2 Best Blogs of the Year: Extra Credit

1. American Culture and My Own Culture (1st semester)

The American culture is a varied and ever-changing way of defining the American people themselves. We are a group of many talents, nationalities, stories, and beliefs. Some say that there is no certain way to define American culture, because it is so diverse, but I say that the diversity itself is what defines us. Our nation is based on a set of morals and beliefs that diverstiy should be celebrated, and all should be given the chance to show their own individuality, making ours a nation of freedom and pride in oneself. We are a loyal people, putting country first with a true spirit of patriotism, and caring for one another when disaster comes our way. Though there are always exceptions to this spirit, I believe that deep in the hearts of almost every American citizen is the "we" attitude that brings us together, as it did in such as the fateful events of September 11. Even though we are sometimes caught up in our own little words, it only takes some of the smallest actions to remind us of what we really are: a family in nation, in dreams, and in diverstiy.

Besides the enormous pride I feel in having an American culture, the other traits of my backround are very important not only to me, but also to my family. My father's side of the family is very German (if you couldn't tell just by looking at my name) with some Southern American roots from my grandmother. My mother's side of the family, however, is extremely Irish, and very proud of it too. I enjoy learning about both sides of my ancestry, believing that the makeup of my ancestors also defines me. Both of my parents were raised Roman Catholic, and still are, as am I. My faith is very important to me, and governs a lot of decisions I make. Though going to a private, parochial school didn't really expose me to as much as other kids who went to public school did, culture is always changing, and I am always open to new experiences. I believe that my ethnic and cultural opportunities are always increasing, and there is always room for improvement, so I look forward always to becoming a more diverse and opinionated individual.

2. Runners for Life (2nd Semester)

When most students hear from their gym teachers that they are running the mile next day, they are filled with a sense of dread. Call me crazy, but I get excited. I have always loved running: anywhere, anytime, and any distance. From soccer to basketball and now cross country and track, I can only describe the free feeling as my feet fly as pure ecstasy. When people find out about my running habits they one, think I'm crazy, or two, have known me long enough to say that it's about time. Either way, people then ask how I got started, which is not quite a long story, but not something short to explain either. I went to a very small, private school for Kindergaten up until eigth grade where the only sports offered for girls were volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and softball in the spring. I had been playing soccer since I was five, but in fourth grade I had to stop and was looking for something new to get rid of my energy. The coaches for the three sports offered were friends of my parents so I got placed into all three of their sports. Over the next couple of years, I got better and better at all three sports, managing to become captain of my volleyball and softball team two years in a row, and in basketball one year. I liked the sports, but I still just wanted to run. School, athletics, church activities, music, and working stopped me from doing more up until high school. Most people expected me to go on to do volleyball, basketball, and softball at Stevenson, but I shocked a lot of people-especially my parents- when I decided to join the cross country team in the fall. For the people that don't know, cross country is a grueling 5km, or 3.11 mile race that takes place outside in forests, parks, and the occasional baseball diamond (lots of them.) I loved every exhausting stride. The feeling of running is like nothing else I've ever experienced, and the feeling afterwards is sometimes described as a "runner's high." You feel on top of the world after every run, and I couldn't wait to do it all over again. The people I met while running were another reason I was so glad to do cross country. I don't know what it is, but runners always mile when we pass on sidewalks and cheer each other on, no matter what school we go to. Many times I have been encouraged by runners from Churchill, Franklin, and other schools, and I have always been one to encourage someone who was maybe lagging behind. And I know that I keep saying running this, and running that, but it really means that much to me. I wasn't really sure about high school coming from such a small school (240 kids, preschool through eighth grade), but running really helped me walk up to the building with confidence.

Current Event Blog-Protests in Thailand

Thailand’s violence

Thailand was once the image of serenity and peace; serving as an example for other countries as to how the people could live in peace. Looking now at the dire situation in Bangkok, the capital, you would never have guessed that this nation was a one of tranquility. The thousands of protesters that are camped out in the streets and roads call themselves the Red Shirts; campaigning to bring back the exiled Prime Minister and bring about a new, fairer, and more democratic government. The government opposition to the protesters believes that the Prime Minister they want to bring back is corrupt and that all the rural farmers that support him so strongly would end up not liking how the government was going in the the long run. Peace talks have flopped, people have been killed, and the protesters are still camped out. This begs the question of who is really right, and what we can do to fix the situation. I believe that the government should be open to and actually hold new elections to satisfy the protesters. They should put aside their differences for a minute and hold real disscussions.

"In televised negotiations with protest leaders last week, the prime minister agreed to their principal demand — dissolving parliament and holding new elections — but said the process would take nine months. The Red Shirt leadership demanded dissolution in 15 days and left to redouble their efforts in the streets." The Red Shirts need to understand that patience is needed for this sensitive subject and realize that they can't instantly make their country better by dissolving parliament and having no one in charge while they are voting for their Prime Minister that may or may not even be a good leader. The government needs to keep this attitude of willingness to work with the Red Shirts and restore peace to Thailand. They should refrain from any violent military actions much like the Red Shirts should continue to peacefully protest.

