Times Flies...

Man, I just cannot get over how the semester is flying by. I bet you have said at least ten times this semester. Yeah, it’s crazy, how as we get older we take more notice towards time. As a kid, the only times you really cared about was the number of minutes your mom gave you when you’re playing outside, your bed time, or dinner time? In high school, I realized the importance of a minute. Being in rehearsals, my director was not about wasting time whatsoever. The last class of the day, you’re eyeing that minute hand ticking away towards the last minute. Most of have probably come to the realization that time is precious and it’s so important that we always put it to good use. How many times a day do you hear this, “Boy, look at the time!” or “Wow, the time has flown by!” and so on and so on. We say all these things and then look at us…we’re so “responsible” with our time and making sure we “dedicate” to the appropriate things, but at the same time how much of our lives do we spend sitting at a computer. You know, facebook, email, and general web surfing, we all do it and I am guilty as well. We watch pointless reality TV shows and read magazines about other people’s life because we don’t have one of our own… I am not saying that I don’t fall under any of these activities, I just decided to explore this subject and I realize that for me, I should spend my free time doing better things. Now, I know that our culture today is practically based around the computer and internet. Lord knows, we all couldn’t get through the day without it. Other than our cell phone, it’s our main way to communicate. Plus, we definitely would not succeed in our classes. I mean, how would I be able to blog every week? J Wait; maybe we should get rid of computers… I’m just kidding Wendy! (The blogging is not that bad!) You know it’s funny, I feel like every time I blog, I always end up challenging myself to do something different from my norm. So this time, I’m hoping to practice managing my free time wisely. Now, I would consider myself a busy person. I’m a full time student, who is involved in various organizations and sorority, and I work. However, I’m not always up to my elbows in the U of M. I have my own personal life and needs. I just think that I should devote my time to more uplifting and productive things.

Hamlet

Reading Hamlet so far is not too bad. I’ll admit I have to research it sometimes because I am not a Shakespeare pro, but to those who are, more power to you. I’ll be honest, at first I did think I had read it; little did I know I was getting it confused with Macbeth…oops! Ha! Anyways, I really like the suspenseful and mysterious plot of the play. I have never read it before or see any theatre productions of it, so it’s a fresh read for me. It’s pretty dark, which is nice to read occasionally. For awhile, I always fell in the traps of reading the same types of books. Personally, I find reading Shakespeare tough and confusing. Therefore, it just becomes boring because I don’t know what’s going on. So, as long as I put forth a bit more effort towards understanding what is happening, and then usually I am pretty entertained. Back to Hamlet, I can’t imagine putting myself in the place of the actual character Hamlet. To have your father die and then see your mother marry your uncle not even two months after your father’s death is very sad and troubling. Plus the fact, that a ghost comes to tell you that your uncle was, in fact, the murder of your father and is now the seducer of your mother. I can imagine myself losing sight of what is good in life and where to go from here. Would I lose trust in all of my companions as well? I mean if you can trust your family, then who is there to trust? However, some people do not have trust in their family. But in this case, I believe Hamlet held close relations with them. I am looking forward to finishing this play and seeing how the plot and conclusion unfolds.

To benefit others or ourself?

Last year in my English 1020 class, we really researched different philosophies and beliefs of people. One that I really was drawn to was the study of altruism and the motivation behind it. As human beings, why do we perform acts of goodness? What is the motivation behind it? For example, we see a homeless person on the street. Some might instantly have sympathy for him; some might instantly think, “Get a freaking job”. Let’s look more at the sympathetic character. So, this person decides to buy him some food, a simple value meal from McDonalds. He or she gives the homeless man his food and then feels better about the situation. First of all, why did they purchase the food for someone else? You might say, because he or she was just doing something nice for someone else. Okay, but where deep down inside did this moral behavior come from? After he gave the homeless person their food, they felt better. So, did they do this act of kindness so that they could feel better about his or herself? Are we blind to our own personal motivations to why we perform selfless acts? If this is the case, are the characters in our society that do not perform good acts better off than the ones that do? I mean, it seems that most perform them only to better their own self-interest. I mean, this is just a theory. I’m sure that the there are genuine people in this world. It’s just that some believe that people perform acts of goodness for their own self-interest. Next time, when you do something kind for another person, think about why you are doing it.
WORD COUNT: 282

Thanksgiving-It’s Right around the Corner

Thanksgiving-It’s Right around the Corner

As a child I have the most vivid memories of Thanksgiving. It’s really kind of weird because I feel like I my Thanksgiving memories are more vivid than other popular holidays. As a kid, I would wake up to the smell of a turkey cooking in the oven, cinnamon apple cider boiling on the stove, and sounds from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on the television. I can picture myself running into the kitchen to greet my mom and take a peek at the “Tom the turkey”. I don’t know why, but my mom always called the turkey that. Ha. I would fix myself a glass of boiled custard or mom’s homemade apple cider, grab a handful of spicy and warm sausage balls, and camp out on the couch and watch the parade. It’s a solid childhood memory of mine. Add in…fighting with my brother over whether to watch the parade or the football game, sneaking with him and taking more sausage balls, getting in trouble for sneaking the sausage balls because those were for guest and not “us”, getting overwhelmed with excitement because all of our friends family were coming over. I always liked having Thanksgiving at our house. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always loved to cook. Thankfully, my parents are great cooks, so I’ve learned everything from them. They make the best signature dishes. My dad claims his asparagus pea casserole, green bean casserole, and the famous sausage balls. Mom takes over the turkey, the dressing, rolls, and sweet potato casserole, which is by far my favorite! Nothing beats its sweet rich flavor topped with the crunchy sugar coated pecans! Agh! Lately, I have been in charge of the spicy macaroni and cheese (mom has passed it down to me J), the chocolate pecan pie, and me and mom work together on the pumpkin pie together. Anyways, I’ve always enjoyed the holiday of thanks, from the cooking to the fellowship of family and friends. Most importantly, the reminder of thanks towards everything we have!
WORD COUNT: 339

Frosh Camp makes it a great day to be alive!

