Journals for AP English

1. Pretend that you are talking to a blind man and have to describe for him what "red" is. You should use narrative and descriptive writing techniques, and try to appeal to his other senses!

The color red is predominantly composed of the longest wavelengths of light, it is a primary color found in various ways. It can be perceived by all of the five senses. The warm smell when hot peppers are roasting on the stove, a burning sensation in your throat. The feeling is hot and burns when touched.  It is similar to that of fire or the rays of the sun on a summer day. Just as a hot pepper it intensifies the longer it's in your mouth. Red as a match tip igniting a spark of romance. The sound of a crackling fire place while warming a cold barren room and giving it life. In animated figures when jealous or angry the heat and energy turns the character in to a shade of red. That embarrassed feeling after being humiliated is red, the stress building ready to explode. It also present in passion, strength and ambition the motivation and willingness to strive for something higher. It can found within those caught in war, angry and capable of causing blood shed for the victory over another. An inferno filled with captured souls paying for their transgressions. The color red can be found all around us. Although, it is not always seen it is still present in various ways or phenomenons.

2. How does competition function in our society? To what extent is it healthy/unhealthy? Offer some real world examples taken from your life, community, culture, state, nation, or world.

In the corporal world competition is beneficial for the consumers since it tends to drive down the prices. Competition in life can motivate people to strive for higher accomplishments in order to better themselves and succeed. Without a set of standards many would never over exceed the way they could have if there was already a set goal present. Competition can be utilized as a measure of skills and abilities, most commonly when comparing themselves to the standards of someone else. Survival of the fitness is dependent on those who are most competitive since they will be the ones who experience the success and will live on, passing their traits on to future generations.  It could have the opposite effect for people with low self esteem since it could bring out there insecurities causing them to withdraw from society. Competition could also cause unforeseen rivalries between those in which it was not expected. Therefore competition can only benefit a certain group of people and will result in various outcomes.

3. How have you taken something that you have learned in the classroom and integrated it into your nonacademic life?

IB is a rigorous course to take during high school years, so many of our teachers have demonstrated to us that the best is yet to come and although it may difficult at the time being we have to overcome certain obstacles in order to show our determination and will to progress. Our IB director is constantly telling us to weigh out the difference between a problem and an inconvenience since both are very different and should be approached in different manners. I have integrated this into my non-academic life by viewing issues through a different perspective, by handling certain situations in a way I would not have prior to receiving that lesson. For example when my car would not turn on due to the battery I did not become frustrated and angry instead I simply called for assistance and while I was waiting for help to come I went and got something to eat without placing more stress on myself then was needed. The perspective on the issue as being an inconvenience rather than an actual problem relieved me by acknowledging that the situation could have been of much more severity. Math analysis is a difficult subject within the IB program for many students, and because of that every day as we enter the classroom our teacher instructs us to have a positive attitude. She not only advices us to have a positive attitude towards the math subject but also in life to take into consideration the benefits not just the downfalls. This has changed my perspective on a daily basis, it not only helps me to be a better person but I strongly believe that being positive can influence others to be the same way. Having a positive outlook is beneficial in various ways where as being pessimistic is usually seen as a flaw since it will mainly bring that person and those around them down.

4. If you could go back in time and be someone in history, who would you choose to be? Why?

I would elect to be the Serbian born Nikola Tesla, born on July 10, 1856. The Serbian American electrical engineer and physicist, Nikola Tesla. He discovered the principals of alternating currents and invented various devices along with procedures. He portrays a sense of power by possessing an insight into our world that few can comprehend. Also, was credited with the invention of fluorescent light, the laser beam, wireless communications, alternating current and many more. This man was gifted in various forms, many considered him to be a genius and brilliant engineer. The inventions he created allowed us to progress positively in the technological field. Along with that he also obtained an undeniable desire for precision and was self-discipline. The ability to contribute to this level of innovation to our modern day society and time would be a fulfilling honor. The concept of a world where everyone has access to power, and where the impoverished did not have to live in the dark. Possibly even discover way to cure cancer and aids with technology like ozone therapy. By possessing his level of genius would open the doors to many unexplored aspects. The ability to simply bring at least one of these contributions to society would bring me great satisfaction, since a legacy of mine would remain long after I have left this world.

