Elizabeth MacDonald, Period 5, 4/30/21, Day B

Elizabeth MacDonald

PD5

Day B

Modern Mythology

4/30/21

 

Goal Setting & Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

At this point I have a few goals for myself.  First of all, I want to make sure not to let my grades slip too much.  I have found it harder to be as diligent with my schoolwork because I have committed to a college already, but I want to keep working hard in school because I know that I will have to work hard in my classes next year.  Another goal is to score well on my AP tests.  It would be good for me to do well and possibly have more credits to take with me to college.  This year I am taking 3 AP tests and my goal is to get 4s or 5s on all of them. One more goal I have right now is to improve my fencing and help my team have a winning season.  We didn’t get to have a season last year and this year will be a little strange because we are doing a co-ed team for the first time, but I am hoping to make the best of the situation and have a fun,  successful season.  I would also like to improve because I might want to continue fencing at the collegiate level.

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I am demonstrating resilience towards my goals by continuing to do my schoolwork and get good grades.  I am still keeping up with my assignments and trying to do well in my classes. I am also giving extra attention to the classes I am taking AP tests for so that I can do well.  For my APCSP test I am also working to prepare my create task, which is one section of the AP test.  As for my last goal, I am going to all of our team practices and doing my best to improve my own skills as well as help my teammates improve theirs.  

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

The world around me has affected my perception of my goals.  The constant advancements and innovations in the world make me want to try harder in school and make sure that I am not only getting good grades, but also understanding everything I am being taught.  These days education is extremely valuable and it is very hard to be successful in life without it.  The current student debt crisis has also shaped my perception of my goal of scoring well on my AP tests because I can possibly end up spending less on college tuition by earning credits in high school.  I am going to be taking out student loans to attend college.  I see it as an investment in my future but the student debt crisis has made me keenly aware of the weight of my decision and the importance of doing well in school so that I can get a job that allows me to pay back my debt.  

Susanna Kasparov, Period 8, 4/20/21, Day C

 Susanna Kasparov 

Period 8 - Day C 

04/20/2021

Modern Mythology 2021

1. At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

Since writing my first blog back in November 5 months ago, my goals have changed. Back then, I was focused on college applications and set unrealistic expectations on what I thought I wanted or could have out of my college experience. Now, I realized that setting myself on the most effective, cost-efficient route is what’s most important to me, especially preparing to get into medical school. Having had committed to Hunter yesterday, I’m very excited for my future to come, and what I can accomplish in my time as an undergraduate. My short-term goals have become to study hard throughout college and prepare for this summer’s internships. I also am planning to pass my AP tests and get as many college credits as possible, to ease my time throughout college. I want to begin gaining experience in the medical field through research or volunteering at hospitals soon, now that the end of Covid seems to be close. My last goal for myself is to enjoy my last few months as a senior with my family and friends. Though I am staying home for college, many of my friends are leaving, and I hope to make our last few months together special.

2. How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I demonstrate resilience by studying hard in order to make it to college and medical school, and I have bought review books to prepare for my AP tests. Though online school was difficult for a lot of people, including me, (mixed in with senioritis) I am determined to do well on my tests, and finally, be finished with the curriculum. I also am trying to prepare myself mentally for college, by signing up for online courses and internships to get a head start. Besides that, I have worked so hard for the last 4 years, and I’m trying to finally give time for myself to bask in self-care and nostalgia. I’m much happier than I was a few months ago and have begun to dedicate time to do things I love, such as reading and biking. Now, with the year drawing to a close, I’m thinking about what I could’ve done differently in high school, and am determined to not make the same mistakes again and grow.

3. How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

Throughout my entire life, college has been put on a pedestal. Many movies and TV shows depict college as the best years of your life; how in order to be happy, you must move out at 18 and live on campus. Besides being surrounded by pop culture that romanticizes college, going to a competitive school did have one downside. Many of my friends (and myself, unfortunately), fell into the trap of believing that you must go to an ivy or a top, incredibly expensive school to fulfill something in life. Because of that, I put too many expectations on college and myself and believed those are the only ways I would be happy. However, recently I realized that’s not the case. Going to school in the city and feeling secure with my parents is something I really overlooked when applying to colleges, but it’s relieving knowing I’ll still be close to them while experiencing the big city. Also, the state of the world right now has taught me what’s truly important to me. It solidified my resolve to enter the medical field and do what I love: helping people in need. It taught me the importance of having a community and support system. I’m very grateful for being able to find that within my friends and family, and hopefully, throughout college, I’ll find my place there.

Nethya Samarakkodige, 5/3/21, PD 8, Day C

Nethya Samarakkodige
Period 8
Modern Mythology
Day C


Literacy and Learning


Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or nonfiction covered in class.

Since we moved into Interview with the Vampire, I found it interesting to compare my initial perception of vampires to the version told by Anne Rice. Shows and movies about supernatural creatures like vampires and werewolves have been popular since my early childhood, and I was expecting a similar storyline in this book. Just like we read Beowulf before reading Grendel to have a better understanding of the original story, my exposure to vampires from TV shows and movies gave me an idea of what to expect: a mysterious, sexualized, and enticing monster. For the most part, this is an accurate description of Louis and Lestat, but there are many more elements about humanity, morality, and trauma that I was not expecting. Although we are still reading the early chapters, there are complicated aspects of vampirism experienced by Louis and Lestat that are emphasized in the book, such as their constant awareness of their surroundings to protect their identities and their “adoption” of Claudia. These ideas bring about symbolism for homosexuality and a hostile, yet protective relationship between the two main characters.



Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

This class has taught me that although the cultures we learned about have varied immensely, much of mythological literature follows similar themes and societal norms with overlapping elements such as a courageous but flawed hero and gender roles. In most stories, there are powerful men who go on adventures and battle beasts and women who serve as beautiful side characters. Also, the readings we’ve done in this class often relate to bigger and more general themes such as religion and morality. In every book/culture we’ve studied, there has been an aspect of religion that basically serves as a code of conduct for the characters, specifically for the humans. In Greek mythology, Zeus is worshipped and all humans’ actions are intended to please the Gods. In Norse mythology, there is a similar relationship between people and Thor as well as the rest of the Gods. In Beowulf and Grendel, there are elements of paganism and a growing contempt against Christianity which is most clearly seen with Grendel. In Interview with the Vampire, the vampires are thought to be creatures of Satan and are widely feared because of Christianity. Ultimately, this shows that much of the mythology we’ve read so far coincides with religion and a clear difference between right and wrong.



How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

Throughout this course, we have seen how perspective can completely change a story and influence a reader’s personal thoughts. For example, reading Beowulf and Grendel, as well as watching the Beowulf Film, showed how the same story can be told in various different ways to create entirely new narratives. This applies to the world around us because it shows how it is important to consider various perspectives and remember that perception is everything, especially during divided issues and current events. This idea also shows that not everything is as it seems so we must be able to adapt and reanalyze issues from different viewpoints. The world is not in black and white, and as we learn how to navigate our thoughts and influences, we grow as people and see the real world.

Ayman Rddad, Period 2, 4/29/21, Day A

Blog #3 – Goal Setting & Growth

           At this current point in my life, I have set both short and long term goals that I will be trying hard to achieve. In the short term, I intend to maintain good grades in the last term of the school year for my GPA not to be compromised. I have been accepted into the honors program of the college I will be attending, and I do not want my membership to be revoked in case I receive lower grades this term. I am also studying hard for the AP exams in order to get grades that would allow me to skip introductory college classes. If I do, I will be saving both money for my family and time for myself as I would be able to graduate in a shorter time. Another short-term goal I have set for myself is to start working. I feel it’s high time for me to hit the job market and start earning money. As for the long term, I intend to get a B.S. in biomedical engineering, then pursue graduate studies in the same field while working on the side. My choice of this major is due to the many opportunities the field of biomedical engineering offers. It is a highly interdisciplinary field that allows you to work at the intersection between different sciences and choose between a wide range of sub-branches. It is also a field that promises major breakthroughs in the health care sector that would, hopefully someday, make quality health care more affordable and thus more accessible to a wider section of society. It is also a field with a very good job outlook.

I am aware that resilience is necessary for achieving one’s goals, and I think I demonstrated it lately while trying to choose which college to attend among the many into which I was admitted. My initial plan was to attend a university that is ranked among the top ten in biomedical engineering nationally. I suffered some disappointments and was denied admission into a couple of such universities, but I made it into one of them. The total cost of attending such a university, however, was too high even after a decent merit scholarship. After much research and deliberation, I decided that it would not be wise to attend such a university since it would incur a high financial burden on my family. A major issue I considered while finalizing my decision is whether a degree from that top-ranked university would necessarily secure for me a job that is much higher paid than a job I would get with a degree from a lower ranked college. Since there is no guarantee that would happen, I ended up deciding that it is wiser to attend a cheaper college and focus on nurturing my academic excellence rather than the ranking of my prospective college.

The world around me definitely affects my goals and how I plan to achieve them. Witnessing the crisis with student loans, for example, has affected my decision to attend a cheaper college although I worked so hard over the years to make it into a top-ranked university. The idea of a student loan was completely out of consideration for both my family and me. At the same time, however, I don’t want to exhaust my family’s financial resources and endanger their financial security for me to attend college. Another way the world has affected my goals in life has to do with health care in our society. It is definitely very expensive and more accessible to the wealthier. This has always been obvious, but especially so during the COVID pandemic. Biomedical engineering is a major that would allow me to become the engineer I have always wanted, and at the same time contribute to improving health care in our society.

Jonathan Sarmiento, Period 2, 4/29/21, Day A

 

• Goal Setting & Growth

• At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why

    At this time I would say I have two major goals I'm trying to accomplish. The first goal is to prepare myself for college and the second is to be consistent with my fitness and baseball. Since I'll be starting college in almost four months from now, I want to become more self-motivated and ambitious so that I can have a successful and independent college career. Those two things are something I've struggled with at times during high school, but now that I'll be in college those flaws will restrict my success and opportunity. Especially since I want to go into the medical field, initiative is key to gain opportunities that could really help jump start my career.

    When it comes to my fitness and baseball, it kind of ties into my goal to become more motivated and disciplined. I'm currently trying to get into better physical shape so that I can become comfortable in my body and so that I can be more confident during the summer months. I've set up an exercise routine as well as a diet plan to help my achieve this goal and it's one that's more personal than anything. Since this'll also probbaly be my last year playing organized baseball, I want to be in my best physical shape possible to best help my team in any way that I can. I believe that if I'm able to become self disciplined in my fitness, it'll seep into other aspects of my life and overall help my problems of motivation. With my fitness I've tried to maintain a daily schedule where I workout at the same time everyday, so that it becomes a natural part of my daily routine, like breakfast.

• How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

    I try to discipline myself from spending too much time on my phone and on video games, which most of the time serves as an excuse to not get things done. By forcing myself to get things done, I'm hoping to shake off my tendency of laziness in time for college. With my fitness I've tried to maintain a daily schedule where I workout at the same time everyday, so that it becomes a natural part of my daily routine, like breakfast.

• How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

    Seeing the success of my peers get ahead in their respecive careers via internships, jobs, and research has made me feel as if I'm falling behind. Hearing friends talk about their own opportunities and not having anything to talk about myelf also made me feel as if I'm behind my peers. These experiences made me realize that I'm contempt with coasting and doing the bare minimum to succeed, which made me very frustrated. I began to then try and be more punctual by responding to emails quickly, submitting school wokr early, and prepping for AP tests. Doing little things to help create new habits of self motivation and ambition.

