Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Aubrey: Always More Than What You See

Prompt: Who are you?

I am blessed with a wonderful family that consists of two great parents and four amazing older brothers. Being the youngest child and the only girl has its disappointments, but overall, it is a great position to be in. Growing up, I was definitely considered a tomboy! There were only boys in my neighborhood; therefore, playing sports and getting my hands dirty was most of my entertainment. Right before I started elementary school at Sonny Carter, my two oldest brothers moved out, and my third brother moved to New York to attend West Point Military Academy. All that was left was my fourth brother, Patrick, and me. We became real close and treasured the time we spent together, but going from four brothers to one is not always an answered prayer.

After graduating from sixth grade, my parents sent me to the private school FPD. Patrick was the very popular football quarterback, and my dad was the Bible teacher. I did not have the opportunity to make a name for myself, but being known as the quarterback’s little sister does have advantages! Patrick received a full scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University, and the day we took him there was the day I knew I wanted out of private school. After many arguments, my parents finally let me transfer to Westside High School in tenth grade. Although public school was a big awakening, I loved it.

I came to find out teaching was what I wanted to do with my life. I had a passion for working with younger children, and took absolute joy in watching them grow and learn. In high school, I joined club organizations and programs to where I could spend time with kids who were having difficulty in school. I taught many students how to read and multiply; moreover, I taught them how to show confidence behind their knowledge. The kids were not the only ones learning – they taught me things I never knew nor understood. Some children taught me the real virtue of patience, and how to come across as wanting to teach, but also wanting to be a friend while I taught. I have not decided whether or not I will attend Macon State for four years, but if I do, Early Childhood Education will be my major.

In my spare time, I like to write, read, and take pictures. Writing seems to help me with stress I might have or emotions I might not share. Poetry is probably my biggest portion of writing; however, I never rhyme because I do not think it really expresses the true feelings if I have to sit and think of a word that goes with the one two lines above it. Reading helps me to relax, and also broaden my lexicon for more writing. I learned to read at a very young age, and thankfully I have loved it ever since I learned it. Photography holds a big place in my life. My grandfather is a photographer, and I am blessed he taught me the procedure and the art behind taking pictures. A noted photographer is not under my name yet, but I do plan to work hard enough to get it there.

Besides the hobbies I do on my own, I also love spending time with my family, friends, and boyfriend. My parents are separated, which makes them even more unique and precious to me. My dad is by far the greatest man I know. He is a devoted Christian, hard worker, and the true meaning of loyalty. My mom is my best friend. We talk every day, hang out as much as possible, and usually find ourselves laughing until we cry. Both of my parents had a rough childhood, but due to their strength and unconditional love, my brothers and I will never have to know what that was like. My friends are great! Most of them are crazy, but definitely entertaining. Like most girls, we love to shop, sing while we are in the car, and have a good time. I am also very blessed to have such a wonderful boyfriend. We have been living together for eight months in our own place, and it is amazing! For the first time, I have a boyfriend who has to look out and take care of me instead of the other way around – it is a nice change!

Overall, I am typical country girl who was born and raised in Macon, but I am also the type of girl that will work until my standards are met so I can have the opportunity to move out of Georgia. My life plan is to do my best at everything I come across or am given, and then to let God control the rest. I have made a promise to myself to make it where all my accomplishments will make jaws drop at my 10 year reunion – I will not let failure be an option.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

A Love Story: Not Always What One May Expect

Prompt: The Alligator River Story

Actions speak louder than words. Anywhere from kissing to rolling eyes does not need to be explained. In The Alligator River Story, the characters’ actions speak so loudly that they can be judged automatically. I believe this tale has an attempt of love, but is washed over by deceit. When I graded each character, I used simple common sense and obvious value importance.

Starting with the most disliked character, I gave Abigail a 5. In the beginning, she is in love and determined to see her lover, but then shows her determination by having sex with another man! Common sense tells me she should have created another plan, and her actions tell me she must not really be in true love. Just by her decision, all trust and loyalty towards her wanted relationship is destroyed!

Graded with a 4 is Sinbad, the river boat captain. The only word I can think of to describe this character is pervert! He would only help Abigail if she slept with him, and that right there shows no self-respect. To me, Sinbad is just a low, nasty pervert who will only do what will make him happy. He cares too much about his manhood, and not enough for others.

Ivan is a 3. To be considered a friend, there has to be a sense of help, love and happiness. Ivan most certainly did not help Abigail get to Gregory; therefore, no love is being shown, which creates unhappiness. He gets a 3 for not being supportive, but that is much better than a sex deal.

Next is Slug, who I believe is a 2. He is responsible for beating up Gregory, but it is out of jealous compassion. I do not think anyone has a right to harm another just because a friend tells them to, but he is still a much better character than most of the others. Having a friend like Slug might be a plus – he was there when needed, and the only one to show Abigail true love.

