Change

Now that senior year and my entire first 12 years of education is ending, I’ve grown very impatient. I’ve forgotten what it’s like to actually like a person, not just tolerate him/her. I’ve just stopped trying. I mean, what’s the point? I have all my best friends and I only need a few special ones. But now that college is starting, it’s time to be reborn. I promise to lose weight and smile every day. It’s time for me to be how I used to be: friendly. I’m so excited to meet all these new and interesting people in college. That’s the thing about college. The college you go to has more people who are like you— versus high school, which is just a bunch of people who live around you— nothing common besides your residence. To my high school friends, I love you, and I sincerely mean that. You guys know how picky I am when it comes to friends and I don’t let just anyone become close to me. So to you guys, I’m really thankful and you guys mean the world to me, even if I don’t mean the same to you. So basically, some goals for this summer: lose weight, get toned, and work every day. Goals for college: try to meet as many people as I can and revert myself back to the old, happy, always-smiling Chanel. I miss myself. It’s amazing how high school can change a person. I went from being happy all the time, always smiling and laughing to being annoyed, irritated, and always wanting to just go home and sleep. Oh well, graduation is in 2 days. High school is over.


~ Chanel

Only 8 days left.

This entire year has been stressful. I was stressed first semester because of college apps and the uncertainty of admissions. I was stressed second semester because I had 65 ZEROS in AP French and had a 2.8 weighted GPA. But now, I am just done. I am ready to move onto the next chapter in life. I am just ready to leave. I've known most of these people for at least 10 years and to by honest, I'm tired of seeing their face. It's become too common. It's now time to meet new faces, experience new activities, and face new challenges. It's time to embark on the next journey-- alone.
~ Chanel

Chanel Chu's 6-word Memoirs

• Must stop eating. Can't fit anymore.
• Too lazy to do anything anymore.
• Just let me sleep in class.
• Lakers lost! Well... so did Celtics.
• Can't put down the in-n-out burgers.
• People always call me "black hole."
• Don't waste my time with nonsense. 
• Think realistically and practically, not ideally. 
• I don't care, it's senior year!
• FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD.

Just a few brainstorms, hehe. 

Graduation by Chanel Chu

Well, guess what, seniors? The day is finally here; we’re graduating!
Congratulations to all of you on this momentous day. No more of the
same old, “remember when…” I am here to give you advice for the
future: 4 ways, in fact, to success.

1. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE
Learn from your past mistakes, do not put off assignments till the
last minute, literally. In high school, we were able to bust out a
five page research project six hours before it was due, no problem. we
even pride ourselves on this skill. But in college, and even at work,
when so many assignments are due at once, there is no time to put it
off! When you guys receive an assignment, start on it right away-
believe me, it will pay off.

2. Socialize with new people
 these mundane high school cliques stop here; no more of the Asians,
the cheerleaders, video-gamers, the muscleheads, etc. When you leave
here, branch out to new and different people. Diversify your network
of people and break that comfort zone of people who are just like you.
Gain experience from building your network and being open-minded. Who
knows, one of these new friends might end up becoming your best friend
or even your sweetheart.

3. Sleep whenever you can!
sleep is going to be one of your most wanted desires in life as an
adult. School alone,is going to take up more than half of your time;
and when you also have a job and student groups to organize, there
leaves less and less time for quality sleep. So keep yourself healthy,
avoid becoming too stressed and rejuvenate yourself to nice nap when
you can. After all, your health comes first.

4. Forget all those troubles in high school
Take all that drama, hurt, and bull and leave it when you graduate.
Graduation signifies you leaving your elementary and central stages of
life. Take only the knowledge and wisdom—not the fighting and
hostilities. From now on, YOU are a whole new person—someone educated,
refined, and most importantly, ready. be who you want to be and Good
luck, to all of you guys, in the future.

Edward's Archetypes by Jessica D.

Today in class we started the movie Edward Scissor Hands and were supposed to look for archetypes and symbolic elements. I couldn't really find much. However, I remembered that darkness itself has a lot of archetypal meaning. It could mean sadness, death, evil or mystery. I also felt a huge connection to that of the book Frankenstein and i felt that both stories have the same over all meaning about the need for love, judgment of others, and the hardships of being an outcast. I can't wait to watch the rest of it to compare it to these elements because I hadn't really noticed them the first time I watched it

Edward Scissorhands

So I'm just saying Mrs Elliott knows what's up, i love the fact that were watching Edward Scissor-Hands. This class is honestly so much fun, i actually enjoy english this year cause mrs elliot makes it fun, and also my table is awesome. Anyway this year has been great, thanks mrs elliott.

