Christina Costa's English Blog

2007-05-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Blog #18-Native Son Reading Questions for Book 3-Fate

1) How might we characterize Bigger’s state of mind in this opening scene of Book Three?
In the opening scene of Book Three, when Bigger is in jail, we may characterize Bigger's state of mind as indifferent. He does not hate fear nor hatrid anymore. He isn't reactive to situations as well.

2) How does Bigger think the white world thinks about him during this pre-trial?
Bigger thinks the white world believe he should be put to death and should represent why the black community should be treated poorly.

3) How does the newspaper story describe Bigger?
The newspaper story describes Bigger as a "jungle beast," suggesting that he has devolved. It also suggests that Bigger lacks the common southerner charm.

4) What does the preacher tell Bigger, and why does this upset him?
The preacher tells Bigger that he should be faithful and brings up hope and love. These words upset Bigger because he feels that he has "murdered" his inner faith and he feels an extreme sense of guilt.

5) What does Jan tell Bigger in this scene and how does it affect Bigger’s thinking?
Jan tells Bigger that he is not angry and wants to help Bigger. He feels that there is no point for blacks whites to hate each other. This affects Bigger's thinking because he sees a white person as an individual instead of a portion of the white group of people.

6) On what grounds does Attorney Max challenge Mr. Dalton’s charity in the black community?
Attorney Max challenges Mr. Dalton by arguing that the white control over blacks is the underlying reason for Bigger's actions. He argues that charities will not suffice to improve life for blacks.

7) What does Bigger’s mother do that embarrasses Bigger?
Bigger's mother begs the Daltons to have mercy in the situation, which embarrasses Bigger because they have no control over the situation.

8) Why does Bigger confess to States Attorney, Buckley, for killing Mary and Bessie?
Bigger confesses to Attorney Buckley because he feels there is no other way to escape the situation. He essentially gives up on himself, his hope, and his life.

9) How does Bigger react to Jan’s testimony?
Bigger reacts to Jan's testimony by sympathizing with Jan.

10) How does Max challenge Dalton with regard to his real estate business?
Max challenges Dalton by stating that the black tenants live in poorer conditions and pay more money than the white tenants. He frames Dalton to admit that he doesn't rent black tenants to other neighborhoods besides the South Side.

2007-04-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Blog # 17 - Native Son reading questions 1

In the opening scene of the book, Bigger chases and kills a black rat in his family’s one-room apartment. What does this incident tell you about Bigger? (8-12)

This incident tells us about how Bigger has fears and how he reacts to fear. In this situation, Bigger is afraid of the rat, and he battles with his fear with acts of violence and defiance. Bigger tries to appear superior to the rat with such actions.

Why does Bigger hate his family? (13-14)

Bigger hates his family because they live in poverty and suffer through the days. He also doesn't feel like he can improve their conditions. He feels as if there is a pressure on him to improve their social conditions, but he can't which leads to him feeling miserable inside.

Why are Bigger and Gus so interested in the plane flying overhead? (19-23)

Bigger and Gus are so interested in the plane flying overhead because it represents what whites can do (fly planes) that blacks can't. They discuss how whites limit what blacks are able to do. When Bigger says that he would want to fly a plane, both Gus and Bigger recognize that because of their social standing, he cannot.

How do Bigger and Gus imitate white people? (19-23)

Bigger and Gus imitate being white people by pretending to be the president of the United States and JP Morgan. They talk, as these people, about how to keep blacks under control.

How does Wright describe Bigger and his environment (physically) in these scene with Gus?

Wright describes Bigger and his environment as inferior to the whites. Bigger has a deep hatrid for them because he feels as if his actions are trapped as result of the whites' superiority. He says that he can feel whites inside of him.

Why does Bigger get mad at Gus in the pool room? (26-30)

Bigger gets mad at Gus in the pool room because he is afraid to rob a white man. At the same time, Bigger is afraid as well.

What does Bigger learn from the movies he and G.H. see? (32-9)

Bigger learns that blacks are indeed inferior to whites in the movies he and G.H. see. This is because the movie denotes whites as rich and superior while blacks are portrayed as wild and poor.