The number 1 character in this story was Gregory. He was in love with Abigail, and never did anything to betray her. Personally, I think he could have taken the responsibility as the man in the relationship and drive to go see his lover, but at least he did not sleep with anyone while waiting for her. In the end, Gregory made Abigail leave, but I could not have made a better decision myself. I do not know of a single person who likes being with someone that cannot be trusted.

Love stories usually end with a new couple preparing to live happily ever after. The Alligator River Story shows you the side that most people want to ignore. Love takes work and dedication; however, not everyone is always willing to put forth the effort. Abigail took the easy way out, and that is simply why it did not work. Mistakes are made, and lessons are learned, but forgiving is always a choice.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Living: Different Reasons for Different People

Prompt: Metaphysical Assumptions

The things that lie beyond our world – cannot be seen nor touched in everyday life – are known as metaphysics. Everyone has their own belief to why they were created and what their purpose of living is. Once an individual has found their belief behind their being, they have just created their metaphysical assumptions. On most accounts, one’s religion or background helps set the foundation behind their reasons to what they will believe for most likely, a lifetime.

I believe that having the sense of belonging makes a person more comfortable. Everyone wants to belong to either someone or somewhere, and that is why many search for that one group of people to become a part of, and share their interests with. The Greeks were a large mass of people, but they all stood behind the gods. They created gods for day and night, and also turned to them for advice, answers, and their reason behind being. There are many other religions that follow other beliefs and methods of worship, and I am included in those others.

The purpose behind my life is to live out God’s will. I know there is only one God and He created this world we live on and every single thing on it. The sun, plants, animals, and humans were made by Him with a special plan or purpose behind them all. I am a proud Christian, and a strong believer behind the Bible. I see the Ten Commandments as rules and guidelines to knowing the difference in right and wrong. I have been brought up to never question my faith, and although I get frustrated and mad sometimes, I know who I can turn to for the right answer. God has blessed my life in so many ways, and I have no reason – nor will I ever – to question or second guess who I am here and living for.

Scientists all over the world are trying to discover the creation and making behind this planet. They think the answer lies behind all the daily processes, such as photosynthesis; however, I know there is just one book that can answer their every question and more. Hundreds of religions are being expressed right outside of my door, but I am happy and confident enough to know what I believe will provide me with a path to live a successful and bright life.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

America: Moving on Up!

Prompt: Blog #2 on Mailer

Many people today would rather be a shark than a guppy. Who likes being on the bottom of the food chain? I am an ordinary, middle class citizen; however, along with plenty of others, I dream about what it would be like to be president for a day. All of us strive to be the best we can be, and that is exactly how Norman Mailer sees the reasons behind the war against Iraq. George Bush is doing the best he can to make our nation the best there is.

Mailer sees our contact with the Middle East as the stepping stone to taking over the rest of the world. Our military is as wide as the horizon and our technology is only increasing daily. Why Are We at War? takes the September 11th attack, breaks it down, and then shows us that power is the prize we want. The author wants us to realize we are going from being a nation and attempting to become a global empire. I understand Mailer’s suggestions; therefore, I can look through his point of view.

I am a content employee, but the title as boss would always be better. I make acceptable grades, but of course I would love to be the smartest student in the class. My purpose and goal is to achieve the most I can – I see Bush trying to accomplish the same. Some people believe Bush does not do anything for our country, but along with Mailer, I see our president’s choices leading to something larger than what we might expect. The war of Iraq is not only the reaction to our terrorism experience, but instead it is to make our placement in the world.

I do not agree with every point Mailer makes in his book, but I do see where some of his thoughts are coming from and what triggers them. Success is what we want out of life is it not? Although some of us perceive success through different lights, I believe every individual, including Bush and Mailer, is entitled to their own strive for victory. It is a good thing to make your way up the food chain, but my advice is to examine the possible consequences before your final decision, especially if it includes the affect of a whole population.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

War: Not Always for the Right Reason

Prompt: Blog on Mailer

There are as many ways to show patriotism as there are ways to decorate a cake. You can wear a shirt, wave a flag, or even spray paint your hair! Before September 11, 2001, Americans were proud citizens, but it was not until after the attack that many noticed how important it was to know what their citizenship supported. The past attack has transformed to a present war that I believe has also changed the reasons to our fighting.

In Norman Mailer’s Book, Why Are We at War?, the displaying of patriotism is exposed and his beliefs behind the war are revealed. There are a few accounts of where he compares our nation to the British, saying their approach is better than that of our own. Mailer thinks that the loyalty towards our country includes arrogance, and I think that to a certain extent, he is right.

