Class Evaluation

• I liked that this class challenged me into being a better student.  This class has helped me with my computer skills.  I like that this class has also made me think more about choosing the right and becoming a better person. 
• I feel that sometimes this class got a little boring because I was always on the computer, but that IS what the class is about sooo....
• I recommend that we have more interaction with students in the class.  I think that this will allow students to feel more comfortable with each other and will help the class be more fun. 
• The highlight for me in this class was that I had the chance to start my Life Planning Goals journal.  My journal has helped me keep track of all of the things I want to accomplish in life.  Ever since I started that journal, I feel like I work harder toward my goals because I am reminded of them everyday.
• I feel that I did do my best in this class, just like in my other classes.  I did my best with my classwork, for example, all of the Student Success Statements and all of the Medical Career Research documents.  I think I could have put more of an effort into my LPGJ.
• I try to read my LPGJ everyday, but I get lazy.  I am a big-time procrastinator which is why sometimes I don't write in my LPGJ.  Whenever I do read or write in it though, I try to really reflect and understand my goals. 
• I think that being a CTR person is very important.  I know that most students in high school think that "CTR" is a joke and that it shouldn't be taken seriously but it is something that will actually help us in the long run.  I try to be a kind person and be positive, but I have never really put much thought into being a "CTR person".  Being a CTR person should come naturally and everyone should do it on their own without feeling forced.

Honesty! You Better Believe It!

This video is about always being honest and respecting other people's decisions about honesty.  For example, when someone wants to copy your homework, and you tell them no, they should respect that.  Just like in the video, when the student does not let their classmate copy.  

Honesty is always the best policy because it will pay off in the long run.  Being honest allows you to have a clean conscience and to know that you are good with yourself and with others.  I think that this video helps to teach people that the truth is important.  The truth is important because it allows you to move one and go on to bigger and better things.  I think that this video is a good example of how telling the truth and being honest pays off very well.

Student Success Statement

“When you tell one lie, it leads to another.”

-Paul Hatch

This quote is very true.  Lying is toxic and can lead to many misunderstandings and to you losing people close to you.  This is because lies multiply and multiply until all of them unravel.  Now, although “little white lies” can be used when you want to shield someone from pain, it is better to tell the truth.  The truth is the only thing that can help us overcome the obstacles we are facing.  For example, if you have a friend and you know that his/her partner, it is better to tell them straight up.  Why?  They will eventually find out sooner or later, and it is better you tell them now in order for them to cope with that type of pain.  Another reason why you shouldn't lie is because the truth will always, always prevail.  No matter what you do or say to cover up or make your lies, the truth will always see the light.  It is not good to lie because it haunts you, and there is always something hovering over you telling you that you should tell the truth.  The truth might hurt, but it's better to “hurt someone with the truth than comfort them with a lie.”

The Sting of the Scorpion

When Patrick Kearon was a little boy, he lived in an area where there were a lot of snakes, scorpions, and thorns.  Because of this, his parents always warned him to wear shoes in order to protect himself.  Although Kearon knew this information, he decided to ignore his parents and put on sandals instead of shoes.  Kearon knew that sandals were not shoes, but he put them on anyway.  He chose the wrong, and guess what happened, he got stung.  A scorpion stung him and he was in a lot of pain.  What this story is suggesting is that, if you choose the wrong you will get stung.  This is why it is important to “always do right.”

Student Success Statement

“Always do right.”

   -Mark Twain

What Twain is trying to tell us with this quote is that choosing the right is important.  There are things that are simply so important that we must ALWAYS do them.  For example, whenever you see someone in need, you should always help if you have the ability to do so.  Choosing the right is something that we always have to do because it helps us become better people.  Twain says to always do right because sometimes people need people to remind them that being kind and doing what is right will allow you to know yourself better.  I think that being a CTR person is an important trait and quality.  A person who doesn't always do right is indecisive and won't be able to make the right decisions on the spot.  Also, I think that this quote is suggesting that always doing what is right can help the world become a little bit better.  Twain was trying to say “always be kind” or “always help”.  This is a good quote and I think it has a lot of hidden meanings behind it.  

Student Success Statement

“It's better to be alone than in bad company.”

