Lily Tikijian
December 9, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
The Dumbest Generation?
According to Mark Baurerlein, author of “The Dumbest Generation: How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future,” the teens’ and twentysomethings’ of the twenty-first century are the “dumbest” generation yet. Baurerlein used evidence in his book such as, 47 percent of the grads in 1950 could name the largest lake in North America, compared with the 38 percent in 2002. He also states that a decline in adult literacy “(40 percent of high-school grads had it in 1993; only 31 percent did in 2003.)” But what does Baurerlein have in mind by “dumbest?” If it means, “holding the least knowledge,” then Baurerlein might have a point. But if dumb means “lacking such fundamental cognitive capacities as the ability to thing critically and logically, to analyze and argument, to learn and remember, to see analogies, to distinguishing fact from opinion,” then Baurerlein could be proven wrong. Though Baurerlein is not the first scholar to pin the blame for the younger generation’s intellectual shortcomings on new technology, there is no evidence that instant messaging, texting, iPods, and videogames impairs thinking ability. If anything, I believe that all of this technology doesn’t “dumb” our generation down, it just changes how our brain’s process information. Since this technology changes the way my generation is processing information, this could result in improving our thinking ability. My generation has a different view on knowledge. I believe that we ask questions and question “the truth.” We don’t settle what people have told us to believe, we question and try and find the real “truth.” In Ortega’s essay, On Studying, he distinguishes the difference between a good student and a real student. He says a good student is someone who doesn’t question what already exists; they accept it and are comforted by learning and absorbing that knowledge. A real student searches for evidence and wants to know more and questions what is already considered the truth. My generation will have more people willing to take risks, willing to try new things, and willing to fail. Our generation may not be what society is used too but we are a different kind of smart. We are the generation that will go out into the world and invent new inventions and be willing to try new things. We are capable of so much more then older generations because we want to do more, that’s what we desire to do. We have the ability to think critically, analyze data, and learn and remember. The twenty-first century generation will change the world in our own ways, sure maybe we do hold the least knowledge, but we can learn and remember more then any generation before us and we can put that to good use. We will not jeopardize the future, if anything; we will enhance the future and embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Why are Americans often so restless?
Lily Tikijian
October 22, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Why are Americans often so restless?
Questions: 2, 5
2. Why does a society devoted to equal opportunity weaken each individual?
A society devoted to equal opportunity often weakens each individual. Tocqueville states, “... the more equal men are, the more insatiable will be their longing for equality. When there is always inequality in a society, the greatest inequalities attack no attention. When everything in a certain society is equal, the slightest variation is noticed. No matter how many people strive for equality, all the conditions in life can never be perfectly equal. When man is in a society that is devoted to equality and equal opportunity, is often makes each individual weaker because they notice each slight variation. When a society is considered not equal, then the individuals tend to me stronger because they know not to expect as much of life and they know that life is not fair. A perfect example of this would be America and Old France. America is all about equal opportunity and that we can accomplish anything. This makes us weak because we notice when things aren’t “fair.” Compared to Old France when they knew their positions in life and they knew it was never going to be fair. They are stronger because they don’t expect to much. They deal with what they have and they accept it.
5. Does Tocqueville think Americans are restless because they don’t know what want or because what they want is not attainable?
Tocqueville thinks that Americans are restless because what we want is not always attainable. Even though in America anything is possible, but we don’t have enough time to attain what we want. We have equal opportunities to work and earn what we want. But we don’t really have enough time in our life to always attain what we want and set our goals on. Tocqueville states that, “Apart from the good he has, he thinks of a thousand others which death will prevent him from tasting if he does not hurry.” Man does have enough time to attain what we want. We always want more and we always work for more. Americans are more like this then any other society. Since we have equal rights and opportunities to work and earn money, we always expect more then we can achieve. This is why Americans are restless because we always want more and more. We are never happy with what we have. We always want what is not attainable.
October 22, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Why are Americans often so restless?
Questions: 2, 5
2. Why does a society devoted to equal opportunity weaken each individual?
A society devoted to equal opportunity often weakens each individual. Tocqueville states, “... the more equal men are, the more insatiable will be their longing for equality. When there is always inequality in a society, the greatest inequalities attack no attention. When everything in a certain society is equal, the slightest variation is noticed. No matter how many people strive for equality, all the conditions in life can never be perfectly equal. When man is in a society that is devoted to equality and equal opportunity, is often makes each individual weaker because they notice each slight variation. When a society is considered not equal, then the individuals tend to me stronger because they know not to expect as much of life and they know that life is not fair. A perfect example of this would be America and Old France. America is all about equal opportunity and that we can accomplish anything. This makes us weak because we notice when things aren’t “fair.” Compared to Old France when they knew their positions in life and they knew it was never going to be fair. They are stronger because they don’t expect to much. They deal with what they have and they accept it.
