Final Reflection (Year End Blog)

1- What are the three most important things you learned this year?

The three important things I learned this year was to not let your expectations be your limits. I learned to not my goals be the only to shoot for in life. And I learned to not have my computer bag out on the floor, as it could be a fire hazard.

2- What is something we did this year that you think you will remember for the rest of your life?

To always take my grammar and vocabulary skills more seriously when it come sto writing or scribing something. When writing I must use the best words to create the emphasis. Along with how I build my sentences, it could make a huge impact to the output the readers get. That's why it is so important, and why I will always remember it.

3- What was the nicest thing someone in our class did for you this year?

They studied with me after school through social media and also gave me answers to the holocaust studies we did.

4- What is something you taught your teacher or classmates this year?

I taught many of my classmates that positivity and helping others can not only be helpful to those they help. But it can also be help to them as well.

5- In what area do you feel you made your biggest improvements? What is something you accomplished this year that you are proud of?

I think in my form of writing I made the biggest improvements. My writing and knowledge of literature were at a lower level. Now it is going to the writing of a high schooler, which is where I should be :D. I am proud that my skills in writing have come this far. It makes feel like I have potential not only in drawing, but in writing as well.

6- What was the most challenging part of this year for you?

Getting out of my habits that I usually follow was difficult for me.trying to spell words correctly and using the correct grammar was a challenge. I had to correct so much of my common errors that it seemed impossible. However, I were able to make it possible by showing perseverance.

7- What was the best piece of writing that you did this year? Why do you think it is your best?

I think the best piece of writing I did this year were my “This I believe” speech. I had used everything I learned in ELA to create this. It also took me a lot to get out comfort zone by sharing my past. So I think this was my most incredible piece of writing I made this year.

8- Of the books you read this year, which was your favorite? Why?

 I think possibly “Things Not Seen” and “The Giver” were my favorite books to read this year. These books truly got me back into the swing of reading non graphic novels. They had great characters that developed over time and had true beliefs. It really stuck out to me and made me love these books.

9- What advice would you give students who will be in this class next year?

Advice I would give to students next year is to manage time the best way you can so you remain up to speed with class. The class may seem impossible at some moments but that's the challenge that is being given. So you must exceed you limits and thrive to beat the challenge and improve.

"This I believe"

“Sunshine Always Blooms From the Storm”
By: Antwone Lee

All my life I've lived in conflict and struggle. I've lived in peace and in disaster. But I've never lived with resolve. The constant reminder that anger and hate never get you anywhere comes full force in my world. However, kindness and patience for perseverance can wash that aside.

Kindness can be the guide of life, creating paths and opportunities for yourself. And patience can be the support for for decisions made.

When I were coming of my teen years at the age of 12, I were going through homelessness. My mother were constantly in physical pain causing frustration. And my 4 sisters had all been causing my family disorder. My oldest sister had a son that she had to take care of, so she didn't have any time or money to spare. We would move place to place, person to person. Only for us to lose all ties with the people that would normally help us.

My mom would yell and scream in frustration. And I would have to bear witness. All I ever felt was pity for my mom but not for myself. My sisters told me that when you pity yourself, you below yourself. So instead of pitying our situation, I would appreciate everything we got. Even the times of peace we could would muster at times.

This made me want to always be helpful and not be a burden. I always wanted to not complain and prevent bring negativity. It would be hard keeping my emotions and frustrations to myself, but what motivated me was just thinking...can me being positive make us not be homeless? Or can it get my mom a job again? Or can it make our family whole once more?

Now at the age of 14, I have a home, my mom has a job, and almost all of my sisters are employed going to college. My family still isn't perfect, but it is better than i could ever imagine. It caused me to really believe that my kindness and patience can really come to effect. It made me feel like I can emote the good I always thrived for.

Literature Circle/Non-Fiction Article blog

Both my Book Things Not Seen and the article “Loneliness in Teens” both have the topic of loneliness in them. My EQ were asking, “Does this article have true loneliness coping mechanisms that relate to Bobby’s actions in the book?” After reading the article I did find some connections In the article I found two coping methods that relate to Bobby’s actions. One were, “Cyberpsychology.” Cyberpsychology is using the internet as a coping method,for the brain. Bobby slightly hints to this by his action on researching constantly to occupy himself. The second reason were that creating social interactions with people can help stop the loneliness. Bobby does a lot by talking to his parents for advice and talking to Alicia for help with things and as a friend to communicate with. Both of these methods are things Bobby did to occupy himself of isolation. Which is relating to the article and its information.