For those of you who read the title of this post, probably thought…what a loser! Haha! Well, let me just share with you my passion and admiration for this wonderful and welcoming program at the great U of M! First of all, I was not excited to attend the U of M, but I attended something called Frosh Camp. Frosh camp, you say? Well, what’s that? What’s a frosh and why the heck do you have to go with all of these overly excited counselors with too much school spirit? Because all of these counselors love their university!!! Why? Because most of the counselors attended frosh camp as well. Now, let me just share with you what I took from frosh camp. It was an inspiring four days that really got me excited about being a Memphis Tiger. Okay, so how many universities in this country care so much about their freshman and future leadership of their campus that they create a camp for them!?! Not many. In fact, I am almost positive that the University of Memphis is the only university that welcomes their freshmen with so much respect and enthusiasm. As a camper, watching and listening to these counselors inspired me! Their school spirit was contagious. I mean, why not make the best of your college experience? I was determined to after I left frosh camp. The counselors encouraged me to get involved and give back to the u of m! Now I know that sounds weird to give back to you university, but it really means a lot. We have all of these wonderful organizations on campus and the only way they are active is because of us, the students! I was honored when I was selected as a counselor and able to go back to dear Camp NaCome! It meant so much to me to share my experiences as a frosh camper and freshmen at the U of M. College is intimidating; at least it was to me. However, having upper classmen welcome me in and letting me know that the next few years were going to be the best by far; really made me realize that I was meant to be a Memphis tiger. I felt like I definitely have a family at the U of M. Frosh camp is about sharing your love for the U of M, so that the future of our campus will take over with pride like we have. So, that’s just a little taste about why Frosh Camp, for me, makes it “A Great Day to Be Alive!”

Word count: 429

“Sonny’s Blues” By James Baldwin

“Sonny’s Blues” By James Baldwin
1. From whose point of view is “Sonny’s Blues” told? How do the narrator’s values and experiences affect his view of the story?
-The story is written in the Sonny’s brother’s point of view. His brother bases his personal view from the all of his experience with Sonny. He expresses his values with how he attempts to guide Sonny with what he should do with his life.
2. What is the older brother’s profession? Does it suggest anything about his personality?
-The older brother is a teacher. I think it does suggest ideas about his personality. Depending on the age of the student, teachers may seem annoying because they are the ones educating you and requiring you do assignments. Younger students usually don’t comprehend that it’s for their own good to pursue a proper education. Also, teachers are people who guide you and people you look up to. This can easily be seen in the personality of Sonny’s older brother. He only wants what is best for his younger brother and attempts to guide him through life.
3. How would this story change if it were told by Sonny?
-The story would be completely different. Sonny and his brother are complete opposites. With Sonny telling the story, a completely new perspective would be understood. We might even begin to see the older brother as an antagonist rather than a character trying to help his little brother. There would be a deeper look into the life of Sonny and we would understand his drug issue even more than we do with his brother’s version of the story.
4. What event prompts the narrator to write his brother?
-The brother running into an old friend of Sonny at the subway. They both discuss about Sonny being arrested for a drug deal. The older brother comes to a realization that he can do nothing more for his brother. The old friend tells him to not worry about Sonny and suggest writing him a letter.
5. What does the narrator’s mother ask him to do for Sonny? Does the older brother keep his promise?
-She basically told him to keep an eye on his brother. She wanted to make sure he looked after him and no matter what keep patient and never give up. I feel like the brother did all he could do. He did as much as he could. At the end of the day, Sonny made his own decisions, no matter what his older brother told him to do.
6. The major characters in this story are called Mama, Daddy, and Sonny (the older brother is never named or even nicknamed). How do these names affect our sense of the story?
-Giving only one character a specific name really pull’s the reader’s focus him. It just shows how important his character is to the story.
7. Reread the last four paragraphs and explain the significance of the statement “Now these are Sonny’s blues.” How has Sonny made this music his own?
-He is referring to the piece of music represents his own life. Sonny makes the music his own because he is expressed through it.

“A Worn Path”
1. What point of view is used in the story? Explain your answer.

-The point of view is limited omniscient because the narrator allows the audience to understand all of Phoenix’s emotions and thoughts.
2. What is the significance of the old woman being named Phoenix?
-When I researched the meaning of Phoenix, I learned that it was related to a mythological bird. Phoenix, like a bird, is colorful and migrates from one place to another. This bird is known to rise above from ashes. Phoenix throughout the story rises above her own trials that she faces in life.
3. Welty presents Phoenix’s dreams and hallucinations as if they were as real as everything else she encounters. What does this technique contribute to the story’s effect?
-To me, it reminds me of hold Phoenix is becoming. How much she has gone through and experienced. It makes the reader think that they are the reality when they are simply hallucinations. The author wants to make you believe that they are realistic, because they seem that way to Phoenix.
4. How would you characterize the way Phoenix is viewed and treated by the white people she meets? Does their behavior toward her give you any indication of where the story is set and when it takes place?
-She is treated without respect. Many of the white people belittle her with certain names that they call her. They treat her as if she is dumb and stupid. It reminds me of a old fashioned southern setting.
5. In paragraph 52, Phoenix laughs at the black dog “as if in admiration.” What does she mire about him, and what does this attitude tell us about her?
- I think the “big black dog” represents the black man of this time period. She admires it because the dog has no fear and does what it pleases. This is not a familiar situation to Phoenix because of the time period and how society treats African Americans.
6. “With her hands on her knees, the old woman waited, silent, erect and motionless, just as if she were in armor” (paragraph 85). Is the comparison at the end of this sentence just a striking visual image, or does it have a larger relevance?
- Yes, it describes how she is physically unable to move, but I believe there is a deeper meaning to it. This is the point where the realization sets in for Phoenix. She understands and identifies with her past. How worn it is to be treated as underestimated woman for so long.