2007-04-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

Blog #16-"King of the Bingo Game"

“he felt vaguely that his whole life was determined by the bingo wheel”;“the unlucky cards and numbers of his days”“he felt that the man was making a fool of him”“as the wheel increased its speed it seemed to draw him more and more into its power, as though it held his fate; and with it came a deep need to submit, to whirl, to lose himself in its swirl of color”“This is God!”

The narrator of the story talks about the wheel in a way that "his whole life was determined by [it]" to show that the wheel symbolizes a force greater than the actual object itself, but a force that determined the fate of his life. Throughout the short story, the whole game of bingo seemed to symbolize the narrators life. This symbolism is reflected when he talks of "the unlucky cards and numbers," which seem to act as symbols of the narrator's fate. He personifies the events of his life when he says that "the wheel," or his life, "increased its speed [...] [and it lost] himself," suggesting that the intensity of his life increased and then it just completely made a turn for its worst making it even uncontrollable. At the end of the story, I think the narrator i on the verge of a breakdown/his life is destined to end for not winning the jackpot, or not winning that card.

2007-04-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Blog #15-What kind of hero?

I believe that Macbeth fits the definition of a tragic hero, or someone who "has the potential for greatness but is doomed to fail. He is trapped in a situation where he cannot win. He possesses some sort of tragic flaw, and this causes his fall from greatness" (Williams). Macbeth is considered to have the potential for greatness because in Act I of the play, he helped lead the Scottish people to victory against the Norweigens when he fights well in battle and defeats Norway. He also has become the Thane of Cawdor at the beginning of the novel, suggesting that he will have power and therefore potential for greatness. However, Macbeth is destined to fall because of his tragic flaw: ambition. When Macbeth murders Duncan, he actually dissociates his mind from the situation and personifies his ambition so he can blame it on that. His own, personal ambition is also the reason behind why he follows the witches prophecies when he kills Banquo, Macduff's wife and children, and attempts to kill Fleance as well. He is ultimately trapped because when his ambition acts, less and less people support him and do not want him to be king. In addition, Lady Macbeth's influence on Macbeth when she basically forces him into taking the throne away from Duncan can also add to his tragic flaw. Once Macbeth became king, being a tragic hero, he was headed for degeneration to becoming a violent person for he murdered even his dear friend Banquo. Furthermore, the prophecies added to Macbeth's tragic flaw since he was always urged to fulfill each prophecy and would do so no matter what the circumstance was. For example, he murdered the king who he considered a great leader, his good friend Duncan, and the wife and children of Macduff who did not do anything to hurt him. The combination of Mabeth's ambition, his wife's influence, and the prophecies add to Macbeth's tragic fall and why he does not fulfill his potential greatness.

2007-03-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Blog#13 - Ambitious Women like Lady Macbeth

Source: http://www.elizabethi.org/us/

Queen Elizabeth I of England can be considered ambitious or manipulative. Born September 7, 1533, Queen Elizabeth I was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boelyn. She was a disappointment to her father, who wanted a male heir to his throne. When Queen Elizabeth I took the throne on November 17, 1558, there was a great triumph amongst England. She loved sports, music, dancing, and watching plays; she was responsible for creating an atmosphere that benefited playwrights despite the Puritans who wanted play houses closed. Furthermore, Queen Elizabeth I re-established the Protestant Church in England and declared herself the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. However, she was religiously tolerant for the most part and did not want to persecute people because of their religious beliefs. Queen Elizabeth is referred by some as the "Virgin Queen" because she never did marry. She, though, used her single status to her advantage. "In a genius of political wheeling and dealing, she managed to use her single state to benefit the country by using the bait of marriage to draw in enemies, or to frighten them by suggesting she would marry one of their foes" (www.elizabethI.org). Elizabeth I was seen as loyal and dedicated to her country and very smart. She is a reason why England went from an impoverished country with religious struggles to a prospering nation. She died in March 1603.

Queen Elizabeth I was seen as a political genius and a good listener. She was known to listen to her people and try her best to please them. She was a very determined woman who even imprisoned and executed her own cousin Mary Queen of Scots, since she was seen as a threat to England. However, the Puritans disliked Elizabeth because of the contradicting religious beliefs, and they wanted England to be deemed a Puritan nation. Queen Elizabeth I today is still seen as a determined woman, but many debate over whether she was manipulative because of her single status. In foreign affairs, she used her single status to an advantage by fooling enemies. She was a "flirt," in many senses since she would in a way "use" some male rulers/important people to gain information.

