Wednesday, July 22, 2009
My Birthday Wish by Christopher Johnson
If it was my birthday, hmm, I would go to a NFL football game and watch my favorite team, the Pittsburg Steelers. I always wanted to see the Steelers in person and watch them play a game. The Steelers have become a good motivation for me as I played football in high school and in everyday life. I would take all my closest friends to see them play too. The reason why is because they were really loyal to me and they also love the Pittsburgh Steelers as much as I do. I would get every football player on the team to autograph my custom made jersey and my custom made helmet. Afterwards, I would go out to eat in all my favorite restaurants in the city of Pittsburgh, from exotic pizzas to delicious seafood like shrimp and crab claws. I would hang around the mall with my homeboys, meeting girls, and getting their phone numbers as birthday presents. Later that night, I would leave my homeboys and take a special girl out to the movies. I would show her a good time and take her out to dinner. And that’s all I would do for my birthday.
To Tell the Truth? by Antavius Sims
Just like the fact that evil can sometimes prevail over good is the very uncommon reason why the truth can sometimes not be the best policy in certain situations. For example, if someone is trying to find information that could ruin someone’s reputation and will ultimately drive that person to commit suicide if he or she has low self-esteem. You could tell the truth about what you that person had done, or tell a lie by saying you haven’t heard anything about that person. If you told the truth in that situation you would probably have a little guilt in your heart knowing that you could possibly contribute to that person’s death. Another scenario is when someone says that if you tell the truth he or she will kill you. You can easily get this idea from the start. The killer will also know if you are telling the truth because he or she will use a lie-detector test. Know look how serious the situation is now. I know that these unprecedented and unfortunate situations are here, but these situations can actually happen to anyone at anytime no matter who you are or what you do. That goes to show you that you should think before you speak.
Changing My School by Sharika Drish
There are several things at Livingston High School that is annoying but I would like to change the way that the education is taught. The teachers at Livingston High only care about themselves. They don’t care if you get the right education or not and that’s very annoying. The teachers tell us that education is the key to success, but yet and still they aren’t trying to make us succeed. They understand that we need education in order to make it far in life or to be better in life. When I first took the ACT I thought to myself I have never seen any of this work before. When I mentioned the ACT to the teachers at one of the meetings they said to me that it’s not their fault we are responsible for teaching ourselves the education we need. I thought why get a job in teaching if you don’t want to teach. I haven’t learned anything at Livingston High, but how to write essays. The teachers go to work to sit on their behinds and get paid for nothing. The way that education is taught at Livingston High needs to better because when we go off to college our professors aren’t going to want to go over things that should have been taught in high school.
Things to Remember by Taniqua Moden
Dear, Mr. McDaniel
I would like to address some issues about the time I spent in your class which was my senior year and how you gave me a hard time in your physics class. As soon as I walked in your class I could sense that you had a problem with. People use to tell me all the time about your class and how hard you try to be, but I didn’t pay any attention to them because I decided that if I go into your class and do my work and do what I was supposed to do then everything would go smooth. I was the only African American student in your classroom, I did not think that would be issue, but it soon became a problem. On the first day of your class as soon as I walked in you told me that u had a assigned seat, but I did not pay any attention to it because nothing really crossed my mind until I noticed that the rest of the students got the opportunity to set where they wanted to that’s when I realized that something was not right.
Next, it was another issue that I wanted to bring to your attention. You always talked about Barack Obama being the president of the United States. I use to get really offended about the statements you use to make. You also allowed other students to turn their homework in a day late, but when I would ask for more time u would say “No, excuses”. I still don’t understand why u treated me the way you did and how disrespectful you was to me and I gave you all the respect.
Finally, I would like to say that thanks for being so shallow and disrespectful because I became a better person by the way u treated me. I learned that some people are just going to be a certain why towards you and judge you without getting to know someone first and that’s the way life is sometimes. I just felt like telling you how I felt and giving you some advice for the future because you never know what God has for you.
