most of them; they are quite funny.

#5 News Log: Immigration

          The issues on illegal immigration have recently been increasing in the US.  Like many other illegal immigrants, Amelia Reyes Jimenez was deported for immigration violations.  Giving birth to 4 children in America, she was heartbroken when she found out that her children would be taken away from her and sent to foster care.  Each year thousands of children are separated from their undocumented immigrant parents.  The kids wind up in foster care and eventually may even be adopted by US citizens, while their parents are either deported or held in federal detention centers.  Due to her unlawful actions, Jimenez has lost parental rights by an Arizona judge.

          Illegal immigration is a very touchy topic for many people.  I feel that most immigrants don't realize the consequences of their actions when they come to America illegally.  I understand that they want the best for themselves and their unborn children, however America is not always the answer.  There are so many immigrants found in America today that do not have the opportunities that they believe they would have once they reach the country.  I think they would live better lives if they continued to live in their homelands rather than here.

Source: Stolen Babies? Immigrant Mother Loses Four Kids

#4 I would choose to be...

I would choose to be richer, because it would allow me to do things which could potentially make me a happier person.  With my money I could attain more knowledge from around the world, see different things, and meet different people with just a plane ticket.  It's always been my dream to travel the world and experience different cultures--especially try different foods! I would also be very charitable with my money.  I'd like to donate and help others in need.

#3 What does "grace under pressure" mean?

To "grace under pressure" means to be calm and cool during a time of stress.  When you are stressed during a difficult time of your life, it is most important to keep your composure and having a positive outlook on things.  In order to be successful you must not get upset and must stay level-headed when under pressure.  An example of having grace under pressure is the way women stood for their rights and stayed strong while being suppressed by society.

#2 Free-write: Jump

     The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the word "jump" is the times that I used to spend with my close family friends jump roping at their house.  Our families would often get together when we were younger and one of our favorite games to play was jump-rope.  Using the jump-rope in different ways, we would jump on our own, hold it from two ends while someone jumped in the middle, play snake, and sing songs.  I remember the memories so vividly and often wish we would do it again sometime.  My sister and I don't see those family friends as frequently as we used to.  I almost don't know them anymore actually; the only impression I have of them now is what I see on Facebook.  I do like change, but I wish things could stay the same sometimes.

MP3 #1 I just love it when...

I try on a few shirts at a store and find that one shirt that I love and have to buy.

#10 New Year's Resolution

It's not like I'm not a strong believer of New Year's Resolutions, but they never seem to work out for me.  I think I either forget about my plans or don't care enough to make an effort.  Seems like my problem with everything.  So that's why my new year's resolution this year is to put a little more effort into every thing that I do.  From my school work to cleaning up my house more often, I want to change the way I do things.  In order for me to change my habits for good, I want to improve the way I do things from this new year forward.