I believe in life’s bloopers.
It’s been almost six years since I started making movies with my sisters. We had a giant analog camera, parents that applauded everything we did, and absolutely no schedule at all. We filmed whatever popped into our heads and called it a movie. Most people that have seen our current work agree that we have come a long way since then. One sister writes out the script, one finds music, and the other edits. We are a well-oiled movie-making machine that has yet to reach the top. Yet despite our growth, we still mess up. In the cinematic world whatever mishaps occur on film are called bloopers and are immediately sent to the special features option of the DVD. My sisters and I enjoy watching our bloopers almost as much as the finished product. They remind us that despite all the arguments, wasted money, and technological problems, we still had fun.
If actors and crewmembers were perfect, then we wouldn’t have to worry about these things. In one take the scene would be done and sent for editing. But they’re not and thus mistakes are bound to happen. If I were the director, I would rather they laugh it off and start over than get distraught and run back to the trailer. Laughter lightens the mood and makes it easier to get back to work.
This same concept can be applied to everyday life. When you’re trying to finish an oral presentation in front of a class and mess up, why bother making an even bigger fool of yourself by turning it into a huge deal? If you laugh, then everyone watching will laugh and know that you’re trying. Just a few days ago I watched a normally shy girl sing in front of her entire Spanish class. She missed a few words and became so flustered that she began to cry. No one wants to be put in that position and the audience knows that. But what can they do if you’re standing up there like a deer in the headlights? Make light of the situation. Tell them that it’s okay and accept that nobody is perfect.
You could be jogging and fall flat on your face. You could be in an intense argument and forget what your side was. You could call your husband by your ex-boyfriend’s name. Life’s bloopers are bound to happen everyday to everyone, and we have to learn how to deal with it.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
This I Believe
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A Modest Proposal
Los martillos están en venta. Trois pour un dollar. I bagni sono a mano destra. Zu setzende Wartezeit. Have you ever noticed signs like these screaming words you do not know in a country that once spoke English? The truth is, America has no official language and with others now competing for popularity, something must be done to keep us from breaking apart.
Obvious problems have arisen from this situation. Many English-speaking citizens feel that English was the first language and should remain the only one, despite the constant flow of foreigners through our borders. Those same immigrants feel that as new American citizens their right to freedom of speech should be protected. Businesses, restaurants, and other organizations that want to make everyone happy are now caught in the middle making signs three times as big to accommodate each language.
The American people need something to tie them together. For the past few years, disputes over such things as government progress, environmental protection, and financial problems have split the country to a point where we cannot identify with each other. We are no longer proud to be Americans. And this is where my proposal comes into play.
Rather than randomly picking one language out of a hat, I propose a new language, one that is completely fresh and rejuvenates our pride in the United States of America. This means absolute obliteration of English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and any other language that inhabits our country, and the installation of Americanese.
Americanese will embody romance more than Italian ever could. It will bark stricter orders than that of German. Catchy Spanish tunes stand no chance when compared to the flavor and fluidity of Americanese. Charles V once said, “I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse.” Well someone better call up Charles and tell him that those days are over because now you only need one language to do that: Americanese.
People of every considerable group inhabiting America will create this new language. They will decide on the alphabet, sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and all other aspects of language. Government officials will then take the reigns and distribute the information to the public where meetings will be held, pamphlets passed around, and websites set up. After enough time for preparation, the time will come when each American citizen will be expected to learn Americanese. After a year of studying, annual tests will be sent out across the country to monitor the progress and thus further schedules can be made.
Aside from the technical aspects of creating and learning Americanese, one must also consider its benefits to the country. Most importantly will be the rise in nationalism, for it is plain to see that we are losing the togetherness that Americans shared after World War II. Also, Americanese will help keep illegal immigrants at bay. Obviously, if you cannot speak the one language that everyone else in the country can, than you do not belong there. This, too, helps with foreign enemies attempting to listen in on government-protected plans. Since Americanese will be brand new they will have a difficult time translating it without the help of someone from America. Finally, an official language will transform any industry that relies on advertisement. Packaging companies can focus more on the aesthetics of the box rather than trying to translate “tear open here” four different times.
