Matthew died at the age of 55 yesterday. He was born and raised in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Matthew’s parents both smoked, and often, his mother would be smoking at home right in front of him. This seemed to be a normal routine for matt to see his mom or dad smoking a cigarette when he came home from school and when he left for school. Smoking would look like it’s natural in Matt’s house, but the truth is that it really isn’t. Matt picked up his first cigarette when he was 13. And nobody was there to stop him, or show him that it was wrong. One cigarette a day led to a pack a day. And a pack led to three packs. Smoking was the cause of his mother’s death, and it was the cause of his.
Everyday in the United States alone, approximately 3,000 kids under the age of 18 start smoking. Many times people will say that smoking is caused by peer pressure. And that does hold some truth. There are so many questions as to why Matt even took that first puff. He probably didn’t even know what the consequences would be. “If mom and dad do it, it can’t be harmful.”
Statistics show that parents are the biggest influence in their children’s lives. And even through many teenagers would like to disagree, they are wrong. Smoking addiction can be passed on from generation to generation. Research shows that a child’s odds of daily smoking are reduced by more than 70 percent when compared to when both parents continue to smoke. I believe that poor Matt was a victim of having that addiction passed on to him. And the sad truth is that his death could have been prevented if his parents would quit smoking. If both parents who were smokers quit, the odds that their child will start smoking would be reduced by nearly 40 percent. And even more research shows that mother who quit are less likely to have children who start smoking. Smoking in the household gives the "okay" to teens, so that they think that it really doesn't matter if they pick up a few cigarettes, because their parents do it.
What I have said in this mere essay may not seem to mean anything to you. You may not be a smoker, and you would swear that you never will. But there are households in your world, your next door neighbor, your friends, coworkers etc. who are suffering from having the act of smoking passed on from generation to generation. It is your duty now to act on what you know, and put an end to generational smoking. I'm sure that there are tons of families just like Matt's who need help. Parents, if you're listening, put your lighters down.
http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/teensmoking/a/teensmokefacts.htm “Parents: Quit smoking and your children are less likely to smoke”. Reuters 28 May 2008. 13 November 2008. <http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS244814+28-May-2008+PRN20080528>.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
teens smoking?
matthew died at the age of 55 yesterday. he was born and raised in kaneohe, Hawaii. matthew was raised by parents who didn't love each other, and when he was a kid, he took this as being normal. matt had to gather love from kids at schools, and from his teachers, because he wasn't getting any from his mom and pop. In his freshman year of high school, Joe asked matt if he wanted a cigarette. and that one cigarette turned into ten cigarettes. and ten cigarettes turned into two packs a day. and two packs led to three. then to four. his first cigarette led to his death.
these are usually the stories you see in the newspaper; fifty year old man died of lung cancer. there are so many questions as to why matt even took that first puff. maybe he didn't know it would cause his death. and eventually cause him to have to leave his family because of a desperate cry for some guidance, or attention, or security when he was young and vunerable.
and now, who is to blame...
parents are a childs biggest and most constant influence. who knew what it felt like to be a five year old matt, living in a home where good and bad were never really defined to him. trouble in the home can look so harmless from afar, but if you tried to step past the front door, you would see adults, without values strong enough, and a child in the corner suffering the consequences. mom could have told her son the truth. it's better than not telling him anything at all. studies show that kids love attention, and often crave it. you don't need to read a bunch of articles to know this. attention deprived, unsure, clueless and scared millions of teens in america are taking a puff of their first cigarette every minute. because they were not taught how important it is to make good choices, and resist peer pressure.
these are usually the stories you see in the newspaper; fifty year old man died of lung cancer. there are so many questions as to why matt even took that first puff. maybe he didn't know it would cause his death. and eventually cause him to have to leave his family because of a desperate cry for some guidance, or attention, or security when he was young and vunerable.
and now, who is to blame...
