Light
14 years old,
a child to behold,
as well as the rest of my life,
35 weeks later,
and suddenly,
I was a creator.
5 pounds,
1 ounce,
a miracle I held in my arms,
for the very first time.
Bullied.
Doubted.
I never once thought,
I would be who I am today.
A mother.
A graduate.
Light has shun,
down,
a dark,
dreary,
terrifying
path.
A path that is my life.
I have now seen the light,
of where I need to go.
Because of this light,
there is not a place,
I will seize to go.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
CC 3.2 Will Boys Be "Boys"?
As the world continues to become more open minded, people are breaking tradition for the better. Gender roles have somewhat of a bubble effect on society. What someone thinks of another basically puts them into a bubble so they are not singled out, or judged; however, society is changing. Not only adults, and adolescents are becoming more open-minded, but children also.
New York Times Boys Will Be Boys? Not In These Families, tells about a male toddler named Harry who "selects a dress from the costume box and wears it through recess, even as he scrambles on the jungle gym." Harry is a little boy who enjoys playing with Barbies, and enjoys playing dress up. Every day he makes sure his Barbies are properly dressed, and plays with them. At school, he plays on the playground in pink tutus and princess dresses.
As Harry began to start taking interest in these things, "Harry's father had a hard time watching his son twirl around in princess wear." Harry, a male, should like sports, or monster trucks, or something that boys would generally like, according to his father. Gender roles and tradition have limited Harry's fathers variety of interests.
Since Harry is 3 1/2, he has not grown up with these traditions, knowing what boys like, or what girls like. He just knows what he likes, which lead to a gift from his father "a sparkly princess Barbie doll". When Harry opened the bag, he reacted with a joyous gasp. His gift of the Barbie doll symbolized acceptance. His father said, "We are following his lead and supporting him for who he wants to be."
For my sons birthday, we let him go into the store and choose his own cupcakes. All but one set of cupcakes were "for boys". They had darker colored icing, and rings with Batman, and Cars. But the one set my son Camden decided to choose was the one with pink and yellow icing, with Disney Princess rings. After reading this article, I feel remorse for not letting my son have these cupcakes for his birthday due to worry about what my family, and friends at his party would think.
Gender roles hold people back from being who they want to be. Also, make parents make decisions that they may end up feeling remorseful of in the future.
New York Times Boys Will Be Boys? Not In These Families, tells about a male toddler named Harry who "selects a dress from the costume box and wears it through recess, even as he scrambles on the jungle gym." Harry is a little boy who enjoys playing with Barbies, and enjoys playing dress up. Every day he makes sure his Barbies are properly dressed, and plays with them. At school, he plays on the playground in pink tutus and princess dresses.
As Harry began to start taking interest in these things, "Harry's father had a hard time watching his son twirl around in princess wear." Harry, a male, should like sports, or monster trucks, or something that boys would generally like, according to his father. Gender roles and tradition have limited Harry's fathers variety of interests.
Since Harry is 3 1/2, he has not grown up with these traditions, knowing what boys like, or what girls like. He just knows what he likes, which lead to a gift from his father "a sparkly princess Barbie doll". When Harry opened the bag, he reacted with a joyous gasp. His gift of the Barbie doll symbolized acceptance. His father said, "We are following his lead and supporting him for who he wants to be."
For my sons birthday, we let him go into the store and choose his own cupcakes. All but one set of cupcakes were "for boys". They had darker colored icing, and rings with Batman, and Cars. But the one set my son Camden decided to choose was the one with pink and yellow icing, with Disney Princess rings. After reading this article, I feel remorse for not letting my son have these cupcakes for his birthday due to worry about what my family, and friends at his party would think.
Gender roles hold people back from being who they want to be. Also, make parents make decisions that they may end up feeling remorseful of in the future.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
CC 3.1 Gender Roles in Parenting
Traditionally, parents have always been known as the sweet loving mother, and the gruff and fun father. These personas are influenced by gender roles; however, this is not how every mother and father parent. Everyone is different.
Because females are known to be kind, loving, and gentle, they are more fit for emotional nourishing a child. Males are known to be ruff and gruff, yet fun and energetic. These traits make them more fit for discipline, and horseplay. According to To What Extent is Parenting Influenced by Gender Roles, paragraph one, line three, a "gruff daddy just might place a magic kiss on his daughters knee when no one else is looking", instead of telling her to shake it off. Females and males often share traits that would stereotypically be traits the opposite gender should hold. Gender roles have a great influence on parenting techniques; however, mothers are capable of letting themselves become a mother bear; fierce, protective, and gruff, just as fathers are capable of being a big teddy bear; soft, loving, and cuddly.