Being on social media everyday, especially tik tok, I've come across many videos of people showing off their physical transformations and people giving exercise and dietary advice. It was honeslty inspirational seeing how people were able to turn their lives around and be in a state where they're happy with their physcial self image. I've always wanted to have that level of confidence, so by seeing so many of those kinds of videos as well as picking up dietary advice along they way, I was inspired to go on my own journey towards the goal of confidence in my physcial self image.

Chloe Nguyen, Period 5, 4/30/21, Day B

Chloe Nguyen
Period 5
4/30/21
Day B
Modern Mythology 2021

Creativity & Fiction:
Craft a piece of fiction that addresses one or more of the following:
- Literary elements (i.e. structure, tone, diction, mood, irony, and figurative language) to craft a narrative and/or poetry.
- Structural features of drama (stage directions, character attributions/tags, dialogue, monologues, and/or soliloquies) to craft a script.
- Multidimensional characters to develop themes and create socio-political metaphors.

Burnout

In the corner of her mind where all her memories lie,
There are broken crayons and stardust dreams
Which seem to end before they even begin.
The constellations align to hear
A gurgle of carefree laughter that
Wraps around their heads
Like a string of pearls.

But over the years,
Ink bleeds into watercolor
And joy fades into the background
Where lead grows heavy in her fingers.
The comfort of paper and pen leaves as the crowd dies
And she stumbles through dimly lit art galleries,
Searching for an open door.

Fear holds her hand
And welcomes her like an old friend.
She wonders where all the glory went,
Pinching pennies just to taste
The bread and butter of nine to five.

But still, she wakes up every morning.
She drinks her tea.
She waters her plants.
She walks her dogs.
And that is enough.

Matthew Saw, Period 2, 5/4/21/ Day A

 What are your thoughts and feelings about issues of inequity, oppression, and/or power?

Currently, in a small country in Southeast Asia known as Myanmar, there is a military coup going on. Essentially, unable to accept that their power and standing had been taken away with the country’s new shift towards democracy, the military generals of Myanmar organized a coup to overthrow the legally elected cabinet of the country. There have been protests and riots against this seizing of power, but with unarmed civilians going up against heavily armed Burmese soldiers, there have been many casualties. No action against this has been taken by any other country. My family is from Myanmar, and I even lived there for a short while when I was younger. It is horrifying to see the place your family’s culture hails from be cut down while the rest of the world sits by and says nothing about it. I can’t even imagine what it must be like for my parents, for them to have to see their childhood homes destroyed, or to watch people they know die in a battle they cannot win. 

How do you reflect critically on your own beliefs, assumptions, values, and experiences, and how these can influence your perception of self and others?

My parents have told me that they wish that the protesters would just give up because they can’t stand to see any more of them get hurt in this massively uneven battle. They see the fight as pointless, and can’t understand why the protestors, literally teenagers, would throw away the rest of their lives for a cause that will not prevail. I can understand this perspective, and I can see why they would say that, but I can also understand the perspective of the Burmese people as well. They fought for years, decades even, for their country to have the same freedom they saw the western world experiencing, but when they finally achieved it, it was taken away from them in only a matter of a few years. They know it’s a battle they cannot win, that going against an entire army will only end in their own deaths, but they cannot sit by and do nothing as everything they worked for is torn away from them and they are forced back into a world they just barely managed to escape. For them, it’s not about winning, it’s about being able to live and die by your own beliefs without giving in, even in the face of an unbeatable opponent.

Matthew Muccigrosso, Period 8, 4/28/21, Day C

 

• Goal Setting & Growth

• At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why

At this current point in time, I have 3 specific goals: to maintain good grades in school so I don’t lose my college admission, to score well on the two A.P. tests I’m taking, and to get better at baseball. The reasoning behind the first two goals should really be self-evident, as they’re just kind of what you’re supposed to do, I guess. I should say for the first that I’m really trying to avoid common senioritis-inspired practices, like handing in work late for no good reason. I really don’t want to fall into the (very enticing) trap of simply not caring. I want to do good work on time because I respect both myself and my teachers, and it’s important to me to act on that. As for the AP tests, any credits can’t hurt. Baseball is really important to me this year because this is almost definitely my last year playing on a competitive team, and I want it to go really well. I don’t want to let down my teammates and friends by misplaying routine balls or being unable to drive in runs.

• How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I think that my resilience towards achieving my first two goals can be shown through my efforts to actually achieve them. I have been trying my hardest to not procrastinate and slack off when I know that I can get away with it and that a lot of my friends are. I really want to train good academic habits into myself for college because old habits die hard. I’ve demonstrated resilience towards getting good scores on the A.P. tests by actually studying for them, which is something of a foreign concept to me. It’s really an awfully boring experience, but I just remind myself that the time I “waste” now will be forgotten when I guarantee myself success in the future. As for baseball, I’ve been going to practice every day and actually working my hardest to improve. This year, I’ve resolved to not be afraid to ask for help or tips when I want it. And I think that it’s showed in how much I’ve improved.

• How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

The immediate world around me has enormously affected my perception of these goals. My parents, both of whom work in education, drilled into me from a young age the importance of taking academics seriously and respecting your teachers and your work. While I may not have always listened, as I’ve matured these things have become very important to me. I see this goal as something I should unquestionably do. For the baseball goal, I touched on this already, but I want to get better for my friends and coach. I want them to perceive me as working hard and improving at a respectable level. I want them to feel confident to pitch in front of me, and I really don’t want to let them down.

Giorgia Musselwhite, Period 8, 4/28/21. Day C

Giorgia Musselwhite
Period 8
4/28/21
Day C
Modern Mythology 2021


Goal Setting and Growth



At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?


