The Ways of Wheelock

To my liking, Wheelock College is mainly a "Mac school", meaning that all of its computers are Macs, and generally the technological help they have is for Macs, though they help PC's as well. They do not require every student to have a laptop, though I know that most of the students have them. I do not know their rules and policies, but Wheelock seems pretty serious and tough about them.

School Policies

As I was reading these policies, I figured I would find some leigh-way with somke of these offenses. "Maybe 'inappropriateness' in blogging is just freedom of speech", "maybe we need to send our home address to someone for a certain class", but then I stopped myself. The only way to protect the students in this school is to enforce safety regulations. I think these rules seem fairly reasonable. In simple words: if you're doing something you know you shouldn't be doing, the school will punish you. Burlington has been pretty low-key about cell phones, iPods, and Facebooking. I would love to talk to students who have problems with these rules, because, let's face it, they're really not that bad. They're not telling us to pretend we don't have a Facebook or Twitter, but these policies are simply telling us, the students, to be smart on the internet.

Senior Countdown: 5 Days

In just five days, my fellow classmates and I will be done.

After four long, and what seemed unbearable years, we will no longer be students at Burlington High, but rather alumni. Though my friends have become sentimental about the situation, I know it comes with the territory. I've taken it pretty well - surprise, surprise. I know that once graduation comes, so will the tears, but for right now, this is quite an exciting chapter for my class :)

Food Feud

Cafeteria food is notorious for being unhealthy. It's not that the cooks, or lunch ladies, don't care about what they're giving us, but when all is said and done, it comes down to money. They're more willing to serve unhealthy foods at a cheaper cost than more organic, healthy foods that are more costly. It's sad that that is what our generation has come to. Just recently in health class, we watched "Fast Food Nation", and I learned a lot about food, and what we think is healthy and what actually is healthy. Not only that, but the way the animals are treated before being killed is terrible, disgraceful, and nonethical. That's what made me stop and think about what our world has come to. As for cafeteria food? I never bought lunch. Yeah, I had a few french fries here and there, but my mom has always packed my lunch - peanut butter and jelly sandwich, iced tea, and either cookies or chips. It's always been that way. I don't know. Call me cheesy or corny, but I like having my mom make me a sandwich, because it really is made out of love, whereas my friends who eat hamburgers (with questionable meat) get it from ladies who just make them in piles, and not made specifically for them.

Senior Reflection

Last night, as I read my senior speech to my parents, my mother's eyes started to fill with tears. Though it was not my intention to make her sad, it hit me: college is the time, not only for new experiences, but to become an individual. This was the first time I actually thought about what I was going to do in college. I've had my parents by my side for the past 18 years, but when September comes, I will be on my own in Beantown. Unlike my friends, I haven't cried about leaving everyone, because it still just hasn't hit me yet. In addition, I'm more thrilled for new experiences. I've spent the past 7 years here in Burlington, and before that, I was in Brighton since birth. I haven't had much change. Don't get me wrong - I love Brighton and Burlington, but this is a time to become anything we want to be. My English teacher gave my class a speech about how this is probably the last time we can define ourselves. Last time we did that, we were 4, being walked into school by our parents, and friends just came automatically. I'm really excited for September to come. My school immediately allows interns, which I think is the best preparation for the 'real world', I will be in Boston - my favorite city in the world, my friends will be in nearby schools, and I will be studying something I want to study - special education. I am truly excited!

30 Goals Challenge: Goal 8

For goal #8, I have to choose the theme song of my life. The theme song of my life has to describe my personality, the way I am, and how I interact with the people around me.

As I have blogged about numerous times, I love Taylor Swift songs. They embody the lives of every  girl out there in an honest and up-front way. I can't pick just one song of hers, though. I don't have just one soundtrack song to my life. For instance, her songs "Long Live" and "Fearless" are about being, well, fearless and going after what you want. You don't take no for an answer. And some days I'm like that. Other days, I'm not. Other days I'm wishing I was the girl with the typical football player, and that's why "You Belong With Me" and "Sparks Fly" would apply to my life. There are other times when I've been hurt by others, and "Tell Me Why" and "You're Not Sorry" are the perfect fit. That's why I love her music, because on any given day, I can relate to any one of her songs.