When bonding with a child, gender roles have a great affect on how one chooses how to bond with their little ones. The last line of paragraph three claims that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says "87 percent of moms and 73 percent of dads report showing their children affection daily". Mothers being more feminine, often choose activities that require close contact such as; snuggling up and reading a book. Fathers are more masculine prefer activities such as tossing a football, or outdoor activities. While doing outdoor activities, there are not many chances for affection to be shown. Instead of cuddling up with a warm fuzzy blanket, and "I love you", fathers tend to give a pat on the back, and "good job". However, some mothers like to toss footballs, and some fathers like to snuggle up and read a book.
Also, learning to communicate from a parent greatly impacts the way a child grows as a person. In paragraph four, sentence four, the author claims that "fathers play a critical role in their children entering successful, happy relationships". Children learn what their parents model. Mothers are more positive, calm, and nonverbal; giving smiles and snuggles. This teaches children to be positive and nice to others, benefiting them in being able to make friends, and find partners in the future. Fathers are more blunt and straight forward, helping them learn how to be assertive, and honest. This benefits them build confidence against possible bullies at school and to have a backbone.
Being a mother of a son, I know that gender does not limit you of activities, or abilities. Although making mud pies is not a hobby of mine, my son loves it. Anything that makes him happy, I will do. Just because I am female does not mean I cannot make mud pies, toss the football, or play with trucks and tractors.
Stereotypes and traditions often make people think that they are limited in parenthood, and often affects their children. Happiness is what is most important for a child, and the parent. Gender roles are sometimes good, but can also complicate ways of teaching and thinking.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Current Connection 2.1
In an article entitled "Elementary School Cafeteria Goes Vegetarian", posted at ABC News.com, Alyssa Newcomb tells the story of an Elementary School of New York being one of the first in the nation to go meatless; therefore, creating healthy lifestyles for children!
Principal Bob Groff of P.S. 244, Active Learning Elementary School says that because the students are tought throughout the curriculum about different food choices; they "understand what is happening and believe in" what is being done. Students of this elementary school, learning to live a healthy lifestyle, will use this knowledge of what certain foods contain, and how these foods effect the human body. With this knowledge, children will be able to identify different foods as beneficial and non-beneficial; healthy or fattening; or, good or bad.
He also informs that different recipes were "experimented with small groups of students". In order to provide a menu best for students, different hypothesis were created, and tested. At last! The results of a beautiful experiment was perfected, and children enjoy their school lunches! Foods such as; chickpeas, kidney beans, and tofu, full of nutrients and proteins, are provided for students, helping their bodies and minds grow. Food that is provided is beneficial and enjoyable!
However, children still have a choice to bring their lunches, containing anything would like to. Alyssa Newcomb explains that if the students do not like the "herbivore-friendly grub... they're always welcome to pack thier own lunch, including meat". Principle Groff also explains that "..it isn't just about having a vegetarian menu... it's about living a healthy lifestyle and educating students on what is out there". Providing healthy choices, students have the option to choose what they want, while making high calorie, fat, and sodium foods more difficult to make a first choice. If students want to pack their lunches and bring fried twinkies, they can.
Getting children into the habit of eating healthy food is something that would be great for schools nation wide! I, a fried chicken lover, and a sucker for anything fattening or high in sodium, try my best to eat as healthy as possible. My family suffers from heart disease, high colesterol, and high blood pressure. To avoid these diseases, I dodge the bullets. Some bullets are from snipers, and they sneak up on you at a family dinner. Everyone knows you are not allowed to turn down grandma's home-made pies. While other bullets, being shot from bebee guns; however, are easier to see coming, weaker, and are much easier to dodge. Avoiding the snack food isle in Wal-Mart is not as difficult. Eating well is good for you in several ways. Educating children about healthy food choices will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Not only will it help them, but develop stronger communities as well.
Healthy ways makes happy days! Spread the education about healthy food choices and maybe our schools can be just as lucky to have the oppertunity to have the excellent variety of good, hearty, healthy, foods like the others. Although healthy transitions would be amazing, it is not a crime to eat a Snickers on a bad day. Cure your inner diva!
______________________________
Works Cited
Alyssa Newcomb. "Elementary School Cafeteria Goes Vegetarian". ABC News. 1 May 2013. Web. 1 Nov. 2013.
______________________________
He also informs that different recipes were "experimented with small groups of students". In order to provide a menu best for students, different hypothesis were created, and tested. At last! The results of a beautiful experiment was perfected, and children enjoy their school lunches! Foods such as; chickpeas, kidney beans, and tofu, full of nutrients and proteins, are provided for students, helping their bodies and minds grow. Food that is provided is beneficial and enjoyable!
However, children still have a choice to bring their lunches, containing anything would like to. Alyssa Newcomb explains that if the students do not like the "herbivore-friendly grub... they're always welcome to pack thier own lunch, including meat". Principle Groff also explains that "..it isn't just about having a vegetarian menu... it's about living a healthy lifestyle and educating students on what is out there". Providing healthy choices, students have the option to choose what they want, while making high calorie, fat, and sodium foods more difficult to make a first choice. If students want to pack their lunches and bring fried twinkies, they can.