The Poisonwood Bible Recap

The Poisonwood Bible Recap

By: Nikki Lee

            This past week, the class started reading The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. The book relates the story of the Price family moving to Kilanga, Africa because of Mr. Price’s missionary job. The girls and the mother do not like the idea of leaving Georgia, but pack their things and move to Kilanga for the following year.

            During the year, the mother and girls adjust to Congo life as they are used to life in Georgia where they are able to obtain luxury goods and do activities that are enjoyable and energetic. The girls have a hard time adjusting to Congo life, especially Rachel who does not like the idea that she has to spend her 16^th birthday in Africa and away from proper civilization. Kingsolver describes each of the children as being different from each other and independent on their own needs. Leah idealizes her father above the rest of the children, Ruth May is adventurous and will do anything as she pleases, Adah is observant and calm, and Rachel is a stuck-up priss who only sees the world in her own perspective.

            The Price girls go through tough times that challenge who they are and what they wish to achieve in life, whether it be to please another or to be better than the rest. Kingsolver wants the community to see life in another perspective and to enjoy the gifts we are given and to not take them for granted. 

Poisonwood = Crucible? by Jessica D.

Just out of curiosity, can anyone relate The Poisonwood Bible to The Crucible or is it just me? For some reason it reminds me of that book a great deal. Perhaps it's because of its similar mysterious tone and story of religious girls, not too sure. Ideas?

Philosophical Son

This week we took a philosophy test to distinguish what kind of philosopher we match up to and I was able to relate it to Bigger Thomas from Native Son. He seems to me that he would be an Atheistic Essentialist from what I saw from the quiz. Bigger never quite mentions his religious beliefs but makes it clear that he questions the existence of God. In chapter two he almost challenges God to prove that he is there and asks of God to stop him from actions. He has also committed sins in the act of raping and murdering Mary and Bessy, so if he feared a higher being he wouldn't have done them.

~Jessica D.

Senioritis Sonnet by Nikki L.

Senioritis Sonnet

            While in class, a friend decided to write a sonnet on her senioritis.

“This year has been the hardest of my life

And everyone said junior year was bad…

college apps, hard classes, so much strife.

In addition to the worst grades ever had.

I used to pride myself on work on-time,

And now I’m struggling just to stay afloat.

Like this poem just barely finding rhymes,

I’m bailing water out of this sinking boat.

And teacher, please, I promise that I try,

But in this sea of interviews and ail,

My brain is dying slowly, electrified,

Extend the deadlines please before I fail?

They say this year’s the best year of high school…

But honestly please end ‘fore I fall off my pedestal.”

            The sonnet emphasizes how all of us have senioritis and that it will eventually drive us crazy. This year has been full of ups and downs that have left some of us sitting on the edge of our pedestals. The sonnet connects senior year’s struggles to a boat sinking in the sea and how we are trying to stay afloat by bailing water out and trying to stay focus on the things that are important to our future: college applications and passing classes. Senioritis also brings stress and procrastination in school and worrying about getting into our dream colleges.

            We all have senioritis, but I guess I will have to wait and see whether or not it makes me fall off my pedestal before I graduate in May.

I am a hungry beast by Chanel Chu

I am a hungry beast. No, I am not a folktale legend like those who live in caves; now am i one of your Disney-movie characters. I am a beast of fod, of meat and carbs, rice and desserts-- and i might even be said to possess multiple stomachs. I am hungry, understand, simply because people refuse to feed me. Like the starving animals you see sometimes in zoo exhibitions, it is as though I have been deprived of  food and gazed at by people's wide eyes and dropped jaws. When they watch me they see only my  filled mouth, emptying plate, and remains of dinner-- indeed, everything and anything in my stomach.
~Chanel Chu

Group Essay

So, a day or two ago Mrs. Elliott impressed me once again, instead of giving us another routine, mundane essay we will be doing a collaborated work. I really like this idea because it makes the essay much more entertaining and also decreases the work load significantly. Also, it makes it easier to grasp the knowledge of the concept at hand because we can discuss it with our peers. Lastly, it makes learning and writing the essay much more enjoyable since I will be doing it with my friends.
-Jake K

Jane Eyre from Childhood to Governess

Jane Eyre from Childhood to Governess

By: Nikki L.