My newest music influence is Robyn, and up-and-coming indie singer. Her song "Dancing on My Own" is great, and I really suggest that everyone listen to it. My friends don't like her, but her music is so unique. This song is about a girl who sees her love at a party dancing with another girl, but her angst and sadness portray the realism in this situation. By the end of the song, she begins to scream, and it's my favorite part, because that's when I can feel her emotion. That song is very relatable to my life.

John Mayer, my newest obsession, has a song "Half of My Heart", which is very honest - you love someone, but you don't love them enough. It's hard to realize, but he sings it in such a beautiful way. In addition, I'm a little biased because Taylor Swift makes surprise vocals at the end of the song. "Half of My Heart" is so sad, but it's so true. I know so many people, from myself to my friends and siblings, who have "loved" someone, but they didn't even realize that they can't be together because the love isn't strong enough.

Ingrid Michaelson's "Maybe" is also, sad. (I'm seeing a trend with these sad songs...) She sings that she will be the one to end their relationship, but if time figures itself out, they'll be together in the end. I don't know if the song to my life, but the message has been really inspirational for me. Many times with boyfriends I thought were "the one" turned out not to be, but the only way to figure that out is to take time apart. If time sorts itself out, and the "one" comes back to you, then it's true love. This song is extremely sad, because it's so true about real life. The line "the only way to really know is to really let it go" is a great line - the only way you'll know it's true love is if you let it go.

"White Horse" by Taylor Swift is probably the best representation of who I am. To begin with, the music video is extremely sentimental. It starts out with Taylor singing about hiding her sadness, trying to be happy for herself and her boyfriend, being a naiive teenage girl. The chorus emphasizes that she knows fairy tales aren't real, however it changes in the end, when she changes the words in the chorus, singing that she knows there is someone out there for her, and he is not the guy. I feel like this song is very relatable to who I am. I am the type of girl who wishes for that Prince Charming, but soon enough, every girl has to realize that there isn't a prince who will save you on a white horse, but the world is huge, and there is that man for you. That is the soundtrack to my life.

My Own Personal Challenges

Instead of listening to someone else's list of challenges, I will make my own, that I can hopefully accomplish by the end of the summer.

1. take a risk
2. stand up for yourself
3. become a mentor to someone
4. make a new friend
5. try something new
6. make a dish from a different country
7. support a movement
8. travel somewhere
9. spend a day on photography, just taking pictures
10. teach someone
11. learn about someone else's life
12. volunteer to at least 1 place
13. open up to someone

30 Goals Challenge: Goal 3

For goal #3, I have to start an adventure. My adventure will be occurring this summer, and it terrifies me yet excites me at the same time. My uncle, aunt, brother, and cousins have all worked at a volunteer special needs camp, Camp Fatima, for numerous years. No one gets paid, and each adult is given a special needs child, adult, or senior citizen, to be the counselor for an entire week. Though it may sound terrible and easy to some, it is extremely difficult but quite rewarding. Now that I am 18 years old, I am able to be a counselor. Because I want to major in special ed at Wheelock, I will be working as a counselor this summer. I am frightened, knowing that a person's life is in my hands for an entire week, but I know this will be great preparation and a good indicator of what kind of special education teacher I will be. Luckily I will have my uncle and brother this summer with me, but I will not know anyone else, and it scares me. That will be my adventure for the summer, and hopefully many more summers to come.

30 Goals Challenge: Goal 1

Well, for goal #1, I have to write a diary. I'll be honest, I keep a journal at home to write down some of my thoughts. To be even more honest, it's the best therapy for myself. Whenever my friends are upset or sad, I tell them every time to write it down. Firstly, it helps you look back later on about what you were so mad about. Secondly, when you write, you're telling yourself things that you know already, but by literally showing it on a piece of paper. It really helps me think.