Now of course problems arise with such a daring proposal, but I believe that the benefits far outweigh the setbacks. For example, books will have to be translated and redistributed throughout the country. However, this gives us time to update everything that has been neglected for the past twenty years. In a way it will be like giving America a facelift. We will not be rewriting history or changing important documents, just refreshing them so everything is up to date. Another problem some might find with this would be teaching the three hundred million US citizens a completely different language. Anything like this takes time and obviously the older you are the harder it is. But what we must remember is that this process will improve America’s morale and by participating in the “rejuvenation of America” means you support the country’s improvement.
The ugly truth of the matter is that America is far too angry and bitter to even consider choosing an official language from the list above. If one group feels that it has not been fully represented, then no one can be represented. Our ability to compromise and discuss has flown out the window, leaving us with only one other logical solution.
Out of many, one.
Obvious problems have arisen from this situation. Many English-speaking citizens feel that English was the first language and should remain the only one, despite the constant flow of foreigners through our borders. Those same immigrants feel that as new American citizens their right to freedom of speech should be protected. Businesses, restaurants, and other organizations that want to make everyone happy are now caught in the middle making signs three times as big to accommodate each language.
The American people need something to tie them together. For the past few years, disputes over such things as government progress, environmental protection, and financial problems have split the country to a point where we cannot identify with each other. We are no longer proud to be Americans. And this is where my proposal comes into play.
Rather than randomly picking one language out of a hat, I propose a new language, one that is completely fresh and rejuvenates our pride in the United States of America. This means absolute obliteration of English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, and any other language that inhabits our country, and the installation of Americanese.
Americanese will embody romance more than Italian ever could. It will bark stricter orders than that of German. Catchy Spanish tunes stand no chance when compared to the flavor and fluidity of Americanese. Charles V once said, “I speak Spanish to God, Italian to women, French to men, and German to my horse.” Well someone better call up Charles and tell him that those days are over because now you only need one language to do that: Americanese.
People of every considerable group inhabiting America will create this new language. They will decide on the alphabet, sentence structure, punctuation, grammar, and all other aspects of language. Government officials will then take the reigns and distribute the information to the public where meetings will be held, pamphlets passed around, and websites set up. After enough time for preparation, the time will come when each American citizen will be expected to learn Americanese. After a year of studying, annual tests will be sent out across the country to monitor the progress and thus further schedules can be made.
Aside from the technical aspects of creating and learning Americanese, one must also consider its benefits to the country. Most importantly will be the rise in nationalism, for it is plain to see that we are losing the togetherness that Americans shared after World War II. Also, Americanese will help keep illegal immigrants at bay. Obviously, if you cannot speak the one language that everyone else in the country can, than you do not belong there. This, too, helps with foreign enemies attempting to listen in on government-protected plans. Since Americanese will be brand new they will have a difficult time translating it without the help of someone from America. Finally, an official language will transform any industry that relies on advertisement. Packaging companies can focus more on the aesthetics of the box rather than trying to translate “tear open here” four different times.
Now of course problems arise with such a daring proposal, but I believe that the benefits far outweigh the setbacks. For example, books will have to be translated and redistributed throughout the country. However, this gives us time to update everything that has been neglected for the past twenty years. In a way it will be like giving America a facelift. We will not be rewriting history or changing important documents, just refreshing them so everything is up to date. Another problem some might find with this would be teaching the three hundred million US citizens a completely different language. Anything like this takes time and obviously the older you are the harder it is. But what we must remember is that this process will improve America’s morale and by participating in the “rejuvenation of America” means you support the country’s improvement.
The ugly truth of the matter is that America is far too angry and bitter to even consider choosing an official language from the list above. If one group feels that it has not been fully represented, then no one can be represented. Our ability to compromise and discuss has flown out the window, leaving us with only one other logical solution.
Out of many, one.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Brave New World vs. 1984
According to Neil Postman, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is more relevant today than George Orwell's 1984 and I agree, especially on the topics of technology, class system, and sex. Although both worlds seem unrealistic, their underlying social issues are apparent now more than ever.
"As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think" (Postman). It is true that nowadays technology is fully embraced by our society, even though a few still fear its capabilities. The citizens in 1984 used technology to its fullest but did so with little interest. However, those in Huxley's London used it for more than the purpose of completing work and monitoring. They enjoyed technology, even as it changed the way they used their brains. Nowadays we are so accustomed to using computers and cellphones that we almost forget how to think. Those in 1984 used technology only when needed and the rest of the time preferred to focus on current issues affecting their society. Like the citizens of Brave New World, we use technology more for pleasure than business.