2007-02-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Blog #12-Research Reflection

1) Thesis: The research and use of embryonic stem cells is valid and ethical in the treatment of diabetes.

2) I am most likely going to organize my essay conceptually. I am going to talk about what stem cell research is, why it is beneficial and ethical, why others think it may not be beneficial and ethical, and how it can help improve or treat diabetes.

3) I chose this topic because science is very interesting to me. Stem cells are a relatively new issue that, if further researched, can improve/treat various diseases. Thus, the they can potentially save lives, which is rather fascinating to me.

2007-01-01T18:23:00.000-08:00

Blog #11: To Kill A Mockingbird reflection

Harper Lee titles her novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" because a mockingbird, the bird of song, is a representation of innocence, and innocence is "killed" through the death of Tom Robinson. The idea of destroying innocence is also shown when evil is brought about to other characters such as Jem and Dill. The symbol of mockingbirds is developed throughout the novel as Jem and Scout mature and encounter with evil. In the beginning of the novel, Jem and Scout are seen as children who are innocent and vulnerable. This innocence is shown when Scout is identified as a tomboy who is intelligent thanks to her father. As the novel progresses, Scout will mature by listening to her Aunt Alexandra who advises her to be more lady-like. She will also witness
evil in the form of racial prejudice in Tom Robinson's trial. Tom Robinson also represents a mockingbird because he is innocent and was just trying to do good by aiding Mayella with household chores, though his verdict will be guilty. Scout will learn at a young age that there is both good and evil in the world and that evil can be controlled by good beings. Atticus is trying to teach Scout and Jem not to judge something/someone before you actually know the person/know more about the situation because not everything is the way it appears to be and that there is both good and evil in the world. This idea is represented when Scout is on Boo Radley's porch, seeing life from his perspective, and realizes that he is truly a good man. The lesson is also shown when both Jem and Scout observe the trial of Tom Robinson in the balcony, truly hoping for him to be innocent, and are urgent to see his verdict. When the verdict is found as guilty, Jem and Scout are devastated and notice the injustices in the world. Thus, both Jem and Scout learn the lesson.

2006-12-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

Blog#10: Setting in To Kill A Mockingbird

1) What does the diction suggest about the setting of the novel? Identify the words that helped you develop your answer.

According to that quotation regarding Maycomb, the town seems rather desolate and poor town. Words/phrases like "no hurry," "nothing to buy," ""nothing to see" show that the town is rather empty and definitely not thriving. The town does not seem very eventful, but plain and old-fashioned. It seems like it was set during the Great Depression because they mention Hoover carts, suggesting that Hoover was president(which he was before/during the depression).

2) Identify the allusion in the passage. Explain the quote and the context in which it was spoken. Why would Lee choose to have her narrator allude to it?

In this quotation, Lee alludes to Franklin Delano Roosevelt's first inaugural speech where he said "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." He said this quote as he accepted his presidency to show hope for Americans to escape the evils of the Depression. America had gotten to a point so low that they could no longer be afraid of what was next. Lee would chose to allude to this to show that things are now not thriving in Maycomb, but will soon take a turn of some sort.

3) What is your impression of our narrator, Scout? Some critics believe that her voice is much too adult to be a realistic narration. What do you think? Are there some places in the text where her voice seems too mature or adult for a little girl?

I agree with the critics in their belief that Scout is very mature. For someone who is at such a young age to be able to analyze adults such as her father is rather odd. Her thoughts are sophisticated, suggesting that she has experienced a lot in her lifetime. She seems to make judgments of people fairly quickly and I don't believe that girls her age usually do that. In short, she seems very much for a little girl.

2006-11-26T18:27:00.000-08:00

"A Modest Proposal" Reflection

As I was reading this piece, I found myself to be very disturbed and disgusted. In the proposal, Swift suggests for infants of poor mothers/beggars to be fattened up and sold for consumption to the rich. The idea of cannibalism, especially of such young children, is very mind-boggling to me and nauseating. He seems to propose such a harsh idea which reflects upon how severe the burden of poor mothers is. However, as I read on I realized that Swift's extremely radical approach to utilizing the children of poor mothers was a metaphor to how financially deprived the Irish economy is. This moment came when I read that the speaker spoke with a people from other countries about the taste of children. I, personally, would not use the consumption of babies to prove a point. It is rather disturbing. Seeing that it was written in 1729 and about Ireland, I thought that it might be a response to the potato famine that the country experienced. The speaker identifies himself as a wealthy Anglican. He states that the country as a whole would prosper from such sales of human flesh, including the parents, rich, and landlords. I would compare the situation talked about to the large amount of poor beggars today. I know that when I go to NYC I do end up seeing several homeless people and it is a problem. Our country should find a way to help those who are not financially stable in a realistic, coherent manner.

