To Wear Or Not To Wear

For our second Action Project in A Nations Argument course, we were tasked to focus on our school’s Code of Conduct. Were challenged to pick a rule that we thought was unjust and create an argument about it. We also had to try and plot concepts we learned, while looking for contradictions and fallacies. The purpose of this project is to reinstate rules to make our school’s goals for the future stronger. During this class, I learned about syllogisms, premises, and conclusions and also the art of argument. I also learned that by being more straightforward with inductive premises your arguments can be sound and you can win more. Over the course, we visited a couple of court cases and tomorrow we will be welcoming a public defender and a state's attorney. This will definitely be a cool experience. We will ask questions and gain as much knowledge as possible about laws, arguments and unconstitutional topics. Below is my amendment, hope you enjoy it.

Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 13 Dec. 2015,

Above is a picture of a seventh-grade boy who was banned from wearing his Star Wars shirt to school because it has a gun on it. I'm arguing that he should be able to wear the shirt because it's his right to express himself and also guns aren't bad. People who use them decided to do unjust things with them giving a not so good look.

GCE Dress Code

GCE Lab School staff and students strive to create a community that does not judge people based on their dress or fashion, but which values individuality. Students are encouraged to dress in a manner which reflects their individuality and self-expression. At the same time, clothing reflects the educational environment and therefore should not be offensive, provocative, or disruptive to instruction. All students are expected to dress and groom themselves neatly and modestly in clothes that are appropriate for an academic environment. “Inappropriate” includes clothing that is designed to be erotic or suggestive of violence, clothing that reveals underwear or excessive flesh.

This rule is unjust because it doesn’t fully allow self-expression the way students need and want. This is a need because humans have a tendency to reflect on mood. We are social creatures, well most of us are. This isn't just me saying this it's scientifically proven. Mood boost increases the change that you may be wanting to reflect in your school or institution. When you're feeling upset or bad about yourself, your clothes have the power to boost your mood and change your attitude. Clothes actually tell a story about your character and by not allowing representation of yourself it hurts your mood and vibe.

This can lead to depression and harm to yourself or others.

I understand that school is a place to learn but when restricting someone’s freedoms of expression it can be drastic to one’s self and personality. Students should be allowed to wear what they please as long as it’s not too much skin or something you wouldn’t put on in front of your parents. School board, Perspectives students and donors contribute to this fine school and by allowing a student to just dress anyway can ruin the reputation of GCE. I understand that.

Syllogism
P1- Students should be able to wear clothes they want
P2- Clothes are cool and great when showing others
Conclusion: Let’s allow us, teenagers, to decide what we should wear.

My new amendment will change the original one by allowing students to have more freedom of expression when wearing clothes. This includes guns, drugs, and nudity. My amendment will conclude that on days where there might be guests or FEs students are absolutely required to dress in a unique professional fashion. Other than that individual choice should be an option for students.

Syllogism with a further investigation into why my amendment is possible.

P1- Students should be able to wear clothes they want
P2- Clothes allow individuality
P3- Attire preserves one’s self-expression
P4- Clothes depicts your identity
P5- Adding rules under circumstances of dress code differs passion for what a person might be proud or ambitious about 

Conclusion: Students shouldn't have restrictions on any fashion or trend at school unless it goes against GCEs visions. 

Clothes are the needles that thread creativity for future generations and now. By shedding light on the adolescent’s perspective it can be beneficial to the goals of the school and the individual. By allowing people to wear what they please increases the chance for people to open up and be a part of a bigger cause and school community. A lot of people don’t feel comfortable as the next person may feel, it’s all about coming to an understatement. Even if that understanding is to disagree.

Because of my new proposed amendment life here at G.C.E will be more vibrant and social. People’s clothes will spark conversations for our Soapboxes and regular days. Views of whatever gender will be expressed even if others may disagree. Even if you wanted to support the Presidential Election and you happen to wear a MAGA hat it wouldn’t be banned or scorned upon. Somethings are offensive I get, but little things will only make us grow stronger together if we start that dialogue. My amendment sets the bar for self-love and joy. Clothes do a lot, they tell a story and represent you. The “real you”.

The Constitutional amendment relates to my amendment because it represents freedom of speech and this means you have the right to express yourself through, religion assembly and petition. Freedom of speech also comes with the right to express one’s opinions without the fear of censorship or restraint.

This U.S. amendment supports my amendment because it contradicts what our student handbook says. It states that GCE does not judge people based on their dress or fashion, but which values individuality. Students are encouraged to dress in a manner which reflects their individuality and self-expression. Then later goes on to say, “clothes that are appropriate for an academic environment” and list things that are inappropriate. So how can we decipher what’s appropriate and what’s not so students can decide for themselves. My amendment demonstrates true citizenship by allowing people to thrive and create a prosperous community in whatever way they may desire. Without censorship.

Quote from my peer that supports my argument and its impact

Quote: “Clothes can affect the school positively by encouraging different styles and trends, also students should wear what they wanna wear.”

Speaker: N.L

                               3/12/20 

Three cases that have gone against people's first amendment right. These are cases that are unconstitutional and unjust for students at school or in any formal institution.

1. Seventh-grader wearing Star Wars t-shirt is told by school administrators that it is BANNED 'because it has a gun on it'

Dailymail.com, Myriah Towner For. “Texas Student Banned from Wearing Star Wars t-Shirt 'Because It Has a Gun on It'.” Daily Mail Online, Associated Newspapers, 13 Dec. 2015, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3358570/Texas-seventh-grader-banned-wearing-Star-Wars-t-shirt-gun-it.html.

2. Student sues Wis. high school over dress code that bars him from wearing a shirt with a gun image
Wjrt. “Student Sues Wis. High School over Dress Code That Bars Him from Wearing Shirt with Gun Image.” ABC12, www.abc12.com/content/news/Student-sues-Wis-high-school-over-dress-code-that-bars-him-from-wearing-shirt-with-gun-image-568121681.html.