"... of a pre-ordained caste system ranging from a highly intelligent managerial class to a subgroup of dim-witted serfs programmed to love their menial work..." (Atwood). Although it may seem taboo, we have a distinct, Brave New World-like class system. Those who are bred to succeed usually end up with high-paying, respectable jobs and the rest fall underneath. Although we do give the "lower classes" chances to rise above their current status, the truth is that there will always be a system which includes Alphas and Epsilons. Orwell's novel focuses on two types of people: the proles and the workers (I can't remember the actual name used to describe them). Workers provide for their government and are given equal opportunities. Proles, on the other hand, live outside of this system and pretty much fend for their own kind. Our society, although divided, does not use such bold distinctions as these.
"Lenina doesn't see why she shouldn't have sex with anyone she likes whenever the occasion offers, as to do so is merely polite behaviour and not to do is selfish" (Atwood). 1984 did not focus on sex as much as Brave New World, however it was mentioned that Winston and Julia formed a serious and secretive relationship, both very aware of the trouble they would be in if the government found out. On the other end of the spectrum is Huxley's London, accepting the idea of open sexual relationships. Our society falls somewhere in between, more so towards the latter. While we do not enforce promiscuity, the government is far from invading the lives of the public to monitor their every move.
Both Orwell and Huxley created strange worlds that at first glance would be considered impossible. However, the social issues facing Winston and Bernard are the same ones we face today.
"As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think" (Postman). It is true that nowadays technology is fully embraced by our society, even though a few still fear its capabilities. The citizens in 1984 used technology to its fullest but did so with little interest. However, those in Huxley's London used it for more than the purpose of completing work and monitoring. They enjoyed technology, even as it changed the way they used their brains. Nowadays we are so accustomed to using computers and cellphones that we almost forget how to think. Those in 1984 used technology only when needed and the rest of the time preferred to focus on current issues affecting their society. Like the citizens of Brave New World, we use technology more for pleasure than business.
"... of a pre-ordained caste system ranging from a highly intelligent managerial class to a subgroup of dim-witted serfs programmed to love their menial work..." (Atwood). Although it may seem taboo, we have a distinct, Brave New World-like class system. Those who are bred to succeed usually end up with high-paying, respectable jobs and the rest fall underneath. Although we do give the "lower classes" chances to rise above their current status, the truth is that there will always be a system which includes Alphas and Epsilons. Orwell's novel focuses on two types of people: the proles and the workers (I can't remember the actual name used to describe them). Workers provide for their government and are given equal opportunities. Proles, on the other hand, live outside of this system and pretty much fend for their own kind. Our society, although divided, does not use such bold distinctions as these.
"Lenina doesn't see why she shouldn't have sex with anyone she likes whenever the occasion offers, as to do so is merely polite behaviour and not to do is selfish" (Atwood). 1984 did not focus on sex as much as Brave New World, however it was mentioned that Winston and Julia formed a serious and secretive relationship, both very aware of the trouble they would be in if the government found out. On the other end of the spectrum is Huxley's London, accepting the idea of open sexual relationships. Our society falls somewhere in between, more so towards the latter. While we do not enforce promiscuity, the government is far from invading the lives of the public to monitor their every move.
Both Orwell and Huxley created strange worlds that at first glance would be considered impossible. However, the social issues facing Winston and Bernard are the same ones we face today.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Claim Statement
With midterms hanging over our heads, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss the schedule that so many dislike. Complaints from both students and teachers make it quite obvious that we need a change, and I believe that if we only one midterm per day, they would all be satisfied.
One reason why this would be beneficial is that it gives students more time to study for a particular class. With the system we have now, there is always a handful of students who have two difficult tests on the same day. There are also those who have nothing or only one class on some days. By changing the schedule, all students have an equal chance at performing at the top of their level. And while some may argue that there is plenty of time to study beforehand and in class rather than the night before, completing two completely different tests just ten minutes apart is unfair, especially if other students do not have to. It would be more beneficial to spread out the days and simplify the students' lives. This way, everyone will have the same opportunity to successfully complete the exams at their full potential.
A major concern for those against this claim is that it would almost double the amount of days spent on midterms. However, one must look at who else benefits from it. This schedule would be extremely helpful to teachers who are under the pressures of grading papers and submitting grades for report cards. With so much extra time, teachers would be more inclined to focus on the job at hand and stop worrying about everything else that must be accomplished. Like the students, teachers need time to think about one subject. If Mrs. Latham is grading Algebra papers while also correcting those for the Pre Calc students and finalizing grades, there is a good chance that a mistake could be made. With less stress, it is less likely that errors will be made.