    -unknown

I love this quote.  It is very true and if people apply it to their lives, I think that their lives would be 10x better. This quote means that it is better to be alone than to be around those who are bad influences or who are CTW people.  Sometimes people are just friends with people because they are scared of being alone, not fitting in, or wanting to be popular.  But what is the point of being friends with people who just want to lead you towards the bad road?  It is important that we choose our friends and the people we surround ourselves with wisely.  My mom always says this quote, which is why I love it so much.  I have always had it with me and I always say it to.  Being alone rather than being in bad company allows us to be better ourselves.  Instead of joining the “bad company”, we should turn into “good company” and like that we will become friends with people who actually help us progress in life.  “Bad company” means people who do drugs or drink alcohol.  It also includes people who are rude or abusive, who try to bring you down, who exclude you and bully you.  Bad company is called “BAD” company for a reason.  Sometimes you are better off being by yourself for a while because it helps you see who is real and who isn’t.  I think that being alone is much better than being with friends or a partner just because you don’t want to be alone.  Being alone is what helps us figure out who we really are.

World War II

Dates of WWII: September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945

December 7, 1941

-attack on Pearl Harbor

What countries fought against whom in WWII?

• 2 sides that fought against each other
• Allies and Axis Powers

Axis Powers

• Germany
• Italy                 
• Japan

Allies

• Britain
• France
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• India
• Soviet Union
• China
• United States

Where did WWII occur?

-Most of the war was fought in Europe, East Asia, and islands in the Pacific Ocean.  There were also places like Russia, Germany, and China.

Events During WWII:

July 1st, 1940 - Battle of Britain

December 7, 1941 - Pearl Harbor attack

April 9, 1942 - Bataan Death March

August 6, 1945 - Atomic Bomb dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

How can we honor and show respect for veterans of WWII?

• It is important that we recognize and give thanks to all of those who served during WWII because they fought for our country.  To honor veterans, we should visit memorials of those people who died during WWII.

Being a Teen

-school

-6,000 hours of homework

-getting into college

-picking a career

-getting a job

-sports teams

-depression

-gender identity

-sexuality

-relationships

-popularity

-drugs, sex, and alcohol

-peer pressure

-bullying

-family

-social anxiety

-trying to pass 8 classes

-graduation

-trying to fit in

-obnoxious teachers

-feeling powerless over things you literally have no control over (LIKE THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION)

-LGBT community

-”not trying hard enough”

-trying to get straight A’s

-eating disorders

-BEING A TEEN OHMYGOD

These are just a few, even though it is a very long list, of the challenges teens face every single day of their lives.  From school to homework to getting into college, etc. etc.  On top of all this, you have people (ADULTS MOSTLY) telling you that your problems aren't real, that the only thing you have to deal with is going to school and passing all your classes.  Well, those people are wrong and irritating.  Being a teen is difficult.  AND if you aren't a teen, then you have No RigHt To TeLL Us TeeNS that We “have it easy” beCause yOu Don'T knoW……..

MY CHALLENGES

-trying to get straight A’s

-trying to join a sport

-going to school and keeping it together cause Lord knows…whoo

-lol being a teen basically

Trying to get straight A’s is just one of the hardest parts of being a student.  8 classes, and 7 A’s is  good, but sometimes you kind of want to punch that C you have in AP World History in the throat.  Besides school, there is things at home that every teenager deals with, including me.  I try my best to be the best me, and really that is what keeps me going every day.  Gotta make myself proud.

Being a CTR person helps you overcome these challenges by knowing that you have done your part in this world.  IT helps you be at peace with yourself and it makes you feel good because your conscience is clean.  The thing about being a “CTR person” is that it satisfies you to know that you CHOSE to be that person, and you are better because of the choice.

I try to be a “nice” person to everyone because I know that everyone is going through something and no matter how big or small, people need to remember that a little bit of generosity makes a big difference.  The only way to help teenagers is to make them see that you understand what they’re going through and letting them know things get better.

Reflection: What is the greatest need that teens have?

HMM, maybe people to stop telling us we “have it easy” and people to try to understand what we are going through and finally accept that being a teenager is incredibly difficult.  Yup, that's our biggest need.

Student Success Statement

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.  Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.”