At this hectic point in time, I am preparing for my final AP exams, graduation, and college life. My family is also moving in the next few weeks, so I am packing up my things and hoping to get accustomed to a new area before moving again for college. I hope to finish my senior year strong by focusing on my academics, which I must balance with an extracurricular schedule that has grown even busier since I started a new internship and volleyball practice. So, I will have to manage my time well and regularly study for AP exams. I finally committed to a college, and I'm excited to start visualizing the next four years. I am currently researching clubs, student life, study abroad programs, and classes to get more familiar with my school and the opportunities that interest me. I am also beginning to speak to potential roommates on social media and find students with similar interests, so I will be familiar with some people when I arrive on campus. I am pretty introverted around strangers, so it is nice to have the chance to make initial connections online.


My family's move out of Staten Island is stressful and a little sad, as I'm about to leave the only house I have ever known, but I am also delighted to put down roots in a new town before college. I'm also a fully remote student, which will make moving easier. Hopefully, the unpacking process will go quickly and smoothly, so it does not add to the stress of the ending school year. Meanwhile, I am trying to enjoy my last few months of high school by spending quality time with my friends and family when possible. I am very grateful that PSAL sports have started up again and I can have a senior volleyball season with my teammates, however unconventional it may be. I will continue to become more productive, develop my time management skills, and take care of my physical and mental health.



How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)


So many things are happening in my life that they are difficult to process as a whole, so to me, the best way of handling everything is taking things one step at a time. Like always, I need to balance work and fun. I'm trying to wake up earlier and get the majority of my schoolwork done before remote classes in the afternoon so I am able to focus on practice, meetings, and relaxation later in the day. I continue to fight the draw of procrastination and "senioritis," but I'm proud that I have stayed on task with my classwork and AP prep for the most part. When I get stressed about my upcoming move, college, or life in general, I typically take some time to breathe and think things over so they do not simmer in the back of my mind.


The entire situation of packing up household items, keeping the house spotless for showings, and dealing with the bank has been exhausting for my family throughout the past few months, so I am thrilled it is coming to an end. However, once I leave Staten Island, it will take longer to get to Tech for events and practice when necessary, so I will have to plan for that extra commute time. As I mentioned, I am very introverted and shy around new people, so I have had to make a real effort to reach out to accepted students and connect over similar interests in music, hobbies, and TV shows. For the most part, I have found the other students easy to talk to and have already made some friends, so I am satisfied with how the process is going. I have also tried to read as much as possible about student life and the pros and cons at my school to be prepared. I hope to carry these communication and preparation skills into college.



How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)


Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to make life challenging, I am cautiously optimistic that things will soon be getting back to normal. I am getting my second dose of the vaccine this week, and I'm happy that places are beginning to host in-person events safely. In-person volleyball practices make my schedule more hectic, but the time is worth it to see the team and get back on the court. Though I'm not excited about another round of online AP exams, I'm looking forward to having regular classes next year at college. The entire pandemic has truly transformed me as a person—I grew better at time management, became more organized and innovative, and learned to appreciate human interaction much more—but I'm extremely ready to return to semi-normalcy. My upcoming move has thrown another curveball at my senior year plans, but practice and more frequent outings have helped me mentally prepare to graduate and start the next chapter of my life. Since the weather has gotten warmer, I have also begun to spend more time with my friends and make the last of my high school memories. Any hints of "seasonal depression" have lessened and I am going outside more, waking up earlier, and feeling more productive during the day. In general, I am excited for the next few months and hopeful about the future.

Ashwin Anil, Period 8, 4/7/21, Day C

 Ashwin Anil

Modern Mythology
O4/27/21
Period 8

     One of the biggest issues of power revolves around people’s arrogance and it does dramatically affect the people in our lives and even worldwide. Sometimes people in positions of power feel they are above others and think it’s an excuse to mistreat others. One of those issues is concurrent with law enforcement. Some cops overuse their badge’s influence and think they are in the right. My father is a police officer and from his own experience, it’s apparent that a lot of police don’t remember that it’s their job to serve and protect us. Many of them think it’s appropriate to use excessive force in instances where it is completely unnecessary. One example is when my father was talking down to an emotionally distressed person but then they were suddenly tackled by an oncoming officer. Personal Safety is extremely important but it is not an excuse to overstep boundaries. It’s important that one is socially aware of the situation and know how to respond to certain issues. First responders need to have enough training through ride-along or courses that highlight de- escalation. It is tiring to see videos of police overusing their power against emotionally stressed people or even those that are complying.
      A lot of these issues have helped me become more socially aware of the problems other people face. I am currently studying to become an EMT and one thing we study is understanding the differences people tend to have due to their demographic. One example is that in textbook knowledge cardiac arrest is a crushing pain that can radiate to your arm. But there are common issues where women in cardiac arrest tend to have different symptoms. So it shows that our current knowledge of handling certain issues is outdated and that also comes with protocol as well.  It is imperative that people, especially those in power. are open to understanding the environment and the issues that people face rather than being cocky and following an outdated sociological compass. This would benefit the safety of them and those they are involved with.

Stanley Mui, Period 5, 4/27/21, Day B

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

At this current point in time, I have many goals that I want to set for myself. Even though my high school career is coming to an end, I still have a lot of work to finish before I embark on a new journey in college. One goal that I want to get done is committing to the college that I want to attend. I’m still deciding on what college I want to commit to, and that is one goal that I have currently as the deadline is coming up next month. This is the first time I will have to make a decision that will affect the rest of my learning career. Another goal that I have currently is to motivate myself to continue studying for the AP exams in May. I want to achieve a 4 or a 5 on the exams that I have to take. This is an important goal for me because I want to still show my preparedness for each of the subjects that I have to take AP exams for. This is important because this will allow me to get credits for college. The third goal that I have for myself is to communicate more with my family and friends. I have recently got the first dose of the covid vaccine which is getting us closer to normalcy. I feel excited that I will be able to meet family and friends in the future because of this vaccine. I want to connect more with my current friends because this is supposed to be our senior years, and all of us are going to go our separate ways and paths for our future.