Sincerely,
Taniqua Moden
I would like to address some issues about the time I spent in your class which was my senior year and how you gave me a hard time in your physics class. As soon as I walked in your class I could sense that you had a problem with. People use to tell me all the time about your class and how hard you try to be, but I didn’t pay any attention to them because I decided that if I go into your class and do my work and do what I was supposed to do then everything would go smooth. I was the only African American student in your classroom, I did not think that would be issue, but it soon became a problem. On the first day of your class as soon as I walked in you told me that u had a assigned seat, but I did not pay any attention to it because nothing really crossed my mind until I noticed that the rest of the students got the opportunity to set where they wanted to that’s when I realized that something was not right.
Next, it was another issue that I wanted to bring to your attention. You always talked about Barack Obama being the president of the United States. I use to get really offended about the statements you use to make. You also allowed other students to turn their homework in a day late, but when I would ask for more time u would say “No, excuses”. I still don’t understand why u treated me the way you did and how disrespectful you was to me and I gave you all the respect.
Finally, I would like to say that thanks for being so shallow and disrespectful because I became a better person by the way u treated me. I learned that some people are just going to be a certain why towards you and judge you without getting to know someone first and that’s the way life is sometimes. I just felt like telling you how I felt and giving you some advice for the future because you never know what God has for you.
Sincerely,
Taniqua Moden
Trip I Would Take by Meagin Hinton
If I was given the opportunity to take a trip anywhere in the world I would go to Africa. There are many reasons why I want to visit this location. One reason why I want to attend this place is because I want to learn more about my heritage and where my ancestors really came from. Another reason why I want to visit Africa is because I see on television everyday little kids who need someone to care for them. The final reason why I want to visit Africa is to see the attraction that the country offers.
I want to learn more about this particular place because I was always told and believe that it is the place where my ancestors came from. And I think it would be great way to learn more about my heritage so I can come back home to educate people who really do not know much about it. It would also help me understand meaning of certain things we do which I think reflects on the things from Africa.
In addition to going to learn more about my heritage I want to go to Africa is to help the little kids over there because of the way they are treated. I think that the kids should be treated differently and I want to give them the things that they really deserve.
Finally, I want to visit Africa because I want to experience there attractions and the things the people do for fun. I want to go to their theme parks and see the differences between the ones in Africa and in the United States. I want to ride ostriches, stay in a tree house, ride elephants and swim with the penguins. These are some of the main reasons why I want to visit AFRICA.
I want to learn more about this particular place because I was always told and believe that it is the place where my ancestors came from. And I think it would be great way to learn more about my heritage so I can come back home to educate people who really do not know much about it. It would also help me understand meaning of certain things we do which I think reflects on the things from Africa.
In addition to going to learn more about my heritage I want to go to Africa is to help the little kids over there because of the way they are treated. I think that the kids should be treated differently and I want to give them the things that they really deserve.
Finally, I want to visit Africa because I want to experience there attractions and the things the people do for fun. I want to go to their theme parks and see the differences between the ones in Africa and in the United States. I want to ride ostriches, stay in a tree house, ride elephants and swim with the penguins. These are some of the main reasons why I want to visit AFRICA.
Taking Advantage by Lashonda Lewis
they see their way of doing it. I do not think that people should take advantages of others because it is people that really care about others. If a person takes advantage of another person they are not showing that they care. Advantages is something that people do to most people, rather if they are nice, intelligent, smart, disable, or productive. If someone shows their kindness most people thinks that they have a way of doing what they want to them. It is not right to take advantage of someone when people know that they will not be blessed for the things that they do. I do not think that people should take advantages of people that are disable. People who are disable, most of the time they does not know any better. Most of the times they do what their peers tell them, so they do what they are told. Even when they are smart they still take advantages, because they try to get them to do their work even when they know they have the ability to do what they want and need done. People should not do things when they know that they are not good. Everyone should know right from wrong and in a situation of taking advantages they know that is not right. It is good to be positive and not negative because people who are positive with the right aspects would not have a chance to take advantages of others when they know that they are not negative. Most of the time people try to be nice and satisfy everybody who they really care a lot about. When people know that they have people to care about them, they really does not care about someone else feelings. In the mean time as the saying says, “do not bite the hand that feed you.” Think about the people that are going to be helpful no matter what the situation is. An advantage is not a good risk that I will advise someone to take on someone else. When that takes place people will realize that they are being taking advantage of and it will make them feel as if they are a worthless person.
Hero by Liz Coleman
Whom do you consider your personal hero? What qualities make him/her your hero?