It’s not even Thanksgiving and I’m listening to Christmas music as I write this blog…

Every year, it just seems like my love for Christmas grows bigger and bigger. I know that sounds really childish, but I think that Christmas brings out the inner child in all of us. Yes, that is a good thing. I mean think about it, it’s basically the only time out of the year you can get away for being super cheesy, watching sappy movies, eat as much as you want, and still think about Santa coming to visit you. Plus, Christmas just makes you feel good inside. At least it does for me. I like to enjoy the simple things about Christmas. Attending Christmas parades, cheery parties, going nuts over decorating, caroling, watching some of my favorite Christmas movies…honestly, the list can go on and on. I love the fact that usually during Christmas, my family and I get away to our cabin in Gatlinburg! It really excites me because Christmas in the mountains and in the little city of Gatlinburg really sets the perfect Christmas setting for me. But most importantly, I can admit that it’s hard to get carried away with all of these wonderful things that make up Christmas and forget the true meaning of it. That reason being the celebration of Christ’s birth. I’ve always been raised in a family that attended church regularly; they taught me to put God first. So, it’s always second nature to automatically realize the true meaning of this special holiday. But, it’s more than just saying, “Jesus is the reason for the season!” Thaaannks! It’s really contemplating the maker of the universe giving his only son to a sinful world. If you believe in this, really think about it. That’s out of this world. Now, I am no preacher or bible beater by any means. I like to write about these subjects because they help me focus on them more. I think I am going to make a promise to God this Christmas to really try to not get carried away with the worldly Christmas traditions, but remember the original one that begin over two thousand years ago.

Questions concerning Point of View

“A Rose for Emily”
1. What is meaningful in the final detail that the strand of hair on the second pillow is iron-gray?

-This I meaningful because Miss Emily’s hair was described as iron-gray. This makes it understood that one her hair’s was in the bed with Homer’s body, which means that she had recently been exposed to his corpse.
2. Who is the unnamed narrator? For whom does he profess to be speaking?
-I believe the unnamed narrator could be several people voicing their own opinion or point of view and experience of the situation with Miss Emily.
3. Why does “A Rose for Emily” seem better told from his point of view than if it were told (like John Updike’s “A&P) from the point of view of the main character?
-I think it makes the story more mysterious. As the reader, we never fully understand what Miss Emily is thinking. It leaves the reader with the decision to decide their point of view about her.
4. What foreshadowings of the discovery of the body of Homer Barron are we given earlier in the story? Share your experience in reading “A Rose for Emily”: did the foreshadowings give away the ending for you? Did they heighten your interests?
-The fact that she would not tell the druggist why she was purchasing the arsenic. Also, that her physical appearance had altered after Homer had “disappeared”. In a way the foreshadowings did give the story away, but it was still chilling to read the last paragraph of the story. I still enjoyed reading it and was caught off guard.
5. What contrasts does the narrator draw between changing reality and Emily’s refusal or inability to recognize change?
-I believe Emily refused to recognize the change that was taking place around her. It was obvious that she refused to recognize many important events around her. For example, her father dying and she did not want to face the reality that he was dead and gone. Also, that she believed that she didn’t have to pay her taxes because a man who had been dead for ten years gave her that right.
6. How do the character and background of Emily Grierson differ from those of Homer Barron? What general observations about the society that Faulkner depicts can be made from his portraits of these two characters and from his account of life in this one Mississippi town?
-It seemed like Emily was a pampered young girl from a high class family. The story claims that her father had donated so much money to the town. When Homer is described it states that he has come to the town to work on sidewalks; job that probably just allows him to have a small income.
7. Does the story seem to you totally grim, or do you find any humor in it?
-To be honest, I never thought that much of the story was funny. There were some sections that gave me a smile because I found it very dramatic and “out there”. I can completely see the dark humor side of this story.
8. What do you infer to be the author’s attitude toward Emily Grierson? Is she simply a murderous madwoman? Why do you suppose Faulker call his story “A Rose…”?
-I think the author feels for Emily. When reading, I did not receive a negative perspective of her. However, the author may pity her. Also, as I read I never thought of her as a murderer, just a crazy lady. Perhaps the title of the story is from the bridal room of which holds the corpse of Homer. It describes it as having a faded rose look or something.
“Teenage Wasteland”
1. From whose point of view is the story told? How would you characterize the method employed—omniscient, limited omniscient, or objective?

-It’s difficult to determine who the narrator of this story is. I feel like it’s more of a parental point of view versus a teenager’s. Perhaps it could be from the principals. I think it is limited omniscient because the audience does not see Donny’s thoughts thoroughly. This opinion also adds to the fact that I believe it could be an adults view because they are going to skim over how the teenager feels and really focus on their own age group.
2. What is the significance of the opening paragraph of the story?
-The first paragraph really visualizes the character of Donny. How he has physically changed from a child to a distressed teenager.