5. If you had the responsibility to decide where $1 million should be spent to improve conditions somewhere in the world, what project(s) would you choose? Why?

I would choose Kiva.org, it is a non-profit organization established to connect people around the world through lending to help relieve poverty.  It was established by Matt and Jessica Flannery Kiva. In my perspective best form to help the poor is to provide a means for them to help themselves. This cause is of great interest to me, since by grandparents grew up in a poverty stricken country and struggle from many years to provide form their children.  Not only does Kiva provide this mean but it gives this poor struggling business owners back their dignity and empowers them to take back control of their ’ destiny. Due to large national banks not being able to provide this type of service since they were not designed to help those who do not obtain financial assets, which is why Kiva is instrumental in giving these services to those in most need.

6. How have you tried to effect change in relation to an issue of personal, local, or national significance?

The international issue of significance to myself is that of homeless youth since 1/3 out the homeless population is a teenager, which are exposed to assault, illness and suicide. Some turn to prostitution for means of financial compensation, while others suffer from chronic health disorders due to the poor health conditions they reside in. My aunt and I have gone to homeless shelters to distribute gift cards for restaurants for those people to eat. I have have also donated gentally used coats to organizations for homeless teens, but the most significant I have created awareness among my family and close peers. This issue is of most importance personally because I can comprehend their struggles and hardships by acknowledging the experience of being a teenager. However I can not relate to them in the sense of being homeless but it does interest me and incites me to help them in any way possible.

7. If you could introduce one new idea or material thing to a primitive culture, what would it be?

An irrigation system would be helpful in various manners. It would provide a water source to growing agricultural crops in order to supply more food for these cultures , since many can only eat the animals that they are able to hunt in the area. It will also assist in the maintenance of the landscapes, by watering the dry areas also in times of drought. This irrigation system can also provide a way for the sewage within the community. Without a proper sewage system many of the community's member will live in poor health conditions and will suffer from diseases caused by the lack of a sewage system. This could also cause a longer life span due to the lack of much illness.

8. If you were to describe yourself using a quotation, what would that quotation be? After you have chosen a quote, then write a bit about how it relates to you and reveals what kind of person you are.

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.” -Abraham Lincoln.

This quote exemplifies my perspective on life along with the challenges or obstacles it presents. Since we live in a highly competitive society, and the odds are stacked against us, in order to fail rather than succeed.  From the moment we enter society judgment and criticism are presented in an undesirable way, since we are under constant scrutiny. What age were we when we first learned to walk or speak is a commonly asked question to compare us to other young children that acquired those skills before us. Rather than how much or what we have accomplished, when the importance is the legacy we leave behind. Society presents many people along with myself to not meet up to their standards or expectations. However, despite all the pressures and expectations placed upon myself, I do not let society dictate the measure of my successes. I will continue to always strive to be the best that I can be, to exploit my strengths along with commitment to improve my weaknesses. Meanwhile not pretending to be someone else, since it is a task already difficult simply being myself. I believe myself to be a strong person, by expressing my ideas without being reproachful or brash. Just as Lincoln the light within me I plan to make it bright. 

9. Given the authority to establish a holiday, what would you choose to commemorate? Why? What would the celebration look like? 

The establishment of the holiday I would choose to commemorate would be raise awareness in regards to endangered species or animals that are on the verge of becoming extinct. Such as the company Coca Cola how they printed white sodas can in an effort to save the polar bears. The reason for this would be to keep the life span of a certain species that is in danger as long as possible. Celebrating it would be similar to that of a carnival in which we could raise awareness to the people who attend and all of the proceeds would go towards the saving of those animals. There would also be those animals that are in danger at the carnival for people to interact with them and admire them to hopefully incite them to participate in keeping them around as long as possible.

10. What is the best advice you've ever received? Explain.

When I was faced with a difficult situation someone once told me "how can you move forward, if your always looking in the rear view mirror" it is a quote commonly know; however, I had never heard it before. I took this advice as a sense of inspiration and motivation, to stop looking and what could have been done and work with what one has been given. It is a difficult task to move beyond obstacles that have kept us back, so many of us just like myself keep living in the past. Progress can not be made that way; however, if we leave it in the past then we can look forward to a brighter future.