3. California school changes policy after banning shirt with gay message
“California School Changes Policy after Banning Shirt with Gay Message.” Al Jazeera America, america.aljazeera.com/articles/2016/2/17/california-school-to-change-policy-after-banning-gay-t-shirt.html.

Hope Is Still Here

“Pinterest Climate Change 2019.” Pinterest.com

For our second unit of Rhetoric here at GCE, we focused on the question, how can we use rhetoric to change the status quo? We had a few guests come in that have challenged or had even altered the status quo as of today. Ugo Okere, 22 year old ran for Alderman and nearly came close to win but fell short in the run. His views matched the people and he was very passionate in his words. Also, Troy LaRaviere, the president of the Chicago Principal's Union came in and discussed his views on how things can change with one person’s action. He was a principal at a Chicago school and saw the impact on the future of society, and he wanted to change the result. He wrote an Op-Ed that made major headlines drastically changing his school’s system. I felt that I didn’t learn as much as I thought it was just things I herd already rephrased differently. Overall hearing others talk about change most definitely change my thought process and make me begin to wonder. What do I want to change?

My Op-Ed
Over many years and recently there has always been this stigma on climate change. Is it real? Oh no, that’s fake something made up by uneducated people. This drastic yet inevitable issue that we are facing is serious and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. The forces of mother nature are showing its power more frequently than usual, from hurricanes off the coast to catastrophic flooding.

You may be wondering why should I listen to this teenager from God knows where. Well, I’m here to tell you that I will most likely have to deal with the consequences that have been caused by major corporations and ordinary people. You reading this, on the other hand, will be of old if not dead. Believe when I say this there might not be a future for this place we call Earth if things continue.

The other day I was reading this article that talked about how doing simple things won’t change the climate. How constantly repeating yourself won’t change anything. This sparked an idea.... umm, it would make a difference if everyone would do something rather than just talk about it. But by making noise on an issue you get a lot of attention which can turn into action.

One person, in particular, Greta Thunberg has literally taken the world by storm. A 16-year-old Swedish teenage environmental activist caused a lot of controversy over her speech at the UN. “ People are suffering. People are dying. Entire ecosystems are collapsing. We are in the beginning of a mass extinction, and all you can talk about is money and fairy tales of eternal economic growth. How dare you!” This quote stood out to the adults there more than the facts of the global temperature rising. Shocking yes indeed.

I feel that as a country we have failed to understand how our actions result in the future. Nasa has recently uploaded an article containing jaw-dropping info.” limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require “rapid and far-reaching” transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities.” Hearing the facts from scientists tells people that it’s ok to do nothing because the task of reversing climate change is near impossible. Although these heavy-hitting heartbreaking words may be somewhat true it’s not too late to try.

In Chicago not too long ago, there was a strike for the climate that brought thousands of young people together just to show some hope. The strike on the other hand probably tripled the amount of Co2 emissions in one day from such a large gathering though. Imagine how my generation may feel, that their future children won’t have a pleasant life because of your actions of today. Picture droughts all over. Picture crops not being able to grow. Picture all the animals that we know and love no longer. Ask yourself do you want that on you?

Ways that we can try and change this is by taking action. It may sound like pie-in-the-sky but try walking to places, cycling, or using public transportation. This can somewhat help decrease carbon emissions. Also, you can reduce your waste and recycle. It makes no sense to disagree with the facts and just rather face them. For every argument there is about this time is being wasted. I believe that if everyone is on board then we can change the future. But only if everyone comes together.

So let’s get on track and save our home today people it’s now or never.

Addendum 

In my Op-Ed, I tried using pathos as my rhetorical appeal. I used pathos because I felt like I needed to reach the audience by making them feel guilty and to think about their children's futures in order to get through to people. I also used Logos by providing facts and Ethos on explaining why they should listen to me.

I used Metaphors, Alterations, Similes.

Solving Family Issues

In this class, Drama, we looked into the play, A Doll House. This play also looked into gender roles just like the play from the last unit, The Taming of the Shrew. We went on multiple FE's to the Goodman Theatre where we got some training on how to act and make sure that the plays that we curate are the best they could be. What we were asked to do for this term is have the main character from A Doll's House, Nora, a man, and a character who was a part of The Dinner Party. The Dinner Party was a famous feminist art installation by Judy Chicago. She featured multiple different influential women. We decided to choose the Indian God, Kali for our mythical character. The guiding question for this AP was, What would happen if gender roles were switched in society? Read and watch the rest of this AP to learn more, and check out my group AP's as well! NB &PA.

 

Jl, NB, PA (2019)

Banning peoples thoughts and ideas

In my Humanities class called Forbidden books, we have been learning about the history of book banning. Also, what are the reasons people ban books? People ban books based on biased opinions of either race, religion, politics, and ideas. For our assignment, we were put to the test of writing an essay on a book that we wanted. The topic is should the book should be banned or not be banned. During the course, we visited a feminist book store that talking about the challenges they face in their community. In the course, I learned so much and will stick with me forever. Without any other introductions here's the essay.

Jahsia Longstreet

Forbidden Books

Sharon Holmes
March 22, 2019

Why is The Catcher and the Rye Banned?

First, imagine a book being banned just for its foul language, and funny comical jokes here and there. Why do people even ban books? What happened to our right to free speech? To get into more context, The Catcher and the Rye is a novel that was published 1951. This book was originally published for adults, but over the years teenagers have begun to enjoy the book as well. Throughout the book, the main focuses are identity and belonging as the point of interest. This book starts in Pennsylvania at a school called Pencey Prep. Here, we are introduced to the main character, Holden Caulfield. His story begins off where he had just been kicked out for failing all his classes except English. The story then tells the reader about his past of failing in school and how he basically feels about people and education. In the beginning, the word that is often used is phony. This word is used a lot through the duration of the first couple of chapters and sets the tone for the book. Throughout the book, the common theme is loneliness, death, and people being fake in front of one another. People are fighting this book because it uses a lot of profanity. But it is not just the language that got the book banned. It’s for the ideas given off into the world to other people from this book. This book should not be banned because of its profanity. It's not right to ban or censor literature because banning and censoring go against the right of freedom of expression.