2. Daisy is extremely self conscious and concerned about how others view her. Find instances of this trait in the text. How does it affect her approach to raising her children?
-She is very worried about her body physically and her attire when she meets Donny’s principal. She also is so easily influenced by Cal. She lets her son go off with him and agrees to so much where Cal has control of Donny.
4. Daisy’s attitude toward Cal undergoes frequent and at times rapid changes. Find examples in the text. What does she seem to think of him by the end of the story?
-She is really fond of Cal when she begins to see slight improvements with Donny and his attitude. However, when the history teacher notifies her that Donny’s grades are not improving, she gets angry with Cal and talks to him. Unfortunately, she immediately believes the excuse that he makes and his “B.S.” that he feeds her. Then, she okay with anything he does with her son. I believe at the end though, she realizes the hurt that he does to her son and her influence on Donny.
5. How does the portrayal of Donny’s sister, Amanda, help to clarify the larger concerns of the story?
-Amanda just magnifies the focus that the parents give to Donny. They are so concerned with “fixing” him that they begin to ignore their own daughter.
6. Would you describe Tyler’s presentation of Daisy as satirical or sympathetic? Can it be both at once? Explain.
-I think it can be both, but I see more sympathy than satirical. The only irony is see is that Daisy seems like a bright name and she is a dimmed character. She attempts to portray the dream mom, but lets a hippy take over her son and forgets about her own daughter. I feel much sympathy for her because she is so insecure that she cannot get her family in order.

Twelve Angry Jurors

Twelve Angry Jurors
“Twelve Angry Men” is a production that opens your eyes to the respect and importance of everyone’s opinion. The audience is taken to the scene of a jury that is responsible for the life of a young man. They must decide whether or not they believe he is guilty of murdering his own father. In the beginning of the play, all but one juror votes guilty. Throughout the play, the one juror who voted not guilty does not necessarily believes the young man is not guilty, yet she reminds the jury that they decide the fate of man’s life.
The juror, who votes not guilty, proceeds to support his choice by enlightening other jurors. As an audience member, I too, was easily swayed by the jury’s arguments. During the play, many themes were expressed. Racial prejudice was highlighted throughout the play. It was understood that several members of the jury had prejudice views and they let that affect their vote. This theme revealed how judgmental we can be sometime. Eleven jurors automatically voted this young man guilty partly because he was from the slums of the city and was recognized as an “up to no good” type of kid. In one of the scenes, some of the jury members even admit to their judgmental ways. I can say that this play was a good lesson and reminder of how it is so important to not be so quick to stereotype someone. As the play concludes; the entire jury votes “not guilty” by listening and respecting an opinion of one juror.
I also believe that confidence can be seen as a theme for this play. One juror decides to vote not guilty against eleven others. Throughout the entire play, he stays secure with his decision and presents an explanation with much thought and meaning behind it. It is so important that in everything you do; you do it because you believe in it. Also, that you do not let the majority affect what you do. It could have been very easy for the opposing juror to let the eleven other tell him that he was wrong and crazy, but she decided to follow her beliefs and instincts. She truly believed in herself and her thoughts. In the end, it was her who affected the rest of thr jury and decided that young man was innocent.
I feel like I walked out of the performance practically inspired. I truly believe in all that I received from the production. We should take in to consideration the meaning of life and the general respect that everyone in life deserves. One can never truly understand the life of another person because we travel different paths of life.

Flannery O' Conner

Flannery O’Conner
O’Conner really expresses her background and past throughout her short stories. I think we can all say that this is a very southern tradition that is emphasizing your personal history and relating it to lessons. It is obvious that O’Conner attracts readers to her short stories that involve southern settings, values, and backgrounds. I see strong southern traits in the three short stories I have read.
While reading “A Good Man is Hard to Find” it is clear to see that is it is written by a southern author. I first notice the southern setting, and then begin to recognize the characteristics of the grandmother. The kind of grandmother that goes on and on about the good old days and strongly expresses how you should be knowledgeable of your heritage and ancestors. Even the stop at Red Sammy’s reminds you of the southern hospitality. It’s the personal level that strangers reach within their first greeting, like how the grandmother and Red Sammy instantly begin to converse. They did not know each other, but as the owner Sammy greeted his customers and immediately connected.
Her religious back ground as a catholic somewhat spreads throughout her stories. Not so much Catholicism to be specific, but we see a lot of religion in her stories. In “Parker’s Back”, the character of Sarah Ruth is very religious and very committed to her beliefs. This character portrays strict views of religion. Even when Parker attempts to please Sarah Ruth with his religious tattoo, O’Conner’s personal traits are evident in her writing. We also see religion in “Revelation” when Mrs. Turnip, in my opinion, cries out to God about why someone would call her a wart hog from hell.
I believe all writers take personal experience and belief and incorporate it in their writing. What else would give them the best inspiration than their own actual background? It’s what makes the connection between the reader and the author, the reality of the story. Yes, sometimes when we read we desire to steer away from our own reality. However, in the end when we read something deeper than the fictional fantasy, we search for a connection. We strive to find a commonality with someone else in this world that enables us to understand each other better.
Word Count: 379

Never Thought I’d Wear Greek Letters

Let’s be completely honest, we all have our own opinions and stereotypes of those sorority girls and frat boys. I know I did before I became a member of a sorority. At first, I automatically thought that sorority girls were nothing but a bunch of attractive slutty spoiled brats that partied all the time. I remember before graduating high school, many girls would talk about how they were excited to rush in college. I just sat back and thought, “OK, you enjoy being hazed and humiliated to have a hundred so called sisters”. Greek life never interested me until I attended the U of M’s Frosh Camp Greek Session. It was here, that my opinion of Greek people did a complete 180. I learned that at the U of M, ninety percent of campus leadership positions were held by Greek people. Greeks had the highest G.P.A.’s. They contributed many hours to community service. The list can go on and on. When I decided to go Greek, I knew what sorority appealed to me the most. It wasn’t a hard decision at all. I feel in love with this particular one, because I was inspired by these women. It’s like they were everywhere on campus! I meet them as Orientation Guides, at Frosh Camp as counselors and a part of the executive board, members of Up ‘til Dawn, the president of S.G.A. and so much more! So these women excelled in leadership but it was more than that. There sisterhood was contagious! They were genuine and really cared for each other. I was so honored to become one of their sisters. I wanted to join a sorority that held the same values and beliefs as me. What was really special is that these girls made me feel so special and wanted. Back to stereotyping, going through recruitment was such a wonderful experience because I realized that my sorority really cared for me. They wanted me as a sister, not because of my resume, but because of who I am. I believe that my sorority serves as a personal development for me. I have learned so much from it and I have only been a member for a year. I’ve learned how to manage time better, lead in an effective way, develop organization skills, how to represent myself in a respectable manor, and I could go on and on. Most importantly, my sisters have taught me about the life I want to live and the ideals I want to attain as a woman of Alpha Gamma Delta.
Word Count:425

Fall!