How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I feel like I can demonstrate resilience towards achieving my goals by making a plan for myself to make sure that I stay on track and focused. This is especially important for my current goals because I want to make sure that I have a study plan to help me study for my AP exams. One strategy that I can use is practicing questions using old test questions and timing myself accordingly. Another strategy that I can use is to look back at my notes and make a large “cheat sheet” or a study guide to help me which has all of the most important topics for each unit. By continuing with these habits it will help me prepare for college and life in the future. I want to build good habits because it will make my life easier and allow me to progress as a learner and as a person. For my first goal, one way I can show resilience would be to complete my final research and visit each of the schools I chose so that I can make the decision that will be the best for me. I can attend events and research more about what each school can offer so I can make the decision now. As for my final goal, I think it is important to make sure that I still take the proper precautionary measures when going outside and meeting people. Since I only have one dose I’m still vulnerable and I can still spread covid to other people. Even though it may seem difficult at first after I’m completely vaccinated I can be with my friends and family without putting myself and others at risk.


How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

The people and the world around me affect my perception of my goals. This is the case for my first goal because as I continue to decide on colleges I have to make sure that I take account of my family as well. Even if I want to choose a college, I must consult with my parents because going to college is a significant financial commitment. Some colleges may be too expensive for me to attend, and it would not make sense to put my family in debt. For my second goal, it is my motivation to continue to study. Since we are approaching the end of the year, senioritis is hitting all of us which will make me stay off track on where I need to be. There is still a lot of work that I need to do and I can’t let myself fall into that trap that will affect my goal of getting a good grade on my AP exam. Finally, obviously with the coronavirus, it makes it very hard for me to leave the house and see my family and friends. But with the availability of vaccines, will allow all of us to return to normalcy and make sure that everyone is safe and healthy.

Ryan McMahon, Period 2, 4/21/21, Day A

Blog #3 - Creativity and Fiction

Craft a piece of fiction that addresses one or more of the following:

- Literary elements (i.e. structure, tone, diction, mood, irony, and figurative language) to craft a narrative and/or poetry.
- Structural features of drama (stage directions, character attributions/tags, dialogue, monologues, and/or soliloquies) to craft a script.
- Multidimensional characters to develop themes and create socio-political metaphors.

The End

From the West rode the seven mile serpent

The rider, the spirit of death, urged the aged snake on

From the icy lake they emerged

And through the wild wildnerness they went

The insane children hid from the rain in a mine

They had unprotected minds

In his bed the child slept

The traveler took his face from the old exhibit

He rose from his bed, possessed

To his sister's room, knew her

To his brother's room, ended him

To his Father's room, conflict

To his Mother's room

He walked from his house down the road

And so the spirit left him

Yet he walked, dripping down

To the outskirts of town

He boarded the blue bus

With heavy boots tripping him down the aisle

He did not know where it was going

He knew that it never goes back

Eve Mooney, 4/26/2021, Period 2, Submitted 4/25/2021, Due 4/26/2021, Day A, Modern Mythology 2021

 Eve Mooney

Period 2

Submitted 4/25/2021, Due 4/26/2021

Day A

Modern Mythology 2021

Goal Setting & Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why

My current goals revolve around college and my future. By May 1st students have to commit to a college that we may spend the next 4 years of our lives at. Currently, I do have a first pick, and plan to commit soon after doing some more research. So, my first goal is to commit to a college, and building on this, my next goal is to make a plan for that college. I am not currently entirely sure of what I want to major in, so over the next few months my goal is to get a better understanding of what I want to do in the future. Another goal that I plan to accomplish in the same timeframe is planning out my college life, for example what classes to take in what order at least for the first year, which clubs to join, what sports to get involved in, how I can continue my daily routines (like exercise) in the different location of college, and anything else related to being in a different environment and planning well to make the most of my college experience. 

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I demonstrate resilience towards achieving these goals by continually researching schools and making spreadsheets and directories of links to organize my research, along with lists of pros and cons to help decide. I also demonstrate resilience towards achieving my other goals by organizing my research well so that I can reference it easily later when making other decisions, and organizing lists of which elements I should specifically plan for (for example, which  clubs to join, when to do research and potentially with who, and which classes to take first semester). Additionally, I have been contacting different people I know who are in different career fields and somewhat interviewing them to understand more about their professions and fields so that I can better understand what I may want to do in the future.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

The world around me impacts my perception of these goals in many instances. Due to the pandemic, I have not been able to participate in clubs and school in person for over a year, and sports only recently began again. This impacts which clubs and schools I plan to join and how I think about them. This is because I haven’t had a typical in person classroom environment in a long time, or typical club experiences, and have spent more time than usual at home due to the pandemic. College will very likely be completely or mostly  in person as of current released plans, and we will be living on campus. It is a very different situation than remote learning, so it is more difficult to envision and decide which college, which clubs, and other decisions, when I have not had the typical school experiences that I would have in the future in college, in over a year.

Tiffany Pan, 4/26/21, Period 2, Day A

Goal Setting and Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

    As the school year is coming to a close, I tend to look back and think about everything that I've been through and accomplished in the past school year. College decisions are getting wrapped up as well, so it's definitely been a weight off my chest. As for goals going forth, one of my first goals would be college readiness. College is undoubtedly a new and unfamiliar chapter of our lives. Specifically, one of my goals would to find a roommate that shares similar preferences. That'd mean putting myself out there and reaching out to people, something I've never been particularly good at. However, this will be the perfect opportunity to talk to new people and connect with others that share similar interests. In addition to finding a roommate, college readiness also means learning more about the opportunities available at the college I'll be attending in order to ensure that I can make the most out of them when the time comes and I attend college in the fall. Specifically, it could mean looking out and applying for work-study opportunities, or learning about the classes offered and which ones I might be interested in taking. On a more personal level, my specific goals would be to spend as much time with family as I can and to enjoy the moments before I have to go off to college. I want to take the rest of this school year and the summer to spend time with everyone close to me, including my friends, before we have to part ways. 