However, it does come into question whether or not a two hour exam would be considered a full day. If not, the amount of time student will be given to complete the exam may be extended. There are good and bad sides to this. First of all, in order to compensate for the extra time the exams will also be elongated. And although students may not agree on this point, it is beneficial to those who need more time and know the material. It is only fair that if you have more time to study at home that there be more material on the test. Coming from the point of view of a student, having an extra hour far outweighs the addition of extra parts to the test because there is less stress. Having more time enables you to go back and check your work.
In the long run, having only one midterm per day is beneficial to both the students and the teachers.
One reason why this would be beneficial is that it gives students more time to study for a particular class. With the system we have now, there is always a handful of students who have two difficult tests on the same day. There are also those who have nothing or only one class on some days. By changing the schedule, all students have an equal chance at performing at the top of their level. And while some may argue that there is plenty of time to study beforehand and in class rather than the night before, completing two completely different tests just ten minutes apart is unfair, especially if other students do not have to. It would be more beneficial to spread out the days and simplify the students' lives. This way, everyone will have the same opportunity to successfully complete the exams at their full potential.
A major concern for those against this claim is that it would almost double the amount of days spent on midterms. However, one must look at who else benefits from it. This schedule would be extremely helpful to teachers who are under the pressures of grading papers and submitting grades for report cards. With so much extra time, teachers would be more inclined to focus on the job at hand and stop worrying about everything else that must be accomplished. Like the students, teachers need time to think about one subject. If Mrs. Latham is grading Algebra papers while also correcting those for the Pre Calc students and finalizing grades, there is a good chance that a mistake could be made. With less stress, it is less likely that errors will be made.
However, it does come into question whether or not a two hour exam would be considered a full day. If not, the amount of time student will be given to complete the exam may be extended. There are good and bad sides to this. First of all, in order to compensate for the extra time the exams will also be elongated. And although students may not agree on this point, it is beneficial to those who need more time and know the material. It is only fair that if you have more time to study at home that there be more material on the test. Coming from the point of view of a student, having an extra hour far outweighs the addition of extra parts to the test because there is less stress. Having more time enables you to go back and check your work.
In the long run, having only one midterm per day is beneficial to both the students and the teachers.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sweeney Todd
As you can tell by my name, I love Sweeney Todd, the 2007 film directed by Tim Burton. It stars Johnny Depp as the demon barber of Fleet Street who seeks revenge for his wrongful imprisonment and the death of his wife Lucy. Opposite Depp is Helena Bonham Carter, who plays the cunning yet sensitive pie-maker Mrs. Lovett. Sweeney Todd is a musical based on the 1979 musical thriller by Stephen Sondheim.
Last summer, my sisters and I decided to recreate every song from the movie; using the CD as a guide and lip synching. And with nothing but a miniDV camera and Windows Movie Maker, we have been able to complete eleven of the twenty songs. For almost three months we've battled bad weather, schedule conflicts, technical difficulties, and uncooperative actors (and there are only three of us in the film), yet Sweeney Todd is still in production.
Four days after that song was finished we went on vacation to the beach (which happened to be the title of one of the songs we had to sing). This was when we officially decided to make a spoof of every song so we tried to make it as true to the movie as possible. This was where we encountered several sisterly quarrels as well as some continuity problems. Some of the scenes had to be filmed back at home so we needed to make a detailed list of every different scene and the costumes/props that were needed. All that effort payed off and it is one of my favorites.
At eleven o'clock at night on the roof of our house, my sisters and I filmed "No Place Like London" for the third time. The last two tries had horrible lighting and it was almost impossible to see Sweeney and his acquaintance Anthony. Luckily, this was during Halloween time and we bought a fog machine. That with the addition of a lamp created a creepy effect that made it look like the two were really on a ship. The great thing about making spoofs of movies is that you are able to try different methods to match the lighting, camera angles, etc.
Just last night I went out with my sisters to film another scene from "Johanna". Unlike "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir" and "The Contest", it was freezing cold outside and the CD player was not working properly. By this time, however, we had seen the movie so many times that we didn't even need the music. It's amazing to see how far we've come just in the last three months. Even though there is always a problem (whether it be the weather or someone's costume), all this practice has prepared us to deal with whatever could happen.
