Cultural Awareness

            It is incomparably important to be culturally literate; especially in this twenty first century of rapid progress and swift technological advancement. Being knowledgeable of and having an opinion on current events leads one to be more self-aware and develop different perspectives. It is imperative that individuals alive today are conscious of the awful shooting in Ferguson, Missouri. Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot and killed on Aug. 9, 2014 by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. The occurrence provoked protests that roiled the area for weeks; people objected to the officers’ quick and violent reaction, conceivably due to black male stereotypes: violence, aggression, and immaturity. On Nov. 24, the St. Louis County prosecutor announced that a grand jury decided not to indict Mr. Wilson which set off another wave of protests.

            This event brought it to the public attention that racism is still very present in today’s society. Many assume that views today are equal, but racism still lies in the morals of some individuals and provides bias in their decisions. One would not be aware of this actuality if one was not up to date on the current debated events. It is crucial to one’s literacy, awareness, and maturity to be aware of the predicaments and issues that affect society. If one is not aware of this event, one does not truly understand the stature and position of American society in this point in history.

Future Literate Me

Dear Future Me,

            What are you doing right now? Homework? Eating a snack? Watching Netflix? Whatever you are doing, stop and try to recall the last time you read a book. Not a work required by the institution I which you are currently enrolled, but a novel that you read simply for pleasure. While we are on the subject of your probably lacking literary activities, when was the last time you let your creative juices flow – have you written anything recently? Writing can be so stabilizing and calming, it always helps reconcile and sort your thoughts. 

All the best,

Jess            

            I always speculate what I will be like in 10 years, 20 years... 50 years! I imagine I will be a completely different person. Maybe a wild hippie in my unruly twenties? Or a Type-A business executive with a stable career by my thirtieth birthday? It seems so far away, but then I remember my life as a five year old: twelve years ago I was roughly the same person I am today with additional perspectives and wisdom, of course. One difference was that I used to read – I loved borrowing books from the library and swapping books with friends. Since high school, I have lost that interest due to the rigor of my classes, athletic obligations, time commitments with friends and family, and tasks that are unavoidable facets of being a teenager.

            I truly hope that the “future literate me” takes time to read books for personal enjoyment. When life is busy and complicated, it is the most crucial time to be in touch with one’s self. Journaling is such a satisfying endeavor that often provides clarity and a sense of ease. However, starting is the hardest part! I also hope that I remain up to date on current events. I have faith that future literate me will be grounded, content, and peaceful. 

Exploring Issues

            Mr. Neden’s Exploratory Issues class increased my appreciation and awareness of the world. Taking part in meaningful and relevant discussions made me intrigued and pushed me to go online and read about current events. Because of the laid back atmosphere and enriching environment, I was comfortable and expressed my thoughts on topics of which I was not familiar. I learned that when one poses a question or one’s opinion, even if one thinks it is silly, it is very likely that someone else has a similar inquiry.   

          Knowing how and why our world is functioning the way it is at this moment became fascinating. Increased awareness of global affairs is the first step to making the world a better place; one must battle the collective indifferent sentiment that is so rampant today. I began to learn how political figures interact, as well as how governing bodies are dealing with complex problems, from domestic rebellions to scientific innovations.

          It is so important to be aware of what is going on in the world and to be part of a global community. It is important to be conscious of global complications and not simply be absorbed in each small facet of one’s own life. Understanding current events helped me appreciate what I often take for granted: my supportive family, my loyal friends, and a community that is kind, understanding, and compassionate. So many people must bravely endure life altering problems; this class developed a new meaning for the phrase “high-class problems.” Becoming more educated about current affairs, allowed me to build more informed opinions, spark engaged discussion, and feel surer of my place in the world.

The Importance of Reading

An increase in reading among students could be a positive change to public education. Nonfiction and fiction. Short graphic novels and series alike. Simply reading more would foster literary skills, awareness, morale, and enjoyment of reading. Several studies have found a direct relationship between students who are motivated to read and higher test scores. Students who spend a significant amount of time reading different types of works have greater background knowledge; this prior knowledge has been shown to give students a greater understanding of test material. This allows them to more easily analyze that material and formulate correct responses. When students read book that they enjoy, it encourages imaginative thinking and improves vocabulary. Reading also allows students to slow down and simply be with themselves and book. Over time, reading more, even purely for pleasure, would increase students’ concentration because reading forces one to focus on one entity. There is no need to check ones phone while one is reading. All one must do is sit, be calm, and immerse one’s self in a good, age appropriate book of one’s choice. It can be very satisfying to have sat for seemingly just a few moments and complete a novel that was completely captivating. To attain this literary objective, students could be presented with a list of high school level appropriate books and given a minimum required number of books to read per year. For at least fifteen minutes every English class, students could read a book of their choice – this does occur in freshman and sophomore classes, but should be continued in the higher grades. Also, the teacher must be certain that no student is on their cellphone! It is so important to be able to disconnect from technology. There is so much to glean from literature, one can only begin to learn if they crack the surface and open the cover.

Follow Your Dreams

           

             Banksy is a fascinating street artist; each of his images has a deep and often controversial message. His pictures speak a thousand words. His stenciled graffiti street art laced with truth and dark humor has made him infamous throughout the world.

            I remember first seeing his work in AP European history during my sophomore year and thinking that this pseudonym graffiti artist was probably the coolest guy ever. I am inspired by his confidence to anonymously portray his personal views on politics and society. His pieces completely expose his innermost thoughts for the world to judge, admire, perhaps criticize. He simply and artistically conveys his opinions and is appreciated and recognized all over the world. It is all anyone can hope for: to be acknowledged and respected for telling your truth and speaking your mind.