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? 

    As someone who has never been a big fan of actively reaching out to others or making new friends online, I demonstrate resilience towards my goals by continuously being active on my college's social platforms. These platforms allow me to meet new people, and I try my best to continue engaging with others who I see share the same interests. It was a little uncomfortable at first: trying to be overly friendly with strangers. However, over time, I've learned to just be myself and not to worry too much. I will continue to be resilient towards these goals by continuously pushing my comfort zones by taking the initiative to interact with others.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? 

    I firmly believe that the world around me makes me perceive this goal of  reaching out to others much more palpable. In 2021, social media and technology makes it easier than ever to meet new people and view their interests. Sites like Instagram allow me to get a sense of a person and their interests from their pictures and captions. Being able to reach out to with a simple click of a button makes me view this goal as much more tangible and even achievable. Personally, I don't feel as stressed when interacting with someone online, versus if I were to be talking to them in person. Therefore, I think the world now definitely encourages me to explore communities more and meet new people. 

Rieko Luo, 4/23/21,PD8, Day C

Rieko Luo, Period 8, 4/23/2021, Day C

• Goal Setting & Growth
• At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?
• May 1st is rapidly approaching in exactly one week. May 1st is the National Decision Day—the day I dread, yet the day that will finally put my mind to rest. At this current point in time, I wish to officially decide on what college I will commit to for the next four years. With this decision comes great responsibility for a 17-year-old to shoulder. Since the end of March and the beginning of April, I have received great offers from multiple colleges, but even after a month, I am still unable to confidently put my foot down for one. The idea of deciding my future for the next four years and turning down equally great offers from other schools is absolutely terrifying for me. Will I regret my decision? Did I make the right decision? Did I take my career goals into consideration? This overwhelming sense of fear and uncertainty brings up the second goal I have for myself right now: I strive to be happy and proud of the decision I will make. I wish to have no second thoughts and no regrets after I click the “Accept” button. Nearly seven years of blood, sweat, and tears have been shed to open this new chapter of my life, and therefore, I wish to step on this new path on the right foot with happiness, excitement, and anticipation for great things to come.

• How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)
• As for my first goal of deciding what college to commit to, I am trying to weigh out my options as carefully, fairly, and explicitly as possible. Just this weekend, I visited a college campus with my family and took into consideration many things, such as housing and meal plans, condition of facilities, resource centers, location, and environment. After carefully breaking down such factors and comparing them to those of other schools in a simple pros and cons chart, I was able to see how certain schools performed better in what I was looking for in a productive and enjoyable college experience. On the other hand, my second goal of being happy and proud of the decision I will make is still a work in progress. I have been mentally preparing myself for the rapidly approaching day by stopping myself from asking “What if…” questions or thinking about alternative scenarios. That mindset causes me to live in the current day instead of the future. The future is unknown and trying to predict what will happen in the future will only cause me more anxiety. By being content with my decision and looking forward to the future (instead of into the future), I am certain I will be more happy and excited for myself.

• How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)
• Visiting a college campus over this weekend has reminded me greatly of the new world we live in today. It was the first time I have actually left my house for longer than 10 minutes. My family and I closely followed the college’s COVID-19 policies, which included walking around campus with a mask on at all times and constantly maintaining a distance of six feet from other visitors or students. The closed-off facilities and protective measures have put into perspective the smaller scale of my issues as a high school senior compared to the deadly virus that the world has been trying to fight for over a year now. My internal battle with college decisions pales in comparison to what students may be facing right now in countries of socio-political unrest, such as Myanmar, or what students battling COVID-19 may be facing. Such events in current-day society have made me more empathetic and grateful for my situation and the fact that I have the privilege of going to college.

Jade Lombardo, 4/23/21, PD8, Day C

Jade Lombardo

PD8

Day C

Modern Mythology

4/23/21

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why

At this point in time, I would like to start preparing myself for college and the extra workload that its going to give. I recently committed to a college that I know will be really challenging and I hope to give myself a background on some of the classes I will be taking in the first year. One of these classes will be Computer Science, which involves a lot of coding, something that I am not strong in. I hope to use the resources available to me such as YouTube videos and a few websites to gain a basic knowledge of how to code in a few programming languages. I would also like to start preparing for some of the academic classes such as calculus or chemistry. To do this, I hope to look up some khan academy videos so that I could learn the basics before the class actually starts.

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal by trying to learn something new every week. Especially since AP tests are coming up, I find that I don’t have much time to do other activities such as prepare for college level classes. However, if I pace myself and successfully manage my time with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, as well as extra studying, I could be able to achieve my goal in a reasonable amount of time. I also get distracted at times thinking that this work isn’t necessary to start college, but I think that it will help me get ahead in my classes if I have some background knowledge on the subject already instead of going in blind.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

Many of my friends and peers have either gotten into college or have already committed like I did. Some of them also have a background in what they are majoring in, which motivates me to also get a background into some of the core subjects that I will be taking. I am also in a group chat with many of the students that have committed to the same college as I have. Many of these people are already doing extra research and emailing professors for resources on how to prepare for freshman year. Seeing this happen with many of my friends motivates me to also gain a basic understanding of what I will be learning in my freshman year.

Angel Lee, Period 5, 4/22/21, Day B

Goal Setting & Growth 

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why? 