5. Does Tocqueville think Americans are restless because they don’t know what want or because what they want is not attainable?
Tocqueville thinks that Americans are restless because what we want is not always attainable. Even though in America anything is possible, but we don’t have enough time to attain what we want. We have equal opportunities to work and earn what we want. But we don’t really have enough time in our life to always attain what we want and set our goals on. Tocqueville states that, “Apart from the good he has, he thinks of a thousand others which death will prevent him from tasting if he does not hurry.” Man does have enough time to attain what we want. We always want more and we always work for more. Americans are more like this then any other society. Since we have equal rights and opportunities to work and earn money, we always expect more then we can achieve. This is why Americans are restless because we always want more and more. We are never happy with what we have. We always want what is not attainable.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Tale of Two Cities
Lily Tikijian
September 22, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
In book 1, chapter three, “he was on his way to dig someone out of a grave.” Jarvis Lorry having a fake conversation with Mr. Manette.
In this whole chapter, it refers to Jarvis Lorry having a dream about Dr. Manette. Dr. Manette is a ghost and has been in the ground for almost eighteen years. The chapter goes on to talk about how Dr. Manette was recalled to life and if he had lost hope that he was going to be dug out. He had. The importance of the saying, “He was on his way to dig someone out of the grave,” is that it refers to someone being “saved” or recalled to life. This is a foreshadow to what happens in the rest of the chapters. Dr. Manette was never actually dead; he was just missing and was “recalled” to life. When is says he was on his way to dig someone out of a grave, Lorry is going to safe Manette. He is going to help him to remember life and to teach him to try and rejoin the world as if nothing has ever happened. Manette had been “dug out of a grave” when he was released from prison and put up in the room where the winemaker was. Jarvis Lorry and Lucie were “digging” him out of this other grave he was in, the grave where he doesn’t remember anything about his life before these days. There going to help return to his old life and help him remember who he was and what he did. These words hold a lot of meaning in this whole book. This sentence is a foreshadow for what is to come in the next chapters.
September 22, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
In book 1, chapter three, “he was on his way to dig someone out of a grave.” Jarvis Lorry having a fake conversation with Mr. Manette.
In this whole chapter, it refers to Jarvis Lorry having a dream about Dr. Manette. Dr. Manette is a ghost and has been in the ground for almost eighteen years. The chapter goes on to talk about how Dr. Manette was recalled to life and if he had lost hope that he was going to be dug out. He had. The importance of the saying, “He was on his way to dig someone out of the grave,” is that it refers to someone being “saved” or recalled to life. This is a foreshadow to what happens in the rest of the chapters. Dr. Manette was never actually dead; he was just missing and was “recalled” to life. When is says he was on his way to dig someone out of a grave, Lorry is going to safe Manette. He is going to help him to remember life and to teach him to try and rejoin the world as if nothing has ever happened. Manette had been “dug out of a grave” when he was released from prison and put up in the room where the winemaker was. Jarvis Lorry and Lucie were “digging” him out of this other grave he was in, the grave where he doesn’t remember anything about his life before these days. There going to help return to his old life and help him remember who he was and what he did. These words hold a lot of meaning in this whole book. This sentence is a foreshadow for what is to come in the next chapters.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Why Do We Care?
Lily Tikijian
September 8, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Why is it difficult not to care about what others think of you? Do we control the way other people see and think about us?
It is very difficult not to care about what others think of us. It is difficult not to care about what others think of us because humans are social people. We are all extraverted in our own ways. We want people to like us and accept us, and if that means not being yourself, that’s what must be done. People think that being accepted by friends and peers in their lives is one of the most important things. If people don’t accept you for who you are, many people change who they are to please others. Why do we do this? I don’t think we really know why we do this. We feel like we must establish this self-image of ourselves that people like. We do control the way other people see us but we can’t control how they think of us. We can control this by dressing the way we want, looking the way we want, and being the person they want us to be. We can’t control what they think of us, even if we are trying to be someone else, some people can see right through that act and some can’t. Even if we are being the person they want us to be, we have no control over their thought process. We want to be accepted and in some cases, people want to be different and stick out. It depends on the type of person you are and what kind of community you are in. I feel like people at University are more likely to be “themselves” then they would at any other school. We all have to try and be someone were not to fit in with the crowd. We can control the way other people see us, but not the way they think. We want to control the way people think of us, but no matter how hard we try, we can't.