Judge Turpin
Last summer, my sisters and I decided to recreate every song from the movie; using the CD as a guide and lip synching. And with nothing but a miniDV camera and Windows Movie Maker, we have been able to complete eleven of the twenty songs. For almost three months we've battled bad weather, schedule conflicts, technical difficulties, and uncooperative actors (and there are only three of us in the film), yet Sweeney Todd is still in production.The first song we ever did was "Johanna", which focuses on Sweeney singing while he kills the customers by slitting their throats. One of the greatest challenges in filming this was when blood had to shoot from the victims' necks, which was something we had never tried to do before. In the end, the "victim" had to hold a Ziplock bag filled with colored water and squeeze it at the exact same time Sweeney slashed with the razor. It worked out perfectly! The only problem was cleaning the water off of the ceiling and window.
Four days after that song was finished we went on vacation to the beach (which happened to be the title of one of the songs we had to sing). This was when we officially decided to make a spoof of every song so we tried to make it as true to the movie as possible. This was where we encountered several sisterly quarrels as well as some continuity problems. Some of the scenes had to be filmed back at home so we needed to make a detailed list of every different scene and the costumes/props that were needed. All that effort payed off and it is one of my favorites.
"Pirelli's Miracle Elixir" and "The Contest" were two more songs on our list. What was so difficult about them was that a specific set was needed. We ended up filming on the playground of an elementary school in the blazing sun. Somehow two ladders, six costumes, two chairs, two giant signs, several wigs, and a table were stuffed into the car and transported to the school. Not only were we on a tight schedule but each of us had to be two characters. I learned that it is important to plan everything out and stay on schedule.
At eleven o'clock at night on the roof of our house, my sisters and I filmed "No Place Like London" for the third time. The last two tries had horrible lighting and it was almost impossible to see Sweeney and his acquaintance Anthony. Luckily, this was during Halloween time and we bought a fog machine. That with the addition of a lamp created a creepy effect that made it look like the two were really on a ship. The great thing about making spoofs of movies is that you are able to try different methods to match the lighting, camera angles, etc. 
Just last night I went out with my sisters to film another scene from "Johanna". Unlike "Pirelli's Miracle Elixir" and "The Contest", it was freezing cold outside and the CD player was not working properly. By this time, however, we had seen the movie so many times that we didn't even need the music. It's amazing to see how far we've come just in the last three months. Even though there is always a problem (whether it be the weather or someone's costume), all this practice has prepared us to deal with whatever could happen.It may not be a Stephen Spielberg production, but I'd say we're pretty close. Film making is demanding and takes a lot of planning and creativity, but if you manage to get the right people together it is one of the most gratifying things in the world.
Here are some photos of the characters in our movie and Tim Burton's:
Sweeney Todd
Mrs. Lovett
Judge Turpin
Beadle Bamford
Anthony
Johanna
Signor Adolfo Pirelli
Toby
All Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street pictures come from http://www.fanpop.com/external/1520732
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Things They Carried
It is difficult to describe life's changes when you have only been alive for seventeen years. I have yet to reach a point in my life where I can look back and think, "Wow, I've been through a lot, " and be able to compare the different stages. Tim O'Brien's quote from The Things They Carried is an interesting look into the future. One must wonder whether they will feel the same way or not at that age.
* * * * *
I disagree with O'Brien and his assertion that humans do not change in the important ways. One example comes from Elie Wiesel's memoir Night. "The night was gone. The morning star was shining in the sky. I too had become a completely different person. The student of the Talmud, the child that I was, had been consumed in the flames. There remained only a shape that looked like me. A dark flame had entered my soul and devoured it" (Wiesel 34). In tragedies such as the Holocaust where people lost their families and friends in the most horrific ways, it is understandable how they would lose themselves. Being denied so much and offered only work and coldness, many felt their old selves dying with those in the gas chambers and the fire. Starting a new life once they were liberated seemed the only way to forget what happened. In many ways this is a good thing. By losing the person who suffered so greatly, they are able to rebuild a life unaffected by the memories. O'Brien states that after all he experienced he was the same boy in the photographs. I question how he was able to live after coming back from Vietnam, the sound of gunfire and screams always in the back of his head.
One does not need to be involved in or witness a tragedy to lose their essence. Some are transformed by the people around them. An example of this would be William Golding's Lord of the Flies, in which several of the main characters join together against several others after they are marooned on an island. Rather than focus on themselves, they grouped together and became a savage gang. This mob mentality completely erased who each of them was and replaced it with one communal identity. This way, they could protect one another and not have to worry about themselves as individuals. Even today there are gangs that focus more on what's good for the group then what's good for you. Like the victims of tragedies, these groups feel safer than before with the new life.