The first record of The Catcher in the Rye being banned was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1960 after an eleventh grade English teacher was fired for assigning the book to his class. Banning a book should be a crime, and no one deserves to lose their job over something so little. Here's a quote from the text that intrigues some readers. “Girls with their legs crossed, girls with their legs not crossed, girls with terrific legs, girls with lousy legs, girls that looked like swell girls, girls that looked like they'd be bitches if you knew them. It was really nice sightseeing, if you know what I mean” (Salinger 72). This quote is an example of explicit sexuality expressed by the main character, Holden. This is seen as intolerable to some in the extent to calling women bitches, and basically staring at them for their attractive looks. Readers can infer within the second chapter that Holden is interested in sex. Therefore use of language, and insight of women during this time period in America people didn't expect this to be in books. The reason is attributed to its ban would be time period and diversity of certain opinions.

Books are temples to the soul mind and body. What if your religion was tested and talked about in an appropriate manner? What would you do how would you feel? This topic is though very controversial but has an effect on the structure of The Catcher and the Rye. In the book Holden says this, “I'm sort of an atheist. I like Jesus and all, but I don't care too much for most of the other stuff in the Bible. Take the Disciples, for instance. They annoy the hell out of me if you want to know the truth.”(Salinger 58). Since this quote from the text was very rude to believers of the Christian/Catholic faith many believed it should be banned because he talked about their savior. Another piece of text that goes on to why people wanted this book banned was that it had lots of frequent use of vulgar language being said by the main character Holden. The book does it a little often, one goes on to say, “Get your lousy knees off my chest,” I told him. I was almost bawling. I really was. “Go on, get off me, ya crumby bastard.” He wouldn't do it, though. He kept holding onto my wrist and I kept calling him a sonuvabitch and all, for around ten hours. I can hardly even remember what all I said to him. (Salinger 57). For many Americans in the year, 1950-1960 times were very different. The culture was calm and people young and old alike followed group norms rather than striking out on their own. So for this book to use inappropriate language like that was almost an instant ban. Especially in institutional schools. To really understand a person's ideas, and stories you sometimes need to be as truthful as possible. This book really portrays just how difficult it can be for some teens at times in life. It displays an important message for teens to be reminded with that dealing with change involved in the transition to adulthood isn't so bad. It can positively shape you for the rest of your life. The Catcher and the Rye also shouldn't be banned because we all know what swear words are. Heck most of us use them on the daily to express how we feel whether it's in a good or bad way. Language can be taken to serious at times, then in all becoming too sensitive to little things.

Finally, The Catcher and the Rye should not be banned or censored because it goes against our first amendment Constitutional right. Which states that all who are citizens have the right to free exercise, freedom of speech, and of the press. If books are able to be banned and censored our government is unlawful and unjustified for not living up to their expectations. Books are people's vessels of self-expression, taking that away from a reader can change time itself on people's perceptions. While doing a little more research I have found J.D Salinger saying this about the banning of his book, “I'm aware that many of my friends will be saddened and shocked, or shock-saddened, over some of the chapters in The Catcher in the Rye. Some of my best friends are children. In fact, all my best friends are children. It's almost unbearable for me to realize that my book will be kept on a shelf out of their reach.”(Salinger). This quote shows how he feels about the situation, and it sounds like he's broken down by his book being banned.

Book banning has been presented all throughout history and is very much alive and well all over the world today. Books are banned from two major factors. First, because people of power try to suppress minorities voices that might spark change and independence of thought. See the change in society makes tension and digressions amongst other people whose views are different. 

This leads to the reasons why books shouldn't be banned. This relates to The Catcher and the Rye because it's portraying a message that life's hard as a teenager, with that comes many problems too as the main character talks about. In the text, Holden's dialogue can be rude, and a bit offensive but if you don't like it just don't read it. Another reason books shouldn't be banned is because the government is trying to control the ideology of society. Our world is contempt of controlling others while banning books is unnecessary, and wrong to block others opinions based on your biased factors.

Works cited 

Bantam - Photo shot by Derek Jensen (Tysto), January 14, 2006

J, Anon. “BrainyQuote.” BrainyQuote, BrainyQuote, 25 Apr. 2010, www.brainyquote.com/quotes/j_d_salinger_752582.

“LibGuides: Banned Books: Reasons for Banning Books.” Butler.Edu, 2013, libguides.butler.edu/bannedbooks?p=217686.

Salinger, J.. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company, 1951, p. 277.

“SparkNotes: The Catcher in the Rye: Key Facts.” Sparknotes.Com, 2019, www.sparknotes.com/lit/catcher/facts/.


“The Catcher in the Rye.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catcher_in_the_Rye.

Socratic Seminar- Who is the goat?

Over the last 3 weeks in my Humanities class called Forbidden Books, we have been studying about
Socrates and his struggles. Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher that is credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, He basically went against societies norms and questioned everything. He questioned their Gods, leaders, and also who is actually smart. Basically in this Action Project we were given a option to pick any topic to create a Socratic seminar about. We had to give facts, important details, and make sure in the end someones opinion changed. My group decided to make one based on who is the Greatest of all time NBA player. Anyway heres our video enjoy.

From this project I have learned how to communicate effectively with my classmates and create a conversation while providing evidence to back up what I say. I have learned to question the unquestionable and question the things that people wouldn't dare to. Its OK to be different and think different, all things sometimes are meant to be changed.

Atonement Podcast

Over the past four weeks, I have been studying the aspects of post- production in films. Also I have been learning how to critique them with my own analysis style. The class is called Ollywood where we watch and translate are techniques into short papers, videos or clips. We have studied so much, and I have learned a lot too. Recently we went on a Field Experience to an investment firm called Morning star. At Morning star we were introduce to a Set filming room, and we got to ask questions from some people on their media team. This was helpful and made me want to learn more. But get into details about what, anyway here's my podcast enjoy.