September 8, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Why is it difficult not to care about what others think of you? Do we control the way other people see and think about us?
It is very difficult not to care about what others think of us. It is difficult not to care about what others think of us because humans are social people. We are all extraverted in our own ways. We want people to like us and accept us, and if that means not being yourself, that’s what must be done. People think that being accepted by friends and peers in their lives is one of the most important things. If people don’t accept you for who you are, many people change who they are to please others. Why do we do this? I don’t think we really know why we do this. We feel like we must establish this self-image of ourselves that people like. We do control the way other people see us but we can’t control how they think of us. We can control this by dressing the way we want, looking the way we want, and being the person they want us to be. We can’t control what they think of us, even if we are trying to be someone else, some people can see right through that act and some can’t. Even if we are being the person they want us to be, we have no control over their thought process. We want to be accepted and in some cases, people want to be different and stick out. It depends on the type of person you are and what kind of community you are in. I feel like people at University are more likely to be “themselves” then they would at any other school. We all have to try and be someone were not to fit in with the crowd. We can control the way other people see us, but not the way they think. We want to control the way people think of us, but no matter how hard we try, we can't.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Freedom vs. Survival
Lily Tikijian
August 28, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Which is more important - freedom or survival?
Freedom and survival are two extremely different things. Freedom is the ability to act freely or it could mean to be released from captivity or slavery. Freedom is a huge part of being an American; we have freedom of speech, free will, and freedom of press. As Americans we fought long and hard for our freedom. During the American Revolution, we fought for our freedom against the British. We wanted to have our own laws and rule our own nation. We also fought against each other in the Civil War. One half fought for the freedom of slaves and the other fought for the right to own slaves. Americans have been through a lot of fighting and wars to try and keep our country’s freedom, and I believe this to be very important, but not as important as survival.
Survival is more important then freedom because it is the act of staying alive and in some cases, fighting to stay alive. We have to survive in order to live and exist on this planet. Without survival, there wouldn’t even be such a thing as freedom. Mankind has survived through numerous of natural disasters, countless wars, and endless diseases. If men didn’t have such a will to live and survive we might not be in the place we are today. As we have learned from Sigmund Freud’s writing, we have a natural instinct to fight; we also have a natural instinct to survive, For example, if for some reason you are stranded on an Island out in the middle of nowhere with another person and there is only one piece of food left and without eating that food you will die. What would be our natural instinct? It would be to survive and if that meant killing the other person, that’s probably what we would all do. We have such a strong will to live that it would overcome our of our other instincts and believes. I believe survival is more important then freedom because survival is the key to what has been keeping mankind alive for this long. Without survival we wouldn’t have freedom.
August 28, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Which is more important - freedom or survival?
Freedom and survival are two extremely different things. Freedom is the ability to act freely or it could mean to be released from captivity or slavery. Freedom is a huge part of being an American; we have freedom of speech, free will, and freedom of press. As Americans we fought long and hard for our freedom. During the American Revolution, we fought for our freedom against the British. We wanted to have our own laws and rule our own nation. We also fought against each other in the Civil War. One half fought for the freedom of slaves and the other fought for the right to own slaves. Americans have been through a lot of fighting and wars to try and keep our country’s freedom, and I believe this to be very important, but not as important as survival.
Survival is more important then freedom because it is the act of staying alive and in some cases, fighting to stay alive. We have to survive in order to live and exist on this planet. Without survival, there wouldn’t even be such a thing as freedom. Mankind has survived through numerous of natural disasters, countless wars, and endless diseases. If men didn’t have such a will to live and survive we might not be in the place we are today. As we have learned from Sigmund Freud’s writing, we have a natural instinct to fight; we also have a natural instinct to survive, For example, if for some reason you are stranded on an Island out in the middle of nowhere with another person and there is only one piece of food left and without eating that food you will die. What would be our natural instinct? It would be to survive and if that meant killing the other person, that’s probably what we would all do. We have such a strong will to live that it would overcome our of our other instincts and believes. I believe survival is more important then freedom because survival is the key to what has been keeping mankind alive for this long. Without survival we wouldn’t have freedom.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Is war ever a good thing?
