Blog 8

Watching the In the Line video really made me realize the realities outside of this affluent area. It shows the struggles of what people go through from different backgrounds. It was really shocking seeing the ex-CEO living on welfare and having to take completely have to change careers, to a teacher, to make it. It shows what people have to go through in life just to make ends meat. I think that it relates to sociology in the sense that it shows how other groups of people living in America struggle everyday. We do no realize how good we have it at times. I think we need to really be more grateful for everything we have.

Bernies Books

I headed back to Bernies Books this last Tuesday to give me my final Hour. It was a 2 hour long event. Everything was the same this time, but we were able to get more people to attend. The fact that Bernies Books is capable of packaging over 30,000 books a week is pretty impressive. Watching the video again was pretty heart warming. This event is pretty easy event, but the video at the end really proves you are getting something done thats very useful.

Sunrise

Last Wend. I attended the event for Sunrise, the local retirement home, where we interacted with the older adults. We made them arts and crafts to keep. It was surprising to see some of the attitudes on their faces. Some were actually a bit mean. I would have thought they would love our company. This has been my least favorite event so far, but I did not mine interacting with a majority of the people their. I really hope I do not have to live in a retirement home till much later in my life. This event totaled 2 hours.

It relates to class in the sense that we interact with the past generations, and we see how they are different in the sense of how they interact with others. It gives us the opportunity to see how generations have changed.

Bernies Books

For one of my community service events, I attended Bernies Books where we packaged books for students who do not have the resources we have. The event lasted 2 hours and was pretty enjoyable. We were in teams of four, where 3 people bagged while one person, myself, boxed up all the books in bins. We were packaging books for kids in 3rd and 4th grade. We also saw a video on where the books were going and what it meant to the kids. This has been my favorite event so far, probably because of the video at the end showing us how happy all the kids are. I will be back to this book pantry very soon. This counted for 2 hours.

The way this related to class was we were helping under privileged kids. We were helping the lower class become more educated by providing them with books that provide valuable information.

Family Assignment

My family was a very wealthy family. We were making $380,000 a year with a savings of $500,000. While going through the assignment, I began to realize the value of the dollar and made me think about the things my family will spend through the year. Vacation, clothing, gas, a new car this year. It makes me realize how fortunate I am. It also made me realize why some unfortunate families will go on Thanksgiving to do their shopping on the great deals. With the amount of money we were given. We were able to afford a very nice home in Glencoe. We were able to purchase a Porsche and an Escalade. This assignment made me realize the value of the dollar and how fortunate we all are at Stevenson. We should be thankful this Thanksgiving and should really reflect on what we have been given.

Community Service 1

Last Friday I attended Just Harvest with Jake Ferzaca. I was in the back cleaning dishes while Jake was serving some of the people that attended. It was nice Seeing Mrs. Fainman for the first time in a while. I think I will be back many more times for this class and political thought as I really think that I will be making a difference. The man in charge, Sergio, seems to love coming and helping everyone get a meal. Sergio was kind to everyone, and did a great job helping everyone out from Stevenson. Overall great experience and will be back very soon. This counted for 5 hours.

This was a direct correlation in class by helping the lower classes by feeding them. It is a way how we can give back to the lower class that has worked so hard by providing them with much needed meals.

Family Tradition

My mom thinks the one thing we have for a tradition is the tacos she makes when my sister comes home. Her homemade tacos bring us all together. There is no arguments when we have tacos together. We all get along, have nice conversation, and spend quality time together.

The one thing that is unique and special about her tacos is she makes her own hardshell tacos by buying soft shell and soaking it in cooking oil. It gives it a special taste and and unique style. She got the method from her mom, and I plan to keep the tradition going.

Movie week

It really opened my eyes how rough the conditions were in Africa. I loved how hard they worked when they came to America. They were working all day at school, then working just as hard at their jobs after school. They loved all the little things they had. Showers, TV, beds. The things they loved we take for granted are things they thing are unbelievable.

I think we need to follow how these boys act. We need to spend more time with our family, and not take everything for advantage.

Monday Discussion post HC

It was a bit uncomfortable, but we were able to name a large number of sex terms the week after our homecoming. It is interesting how we were able to think of so many more informal terms than our traditional terms. Is it just the way society has be developed, or do we think its weird to use the old and traditional terms. This concept can be applied in other ways as well. Just our language in general. We use more slang and informal terms than ever before. Is it good or bad? Who knows. Maybe we should try using more traditional words one day in class and see how it goes.

Survey

Our ideas came together pretty quickly as we decided on tea v. coffee. We decided to keep a short survey to make it so people would not mind spending time filling it out. It would also keep simple factors in place.

Upon reviewing the surveys, I noticed that more people enjoy tea than coffee. It surprised me as I would think people prefer coffee. I will be interesting to see what the class thinks next week.

Abandon Ship

I thought it was interesting to see which route people choose. Wether it was try and take leadership, or stay silent in hopes to slip under the cracks. Some people that tried to take leadership were turned on, like Zoie.

It came down to what people had to offer and what was at stake for them. The old couple was banished due to their age and nothing to offer. The football player was safe since he had physical attributes. The draft evader was banished for his draft evasion.

People that ended up surviving had either something to offer, or were to young to banish. The survivors were mainly groups of people who stuck together.

Senior Year

Last year of high school feeling pretty weird. Still not sure what my number one choice of college is. Do I go for my favorite school, or keep playing lacrosse? Don't know when I will be able to decide that. 

Living here for just over two years is weird. Feels like I have been here for 10 years. Going back to see everyone back in Maryland was nice, but different. People hanging with different people. Seeing how everyone has changed was odd. Kids that I used to be friends with, are not the same. 

Summer was fun, but like always, went way to fast. I feel like I didn't get enough done. Was gone a lot so that may be the reason. Summer ball was fun but wish I played a bit better at some showcases and tournaments. Can't believe that was the last time I will play on a summer team. Hope I see some of the guys again down the road. Who knows.