Are you happy Madi? I didn't use Free Blog as my title.

The rain pounding outside above my head sounds like a million screaming fans in a tightly packed stadium hosting the World Cup. The thunder is rumbling like some distant giant trudging through the mountains. Soon after the explosive boom of thunder, I see a white hot flash of lightning strike in the air like a python shooting out at its prey. The water gushing off the rooftops splatters onto the cement in waves, ebbing and flowing like the ocean. I sit quietly in my chair listening to the beauty around me and listening to Mother Nature at work. Mrs. Bergeski continues her speech on Roman Numerals, and the rain continues to pour. Everyone is quiet, probably exhausted from the week behind us, and sits dejectedly in their seats listening to the far off booming of thunder. It is times like these where my mind wanders and I soon am daydreaming. The bell goes off and it’s already 4th hour. We are in C-19 and are free blogging.
Now half of class is over and I am still writing this blog. The rain has let up and you can almost see the feeble rays of sunlight trying to break through the dense covering of clouds. The thunder has subsided and a sort of calm comes to the air. I know that when I go outside after 6th Hour, the pavement will still be damp from the outpouring and the air will feel heavy with humidity. The sun, if it is out, will be feebly attempting to warm the rain-soaked grass, and you will instantly smell the stench of half-drowned worms that tried to escape the rain. Though it is wet and humid, this is my favorite weather to run in; the earth feels fresh and new. This is possibly my favorite part of a rainy day: after the skies have opened and released all their water, when it feels like the world is reborn and cleansed.
A roar of thunder jolts me from my daydream and I realize that I am still in 4th Hour and typing. I hear the rain pounding on Stevenson’s roof again, after tricking us to make us think that it had stopped. I long for the sun’s warm rays and that image, smell, and feel of the new, clean Earth. Still raining, I just sigh and wait out the pouring. I look forward to when the rain will stop and I can enjoy the outdoors again.

SIMUN Blog

I was not really sure about what SIMUN would be like the first day, even though we had prepared a bit in Mrs. Bergeski’s class and had gone over parliamentary procedure in Mr. Fielder’s class. It was still a big unknown to me as to how it would run and what the people would be like. After the first day, though, I had a pretty basic understanding of what was expected of me and also what was expected of the group. The second day was a scenario in which my country, Mexico, was directly related to the problem. I opened the folder and I felt a little like passing out, but I slowly read the problem and then prepared myself for caucus. Everyone crowded around me asking my opinion and a bunch of questions, but I soon got used to it and was able to answer their questions. By the third day, I was extremely confident in what I was doing and spoke a couple of times, adding to the previous days of speaking where I was nervous and slightly hesitant.
I think, for a freshman at least, that I did pretty well at SIMUN. Though it was hard to get involved at first, I managed to speak once on the first day and made sure to caucus a lot. The second day was the most involving for me- I think I spoke two or three times and asked a question or two. I was very active in helping with writing the resolution by stating Mexico’s opinion. The third day was also pretty involving; I spoke again and tried to caucus like a maniac. For my very first try, I think I did well at being a delegate.
I was definitely glad that I had prepared enough beforehand. Reading multiple sources and comparing different figures and facts about my country and my issues helped me to better understand the problems we could be faced with and how my country would and should react. I took margin notes on some of my articles, which was a good thing when I needed a reference for a situation or for caucusing. The best thing I did to prepare was telling myself that I could do it and mentally preparing myself to talk without fear. You can research all you want and be an expert on the subject, but if you aren’t prepared to speak and share your opinion, then you won’t do well.
The only thing I might do differently for SIMUN next year is make sure that I speak more, and I want to try to help freshmen that don’t really understand the process. I want to be encouraging to them to prove to them that they can do it. I felt that I prepared myself enough this year, so otherwise I’m looking forward to SIMUN next year.

SIMUN Blog

As a delegate from Mexico, I would have to agree with the United State’s position on moving into Pakistan to secure the nuclear weapons and materials from the Taliban. Pakistan’s government has been known to be unstable, and the recent resurgence of extremist terror groups like the Taliban is a threat to not only Pakistan’s security, but the security of the entire world. If a terror organization like the Taliban were to come into possession of nuclear weapons, it could ignite a global conflict that would escalate into the destruction of mankind. A little extreme, but we have to think of all the consequences of our actions and the actions of others. I would hope that the Pakistani government understands the U.S.’s concern over loose nuclear materials and would work with the U.S. to eradicate the problem. The Taliban threat needs to be dealt with swiftly and thoroughly, and it needs to be dealt with very soon. The chances we are taking with having an openly terrorist group running around Pakistan unchecked are very risky. The U.S. was right in stepping in and intervening because most likely the Taliban would have moved in on the U.S. and the West first, since they are enemies. This might have triggered a nuclear response from the U.S., which could devastate not only Pakistan, but the surrounding countries. This would only lead to more conflict, when more countries got involved and possibly deploy their nuclear weapons also. Currently many countries have nuclear weapons or materials, or if it is unknown if they do, they could still have them. Unfortunately the scenario I see playing out is one where countries fight fire with more fire and everyone just ends up getting burned.
Mexico, again, fully supports the U.S. and would be willing to also work with the Pakistani government to supply troops or possible other aid. If ever the Taliban is willing to negotiate to cease their actions, then Mexico would be more than eager to attend, host, or observe these meetings; whatever is called for by the group and countries. Though Mexico’s own problems and economic issues prevent it from providing a ton of monetary support, any diplomatic support needed would gladly be bestowed by Mexico.