Obama finds Osama

Last night was just like any other Sunday night - procrastinating doing my homework, listening to music, and catching up on life on Facebook. As I was talking to my brother, I turned back to the computer screen to find three statuses: "Bin Laden is dead", "good job USA", and "God bless America". I jumped on ABC News to find out that Bin Laden has been killed by US troops. My brother and I were shocked for two reasons: 1) the man America has been trying to kill for nearly a decade, the world's most wanted man, is finally dead, and 2) we discovered one of the most historic, thrilling, and shocking events of our lifetime through Facebook. I have never been more thankful for having a computer as I was last night. Because I was procrastinating doing my work, I was able to find out about Bin Laden's death, learn more information on ABC News, and watch Obama's message on the TV. Then, I immediately thought about the next presidential election and how this will affect his campaign. Perhaps Republicans who don't like him will reconsider, now knowing that America's #1 target is no longer alive.

College vs. Facebook

Though I do believe Facebook can be extremely distracting, I also feel that the people who use it can't take advantage of these social network websites. I've learned throughout my four years of high school as well as the four years of having Facebook, that I need to know the difference between work and laziness, and I think I've managed to distinguish the two.
Whenever I have an important paper to write, I sign off Facebook, sometimes I even hide my computer. One time, in fact, I deleted my account for the time being. After I felt I did a successful job, that's when I went back to my Facebooking. Those who can't determine what's important - completing homework or updating a new status - that's their own fault for not being successful in college.

EyePad

I've noticed from these iPads that they're mainly used for games and tools, which makes it difficult to type papers, for instance, which a laptop can offer. Don't get me wrong, I love iPads. I'm completely a Mac girl, but for these instances, I find it difficult to say that I would totally change my way of learning to iPads, because it's very different. However, my uncle, who you can call the "Mac Expert", got a portable keyboard to plug into the iPad, treating it like a laptop. I think that's a convenient method.

iPad Apps

The iPad app "Simply Find It" is not only educational, but fun too. To be honest, I only installed it because it was free, but I grew to really like it. It's a game of multiple levels that gives you 2 pictures, and asks you to find the differences between the two. Though it seems easy, the levels advance more quickly. It works the visual senses and the mind, because you're being timed to finish the level, otherwise you start back at square one. I truly enjoyed playing this game, because I love being raced against time.

Contradiction Conversation

For the past two days in my English, we've been having class debates. Not just any debates, though. The first day, one half of the classroom had to defend its side that the government should not have any control of the media, such as books, television, and video games. The other side was given the argument that government should have control. The next day, the pro-control group had to become anti-control, and vice versa. It was interesting seeing my classmates contradict themselves from the day before, however, it did teach me a lesson. I actually discovered that the people that were on the opposite side of their actual beliefs defended themselves better than if they were on the side they actually supported. For instance, for my pro-control side, I came up with better arguments than if I were on the anti-control side, because I wasn't biased. I used sensible ideas, because I'm not so attached to having control over media. This, quite honestly, was my favorite lesson I've learned this year, because it was so much fun, yet it was extremely educational.

iPad Apps

"Speak It" is great for changing text into speech, to help read back notes:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speak-it-text-to-speech/id308629295?mt=8

"Note Taker" takes advanced notes by providing charts and shapes as well:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/note-taker-hd/id366572045?mt=8

"IM+" combines Twitter, Facebook, AIM, Skype, Yahoo, Google Talk, and more into one app:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/im/id296246130?mt=8

"Shakespeare Pro" provides numerous sonnets, plays, poems into one:

http://www.playshakespeare.com/news/4783-shakespeare-pro-now-available-for-the-iphone

"TAO" translates over 20 languages, beneficial for any foreign language class:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tao/id297842740?mt=8