            For the past week, I have been reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. Jane is a young orphaned headstrong girl who wants to feel loved by Mrs. Reed who took her in after Mrs. Reed had promised her late husband she would look after Jane. However, Mrs. Reed and her three children mistreated Jane to the point where Mrs. Reed sent her to Lowood Boarding School.

            When Jane first arrives at Lowood, she befriends Helen Burns, another student at Lowood; and Miss Temple, a teacher at Lowood. But within a few short months, Helen becomes sick with consumption and dies. Eight years pass at Lowood for Jane, in which she was pupil for six years and a teacher for two years before she sent out an advertisement looking for a new occupation.

            Her advertisement is answered by a Mrs. Alice Fairfax who is looking for a well-educated governess for a young girl at Thornfield Hall. Upon arriving at Thornfield, Jane meets Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper, and Adéle, the young French orphan who is the ward of Mr. Rochester. Jane then meets Mr. Rochester, whom Jane believed to be a hard, cruel man, but later falls in love with.

            Jane excelled through her years at Lowood by becoming an accomplished woman who can draw, play the piano, read, write, and speak French fluently. After Miss Temple had married, Jane decided to look for another place to work at. At Thornfield, Jane teaches Adéle her studies and meets Mr. Rochester who becomes intrigued with Jane and continues to ask for her company.

            Jane is an intriguing, stubborn young woman who speaks her mind, even when she was a child under the care of Mrs. Reed. Her stubbornness will help her while is at Thornfield and later on in the book when she leaves Thornfield and Mr. Rochester. Brontë wrote Jane to be a woman who spoke her mind, had a tender heart, and obeyed the commands of her employer and when she was surrounded by Mr. Rochester’s guests. If Jane had not been a headstrong woman, she would have been trampled on by each person who took advantage of her stature in society.

Time Flies! by Jessica Danial

For our table projects this week, my group chose to do the play "Time Flies". It is a comedic drama about two may flies who find out they only have one day to live. Although it was very funny with its puns, satire and sexual allusions, the play reveals a real life message to the audience : Time Flies! It pretty much tells us to make the most of it and to not waste your time with apologies, regrets, and fear...if you have one day left, go to Paris! Well not specifically Paris but make the most of your time and do the things you dream to do. This especially relates to us this year because we are graduating high school and are about to start new lives, so we should make the most out of our last year and live it up (wisely of course).

Frankenstein Reading Response

Right now, the relationship between Frankenstein and his creature is like that between a teen mom and her baby. Frankenstein has no idea what the responsobilities were for his creature and is way over his head; yet, he went on with his creation. now that the monster is born, Frankenstein is overwhelmed and wants to do away with it. The monster on the other hand, has conflicting feelings-- his creator wants to kill him, what should he do? The relationship between the two is complicated. Also, this draws upon the issue of abortion. should people be able to get rid of what has already been created? or should one just take responsibility for one's action.

My Walk

So last week Mrs. Elliott discussed with us the effects of walking around before class to get oxygen to our brains, which would in turn able us to focus more in class. At first I was skeptical of this and didn't actually imagine it having any effect on me, however, I realized I was wrong as soon as i sat back down in my chair. When Mrs. Elliott passed out the assignment I immediately began to work on it and was in the zone. I was able to work efficiently and think much more clearly about the task and produce better response, I give this credit to that pre-class walk. Thank-You Mrs. Elliott

The Creature of Frankenstein: Friend or Murderer

The Creature of Frankenstein: Friend or Murderer

By: Nikki L.

In Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, Shelley illustrates the story of Victor Frankenstein being fascinated with the creation of life and decides to create life in a non-living subject. On a cold and rainy November night, Frankenstein gives life to lifeless being that he had created from stolen body parts from dissecting rooms and slaughter houses. Thinking the creature would be beautiful, Frankenstein gave the creature life. After seeing how hideous the creature was, its yellow skin not covering its muscular system and its blood vessels, along with it being about eight feet tall, Frankenstein abandoned the creature hoping that he could live a normal life forgetting he had created a hideous creature.