Getting children into the habit of eating healthy food is something that would be great for schools nation wide! I, a fried chicken lover, and a sucker for anything fattening or high in sodium, try my best to eat as healthy as possible. My family suffers from heart disease, high colesterol, and high blood pressure. To avoid these diseases, I dodge the bullets. Some bullets are from snipers, and they sneak up on you at a family dinner. Everyone knows you are not allowed to turn down grandma's home-made pies. While other bullets, being shot from bebee guns; however, are easier to see coming, weaker, and are much easier to dodge. Avoiding the snack food isle in Wal-Mart is not as difficult. Eating well is good for you in several ways. Educating children about healthy food choices will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Not only will it help them, but develop stronger communities as well.
Healthy ways makes happy days! Spread the education about healthy food choices and maybe our schools can be just as lucky to have the oppertunity to have the excellent variety of good, hearty, healthy, foods like the others. Although healthy transitions would be amazing, it is not a crime to eat a Snickers on a bad day. Cure your inner diva!
______________________________
Works Cited
Alyssa Newcomb. "Elementary School Cafeteria Goes Vegetarian". ABC News. 1 May 2013. Web. 1 Nov. 2013.
______________________________
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Current Connection: 1.2
Is your child over scheduled? In Bruce Feiler's "Overscheduled Children: How Big a Problem?" he tells his struggle with determining what is too little, too much, or not enough for his children; extra curricular and after school activity wise.
Feiler has talked to authors and specialists to find the best amount of extra activities is best for his children. Days can end up "over stuffed", while others are "wide open". Some days there is so much to do, there are activities that have to eliminated from the day in order to get the most important ones done. Play dates are canceled in order to make it to piano practice. Wide open days are the opposite; however, these days you find yourself watching reality TV shows you are just watching to waste time. But how crucial are these overstuffed days to your children?
In recent years, there has been some "backlash" to these views. With scholars releasing studies showing the benefits of extracurricular activities, whether paid for out of school budgets or parents’ pockets, there are several articles posted with the title of, “The Overscheduled Child Myth.” Still, the more common headline reads: “10 Signs Your Kid Is Too Busy.” Feiler, a work at home dad, described himself as "frustrated" and "confused" from these messages. Being a work at home dad, he is often the one taking children to soccer, and ballet practices, but when do you know if or when your child is over worked?
Feiler talked to specialists, and authors to find out. Michael Thompson, a clinical psychologist and the author of “The Pressured Child,” attempted to put him at ease by telling him, “As a general principle, there is a line between a highly enriched, interesting, growth-promoting childhood and an overscheduled childhood,” he said. “And nobody knows where that line is.” No parent is perfect; although, most strive to be. All that can be done is to attempt to do the best you can by doing what you can. Determining the fine line between making a child an overscheduled child, or an under achiever could drive you crazy. It is simply difficult, and maybe even impossible.
I would rather have days that are wide open rather than overstuffed. Days that I am overstuffed, benefit me in some ways, but always have me stressed to the max. Taking care of mental well being is far more important than achievements; in my opinion. I, a mother, student, and employee; find a lot of days that are overstuffed. Overstuffed days can be crucial to that well being.
Although you want your children to take in all they can; paying attention to whether they want to be involved in the activities they are involved in, and have enough time to express themselves is important. It is okay to have days that are wide open.
Feiler has talked to authors and specialists to find the best amount of extra activities is best for his children. Days can end up "over stuffed", while others are "wide open". Some days there is so much to do, there are activities that have to eliminated from the day in order to get the most important ones done. Play dates are canceled in order to make it to piano practice. Wide open days are the opposite; however, these days you find yourself watching reality TV shows you are just watching to waste time. But how crucial are these overstuffed days to your children?
In recent years, there has been some "backlash" to these views. With scholars releasing studies showing the benefits of extracurricular activities, whether paid for out of school budgets or parents’ pockets, there are several articles posted with the title of, “The Overscheduled Child Myth.” Still, the more common headline reads: “10 Signs Your Kid Is Too Busy.” Feiler, a work at home dad, described himself as "frustrated" and "confused" from these messages. Being a work at home dad, he is often the one taking children to soccer, and ballet practices, but when do you know if or when your child is over worked?
Feiler talked to specialists, and authors to find out. Michael Thompson, a clinical psychologist and the author of “The Pressured Child,” attempted to put him at ease by telling him, “As a general principle, there is a line between a highly enriched, interesting, growth-promoting childhood and an overscheduled childhood,” he said. “And nobody knows where that line is.” No parent is perfect; although, most strive to be. All that can be done is to attempt to do the best you can by doing what you can. Determining the fine line between making a child an overscheduled child, or an under achiever could drive you crazy. It is simply difficult, and maybe even impossible.
