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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Daily Writing Prompts # 3

14) What are some questions and concerns you have about growing up and adulthood?
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  1. What college will I go to?
  2. Where am I going to be in ten years?
  3. Where am I going to work?
  4. Am I going to be successful?
  5. Is there going to be a time where I want to be a child again?
  6. Am I still going to be the same me?
  7. Am I going to see my friends ever again, once we go our separate ways?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Reading Response on Coming of Age Novel

Novel: Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson

Growing up is all about making mistakes. Teenagers often do things without thinking about the consequences. That's exactly what happened with Melinda Sordino. She made the mistake of going to an end-of-summer party. At the party, she got drunk and raped. She called the cops, and due to crashing the party, lost all her friends, people she didn't know hated her, and she was all alone.

In the book, Melinda started the first day of high school without her friends. She lost all her friends due to the party. Rachel, her best friend, was angry at her and wouldn't even speak to her after that day. Their friendship ended, leaving all the precious memories they had together turn to dust. Melinda's other friends did the same, but the fact that her friendship with Rachel ended, hurt her the most. In the book it stated," If I sit in the front, it will make me look like a little kid, but I figure it's the best chance I have to make eye contact with one of my friends, if any of them have decided to talk to me yet." This quote shows that her friends are still mad at her, and that Melinda still has hope that they will forgive her.

Another thing that happened to Melinda, due to the party, was that people she didn't know hated her. For example, while she was at a pep rally, she sat with a group of people she didn't know, but later found out that they hated her guts. One girl yanked Melinda's hair, and called her an asshole because her brother got arrested at the party, and was fired as well. Another girl jammed her knees into her back, during the pep rally, and made her move an inch forward in her seat. The book states," I have worked so hard to forget every second of that stupid party, and here I am in the middle of a hostile crowd that hates me for what I had to do." This quote shows that Melinda is hated and that remembering what happened that night is something she wants to forget. 

Lastly, Melinda was left all alone because of the party. She no longer had friends, and no one wanted to be her friend either. The book states," I close my eyes. This is what I've been dreading. As we leave the last stop, I am the only person sitting alone." This quotes shows that she knew she would be ostracized, but just didn't want to it to be true. She had become an outcast, and a nonentity. I can't imagine being in that situation; everyone needs someone to rely on. If I were in her shoes, I don't think I'd go to school.

In conclusion, Melinda's life changed due to the mistake of going to an end-of-summer party. She didn't expect to lose her friends, have people she didn't know hate her, and to be all alone. Like many teens, she didn't think about the consequences for her actions.  

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Daily Writing Prompts # 2

7) What are the main similarities and differences between childhood and adulthood?
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Childhood:

  1. You do not have a lot of freedom.
  2. You do not have a lot of responsibility.
  3. You do not have a lot to worry about.
  4. You are still dependent on parent(s).
  5. You haven't been exposed to the "real world."
  6. Generally a time to play, have fun, and be carefree. 
Adulthood:

  1. You are now "on your own."
  2. You have a lot of responsibility.
  3. You are more mature.
  4. Are now in the "real world."
  5. You have your freedom.
  6. Generally a time to work, and not to play.
Similarities:
  1. You learn new things.
  2. You can explore the new phase.
  3. You still have your parents and/ or the people who care about you.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Daily Writing Prompts # 1

15) Some aspects of coming of age are pain, loss, disappointment, and disillusionment. Write about 1 experience you have had that relates to one of these aspects. 
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Dear Fudge,
How is it like in Heaven? Are you alone? I am writing to you because I miss you very much. I wish I could go back in time to prevent your death. I knew it was a bad idea to put you and Bebe in the same tank. I’m sorry for all those times I forgot to wash your tank, and the time I forgot to feed you .
Love,
Jasmine

P.S.  I am mad at Bebe. 
***

Dear Fudge,
                I hope you’re happy, up there in heaven. I’m just writing to let you to let you know that I have forgiven Bebe. I have realized that she didn’t mean to step on your neck.  I shouldn’t have been mad at her in the first place.
Love,
Jasmine
              ***

Dear Fudge,
                It has been the longest since I have written to you, and so, I’m sorry. I just wanted to say that I have not forgotten you; in fact I remember the day you were given to me, January 03, 2008. Mom was waiting for me outside, holding something. I didn’t think much of it, and I was surprised when I learned it was a gift for me. When I opened the bag, I saw you. You almost seemed to smile at me. You were my first pet. And now, although you are not here, and years have passed, you are still as special to me.
Love forever,
Jasmine