In this course I have learned a ton, and will most likely use these skills later in my life. I enjoyed making a podcast for my first time. It was difficult to start but I got it done. Its not perfect but I did my best.

Creation Inspired by Nature

In the first unit of our term S.T.E.A.M. class Biomimicry, we looked at plants for our creation that can help humans in someway. We also took a class trip to the Lincoln Park Conservatory where we got to see many species of plants that were very unique in their own way. We also went to Interface which is a carpet company, there we learned how their design of tiles helped the world. I’m choosing to make an Eco efficient mop that uses less materials and that is cheap, and reusable. For this action project, we have to connect the Sustainable Development Goals to our creation or model. I like my design of this amazing mop. It's so good that now I wanna actually make it. Well I think that's it hope you enjoy.

Movie Critiquing 101

Over the course of 3 weeks my classmates and I have been on a journey of becoming little film critics, and really getting into depth of film.For our first term we discussed Pre- Production, and this is a really important job to set the tone of the film. We started to analyze the classic movie Jaws form 1975. We learned that a movie is a series of film put together by a team of directors. We have also read the amazing screenplays and also analyzed a couple other films. Such as The Lord of the Rings, and Some short clips of Star Wars. To get a better understanding of people called location scouters we went on an F.E. to capture a scene for our randomly selected movie scenes in Chicago on Lower Wacker Drive. This leads up to my presentation of The Godfather. In this I will analyze most things that occur in film Pre -Production and my overall opinion of this film. So stay tuned.

                                     

Plot Summary

The plot of The Godfather begins as "Don" Vito Corleone, the head of a New York Mafia "family", watching his daughter's wedding with his wife Carmela. His son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not want to come part of his father's business. Through Michael's life and experience he is clear of the family business. The business of the family is just like the head of the family in the mafia, their kind and, a God to those who give respect, but given to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. Don Vito lives his life in a way of a old timer like in the 50s or 60s , but times are changing and some don't want to follow the old ways and look out for community and the family. An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don's influence to further his plan. He doesn't want to really get involved and this cause the action in the scene. The power of the Don's world ways and the new ways will demanded a terrible price, especially from Michael, all for the sake of the family. This then leads to men dying along the way. The four elements of the film is the desire is to save the family. The crisis is a problem that occurs in the family, and they start to lose money from competitions with other mafia groups in New York City. What awakens the protagonist is people in his family that start to become under attack. This makes Michael feel under a lot of pressure and in his head he doesn't really want to get involved. Although he loves his family very much and proceed throughout the next two films. The journey is the quest that the antagonist must take is to kill the head of the Corleone family which is Vito or his family members.

Character Analysis

Michael Corleone is the protagonist in The Godfather 1 QUOTE: “Only don’t tell me that you’re innocent. Because it insults my intelligence and it makes me very angry.” Michael is the protagonist because he is going towards the greater good of the story and wants the best for his family. He does whatever it takes to protect and preserve his tradition. This includes murder and destroying other families. He is a businessman and wants to continue to increase his success. Actor: Al Pacino -American actor - He was actually born in New York so he could relate to this time in era and events occurring. He also has a reputation for being a kingpin type guy or head of a Mafia. So this movie was really great for his personality. He also of Sicilian heritage which resembles in his acting.The movie was focused on Vito but after he died it was Michael.

Barzini is the antagonist he wants to overthrow the power of Don Vito and sell drugs in New York. One QUOTE that I really liked: "If Don Corleone had all the judges, and the politicians in New York, then he must share them, or let us others use them. He must let us draw the water from the well. Certainly he can – present a bill for such services. After all – we are not Communists." Actor: Richard Conte -American Actor - Born in New Jersey almost near New York. He has been in over more than 100 films, and is very experienced in violent films. Or films that have shooting and gangs. The Godfather was just his big role and his high point in his career.

Dialogue

In the movie The Godfather my favorite scene was the beginning of the movie in the Don's office. He was talking to an old time friend that need some help because he was in some sort of trouble. The scene shows his compassion and love for others, and how the movies setting will be plotted throughout the film. This leads to the future duration of the movie. The dialogue was in a 70's style and it was a bout a 5 min conversation. But their conversation was so emotional that when they talked you could feel every word.They spoke in a calm manner and it was rather straight to the point. I think the dialogue was rather effective. It reels the viewers in more to the film, and it makes viewers feel like they're in the family. The screenplay was written by Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo and Robert Towne.

Inspiration

The historical part of the film came from earlier gangs in New York. Like the Mafia which were mostly Italians. Other inspiration came from other Italian families. The Corleone family itself was not a crime family it’s based on the historic House of Borgias. Which is an Italian family during the Italian Renaissance. The family was known at the time for their corruption and greed, these traits can be found in the Corleones. Also other inspiration came from real life mob bosses such as, Frank Costello, Joe Profaci, and Carlo Gambino.

Stage Production

The set design was very old fashion like in the seventies time period. The house were older structurally built, and the cars in the movie had way older models than today. They had very distinct wallpapers in the houses also drapes that added a menacing look to the background scenery. There was old dusty pictures of people hanging on the wall,and a dimmed lighting in most scenes. The props like chairs and signs were very rusty but had a sturdy build and made you feel cozy in a way while looking at them. The spots for the locations was very successful in the story telling of the film. There location for the house was good because it made like a great drug kingpin look. Or a castle look fit for a king. In the houses the furniture arrangement was key to this movie. Also the type of dark colors they used in the furniture. The furniture set the theme or tone for each different scene. The locations choose in the movie were wise and well planned out and provide a landscape of imagination of what to appear next in the film.