School Tour in Pictures

Picture Tour Ideas

• my caf table
• my homeroom
• photo room
• main lobby
• parking lot
• people walking down the hall
• school clock
• outside of school (the whole building)
• my senior rock
• my favorite teachers
• my favorite class

Media's Take on History

Growing up with semi-old parents who were alive and remembered having JFK as a president, they rant and rave about their favorite president all the time. Because I've been exposed to his life ever since I was little - watching shows about the 1960's, frequently visiting the JFK library, and watching an immense amount of documentaries and films about the Kennedy family - I've grown my own admiration for the former Boston president. Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear that ReelzChannel was broadcasting its new miniseries "The Kennedys".
I never got the chance to see the show. And I don't think I will, either. After reading numerous articles about the factual inaccuracies, the phony accents, and the horrible acting, I became furious. The Kennedy family rejected the idea of a movie being made about their family, and then this miniseries was made. Which is probably more of a disgrace than the movie could have been.
I guess what I'm trying to get at is that I hate how truly good people get bashed by media in an inaccurate way. Sure, you can make fun of Britney Spears's "shaving head scandal" or Charlie Sheen's obvious continuous drug use, but those are pretty factual. This miniseries is ReelzChannel's biased view of the Kennedy family. I was just disappointed to know that people are watching a show that is hurtful, mean, and just not true.

School Changes

For the past 2 weeks in my psychology class, we have been creating our own high schools, in relation to brain development studies and our own personal experiences as high school students. As I worked with 2 other people, my group and I decided that school should begin at 8:30 and end at 3. Though an hour may seem minimal, it is effective. Speaking on behalf of my fellow students and myself, I know that an hour longer to sleep would wake me up greatly for my 1st period class. In addition, ending at 3 doesn't drastically affect sports, jobs, and other extracurricular activies and obligations. Especially with the workload juniors and seniors face, realistically, we're not all asleep by 10pm. Sorry, but there just aren't enough hours in the day. On a good day, I am in my bed by 11. If I have this "good day" every day, going to bed at 11 each night, and wake up at 7:15 in the morning, I get more than 8 hours of sleep, which is much more than I currently get now. I think this is the first change that needs to be made, because it's not like students want to fall asleep in their classes - we don't learn anything and it's embarrassing. If we were given just one more hour to sleep, that would make all the difference.

Swiftly Winning

I love all types of music. I can tolerate pretty much anything, however, I'm notorious among my friends for being the "country music hater". I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to find any interest towards it. However, among my group of friends, I am also known as "Taylor Swift's biggest fan". I love everything about her, especially her attitude towards love and life, though her past relationships have been famously known for ending badly. Last night was the Academy of Country Music awards, and my girl Taytay won Entertainer of the Year. It's such an achievement because this award is completely voted by fans. No one else. Around 600,000 people voted for her. That is something to be proud of. So, as the "country music hater", I actually did watch a country music awards show. And to my idol and favorite musician Taylor Swift, congratulations.

Tumblr 2 Cont.

My favorite pictures that I've taken are from this past summer at the Boston Public Garden. They're images of flowers, ducks in the water, children with their mothers walking on paths, duck tours, and other aspects of nature that can be seen at the garden. This weekend I plan on uploading my pictures to Flickr and Tumblr. Tumblr is a good website to post my pictures because if someone reblogs them, typically a teen, then it continues to permeate throughout the entire website. I wouldn't receive any acknowledgement, but I think it's more rewarding for someone to look at my pictures, and feel something. I know from my own personal experience that I've seen so many images, and a lot of them I've reblogged or saved on my computer because they made me happy, or expressed how I was feeling at the time, or relates to something in my own life. Flickr is even better because my pictures are being shared with people from all over the world of all different age groups, whereas Tumblr is mainly targeted to teens my age. And to be quite honest, I'd feel a little more satisfied knowing an adult used my picture rather than a teen.... I don't know, it's a little more of an honor in my eyes.