As a proud American citizen, I do not want to go around saying how much better another country might be, but I do want reality realized. I have noticed that when something negative happens to or toward this nation, our first reaction is to find someone to point our finger at. When George Bush ran for president, there did not seem to be any problem. People now look at our leader as if he asked for the terrorists to invade our country! Although he ordered more troops to Iraq, I think we should get over our arrogance, quit being narrow minded, and form into the united group we should be able to find a solution that benefits all. On too many accounts do we only care about ourselves and not those who surround us.

From my perspective, I first saw the war as a reaction to the dreadful day of September. I thought it was to show that we were better and to teach those from foreign countries that we were not ones to mess with or torture. I now see the war as an ongoing process that seems to be leading to a brick wall. I do not know all of the purposes behind our battle, but I hope it is for our nation’s pride and not self fulfillment.

Mailer had courage to write this book and to express all his thoughts! I am thankful he did and I hope his words reach to many others. From the various points he made, overall I see him as a man with intentions to only seek more knowledge and then share it. America is a wonderful place to not only live, but also to express the rights we are given. If you want to pray, you can. If you want to write a song or book, you are allowed. Numerous people let these advantages get to their head; therefore, I believe it is time to show how thankful we are for not only what we have received, but all that we can achieve by being an United States patriot.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Homosexuals: Teaching our community

Prompt: Human Rights v. Majority Rule

Picture your child dressed up and excited to start school. You are sad because time has flown since you brought them home in that blue or pink soft blanket, but at the same time you are proud of them and ready to watch their education increase. All parents want the best for their children, including the instructor that will be teaching the kids all they need to know to prosper. Although every individual is entitled to their rights, imagine how you would react if your child’s teacher was a homosexual. Living in a society where both human rights and majority rule are considered, this is where you decide on which side of the line you stand.

Starting several years ago in the sunny city of Miami, the controversy of abolishing public employment discrimination based on sexual preference began to rapidly spread. Those involved in a gay community were no longer hiding their decisions. It was then possible for the public to know someone’s status without them showing their inclinations through actions. At this point was where questions rose. Would an individual’s rights stand clear or would the society’s disagreements overcome the situation as a majority rule?

Human rights are often taken for granted, but they can be easily expressed. Every U.S. citizen has the right to speak their mind, practice their religion publicly, and love whoever they choose. Usually, these privileges are not called out; however, majority rule can have them announce within one disagreement. Majority rule is when a large group of people takes over a smaller group of people by opposing a certain decision. With this case, any homosexual can choose what they want their career to be, but parents may then argue that such a person is not a good role model for the students.

It is not my place to judge anyone, but I can honestly say that I do not agree with or encourage gay individuals. As a part of my religion, I am told homosexuality is a sin; therefore, I am against it. Although I am not for that person’s preferences, I would still want the best for my child, and if that certain teacher could offer my son or daughter the best, then I will gladly drop them off at the door Monday morning.

The numbers for members in a gay community are increasing more and more in the world today. As a nation, it is our responsibility to decide how far we will allow it to go and where the line is drawn. If gays are not allowed to teach, then what are they allowed to do? Is it our right to stop the ambition of another person? Human rights and majority rule sometimes collide, and now the choice is ours to what happens when they do.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Terrorism: It's In the Air

Prompt: Hijacked!

Imagine yourself relaxed and on a plane that is about to take you to your dream vacation. On each side of you is a person you love so much that you would hate to see them in any harm. What if all of a sudden that harm was a reality? Think about if your plan was just hijacked and you are the one that has to make the call of action. The terrorists announce they will blow up the plane and everyone on it, or you can release some of their convicted criminals to make no harm done. You can think of it from two aspects: following the government and saying there is no way you are releasing criminals or trying to be a hero and saving those you love and your fellow citizens.

The government has a no tolerant act towards terrorists. No matter what the situation, the United States will not agree to lift the sanctions. They see no reason at all to release those who have taken the lives of our people, especially when they have done no wrong. I can see why they react this way and continue to keep those that we have captured. Our government tries to decide what is best for us as a whole, and I personally am thankful for that.

After reminding myself to breathe, I do not know what my first reaction would be. I hate the fact that our country has been at war for years because of these attacks, but I do not think I could bear to see the ones I care for suffer. This decision might make me seem inconsiderate towards my country, but I have been living the whole time this war has been happening and I believe I can continue; however, I can not live without those who give me a reason to wake up each day. For my call of action, I would first try to make a deal where the terrorists and myself could agree to meet in the middle somehow, but if all else fails, I am keeping our people alive.

Having to make a decision for our country is not something everyone waits in line for, but these days, everything is a possibility. Innocent lives are being taken every day, and each one of those actions is causing a reaction. Terrorism is taking control over our country and I think it is our duty as a nation to seek those who are responsible, take action, yet still protect the lives of our citizens.