-John F. Kennedy

     I like that this quote is trying to encourage people to take care of themselves.  We always to talk about being kind and loving, to others.  Sometimes we talk about it so much that we forget that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Kindness is an important aspect of life.  There needs to be much more of it so the world can be a better place.  But it all starts with ourselves.  We need to make sure that we are the best us we can be and that we love ourselves enough to love others.  What this quote is talking about is physical fitness.  In order for us to progress and be healthy, not only in our minds must we work, but also in our bodies.  If you're always tired because you don't get enough sleep, how can you be kind to others?  I know that doesn't make a lot of sense, but what I am trying to say is that it is important to maintain ourselves healthy in all aspects of life.  We need to be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally, AND physically.  All of us would like to be fit, it is just a matter of actually trying.  Being physically fit can help you achieve a higher level of greatness you didn't think was in you.

Health Sciences Librarian

Duties and Responsibilities;  A Health Sciences Librarian specializes in obtaining and reviewing medical documents.  They are in charge of keeping track of medical trials and medical treatments and procedures.  Their job is to conduct research for medical or clinical trials.   They can work in medical school libraries, non-profit organizations, corporations or government agencies.  A Health Sciences Librarian maintains medical databases and provides assistance when it comes to medical information.

Salary:  The average salary for all Health Sciences Librarians is $56,880.

Education:  The required education for this job is a master’s degree.  Students need to take computer science and science.  A master's degree in library science is mandatory (MLS).  The Medical Library Association does give certificates to potential Health Sciences Librarians, although it isn't required it can help a future employee to advance to a higher position.

Demand for this profession:  50% of Health Sciences Librarians will retire in the next 10 years, which makes the job outlook for this job very well.

Do you think you would like to be one?  Why?  Why not?  I would not like to be a Health Sciences Librarian because it honestly seems like a boring job.  I don’t think I would enjoy being a H.S.L., and I want a job that I will be happy with.

Student Success Statement

“Kindness is the essence of greatness.”

-Joseph B. Wirthlin

Most people know that being kind is the most easiest thing a person can do.  It doesn’t cost anything, it makes us feel good, it allows us to become better people.  Sometimes, when people become great, they forget to stay humble and down to earth.  What this quote is trying to say is that in order to be seen as great, we need to be kind.  Kind to ourselves and kind to others.  If you are the fastest runner in the world, for example, and you are well-known.  You are famous and have a lot of money because you run incredibly fast.  Do you think you would still be so  well-known and famous if you were stuck-up and cocky?  Life is about being grateful for what you have and about never forgetting where you came from.  It is always going to be easy to be kind.  People must remember that being kind makes us into who we are, whether we are kind with ourselves or whether we are kind with other.

Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving Break was very much needed and it helped me relax and just take a break from school.  I went to visit my dad to Moreno Valley, which is where he lives.  On Friday, the day we came out of school (the 18th), I went to support my friend Lupe at her basketball game.  She is an amazing player, and her team won the game.  The weekend was pretty fun, on Saturday I went to a baby shower with my aunt and on Sunday I went to church with my mom.  Monday and Tuesday were when I spent time in Moreno Valley.  I went to go visit my Youth Group and it was really good seeing them again.  I always miss them and whenever I see them, I feel like home.  On Wednesday I came back to my home, and I didn’t really do anything.  Wednesday was a “watch TV” day for me.  Thursday was Thanksgiving, and my mom made godornizes with rice and beans.  We watched the movie “The Pacifier” with Vin Diesel and it was really funny.  Friday was also a lazy day, since I went to sleep very late the day before.  We stayed in the house until 5, and then went to go wash because we had a lot of clothes to wash.  Saturday, again, was also a lazy day.  We were going to go to Citywalk and Universal Studios, but on the way there it started pouring rain, so we came back home.  Sunday, the last day of break (sadly), we went to church and then to eat.  After that, we came back home.  I did all of my break homework on Sunday afternoon, because I am a procrastinator and I “like” to wait last minute to do everything.  My break was really great honestly.  It helped me refresh and take a break from all the school stress with IDP and finals coming up soon.  I had an amazing break, and I am thankful for that.

Student Success Statement

“Manners maketh man.”

