SOCIAL

Thinking back to HOMAGO, I find it interesting that there is such an emphasis on social relationships, and that they are "'key".  What about individuals who are independent or so-called "loners", how does this affect them? Maybe we're speaking more here about the relationships in the virtual world, which would make more sense. However, I find it very difficult to believe that individuals who are extremely invested  in virtual relationships feel complete within social relationships in the real world, and the opposite. Is it possible to balance both relationships? I understand that virtual relationships are a way of connecting to individuals that have similar interests and it's a different form of expression. I just wonder if those types of relationships are truly beneficial to the social skills we need to acquire in order to be successful in the "real world". Communication skills, Inter-personal skills, body language recognition, and presentation are very important skills that I feel one can really only learn through personal experience and observation. But can these things be taught via internet? And if they can, which method of learning is most effective?

FOREVER

I feel like the infinite sign best describes success. In an abstract form, I believe that it depicts and continuous cycle of ups and downs and constantly bounces back from each aspects. I don't really think that one particular goal should be labeled on the infinite sign either. I think that the sign represents life as a whole and that we encounter significant and miniscule advances and setbacks in our lives that at the end of our lives, however we define it, feel successful.
                                           

THE UNDERDOG

Looking through the lists of movies that was collaborated as a class, I found that thinking was often represented through means of popularity. In several of the films I chose there was always an underdog who worked their way up the social ladder of overcame obstacles in order to be a part of the elite "popular" group. In the end, they must deal with both the positive and negative aspects of their new title. I find it interesting that in each film it is always a struggle to be, and stay, popular. And that it is always individuals of the lowest social rank that aspires to be popular. It almost seems as if their perspective of the popular group is the most distorted because they are the farthest from it. How ever inspiring and motivational it may be, to work your way to the top, I feel that in many of these movies the ulterior motives are for the wrong reasons. Many take on the struggle to gain popularity in order to feel accepted, or even boost their self esteem. I find that this scenario is very prevalent in many movies, and has become very predictable.

MEDIA

The media, and pop culture have a huge influence on our lives and the generations that follow. Our thought processes, perspectives, languages, even culture is greatly determined by media in which we highly regard. Some information may be beneficial, some may be harmful. For example, popular cartoon animations depict strong female leads and a male who's only quest in life is to fight the bad guy and win the girl. Instead, many argue that there should be a strong male lead who's only mission in life isn't to conquer something, or gain ownership of someone, they should partner with them. Many do not realize the impact that even the slightest details of popular media have on children and their growth. Constantly surrounded in today's world by racy magazines, shows, and even children's shows that ride a fine line of appropriateness, it is scary to think about what the generations to follow will develop into.

NOT SURE....

My play was a complete success.  The audience was a failure. 

 ~Ashleigh Brilliant

        

     Everyone has an opinion. They always do. It may not be voiced, but it is always there, lingering. Some discouraging, some encouraging. I suppose it really doesn't matter though, so long as you are consciously aware that they will forever exist about you. Whatever makes you happy, do it. Those are the things that fill your heart, and will shield you from any negativity. Let your confidence drive you, not someone else. Only you are in complete control of yourself, contrary to beliefs. And as hard as the realization may be,once you are aware that you are the biggest problem, and also your biggest solution, you can succeed in any avenue you choose to take.

       

A MAKER

What does being a maker entail?

I feel that in order to be a so called "maker", one must be an innovator, a first of their kind.  Someone unique and different that does, creates, represents, or upholds something completely new and different and brings it forth into our already complex society. A maker is essentially a puzzle piece. I feel that all individuals are, and that we all have the power to "make a difference" or even "make a point". We search so long throughout our lives for our purpose. I'm not so sure that we have one. I think sometimes that we are each a small, yet significant, aspect that makes up a bigger picture. And that even though we can only comprehend what we have been able to prove, I question our so-called "purpose" as possibly being something so insignificant in the big picture. However, it is true that one is only as strong as it's weakest link. Without individuals creativity, innovation, and aspiration to grow we would not flourish as a society, and even as human beings. If it weren't for the subconscious drive of each individual to learn and essentially be a maker and a master of their skill, the big picture would not exist. It is so important that each person throughout their lives remains curious, and keeps creating. Making new technologies, medicine, art, culture, and more, is essential because without the drive to make, the path do discovering a purpose and the bigger picture in life, would never be traveled.

WOBBLE

Literacy Narrative Treats

1/3 cup of immediate confusion

1    cup of horseback riding memories

1/4 cup of late nights revising

1/4 cup of procrastination

1   tbsp of lethargy

1     tsp of curiosity

1    cup of nostalgia

3   cups of fear of public speaking

1/2 cup of barely meeting deadlines

1    cup of learning

1/4 cup of feedback

1   tbsp of satisfaction

1 pinch of apples, oats, and carrots

- Bake at 95 degrees (just above comfortable)

- Let immediate confusion sit in a bowl for five minutes, slowly mix in horseback riding memories,and nostalgia. Let stand for another five minutes.

- In a separate bowl, mix immediate confusion, procrastination, lethargy, curiosity, and late nights revising. 

- Slowly pour second mixture into the first bowl, and blend well. Begin mixing in barely meeting deadlines, learning, and feedback.

- In a small bowl mix satisfaction, and fear of public speaking to create icing. Stir until it is smooth. Add a pinch of apples, oats, and carrots for flavor. Spread the icing on top of the batter.

- Bake at 95 degrees (just above comfortable) for exactly one minute.

         I would say that I have "Wobbled" most when writing/sharing my literacy narrative. At first, for some reason, it was extremely hard for me to understand the assignment, and I had an especially hard time trying to figure out what I was going to write about. In high school, I was constantly ridiculed for writing about horses for every assignment we were given. I was reluctant to write about them again, but I knew that this is what I was passionate about and what I would be able to write about the best. I felt really juvenile talking about growing up loving horses. I always write about it because it come more naturally to me. I am proud of what I have written but not enough to share my work to the class. Interestingly enough, I have no problem sharing my writings and ideas on my blog or on a Google document. Probably because I don't have to experience their reaction so closely. I felt really juvenile talking about growing up loving horses. I always write about it because it come more naturally to me. I really struggled when it came down to actually sharing my narrative though. I hate public speaking and I was so afraid that my peers would react the same way that my other classmates had throughout school. Luckily, they didn't and I was happy to finally get it over with. I'm definitely not confident sharing my work, but slowly I feel like I've come out of my shell with the help of this class. The blog has really helped me become more confident and less "wobbly" than I was before when it came to sharing my personal thoughts. I have a long road ahead of me though to become a more confident person in what I believe in and care about. So what now? Where do I go from here in search of that person? I continue to write, and think, and stand up for myself and hopefully along that road on the quest to find myself, I'll look back and realize I've been creating myself each step of the way and that I have been here all along.