Tumblr 2

Along with my passion for writing comes my passion for photography. I've always had an eye for capturing moments through cameras. Tumblr allows me to continue both of my passions. I'm able to write about how I feel and post my own pictures, and other people's pictures to express how I'm feeling at the moment. I'm considering posting my own pictures on Flickr, because many of the pictures I click on Tumblr immediately direct me to Flickr. Maybe my having my pictures on display for the rest of the world to see, I can expand my artwork.

Friendly on Facebook

We've been told by many to be "careful" on Facebook... try not to swear, don't post inappropriate pictures - basically, present yourself as a classy person. However, there are instances where people aren't acting in a classy way on Facebook, and they don't even realize it. After reading the 13 Facebook posts that got people fired, it immediately makes me relate to people I know. More on the occupational side, I know some of my friends complain about their jobs and customers on their Facebook, whether it be on their status or on someone's wall. This is a little frightening, because employees are on Facebook, and we're naiive in thinking that they don't check up on us. Reasons like this are why I am getting sick of Facebook. People post trashy things on their walls, and it's not benefitting them in any way, shape, or form. They need to realize that when people say, "you post something on the internet, the rest of the world sees it", it's true.

Passion

After watching William Richardson's TED Talk video, it really striked me that he was naming teenagers, my very own age, accomplishing their passions simply on their own. No one had to push a girl to play piano for 4 hours a day. No one had to force a boy to take pictures with his camera outside. They pushed and forced themselves. I love to write. Given, teachers and my parents have forced me to write papers and essays, but blogging has become my escape, and no one is forcing me to do that. So for Tess with "Don't Stop Believin'" and Mark with his NFL camera footages, that is their escape. Mine has become writing. I think finding a hobby or passion and actively doing it without someone's push is the most effective, because you're doing it for yourself, not someone else. When I blog, I'm not blogging to please my friends. When Tess is playing the piano, she isn't try to please her parents - it's for herself.

Tumblr

Ever since I came to this class in mid-January, the main focus was to blog and use technology in a successful and realistic way. About three weeks ago, my best friend, who knows that I love to write, told me I should sign up for a Tumblr. At first I was reluctant, because I thought it was another Facebook, something I definitely didn't need. After a few, "C'mon, Mal"s, I got a Tumblr. And I have to say, I may just delete my Facebook after getting it. It's a mix between Twitter and Photobucket, and I'm able to blog about anything I want, I don't have to "like" anyone's status, and people share photos about anything they're interested in. my friendand I have even noticed that we're on Facebook less and less because of Tumblr. I think it's a better replacement. I'm not chatting with anyone. I'm not writing on anyone's wall. I am simply sharing my ideas and pictures with the rest of the world. Best change I've ever made.

Do Something Impossible

Adults assume what they want when it comes to technology. They think it’s limited to computers, iPods, and televisions, and they’re only distractions to children today. Don’t get me wrong – they are distractions. I’m a seventeen-year-old high school senior. If anyone knows anything about distractions, it’s this girl right here. But adults fail to realize that there is so much more in the word “technology” than what they think. I agree with Shelly Blake-Poke completely. Take my parents for example. They automatically assume whenever I’m on my laptop that I’m changing my status on Facebook, when, quite honestly, I’m usually typing notes for a class or researching information on a subject on the internet. My parents don’t understand that a lot of the tech-savvy things I use actually have to do with my schoolwork. Like Shelly explains, we need adults to understand that we can incorporate and integrate these new technological advances in a positive, educational way. Technology helps the world connect. Shelly states that if “we deal with the poverty and crushed communities that are realities for our lowest income students….then maybe we’d actually be amazed at what our kids can do.” And that is so true. Adults, give us some credit and some sort of trust. You might just be surprised.