Costume Design

The outfits in the film was mostly suits and ties for the people dealing with business. There also were fancy shirts with slacks here and there in the film. The women had on skirts with simple and vibrant color dresses. And overall I think there attires fitted with all the characters personalities. The vibe for most characters was to be in a gangsta attire and have a suit and tie and look professional. The extras on the streets were also dressed nice and there wasn't any poor dressed people. The main costume designer was Anna Hill Johnstone. She made the wardrobe choices for The Godfather which were to create a lasting effect on the viewers perception of the Mafia. Anna has won Two Oscars- for costume design.

Conclusion of Film

Overall this was a great film. It was very inventive to the viewers while also leaving room for imagination from the audience. It was action packed, had great dialogue from motivated actors, and amazing set designing all over. If I were to rate it I would give it an A+ 100%. From this project I have learned how to watch and analyze a film. Also to understand all the work that goes into one single film. One person can't do everything by themselves.

Citations

Theseventies.berkeley.edu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Godfather

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scenic_design

Public DomainThis image is a work of fan art, and re-use may be subject to legal restrictions.This image contains content which may be subject to trademark laws.view terms
File:The Godfather movie logo.png
Created: 28 April 2018

Heros Journey

Over the course of my term in my Stories class we have, worked up to doing a hero's journey. First we, looked at examples of how people change and did activities to relate to a fictional character.We later did the real world. Then after words we went over the journey of a character. We learned how to plot a hero's journey and it was a very creative process. For my project, I choose Spider man for my fictional character. I choose Spider man because he is my childhood hero and is very cool. He has crazy powers and saves peoples lives. For my real life hero, I choose my grandmother Deborah because she is very influential and looks out for other people's children as a caretaker. She has been doing this for over 20 years. However, my heroes are very different. But their similarities are that they both prepare people up for the future, or to teach others how to do good in their lives. They also protect people and show gratitude and compassion while doing it.

Spider mans hero's journey

Call to Adventure 

Peter Park goes on a field trip to a laboratory with his high-school, and suddenly gets bitten by a genetically modified spider. Which later leads to Peters genetics being transformed to a spider. He has the ability to shoot webs from his wrist, crawl on walls and ceilings and, has a very high alerted sense in his surroundings and actions. Also gains super strength to a limit and can do normal human task at a faster pace. This is a call because he is given a power and that power brings him to the the unknown world.

Refusal to Call  

Peter finally discovers that he has these new superpowers, but he doesn't know what to do with them. He is very confused on why he has these powers, and can't decide what to do with them. Later he just decides not to use his powers and continues his ordinary life as a civilian and not a hero yet. In the movie he actually gets bullied a bit and still doesn't use them. This would be a refusal to call because while being bullied he didn't use his powers and he could have.

Supernatural Aid 

In the movie Peter Parker's supernatural aid is the spider that helped him obtained his powers. Peter Parker's other supernatural aid/ mentor is his Uncle Ben. Although he doesn't know what exactly is going on but he is the closest to Peter and gives him the advise that he needs. His uncle Ben is his aid in the movie because he is always helping him ,and being a positive influence inn Peters life.

Crossing the Threshold  

Spider-Man (2002 film) Production company
Marvel Enterprises
Laura Ziskin Productions
Distributed by Columbia Pictures
Release date
May 3, 2002 (United States)

Peter crosses his first threshold when he chases down and kills Uncle Ben's killer. This moment in his life made him accept his powers and deal with the cards he was dealt. He then turns from a normal teenager to a hero. Well in this case getting revenge for your uncles death doesn't necessarily make you a hero. This was his crossing of the threshold because he is at the point of field of adventure and chaos all in one.

Belly of the Whale 

Peter faces emotional test with his best friend Harry and crush that he is now dating. Mary Jane is playing with Peters feelings, and this makes him feel betrayed and makes him change. Peter also meets his first rival enemy The Green Goblin . This would be consider a belly of the whale for Peter because he is going through changes in his normal life and on his heroes journey. This ultimately configures with changes in mood and in his mind. Later this affects him in his future.

Road of trials

Some of the trails that Peter faced was that he had to choose to save his love Mary Jane and a school bus filled with children. These events were dangerous and risky for Peter as a person and a hero. Also he had to save a train from falling of the end of a bridge that was incomplete. These are roads of trails because he encounters task and ordeals. These shape him as he counties along his journey.

Temptation 

Some temptations that Peter faced was when he would deal with the bad guys. He would have a hard time choosing whether to give them to the authorities or serve them to a cruel punishment for their actions. These examples are temptations because they are things that Perter is challenged to do the wrong thing or the right thing. Other temptations can be when peter saves a girl. Sometimes he would want to hug or kiss them although dating Mary Jane.

The Ultimate Boon

For Peter Parker the Ultimate boon for him would be defeating The Green Goblin, and in the end he also settles back to his normal life were he finally wins over Mary's love. While also keeping his other identity a secret. This was the ultimate boon because he achieved what he wanted at the end of the movie and made his goal complete.

Grandma Deborah’s hero's journey

Family Portrait, Deborah is in the middle with black vest (1985)

Questions that base of hero's journey
Call to Adventure - What was your first call to adventure on your journey?

Refusal to call - When did you ever feel overwhelmed on your experience?

Supernatural Aid- What did you call on for help? What was your supernatural Aid on your journey?

Crossing the Threshold- What was your first experience with children? How did it make feel?

How did you think you impacted the children you taught?

Roads of Trails - What was some of your struggles that you faced while on this journey?

Free to Live/ Freedom - At what moment did you feel free and at peace

Ultimate Boon- What was your greatest achievement on your journey.


 I had said AP class but I didn't mean that. I meant Stories class.

Transcript of Interview

Jahsia: Hello, this is Jahsia and I'm here with my grandmother

Deborah: Deborah moon Haynes.

Jahsia: And this is for my Stories class about a hero's journey. My first question is what was your first call to adventure on your journey?

Deborah: Well,I think that uhmm the first call was I always known since I was five years old that I wanted to be a teacher. And second of all I Am the eldest of eleven sisters and brothers, so with that I mind I think that was the beginning of my journey.