Both the author of Things Not Seen and the author of “ Loneliness in Teens” are both writing on the topic of loneliness. They both give it in the perspective of teenagers and going through change. However, the authors give their own POV’s the idea and change in their own idea. For instance, the author of “Loneliness in Teens”, he or she gave the ideas of the teen feeling unappreciated and not being understood. Also giving ways to prevent the feelings of isolation and being shunned. For example, the author gave a way to prevent the teen to not feel as unsocial by doing this, “Smile at others and make solid friendships, reminding your teen that one good friend is as valuable as several casual buddies. You can also talk to your teen when she's feeling lonely -- knowing that she has someone to talk to can make her feel less isolated from the world.” This is going in the position of helping your teen and rehabilitating them to being apart of society once more.

The author of Things Not Seen does not deeply go into the topic of loneliness as the author of the article does. Andrew Clements, the author of Things Not Seen implements the topic of loneliness but doesn't go as in depth. Bobby, the main character of Things Not Seen, has the feeling of isolation from society. He must stay home and talk to anyone in order to keep his invisibility a secret and to keep him safe. This caused him to feel trapped and feel lonely. However, later in the book he find a friend to be with and gets more parental guidance. Creating an end to him being alone. In summary, Bobby had only a slight situation of loneliness. Then, the author ended it soon.

Clements, Andrew. Things not seen. New York: Puffin , 2006. Print.

Ireland, Kay. "Loneliness In Teenagers." LIVESTRONG.COM. Leaf Group, 16 Aug. 2013. Web. 12 May 2017.

8th Grade Literature Circle Blog

The book my Literature Circle group is reading is “Things Not Seen” by Andrew Clements. Andrew Clements wrote a book about a high schooler who wakes up invisible. In the book, Bobby, the boy who became invisible, must remain away from society. While his parents protect him and help him find a way to make himself visible again. Bobby then sees the advantages to being invisible when walking around Chicago being invisible. He comes home and his parents leave out only to get into a crash. He meets them in the hospital and sees their ok. On his way back he runs into A blind girl that he soon meets again at the library. Before then, he avoids getting caught being seen invisible by his neighbor. He heads to the library to meet Alicia and introduce himself. They talk a little and we learn of how Alicia gotten blind. They then head home together until she finds out that he is invisible.Then we head into chapter 12.

Do you like what you're reading? Why or why not?

Yes, I enjoy the book so far. I enjoy the book because it is giving a great plot and great character development. The characters Bobby and Alicia are beginning to see each other as friends or even more because they both are seeing good in each other. This makes the story ten times better for me. Because it's a suspenseful plot with the question if Bobby will be visible again. And then there is the stakes of him being known to society. However, the romance between the two to is creating a bridge of good and bad.

How has your feeling changed as you've been reading?

My feelings for the book has changed from focusing on his return to visibility to his relationship with Alicia. My feelings changed toward this by Alicia and Bobbys friendship development. Due to Alicia having Bobby as a only friend and Bobby having Alicia as a source of joy, It creates a dynamic relationship.

3rd Quarter Reflections

I cannot believe its third quarter! Things have been so fast and I've improved so much. Im greatful to have made it to springbreak working hard and succeeding my goals. I say I've succeeded in many areas like constructive criticism, T. I. Q. A., The 40 book challenge, and more. However, I say I've improved the most in argumentative work. I've learned to gather information correctly and break down what it truly means to have a better argument.

Something I've accomplished this quarter is putting effort in to my work successfully. I've always haven't put my full potential into my work due to me not understanding something. But I was able to put that weakness aside and work hard to undestand my work and put a lot of effort.

Although I beat a lot of feats for myself this quarter, I have also met some challenging obstacles in ELA. Some of those were citing the correct evidence for my topic and using background knowledge. I commonly use the wrong evidence for the topic I'm doing. This causes me to go off topic and end up getting up and befuddled. I still struggle with this now and I hope to surpass it.

I've learned so much about ELA and etc. However one I've learned the most about this quarter is the world. I learned the true evil of things and people. I learned that hope can be given and taken in any circumstance. Life can be a step range obstacle that makes you go through rough things, only for you to prevail through them as best as you can. It makes me have a bigger perspective on the world and my future. I then wonder if I can have life balanced on good in bad for me to find an inner peace. Or maybe I'll just have school to do it.

Life is Beautiful Blog

The movie Life is Beautiful and the book Night by Elie Weizel have many similarities and differences. The biggest similarities are the main points of both stories. That the Holocaust is going on and hitler is starting his plan to exterminate all jewish people. However, there are some more minor similarities that come from characters and story. One similarity between the movie and the book is the father son relationship and its development. Guido and his son Giosue have a strong bond that comes from caring and love. His father is always making his son has is on the positive side and stays safe. This is very much the same to Elie and his father. Elie cares for his dad as his dad cares for him. In Night his father sacrifices food and health for Ellie as Ellie does the same.

The book Night may have many similarities to the movie Life is Beautiful. However, they also has many differences from each other. The Night is a dark book that gives the whole truth about the the true grimm that is the holocaust. This contrast to the route the movie took, taking a positive beginning and building up characters and their past to then give the holocaust as the true story. Although both the film and novel tell of the same event they are both giving entirely different perspectives on characters and plot.