Lily Tikijian
August 19, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Is war ever a good thing? Is there any cause for which you would go to war?
Is war ever a good thing? If I had to immediately respond to that question, I would say of course not. I do believe there is alternatives to a conflict other then war. The world would be such a peaceful place if we could settle our disputes with talking rather then just heading straight to war. I do know that in some cases most countries aren’t willing to talk about the situation or problem, in that case, I believe in war. I think wars need to have more goals and purposes, like take the Iraq war for example. It has been going on for years now and we barely know what were fighting for. We went in with a goal and we are coming out with less people and having not achieved the goal. We should focus on one goal and set our minds to it.
War should have more then one meaning. Of course, it means armed fighting between groups and periods of armed fighting but I think it should mean more then that. I think war could mean a non-violent dispute. War happens because of conflicts and both groups want to put in serious effort to end something. Serious effort doesn’t have to mean killing people; it could mean serious talking or just some kind of non-violent way to handle things. This probably won’t ever happen but this is what I want to happen so that less people suffer and die. Already in Iraq over 4,000 Americans have died and the conflict still isn’t solved.
When you turn on the NBC news at night or any other news cast and they are talking about the Iraq War, we usually hear about all of the civilian causalities. I believe that United States, in particular, needs to focus on less and less civilian casualties. I do know that we try not to purposely hurt anyone but we do need to be more careful. Many people say, “Make love, not war.” I would say I mostly agree with that statement, until I really thought about it. War can be a good thing if it has a purpose and the countries that are fighting are smart about the way they are fighting. By smart, I mean, less civilian casualties and not going over the countries budgets. War might not be the best option in some cases, but mostly, I think war is a good thing.
August 19, 2009
Great Books Period 5
Mr. Priest
Is war ever a good thing? Is there any cause for which you would go to war?
Is war ever a good thing? If I had to immediately respond to that question, I would say of course not. I do believe there is alternatives to a conflict other then war. The world would be such a peaceful place if we could settle our disputes with talking rather then just heading straight to war. I do know that in some cases most countries aren’t willing to talk about the situation or problem, in that case, I believe in war. I think wars need to have more goals and purposes, like take the Iraq war for example. It has been going on for years now and we barely know what were fighting for. We went in with a goal and we are coming out with less people and having not achieved the goal. We should focus on one goal and set our minds to it.
War should have more then one meaning. Of course, it means armed fighting between groups and periods of armed fighting but I think it should mean more then that. I think war could mean a non-violent dispute. War happens because of conflicts and both groups want to put in serious effort to end something. Serious effort doesn’t have to mean killing people; it could mean serious talking or just some kind of non-violent way to handle things. This probably won’t ever happen but this is what I want to happen so that less people suffer and die. Already in Iraq over 4,000 Americans have died and the conflict still isn’t solved.
When you turn on the NBC news at night or any other news cast and they are talking about the Iraq War, we usually hear about all of the civilian causalities. I believe that United States, in particular, needs to focus on less and less civilian casualties. I do know that we try not to purposely hurt anyone but we do need to be more careful. Many people say, “Make love, not war.” I would say I mostly agree with that statement, until I really thought about it. War can be a good thing if it has a purpose and the countries that are fighting are smart about the way they are fighting. By smart, I mean, less civilian casualties and not going over the countries budgets. War might not be the best option in some cases, but mostly, I think war is a good thing.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Where I Belong.
Lily Tikijian
April 22, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
“Where I Belong”
My whole life, I have felt like I have belonged everywhere I have been. I felt like I belonged at my middle school, in my family, and with my friends, and in Zionsville. I was very worried about choosing a high school cause I was worried about not feeling like that’s where I belonged. I had to choose between University or Brebeuf and it was probably the hardest decision I have ever made. I was so nervous about not fitting in somewhere or having no friends. I was worried about going to high school where I wasn’t with all of the people I grew up with. I picked University because lots of my friends were going here and because when I walked into the building, I felt like I belonged. It felt like Orchard and that’s exactly where I belonged and felt comfortable. People ask me if I think I belong in my family because I am adopted and I really do. Maybe, if my brother and sister weren’t adopted then I would feel differently but I do feel like I belong. Feeling like I belong is a common feeling for me. I don’t go new places or try new things because I am afraid that feeling won’t be there. It’s a constant feeling in my life and maybe I need to try some risks to get out of my comfort zone but right now, I am happy where I am.