Jahsia: Okay second question. What did you feel that was overwhelming when you first started out?

Deborah: Well when I really really first started out was about forty years ago in 1976. When I was actually hired as a preschool teacher, and it was overwhelming because of the different changes that had taken place throughout the years. Ummm it was overwhelming because the knowledge of child development was not as relevant as it is today. Back in those days, and it was considered babysitting.

Jahsia: Okay uh third question did you have any help or supernatural aid?

Deborah: Ummm well you know in the class room you do have help in the class. Supernatural aid was do to spirit of Jesus Christ, because you were in a role were you put your life on the line to protect the children that was in your care. And with the different personalities that you encountered I found myself saying ooh help me Lord help me Jesus all the time
.

Jahsia: Okay what was the first experience with the children you had?

Deborah: The first experience that I had was on the first day that I was hired. No the first day of my working experience was the day that the program had planned a trip to the circus with these children, and I didnt know anybody's name and that was a scary, and that was quite a stressful situation when you don't know the kids names and they put you in a situation like that. And ummm you had to go out with a zillion other children and it was like ummm one of the worst experiences I had.

Jahsia: What year was this?

Deborah: Umm this was in November of 1976.

Jahsia: Okay uhh how do you think you influenced the children that you taught futures.

Deborah: Well I always umm taught my kids the difference between right and wrong, and I did it in a positive manner making sure that when umm discipline was necessary it was a learning experience that they would never forget, and will follow them all of their lives.

Jahsia: Okay what where some struggles that you faced or trials that you faced on your journey?

Deborah: Some of the struggles that I really had on my journey of success was making sure that my own children was given the same care, and learning experience that I gave to other people's children. It was very taxing because they had to attend other day cares, and I had to uhh have myself on a schedule were I would always be available for them while they were in school and when they were getting home. And choosing the right fatalities for them where I felt that they would be safe and in somebody's care who really cared for them.

Jahsia: At what moment in your life on your journey as a hero or after did you feel free and a peace?

Deborah: Umm on my journey I felt free and at peace the day I retired. I really did it was a good experience. I wanted to come out when I was still healthy enough to enjoy myself knowing that I did a great job. I've got plenty of accolades, I got trophies, I got plaques, I got certificates of excellence that I can look back on to see how I did, and as a matter of fact I volunteer once a week. And my services are welcomed and looked forward to,and the proprietor is very disappointed when I can't make it to serve the kids in her care.

Jahsia: Uhh okay last question you kinda already said it, but what was your greatest achievement after or that you still continue on your journey.

Deborah: My greatest achievement was learning about umm human nature. Being in child development you wore many hats and those hats continued to uhmm help in situations, that since Iam no longer in it but when opportunities or uhm other things come up I'm not lost in the social world. So that I am abreast of the times although I started thirty years ago I'm still abreast of what's going on because of my experience with child development it covered the hole gamic just about of development when it comes to my special needs son and other special needs members of my family.

Jahsia: Okay thank you for the interview and have a nice day.

Deborah: Alright grandson thank you.

Creative Writing

Day One: Egg Stage

Today my day went by pretty slow and it was kinda getting boring. In the morning I got to go to the gym which was good for exercise and to get better at things that I need to work on in class on and off the court. I had a good breakfast and was very energized. Then again at lunch me and Pablo got to play Fortnite I came second and lost. And that's about it for my day.

1. Describe where you were when you stared writing this piece & what was on your mind?

When I wrote this I was in school at the time, and I was in the T room for Writers Tool Box.

What was on my mind was that I was thinking about how my day went. I talked about my morning and evening up to the point it was time to then leave. On that day I was very tired and bored. Mostly because we didn't do anything interesting and sort of got a head ache from all the talking.

2. What kind of sentences did you use? Are theses other patterns you notice?

I used mostly simple sentences and one compound sentence I think.

The patterns that I notice is that I counties to talk about one subject throughout. That subject was me and how my day went. I discussed simple things and I wasn't very in detail about my whole day. 

3. What themes do you notice in this piece?

The themes that I notice is that I talked about how my day went. An example of this is when I said "Today my day went by pretty slow and it was kinda getting boring." This was very simple and at the time the most easiest thing I could have wrote about.

4. What were your intentions for this piece?

My intentions for this piece was to but straight forward and simple as possible. I choose to do this because on that day was very very tired and wanted to uplift some stress that was on my mind. If only I wasn't so tired I would have wrote a lot more, and would have went in further detail. I also intended to be plan and me.

Day Two: Caterpillar Stage

What does your Caterpillar need?  Choose one of the revisions.

a.Food / Is the poem to short? Try beefing it up. Add at least 5 new lines.

Today my day went by pretty slow and it was kinda getting boring. In the morning I got to go to the gym which was good for exercise and to get better at things that I need to work on in class on and off the court. I had a good breakfast and was very energized. Then again at lunch me and Pablo got to play Fortnite I came second and lost. And that's about it for my day.

On the day of September 5, 2018 I was sitting in a very uncomfortable chair, the room was hot. The class although was pretty great. We didn't do much but had long discussions. On this rather simple day I had been very sleepy and felt overwhelmed by the amount of work that I was given. I don't know why I was sleepy, but maybe it was just the weather. My morning went well. I got to play in the gym next door with my brother Nakiya'h and Pablo. The best part is that I had won all the games that we had played, and even bragged about it. The gym was great exercise and then again I think made me sleepy. I later left the gym and started to work on my class work. The breakfast I ate before this was pancakes bacon and eggs. It was very delicious and made me full. Towards the end of the day around lunch time me and Pablo got to play Fortnite; I had came in second and lost but I think he won. Then after that it was off to class, and it went by so slow that I felt like jumping out of the window. Okay maybe not that slow but you get the point. On this day I think it was the first day that teachers were cooking, and the smell of there food stinked. It turned out that it wasn't that bad after all. The rest of the day was very chill and calm. If I could change the day and how it went it would be super sunny and warm. I would arrive to school in a Lamborghini and give money to people on the way to school. This would be flexing and be sharing a good deed with others at the same time.