The fall semester is always my favorite. You come back to school and it’s just like new! Seeing familiar faces again, recognizing change, and being introduced to new ideas! As a sophomore, I’ve come to enjoy the fall semester. Some of my favorite university traditions take place at this time. Football homecoming is one of them! Some of my favorite memories have taken place during it. Alpha Gamma Delta pairing up with a different fraternity and getting to know them more by creating the float, rehearsing for step show, or cheering on a the kick off or game! I also enjoy the cool change of weather. Although I am huge fan of warm weather, I always love to pull out my long sleeves and hoodie and head to class in the chilly morning. Or even heading to a corn maze or pumpkin patch! No matter how old I get, (and I’m 19) I still get a thrill out of carving a pumpkin! Halloween will always be a favorite holiday of mine. I love the spooky nature of it! Renting old scary movies and watching them while sipping hot cocoa just sets the scene for a perfect October evening. The fall is even the season for one of my favorite activities, which is baking. Anything to do with apple or pumpkin, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the recipe. Even if it’s not me baking it, I’ll order Starbuck’s pumpkin loaf bread or Einstein Brother’s pumpkin bagel with cream cheese…yummm! It’s the little things like that that make up the special season of fall for me! It’s the bright warm colors, the coziness of warmer clothes, the thrill of Halloween, the crisp air all around you, and the kickoff to the holiday season!
Word Count:295

Growing Up is Tough

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to be a “movie star”. Pretending is a favorite child hood memory of mine. I can honestly say I was a very imaginative kid. My parents claim that they never needed to go out of our home for entertainment because they had my brother and I. Yes, my brother was also very fond of acting. It was he who inspired to become involved with theatre in high school. I would always go to his plays that he performed in and was just taken away by the world of theatre. When I entered high school, I was so excited to begin my acting career. But I learned that acting was more than being on stage and being in the lime light of everyone. It was creating character far from your own, experimenting with new ideas, and learning the meaning of professionalism, the importance of unity with your peers, communication, and so much more. I learned that in the world of theatre, it’s more than just acting. I was lucky enough to have a teacher who taught about the equal balance of “actors” and “techies”. Also, that there is no such thing as a star or an extra. Every part is important. Everything on stage has a character and a meaning. Every move you make as a character has motivation behind it. All of these ideas and more make up the complete meaning of theatre. It was here, at Bolton High School, that I developed a passion for theatre. Now, when graduation drew nearer, I had a decision to make, whether to continue with theatre and make it my official career or to become a hospitality and resort management major. I choose the business route. It’s not that I gave up on theatre. I just wanted to keep it an enjoyment, rather than a way to pay the bills. Am I ignoring my passion by doing this? Have I done any theatre since high school? No. Other than claiming the role of an audience member, I have yet to return to theatre. It’s hard because I do miss it, but these are the decisions we have to make in our lives. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy what I study now. I just felt like it was time to be practical and not day dream about “making it” the rest of my life. It’s hard knowing what the right decision is. I hope I have made it and never regret it. If I were to go into theatre, I would love to be a high school theatre teacher. Therefore, I could share my passion with students, like my teacher once did for me. Right now I’m on the road to becoming a special events coordinator or something along those lines. I like my major because I’ve always been interested in the tourism industry. I know through time and prayer, God will show me what His plan for me is.

Up til Dawn

This year, I am honored to serve as a Moral Captain for our university's campus wide philanthropy Up 'til Dawn. Up 'til Dawn has one main purpose and tha is to raise the most money possible for the kids of St. Jude! It is so exciting because Up 'til Dawn reaches out to students and encourages them to contribute fundraising. This year, my eyes have really opened to the true meaning of Up 'til Dawn. Not only do we raise support kids financially, but we truly care for them. At the organization's kick off, I wittnessed the beauty of God's love for children. A five year old little girl named Ellen, a St. Jude patient, sang her beautiful heart out for a group of college students. Out of all the songs in the universe, she chose to sing "What a Wonderful World". After hearing her sing that, how could it not be? Here is a precious five year old who is sick, but is still on top of the world and singing about it too! Whenever I think I might have it hard, I just remind myself of little Ellen who has never experienced a normal life for a kid. If she can sing "What a Wonderful World" sick with cancer, then I can get through a "bad" day. :)

St. Car Named Desire

When I found out that the Hattilo Theatre was an African American theatre, I thought that it was very interesting that they were performing A Street Car Named Desire. When I think about A Street Car Named Desire, I automatically think of Marlo Brandon screaming from the top of his lungs, “Stella”. I have never really thought about African Americans portraying the characters of Blanche, Stella, and Stanley. From my personal experience, I have performed in plays where African Americans have played a role meant for Caucasians. In the past, it did not matter because it just showed the quality of the actors’ talent and performance. For the actors of the Hattillo Theatre, it was just the same.

Sitting in the cozy little theatre, I became a slightly nervous about how the play would go. The theatre was so small and this play has very serious issues. So, no matter how far back you sat, you felt like you were right in the middle of all the action. Every character was very believable with his portrayal of character. It was very impressive to Ekundayo Bandele transform into the character of Stanley. I remember him coming out and talking to the audience before the show had begun. I took notice of his voice and mannerisms and then saw him as Stanley, and everything was changed. He provided the perfect voice for the character of Stanley. Out of the three main characters, I thought Stanley was performed the best.