This piece is of

            “Follow Your Dreams" is a popular axiom calling people to action and alluding to freedom and the vision of America as the land of hope and opportunity.  In this work, the American Dream is being “cancelled”.  The painter represents a simple and ordinary American citizen. The bold and bright writing of the word “cancelled” is forceful, pronounced, and inescapable on top of his written words; his affirmation. The American Dream no longer exists.  It has been fiercely destroyed and Americans are now confined in a world where they falsely believe themselves to be free.

Oh, Literature.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgWJrLn2SGk

          The book Night by Elie Wiesel is one of the most significant and meaningful books I have read. Wiesel’s simple, straightforward, yet haunting and honest account of the Holocaust touched me deeply. It is a true and powerful story about the author's experiences. The memoir is brilliant; it has so much to teach readers about a reality that should never be forgotten or remembered with unresponsiveness or indifference. It impacted me more than any other text because of the simple language, but heartbreaking and incomprehensible story. It gave me a jolt of fright and grief, and I felt the bitter taste of inhumanity. If it happened once, it could happen again – that’s what makes the retelling of Wiesel’s story so important.

            The passage of time allows memories to fade. This cannot happen with the Holocaust. So many years later, there are generations of students who have skimmed over the Holocaust in their history classes, not truly comprehending the events. Reading Night is a personal reflection; so much more poignant than the monotonous facts in a textbook. When one feel something, one is less likely to forget it. When one feels something so unsettling and disturbing, one is more likely to remember and help prevent such a brutality from repeating itself. It is imperative that the harsh, tragic events of the past are not only learned, but felt: one must feel in one’s heart what was endured by the strong, brave, unfortunate people massacred in the Holocaust. To the best of their ability, the teenagers of today must be given the chance to see, feel, and understand the despair and depravity Wiesel experience as a young child.  The story of the Holocaust must be retold for every generation to prevent a sentiment of numbness and insensitivity.  Told in less than 150 pages, Night must be the work to convey this sophisticated and significant crisis. It is inevitable that a high school student who reads this short memoir will be taught, engaged, and impacted.

Goodnight, Moon

            Goodnight, moon. Reading the picture book, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is my first memory of interacting with the written word. Frankly, when it was first read to me, I did not listen to the words at all, I merely looked at the beautiful pictures and tried my hardest to keep my little eyes open. I remember getting into bed with my mom and being so eager to hear a story; it was a real treat. She worked in New York City a few days each week and because I missed her when she was away, I treasured and adored her full attention when she would read to me before bedtime. It was a special and greatly anticipated nighttime ritual.

            Each night when she asked me to pick a story I would often chose the same book, Goodnight Moon. I enjoyed the predictability of hearing the same story night after night. Knowing what was going to happen, I would sit back and close my eyes, glancing up every now and then to delight in the colorful pictures. Her reading and the peaceful sound of her voice would lull me to sleep.

            These first memories instilled in me an appreciation for literature. I learned that simply picking up a book and reading for pleasure can be both invigorating and internally balancing. As I got older, my mom would read me different genres: fables, fairytales, and even science books about the solar system. These early interactions taught me that reading has many benefits: it can be relaxing, educational,  help you share passions with others, and sometimes even put you to sleep. Many children begin their literary journey with picture books, and it is the simplest, best place to instill a lifelong love of reading. 

Uncertainties Overcome

            I can do this. I can do anything I set my mind to. I am powerful.  At the start of any Nordic skiing sectional race, these are the prevailing thoughts in my mind. Two years ago, however, I could not focus. I was on track to placing in the top ten finishers, and because of the anxiety and pressure, I was unable to complete the race. I was overwhelmed; my place, good or bad, could determine whether our team won the sectional title. The official announced that it was my turn to start, and I could not concentrate. My mind was running a mile a minute with incoherent and fearful thoughts. I felt like a fish out of water instead of the strong and capable skier that I was. Competitors, typically were far behind me, had begun to pass me; I started skiing frantically to drone out the negative thoughts taking over. I could not access my confidence; my insecurities surfacing.

            A year later, the nerves were even greater but I was somehow relaxed. I could do this. I was the first person to start and seeded as the fastest skier. My heart felt as though it was going to beat out of my chest. What if the wax on my skis did not work? What if the other team put on better wax? What if I fell? What if those five frantic seconds cost me the elusive section champion title? The official counted down the final seconds. The raced commenced. As I thought of the previous year, I was determined to not let it get to me accept to fuel my commitment to win. I could do my absolute best, try my hardest, have my hard work of the past few months pay off. I had earned this.

            As I neared the finish line, exhausted, I wanted to look behind me - I was unsure whether the clicking sound was from my skis pounded on the snow, or the second place girl on my heels. My throat was burning from the cold, my legs aching from the exertion. I could see the finish line; and put everything I had into those final seconds. I crossed the line, dropped my poles, and immediately turned around, expecting to see a girl right behind me. To my surprise and elation, there was no one there. The feeling that I experience in that moment was a transformation from childhood to adulthood. I put my heart and soul into that race and it didn't disappoint me. The downturn of the previous year’s race strengthened me and fueled my body and mind to win. I accomplished my goal. I was so proud of what I had done. The memory of disappointment and letdown pushed me to another level. I proved to myself I could do anything I set my mind to.

            I felt powerful, strong, mature and independent. Now whenever I am unsure of myself I remember that experience and am reminded that I can do anything I convince myself that I can do.