The characters in Life is Beautiful truly make the movie a character driven story. Every action made by Guido, Tora, Joshua, and other characters drive the direction the story is headed. A character who hugely drives the plot is Guido. His positive attitude and constant humor shifts the story and creating an outcome for everyone around him. A prime example of this is when he escapes and tries save his wife and child. He ended up saving both but getting killed in the process. Both his wife Tora and his son Joshua would've died without his persistence to save them. His humor and personality creates an atmosphere in the story. Wherever he goes a positive effect happens and causes positive actions out of characters which drives the plot.

Life is shown as beautiful in this story because it shows positive characters and beautiful situations that display a part of life. Love, trust, doubt, faith, family, and sacrifice. These are only a few of the things the move displays but they are some the strongest attributes of the story. This movie shows life as beautiful because life creates such good things and bad things. He protects his son constantly and worries for his wife. In the end of the movie when he hints to his son and walk in a humorous manner to please his son, that is a beautiful part of life. Guido’s determination to please his wife constantly in their time within the camp is beautiful and great. Life is shown as beautiful in this movie because it gives the core parts of life and implements them in this movie. That is how life is shown as beautiful.

Night Blog

In the book Night by Elie Wiesel, Elie goes through numerous changes with religion, humanity, and respect toward others. This is due to the passing his time within the ghetto and the concentration camps that mortally affect him. In the beginning of Night, we are introduced to his character. We can see he is extremely pious and deeply believes in the way of God being a worldwide guardian. On the very first page of the book, Elie talks to his father about learning more about his religion and mastering it, “One day I asked my father to find me a master to guide me in my studies of the cabbala” ( 1 ). Elie is passionate about his religion in the beginning. However, that is one the things that change immensely throughout the book.

When Elie is walking into the crematory, he and other people are praying for their lives. However, Elie says, “For the first time, I felt revolt rise up in me. Why should I bless His name? The Eternal, Lord of the  Universe, the All-Powerful and Terrible, was silent. What had I to thank him for?” (31). This is one of the drastic changes in Elie, he calls his God terrible. And questions God's position as a Lord over man. Elie would never question his religion as he would only pursue it. So this were a huge change in character for Elie. As he comes to realization that his God is a God silenced to Elie’s pain.

Another large change in Elie in the book is his relationship and respect toward his father. Elie and his father go through a lot of tough events that mentally and physically change them. So, this causes the change in their relationship as father and son to man and boy. In the beginning Elie was very attached to his father and wanted to remain with him no matter the disaster. When Elie and his father are doing the marching for military service, Elie’s father fails. “My father had not done military services and he never succeeded marching in step...This was Franek’s chance to torment my father and to thrash him savagely.. I decide to give my father lessons myself, to teach him to change step” (53). Elie at this point in the story still very much cares for his father, and wants to still help him. This is Elie not wanting to lose him and truly wanting his dad to make out of this, fearing his dad cannot go through this himself.

Elie goes through a lot of huge development in from then to the end of the story. He had constantly helped his father and still his dad had suffered the worst. Elie felt guilty of his father's constant failure, feeling he were responsible for his father. However, Elie still believed his father could make it and made a stronger and more powerful bond with his dad. As he took care of his father, his father used to take care of Elie. Elie demonstrated his feelings when nursing his father. “...They said that we were sick, that we would die soon, and that it would be a waste of food ...I Can't Go on…I gave him what was left of my soup” (102). He displayed true change in character, after first feeling pity for his father of his miserableness. To being selfish and worrying about survival of the fittest. Then, finally realizing that he must put himself behind to help his father. Elie has developed emotionally, and physically throughout the story and become a weighted character. These to changes in him truly display this.


Wiesel, Elie. Night Elie Wiesel. Logan, IA: Perfection Learning Corp., 1995. Print.

Butterfly Project

From the prose of Petre Fischl

We got used to standing in line at seven o'clock in the morning.
At twelve noon, and again at seven o'clock in the evening.
We stood in a long queue with a plate in our hand, into which they lalded a little
warmed up water with a salty or coffee flavor. Or else they gave us
a few potatoes. We got got used to sleeping without a bed, to saluting
every uniform, not to walk on the sidewalks and then again too walk on the sidewalks
We got used to undeserved slaps, blows, and executions.ji
We got accustomed to seeing people die in their own excrement, to seeing
piled-up coffins full of corpses, to seeing the sick, amid dirt and filth and to seeing the helpless
doctors. We got used to it that from time to time, one thousand unhappy souls
would come and here that from time to time, another thousand unhappy souls would
go away...