Children of the River

Everyone has heard of the terrible injustice that went on during World War II when Hitler and his German army murdered and tortures millions of Jewish people. Almost everyone has heard of the Tutsi massacre that occurred in Rwanda when feuding tribes recklessly killed one another over the death of the Rwandan president. It surprises me then, that many people do not know of the genocide-the killing of a people-that took place in Cambodia. After the United States left Vietnam and North Vietnam took over South Vietnam, Cambodia had a coup of sorts itself. A communist rebel group called the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia’s government and attempted to set up a form of communism similar to Maoist China. The Khmer Rouge believed that the population should be made to work as laborers in one huge group of collective farms. Anyone that disagreed with them- and all well-off and educated people- were killed, along with all un-communist ideas of traditional Cambodian culture. And so began what was known as the Exodus. Everyone-old, sick, newborns, injured, crippled, children-was forced to leave their home and march into the countryside. If people didn’t move fast enough or didn’t move at all they were killed, along with anyone who seemed weak during the march. Everyone’s rights were taken away-freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and pretty much all ability to make your own decisions. Families were split up on purpose and brought as far away as possible from their homes, anyone known to have received a formal education or a professional job (like in the medical field) was beaten to death along with their families, and anyone caught worshipping, singing, crying, or laughing was executed. After all these deaths the worse was still to come. The people that escaped execution were forced to be unpaid laborers, pretty much slaves, that were given barely any food, horrible living conditions, and expected to work for ridiculously long hours in the beating sun. Disease and sickness were rampant, and many more perished from pure exhaustion. The total death toll of the genocide is estimated to be well over two million people- almost 25% of Cambodia’s population. My book tells the story of Sundara, a young girl that escaped the genocide with her aunt, uncle, and cousins and comes to America for a better life. She is torn between adapting to her new school, surroundings, and country or sticking to the Khmer way and pleasing her strict aunt. All the while she is combating new found feelings for an American boy, Jonathan McKinnon, who is the son of the doctor that saved her sick cousin, and still praying that the boy she was promised in marriage to, Chamroen, is still alive in Cambodia. Her day to day struggle just to please her family and keep moving on is very well portrayed by the author and makes this book not only intriguing, but heartfelt.

Writing Strategies Blog

Waking up at 6:15 in the morning is never fun. That's particularly why when I wake up at 5:40 a.m. I feel even worse. Blindly climbing down from my loft, I try not to wake my sister as I also skillfully avoid the ceiling light that I hit half of the time. Make that most of the time. I trudge sleepily through the hallway; I try not to step on the floorboards that I know will squeak, groan, crack, or a combination of the three. Usually I don't succeed and my mom calls out quietly to be more careful. I walk to the bathroom sink to wash my face and as I wipe off the water I look in the mirror and think how much I wish I could crawl back into bed. It all starts out innocently enough before it turns into a vicious cycle. Waking up Monday morning early isn't so bad because you were most likely resting a little over the weekend. You come home after sports, clubs, or whatever and put off your homework, mind somewhere else, for a while. Soon it's nine o' clock and you are a little worried. But hey, that paper's not due until Friday, so you put it off for tomorrow. Wake up tired, go to school, come home and find out that your friend won tickets to a basketball game so you go. You come home a little late but finish your work and put off the paper for one more day. Wednesday seems like the worst day to get up, but you do it anyway and go to school. Same routine and you come, laden with books and papers, home to find out that your favorite show is having a five hour marathon. You pop some popcorn and let school troubles fade away. Zzz... You wake up at 10:30 a little confused as to where you are when you remember your homework and finish around 11:30. We all know that late-night, school the next day feeling, and right now you are feeling it. You go to bed exhausted. Waking up on Thursday is gross, but you tell yourself that Friday is only one day away, to hold on. Almost leaving, your teacher yells not to forget the ten page paper due tomorrow. You stop in your tracks and groan. We have all had this scenario play out in our own lives, and have hopefully learned from it. I believe we should stop this from ever happening again though. We should take what we have learned and voice it: no papers due at the end of the week ever! Yell it from the rooftops. Some say that it is our own fault for blowing off the paper, but I believe that our well-being of mind should be important too. We have to have enough sleep, yet still have social lives and hobbies while adding a little school. Long assignments at the end of the week just increase stress and make people sad. Maybe, just maybe teachers have social lives too, and on the off chance that they do, they might sympathize with our complaint. They most likely don't like grading the long papers, yet they still assign them, so here's a solution: don't assign them! Young high schoolers are still growing and need a lot of sleep, so adding homework endangers their health. It would be so much better for all if we just got rid of papers and assignments. It would help the environment, the economy, and probably world peace too if we had more time to help the earth, work, and promote peace, but alas we have that terrible assignment due on Friday. 'Tis truly shame.