Years passed by before Frankenstein gets word of the misfortunes back at home. Upon arriving back home, he sees the creature where his late baby brother has been found and comes to the conclusion that the creature had murdered his brother. However, Frankenstein does not tell anyone of this experiment and lets Justine take the guilt for killing his brother. Frankenstein kept quiet about the creature due to the fear of having no one believe him.

Frankenstein decides to ponder his thoughts in the mountains. He travels to the top of the mountain where he dwells for days about the past events, waiting for the creature to appear and show himself to him. The creature shows himself to Frankenstein and Frankenstein immediately attacks the creature accusing it of murdering his brother. The creature asks Frankenstein to listen and hear his side of the story before Frankenstein leaves and condemns the creature to solitude for the remainder of his existence. Frankenstein agrees to hear the creature’s story before judging him.

But will the creature’s story console Frankenstein to the point where he will love the creature for who he is and what is looks like, or will Frankenstein shun the creature away and take his revenge against the creature by killing it because he killed his brother and led to the death of Justine? Can the creature of Frankenstein be trusted as a kind-hearted friend or a murderer who has sought revenge against his creator for abandoning him? I believe that the creature will compromise with Frankenstein, who then begins to create the creature’s demand but before finishing the project, Frankenstein decides that for the world and the community, he will dispose of the project because he does not trust the creature will keep his promise once the creature gets his female companion and that if the creature does have a female companion, will the world be terrorized for centuries to come because the creature and his companion have created young monsters that will terrorize villages for generations.

Victor Frankenstein’s creation will not only cost him his life and sanity, but the lives of the ones he loves the most, including his dear father, baby brother, and wife Elizabeth whom he has known since he was a young boy.

But the most controversy question in the novel is whether the creature of Frankenstein is a friend that can be loved and trusted by others, or is a murderer who has a hideous face and is taking revenge of the town’s people for isolating him from the world and taking revenge on his creator for abandonment.

My Table

My favorite part about English class is my table, it consist of Me, Ryan, Scott, Dustin, and our leader David Bell. All in all, its a pretty dope set-up, we all talk trash on Dustin cause he's going to get back with S______ "again" and he gets all sad when we call him a ........... Ryan and Scott (when he tries) are the brains of our table and hold the dynamic of the group together. While David and I are the swag of the group, we're just completely awesome and do work. So all in all, i like English class, Mrs. Elliott is pretty sick and her swag teaching swag is untouchable.
On another note I like learning about poems they really expand on my horizon, especially the ones that are about who you are and where your from. These poems go tme to think a lot and i ended up writing one of my college applications on the basis of what we learned in class :)
-Jake Kent

Frankenstein discussion by Jessica Danial

Earlier in the week we discussed Frankenstein in class and how Shelley relates to her character Robert Walton based on the letters he wrote to his sister. What I found was that Shelley incorporated aspects of her life into Walton's stories and insights. When Walton would began to describe his adventurous experiences, he compared them to that of a child's: "with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat...on an expedition of discovery up his native river". This relates to Shelley's life in that her children would all pass away at a young age and she might have reflected her fantasies of a child's playfulness into her book. Also, she had an expedition of discovery herself when she began to read her mother's books and decided to become a writer herself. Walton's letters also revealed a sense of loneliness when he would tell his sister of his longing to have someone to talk to and it could be possible that Shelley herself felt lonely and found writing to be her way of expressing herself.

How does Shelley incorporate aspects of her life into this weeks reading?

To Be of Use Mock Writing by Chanel Chu

The people I love the best

Say whatever they want

Without worrying about getting weird responses

And laugh to the most ridiculous of jokes.

They are at most peace when together

The rosy cheeks of their faces

Exploding from excessive laughter.

I love people who are honest to themselves; Gandhi against all others

Who stick to his opinions, with unrelenting force,

Who believes firmly in his morals and upbringings that he was raised with

Who tell it like it is, to anyone to everyone

I want to be with people who protect

No matter the case, who step up in front of me

And refract all harm and eliminate danger

Who are not pusillanimous poltroons and hazard flee-ers

But stand in a chivalrous stance

When the fears come in or the nightmares reign

The character of the world is difficult as calculus

Complex, it is this and it is also that

But what I love about you all

Is the diversity, that strengthens, entertains, and ameliorates.