Written by Petre Fischl

I commented on Dena's blog, Tammi's blog, Melissa's blog, Denise's blog, and Benny's blog

Berlin Memorial Activity

February 9th

Berlin Memorial Activity

1- What did you learn?

I learned that the Jewish over the years lost their freedom and their lives to the restrictions of Hitler. Hitler enforced multiple laws over the years. Slowly putting the Jewish in a life of dictatorship. I also learned the some specific laws took away things that made the Jewish who they were. “ Jews can't go to church” or “ The Jewish can not go to school and cannot read “ The Holocaust truly was an event where you lost everything. Not only your home, family, possessions, and future. But you also lose your life in end.

2- Why do you think this monument was built?

It was built for the remembrance of music and a reminder of the Holocaust. During the holocaust people lost everything, including music. Music was wiped off their lives ever since Hitler took control.And to have music back into the frame again is amazing and something to be grateful for. That is why the monument is there. To remind people of the Holocaust and to be thankful.

3- What did you notice about the number of laws passed in certain years?

I noticed that this were a part of Hitler's plan all along. He wanted to slowly take control by slowly giving restrictions to the Jewish year by year. Hitler made laws that purposely made the Jews have nothing. And the Jewish didn't have any say in the situation because they didn't have the ability anymore, they didn't have the rights to act upon Hitler's actions.

4- Which restrictions do you think you would have the most trouble dealing with and why?

The restrictions I would have the most trouble with is not having a pet and not being able to have birthday or any celebrations. Without those two things I couldn't make it through the Holocaust. A pet is always something to help me through hard times, their uplifting, active, and protective. They show love, which is needed in the Holocaust. And not being able to have celebrations in almost taking their culture away. Celebrations are always a way to show a person's culture and their lifestyle. And celebrating something is a huge part of my life, without it I wouldn't feel whole.

Quarter 2 Reflections

Quarter 2 Reflections

Quarter two has been a stalemate for me in  my ELA of my classe. And in my academic goals it has been a stalemate as well. Area’s in ELA that I believe I've done the most improvement in is grammer and investigative journalism. In ELA I’ve began to become more comfortable with my signpost  throughout the quarter. In ELA I've put more focus on the class and have began to listen more closely to the small details in wording and vocabulary choice in writing. However, I still struggle with my confidence in my sentences and end up making run on sentences.

One thing that I’ve accomplished since the new year is  making more time for myself and putting myself first at times. I’ve done good with my work, my time and choices in school. However, the most challenging thing is I had to overcome in quarter 2 is managing my time and making time for myself academically. Time always seemed to go fast for me or as if I have no time. This has constantly been a complication for me all of second quarter. I would implement to much time into one thing like studying for one thing or not enough time for another.

 I’ve had a lot of progress on this quarter. Although, I feel I still struggle with minimalizing my writing and getting to point I'm trying to get across. Quarter two has been a blast being the roller coaster that it was, and I hope quarter three can amaze me with greater things. Through my my struggles I've progressed greatly in ELA and have become way more comfortable with writing.

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

Summary: Awkward is graphic novel that centers around Penelope. Penelope is coming to a new school Berrybrook Middle School and she has no friends. She then ends up bumping into a boy and drops her stuff. People see Penelope getting helped up by Jaime the smart introvert. People call her and him “in love” and she storms off.This set her off to start ignoring him in order to avoid all gossip of her situation with him.

One month later, Penelope has a few friends and is in the art club. The art club is going through a crisis where they are not having importance to the school. All they want is a table at the club fair, however, the only way to get a table they have to contribute to the school. They get the idea to make a newspaper, to actual contribute to the schools news. Although, they have competition because the science club wants the last table in the club fair. The science club has always been the forever rivals to the art club. Both want to be the club that helps make the school look good in order to be the best club.

Penelope however, is going through a dip in her grades in science. The science teacher a.k.a the leader of the science club wants penelope to get tutoring from one of her best students. Penelope then finds out it is Jaime the same guy she bumped into of her first day. Jaime is in the science club and is the best member of the club. Penelope and Jamie soon the find out they have many likings to each other. Jamie like a little bit of art and Penelope like a bit of science. They begin to become friends, however, she would be betraying her club to spend time with Jamie. She’d also be breaking her friendship with Jamie in order to stay royal to her group. She fall in the middle of a crisis that defines the fate of her and her friends.

Review: Why I enjoyed in the book was the hilarity in the characters and the art within the book. Because the book truly did relate to me somewhat did make me like it more.What I remember the most from the book is when we get introduced to the art club and its rivalry to the science club. I thought it was silly but fun, and it made story more interesting to me. I do recommend this book. I recommend it  because if you're an artist or you're really nervous and quite a lot. Then you will like this, the characters all relate to the attributes of a actual teenager in highschool. And it's just a fun book to read and enjoy. I think this book is a must get, if you really enjoy fun and relatable books then this is a must get.