It’s been over a year since the start of the pandemic and with the time I’ve had to reflect upon myself, society, and the world, I have developed different goals to work towards. WIth the pandemic, it feels like we lost the last year of our lives. Thus, I want to be more productive with my time and do not want to have any regrets as I embark on a new journey. Perhaps not having any regrets is impossible as humans always strive for bigger and better things. However, that goal involves more thinking about my actions and how I choose to live as a student and citizen of society. I also want to spend more time with friends and family in the four months before college begins. Although it was incredibly frustrating not being able to see my friends for prolonged periods of time, it made the little time we spent together more memorable. The pandemic weakened many relationships, but also strengthened many. In an oddly quirky perspective, if one is able to maintain friendships through this difficult year, it’ll give us an idea on keeping our loved ones close even when we are hundreds of miles away from home. In addition to these goals, I hope to work harder and be more optimistic and open-minded. In remote learning, there are so many ways to slack off and be lazy. We gradually see more and more cameras turn off and breakout rooms are silent. Although these instances do not apply to me, I have definitely not been working as diligently since quarantine began. Granted, there is not much academic testing/event to have to study for, but I hope to use the mindset I had before the pandemic to finish off the last two months of high school. I hope I will use these goals to improve myself in college and beyond. 

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

Since the new year, I’ve been trying to sleep earlier and wake up earlier. In the past, I was overwhelmed with extracurricular activities, homework, and studying, resulting in me sleeping very late yet waking up early. I’ve taken this opportunity to sleep more and to focus more on mental health. I still work out almost everyday and will sometimes take long walks around my neighborhood. It feels nice to have somewhat of a schedule, and it makes me more efficient when studying and doing work. Also, to reflect on my daily life, I’ve been trying to keep a journal. It is helpful to spend that 15-30 minutes a day just reflecting on what happened that day and anticipating what’s to come tomorrow. Recently, I’ve also been spending more time with friends. Perhaps college decisions have reminded all of us that there is only four more months before college. As much as we want to maintain all of our friendships, it’s inevitable that it will be more difficult because of the distance and difference in social and school life. In the past, there might’ve been more options when spending time with friends. However, I’ve learned to appreciate just sitting around a fire and talking with others. As of recently, one event that caused a drastic change in perspective was when I got rejected from my top three colleges. It made me question what went wrong: Was it my work ethic, personality, ability, or was it simply that I’m not special? After much encouragement from friends and family, I learned that working hard doesn’t always mean everything. I realized that despite not being able to go to the “dream college” doesn’t mean that my accomplishments and goals get any more diminished. If anything, this misstep makes me want to reach higher for graduate school and recover from defeats. I’ve started to research the college I committed to and the activities I want to get involved in. There is actually a lot to look forward to and to be excited about once I have accepted the rejections and come to terms with myself. 

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

The pandemic has taught us that the world is unpredictable, yet life goes on. We see businesses reopening despite difficulties with labor and supply, schools reopening despite daily testing and social distancing. It gives us hope for a better future and “normalcy.” As the world is changing everyday, we change as well. It is the reflection of the change as individuals and as a society that keeps us motivated and moving towards our next goal. Also, being at home for the past year has gotten me more informed with the news and current events. With recent hate crimes, we start questioning our security and fear for our safety even in the most common situations. Even as we work hard to improve ourselves, there will always be people that have certain views and that will always try to oppose us. It makes me angry that in such an evolving and open world, there are still such racist views. However, instead of focusing on the hate and forgetting the good in the world, our reflection and growth and humans should not be motivated by the evil, but by people we love.

Iram Liu, Period 5, 4/22/21, Day B

Iram Liu

22 April 2021

Period 5

Modern Mythology 2021

Goal Setting & Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

As I am reflecting and writing this blog, I am realizing that I only have about a month and a half left of high school. While these past 13 months have not been anything that I envisioned, they have taught me to be grateful and to cherish each moment with my friends and family. At this specific moment, I have the typical school goals such as preparing for the AP Tests, completing the monster project, among other things. In addition, as sports are coming back, I have set goals to help me get in shape such as making sure to stretch and do core every day. While the two categories mentioned prior are certainly the two of the most important aspects of my life currently, I have also set a personal goal to really take in the last couple weeks of high school and to make some lasting memories with my friends and teammates. My coach often tells the team that when you are looking back, you won’t remember the times that you ran or even the accolades but, you will remember the experiences and memories that you create.

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I believe that the goals that I have set for myself, besides studying for the AP Tests, are pretty easy to achieve, not because the goals themselves are necessarily easy but because those are things that I enjoy. I really enjoy running on a day-to-day basis and that is actually something that I really look forward to doing each day. I used to find excuses to skip stretching and core but since we have a Zoom Call every day during core time, it has been much easier to keep everyone, myself included, accountable. In addition, since COVID has made it hard to meet up with friends over the last year, every opportunity to have practice or to hang out is cherished. At practices, I have noticed that we have made the conscious effort to have conversations outside of running and school, which admittedly can be quite boring for outsiders, whether that be checking up on a teammate’s family or discussing plans for the weekend.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

I believe that the reason I created my personal goal was directly related to the events and tragedies of the last year. If the last several months have taught me anything, it’s that nothing is guaranteed. At only a moment’s notice, our world was essentially put on pause but I am excited for us to return back to normalcy. I also think that this last winter was quite long and gloomy especially since I had to devote a lot of time to my college applications but now that I have completed that part of the journey, I can go outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air. This has provided me with the extra fuel to really focus on my goals and to make the most of these last 6 weeks.

Kelly Li, Period 5, 4/22/21, Day B

Kelly Li

22 April 2021

Period 5

Modern Mythology 2021

Goal Setting & Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why?