2006-11-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Onion Blog Response

Sexual Tension Unbearable Between 15-Year-Old, Rest Of World

1) What is the article about?

This article is about a teenager named Keith Ness who claims that the sexual tension between him and the rest of people in the world is overwhelming. He looks at the world very deeply and claims that people walk too "sexy" in the halls, in the park, etc. and how his concentration is altered since he wonders about the girls around him. Ness classifies these as temptations that are driving him crazy. He also is very observant wherever he goes in finding "signs of interest." Ness feels that people are often looking at him in a seductive matter. He finds himself very frustrated of the desirable world around him.

2) Why is it funny? Or what's the joke?

This article was funny because it plays jokes on human observation. In other words, Ness looks at the world in such detail that he picks up on little things like the way someone walks and associates them with seduction. It is also funny because a picture of Ness is shown and he looks like the stereotypical "loser" who just wants people to have interest in him, yet they do not. It is also funny because it is very unrealistic for sexual tension between the WHOLE WORLD, which he claims, to be unbearable since he only associates with a very, very small percentage of the population of the world.

3) Using your glossary of humor prose lit. terms, which category does it fall under - satire (Horatian or Juvenalian), burlesque, parody, or travesy? And why?

I would characterize this article as juvenalian satire because it is poking fun at the group of people who look at the world too closesly or confused teenagers. We all know that there are people out there who seem a little strange and unique who just don't connect with the world. In this case, Ness is representing the teenager who is confused and looks at the world so closesly that he perceives them to be trying to seduce him and others.

4) Is the writing effective in making you laugh? Why or why not? (Point out any particular sentences that made you laugh and quote them).

The writing was effective because it used example of common people who we often associate with and used them to represent examples of what distracts Ness. For example, he claims that he is distracted by a librarian, as quoted below (I lauged :) )

" 'It's so hard to concentrate on my social studies homework sometimes, when all I can do is wonder if the librarian with the noisy high heels even knows I exist.' "

The writing was also effective because it portayed Ness as on who the world revolved around. This line was funny because it makes Ness seem like everyone dresses to please him.

"It's driving me crazy having to sit here while the world tempts me in those formfitting, playfully conservative, or woolen, shapeless outfits—I can't take much more of this," Ness added.

Lastly, this writing was effective because of it's use of hyperbole. " [...] between himself and roughly 3.65 billion other people on earth has become 'almost more than [he] can handle.' "

Obviously, the whole population of the world is not really trying to seduce Ness.

2006-11-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

If You Were a Soldier, What Would You Carry? Blog Response

If I were a soldier, I would have to say that I would carry a photo album of all my close friends and family from home. I am fascinated by photography and love taking pictures. Capturing memorable moments is very special to me. No matter if I am at school or at a party, my camera is always with me. With that said, with each photo I take, there is some sort of story behind it. If I carried a photo album at war, I would be able to reminisce experiences that I had that were special or important to me. I also would be able to see my loved ones every day through these photos, which would always make me smile. It would also act as a reality check for who I am actually fighting for. I would include photos in the album from birthdays, swim meets, parties, random times, and anything else that would remind me of my life at home. This album of memories would keep me from going insane as well since I would want to, even more, go back to my friends and family. It would also serve as an artifact that would keep me optomistic even in times of war. The photos would even make me laugh. Laughter is a key in my life and always makes me feel better no matter what.