The two people that I would consider to be personal heroes to me in my life would be my mother Mattie Williams & my sister Katrina McKinney. With my mother and my sister being my two chooses made doing this paper easier than what it already is. Because of the simple fact that they both have the same qualities, meaning that they are almost alike. So with that being said, the first person I choose to write about is my mother, Mattie Williams, to me my mother makes life worthwhile, she is the most important person in my life next to GOD, she instill in her girls that education is important and to never let no one tell you that you can’t make it or that you are no good for nothing. Also she is a strong independent African American, and that is what makes my mother my first choose. My next chose is my sister, Katrina McKinney, she was my next choose because she is like a mother to me even though she is just my sister. She always let me know that no matter what she got my back, through the good and bad. She is very easy to talk to, and just like my mother she also encourages me to put GOD first no matter what. I’m so glad that GOD gave me a loving family, but most of all a loving mother and sister. I think they hold a special place in my heart and they posses some very special qualities. So those are the people that I chose and my reasons for choosing them.
The two people that I would consider to be personal heroes to me in my life would be my mother Mattie Williams & my sister Katrina McKinney. With my mother and my sister being my two chooses made doing this paper easier than what it already is. Because of the simple fact that they both have the same qualities, meaning that they are almost alike. So with that being said, the first person I choose to write about is my mother, Mattie Williams, to me my mother makes life worthwhile, she is the most important person in my life next to GOD, she instill in her girls that education is important and to never let no one tell you that you can’t make it or that you are no good for nothing. Also she is a strong independent African American, and that is what makes my mother my first choose. My next chose is my sister, Katrina McKinney, she was my next choose because she is like a mother to me even though she is just my sister. She always let me know that no matter what she got my back, through the good and bad. She is very easy to talk to, and just like my mother she also encourages me to put GOD first no matter what. I’m so glad that GOD gave me a loving family, but most of all a loving mother and sister. I think they hold a special place in my heart and they posses some very special qualities. So those are the people that I chose and my reasons for choosing them.
Laptops for Everyone? by Benjamin Brooks
Would it be a good idea to give every high school student a laptop computer provided by the school? Why or why not?
High school students today have a lot of access to computers that link to internet and other things to help them with school and entertainment. If it were up to the parents, I think the majority would agree to all high school students receiving laptop computers because it can be very helpful in many ways. Although giving the students laptops can lead to a positive change, it can also be very dangerous in a number of ways. I think giving all high school students laptops would be a terrible idea because not all high school students want to be in school and are looking for a number of ways to get in trouble. The internet is very quick and easy way to get in trouble although the internet is very helpful. If the majority of the students that received laptops dropped out of school and still continued to do badly in school, the money and the materials would have been wasted and could have been used for something else to help the students.
Children are very devious in their own way. I think if the government were to do something like that, all the students trying to do something in school and do something with their lives should receive them. It sounds harsh to those students who really need access to a computer but in reality, the majority of the number of students who receive them are going to drop out of school, slack off on their schoolwork, and get into more trouble. Overall, I think giving all laptop computers to all high school students provided by the schools would be a bad idea.
High school students today have a lot of access to computers that link to internet and other things to help them with school and entertainment. If it were up to the parents, I think the majority would agree to all high school students receiving laptop computers because it can be very helpful in many ways. Although giving the students laptops can lead to a positive change, it can also be very dangerous in a number of ways. I think giving all high school students laptops would be a terrible idea because not all high school students want to be in school and are looking for a number of ways to get in trouble. The internet is very quick and easy way to get in trouble although the internet is very helpful. If the majority of the students that received laptops dropped out of school and still continued to do badly in school, the money and the materials would have been wasted and could have been used for something else to help the students.
Children are very devious in their own way. I think if the government were to do something like that, all the students trying to do something in school and do something with their lives should receive them. It sounds harsh to those students who really need access to a computer but in reality, the majority of the number of students who receive them are going to drop out of school, slack off on their schoolwork, and get into more trouble. Overall, I think giving all laptop computers to all high school students provided by the schools would be a bad idea.