parents are a childs biggest and most constant influence. who knew what it felt like to be a five year old matt, living in a home where good and bad were never really defined to him. trouble in the home can look so harmless from afar, but if you tried to step past the front door, you would see adults, without values strong enough, and a child in the corner suffering the consequences. mom could have told her son the truth. it's better than not telling him anything at all. studies show that kids love attention, and often crave it. you don't need to read a bunch of articles to know this. attention deprived, unsure, clueless and scared millions of teens in america are taking a puff of their first cigarette every minute. because they were not taught how important it is to make good choices, and resist peer pressure.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Dear Mom, Dad, and Mrs. S,
It has always been a bit of a struggle for me to produce quality writing in every one of the six traits. I think that when I use my time wisely and really focus hard on my writing, and especially my ideas, my writing can turn out well. When I wrote my Coming of Age, I was really expressive and it turned out pretty great. But when writing the CE, I knew how important it was, and I didn't use all the new 'techniques' that I learned about, and rushed it. I know that I do have a lot of potential like many other students do, and I have work to do. (:
NEXT QUARTER; Next quarter I actually have big hopes. I think I need to practice more, and one good idea I think I will remember to do is to make more drafts. Instead of trying to make my first essay perfect, I know it's a good idea to be able to go in and revise. I need to work on putting more voice in my essays, and also work on my word choice.
2nd quarter is going to be hard, but I want to be able to add some fun too.
NEXT QUARTER; Next quarter I actually have big hopes. I think I need to practice more, and one good idea I think I will remember to do is to make more drafts. Instead of trying to make my first essay perfect, I know it's a good idea to be able to go in and revise. I need to work on putting more voice in my essays, and also work on my word choice.
2nd quarter is going to be hard, but I want to be able to add some fun too.
Friday, October 3, 2008
PORTFOLIO.
[second year in menemac!]
This time, we're doing BLOG portfolios! This first quarter has been busy but fun. We were able to catch up with everybody, and reflect on freshmen year. We also did much more focused exercises on sentence fluency.
The article on the right, is an example of how we located parallel sentences with professional writing. This really allowed me to see that sentences are varied and should be used (more often) to get a point or an idea across.
We also did sentence fluency practices by trying it ourselves. We worked in groups to come up with much more descriptive sentences, and we 'piled on' all of the detail into one sentence.
This time, we're doing BLOG portfolios! This first quarter has been busy but fun. We were able to catch up with everybody, and reflect on freshmen year. We also did much more focused exercises on sentence fluency.
The article on the right, is an example of how we located parallel sentences with professional writing. This really allowed me to see that sentences are varied and should be used (more often) to get a point or an idea across.
We also did sentence fluency practices by trying it ourselves. We worked in groups to come up with much more descriptive sentences, and we 'piled on' all of the detail into one sentence.
We also got to take notes on poetry. And even though we went through poetry last school year, this really clarified a lot of my questions. It was fun to talk about it in groups and get into deep conversations about the poems.
My goals that I wrote to Mrs. S at the begining of the year, were that I would get exited to write essays, and not think of it as a hassle. And I really wanted to write more personal and expressive pieces. I think I did an "okay" job of that. I was definitely more exited to get into writing, especially after learning more about sentence fluency. I also said that I wanted to improve my technology skills, and be able to communicate more. And I'm not as good as I want to be as far as photoshop goes, but I believe that I'm improving. I think you can see that in my OR card: 
I could've done better with procrastinating, especially when we did our College Essays.
:(
But, when we wrote our coming of age essays, I'm proud to say, that I got everything in on time.
THE SIX TRAITS!!!
IDEAS: My writing has focus, and I don't lose track of my main ideas in the piece. It is strong, and interesting, and catches the readers attention. It shows that I know what I'm talking about. ORGANIZATION: The piece as a whole should feel like it has it's own rythym. It should stay on topic, and be suspensful, and make the reader think. VOICE: The piece should show me in it. I can be personal with my writing, and express my opinions. It should show that I actually have a passion for the topic. WORD CHOICE: My words are being utilized so that people remember my writing. It always has to make sense, and tie in with the piece.
SENTENCE FLUENCY: My sentences should be varied so it doesn't get boring to read. It should be used so that the reader feels like he/she must keep reading on.
CONVENTIONS AND PRESENTATION: My piece has to have no grammatical errors, and it should be able to be read by others.
I believe that my COA shows that I've got all of the traits down. {click the picture on the right}
And my College Essay shows a lot of my voice.
conclusion;
conclusion;
I am most proud of my Coming of Age essay... but I know that I can do better in the future. I'm also proud of my OR card. It's starting to get easier for me to make, and it's tons of fun.
I had some challenges with the critiquing during our mid-quarter exam. And also with the final writing exam. But I was able to get back on my feet by thinking positive, and not being afraid to ask questions.
