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[radalpacaman]

Blog Post #5

I am a senior in high school, and over the years I have seen student stereotypes, and typical behavior amongst my class mates, but I have noticed a common misconception in movies that is not relatable to the reality of high school. In most high school movies there is typically the cheerleaders, the jocks, the nerds, the skaters and the kids that just want to pass through high school. These are our typical stereotypes of students in movies, and the main character is usually the kid that is bullied by the jocks. Although, most movies preach these stereotypes, they are not at all accurate, while there are the school athletes they are not praised by the whole school when they walk into school after the big game. The nerds are not bullied by the jocks, and the cheerleaders are not the most popular girls in school. Mainly, the students in high school have their own personal friend groups that they hangout with, for example the football kids hangout with the footballs kids, the cheerleaders with the cheerleaders and so on. In addition, another big misconception in movies is how olds the kids look, in the movies they make the students look like they are in their mid 20′s, but a high school senior in real life looks nothing like that. There is an exception of a couple kids who do have a beard or some tattoos, but the majority of all kids do not look grown like these movies show. If a child is transitioning from middle school to high school it definitely sets a scary outlook, as they believe these stereotypes of being grown is a standard, or the jocks prey on the younger, more innocent kids. In my opinion, there needs to be a change in these movies, because it is setting an unrealistic representation of high school and scaring younger kids approaching their freshman year.

[radalpacaman]

Blog post #4

Recently, I have listened to the TED Radio Hour podcast, “The Hero’s Journey”, it speaks about the journey of heroes, and what makes a hero. This is an hour long TED Podcast, and it truly reveals the concept of how we all love heroes but discusses more about the heroes journey to success. Manoush Zomorodi, the host, uses Star Wars as a source of ‘The Hero’s Journey’, he talks about the 3 stage formula from Joseph Campbell, “Departure, initiation, and return.” The hero leaves home on a journey or quest, goes through a crucible, then comes home victorious. Star Wars follows this exact formula, and they execute this 3-step method perfectly, but why? It is the very thought that leaving home, overcoming challenges and searching for true calling, that's something we all search for, and figuring out what we really want in life, and then going and getting it. The host does a great job of bringing TED speakers that have similar stories that follow the 3 stages of a hero, and in result astronomically brings his claim together. Zomorodi also discusses the importance of a mentor, he states, “A mentor is somebody who has traveled a little further down the road in life, and a good mentor doesn't just give you the answers you need, but gives you the tools required to answer them yourself.” All of these stories would not have become a reality for most unless they had a mentor, for example, Yoda being the mentor, and Luke Skywalker the student. This podcast defines a hero as a person who leaves their home, or comfort zone, to take on something you don't chose or can't prepare for, and succeed and become a better person because of it. I would've define a hero as someone who overcomes a challenge and wins the girl, and who is cherished by everyone. I now would define a hero as a person who overcomes an obstacle, that is no way trainable for and succeeds by sheer will power, and motivation.

My main hero in my life is my father, growing up he was the youngest out of five children, two girls, and two brothers, before he was born his father had left him, and his mother. By the age of 5, his mother had past away, and both his older sisters by age 9, he was lost in life, a homeless boy by the age of 10 trying to get his education, and stay positive throughout mortality around him. No parents, no home, and no mentor around him, he had, in my mind, the hardest obstacle to overcome, but that didn't stop him. He found ways to survive, often playing golf and betting people he could beat them. Little by little he got more and more money, he got his High School diploma, then his college diploma, then later finding my mother. He created his own business, and sold houses to create a family. Working hard throughout crucial, spirit breaking moments and succeeding throughout all of his toughest obstacles is the greatest hero story in my mind. He is now living his best life having fun, and staying happy, but ready for any challenge that comes his way, and for that he is my hero.

[radalpacaman]

Blog Post #3

This is a photo of my girlfriend, her mother and her dogs represent my 2020. It represents my 2020 because all of 2020 we have been locked down and not able to go out as much due to COVID-19, but we love the time we spend together. It has not been the most ideal or normal year, but it will definitely be remembered in history, and remembered in my life. This photo is a pretty basic day to day photo of my girlfriend and I having a great time relaxing in her house. We are sitting inside watching Harry Potter movies, throwing popcorn at each other, and laughing non stop. We are limited to what we can do outside but inside, our imagination is what limits us. My girlfriend and I have very young personality’s, and love to have fun and not worry about our soon to be adulthood. I think this picture is a very good definition of that, although we are just inside sitting on the couch, the quality time we spend together is what matters to us. I hope to achieve freedom of this everlasting lock down, and to spend time with my family and my girlfriend outside of home. I am optimistic about the future and hope everyone and everything can go back to normal. In conclusion, this photo means a lot to me as it shows the people I care most about, and however long we stay in quarantine, will not change that.