Earthquake in Japan

It's no surprise that the recent earthquake in Japan is not only devastating, but it is one of the most extreme earthquakes of all time. According to CNN, 2000 more bodies were found in Miyagi, and the number is only rising. Due to a second hydrogen explosion, a nuclear power plant was destroyed, causing the deaths of 11 workers. Rather than describing this tragedy, I think we should look at the glass half-full. As I type in links about this earthquake, one grabs my attention: AT&T Offers Free Calling, Texting to Japan. Media is once again playing a huge part in this devastation. A well-known phone company is allowing people all over text and call, without charge, to their family and friends in Japan. To add the cherry to the sundae, I read another article about Facebook statuses and its effect on other people. Statuses are constantly being posted about the earthquake, and as more are being posted, more people get informed. I think media is playing a huge role in Japan's tragedy. Technology has made it more convenient to learn about what's happening in Japan, and it keeps people, mainly teens, who aren't watching the news informed.

Schoology

Out of the list of the "35 Best Web 2.0 Classroom Tools", I think Schoology is the most useful. I was first lured into this website by reading its description under the name: "learning management, online educationt tools, and much more". When I clicked on its website, I had a doubletake - the website looks almost identical to Facebook. As I watched the tutorial video, I realized that Schoology is a Facebook designed for teachers and students to communicate. On the right side of your page, you can have upcoming assignments, tests, and projects listed by their date. You communicate to fellow students and teachers the same way Facebook works. Tests and quizzes can be placed onto this website, and its best feature? Students can look up their grades. It seems simple to use, but it is also familiar to the teenage eye, thanks to Facebook.

The iPad 2

I haven't done my research on the iPad 2, because I was extremely shocked to find out what the new one has to offer, compared to the original iPad. As soon as I travel to the Apple Store website, there's a large picture of this new iPad, and it clearly says right above it, "Thinner. Lighter. Faster. FaceTime. Smart Covers. 10-hour battery." These simple words create a huge message. Thinner than the original iPad?! It was already thin to begin with! Lighter?! Now it's easier to carry it around. FaceTime, I believe, is its best improvement. I know from personal experience, when I want to Skype with my sister on my uncle's iPad, I'm not able to, but now we will be able to Skype with the entire family around on this thin and light iPad 2.

But, when I look up reviews on this new, mysterious, exciting iPad 2, I see reviews bashing this new little puzzle piece to the puzzle of technology. Of course, no shocker, the PC website criticizes the iPad 2, calling it a "Nintendo-Sony-Microsoft killer". Yes, I do believe that teenage boys will be more likely to play Call of Duty on their iPad 2 rather than an outdated Nintendo system, but in no way does this make the iPad a "killer". And if it does, so what? Over time, things get outdated and never used again. They state, "Blame Apple. For all the company's magical 'post-PC' preachifying, it's never been any good at getting out in front of its technology and selling it more than conceptually to gamers." What the PC website does is choose one tradeoff of having an iPad 2, and uses it against them. They neglect to accept the fact that playing games is the least to do on an iPad, of course they don't want to acknowledge that. Internet, now Skype, typing/writing, reading, calculator. They have it all.

How could I forget "Mystic River", "Gone Baby Gone", "The Departed", and "Fever Pitch"? All classic Boston movies that shed the lights of intensity, the questions behind what is right versus what's wring, and the importance of family within one Beantown. It's amazing, really, how actors such as Mark Wahkberg, the Afflecks, Matt Damon, on occasion Morgan Freeman, Adam Sandler, have drawn such attention to the Hub.

Now the debate is on WHICH Boston film is going to steal it all at the Oscars. Best actor? Best movie? According to this article, it could go either way. Ben can get Boston's vote by upholding the good reputation of our city that he gives, along with his brother Casey and, of course, Matt Damon. However, Marky Mark could take it away because he lived the Boston lifestyle that we can all imagine - drugs, sex, and rock and roll. (or in his case, rap) How can we forget the epic Fenway-robbing scene? The best action scene I've seen in a long time. But what about Mickey Ward and his crazy family? Though they had their fair share of problems, they somehow always put a smile on my face. Whichever way it goes on Oscar night, as we all anxiously wait by our television screens in the hopes of hearing our preferred movie being announced, there is one thing that's true: Boston's pride has only risen.

Boston: The Next Hollywood? Cont.