Day Three: Chrysalis stage

1. On this day I sat with my partner A.l and we discussed that I had some grammar issues and run on sentences.
2. On my partners project she decided to draw a picture on how she felt. I just gave her some tips like draw light with the pencil and, make sure you plan what you draw a day before.

On September 5, 2018 I was sitting in a very uncomfortable chair. The class although was pretty great. We didn't do much but had long discussions. On this rather simple day I had been very sleepy and, felt overwhelmed by the amount of work that I was given. I don't know why I was sleepy, but maybe it was just the weather. My morning went well. I got to play in the gym next door with my brother Nakiya'h and Pallo. The best part is that I had won all the games that we had played. The gym was great exercise and then again I think made me sleepy. I later left the gym and started to work on my class work. The breakfast I ate before this was pancakes bacon and eggs. It was very delicious and made me full. Towards the end of the day around lunch time me and Pallo got to play Fortnite. I had came in second and lost but I think he won. Then after that it was off to class, and it went by so slow that I felt like jumping out of the window. Okay maybe not that slow but you get the point. On this day I think it was the first day that teachers were cooking, and the smell of there food stinked. It turned out that it wasn't that bad after all. The rest of the day was very chill and calm. If I could change the day and how it went it would be super sunny and warm. I would arrive to school in a Lamborghini and give money to people on the way to school. This would be flexing and be sharing a good deed with others at the same time.

Day four: Butterfly Stage

1. Today I just fixed some little errors a had and made this a flashback of how my day went.

On September 5, 2018 I was sitting in a very uncomfortable chair. The class although was pretty great. We didn't do much but had long discussions. On this simple day I had been very sleepy and,  overwhelmed by the amount of work I was given. I don't know why I was sleepy, but maybe it was just the weather. My morning went well. I got to play in the gym next door with my brother Nakiya'h and Pallo. The main factor about the gym is that I dont like is we only get 30 minutes. The best part is that I had won all the games that we had played. The gym was great exercise and then again I think made me sleepy. I later left the gym and started to work on my class work. The breakfast I ate before this was pancakes bacon and eggs. It was very delicious and made me full. Towards the end of the day around lunch time me and Pallo got to play Fortnite. I had came in second and lost but I think he won. Then after that it was off to class, and it went by so slow. On the day that teachers were cooking there food smelled. The smell of there food stinked. It turned out that it wasn't that bad after all. The rest of the day was very chill and calm. If I could change that day and how it went it would be super sunny and warm. I would arrive to school in a Lamborghini and give money to people on the way to school. This would be flexing and be sharing a good deed with others at the same time. Overall my day was fine.

Never Trust a Snake

The second unit of this class was pretty simple and chill. We first began to look at fables and asking the question of why do we make stories. The class came to a conclusion that we make stories to teach a lesson. These lessons were made to instill in to young children not to do bad but to do good. We also started to read some famous stories like The Hare and the Tortoise and some Panchatantra fables. I really enjoyed this process since I remember most of the stories, and I got to go into further depth of them. Also, fables bring joy by storytelling to little kids and adults. But I think the hardest task for me would be finding symbolism. In this unit, we got to talk about the reasons behind somethings are morals and what we believe as an individual. What I believe in is that you shouldn't trust everyone. I believe you should be aware of the people in your surrounds and to be focused on you. Anyway, here is my story. Enjoy!

Never Trust a Snake

Once upon a time ,there was a happy joyful, fat bellied pig named Charlotte. Charlotte was a wild pig who lived in the dense forest of the Amazon and loved it there. He was the only piglet that survived in his litter, and his parents had left him to be an adult at the age of 18. Charlotte was a smart but foolish pig. He would stick his head into beehives, light dry hay stacks on fire and even drink out of the deadly alligator pound. In the forest, he would spend most of his days looking for other animals to play with and have a good time with. Since living in such a populated area, Charlotte could find all sorts of animal friends. There were snakes, jaguars, monkeys, toucans, frogs, butterflies, and even mice. But knowing this piggy, he didn't want any ordinary friends; they had to be able to play an instrument since he loved music. Charlotte's favorite instrument was the guitar. The guitar was a symbol of peace in his eyes. It brought him pleasure, and happiness all in one. The guitar was an outlet for him; it allowed him to express himself more than imaginable. One day he heard that the monkeys of the town were going to make a town blues festival, and needed volunteers to play each instrument. 

On the next day, Charlotte went to sign up for the festival. It was packed with new and old faces. What stood out to him the most was that no one had signed up to play the guitar, so he urgently ran over to the sheet while all most bumping into a weird looking fox. But before Charlotte even touched the fox he swiftly turned around, and caught the pig before he fell. Charlotte quickly said, “Sorry bro, I didn't see you there.” He then began to introduce himself. “Hi my name is Charlotte what’s yours?”
“My name is Clay and I live down the road before the Jaguar’s house.” The sly fox actually lived behind Charlotte and continued with his lie. “Okay……..Clay uhh that's a funny name for a fox,” said Charlotte.“So what brings you here?”

“Well, I have an actual band. But we all did not agree to perform at are concert so me and my partner Slither the Snake decided to come here and rock on.”

Charlotte was very excited he made a new friend. And was ready to continue his day. But before Charlotte could even say bye to Clay, he pulled him by the arm to his partner Slither. Slither was not so happy to see a pig in the Amazon because most either trampled snakes to death or ate all the food. They talked to each other, but also and in an instant, became like best friends. But fake friends.