April 22, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
“Where I Belong”
My whole life, I have felt like I have belonged everywhere I have been. I felt like I belonged at my middle school, in my family, and with my friends, and in Zionsville. I was very worried about choosing a high school cause I was worried about not feeling like that’s where I belonged. I had to choose between University or Brebeuf and it was probably the hardest decision I have ever made. I was so nervous about not fitting in somewhere or having no friends. I was worried about going to high school where I wasn’t with all of the people I grew up with. I picked University because lots of my friends were going here and because when I walked into the building, I felt like I belonged. It felt like Orchard and that’s exactly where I belonged and felt comfortable. People ask me if I think I belong in my family because I am adopted and I really do. Maybe, if my brother and sister weren’t adopted then I would feel differently but I do feel like I belong. Feeling like I belong is a common feeling for me. I don’t go new places or try new things because I am afraid that feeling won’t be there. It’s a constant feeling in my life and maybe I need to try some risks to get out of my comfort zone but right now, I am happy where I am.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Of Mice and Men Character
Lily Tikijian
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Favorite Character in Of Mice and Men
My favorite character in Of Mice and Men would have to be George. I consider George to be the hero in the book. He is the most admirable and talked about character. I admire George for the way that he takes care of Lennie. George could have easily left Lennie on his own when his Aunt Clara died but he didn’t, he took over full responsibility for Lennie. Without Lennie, Georges life would be a whole lot easier. He could keep a job, have a stable income, and not have to worry about if Lennie is getting into trouble or worry about what Lennie is going to next. Yet, George makes it his job to protect Lennie and take care of him. I also think George is the most realistic character, this makes him very relatable. George might tell Lennie about their “future” or owning the little farm where he can tend the rabbits but George knows that it is never going to happen. He accepts reality and tries to live with it. Since he is the most real character it makes him more likable then some of the others. Lastly George is my favorite character because he takes matters into his own hands with Lennie. He knows that when Curley gets his hands on Lennie he is going to make him pay for what he did to his wife. George tries to make everything easier for Lennie by telling him a story and comforting him then killing him. It was a much less painful way to go and even though it was hard for George, it was the right thing to do for Lennie.
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Favorite Character in Of Mice and Men
My favorite character in Of Mice and Men would have to be George. I consider George to be the hero in the book. He is the most admirable and talked about character. I admire George for the way that he takes care of Lennie. George could have easily left Lennie on his own when his Aunt Clara died but he didn’t, he took over full responsibility for Lennie. Without Lennie, Georges life would be a whole lot easier. He could keep a job, have a stable income, and not have to worry about if Lennie is getting into trouble or worry about what Lennie is going to next. Yet, George makes it his job to protect Lennie and take care of him. I also think George is the most realistic character, this makes him very relatable. George might tell Lennie about their “future” or owning the little farm where he can tend the rabbits but George knows that it is never going to happen. He accepts reality and tries to live with it. Since he is the most real character it makes him more likable then some of the others. Lastly George is my favorite character because he takes matters into his own hands with Lennie. He knows that when Curley gets his hands on Lennie he is going to make him pay for what he did to his wife. George tries to make everything easier for Lennie by telling him a story and comforting him then killing him. It was a much less painful way to go and even though it was hard for George, it was the right thing to do for Lennie.
Euthanasia
Lily Tikijian
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. There are two kinds of euthanasia, human and animal euthanasia. Personally, I don’t think that this practice should be illegal in most countries. Of course though, it should be illegal if it is not done properly and under the right circumstances. For one, before a doctor pulls the plug on a coma patient, he or she must have contacted a family member or guardian to get permission. The doctor can’t legally just pull the plug. This is why I think it should be legal because the people have signed off on it. In lots of people’s will or before they are submitted to a hospital they are required to sign something about their opinions on artificial life (being fed oxygen through a tube.) They give you a certain time frame and ask if you would want to die or stay a vegetable. Another reason why it should be legal, they ask your opinions. I don’t think animal euthanasia should be legal but that’s mostly because I can’t stand to think of an animal dying. In all honesty, it is up to the owners. But I do think euthanasia should be legal because for the most part it is your decision.
