The McCandless Project

For this project I decided to go out into public and do something I thought everyone would think is abnormal. A couple of my friends and I went out to public places Kroger and Chipotle, where we thought a lot of people would be. I wore pants on my head, a trash bag as pants with leggings under it, and a swimsuit top over a sweat shirt. I wore these articles of clothing because not many people wear these sorts of things everyday. When we walked into Kroger we got a lot of strange looks, and some people would just look and laugh. We walked around Kroger for about fifteen minutes getting strange looks from almost it seemed like everyone. When we went to go check out the cashier asked if we were having a slumber party, we just told him it was just casual. After we visited Kroger we went to Chipotle. When we got there, almost no one was their but a few people. The people that were there either stared or said something. Some guys made funny puns and someone asked what we were wearing. After we walked out we started walking towards my friends mom’s car and got some random waves from people in there cars. While all this was happening I felt as if everyone was looking at us, because we looked like the biggest outcast with our crazy outfits. I wasn’t really that surprised how the people would react because since people don’t normally do this, I get why a ton of people were staring.  I was surprised by my reaction because after a while I started to not care at all if people were to stare or not. At first I was embarrassed to be wearing all of this ridiculous things but after a while I didn’t care. I believe we are free to break from whats normal. I believe this because I choose freely to dress up differently then everyone else and I could do that with a matter if seconds. I think most people just don’t want to break from whats normal because there afraid of being judged or to be looked at as weird. You can break free of whats normal you just have to be brave and not care that people might think of you differently. Be you, thats all that matters and you can break from the Normal freely. 

Into the wild symbol

The symbol "punching the clock" is a reoccurring theme in the book, "into the Wild". "Punching the clock" in general is to live every day the same way. This symbol is important to the story because Chris doesn't like doing the same things every day. He likes to change it up. He likes a challenge. There are many examples in the book stating how Chris doesn't like doing the same thing every day. For example, in chapter five of Into the Wild, Chris writes a letter to Ron saying how changing his lifestyle would bring a lot of joy to Ron. He wrote how Ron lives his day the same way every single day, and how he has to open his eyes and change his life style to see the beauty all around us created by God. This is an example of "punching the clock" in the story, because Chris writes how he strongly dislikes having the same routine every day. He strongly encourages Ron to change from "punching the clock" every day and set out for a new life style. Secondly, a huge example is how Chris constantly changes where he settles down. Throughout the book Chris doesn't just stay in one place for a long time, he travels all the time. Chris is always in a new location every few weeks. This shows how Chris isn't "punching the clock". Chris is always changing up his day and living with a new horizon each day. In addition to changing where he is staying, he also always changed the people he talks to. Alex writes to Jan Burres and Bob, "...This is the last communication you shall received from me. I now walk out to live amongst the wild. Take care, it was great knowing you..." (Krakauer, 69).  This shows how Alex (Chris), didn't "punch the clock" by not always talking to the same people, he changed the people he talked to constantly. He didn't like getting too attached to people so he changed relationships with people often. Lastly Chris tells his friend Ron that he should consider to stop living everyday the same way. Chris writes to Ron, "...The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun... (Krakauer, 57). This shows how Chris wanted Ron to live every day differently and stop following his every day routine, "punching the clock". These are all examples how "punching the clock" is a reoccurring theme in this book.

My quote

My Quote is: "You can't have a better tomorrow if you don't stop thinking about yesterday"-Anonymous
I picked this quote because I really agree with what the quote is saying. In order to have a better day, (tomorrow) you have to forget what you dreaded in the past and keep moving forward. Basically live everyday like a new day. Everyday is a fresh start. This quote represents me as a person because I like to believe that you have to move forward in life in order to have a better day. I believe this strongly because you can't go back into the past, the only thing there is to do is keep moving forward, and everything will be alright. Even though sometimes it's not always easy to follow this quote I try my best to live by it. If I were to live every second of everyday living this quote, my life would be so much simpler. I could just live everyday like a new day and forget the past and be happy about it.

My quote

My Quote is: "You can't have a better tomorrow if you don't stop thinking about yesterday"-Anonymous
I picked this quote because I really agree with what the quote is saying. In order to have a better day, (tomorrow) you have to forget what you dreaded in the past and keep moving forward. Basically live everyday like a new day. Everyday is a fresh start. This quote represents me as a person because I like to believe that you have to move forward in life in order to have a better day. I believe this strongly because you can't go back into the past, the only thing there is to do is keep moving forward, and everything will be alright. Even though sometimes it's not always easy to follow this quote I try my best to live by it. If I were to live every second of everyday living this quote, my life would be so much simpler. I could just live everyday like a new day and forget the past and be happy about it.

Final Short story

Mrs. Belden

Honors English 1

15 October 2014

Happy is what I am, Now!

