* Think and write about a time in which you responded compassionately to someone who treated you unfairly or unkindly.

Like most teenagers, me and my parents don't always get along. This results in yelling, disagreements, arguing; a hostile environment for a few minutes or longer. And after the screaming stops I usually end up in my room for the same reason why they stay downstairs; in order to be alone, process emotions, think and be away from the person you argued with in the first place.

Through the many arguments I've had with my parents I've noticed something that's the same with all of them and that's the ending. Whether it be my mother or father, they always end up coming upstairs, knocking on my door and apologizing. And no matter how angry I was just a few minutes, hours or seconds before at them I can't help but tell them that it's okay, that I accept their apology and that I was sorry too. (Not all the time, but sometimes lying on the last part just so that the discussion can be over)It seems as though I honestly can't stay mad at them, or anyone else I care about for that matter, for a long time, for the main fact that they're truly sorry for what they've done. And when someone's truly sorry and they look as bad as they probably feel about what they said or did, how can I not look back at them and say that I understand they're sorry and that it's alright. Depending on what the situation is I usually forgive whatever happened, immediately or father on down the road.

Dying to tell the story response

After watching the story titled "Dying to Tell the Story" on Dan Eldon I couldn't help but think about how different photojournalists and photojournalism actually is compared to others that are in the business of journalism. I think there's something about these people risking their lives to just get the truth out to the world, to be able to tell a story through a picture that they personally took and for them to more then anything want to do this with their lives that truly demonstrates passion. People who know that they are in danger and can get killed at any moment, not by fighting in a war but by taking a picture of it, and are still happy to be doing what they're doing no matter how many traumatizing images they've seen shows that they must have deep, strong feelings towards this proffession; just like any other person does when they become passionate about their carreer or a simple hobby. I appreciate the risk they take in order to not only tell the world, but to show them what is going on outside of their city, country, state; for words can sometimes get scrambled and messed with whereas a picture can not.

But even though I appreciate that they are willing to do this I found one thing that not neccessarily bothered me but rather surprised me while watching this film. At least one of the photojournalists that were being interviewed shared that while they are facing death upon death, most of the time to people who don't deserve it, they see this along with their brain also foccusing on the technical aspects of taking the photo, as in is the light okay, how will this picture look, etc. Now, I'm not criticizing them for doing this I mean I understand that that's probably something they have to do in order to cope with all of the terrible personal exeriences they're going through while they are in a war zone. I just find it surprising and shocking that even though they're in that environment and seeing all of the images that they're seeing and dealing with all of the emotions that they're having to deal with they can still seem to focus on taking the photo, because if they can capture the shot of the child who's parents have just been killed or of the people who are starving then maybe those people can get some help. Maybe them risking their life by doing this can actually make a difference.

Let's do this.

1.)Why does football seem to be the most popular sport in America?
2.)Do you think the legal age for drinking should be lowered?
3.)Do you think the legal age for being able to drive should be lowered?
4.)Is there a point to Valentine's day? Do you consider it a true holiday?
5.)Would you rather be an only child or have siblings?
6.)Why do some people dream in black and white instead of color?
7.)When should someone finally just stop trying and walk away on something/someone?
8.)Is the kitchen a woman's place?
9.)If you could create your own world what would it be like?
10.)What's your favorite place in the world?

Are we truly prepared?

According to the Democrat and Chronicle, only five percent of Rochester city school district students are prepared to go to college and begin a career for themselves. Being a student apart of this district myself, I can't help but to agree that it doesn't seem as though the majority of students are ready for the responsibility of what college brings compared to what high school gives.

Having visited a few colleges myself, as well as having family members enrolled in different universities, I've learned to understand that college is a serious matter, that should be taken seriously. I personally don't feel that high school fully sets students up for what is expected in college. The quality and amount of work alone is a task in which I personally feel high school just doesn't quite prepare you for. Now I'm not saying that high school does nothing. It sets us up for what's to come, giving us the fundamentals or building blocks in order for students to have a better attempt at succeeding in college. Like anything else in life, you have to learn the basics of something in order to move onto the next level. And although high school is just as important as college there's one major thing I think is equally or even more important then being academically skilled and that's being independent.

When you set off to college you're finally heading out into the real world, and with the real world comes more responsibility and independence then ever before. Unlike in high school you have no one there to make sure you're getting your work done, staying on task, eating enough, sleeping enough. No one is there to get on you about that big project that's due tomorrow or that pile of dirty laundry that's been growing since last week. No one besides yourself. So college can't just be about smarts and intelligence, it also needs to include being able to stand on your own two feet, something that I feel isn't an aspect that's looked upon and considered as much as test scores and grades.

So yes, I agree that students aren't as well prepared as they should be for the world after twelfth grade and that Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard should push for college based programs in schools as well as challenge students more with harder curriculum. Yet if this means getting rid of the arts in art schools I can't support his desire. Arts, as well as sports and even college programs, benefit students so much more then people realize. They not only open up a new way for students to connect to basic subjects such as math and english but also inspire and encourage them too. The arts gives students a way to get a break from full on school subjects whilst still being educational only in a more creative way. Adding these programs to art schools instad of getting rid of the arts all together seems much more helpful to the students as well as the community.

Second article response on Egypt, yay.

After reading the article "Social Media's Role in the Egyptian Protests" I would like to point out one of the most important topics involved. That technology has expanded to the point of no return. In earlier times, people could get away with choosing to stay out of the world's business and activity, focusing mainly on their own personal lives. For the better, or for the worse, technology has become a part of our lives; letting us into places located much farther then our backyard.

Mentioned in the article, technology, especially the internet, has given the public a voice. A voice much easier shared at just the click of a button. With the different types of technology at our fingertips, people no longer feel helpless as they see events such as the Egyptian protests taking place, which in my opinion is beneficial to everyone everywhere. By being able to know what's going on in the world opinions are coming into view more and more. We are able to do something, share how we feel and become involved.

As our world grows, technology follows, reflecting each other over and over again. Although the internet and such technology has a huge part in getting information out there, it is ultimately the people who do the same first.

Response to "Are Your Tech Habits Hurting Your Grades?"

In the article, Are Your Tech Habits Hurting Your Grades, Shannon Doyne and Holly Epstein Ojalvo discuss the effects of technology on students. While reading this, I agree with several of the points made. Technology, though incredibly useful, is severely distracting, especially towards the younger generation. Due to this fact, grades can and are negatively affected. It is definitely hard to stay on task when your friends are texting or writing you over Facebook, and to be honest, a teenager is going to check that rather then finish writing their english essay. But that doesn't mean that the younger generation isn't able to complete assignments of quality work on time. Distractions will always be there, individuals just have to learn to take care of what's important first, to learn to prioritize. Although technology can be incredibly distracting, it has also become a huge part of the world and forever will be. Technology is very helpful and a great source for ages everywhere.