GOALS: Next quarter, I will not be afraid to go and get help with something if I need it. And as much as possible, I would like to get started earlier with my essays, so that I have plenty of time to revise and make it better. Of course, I do need to practice sentence fluency more, and I will keep trying.
Overall, this quarter has been great. And I am looking forward to the rest of the year.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
expectations
What is the truth? Growing up, I’ve always been told to tell the truth and that I could be whatever I wanted to be. Unfortunately, my parents did not prepare me to be what the world wanted me to be. I never wanted to be an astronaut or a firefighter. Maybe a traveler, or a teacher. No, I should be a doctor and have tons of money, and use it as a security blanket. Then, there can be peace. The truth is, these so called expectations, they hardly come from our own mouths anymore.
Reading, my multivitamin, has awoken me to the truth about truth and our great expectations through “great expectations”. Upon reading this very interesting novel, walking aside dearest Pip, suffering with him, dining with him, trembling with him, I was able to connect to him. Pip grew up as a poor child, and he thought that he would never become more than a blacksmith. Surprisingly, Pip was ecstatic when he heard that he would have a chance to live a better life, a richer life. He took this chance, and my oh my, his life turned right around. He had a nice home, a great friend, money, and a business, but he didn’t have someone to thank for everything he turned into. In his own mind, he accused a good friend for all of his success, but when he finally learned the truth, he was a bit disappointed.
I know that in this way, I follow Pip. I have high hopes, and they get shot down. I admit that when I read the truth, I was also disappointed. I thought to myself that I had a grand idea to have lesser expectations. To avoid ending up like Pip. But like some other decisions I’ve made, this was flawed. Of course, lowering my expectations would ultimately lower my rate of personal success. And finally I started to conclude that my life without challenge, and personal goals (may they be high expectations), would be failure. And failure brings sadness.
I like to be happy. I sure hope that you do too. Honestly, being what I want to be, no matter if the world deemed it pathetic, is what I want to be. Finding out the truth that makes me sad, angry, disappointed, frustrated, gloomy, or pissed, would bring about happiness. I find that this world will not make me happy, I will make me happy. And the truth is essential unless I like living a fake life. Thanks to Charles dickens, the creator of this magnificent novel, I can construct myself based upon what I like to do. Expectations can be especially hard to live up to if they are my own. But the truth that it’s mine, and only mine, stuffs joy in to a body that has been overstuffed with goals. This book makes me appreciate truth for all of its glory. I like being a Pip. A distinctly true Pip.
Reading, my multivitamin, has awoken me to the truth about truth and our great expectations through “great expectations”. Upon reading this very interesting novel, walking aside dearest Pip, suffering with him, dining with him, trembling with him, I was able to connect to him. Pip grew up as a poor child, and he thought that he would never become more than a blacksmith. Surprisingly, Pip was ecstatic when he heard that he would have a chance to live a better life, a richer life. He took this chance, and my oh my, his life turned right around. He had a nice home, a great friend, money, and a business, but he didn’t have someone to thank for everything he turned into. In his own mind, he accused a good friend for all of his success, but when he finally learned the truth, he was a bit disappointed.
I know that in this way, I follow Pip. I have high hopes, and they get shot down. I admit that when I read the truth, I was also disappointed. I thought to myself that I had a grand idea to have lesser expectations. To avoid ending up like Pip. But like some other decisions I’ve made, this was flawed. Of course, lowering my expectations would ultimately lower my rate of personal success. And finally I started to conclude that my life without challenge, and personal goals (may they be high expectations), would be failure. And failure brings sadness.
I like to be happy. I sure hope that you do too. Honestly, being what I want to be, no matter if the world deemed it pathetic, is what I want to be. Finding out the truth that makes me sad, angry, disappointed, frustrated, gloomy, or pissed, would bring about happiness. I find that this world will not make me happy, I will make me happy. And the truth is essential unless I like living a fake life. Thanks to Charles dickens, the creator of this magnificent novel, I can construct myself based upon what I like to do. Expectations can be especially hard to live up to if they are my own. But the truth that it’s mine, and only mine, stuffs joy in to a body that has been overstuffed with goals. This book makes me appreciate truth for all of its glory. I like being a Pip. A distinctly true Pip.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
first expectations
Reading, my multivitamin, has awoken me yet again, with “Great Expectations”. Upon reading this story, I realized that writing can be taken to new levels I’ve never seen before. Sure I’ve read great stories, but none quite like this one. I chose to share with you how this book is making my life, and this way, you can start to understand who I am.
