O4- My Mother Is...

My mother is the sweetest person I know. I have always looked up to her and see her as a role model. Growing up she taught be so much, she taught me to be a good person, to be responsible, and to stink up for yourself. She is the type of person who will tell you how she feels, and always be honest with you. I don’t think I have never seen her not speak her mind. I personally that is a good or bad thing. I believe that it is good when someone needs the honest truth, but no one is willing to say it. However sometimes people don’t want to know your opinion and want you to mind your own business. She has such a great work ethic. I always see her going above and beyond what her job requires and doing it with a smile on her face. But sometimes it stresses her out, my mother is a perfectionist and when it isn’t done to the way she want, she will let you know as she is redoing it herself. My mom is always doing everything she can do for her family. She was at every one of my cheerleading competitions, science fairs, and dance recitals. She always so caring in the way she wants to know about your day and can’t wait to hear all about it. She sacrifices so much, to make me and my sister happy, even if that involves staying out late to see a movie or sitting threw a concert for a band that she doesn’t like. My mom is always trying her best and that’s anyone could ever ask of her. I love my mom so much and I can’t wait to be a mom myself so I can follow her in footsteps.   

O3- Generation Gap

We have all heard it from our parents at one time or another, “you wouldn’t last one day in the adult world.” But things have changed since our parents have been high school, and I think it is more difficult then they believe. During the 80s when most of our parents were in high school, there was barely any technology. There were pay phones, computers were this new age creations, and cell phones- forget it. However in high school today I believe things are ten times more difficult than before. Our world is centered around the internet and media. Things such as Facebook and Twitter have become our source of entertainment. Nothing is private anymore, we live in a world were secrets aren’t secrets anymore. Anything we say to our friends, or text, or post, is instantly everyone else’s business.  Rumors spread like wildfire, and people you don’t even talk to, you know everything about them. Not to mention it always seem like everyone is judging.

                Back in the 80’s people didn’t have computers in their pocket, like we have today. Skype was something some people thought was impossible. When you told someone your secret, it was kept. There weren’t curfews for driving, or being at the mall without supervision.  I’m not saying that there were some of their own issues, but everything was not so public. Everyday teenagers are looked down upon as rebels, crazy, or a bad influence. However I think most people underestimate us. There as much on our plates as adults, but it just different. We are in school seven hours a day, five days a week. That’s not including homework and study time. We are sometimes forced to get a job, try out for a sport, and we still try to have a social life. As well as the typical teenager things such as drama with friends, relationships, money and trying to establish a good relationship with your parents; the list is endless.  

In conclusion, I think we as teenagers are underestimated, with how we live our life. I personally believe that most of the teenage population behaves really well dealing with the circumstances. So the next time you hear that line, say “times have changed and our generations are different.”  But remember to say it in a nice way, or risk being grounded.

O2

After reading this article I realized that the unemployment rate wasn’t just affecting the United States. We are constantly talking about how high the employment rate is, but we are lucky compared to other countries from around the world. It is all over the news and media about our unemployment rate. We ask the government what they will do once elected to try to fix this issue. The people that have jobs always have to suffer from that constant worry and being fired, due to cut backs.

After graduating from college, most students have a dead end job to support themselves until they can get a job in the career they chose.  It is common for many students to not have a job lined up after graduating college, but I never thought that there are some places that people will never get a job. It is truly shocking that some places have been stuck at 20% unemployment rate for nearly two decades. However, even though the unemployment rate might be high, it is still proven that in this day in age everyone is required to have a college degree for jobs that pay more. Back 30 years ago college was something that most people did fine without, unfortunately if you don’t attend college then the jobs you can apply for cut by almost half.

Even though this artic says that college might not be the best idea, I disagree. Yes, it is expensive but the doors it can open are priceless. With a college degree so many things are at your disposable, such as, a life time career and a higher salary. When it comes down to it, college is an investment in your furfure and if it was up to me I would not take that gamble. College can cause mass amounts of debt but the payoff is worth it.    

O1-Bullying Those Who Can't Speak

After search many article titles I found one that shocked me.  NJ teacher calls bullying claims 'disingenuous' on the CNN website. The article is about a dad Stuart Chaifetz and his ten year old son Akian who was diagnosed with autism. Chaifetz started to receive complains about his son acting out and hitting teachers in school. This was immediate red flag for the family because Akian never had any problems with teachers in the past. Most kids would tell their parents what was happening at school, for hope of fixing the issue. However Akain, struggles with speaking and couldn’t commutate the issue. After six months, and Akain’s behavior increasing getting worse Chaifetz wired his son to see what was going on behind closed doors.  Chaifetz was horrified from what he heard when he son came home. His teachers were verbally abusing his son.  Some of the things he heard were “Shut your mouth” and conversations talking about sex and drinking. The worst part of the six and half hour tapes were hearing his son crying and screaming.

Once I finished reading and watching videos on this subject, I was truly appealed.  All students should feel safe and welcome at school by the teachers and staff, not being abused.  Students who have special needs should have the highest care possible. There are many great programs that are available for those students, but what really happens when no one is watching? I am glad that Chaifetz was smart enough to realize something went terribly wrong and took it into his own hands. To think that there are teachers out there who would treat people who can’t speak for themselves that way is terrible.  There is a time and a place for those types of conversations and it should be done away from school grounds.  I hope that people will rally together to stand up with those with special needs who can’t take matters into their own hands.