A Street Car Named Desire is such an intense play. When I sit and watch be performed or even read it, I become very nervous because of Stanley and Blanch. You never know when either of them are about to lose it or break down. Stanley’s anger fills a room and his voice sends shivers up your spine. As you watch Blanche, you become so concerned for her because you are so unsure of who she is and what she is hiding. Then you become to almost pity her because you realize she is so lost. This may be an outlet to an audience member. Some may find a connection to Blanche because they may be just as lost in the world as she is. Speaking of pity, we all can sympathize for Stella. Such a kind hearted and fragile character, we hate to see her live in this world. We hate to see her stay with Stanley just because she has his child.

This deep and emotional play takes us to a two room apartment in New Orleans. We are introduced to the lives of Stanley and Stella, and Stella’s sister Blanche. We are provided with many emotions throughout the play. The room is filled with our laughter because of Stanley’s sarcasm and Blanche’s crazy stories. We are frightened by Stanley’s anger and Stella’s well being. Also, the reality of who Blanche really is. We are sympathize for the lives of each of these hopeless characters.

Escaping from Reality

When reflecting upon Tennessee William’s play of “The Glass Menagerie”, we are introduced to a memory of a character. Tom’s memory shares a short period that he shared with his mother, Amanda, and his sister Laurie. The audience is taken from the present and is placed in the past. This past consists of an emotional environment. Many of the scenes, that the audience witness, leave them wondering whether they should laugh or cry. Tom’s narration guides his listeners through the present time of his memory and we then, share his experience with him. In his memory, it is learned that the past of other characters and how it has developed their present. Parts of their past and present beings draw them towards a desire to escape. However, no matter what their past may be, their present always reminds them of their responsibilities they hold.

The past represents a deep meaning for each character in the play. When Amanda, the mother of Lorie and Tom, is introduced; she is telling stories of her past that she clings to. They tell the audience the story of a loud and boisterous woman, who was once young and pretty with many gentlemen after her. Tom’s memory shows how Amanda ended up with Tom and Laurie’s father. It is in this beginning scene that the audience learns of how Amanda is still holding on to her past and that she dwells too much on her past. Like older women who have lost their attractive side or their appeal to men, Amanda misses her younger years. We can see that Amanda is always drawn to her younger days because she has fallen into a trap with her family. Abandoned by her husband, she relies on Tom to support the family. In a way, we can say that Amanda relies on Laurie for support as well. Amanda pursues Laurie to go out and meet men. Amanda uses her teenage past as a reference to show how she had many gentlemen callers. She encourages Laurie to go to business school, so that she may have a career. Amanda also ignores her own daughters crippled leg, which frustrates Laurie. This represents how she resents the reality she lives in. In all that Amanda does throughout the play, she reflects her past and her desire to escape from her life.

When comparing the awareness of responsibility to the play, Tom is brought to mind. In this time period, the man is thought of as the head of the house no matter what. With his father gone, Tom has had to step up and support his sister and mother. Day after day, he slaves in a warehouse and like his mother; he has strong desires to escape his present. Tom believes that there is more to life than just working from pay check to pay check. As he works and works, he finds that his only escape his drinking. Many nights he goes out and drinks to have his time from his responsibilities for his family. Tom boldly reflects the theme of escape for a better reality.

Through Lorie, we are presented with another character that is hungry for a new present and escape from her present reality. Even more specifically, Laurie is a hungry for a new everything. It seems that Laurie wants to abandon herself. She is very self conscious about the physical state of her body. She is the least of all characters who has an awareness of responsibility. Laurie has an awareness of her image. Although, she is a cripple, she is finally beginning to realize how she is able to live a normal life in her present. It is through the character of Jim that Laurie finally breaks out. Laurie has been caught up on a past experience with Jim. He had made a nickname for her and to Laurie; it was as if he had hung the moon. Only because he recognized her and treated her well, she had never removed him from her past. After him and Laurie spend time together, she is able to focus more on her present and let the past go.

The play is full of a comparison between the themes of escape, awareness of responsibilities, and reflections of the past. Each character displays his or her own representations of a theme that develops their own character. The memory of Tom provides us with an understanding of how the family has become what it is at the present.

question for "Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?"

Explain the title. Why is it in the form of a question, and why are there two parts to the question? Who does "you" refer to?
To begin answering this question, I want to start with who the title refers to. In my opinion, it is referring to society’s young adults in general. To be more specific, young adults like Connie and Arnold Friend may easily have this question directed towards them. For the character of Connie, the question explains her rebellious young state of age. She lies to her parents about where she is and who she is with. For Arnold Friend, the question explains his inappropriate actions towards innocent teenage girls like Connie. Then, we can take this title and let it represent the majority of young people’s desires of rebellious actions, like lying to their parents about where they are or sneaking out. When you read the title, it’s like you can hear your own parent’s voice speaking it. It grabs the reader’s attention and instantly allows them to make some type of connection because they can easily identify with the title.
2. Who is Arnold Friend? Do you think he is appropriately named? What is the significance of his car? His clothing? His language?
Arnold Friend, in this story, is a representation of evil. He is a very sly and dangerous man. Many specific characteristics of Arnold, match with those of the devil. For example, Arnold’s foot is slightly disfigured, almost as if he is without a real foot; the devil was known to have hooves instead of feet. When I was researching this story, many people mentioned that if you remove the r’s in Arnold Friend, you see An old fiend. Through time, the devil has been known as the oldest fiend. During the scene between Connie and Arnold, it is described that he wears make up and perhaps a wig. From these descriptions, we can assume that Arnold Friend is a very fake and misleading character. His car is very belittling to women, with the comment about the dent in his car. The audience remains curious about what the three numbers mean. Whether they have sexual reference or they have meaning towards a bible verse.
3. What do you think of the various members of Connie's family? Why has Oates limited their roles in the story?
I believe the main reason that Oates limits Connie’s family members is to draw more focus to Connie. Even when the family members are brought into the scene, they lead all focus and attention to Connie. Her mother is always belittling Connie, but praises her other daughter, June. When we are introduced to June, we learn that Connie is the pretty one of the family. June is older and plain, while Connie is outgoing and beautiful. Her father’s character does not provide much of a character to us. Connie’s father works and comes up, we understand that there is not much of a relationship between Connie and either parent. This can explain a lot of her behavior from lack of parental guidance.
4. How does the setting function in the story? Could this be anywhere? Why did Oates choose the setting(s) that she did?
The setting is very realistic, which is what a story like this needs to have
effect on its audience; the audience relates easier to stories that have practical settings. I cannot really imagine any of the scenes taking place elsewhere. Arnold Friend was placed in perfect settings in the scenes of the story. We meet him at a random diner. Then, he randomly shows up at Connie’s house. This adds such a dramatic point in the story. Having Arnold at Connie’s is house is the best way to portray the stalker character that he is. It provides that chilling effect that you have when you read the scene between Connie and Arnold. All the setting of the story are very practical and realistic; therefore, it is easier for the audience to connect and really understand this story.