Not only did I feel like I’ve walked next to Pip his through his entire life, suffering with him, dining with him, and being terrified with him, but after returning to reality I noticed that there was so much truth to this page turning, exhilarating ride through Pip’s life. I think I’m so drawn towards this book because it feels like a story, and also a lesson.
The title of the book can explain itself, but it really made me think of society’s many great expectations for my generation. Just like in the book, these expectations can seem too good to be true. There is so much pressure associated with living a life filled with happiness.
In the book, Pip’s false expectations whirlwinds him into a state of disbelief and confusion. I know that in my life I have expectations that are too high, and often, I end up so disappointed in myself, and with the world. After reading this book I learned to accept things the way that they are, no matter what nonsense people will throw at me. I learned that I can control whether or not I will be satisfied or not. Whether I will be happy or sad. And so I decided that with lower expectations come decreased amounts of disappointment.
when I think of happiness, I don’t really think much of how many things I have, or how much money I have, but instead having the simple rights like the right to love and the right to speak can bring happiness in itself. That is why my decision of having lower expectations is very flawed, because yes, I will be less disappointed with myself, but I will not be satisfied with living a bland life, and therefore, unhappy.
Finding the truth can make me feel sad, and angry. But I know that I have one life to live. And that it should not be wasted. I know when I can be truly happy, and eventually I want to reach the area of my life where i cannot complain about a single thing. But i will not achive this state by being something I’m not. This book has great detail and great ideas. It also holds great truth. Expectations can be very hard to live up to, but through this book, (with thanks to Charles Dickens) I believe that even if my hopes become crushed, I cannot shed the truth... what makes me happy, makes me happy.
Not only did I feel like I’ve walked next to Pip his through his entire life, suffering with him, dining with him, and being terrified with him, but after returning to reality I noticed that there was so much truth to this page turning, exhilarating ride through Pip’s life. I think I’m so drawn towards this book because it feels like a story, and also a lesson.
The title of the book can explain itself, but it really made me think of society’s many great expectations for my generation. Just like in the book, these expectations can seem too good to be true. There is so much pressure associated with living a life filled with happiness.
In the book, Pip’s false expectations whirlwinds him into a state of disbelief and confusion. I know that in my life I have expectations that are too high, and often, I end up so disappointed in myself, and with the world. After reading this book I learned to accept things the way that they are, no matter what nonsense people will throw at me. I learned that I can control whether or not I will be satisfied or not. Whether I will be happy or sad. And so I decided that with lower expectations come decreased amounts of disappointment.
when I think of happiness, I don’t really think much of how many things I have, or how much money I have, but instead having the simple rights like the right to love and the right to speak can bring happiness in itself. That is why my decision of having lower expectations is very flawed, because yes, I will be less disappointed with myself, but I will not be satisfied with living a bland life, and therefore, unhappy.
Finding the truth can make me feel sad, and angry. But I know that I have one life to live. And that it should not be wasted. I know when I can be truly happy, and eventually I want to reach the area of my life where i cannot complain about a single thing. But i will not achive this state by being something I’m not. This book has great detail and great ideas. It also holds great truth. Expectations can be very hard to live up to, but through this book, (with thanks to Charles Dickens) I believe that even if my hopes become crushed, I cannot shed the truth... what makes me happy, makes me happy.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
college anyone?
For me, life after high school consists of OREGON. I really want to go to the University of Oregon. I checked out thier guidlines for admission. And under the essay section, it states: "Essay:
If applicable, submit a clear, well-organized essay (500- word maximum) in which you tell us about a book or article you have read, whether you liked or disliked it, and why. Your work should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone. Present your ideas in a focused, thoughtful, and meaningful manner. Write in a natural style and support your ideas with specific examples. At least one person should edit your essay prior to submission."
The official 'University of Oregon' website is http://www.uoregon.edu/. You can check it out yourself by clicking here.
If applicable, submit a clear, well-organized essay (500- word maximum) in which you tell us about a book or article you have read, whether you liked or disliked it, and why. Your work should reflect your own ideas and be written by you alone. Present your ideas in a focused, thoughtful, and meaningful manner. Write in a natural style and support your ideas with specific examples. At least one person should edit your essay prior to submission."