Making the World a Better Place by Michael Magic
This specific scenario is hard to satisfy, but I’ am always up for a challenge. I knew that solving the problems of the world that we live in seems impossible for me alone to change, but I don’t plan on giving up on this plan about making the world a better place. I have to at first talk and listen to other people’s opinions on the different alternatives to make our lives easier, safer, and better. In order for me to make this world better, I would have to listen to different viewpoints and I would need a lot of patience to overcome this dilemma. I think we should start by gathering various world leaders around the world to start on different projects centered around world restoration for each and every day. Each person will have a specific role to play in making our world a better place for the next generation to live in. I have faith that I will have a chance to change this world and keep it that way for many years to come. I love the way that people come together for a common goal, and I know that this is just the beginning of how people can work for a common goal because the only ones that can solve this problem is the ones who live in it. I know it can be done otherwise I wouldn’t be wasting my time getting everyone involved with this dire situation.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Where do you go when you want to get away? by James Dumas
Where do you go when you want to get away from the pressures of life? Write a description of that place.
Everyone has problems and frustrations in life. Some people choose to deal with their problems in different ways. Everyone has a special place in this world that makes him or her feel comfortable. This special place can sometimes feel like a completely different world. This place is refreshment after dealing with the pressures of life. Life can be stressful and sometimes depressing; however, a person must remain strong and in most cases turn to that special place for comfort. When in this place, I think that a person should not be alone simply because comforting words always make a difference in a tough situation. This place should exist to everyone. It certainly exists to me and here’s why.
My special place exists in my own home. This special place is in my room. My room is where I find comfort. It is filled with things that can help me when I am facing a tough decision or just dealing with the issues of life. When I am faced with difficulties in life I can go to my room. While in there I play the game, watch television, or simply sit in silence and think about how & why I end up in certain situations that seem impossible to get around. I feel comforted although sometimes I am all alone. My room is a place where I can get lost in my thoughts and escape the outside world.
Everyone has problems and frustrations in life. Some people choose to deal with their problems in different ways. Everyone has a special place in this world that makes him or her feel comfortable. This special place can sometimes feel like a completely different world. This place is refreshment after dealing with the pressures of life. Life can be stressful and sometimes depressing; however, a person must remain strong and in most cases turn to that special place for comfort. When in this place, I think that a person should not be alone simply because comforting words always make a difference in a tough situation. This place should exist to everyone. It certainly exists to me and here’s why.
My special place exists in my own home. This special place is in my room. My room is where I find comfort. It is filled with things that can help me when I am facing a tough decision or just dealing with the issues of life. When I am faced with difficulties in life I can go to my room. While in there I play the game, watch television, or simply sit in silence and think about how & why I end up in certain situations that seem impossible to get around. I feel comforted although sometimes I am all alone. My room is a place where I can get lost in my thoughts and escape the outside world.
Money, Power, Fame by Silina Houston
Have you ever heard of the expression money is the root to all evil? Most people have but if you have not, the reason for this saying is that most people will do anything for money. Whether good or bad, people will take desperate measures jus to gain a dollar. This is immoral and absolutely upsetting to me because it is obvious that people choose to put money above things of far more importance. Money, power and fame seem to go hand in hand. People who have gained fame usually gain riches and they thrive on having power. These three things that seem to be so wonderful can also be very dangerous.
Money to me is the least important. Although a certain amount of money is necessary for life, it is not something that should be longed for. Money is material and it cannot bring happiness. Many people strive to gain riches with the hopes of becoming happy; however, happiness has to come from within. It has to come from joy that cannot easily be taken away. A person should find pleasure with the simple things in life. My grandmother always says that the best in life are free. As a younger child I did not understand what this meant, but as I got older, I realized that she was simply saying that a person should learn contentment with the simplicity of life. This value that has stayed with me and it is a good reminder that helps me keep focus in a world that values materialistic things over more important things like God, family, and friends.
Money is something that is a necessity but it is the least important thing on my list simply because it causes anger, frustration, and it is often mistaken for a replacement of happiness. Although the love of money is the root of all evil and not money itself, it is still of least importance to me simply because people try to use money to fill many voids in life when what is really missing is the relationship of a higher power.