* * * * *
I disagree with O'Brien and his assertion that humans do not change in the important ways. One example comes from Elie Wiesel's memoir Night. "The night was gone. The morning star was shining in the sky. I too had become a completely different person. The student of the Talmud, the child that I was, had been consumed in the flames. There remained only a shape that looked like me. A dark flame had entered my soul and devoured it" (Wiesel 34). In tragedies such as the Holocaust where people lost their families and friends in the most horrific ways, it is understandable how they would lose themselves. Being denied so much and offered only work and coldness, many felt their old selves dying with those in the gas chambers and the fire. Starting a new life once they were liberated seemed the only way to forget what happened. In many ways this is a good thing. By losing the person who suffered so greatly, they are able to rebuild a life unaffected by the memories. O'Brien states that after all he experienced he was the same boy in the photographs. I question how he was able to live after coming back from Vietnam, the sound of gunfire and screams always in the back of his head.
One does not need to be involved in or witness a tragedy to lose their essence. Some are transformed by the people around them. An example of this would be William Golding's Lord of the Flies, in which several of the main characters join together against several others after they are marooned on an island. Rather than focus on themselves, they grouped together and became a savage gang. This mob mentality completely erased who each of them was and replaced it with one communal identity. This way, they could protect one another and not have to worry about themselves as individuals. Even today there are gangs that focus more on what's good for the group then what's good for you. Like the victims of tragedies, these groups feel safer than before with the new life.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Why I Write... by Jeanette Walls
My parents always pushed for academic excellence. No matter where we were or what hardships we faced, school was always a priority for us kids. And this is where it started, at the kitchen table (or wherever else we did homework depending on our current situation) completing assignments while Brian did his work and Lori helped Mom grade her students' papers. I learned all about the technical aspects of writing, the fine detail,s the do's and don'ts, but I still found no connection. It was a task I was expected to complete whether or not I wanted to. That is why I am able to write. I had the necessary skills, I just needed some inspiration.
I first discovered my passion for writing when I was in the seventh grade and began working as a proofreader for The Maroon Wave, our school newspaper. It was a tedious job that enabled me to see another side of life. So much happened in the world that I was not aware of since my parents always put their own spin on the stories. It felt amazing to be able take in and interpret the events as I saw them. Ninth grade was when I first stared writing articles for the paper and by junior year I was editor in chief. I was finally allowed to express my creativity without worrying about being judged or made fun of. Not only was I writing for myself but also for society. Reporting news was my way of helping others find the truth in the world.
It is difficult to talk about anything without mentioning my family's history. Everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, is affected by their past. I write in order to share a little piece of myself with the world, so if anyone else has a story like mine they will be inspired. Not only do I report facts but also a story about the life of a girl who started out looking for food in the Dumpster and ended up living in New York City. It is not a coarse of self-pity or even regret, but a way of connecting with those who are or have been in similar situations.
The sentence "I write because..." is almost impossible to complete with only one word. I write because I want to help others see what is beyond their doorstep. For some, it is a interview with the famous comedian that they idolize. For others, it is about the story of survival. Writing is my passion and my life.
I first discovered my passion for writing when I was in the seventh grade and began working as a proofreader for The Maroon Wave, our school newspaper. It was a tedious job that enabled me to see another side of life. So much happened in the world that I was not aware of since my parents always put their own spin on the stories. It felt amazing to be able take in and interpret the events as I saw them. Ninth grade was when I first stared writing articles for the paper and by junior year I was editor in chief. I was finally allowed to express my creativity without worrying about being judged or made fun of. Not only was I writing for myself but also for society. Reporting news was my way of helping others find the truth in the world.
It is difficult to talk about anything without mentioning my family's history. Everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, is affected by their past. I write in order to share a little piece of myself with the world, so if anyone else has a story like mine they will be inspired. Not only do I report facts but also a story about the life of a girl who started out looking for food in the Dumpster and ended up living in New York City. It is not a coarse of self-pity or even regret, but a way of connecting with those who are or have been in similar situations.
The sentence "I write because..." is almost impossible to complete with only one word. I write because I want to help others see what is beyond their doorstep. For some, it is a interview with the famous comedian that they idolize. For others, it is about the story of survival. Writing is my passion and my life.
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