I walk into Ravenswood Middle School with my little brother, Corey by my side.

“If anyone asks you what happened to you, tell them you fell down the stairs while carrying laundry.” I whispered to him while pulling down the sleeve of his shirt to cover up just some of his bruises, that covered him head to toe.

“Jess, how long does this have to go on for?” Corey asked with a fearful look on his face. I look into his beaten up sorrow eyes.

“We just have to stay strong, and keep quiet.” I told Corey and kissed him on the forehead.

We departed from one another going to our classes happy to be away from home. I walked in the hallways flashing everyone a smile.  Most people at my school think I am generally a happy girl who is very quiet. What those people do not know is that I am not that girl. I smile, but in reality it’s just to hide a secret.

        I walked into the gym and realized we were playing volleyball, and I was wearing  old beaten up Toms. That didn’t bother me too much because I just took them off.  While I was taking them off I heard people whispering to one another. I looked down. My feet were all black and blue. I quickly slipped my shoes backed on, and went to join the class. We had divided into teams and started playing. This was my first time ever playing volleyball; not going to lie it was pretty fun. In fact, without a doubt playing the game was the greatest time i’ve ever had. I wasn’t terrible at volleyball either! At the end of gym, I was collecting all my school supplies, when Blair from the volleyball team approached me.  

“Hey Jess! You were doing really well out there. If you are interested in playing my mom would gladly put you on the Ravenswood volleyball  team.” She said to me with two other volleyball girls behind her smiling and nodding as if they were all trying to be insync. I was astonished to be offered to be on the team.

“That would be awesome!” I said only thinking of how fun being on a team would actually be.

“Great, see you at practice after school then.” Blair replied, while hugging me.  

As I pulled away from that hug I suddenly saw my sweatshirt had gone up my arms showing my bruises. I quickly got my stuff and left. My stomach grew weak as it seemed to flip inside me. I could not be on the team he would not let me. I can’t disappoint him. Not again. But I need to play volleyball it’s so fun. He does not have to know.

I walked into practiced wearing black leggings that went all the way to my ankles, and a beaten up old Ravenswood sweatshirt I had found in the lost and found. Coach Whitey asked if I was going to be hot, I told her I got cold easily. Even though she let me I could tell from the look on her face I knew she thought my outfit appearance was quite strange.  We practiced bumping, serving, spiking and diving. It felt as if I had been playing this sport my whole life. At the end of practice Coach Whitey called me over. I went over to her slowly.

“Jess, here is your uniform we have a game tomorrow home after school; against a really tough team. We could really use your skill to score us a victory.” She calmly said to me, while placing her hand gently on my shoulder.

I left practice fast and sprinted to my house. I got there just in time. Corey was doing last minute cleaning before he got here. I felt bad I had Corey do all the housework that day, but he understood. He just wanted me to be happy for once; actually happy.

The door slams open; then slammed shut. Here comes the yelling. My dad stepped in the house anger filled his eyes as he grabbed Corey firmly by the arm and slammed him on the ground.

“Go upstairs now!  Because of you two I did not get to bed last night until late. So work was awful thanks to you two rats!” He screamed into our ears. Corey ran upstairs slightly crying. Repeatedly day after day, seeing Corey cry was the lowest point of my day. I was too caught up into feeling pity for Corey that when I looked up I saw my dad coming straight towards me with a ruler that he had gotten out of his drawer. I tried to run away but he got a hold of me and smacked my leg so hard it started to bleed. The ruler mark was imprinted on my leg. I cried out a booming screech while grasping my thigh. He smacked me across my face and on the back.

“Shhh, the neighbors don’t want to hear you scream. They don’t want to hear you talk after what you and your brother have done.” He yelled into my ear while he closed my mouth tight. I ran upstairs and went to sleep. I didn’t want to make him anymore disappointed then he already was.

The next morning I woke up and gathered all my things in a hurry and scurried out the door with Corey running in front. We like to get out of the house before he wakes up. The school day went by slow but that was okay because it was my safe haven.  But finally I got to actually be happy. It was time for my volleyball game. The whole team went to the locker room to change. I waited till everyone was done and warming up to get changed. When I thought everyone was gone I started to undress. Upon my upper thigh there was a twelve inch deep black and blue gash. My leg was weeping with extreme pain. As I Got my sports bra on I heard a voice from behind.

“Jess,the bruise on the back of your calf looks extremely painful, how did you get it?” I turned around it was Blair. I had gotten that bruise from when I forgot to take out the trash. He hit me with his belt.

“I ran into a table.” I explained while turning to her covering up the gash. She nodded.

“How about the bruises on your arms?” She asked with an exquisite look on her face. I could tell she was concerned.

“Oh ha-ha, I’m very clumsy.” I said with a fake smile while laughing.