However it does seem that teachers have been under the microscope lately. There are wonderful teachers out there and many of them are here in Alden. We are truly lucky to attend a school who has a staff that takes our education and environment every seriously.

P1- TV

How much television do I watch?

                For me personally it all depends on my schedule. In the past few years all of my free time was occupied with watching TV. During the school year the hours I spent in front of the TV were drastically reduced. Most of my time was filled with school, homework and extra circulars. While during the summer I would spend every waking moment I had in front of the TV. Once school ended and most of the things I was involved in also ended.  There were some days were I could easily watch 14 hours of TV.  Looking back it is disgusting how much time I wasted on the couch in front of a television.  It became so bad, that I could repeat every commercial, TV show, and even tells you the daily scheduling for each channel.  But that was back when I was in 8^th and 9^th grade, instead of watching that much TV I use my time to read. When I was younger I couldn’t read very well, so I would try to avoid it as much as possible. I found that I really enjoy reading and it is so much heather then sitting in front of the TV. Today I usually will only watch about a two hours of TV during the school/ work week, and during the weekends four hours of TV a day.

What do I watch?

                Even from a young age the shows I watch haven’t really changed. All my life my favorite televisions stations were the Food Network, ABC Family, TLC, Animal Planet, and Disney Channel.  I have a little sister so Disney, Nick, or Cartoon Network is usually on. My favorite shows are usually on ABC Family, such as Pretty Little Lairs, Jane by Design, Switched at Birth, and The Lying Game, as well as Dance Moms on Lifetime and Glee on Fox.  

How many televisions are in my home?

                In my house we have three televisions, one in our living room, one the man cave, and I have a small one in my room. My house is a small three bedroom ranch, so we are always in the living room together as a family. We do usually watch TV together every night before going to bed; it gives us some family time by talking about our day, and reconnecting after a long day.

What are the positives/negatives associated with watching television?

                I believe that there are many positives to television. In my house it brings us together and we get to spend time with one another. As well as providing something to do while relazing from a stressful day at school at work. Televisions also hold many negatives. Instead of going out and doing active things, most people would rather stay in and watch TV. Televisions also are the center of our world. It is what the media revolves around, and can create an unhealthy environment. Over all everyone is different when it comes to their habits with watching TV. I do thing that televisions can be a great thing, but it is something that should be limited.

P4- Christie

For this choice blog I decided to report on some exciting news. My aunt just recently got engaged and she chose me to be her maid of honor. Christie and I grew up right across the street from one another. The word aunt is usually associated with older people; however Christie and I are only six years apart.

Growing up with her by my side is one thing that I will never forget. She was my babysitter, best friend, and sometimes my enemy. She taught me many life lessons that I still hold on too to this day. She taught me how to ride my bike, and most importantly how to not let others try to bring you down. Even some things that I’m not so proud of such as, convincing your parents for something you want or getting out of trouble. Whatever the situation Christie always had some advice on the matter. We share so many memories, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Even though she might not be aware of this, she even taught me how to be a good big sister, and take responsibility for my actions. Looking back on my childhood I can remember when I use to wait until she woke up so I could spend the day with her. Where ever she was I wasn’t not too far behind, always tagging along even when I wasn’t wanted. Christie wasn’t just my aunt, play mate or best friend she is more, she is my sister.

Christie has always been someone I have looked up to and wanted to resemble, she was and still is my role model.  Through the good and bad times, I know she will always have my back and even though we might not agree on certain things. If you had the chance to know Christie when she was in high school, she was not the most motivated person. In her senior year something changed, she reprioritized her life. Christie went form a C student to graduating early from Medallie College. She was even offered a program at Syracuse University in broad casting journalism. Only forty people are accepted into this program every year.  Now looking back, she did teach me something that I am starting to realize. “Good things come to those who wait…from what’s left over from those who hustle”.  Every day I think of that quote and try my best to make my own dreams come true, instead of waiting for them to just appear.

N3

At this current moment I do not have a job, but I am searching.  I have recently had job interviews at the Pink Cow here in town, as well as Tony Walker Co. I also been offered job at DSW in at the Walden Galleria. Hopefully I will be receiving a call soon saying I have been hired.

After I graduate, I will be attending Genesee Community College in general studies.  My hope is that I will find something that will spark an interest within me. I have been doing some research and I think I might want to get in to childhood education. I have always enjoyed working with little kids. For the past three years I have been a cheerleading coach for the Alden Junior Football and Cheerleading. For all three of those years I have worked with the peewee division. The girls ages range from six to eight, they are always so happy and full of energy. There was never a dull moment when working with these kids. I enjoyed it so much that I going to try my best to return this year and coach again.

If it turns out that I do decided to become a teacher, I would transfer out of GCC and go into Medallie. I think Medallie would be a great fit for me. It has an excellent teaching program. On the off chance that I don’t want to become a teacher I would still go transfer into Medallie for their communications program. I witnessed my aunt going through the process of the communication world, and I think it has a lot to offer as well as it being something a little different and interesting.

Overall, I haven’t found my calling yet, but I hope that there is something in general studies that will inspire me.