2006-10-28T11:45:00.000-07:00

American Soldier's Blog Response

In the many blog posts that I read on the American Soldier's site, in the four I am responding to on here, I learned about a variety of different topics. I commented on the soldier's 9/11 blog. He wrote about where he was that day and how he went to ground zero. This made me reflect on 9/11 and made me think of how brave he was to go to the site of the towers. He also said that it further inspired him to defend our country. I respect him incredibly and think of others who went to ground zero and how courageous they were as well. I also read about what is going on with schools and how there should be security guards scattered. It makes me see that society is not safe and horrible events do occur. This is a bit frightening, but it is merely reality. In addition, I read about North Korea's wrong doings. According to the soldier, North Korea will not get away with the 3.6 tremor. I wonder what the US administration will do/has done about this and whether or not they will get away with it. Clearly North Korea has gone to far, so I wonder what will happen next. Will more nations start going against North Korea? Whatever it is, I hope North Korea gets under control. Lastly, I read about how the soldier will be incorporating You Tube clips onto his page. I watched the one given and it made me see with my own eyes a first hand account of war. The sounds of the bullets was frightening since this is all real. I got to hear the words of soldiers while at battle. This was interesting, yet a bit scary. The movies, however, allow the reader to see and hear war for real.

2006-10-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

Naturalism Reflection Blog

2. Nature as an indifferent force acting on the lives of human beings.
[NOTE: STILL DO NOT KNOW HOW TO INDENT]

In the summer of 2004, nature really took a beating on me. Specifically, the weather/heat played a large role in my life that summer. It all started when I was playing soccer for a club team. I usually played midfield so I ended up running a lot. I remember one day when it was just so hot that I could barely talk or move. Nausea and dizziness was taking over my body. I felt as if I were going to faint. I tried not to think about it, but eventually I knew that I could not stand any longer. That was the first time I fainted that summer. I realized that the weather/nature was the reason for that experience and I was not content about it. I remember thinking that if the weather would have just been a little cooler, none of that experience would have ever had happened. This idea frightened me.

Later that summer, I went to California. My family went to Six Flags and I was really excited because I loved thriller rides. The day started off by going to the waterpark half of the amusement park, and it turned into a day that I would never forget. There was this really fascinating water slide that looked like it would be really fun. My brothers and I decided to wait on line for it. It was 105 degrees outside, which scared me because of my previous experience of fainting in the soccer game. However, I felt that this time I would be able to fight the heat. After waiting for about 45 minutes, I felt my body weaken. I was waiting in line on stairs that were very high. I knew I couldn't wait much longer. I kept sitting down and standing up again in hope of feeling better, and after waiting that long, I really wanted to at least go on the slide. My body got to the point that I felt, yet again, that I was going to faint. I really didn't want this uncontrollable force to take over me, but it already did. I started falling down the flights of stairs one by one. My parents saw this and ran over to me and I, indeed, fainted again. I woke up in the first aid center of Six Flags and was terrified. This instance proved yet again that nature is a force that we cannot control that has the capability to cause turbulence in the lives of human beings. No matter how hard we may try or how determined we are to not let it win, it always will be the winner. I will never forget my experiences with it.

2006-10-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

"The Law of Life" by Jack London-Response
(NOTE: STILL DIDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO INDENT.)

In Jack London's "The Law of Life," Old Koskoosh is left behind because he is elderly and will not be able to keep up with the rest of the tribe on their trail. The text says that the men are hurrying and that the trail is lengthy. Old Koskoosh says that he is tired and blind and accepts the fact that he cannot go on. The tribe's tradition of their cultural hierarchy is that a "strong, mighty hunter" is the head of the tribe. Old men (who may have once been leaders) remain in the tribe serving as the obedience for all members, but in reality are no longer very significant to the success of the tribe and they are, no matter what, going to die. Thus, when on a trail, the younger men will leave the old men behind to die. I would not consider leaving elderly people behind a civilized practice, despite the fact that they will die earlier, because I feel that they should try their best to live their life to the longest period possible instead of giving up. I don't agree that men should allow for nature to win a battle of taking life when one could still be living. The "Law of Life" is the fact that all men must die and there is no way to prevent death. It states that nature is not in favor of one living and does not care for the individual. "The Law of Life" also says that one individual should maintain the species by reproduction. No matter what, if the task is completed or not, everyone will die. I believe that Old Koskoosh recalls an image of an old bull moose because it reminds him of him. The text states that the moose can't keep up with the herd, just like he can't keep up with the tribe since death awaits him.

This story was very blunt and true. It really identifies the fact that no one can live forever no matter what. There will be an end to everyone's lives despite what we do to drag life out. Being one who is afraid of death, it gave me a reality check on how there is no way for me or any of my loved ones can live forever. Bringing up this topic scares me. At the same time, I know that it is not only me who will die which makes me feel a bit better.