April 8, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. There are two kinds of euthanasia, human and animal euthanasia. Personally, I don’t think that this practice should be illegal in most countries. Of course though, it should be illegal if it is not done properly and under the right circumstances. For one, before a doctor pulls the plug on a coma patient, he or she must have contacted a family member or guardian to get permission. The doctor can’t legally just pull the plug. This is why I think it should be legal because the people have signed off on it. In lots of people’s will or before they are submitted to a hospital they are required to sign something about their opinions on artificial life (being fed oxygen through a tube.) They give you a certain time frame and ask if you would want to die or stay a vegetable. Another reason why it should be legal, they ask your opinions. I don’t think animal euthanasia should be legal but that’s mostly because I can’t stand to think of an animal dying. In all honesty, it is up to the owners. But I do think euthanasia should be legal because for the most part it is your decision.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Why do dreams sometimes fail?
Lily Tikijian
March 25, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Why do dreams sometimes fail?
Dreams can be anything from ideas, to thoughts, to a sequence of mental imagines when you sleep. Dreams can be what you dream of doing or becoming in the future or they can be little things like hoping you get a good dream on a test. Of course all dreams fail, if they all came true we would have many more millionaires or everyone would be president. I think Lennie’s and George’s dream is the easiest to use as an example of failing. I think there dream is one that could easily fail. There dream is to own a farm, this could fail in many ways. Maybe they can’t save enough money, someone could possibly get sick or die and they can’t do it, anything could happen. I believe dreams fail because some have too. There is no way they can all come true. If you work hard enough and really spend a lot of effort on making the dream come due, I believe it can come true. For example, if I really wanted to become a doctor. I would have to work my butt off to do it but if I did I could do it. If I just dreamed it and didn’t really work towards it might or might not come true. I think we are in control of our dreams and if they come true or not.
March 25, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Why do dreams sometimes fail?
Dreams can be anything from ideas, to thoughts, to a sequence of mental imagines when you sleep. Dreams can be what you dream of doing or becoming in the future or they can be little things like hoping you get a good dream on a test. Of course all dreams fail, if they all came true we would have many more millionaires or everyone would be president. I think Lennie’s and George’s dream is the easiest to use as an example of failing. I think there dream is one that could easily fail. There dream is to own a farm, this could fail in many ways. Maybe they can’t save enough money, someone could possibly get sick or die and they can’t do it, anything could happen. I believe dreams fail because some have too. There is no way they can all come true. If you work hard enough and really spend a lot of effort on making the dream come due, I believe it can come true. For example, if I really wanted to become a doctor. I would have to work my butt off to do it but if I did I could do it. If I just dreamed it and didn’t really work towards it might or might not come true. I think we are in control of our dreams and if they come true or not.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"Belonging.."
Lily Tikijian
March 18, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Is it Important for Humans to have a place where they “belong?”
Human beings are generally very structured people. They want to be in a place where they feel like they fit in and where they belong. They want to have people around them who know them and love them. I believe this is human nature. People want to people who they know and feel comfortable all of the time, this especially apply to girls who are in high school. Probably more then half the time you don’t see girls going to the bathroom alone, walking in the hall ways without anyone, and going anywhere without a someone with them. I feel like girls feel more comfortable and normal in an environment they know and around people they know. Also I think it is more important to girl then it is for guys for girls to have a place where they feel like they belong. All together though I feel like it is very important for human beings to have a place where they “belong.” Whether this place is home, school, or work, everyone needs and deserves that sense of security.
March 18, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Is it Important for Humans to have a place where they “belong?”
Human beings are generally very structured people. They want to be in a place where they feel like they fit in and where they belong. They want to have people around them who know them and love them. I believe this is human nature. People want to people who they know and feel comfortable all of the time, this especially apply to girls who are in high school. Probably more then half the time you don’t see girls going to the bathroom alone, walking in the hall ways without anyone, and going anywhere without a someone with them. I feel like girls feel more comfortable and normal in an environment they know and around people they know. Also I think it is more important to girl then it is for guys for girls to have a place where they feel like they belong. All together though I feel like it is very important for human beings to have a place where they “belong.” Whether this place is home, school, or work, everyone needs and deserves that sense of security.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
What is a Friend?
Lily Tikijian
March 17, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
What is a Friend?
A friend is somebody who you emotionally connected with. I believe that everyone needs friends whether your friends are in the form of people or animals everyone needs someone they are emotionally connected with that aren’t your parents. We have friends to tell people are inter-most thoughts and feelings. Friends are supposed to be there to help you through your problems and be there for you when you need them. They are supposed to be the people you trust the most and spend lots of your time with. Friends, to me, are one of the most important things in my life. Without my friends I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Each one of my friends have taught me something different and new and I appreciate them more then anyone could ever know. I think the most important qualities you can find in a friend is trust, honesty, and compassion. These are three most important qualities each friend should have.