“You’ve never been hit have you?” She asked.

“No never!” I said quickly and nervous.

“Jess, I see the hand print on your back. Are you being abused at home? Don’t be afraid to say it. They can’t hurt you here. You’re safe here.” Blair said to me crying.

Tears were strolling down my face. I hugged Blair ever so tightly. It felt good to let it out all the tears that were stored up inside of me, but then I remembered it’s my fault why I’m being abused. I pushed Blair away.

“You can’t tell anyone about this. I’m serious. I’m the reason why he is even abusing me. “I said with the most serious look in my life.

“How are you causing this?” She asked.

“Couple years ago my dad, mom, brother and I were in a car. We were on a highway.  My dad yelled at us for not giving the directions right. My brother and I got mad because we had trouble reading the map. So we started to fight. My dad kept yelling at us. Shut up he would yell. He would hit us on the leg to be quiet.  When my dad reached back to hit us, he bumped into my mom and made her crash into another car. My mom died that day. My father claims it’s because of my brother and me. I believe him. If we weren’t fighting he wouldn’t had too of hit us. It’s our fault. We deserve this.” I explained to Blair looking at my bruises and scars.

“Jess, no one deserves to be hit. No one deserves to be treated the way you and your brother do. The incident that happened to your mom wasn’t your fault, it was an accident. Your dad didn’t need to hit you. In fact he shouldn’t have hit you. If you tell someone about this, this could all change. You could be treated better. Just stand up for yourself and tell someone. I promise it will all be better.” Blair told me looking me straight in the eyes while holding my hand.

Two years later… We were tied 20 to 20 next point scored would win the game. The coach needed someone to spike the ball. I was the best spikier on the team. The coach put me in. When I looked out in the crowd I saw Corey and the person who made me and Corey’s world turn around, Ms.Lia. She was the one who I told about my father too. She called child services for us and got him taken care of. The ball was set up for me to spike, with all my anger that was built inside of me from years before, I smacked the ball as forceful as I could. Things with my dad were finally done.

Happy is what I am, Now! (short story)

Mrs. Belden

Honors English 1

7 October 2014

Happy is what I am, now!

I walk into Ravenswood middle school with my little brother, Corey by my side.

“If anyone asks you what happen to you, tell them you fell down the stairs while carrying laundry.” I whispered to him while pulling down the sleeve of his shirt to cover up just some of his bruises.

“Jess, how long does this have to go on for?” Corey asked with a feared look on his face. I look into his beaten up sorrow eyes.

“We just have to stay strong, and keep quiet.” I told Corey and kissed him on the forehead.

We departed from one another going to our classes happy to be away from home. I walked in the hallways flashing everyone a smile.  Most people at my school think I am generally  just a happy girl who is just very quiet. What those people do not know is that I am not that girl. I smile, but in reality it’s just to hide a secret.

        I walked into the gym and realized we were playing volleyball, and I was wearing Toms.  That didn’t bother me too much because I just took them off.  While I was taking them off I heard people whispering to one another. I looked down.  My feet were all black and blue.  I quickly slipped my shoes backed on, and went to join the class. We had divided into teams and started playing. This was my first time ever playing volleyball; not going to lie it was pretty fun. The most fun I have had actually ever.  Another thing was that I was actually pretty good at it too! At the end of class when I was gathering all my stuff Blair on the volleyball team came up to me.

“Hey Jess! You were doing really well out there. If you are interested in playing my mom would gladly put you on the Ravens team.” She said to me with two other volleyball girls behind her smiling and nodding as if they were all trying to be insync. I was astonished to be offered to be on the team.

“That would be awesome!” I said only thinking of how fun being on a team would actually be.

“Great see you at practice after school then.” Blair replied, while hugging me.  As I pulled away from that hug I suddenly saw my sweatshirt had gone up my arm, showing my bruises. I quickly got my stuff and left. My stomach grew sick. I couldn’t be on the team he wouldn’t let me. I can’t disappoint him. Not again. But I need to play volleyball it’s so fun. He doesn’t have to know.

I showed up to practice in leggings in a sweatshirt. Coach Whitey asked if I was going to be hot I told her I got cold easily. Even though she let me I could tell from the look on her face I knew she thought my outfit appearance was quite strange.  We practiced bumping, serving, spiking and diving. It felt as if I had been playing this sport my whole life. At the end of practice Coach Whitey called me over. I went over to her slowly.

“Jess, here is your uniform we have a game tomorrow home after school; against a really tough team. We could really use your skill to score us a victory.”  She calmly said to me placing her hand gently on my shoulder.

I left practice fast and sprinted to my house. I got there just in time. Corey was doing last minute cleaning before he got here. I felt bad I had Corey do all the house work that day, but he understood. He just wanted me to be happy for once; actually happy.