Money to me is the least important. Although a certain amount of money is necessary for life, it is not something that should be longed for. Money is material and it cannot bring happiness. Many people strive to gain riches with the hopes of becoming happy; however, happiness has to come from within. It has to come from joy that cannot easily be taken away. A person should find pleasure with the simple things in life. My grandmother always says that the best in life are free. As a younger child I did not understand what this meant, but as I got older, I realized that she was simply saying that a person should learn contentment with the simplicity of life. This value that has stayed with me and it is a good reminder that helps me keep focus in a world that values materialistic things over more important things like God, family, and friends.
Money is something that is a necessity but it is the least important thing on my list simply because it causes anger, frustration, and it is often mistaken for a replacement of happiness. Although the love of money is the root of all evil and not money itself, it is still of least importance to me simply because people try to use money to fill many voids in life when what is really missing is the relationship of a higher power.
Best Book by Burneshia Sims
What is the best book you have ever read? Why did you like it?
The best book I have ever read was “Like Sisters on the Home front”. This book explains so much more other than life itself. It talks mostly about teenage problems. Problems such as teen pregnancy, teen abortions, and sex. This book is for ages 17 and up.
The character that amazes me the most is the main character of the story which is Gayle. She is a 14 year old girl who is struggling with life. She is only 14 and has had one abortion and now has a son. She has an attitude that basically keeps her up. Even though she is struggling she isn’t too much down as she is happy to have a son that she loves tenderly. Although she does spark a few problems with her mother. Her mother becomes even more upset with her and decides that it is no longer safe in the city of New York but in Georgia, where her Christian cousins live.
As she stays with her cousins and goes to church with them every Sunday, more and more of their nature rubs off on her. She eventually changes for the benefits of life.
I choose this book because I seen this happen before to many young females and I could relate to it.
Qualities by Ashley Carter
What quality do you like about yourself--creativity, personality, appearance?
There are a lot of qualities that I like about myself, but being kind is my best quality. I am a very kind person. I can’t be mean or rude to anyone. I have been this way for the longest, and I don’t think I could change that about myself. I love being nice to others. I find it very easy to adapt to others. It excites me to make new friends. Even though I am a nice person, I can also be mean if someone makes me. I also love to cook. I like the way that I can be able to create something with my hands that is delicious, and that puts a smile on my face.
Most people say that I am shy, but they just really don’t know me. Once a person gets to know me, they will realize that I am an easy and laid-back type of person. With my appearance, I like to look nice. I find that keeping myself decent looking will help me go a long way in life. I am proud to have all of these good qualities about myself. All of these qualities make me who I am.
There are a lot of qualities that I like about myself, but being kind is my best quality. I am a very kind person. I can’t be mean or rude to anyone. I have been this way for the longest, and I don’t think I could change that about myself. I love being nice to others. I find it very easy to adapt to others. It excites me to make new friends. Even though I am a nice person, I can also be mean if someone makes me. I also love to cook. I like the way that I can be able to create something with my hands that is delicious, and that puts a smile on my face.
Most people say that I am shy, but they just really don’t know me. Once a person gets to know me, they will realize that I am an easy and laid-back type of person. With my appearance, I like to look nice. I find that keeping myself decent looking will help me go a long way in life. I am proud to have all of these good qualities about myself. All of these qualities make me who I am.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
How is the Art of Literature defined in the eyes of writers and readers? By: Verdie Coleman III
Literature is by far the most powerful form of expression in the world today. Often, there are ways of defining the arts and crafts of literature, but the two that stand out more than any other method are: the views of the reader and the writer. These two views have often been the cornerstone and he building blocks of literature. In the eyes of the writer, he or she has the privilege of using the creative side of their imagination, while yet and still using the tactics and skills learned in the research. As a writer, I have personally known from experience that it’s more heart than it is skills and tactics. Those elements only complement the passion a writer puts behind his or her work. The main goal of a writer’s work is to give the readers an illusion to their liking or instill a meaning to a life lesson, which in turn brings out the views and perceptions of a reader.
Readers view literature on a whole different psychology versus the typical writer. When dealing with literary content, a reader is often looking for something that will draw their attention or help them in their problems, i.e. relationships, family, school, or social life. Readers also want entertainment in their literature as well, much in the areas of fantasy, romance, action, tragedy, or comedy. As the reader reads a piece of work, they are making a critical analysis of the author of that work; And in turn, making a decision to keep reading more or less of a writer’s work.