I want to start off this blog to emphasize how quick this school year has actually passed by. The last time I did this prompt was October 28th, 2020, and I was stressed about college applications and scholarships. I was obsessed with playing HayDay and watched youtube videos about colleges 24/7. It is now almost 6 months later and my interests and goals are completely different and my outlook in life has also shifted. One of the goals at the current moment is to practice driving so that I can pass the test next Monday. I am okay with turning, K-turns, and all of the basic processes but parallel parking needs more work. Another goal I am working on is self-confidence. This goal comes with self-care and being more grounded so I have been taking walks more, opening the windows, and embracing the lovely sunshine. The sunlight beaming through my windows makes me motivated to get up and be productive because the weather is perfect. Finally, the third goal I have for myself at the moment is to start studying for the AP tests. Although I feel less pressure about taking these tests as when I was a sophomore and junior, I still want to get a decent score because I like trying my best and I know it will be worth it in the long haul.


How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

As we approach summer, I emphasize the importance of self-care and appreciating what we have. It is easy for me to get overwhelmed as AP study cram sessions are approaching and I tend to get queasy thinking about it. So whenever I feel overworked, I give myself time to relax and do something I enjoy for a while, until I feel replenished to be productive again. Hobbies that I currently enjoy are knitting, watching Netflix, and listening to podcasts and these activities give me the time to reflect on my next steps going forward. Having these hobbies also makes me motivated to actually do my work because my thought process is that if I work hard, I can reward myself with breaks in between. In addition, I have been sleeping earlier so that I can wake up in the morning and feel more refreshed and motivated to be productive. Reflecting back on my first blog, it was clear that I was having difficulty fixing my sleep schedule and I definitely have made improvements on that. Progress like this is a hopeful reminder for me that change is possible when you put effort into it and take control of your life instead of waiting for the “change” to come to you.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

The warmer weather and spring season are definitely factors that are pushing me towards reaching my goals in self-care, studying, and mindfulness because I feel like my mood is influenced by my environment. With blooming flowers and vibrant trees, I am more exuberant to go outside and appreciate everything around me. I have also started walking/jogging around with my sister and neighborhood friends, which is helpful because we motivate each other to push ourselves and get some fresh air. I think these walking/running sessions have been helpful with my self-confidence and efficiency in getting work done because I keep the mental note that I have to sleep earlier. Additionally to the season change and outdoor activity, the fact that so many people are getting vaccinated makes me hopeful for the rest of the year because I’m excited to see society continue to gradually get back to “normal” (if that even exists anymore). Overall, there is much more bright happiness in the air and it is reflective of my motivation to pursue healthier habits.

Theresa Luo, Period 2, 4/21/21, Day A

Theresa Luo

Period 2
4/21/2021
Day A
Modern Mythology 2021

Literacy & Learning

1. Write about your thoughts regarding any of the fiction or non-fiction covered in class.

1. It’s unbelievable how much a story changes once the POV of a story changes. As we read the old-poem Beowulf as compared to the revolutionary Grendel by John Gardner, the stark characterization of the all-eating monster, Grendel, is incredible. For one, the Grendel cultivated in the poem is one of a true villain. A monster who kills with no remorse. Only then, can a true hero be cultivated as well. From the poem, we understand just how vital and important the presence of Grendel is. This necessity to characterize Grendel to be viscous, brutal, and savage harnesses the reader’s continuous support for the mightest hero-Beowulf. 

2. However, what if the story’s intention wasn’t to foster another hero? What if the story captured life from the monster’s POV? And, that is exactly what John Gardner did. From this unique novel, we understand how this “vicious” persona came to be. From the moment Grendel was born, he’s unable to communicate with many creatures of this world- including his own mother. Without this socialization, he is unable to share his emotions, thoughts, and feelings with anyone. Hence, nobody understands him and he truly is alone in this world. Additionally, with this miscommunication, the Thanes are unable to see him as anything but a monster. Everytime Grendel tries to communicate with the Thanes, all the Thanes hear are cries and howls. From the very beginning, Grendel has been deemed a monster even without any provocation or instigation from his part. With this principal backstory, the readers gain a sense of sympathy and understanding to Grendel. With this principal backstory, the entire story changes. 

2. Reflect on any new information you have learned in English class by considering how that learning influences your critical perception.

1. John Garnder’s divergent take on Grendel made many wonder where he drew inspiration from. When I finally learned about his sorrowful backstory and childhood, I finally understood just how many elements were sowed into the lines of the novel. His experience of first-handedly watching his brother get killed and believing he was responsible for his death coerced an overwhelming guilt that has carried into adulthood. Through this new information, my critical perception on the story completely changes. With this understanding of the author’s backstory and consciousness, the one-dimensional novel now tells another tale- that of the author himself. We know Grendel descended from Cain who actually murdered his own brother. As Gardner views himself as a monster, we see the influence of this belief onto Grendel as he too views himself as a monster. After all, killing is in his blood. No matter what, that evil DNA will constantly linger just like the remorse and guilt Gardner feels. One’s critical perception now sees how Grendel is a representation of Gardner himself - a true monster at heart. 

3. How is what you’re learning applied to any other classes/the world around you?

1. Through these two novels, I recognize the weight of bias. In every sort of media, readers are often forced to choose between two sides. We constantly debate on who’s truly evil or who's truly good without ever considering the third option- there are no two sides, but the one. This one side depicts both sides as just humans/creatures with much room to learn and grow. From these two perspectives, we understand just how different a single story can be. It’s revealed how the evil Grendel may not be as bad as we may think and the heroic Beowulf also has its faults as shown through the film. With every director’s and author’s own take, it’s undeniable that each group won’t be stagnant. However, that is why it’s so vital to understand the weight of bias and how easily it affects all forms of media. Only, then can you understand how there ultimately is only one side- a group of people constantly making mistakes, but learning from them. So as we enter the world, we shouldn’t expect every human to fall into two distinct groups. Instead, we should see people fall on a spectrum of their own self growth/journey.