It was very interesting to find the connections between the horrifying story of Charles Schmid and Joyce Oates’ short story “Where Are You going, Where Have You been?”. All three descriptive passages about Charles Schmid and the murders he committed left me with a better understanding of why Oates’ wrote such a chilling short story. After I read the articles about Schmid and reread Oates’ story, I felt more emotion towards the story because of the history I knew behind it. While even watching the movie, my stomach tightened during the scene between Arnold and Connie.
I really took a great interest in reading, watching, and listening about this entire subject. I take this kind of story serious because I believe that it is a very big issue in our society today. Girls take notice of their selves and feel the need to act older than their own age. They believe that they have to have a boy’s attention to “fit in”. It is very easy to understand because I have that age once. It is just “so exciting” to know when a boy notices how cute you look in an outfit or etc. However, these stories express the negativity of girls becoming older and men getting out of hand. First, we can take a look at the articles about Charles Schmid.
It is downright creepy to see how Charles Schmid bragged about how he killed teenage girls. When I read the first article about his trial, I was completely sucked in. I was glad to see that there were still two more postings about his story. Obviously, the character of Arnold was based upon Charles Schmid. It was interesting to find similarities between the two. In the story, it mentions how Connie thought Arnold was wearing a tar like substance on his own eyes and it seem like he was wearing a wig. Charles Schmid wore make up and dyed his hair. Schmid took much consideration into his physical appearance. He was so conscious about his height, that he put all sorts of objects in his boots to make him taller. In the story, Connie took notice of Arnold’s foot because she thought it had an awkward shape. Oates represents Charles Schmid very well as Arnold Friend.
Both the movie and the short story dig deeper into a more personal representation of the Charles Schmid murders and gives you more of an understanding of how these events actually happen. I see these literary works as acts of awareness of this subject. Bob Dylan expresses his feelings towards this topic like the story and movie do. All of these works gave me more of an emotional connection towards this original story and its topic. I feel this way because I found out more history and background information of the story, “Where Have You Been, Where Are You Going?”.

Updike Interview and Comparisons between two poems by Sharon Olds

When veiwing the interview of John Updike, author of "A & P", my opinion of the story and its characters remain the same. Meaning, I still see the character, Sammy the cashier, craving the attention of three rebelious girls who enter the store in bathing suits. Sammy believes he is some type of hero when he defends the girls from his boss, who shares how he thinks the girls are inappropriate. I found it interesting that Updike based some parts of the story off personal experience. He had once entered a store and noticed a woman in nothing but a bathing suit. He felt that it was shocking and expressed his experience through the character of Mr. Lingsdnf, which was actually the same name as his mother’s manager and boss’s name.

Digging deeper into the character of Sammy, my opinion is the same of Updike’s. We can see that Sammy is a blue collared worker who desires to be noticed by a wealthy beauty. He thinks that because he sticks up for these girls, they will recognize him as some type of hero. Unfortunately, they do not even notice him and immediately take off when they exit the store. This makes Sammy realize that life will be hard and that he will go through life doing things for others and receiving no credit. I think it’s fair to say that Sammy is an oddball of the town. He wants more than the life offered in the A & P. We can see that he does not want to get caught up in the sheep like routine of the store, where he spends many hours in.

“Rites of Passage”, by Sharon Olds, is a very ironic poem that describes a mother’s child and his friends like older men. They are seen acting as children who are very aggressive and almost vicious, which perhaps foreshadows their life as grown men. This is similar to the future of Sammy in “A & P”. If Sammy were to stay in the store, he would become just like his boss. We can also find similarity between Sharon Old’s poem “The One Girl at the Boy’s Party” and “A & P”. The girl in this poem is somewhat like Queenie of “A & P”. She is described in almost every detail by her mother. Like in “Rites of Passage”, it seems that these mothers who describe their children are very protective and can be somewhat like a hero to their own children. This differs from Updike’s view of a hero in his story because these mothers have more to be recognized for. Unlike Sammy, they give a sense of protection to their children, knowing them so well. The two poems express the heroism of motherhood.

What is a hero?