11. Ask and answer the one important question that a university won't ask you, but you wish they would.

The majority of universities desire applicants to obtain a well-rounded curriculum along with many hours of community service. Not only do they require one to present themselves as the brightest student with a high level grade point average but also require you to include extra-curricular activities. Ranging from sports, to volunteer work, awards and honors. You are asked about your accomplishments, and if you do not  obtain any or very few it is not discussed any further. It is basically left to speculation on the person who is interviewing’s part. By providing a negative impression of your academic life, they could be wrongfully misjudging the applicant. The question I yearn for universities to question their applicants on would be “Why you we you unable to complete this part of your curriculum?”  Everyone experiences different challenges ,difficulties and obstacles. There could have been a death in the family or possibly the loss of a job, which would lead to a lack of “expected” income, which would cause an economic hardship. Also the certain disabilities that prevent one  from performing certain tasks. There are also  circumstances were someone contributed time, money or charity work but they were not recognized for it in the form of an award or honored for formally. Along with the possibility of only that person being aware of the action that was performed. If  given the opportunity one would appreciate the privilege to contribute those aspects with the interviewer.   

12. Your life is a movie. Describe the first 15 minutes.

As a child my mother went back to working soon after giving birth to her first born. I was left in the care of her sister since at the time she was not employed but worked as a home maker tending to her two daughters. As time passed and I kept going there every day for eight hours I began to adapt to their lifestyle I began speaking Spanish prior to speaking what my parent’s spoke-English. Along with that since her daughters refer to my aunt as “Mami” I began to call her that as well. My dad was furious and would scold me every time he heard me, constantly telling me that she was not my mother, only my aunt. When I started attending public school I would see other children being picked up by their mothers and I remember wishing it was my mother who would be there at 2 o’clock instead on my aunt. The only reason I yearned for that was because of other children who would tease me and as my mother I felt it was her responsibility to scold them or tell the teacher not my aunt’s. As the elementary school years passed I realized I was very fortunate for my aunt and uncle who watched over me while my parents worked saw me as their third daughter they always wanted but never had. I too viewed them as a second set of parents with a second that I could always go to if I needed to.   

13. Write a letter to your future college roommate introducing yourself and your background.

My name is Melissa Morales and I come from the county of San Diego where I lived my childhood life since birth. I was born at Kaiser Permanente, a small baby measuring seven lbs. and nineteen inches long. While both of my parents worked to provide a good home for me my aunt took care of me as a young child. She taught me how to take my first steps and speak in Spanish language. I attended Castle Park elementary, middle and high school, therefore every time I moved a school level up I was familiar with most of the students, from years before. I am of Mexican descent therefore explaining my last name. My parents separated when I was nine years old and when that occurred, the agreement was that one week I would stay with my mom and the next with my dad. I continued that process for about fours; however, that became overwhelming so I have stayed with my father ever since. Both my mother and father came into this country as immigrants at a young age from Mexico. My father is from Mexico city and my mother is from Tijuana. They worked hard and have come a long way from their humble beginnings. I aspire to become a successful women but uncertain in which field I would like to major in.    

14. Please describe your reactions/ideas to the following quote: "He does not possess wealth, it possesses him."

A man who is overwhelmed with an abundance of wealth is controlled by this greed of obtaining more and more. They will never be satisfied the more they acquire they more they will yearn for. He has no fulfillment despite everything and everyone around him, he also lacks a sense of humanity since he is only driven by these materialistic sheets of paper(money). This power hunger is difficult for someone to resign after receiving so much of it. Eventually this will become an obsession overcoming his thoughts and actions of every day life. This man will become consumed by greed and only filled with thoughts of obtaining more power and wealth, since enough is never enough in his eyes. He will distant himself from his family and society always looking to make the next deal for an even higher compensation.

15. What is the most valuable contribution you could make to a college campus? Explain.

In a college campus environment with sociable skills I could raise awareness concerning various local and national issues. By informing my peers it would make everyone more aware and alert and could possibly motivate or inspire many people to take action in regards to the problem. If people are uninformed there is no possible way for them to contribute; however with my information through journalism or by word of mouth will raise awareness to the youth of the campus. In high school i participated in the IB fundraising group an with my experience I could help organizations fundraise for their cause. Due to many students can not or do not have the time to help raise money and awareness for these organizations.