The official 'University of Oregon' website is http://www.uoregon.edu/. You can check it out yourself by clicking here.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
COA-sophie
I never would have imagined that four words coming out of my mouth could change everything. How extraordinary; a lifestyle change that changes your life.
I like to think that it’s my nature to be effected by even the smallest of details. Yesterday, after walking away from my kitchen sink, I fought myself against going back. I tried. And I failed. I cannot stand the sight of dirty dishes. Not in my house, not anymore. As I washed the grime and grease off of the plates, and gave the bowls a good scrub, I thought to myself, right next to the floating dishwashing bubbles and my dad’s morning coffee cup; I am no child.
After my predicted future quickly flashed through my brain in a matter of five seconds, I sat on my couch and I realized that I needed to reflect on this past year. When did I become so mature? How did this happen? I sank deeper into the worn down cushion, closed my eyes, and tried to remember. When was the last time I asked my dad what an electricity bill was? Or When was the last time I played catch in my puny backyard? I could not remember. And lastly, when was the last time I had a W&M burger? Or had shoyu chicken? Or bulgogi?
I am a vegetarian. And in my family, this means that I stand alone. My mother doesn’t cook me dinner, she doesn’t take me grocery shopping for the family anymore. Everywhere I walk, I have this newly gained heavy burden on my shoulders. When I became a vegetarian, all of these responsibilities, that I didn't even know existed, started to pile up faster than I have ever seen. I now have to 'fend for myself'. Nobody is going to throw money at me to buy my "special food." I don't have much support at home, and certainly not anywhere else. I guess you could say that I am independent.
Will I have enough money for food tomorrow? Can I afford to pay for a new book that I want? Financial trouble puts a lot of strain on me. And all because I am now a vegetarian. My grandparents' constant bickering rings in my ears all day long. "Why won't she go back to normal?" "I don't know what to do with her." The frequent questions from old time friends and the curiosity from new ones come in one ear, but not out the other.
I have let go of the famous childhood phrase: "I don't wanna." I cook my own dinner, I am telling my brother to clean up his room, I am vacuuming the living room floor (regardless if anyone notices), and I am taking trips to the supermarket all by myself. I have applied to two jobs, and have already spent all the money in my childhood savings (my piggy bank). I have entered into a higher realm of teen hood. And even if honestly I am scared, slowly and surely... I am becoming a big girl now.
I like to think that it’s my nature to be effected by even the smallest of details. Yesterday, after walking away from my kitchen sink, I fought myself against going back. I tried. And I failed. I cannot stand the sight of dirty dishes. Not in my house, not anymore. As I washed the grime and grease off of the plates, and gave the bowls a good scrub, I thought to myself, right next to the floating dishwashing bubbles and my dad’s morning coffee cup; I am no child.
After my predicted future quickly flashed through my brain in a matter of five seconds, I sat on my couch and I realized that I needed to reflect on this past year. When did I become so mature? How did this happen? I sank deeper into the worn down cushion, closed my eyes, and tried to remember. When was the last time I asked my dad what an electricity bill was? Or When was the last time I played catch in my puny backyard? I could not remember. And lastly, when was the last time I had a W&M burger? Or had shoyu chicken? Or bulgogi?
I am a vegetarian. And in my family, this means that I stand alone. My mother doesn’t cook me dinner, she doesn’t take me grocery shopping for the family anymore. Everywhere I walk, I have this newly gained heavy burden on my shoulders. When I became a vegetarian, all of these responsibilities, that I didn't even know existed, started to pile up faster than I have ever seen. I now have to 'fend for myself'. Nobody is going to throw money at me to buy my "special food." I don't have much support at home, and certainly not anywhere else. I guess you could say that I am independent.
Will I have enough money for food tomorrow? Can I afford to pay for a new book that I want? Financial trouble puts a lot of strain on me. And all because I am now a vegetarian. My grandparents' constant bickering rings in my ears all day long. "Why won't she go back to normal?" "I don't know what to do with her." The frequent questions from old time friends and the curiosity from new ones come in one ear, but not out the other.
I have let go of the famous childhood phrase: "I don't wanna." I cook my own dinner, I am telling my brother to clean up his room, I am vacuuming the living room floor (regardless if anyone notices), and I am taking trips to the supermarket all by myself. I have applied to two jobs, and have already spent all the money in my childhood savings (my piggy bank). I have entered into a higher realm of teen hood. And even if honestly I am scared, slowly and surely... I am becoming a big girl now.
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