• William Wykeham

What this quote is trying to say is that what makes our personality or our manners.  I think that by manners, Wykeham doesn't just mean saying “please” or “thank you”.  Manners include being kind and generous.  For example, if you are on the bus and see and older person standing up, you give them your seat.  This actions shows manners and kindness.  Manners are very important because it can be the first thing people notice about you.  People usually notice this first because it is rude or sometimes even disrespectful (to some people) to not say “thank you”.  Manners don't necessarily define us as people, but it is a big part of who we are,  Not only because manners show us being kind, but because it also says a lot about how we grew up.  How we were raised is also a big thing people can determine by observing whether we have manners or not.  Manners show that we are considerate and polite, because we were taught to be that way since childhood.  I think that this quote is very important and true because manners are important and needed in everyday life.

Student Success Statement

“If it is not right; do not do it; If it is not true; do not say it.”

 -Marcus Aurelius

I really like this S.S.S.  It is very wise and most people should follow this.  For example, if you are at a party and someone offers you a drink, it is not right to take if you are under age.  SO, because it is not right, you do not do it.  Another example is, if you hear a rumor and you know it is not true, do not say it.  We have to learn to do what is right and to be people of truth.  What this quote is saying is to follow your gut.  People feel when something is not right , which is why they don't do it.  In life, there is going to be people who do not live like this.  Those people do not have integrity.  Aurelius is trying to say that if we do this, we will be happier and at peace with ourselves and with others.  We must learn how to do what is right and speak the truth.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day is a day where people give thanks for all that they are thankful for.  Many families get together on this day so that they can celebrate it together.  The “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated in 1621.  The history behind this is every interesting.  The “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated by Pilgrims.  Pilgrims celebrated this after their first harvest in the New World (1621).  They ate lots of food, like turkey and pig.  This is why most people celebrate Thanksgiving with a big dinner, usually turkey as the main dish.  

What am I thankful for?

1. God
2. Both of my parents
3. The people who love me
4. The people who i love
5. The tough times in my life
6. FOOD
7. Music
8. Hip-Hop
9. Books
10. My family.

Student Success Statement
"Doing what is right, fair and honorable is more important that winning or losing."
                -Chick Moorman

What this quote is trying to say is to always stay humble.  People need to understand that winning is not everything.  Choosing the right will allow you to be at peace with yourself.  For example, when people let fame get to their heads it is because they believe that winning is everything.  But we must always remember that if we are not people of honor, we cannot be become better.  I think that people are more corrupt today then maybe 5 years ago.  This is because society has become so ugly, where we think that winning is everything.  We do whatever it takes to appeal to people who are not even important to us.  Doing what is right is more important than what society will think of you.  People need to realize that we must do what is right simply because it is the right thing to do.

Veterans Day

What is Veterans Day?

-Veterans Day is a national holiday that honors brave men and women who have served our country in the army.

When is Veterans Day?

-Veterans Day is on November 11th

What is the purpose of Veterans Day?

-We celebrate this holiday to show pride and support towards those who have fought for our country and soldiers who have gone to battle.

Why is it important to show honor on Veterans Day?

-It is important to show honor on Veterans Day because the people who have fought for our country are important and deserve recognition.  These people keep us safe and do what is necessary for the rest of people to feel comfortable in their own country.  They fight for us and they protect us from lots and lots of harm.

Ways to show honor and respect on Veterans Day:

• Show up to any community event that is happening in your community on Veterans Day
• Donate money to charities that fund money for veterans
• Talk to someone who has served about their time in the army
• Write a letter to a veteran, giving thanks
• Go to a VA hospital
• Memorial Day is not the same as Veterans Day, Memorial Day is to honor soldiers we have lost and Veterans Day is to honor soldiers who have served our country and who are still with us.

My thoughts:

Veterans Day is a very special holiday and everyone should celebrate in one way or another.  The people who have served our country or who are still serving our country are amazing and deserve to be honored and respected.  We must show respect because those people are doing a tremendous job.  Soldiers in the army fight for us and for our right to live peaceful live.  They go to countries all the way across the world in order to keep us safe.  There could be a war going on right now and we wouldn't even know it.  Veterans deserve honor because they are doing honorable things.  Not everyone has the guts to go out into battle and fight because it is very dangerous.  Despite that, our soldiers are still out there.  They are fighting for us, for themselves and for our country, which is why they deserve respect.