2006-09-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

Chapters 1-4 Response: Lord of the Flies

(NOTE: I was not able to figure out how to indent.)

I predict that the boys will end up splitting up into two or more opposing forces. One group will consist of Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and others who believe in having a civilized society (Freud's "superego" part of the personality). On the other hand, Jack, Samneric, and the choir/hunters will be the other force who are mainly concerned about their actions based on animal-like instinct (Freud's "id" part of the personality). In the end, I feel that the ones to succeed and live will be the Ralph/Piggy group because of their rational thoughts. Jack and the hunters will not be successful, moreover survivors, because they do not think before they act. I am unsure about Maurice, but as of now he seems as if he will resort to Jack's group since he is mean to the littluns.

If good is rewarded and evil is punished, I would place Ralph, Piggy, and Simon to be rewarded because of their efforts of trying to construct and maintain a civilized society. They each think before they act as well. Furthermore, I would choose Jack to be punished since his actions usually do not involve some type of thought process. In addition, Samneric would be punished as well since they serve as Jack's "sidekicks." I am a bit unsure where Maurice would fall because he was harsh to the "littleuns," but, for the most part, he does not jeopardize the group as a whole thus far.

I would have to say that I identify most with Simon. Simon is a character who functions on morality and is a genuinely good person. For example, he is very nice to the "littleuns." If I were in this situation, I would try my best to make the best of it by showing leadership towards younger children instead of completely forgetting about them. He is rational and does not act on impulse, rather thinks about his actions.

2006-09-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

Poem/Cartoon Analysis Assignment

Poem 1
"The Tropics of New York"
By Claude McKay (1922)

I believe that the author is trying to portay the sad memories that the speaker had/has of New York. He seems as if he does not like living in New York because he feels a "longing sweeping through [his] body." Also, he seems to be missing his old lifestyle and location, which seems to be somewhere in the tropics stating it's many fruits.

Poem 2
"Lady Freedom Among Us"
By Rita Dove (1996)

I believe that the poet is trying to say that there is a lady-figure statue who lies in New York and provides hope and encouragement to all who watch her. According to the author, she is to be recognized as a person and even more so a hero. The author thinks that all should see this lady statue and will get touched for she represents freedom for all.

Cartoon
By Jeff Parker

Having noticed that this cartoon was in a Florida newspaper in 2001, I believe that the cartoonist is trying to say that after the events of September 11, 2001, everyone in the United States will put their best effort into helping New York during this time. Furthermore, I believe that it suggests for national unity and having citizens throughout the country pretend as if they live in New York by supporting the state/city as much as possible.

Poem 3
"Mannahatta"
By Walt Whitman (1900)

I infer that Whitman's purpose of this poem was to describe and acknowledge what the new, emerging, city of New York, or Manhattan, has to offer. He tells of the activities such as shopping and shows as well as the oppurtunites that immigrants and citizens of the city such as Broadway jobs and merchants and that are offered which displays his excitement about the city. Overall, Whitman is exstatic about the built-up "Mannahatta," his city.
_____________________________________________________________

All around, I believe that these poems share diversity of views and opinions that many have of New York. I also feel that they all shar a common love for their homeland wherever it may be. In McKay's poem, New York makes him sad while in Dove's poem, New York offers hope. Furthermore, Parker's cartoon shows the unity that New York allows the country to have. In addition, Whitman's poem highlight the greatness of the variety of jobs and activities that the city has to offer. I learned that there are different views that each person has on the city. The diversity of thought has allowed for people to come, stay, and/or leave the city. I further learned by reading all of these works that there are such varieties of opinions in every aspect of life. It also has allowed for writing such as these to be written which adds to learning.

2006-09-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Sophomore Year...

Today marked the first day of sophomore year. Hopefully, this year will be exciting at Irvington High School. I hope for fun, entertaining events as well as interesting assemblies. In addition, I hope that color war turns out to be a success for the sophomores. Furthermore, I hope that the new teachers I have will be fair and considerate. On the contrary, I am dreading having to go back to the whole homework/studying routine, but once I get into it, I will be fine. My goal is to be as consistent in every class as last year, including maintaining the same grades despite the fact that it will be harder to do so. I also hope not to over-stress about every class. Here's to the 2006/2007 school year...

-Christina