When mentioning the word hero, most people associate it with someone who “saved” or “rescued” another person, or perhaps helped them out in a time of need. Usually, a hero provides a positive connotation when being described. We recognize heroes for outstanding acts of service towards. In the end, I believe everyone can share their own meaning and personal story of a hero.
One person who I think of as a hero is Danny Thomas, the founder of St. Jude Research Hospital. Danny Thomas is a hero in my eyes because of his attempts to better the lives of ill and innocent children. He expressed heroism because he wanted to provide children with a hope that they could live a normal life. Without a doubt, you could say that Danny “saved” and “rescued” the lives of many sick kids and even their parents. Danny Thomas wanted to save the lives of others because Christ saved his child’s life, when diagnosed with cancer. After realizing what Christ had done and provided for him, he decided to give back to his Savior by helping children. Only a few believed in Danny, but that did not stop him because he took a stand for and carried on his promise to God. Therefore, to me, Danny Thomas expressed many admirable qualities of a hero by rescuing children and providing salvation towards a healthy and prosperous life.
In Updike’s story “A &P”, we are left questioning whether the character of Sammy is a hero or not. Sammy is a teenage cashier who decides to stand up to his manager and defend three girls, who dressed inappropriately in a super market. He also decides to quit his job after he sticks up for the girls. In my eyes, I do not believe that Sammy has expressed any acts of bravery or courage for a respectable cause. I feel like he only quit his job to try to impress the girls and he only stuck up for them just so he would be noticed. A true hero does not serve for attention and credit. A genuine hero intentionally tries to help others, and only does it to make the lives of others finer.
There are various acts of heroism that can be expressed. Small and simple acts of heroism can mean just as much as saving the life of another. You don’t have to create a research hospital to be a hero or rescues someone from a burning building. Yes, these are commendable acts that heroes have been known for, but a hero can be anyone who has provided some act of service or support towards another. Maybe an encouraging parent that helped you through a rough time, or a caring teacher who provided extra time out of their days to assist you with your education, or any of these kinds of stories. A hero provides a light out of darkness, strength when you are weak, and encouragement when you feel like you cannot go on.

"Reading a Story"

Answers to Questions from Chapter 1, "Reading a Story"

P.6
1. The North Wind is a very thoughtless and impatient character. When attempting to strip the travler of his coat, he was quick to act and did not think his idea or plan through very well. Obviously, the Sun is the complete opposite. The Sun's personality is very wise and patient. These traits are expressed through his actions upon the traveler.

2. The North Wind's attempt was ineffective because he let all his strength and force out in one instant attack. The attack happened very fast and ended very fast; therefore, the traveler was not afflicted by it.

3. The sun was successful becuase his attempt was thought well through. He was very patient and calm towards his attempt. The Sun was very sly in actions. He gently crept upon the traveler with his heat and it ever so slowly distressed the traveler. Unlike the North Wind, the Sun did not use all his force at once. He balanced it out and it affected the traveler more versus strainig out all force at one time and becoming weak quicker.

4. The human serves as the example for how society is affected by persuasoin and force.

5. Persuasion is better than force. This statement claims that it is better to be patient and steady with someone versus pressuring them on the spot so quickly.

p. 8
1. The very first sentence, becuase we learn what the main character is doing and who is coming to visit him. He uses two sentences to set the tone for his humorous and bold answer.

2. Chuang Tzu shows more of his spirited character when he explains the story of the tortoise. It adds more humor and dramatic effect to the story when he does not answer immediately and already knows the answer to the question he asked the officials.

3. We learn the he has a sarcatic and humurous personality. Also, he is very wise to think of such a clever way to deliver his answer. We see that he does not care for high positions, but cares about the small natures of life.

p. 19
1. Updike's details in the story paint a clear and vivid picture of the A&P. We all can relate to, "flourecent lights", "checkerboard green-and-cream rubber -tile floor", and how he describes characters going up and down the aisles.

2. We have a very detailed description of the emotional and mental side of Sammy. After all, the story is in his point of view, so we read the story in his eyes and thoughts. Sammy's actions are admirable to some extent. Him quiting his job shows a lot of bravery and courgae; however, the reason for quiting his job is quite juevenille. Especially, when he immediately thinks about what the girl's opinion is of him for quitting his job. Unfortunately, they do not even know and probably do not even notice Sammy. However, Sammy puts a lot of thought into their physical appearance and so, we learn how "teenage" Sammy is. We know more about Sammy than the doctor in "Godfather Death" becuase we know every thought and feeling that goes through Sammy's mind during this entire scene. Again, this story is in Sammy's point of view, unlike the "Godfather Death" story.

3. I believe the exposition is the first two paragraphs, because the scene is set and we learn a about Sammy's character, we begin to meet the three girls with bathing suits and begin to learn why they are in the store. The plot begins to unfold from here. Queenie's description is very valued becuase it shows how Sammy thinks of her. At first, he judges her by her looks and then is suprised by her defending herself to the manager. The way Sammy describes her and how he notices her shows his boy immaturities. I think it is important to understand that Sammy is immature because of what he does at the end of the story.

4. Yes, he become very surprised to see that Queenie defends herself. He was intimidated by her physical appearance.

5. The dramatic conflict becomes visible when the manager begins to question the girls appearance. The crisis pops up when Queenie defends herself. The climax is when Sammy decides to quit and walk out.

6. I honestly believe that Sammy quits his job to impress the girls. He seems very immature and just want attention for the attractive opposite sex.

7. Probably, the way he thinks about them physically. He was obviously attracted to Queenie. I would say it is foreshadowed through how Sammy takes notice of the girls and how he almost obssesses over them in the scene.

8. From the conclusion of the story, we understand that Sammy is an immature teenage boy who wants to be noticed by an attractive girl. So, he decides to take a risk, but it is jus way over the top and unnecessary. The statement Sammy makes at the end of the story shows how in the world, you will make brave actions for whatever it is you believe in, but you will not always be recognized for them.

9. Updike mentions the word "sheep" a lot. I think he believes that the supermaket is like herding sheep through the aisles or the check out lines. Its very boring and grim. It is even worth quitting your job when to impress a girl.