March 17, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
What is a Friend?
A friend is somebody who you emotionally connected with. I believe that everyone needs friends whether your friends are in the form of people or animals everyone needs someone they are emotionally connected with that aren’t your parents. We have friends to tell people are inter-most thoughts and feelings. Friends are supposed to be there to help you through your problems and be there for you when you need them. They are supposed to be the people you trust the most and spend lots of your time with. Friends, to me, are one of the most important things in my life. Without my friends I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Each one of my friends have taught me something different and new and I appreciate them more then anyone could ever know. I think the most important qualities you can find in a friend is trust, honesty, and compassion. These are three most important qualities each friend should have.
Monday, March 16, 2009
A True Friend...
Lily Tikijian
March 16, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
A True Friend…
A true friend will tell you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it. I think trust is one of the most important qualities you can find in a friend. To go along with that, a friend telling you the truth is another important trait. I know most of the time people don’t want to hear the truth about themselves or someone else but a true friend will tell you the truth no matter what. One of the truest statements I have ever heard is, “ A good friend will sit with you in the bathroom when everyone else is swimming and a true friend will come in and give u a tampon and tell you to suck it up.” I think this statement is so true. You want a friend who is going to stand up and make you do things you don’t want to do sometime but that’s what makes them such a true friend. Personally, I know I don’t want to know the truth from my friends all the time but I have good enough friends who will tell me the truth about everything no matter what. Sometimes it makes me mad but at the end of the day I usually realize that they told me because they love me and care about me.
March 16, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
A True Friend…
A true friend will tell you the truth, even when you don’t want to hear it. I think trust is one of the most important qualities you can find in a friend. To go along with that, a friend telling you the truth is another important trait. I know most of the time people don’t want to hear the truth about themselves or someone else but a true friend will tell you the truth no matter what. One of the truest statements I have ever heard is, “ A good friend will sit with you in the bathroom when everyone else is swimming and a true friend will come in and give u a tampon and tell you to suck it up.” I think this statement is so true. You want a friend who is going to stand up and make you do things you don’t want to do sometime but that’s what makes them such a true friend. Personally, I know I don’t want to know the truth from my friends all the time but I have good enough friends who will tell me the truth about everything no matter what. Sometimes it makes me mad but at the end of the day I usually realize that they told me because they love me and care about me.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
ROMAYOO and Juliet Reflection Blog
Lily Tikijian
March 4, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Romeo and Juliet Reflection
1. Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to run off and get married? Or was it foolish? Or both? Explain your response.
I think it was very foolish for Romeo and Juliet to run off and get married. I am all for young love and wanting to get married but actually going through with it was crazy especially since they have so many things going against them. For one, they had only known each other for not even a day. Second, there families are enemies. And lastly, they are just to young to be in love let along get married. Juliet is about to turn fourteen and Romeo is only a year or two older then that.
2. Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to kill themselves because of their love for each other? Why or why not?
I have many mixed feelings about Romeo and Juliet killing themselves. I think that in a way it was the right thing to do because if people found out they were married and in love, they both might have been banished or killed. I thought that Juliet had more of a reason to kill herself then Romeo. She was getting married to Paris and her dad was threatening her. If I were her I would have been beyond scared to tell her family that she was married to Romeo. Her dad probably would have kicked her out on the street and refused to talk to her ever again. Romeo on the other hand was banished but I don’t think he had as much of a right to kill himself. I guess over all it was right for them to die because of their love for each other. I just wish they could have stayed alive and either run away together or told their families and maybe brought peace the Montague and Capulet households.
3. Would you have lied to your whole family if you were in Juliet’s position? Why or why not?
I would have lied to my family if I was in Juliet’s position. There is no way she could tell her dad that she was married to a Montague. For not wanting to marry Paris, Lord Capulet wanted to kick her out, imagine if he knew she was already married to his worst enemy. It would be very bad.
4. Should Romeo have been punished for killing Tybalt? How should he have been punished? Explain why you think this.
I think Romeo should have been punished for killing Tybalt but banishment was little strong considering the circumstances. The only reason he killed Tybalt was because Tybalt killed Mercutio. Romeo was just doing to Tybalt what he did to his best friend. I think maybe he should have gotten a couple months in jail, but not banishment.