The door slams open; then slammed shut. Here comes the yelling. My dad comes in grasping Corey by his arm and slugging him to the stairs.

“Go upstairs now!  Because of you two I didn’t get to bed last night until late. So work was awful thanks to you two rats!” He screamed into our ears.  Corey ran upstairs slightly crying. Seeing him cry was always the worst part of everyday. I was too caught up into feeling pity for Corey that when I looked up I saw my dad coming straight towards me with a ruler that he had gotten out of his drawer. I tried to run away but he got a hold of me and smacked my leg so hard it started to bleed. The ruler mark was imprinted on my leg. I let out a yell. He smacked me across my face and on the back.

“Shhh, the neighbors don’t want to hear you scream. They don’t want to hear you talk after what you and your brother have done.”  He yelled into my ear while he closed my mouth tight. I ran upstairs and went to sleep. I didn’t want to make him anymore disappointed then he already was.

The next morning I woke up gathered all my things in a hurry and scurried out the door with Corey running in front. We like to get out of the house before he wakes up. The school day went by slow but that was okay because it was my safe heaven.  But finally I got to actually be happy. It was time for my volleyball game. The whole team went to the locker room to change. I waited till everyone was done and warming up to get changed. When I though everyone was gone I started to undress. On my thigh there was a twelve inch gash on my thigh.  It killed. As I Got my sports bra on I heard a voice from behind.

“Jess, how did you get that bruise on the back of your calf, it looks really bad.” I turned around it was Blair. I had gotten that bruise from when I forgot to let my dad eat first he hit me with his belt.

“I ran into a table.” I explained while turning to her covering up the gash. She nodded.

“How about the bruises on your arms?” She asked with an exquisite look on her face. I could tell she was concerned.

“Oh ha-ha, I very clumsy.” I said with a fake smile laughing.

“You’ve never been hit have you?” She asked.

“No never!” I said quickly and nervous.

“Jess, I see the handprint on your back. Are you being abused at home? Don’t be afraid to say it. They can’t hurt you here, you’re safe here.” Blair said to me crying.

Tears were strolling down my face. I hugged Blair ever so tightly. It felt good to let it out all the tears that were stored up inside of me but then I remembered it’s my fault why I’m being abused. I pushed Blair away.

“You can’t tell anyone about this. I’m serious. I’m the reason why he is even abusing me. “I said with the most serious look in my life.

“How are you causing this?” She asked.

“Couple years ago my dad, mom, brother and I were in a car. We were on a highway.  My dad yelled at us for not giving the directions right. My brother and I got mad because we had trouble reading the map. So we started to fight. My dad kept yelling at us. Shut up he would yell. He would hit us on the leg to be quiet.  When my dad reached back to hit us, he bumped into my mom and made her crash into another car. My mom died that day. My father claims it’s because of my brother and me. I believe him. If we weren’t fighting he wouldn’t had too of hit us. It’s our fault. We deserve this.” I explained to Blair looking at my bruises and scars.

“Jess, no one deserves to be hit. No one deserves to be treated the way you and your brother do. The thing that happened to your mom was an accident. Your dad didn’t need to hit you. In fact he shouldn’t have hit you. If you tell someone about this. This could all change. You could be treated better. Just stand up for yourself and tell someone. I promise it will all be better.”

Two years later… We were tied 20 to 20 next point scored would win the game. The coach needed someone to spike the ball. I was the best spikier on the team. The coach put me in. When I looked out in the crowd I saw Corey and the person who made Corey and I world turn around, Ms.Lia. She was the one who I told about my father too. She called child services for us and got him taken care of.  The ball was set up for me to spike, I took all my anger that I had inside me and smacked the ball as hard as I could. Things with my dad were finally done.

Metacognitive Blog: And Then There Were None

Meta cognitive Blog: And Then There Were None

1) I specifically change the way I worded my essay and my grammar from my first draft to my final essay. The first way I worded my essay was hard to understand but had good content. After rereading my essay a million times I fixed the way I worded my essay and made it more understanding and fluently. I also had a ton of grammar errors but thoughts were easy to fix.
2) The from of support that helped me the most was the peer review checklist. I think this helped me the most because I had someone who I knew would give me good advise to my make my essay as best as it could be. I also think it helps more to have a peer edit it rather then an adult because they know what the teacher is looking for while as an adult might not. Overall, I think having a peer edit your paper is the best form of support.
3) This year to help improve my writing I can learn how to make my sentence structure better. I need this because I always have trouble with explaining things in great detail when they don't need to be. This would help it so my pieces of writing are more fluently because the of the better structure of my sentences.
4) I have room to grow in many places as a writer, but mainly on increasing my vocabulary and getting better at spelling. My goal this year is to improve on my vocabulary, by using a better substituted word for words that are used too often.