I would rather have days that are wide open rather than overstuffed. Days that I am overstuffed, benefit me in some ways, but always have me stressed to the max. Taking care of mental well being is far more important than achievements; in my opinion. I, a mother, student, and employee; find a lot of days that are overstuffed. Overstuffed days can be crucial to that well being.
Although you want your children to take in all they can; paying attention to whether they want to be involved in the activities they are involved in, and have enough time to express themselves is important. It is okay to have days that are wide open.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Current Connection 1.1
"Rating Colleges"
In Eliza Gray's article entitled, "Education Secretary: Colleges Need Grades Too", posted at Time U.S., she informs us all of a new rating system being developed to rate universities by quality of education.
Eliza states that colleges that "keep their tuition down and are provding high quality education are the ones that are going to see their tax payer funding go up". Keeping tuition low gives middle class residents a chance to get a higher education, and high quality education ensures that everyone is getting the education that they are paying for. Every student deserves the best learning experience possibly given.
In essence, the rating system will "help students and parents figure out which colleges offer the best chance of graduating and the best value". The Administration is to help colleges become more affordable for students from different classes, and different backgrounds. Whether you come from a wealthy family with everything, or a poor family with almost nothing; that shouldn't have to limit your oppertunities. With this rating system, parents and students will figure out which colleges are of their best interest, and best benefit.
According to Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, "only 40% of jobs in America can be done with a just a high school degree and two thirds of those jobs pay a salary of $25,000 or less". The time of high school degrees giving a living wage is over. This is why the rating system "which has not been developed yet" will benefit those who are the most needy, and who are less likely to graduate from college. The middle class is beginning to say that college is meant for wealthier families.
Whether you want to join the Peace Corp, or be a doctor, you should be able to do what makes you happy. I think that the rating system is a great idea. Making a system to ensure you get a good education of an affordable expense ensures that not more people will be more educated! It will benefit not only students, but citizens getting serviced by these people that have been educated and specilize in what they do, because of the rating system!
"Rating Colleges"
In Eliza Gray's article entitled, "Education Secretary: Colleges Need Grades Too", posted at Time U.S., she informs us all of a new rating system being developed to rate universities by quality of education.
Eliza states that colleges that "keep their tuition down and are provding high quality education are the ones that are going to see their tax payer funding go up". Keeping tuition low gives middle class residents a chance to get a higher education, and high quality education ensures that everyone is getting the education that they are paying for. Every student deserves the best learning experience possibly given.
In essence, the rating system will "help students and parents figure out which colleges offer the best chance of graduating and the best value". The Administration is to help colleges become more affordable for students from different classes, and different backgrounds. Whether you come from a wealthy family with everything, or a poor family with almost nothing; that shouldn't have to limit your oppertunities. With this rating system, parents and students will figure out which colleges are of their best interest, and best benefit.
According to Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, "only 40% of jobs in America can be done with a just a high school degree and two thirds of those jobs pay a salary of $25,000 or less". The time of high school degrees giving a living wage is over. This is why the rating system "which has not been developed yet" will benefit those who are the most needy, and who are less likely to graduate from college. The middle class is beginning to say that college is meant for wealthier families.
Whether you want to join the Peace Corp, or be a doctor, you should be able to do what makes you happy. I think that the rating system is a great idea. Making a system to ensure you get a good education of an affordable expense ensures that not more people will be more educated! It will benefit not only students, but citizens getting serviced by these people that have been educated and specilize in what they do, because of the rating system!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Book Review 1: Beastly
What is love? Something that people say when they have strong feelings for one another right? Your sorta right. In Alex Flinn's book Beastly, she opens your eyes and heart to something called true love. This book takes a story like the movie made in 1991 Beauty and the Beast and combines it with modern time.
This story takes place in a high school, where popularity thrives and people considered "ugly" are a joke. A ninth-grader named Kyle Kingsbury who is incredibly popular and rich. Kyle gets everything and every girl he wants. He lives with his father who he rarely gets to see due to the fact that Kyles father always works. Kyles life seems perfect, with his hot girlfriend Sloane Hagen. A girl every guy dreamed of having, yeah Kyle had it all. Until one day, Kendra Hilferty comes into his life. After Kendra comes into his life, Kyle is forced to leave home, his father wont even look at him, his once love of his life wont even talk to him. But what Kyle doesnt know is he is going to meet the one. A girl so amazing that itll change Kyle Kingsbury into someone else.
This book will make you laugh, make you cry, make you sad and all over know the meaning of love. I never thought this book could have such a impact on my feelings but it did. If you like to feel your heart race and your eyes tear up from a story that shows you what true love really means, then read this!
I recommend this book to who ever likes to read love stories! This is an amazing book for a teenager and anyone would enjoy this book.
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