The next Oscar movie in line? "The Social Network." Though people believe it's just a movie about a guy who made Facebook, where did it really all start? That's right - Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. So not only are these Hub-located films showing the "badass" streets of Charlestown and Lowell, but they also present the sophisticated, intellectuals of our city. According to boston.com, the Oscars haven't been overloaded with Bostonians since "Good Will Hunting", in 1998, another terrific movie. 

Who do we have to thank for the "New Hollywood"? There are only 2 immediate people I can think of: the best friends, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Let's face it, no one would care about Boston if "Good Will Hunting" was never made. We would never know Matt and Ben. Want to know 2 men who truly care about their hometown? Them. Throughout their wonderful and prosperous careers, "Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have gone out to California only to literally bring it back home." And that is truly something they should be thanked for. There are things about Boston people don't understand - our undeniable love for our sports teams, our desire for winter and then our immediate need for summer, our recognizable accents, and so much more. But by having Hollywood come to the Beantown, we gain a "major source of pride", and within these scripts and actors, there is "more evidence that the area has stories to tell that the world wants to see."

Boston: The Next Hollywood?

I love Boston. I love everything about my hometown. I originally grew up in Brighton, right on the Allston line, which was only ten minutes from the city, so traveling to Boston every weekend wasn't a big deal. There's something about the city that is so vibrant, yet unique. It's no Big Apple - it's small and keeps to itself. It full of wonderful Bostonians (and their accents). It's no Hollywood - you're not going to find Brangelina and Robert Pattinson walking down the street. I was more than thrilled when I found out that almost every Oscar-nominated movie this year took place in Boston. It's such an honor, and it speaks so highly of Massachusetts as a whole. Though I felt "The Fighter" was just so-so, it portrayed Lowell pretty accurately. My sister and I even fight about the accents! I think for actors who grew up in random states across the country, their Boston accents were decent. I fell in LOVE with "The Town". The first time I watched it, I was sitting with my parents. My dad, the former Charlestown High School football coach, called out everything that was going to happen - "I knew a man JUST like the florist whose shop was right down the street from the school", "the cop won't say anything about the robbers - how can he?", or, my personal favorite, "Mal, I know exactly where that is." He was like a little kid! That made the movie better, in my personal opinion.

Are We Becoming Cellfish?

According to Attorney General Martha Coakley, cell phones should be banned in schools in an attempt to end bullying. I agree, cell phone use can cause bullying. That doesn't mean we should get rid of them all together in schools. Let's be honest: every kid at my school checks their cell phone every chance they get - when the teacher is turned away, leaves the room, or even in some classrooms where cell phones are allowed, we're just waiting for the next new text message. I also agree that bullying has become a terrible "epidemic", if you will, in our country. I was and still am heartbroken after reading Pheobe Prince's story. I will never forget that name or what happened to her. However, I don't think getting rid of cell phones all together ends bullying. There is the internet, probably the largest bully central. I'm not going to lie, I check my phone in every class to see if I have a new text, but in no way does this affect my grades nor start any form of bullying. I think adults immediately just throw technology into the equation, as if it's always the problem. We have to realize that it's a number of things - sure, cell phones, but also Facebook, AIM, Myspace, and there are still those old-fashioned bullies who do it face-to-face. In one my classes I have to put my phone in a little compartment and I'm able to grab it at the end of class. Why can't teachers do that? It's naiive to believe that kids aren't carrying their cell phones with them, and clearly my teacher knows we have them. But my putting it in that little basket, I'm not distracted to do anything other than learn.

When and How Should Kids Learn to Type?