[radalpacaman]

Blog Post #2

Over the pandemic music has been an important part of my day, it gets me through the day, even when things get tough. Music is versatile in so many ways, you can be motivated, focused, or even relaxed, and there is also so many songs for different kinds of emotions. I listen to a wide variety of music from Rap to 90´s rock to country. I have had a lot of time to listen to music, I have found a couple songs that I really love, and connect with. Starting with the first song, ¨Scar Tissue¨ by Red Hot Chili Peppers, this song is not happy nor motivating but it is a deep song about addiction, they sing, ¨Blood loss in a bathroom stall A southern girl with a scarlet drawl Wave goodbye to ma and pa¨. I really love this song for its amazing fluidity, and instrumental beat, the flow of the song is hard to beat. The lead singer has a voice that keeps you wanting to listen, and it gets you bopping your head for sure. This song resonates with me because of its message within the song, they talk about the struggle of drug addiction and the story behind their past addictions. I highly recommend listening to this song, and Red Hot Chili Peppers in general. 

The second song, I have listened to is, ¨Ain´t No Rest for the Wicked¨ by Cage the Elephant. This song is one of my all time favorite songs for its message and beat. The lead singer is talking about getting through life while doing things that are not morally right, ¨Give me all you've got I want your money not your life But if you try to make a move, I won't think twice". He talks about when times get tough and you have to do illegal things to get by and survive. The song has an incredible message, and rhythm that keeps you listening the entire song. I have consistently went back to the song because for the addicting beat of the song and the amazing lyrics that keep you listening to the story. Also, the tone the artists have is confident, and calm, and they target a wide audience of people who love rock music. I also recommend Cage the Elephant if you like catchy rock songs.

[radalpacaman]

Blog Post #1

Recently I found a poem by Jane Kenyon called, “Happiness” it is a very inspiring poem as she creates a very visual image as she writes. She states, “No, happiness is the uncle you never knew about, who flies a single-engine plane onto the grassy landing strip, hitchhikes into town, and inquires at every door until he finds you asleep mid afternoon as you so often are during the unmerciful hours of your despair.¨ She paints a very vivid image of an uncle, in the form of happiness, flying a single engine airplane while landing on a grassy landing strip trying to reach you. What she is trying to say is that happiness will do anything and everything to find you even in your darkest times. Her use of imagery within her words really emulates the theme of happiness because, it tells the story of happiness making itself into your life. When she describes the uncle hitchhiking into town and going door to door, you can see exactly what she means, by happiness will find you. I loved her bold tone throughout her poem, as she tells the story, I will definitely be looking at more of her poems.

[radalpacaman]

Blog Post C

Recently I have read, ¨Peak Anxiety? Here Are 10 Ways to Calm Down.¨ by Tara Parker-Pope and wow, her voice within her writing is graceful, she is truly an amazing author. The article, as it explain in the title, is about ways to rid of anxiety and stress, by using simple tips and tricks to relieve these worries. If anyone has felt stress during times of the pandemic or this politically driven world, this is a great article to read. Parker-Pope does a great job explaining each tip, so everyone can do these. For example, she explains anytime we get up and move our muscles, and get our heart rate up, we get a boost of dopamine and sense ourselves as alive or engaged. She writes as if she is talking to the reader face to face, which really keeps you reading and connected to the article. Her tone throughout this piece, is happy, and hopeful because she truly wants the best for her readers, and the people who need these tips the most. In each of her pieces that I have read they all have been very informative, and amazing, I love her simplistic style of writing, and getting to the point. Her writing is addicting as you find yourself reading more, and more. If you are someone who struggles with anxiety and stress, I strongly encourage you to read this article, and try these tips! Try reading her other articles as well if you love motivational, and inspirational reads!

[radalpacaman]

Blog Post B

Recently I have read, ¨Why Self-care isn´t selfish¨ by Tara Parker-Pope, and it was another inspirational article! She is a New York Times author that helps writes on health, and personal wellness. Her purpose in this article is to effectively explain why self-care is essential to people, and why it is not selfish to treat yourself. In addition, she gives five self-care exercises to help make yourself a priority in 2021. This has been my second article that I have read by Parker-Pope and she has been very persuasive, she has such an amazing, smooth choice of words that keep you reading line for line. Her joyous and hopeful tone is unmatched compared to other authors, I recommend taking a look at her work, because she is truly a great author. She consistently surprises me with her motivational tips, and tricks to help yourself become the best person of your ability. If you are a person who lacks self-care and focuses on other issues in your life rather than your own, I highly recommend taking a look at this article, it is a true guide on how to make yourself a priority. Even if you do not lack self-care, it still has great information and exercises to help improve yourself. 

[radalpacaman]

Blog Post A

Recently I have read Tara Parker-Pope’s, “How to Be Happy” and it was definitely a motivational article. Her purpose is how to obtain happiness by changing your mindset, and making quick adjustments from your normal day to day. She has a powerful yet simple writing style that keeps you reading all the way throughout her article, with straightforward, passionate statements that get you invested in her writing. Parker-Pope’s has a confident tone that allows you to feel happy, and comforted while reading a motivational path to happiness. 

[radalpacaman]

My First Post

Test!