In conclusion, readers and writers may be different in interpreting the art of literature, but the goals and entertainments of both are one and the same…
Readers view literature on a whole different psychology versus the typical writer. When dealing with literary content, a reader is often looking for something that will draw their attention or help them in their problems, i.e. relationships, family, school, or social life. Readers also want entertainment in their literature as well, much in the areas of fantasy, romance, action, tragedy, or comedy. As the reader reads a piece of work, they are making a critical analysis of the author of that work; And in turn, making a decision to keep reading more or less of a writer’s work.
In conclusion, readers and writers may be different in interpreting the art of literature, but the goals and entertainments of both are one and the same…
Cooperation by Collette Butler
What would happen if people never co-operated? Why do you think it is important to co-operate?
What would happen if people never co-operated? If people never co-operated life would be more complicated than it is now. There would be no source of order, direction, guidelines, or boundaries. Cooperation is the one of the most important character traits we as a people and BEST Fellows should possess. Cooperation is simply complying with the group and thinking as one. It is perfectly fine to agree to disagree as long as there is common ground found. No one person has a solution to every problem; therefore, we should surround ourselves with an equal balance of stronger and weaker individuals who complete the team. The balance itself permits brain power as well as critical thinking to find a well thought out solution to the problem or situation at hand.
It is important to co-operate because cooperation makes a process move smoothly. One may not have all the answers all the time, but two heads is better than one. The more brain power we have the better the outcome or the results would be to a problem or task. There will never full participation or cooperation with every individual in the world, but this is the time to start with yourself. Also, it is important to co-operate because there is no leader of a team who hasn’t been a follower and that hasn’t been at the back of the line working his/her way up to that executive or president seat. Be all you can be and co-operate because there will be times where outside help and working as a team will get the job done faster than being alone and thinking as multiple people when there is only one.
What would happen if people never co-operated? If people never co-operated life would be more complicated than it is now. There would be no source of order, direction, guidelines, or boundaries. Cooperation is the one of the most important character traits we as a people and BEST Fellows should possess. Cooperation is simply complying with the group and thinking as one. It is perfectly fine to agree to disagree as long as there is common ground found. No one person has a solution to every problem; therefore, we should surround ourselves with an equal balance of stronger and weaker individuals who complete the team. The balance itself permits brain power as well as critical thinking to find a well thought out solution to the problem or situation at hand.
It is important to co-operate because cooperation makes a process move smoothly. One may not have all the answers all the time, but two heads is better than one. The more brain power we have the better the outcome or the results would be to a problem or task. There will never full participation or cooperation with every individual in the world, but this is the time to start with yourself. Also, it is important to co-operate because there is no leader of a team who hasn’t been a follower and that hasn’t been at the back of the line working his/her way up to that executive or president seat. Be all you can be and co-operate because there will be times where outside help and working as a team will get the job done faster than being alone and thinking as multiple people when there is only one.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Welcome to the BEST Student Blog!
This blog will be the place that you, the BEST Students at UWA, share your thoughts and ideas on life, learning, and basically, anything else you want to postt. It is a great venue to share poetry, short stories, song lyrics, essays,photos, or other media.
There is a list of blog post topics on our BEST wiki located at http://uwabestsummer2009.wikispaces.com/Blog+Writing+Prompts/
Please choose one and put your name beside the post of your choice. You may also add a post of your own to the bottom of the list, but please remember to put your name. Only one student per topic so choose soon!
Your work will be added in this way.
1. You will use MS Word or Google Docs to write your response to a topic.
2. Then, you will email it to Dr. Fowler at lfowler@uwa.edu.
3. Dr. Fowler will post it to the blog.
4. Finally, the BEST professors and the other BEST students can read and respond to your topic by using the comments link.
There is a list of blog post topics on our BEST wiki located at http://uwabestsummer2009.wikispaces.com/Blog+Writing+Prompts/
Please choose one and put your name beside the post of your choice. You may also add a post of your own to the bottom of the list, but please remember to put your name. Only one student per topic so choose soon!
Your work will be added in this way.
1. You will use MS Word or Google Docs to write your response to a topic.
2. Then, you will email it to Dr. Fowler at lfowler@uwa.edu.
3. Dr. Fowler will post it to the blog.
4. Finally, the BEST professors and the other BEST students can read and respond to your topic by using the comments link.
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