This article speaks the truth. Typing has become a necessity in modern life today, and it's extremely important, both mentally and physically. The more words that are typed, the more the brain works. In elementary school, my classmates and I were forced to take a 30-minute class called "Type to Learn", and honestly, it was a waste of time. At the age of eleven, we were typing more than "dog", "tree", and "jump". It was more like we should have given the program to the teachers. To this day I still have to help my dad type on the computer. I get impatient sometimes, because in the two minutes it takes him to write a sentence, I can write a paragraph. It is never too early to learn to type. What's wrong with working the mind and fingers? In my opinion, the best part about typing is that my ideas don't run out as I'm typing. When I hand write, I lose all train of focus and forget what I'm trying to say. That's my biggest pet peeve. When I'm typing on a keyboard, I get everything down on a computer screen that I want it to say in a matter of seconds.

Struggles of A Hopeful College Student

Since September, actually, scratch that, since birth, there have been only a few significant moments I've wanted to come most: college, marriage, having children, and getting a job I love. The first to that list is soon to come: college. Like every other 17 year-old, I've been constantly fighting with my parents over costs of schools, locations, majors, and what I plan to do after college. People always tell me that I don't need to have my life figured out right now, but it's hard not to feel that way. Three of my top schools all have major flaws, some saving me money, but costing my own happiness. The University of Tampa, according to my overprotective mother, is too far away. Wheelock College is too expensive, and if I really wanted to go there, I'd have to commute. The College of William and Mary in Virginia is incredibly competitive. What happened to the days when an A-B student who played 3 sports and had a part-time job could easily get into any school he/she desired? The college word has become so competitive. I'm actually afraid I won't get into any of my schools now. My biggest annoyance is that these colleges and universities base what they "know" about a student through a few essays, numbers that determine class ranks, letters that teachers just say "____ is a great asset to the classroom", and basic letter grades. I got a B in Probability and Statistics. Woo hoo? That doesn't tell my schools that I've known I wanted to be a special education teacher for my entire life, due to my mentally ill aunt. No where on my application do they find out that I'm a extremely dedicated person, and though I may not be the best, I try my best. No where does it state that I've always had a passion for music and photography. Little things colleges don't know about me? They may seem little, but they make up who I am. It's just extremely difficult to get a break anymore. I have to continuously fight against my fellow classmates just for a spot in a school's new freshman class.

"Teacher-Replacing Tech: Friend or Foe?"

I wrote this post after reading the following article.

As an avid Mac lover, I believe technology is, and will further be, the future. Though no MacBook Pro can replace any of my favorite teachers, there is something more exciting about the internet than any professor. We have possibilities. Opportunities. Every day, from 7:30-2:00, I'm sitting at a desk. Listening to a teacher blab about something I don't understand. If it weren't for this Web 2.0 class and photography, I would be sitting ALL day. The internet lets people's minds wander. If classes were just rooms full of laptops and students with maybe 1 teacher to supervise, I think it would be more effective. Kids can still ask teachers and their fellow students for help, but really we're learning through the newest technology. I honestly believe that iPads, laptops, and other objects of technology are given so much flack because adults are afraid of this major change in education. School is definitely not the same as it was in 1950, 1979, or even 2000. Times are changing and so is technology. Why do we still need teachers when I can skype with a teacher from another town, state, or country, when I need help? The sky's the limit.

Under Pressure

Over time, pressure has increased. I can name at least five of my friends who are applying to semi-Ivy League colleges, working part-time jobs, playing sports, and still managing A and B averages. As pressure as students increases, creativity as people decreases. We spend almost all of our time stressing over memorizing a list of 50 Spanish vocab words or analyzing Shakespeare's words, rather than expressing the information we are given in a creative way. I am honestly not shocked that more kindergarteners are creative than adults. It's no surprise. My theory is that as we get older, we begin to focus on simple things, only the important things that matter to our careers or college. We lose all sense of creativity. Before moving to Burlington, I went to Belmont Day School in Belmont, which has a curriculum that focused on incorporating math, english, and science, and used music and art as a way to learn this information. When I was reading "Johnny Tremain" in English, we made goblets in pottery class to further our understanding of the story. It was fun, and most importantly, we learned something. I just feel that society and the education system today need to realize that as we get older each year, we lose a sense of imagination. Reality settles in, we become duller, and then all creativity is lost.