So since the festival was the next day, they decided to meet over Clay’s house and practice. Clay played the drums, Slither played the maraca, and Charlotte played the guitar like no other. They jammed with each other for about two hours and got bored. But Slither then came up with an evil idea to prank Charlotte into thinking he could fly. So before the festival, both Clay and Slither convinced Charlotte that jumping off the majestic waterfall would make him the best guitar player in the world and he would be able to fly.The pig decided to take their words since he trusted them like brothers even though they met yesterday. Thus they traveled to the huge waterfalls and starting chanting, “Jump, jump, jump. It will make you better. "You will fly.” Charlotte then slowly played an old blues tune walking backwards and jumped off. At that moment, there was one lost piggy, and no one ever heard of him again. He had vanished in the rapid paced waves and disappeared.

Moral of the story never believe everything people say to you to be true.

"The Falling " J.L 10/10/18

Reflection

From this AP, I have learn to make a fable, and deconstruct character traits to make a good story. Overall, I enjoyed the creative process while trying to come up with a plot. I think this has made me a little better at thinking outside the box. Also my writing is steadily getting better from last year and that's great. My moral of this story was to never trust a snake or anyone for that matter. This has been an issue for me growing up, but it will always stick to me. I hope for Unit 3, we began to look at ancient writing or different style's of writing stories. My experience in the class so far has been great ,and I think it can only go up from there.

How We Came To Be

Over my first course in Stories we had went over ways to create a picture with our words basically. We started off by making observations around us and making a story out of that. We used similes, metaphors ,adverbs and adjectives. This I think brought out the writer in me and made me create my own perspective of how I think life came to be. But honestly the only people who do know are dead. The purpose of this a.p was to learn how to come up with are own etiology story and make others that read it feel what we are saying. My process for completing this project started of at a slow pace and began to speed up as I saw we only had one more day to finish. Etiology is a story how something came to be or the origin of something. In this case my story is on the topic of earth and how it came to be.

Long before any man or creature to roam the Earth ,there was an ancient alien king who created the universe.The king was bored one century and couldn't quite put his finger on what he wanted. In his time off he would kick asteroids ,through the universe causing meteor showers and the sun to burst into an explosion. At that point, an amazing idea sparked in his head. Create a world with inhabants to see how long they could survive. So he grabbed his magical sword and floated out through the galaxy to find a perfect sphere shaped rock as round as a basketball. When the king found the rock, he laughed foolishly at his idea, but proceeded to strike the rock. When striking the rock he created a mist of ideas and anything that he was thinking was now put onto this planet. It created all sorts of animals and other aliens. It also created lava rivers, gigantic futuristic skyscrapers and a dome over the planet to control the temperature. In time, this planet took a total of ten seconds to create, which is rather fast. The king forgot to think of oxygen since he didn’t breath because he was immortal.The planet itself looking from space appeared like a furious ball of fire, and anything near it would disintegrate. On the planet, it's very chaotic there's hell everywhere and almost rarely any peace”. After the king finished the mist over the planet, he decided to name it Zarth. Planet Zarth has huge blistering lava rivers and oceans across the entire world. These lava rivers are like volcanoes that spit up there lunch. They give the aliens living there hope. They stand for the purpose of a new creation. The air dense like a blanket that covers and hold you tight as if it would never let go. Here on Zarth the wind is always cruelly blowing and there is no day only night. When the skyscrapers lights beam they sparkle like a chandelier hanging from the ceiling and make the world look beautiful for a moment. So as Zarth was named the inhabants fell drastically from the sky and fell into the lava river creating huge muscular creatures who could inherit their own superpowers. They would go on to explore there new world like sheep in a herd. And so they did.

The alien creatures named themselves the Zartos and became stronger as they grew in number. With this in mind, they took over most to all the animals habitats and conquered like an Empire. There were three powers that you could gain at birth and that would be super strength, lighting fast speed and the ability to fly. These powers were gained through the lava as you drink it. The lava wasn’t hot to them and didn't burn their skin. They mostly used their powers to kill or cause mischievous mayhem. The air itself in the environment is poison to any other alien to enter the atmosphere. This causes the aliens to wear nose pieces that provide oxygen. The nose pieces were painfully placed on at birth, and left a dreadful scar under the lip. One distinguishing feature of Zarth is that no one can die unless they truly wanted to. if an alien did, the alien would be called an outcast only to come back reincarnated as an animal. The Zartos always had war on their planet, and they were very destructive in their actions. They would fly super colossal space crafts and drop nuclear bombs on each other.Zortos would destroy land and party after battling. This would cause The Ancient Alien King to get wrathful and cause disastrous storms that ripped the skyscrapers down, tore out business and blew inhabitants off the face of the planet Zarth. So the Alien King had failed in his first attempt in making a world, and the aliens on Zarth only lasted for about 100 years. 

After that trial, The King wanted to create a opposite of Zarth. Furthermore he flipped the named Zarth to Earth changed the environment from hell to peaceful, and turned the lava into hard rock that would take place as a home for his new creation. The king wanted a foreshadowing tone to this new planet as if there were flowers everywhere, trees, lakes and streams but made out of something simple and pure. So he created water and that's how life began to evolve. Then, as water came along he added, land broken into sections on earth and created humans out of the water. Furthermore Humans became strong and started to speak like birds chirping in the tree and became the omega of the land. These humans depended on food unlike the anilens so the king made animals to eat. He made humongous gardens all over the world and left humans to be. This new world was very majestically, so pleasant and quiet. Something like a beautiful sunset over the horizon with favorable colored birds gliding swiftly through the air. The humans never fight here there's no chaos, and everything is perfect like the alien king wanted. To be continued.

JL "Fiery Universe" Drawing (2018)

Reflection

In the end of this project it was very tuff for me to come up of how something came to be. I never made a story like this before and had to think outside the box. Overall from this AP I have learned a lot and how to improvise. I think I did well making a picture that I wanted my readers to see. I struggle with grammar, and where to place certain adjectives and metaphors in certain places. Also I struggled with using Blogger for the first time and it was very frustrating. If I had to do this again I would take my time and also think faster so I could get done and have my teacher revise it. I am also not that fast at typing so it was hard to try and keep up with my classmates. This ap has taught me how to look at things in a different perspective and not to judge.