5. How would you feel if you were one of the parents in one of these families after all this happened?
If I was one of the parents in one of these families I would feel responsible for the death of my son or daughter. I would take full responsibility for everything. Thinking that they couldn’t come and tell me the truth would kill me. Knowing that my own child killed themselves over something that could be prevented you just do me in. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.
March 4, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Romeo and Juliet Reflection
1. Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to run off and get married? Or was it foolish? Or both? Explain your response.
I think it was very foolish for Romeo and Juliet to run off and get married. I am all for young love and wanting to get married but actually going through with it was crazy especially since they have so many things going against them. For one, they had only known each other for not even a day. Second, there families are enemies. And lastly, they are just to young to be in love let along get married. Juliet is about to turn fourteen and Romeo is only a year or two older then that.
2. Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to kill themselves because of their love for each other? Why or why not?
I have many mixed feelings about Romeo and Juliet killing themselves. I think that in a way it was the right thing to do because if people found out they were married and in love, they both might have been banished or killed. I thought that Juliet had more of a reason to kill herself then Romeo. She was getting married to Paris and her dad was threatening her. If I were her I would have been beyond scared to tell her family that she was married to Romeo. Her dad probably would have kicked her out on the street and refused to talk to her ever again. Romeo on the other hand was banished but I don’t think he had as much of a right to kill himself. I guess over all it was right for them to die because of their love for each other. I just wish they could have stayed alive and either run away together or told their families and maybe brought peace the Montague and Capulet households.
3. Would you have lied to your whole family if you were in Juliet’s position? Why or why not?
I would have lied to my family if I was in Juliet’s position. There is no way she could tell her dad that she was married to a Montague. For not wanting to marry Paris, Lord Capulet wanted to kick her out, imagine if he knew she was already married to his worst enemy. It would be very bad.
4. Should Romeo have been punished for killing Tybalt? How should he have been punished? Explain why you think this.
I think Romeo should have been punished for killing Tybalt but banishment was little strong considering the circumstances. The only reason he killed Tybalt was because Tybalt killed Mercutio. Romeo was just doing to Tybalt what he did to his best friend. I think maybe he should have gotten a couple months in jail, but not banishment.
5. How would you feel if you were one of the parents in one of these families after all this happened?
If I was one of the parents in one of these families I would feel responsible for the death of my son or daughter. I would take full responsibility for everything. Thinking that they couldn’t come and tell me the truth would kill me. Knowing that my own child killed themselves over something that could be prevented you just do me in. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Romeo & Juliet: Act I
Lily Tikijian
February 6, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Romeo and Juliet: Act I
I thought when I heard that we were going to be reading Romeo and Juliet that I was going to be screwed. We used to have to read Shakespeare when I took drama in middle school. I never really understood what was going on in the plays. I just never understood how to comprehend Shakespeare’s language. I mean, he could say ugly and he would mean beautiful, it just never made a lot of sense to me. I like how we are reading it now though. I think it is a great idea to read it in class then have us read the cliffnotes for homework. I understand so much more because we can ask questions and discuss it in class then go over it again for homework. I really like having different people read the parts, it just process better in my head. Watching the movie clip also helped me picture the scene differently. So far I think the story is pretty good. I am really understanding it and getting the key concepts, which I never thought would happen. I don’t think Mrs. Pfanschmidt could be doing a better job with teaching us this book. I really can’t wait to watch the whole movie and finish the book.
February 6, 2009
Literature Period 6
Mrs. Pfanschmidt
Romeo and Juliet: Act I
I thought when I heard that we were going to be reading Romeo and Juliet that I was going to be screwed. We used to have to read Shakespeare when I took drama in middle school. I never really understood what was going on in the plays. I just never understood how to comprehend Shakespeare’s language. I mean, he could say ugly and he would mean beautiful, it just never made a lot of sense to me. I like how we are reading it now though. I think it is a great idea to read it in class then have us read the cliffnotes for homework. I understand so much more because we can ask questions and discuss it in class then go over it again for homework. I really like having different people read the parts, it just process better in my head. Watching the movie clip also helped me picture the scene differently. So far I think the story is pretty good. I am really understanding it and getting the key concepts, which I never thought would happen. I don’t think Mrs. Pfanschmidt could be doing a better job with teaching us this book. I really can’t wait to watch the whole movie and finish the book.
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