16. Explain a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

Being faced with my own mortality, was a significant and life changing experience. People rarely speak of the subject, that which regards death. The main reason behind this could be due to the fear of death, since we are vulnerable to it by having no control over how or when. However no one human being will leave this Earth in their physical form. This is similar the backdrop of a horror movie, that which many choose to ignore or deny, however when reading the fact of 6,700 people died each day in the United States we cannot disregard reality.  I never gave it much thought while growing up, yet when my grandmother, my aunt, and twenty-one years young cousin recently passed away, I began contemplation how fragile life can be. Also how a single life changing moment can impact the rest of another one’s life. As a young child I would constantly enjoy my aunt’s company, when unexpectedly she became ill and then was hospitalized. Soon after she died of cancer. The finality of it devastated me. I could not imagine life being the same without her; I would give anything to see her face, to hear her laughter once more. I had to find a way to heal and I found peace and comfort through my religious beliefs, knowing that someday I will be reunited with my loved ones.  Believing that there is life after death and that the pain and suffering of this world will come to an end, that’s how I have found reconcilement.  I also discovered the importance of valuing the small things and not to take what matters in life for granted. To savor life and enjoy the company of those loved one’s that are still around me.

17. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.

The media is constantly portraying Castle Park High school in a negative manner, despite all of the positive accomplishments our school and it's students have made. Such as the Gay Pride festival the majority of the GSA students who attended the event were from Castle Park High school. Yet only a few of Eastlake High school students attended; however, in the newspaper article they only mentioned Eastlake and not Castle Park, even though in the picture they posted majority was again Castle Park. Whenever reporters from the media contact our teachers and staff they will only question them in regards to certain incidents that have occurred. In response when our teachers ask them if they are interested in our academic performance index they become uninterested and do not wish to continue the conversation. For the most part whenever the media speaks of our school they "forget" to mention the positive aspects such as the IB program. Advanced Placement or the increased California standardized testing scores from previous years. It is of a biased and unreasonable perspective that the media is portraying us in this way since it is the only form that will attract them an above average compensation.

18. If you could choose two things to change about our high school campus, what would they be and why?

The priority change that I would establish would be the teachers who are uninterested in their profession and are simply on our campus in order to receive a decent compensation. Commonly these teachers do not have positive results with their students. The reason for this I have seen is that since the students realize that the teacher is uninterested they become uninterested in the subject as well.These teachers are of not benefit to their students since they also do not actually teach the material, instead they provide their students with packet or book work, in that case students should simply be put in independent studies. Another aspect of my camps that I would alter would the schedule. I would want out schedule to resemble that of other schools, in which the keep the block periods but they only have it twice a week. The other two days would be collaboration days and the last day would be a minimum day every Friday, similar to the practice of elementary schools. These minimum days would allow students to get an advance on the homework that was assigned for the weekend. Also, since most teachers have meetings on those minimum days it would allow them to interact more often and share opinions and ideas of certain material as well as the students.

19. Should school attendance be mandatory? In your answer, be sure to explore what the function of education is, and what our nation would look like if the masses were less educated.

 The foundation of our educational system is to instruct the students to become prepared for the adult life, in which they take on the responsibility of working having some type of compensation and with that comes taxes. Up until the high school years students are still learning the basics of mathematics to prepare them for things such as how to balance a check book. Without the algebra that is taught in middle school and then continued in high school many of the adults in society would clueless as to how to apply specific math skills when it is required. Therefore if a young adult has the desire to enter a university or college in order to major in a subject for a specific work field they would have to reenter basic school levels or hire a tutor to be prepared for this university. If they would have just taken these classes as a young child that person could immediately begin college without struggles or hassles of having to learn the material for the first time. With the lack of education the masses would appear unemployed and disfunctional, establishing a chaotic society without standards.

20. If you had the ability to talk to one species of animal, which animal would you choose to communicate with? Why?

A preference for myself would be insects because they are the closest beings to nature. They compose much of our ecosystem and are the foundation of the food chain. Since they are on a different physical scale then that of humans it would interesting to know their perspective on the world. Such as butterflies they go through metamorphosis changing to an entirely different organism and live for a very limited time. Emotionally, the extent of becoming a different being from what your were born would be an experience that us as humans are not informed of.