Is a Life Worth Less Because You Commit a Crime?
How much of it really is Mind Over Matter?
Does doing drugs make you a better artist?
What are the chances of becoming bankrupt?
How much of life is luck and circumstance?
If everyone is good at at least one thing, is it inevitable that they will discover it?
Is it possible to have everyone be good at something completely different than everybody else?
Why do we get writer's block when humans are constantly thinking?
Why is it so difficult to portray reality when we live it every day?
Is religion an inhibitor of knowledge based on the Garden of Eden?
What is it with Europeans and carbonated water?
Why do people care so much about other people's business?
Will there come a day where our generation will be confused by technology?
Would you still eat if there was no need for it?
Should you read every instruction manual?
If limitation is the best way to realize creative outlets, why do so many people wish to be free?
I have never seen etc. written out. This is not a question.
If humans could remember as much information as they do for all of the melodies, lyrics and rhythms of all the songs they know, would they be geniuses?
Is life just one big, great conundrum?
Is one mindset better than the other?
Is one mindset wrong?
13.1.11
A reworking of this-I-Believe
There was a certain point in my childhood, where I knew I was different.
At the age of six, my father relocated the family to Singapore. During breaks from school, my parents brought my sister and I to a myriad of countries to give us the kind of experience not many were able to have at our age. This traveling routine piqued my interest in cultures and lifestyles, intriguing me to foreign things. Seeing these different mores and, often enough, hardships, forced me be grateful for everything, knowing that others may not have what I have.
In Cambodia, my family sat sipping at sodas in at a cramped store, where a group of small children laughed and sold postcards. I gave a smile to one of the girls, who modeled smudges of dirt on her smooth face. She returned my gesture, yellowed teeth in the sun, a giggle escaping while she disappeared around the corner. Eventually, my family begrudgingly finished our break, and urged our feet to keep walking around Siam Reap.
Unannounced, a timid hand pulled down on my sleeve and the small girl stood next to me. Her dark brown eyes peered into mine with a nervous yet excited expression. Skittishly, she handed a crumpled and folded piece of paper to me, and with another crooked smile, darted back to selling her postcards. Nonplussed, I carefully unfolded the gridded paper and read:
“HELLO
I give you good lack forever.
My name is NGEA Love from NGEA
NGEA”
I slid the note into my jean pocket, awestruck and taken. My puzzled mind could not piece together how my pathetic smile compelled her to believe I was worth the time to write a painstaking letter. Reality dawned. How hard must her life be for her to equate a smile to such a gift? All in the same moment, my mind felt humbled and appreciative. Only such specific encounters make any excursion worth the trip; the cultures and the people become so much more than what any travel book can tender.
Upon returning to the United States, the abruptness of how ignorant my classmates were of the cultures I had been immersed in for half my life shocked me. I found it bizarre that so many of them had barely left the state; I found it bizarre that so many of them grew wide-eyed with fear at the thought. Too many, to my disappointment, were unaware of anything on the other side of the globe-- the thing to worry about was who had gum, and how long until recess. On account of that observation, I crusade for testing myself, taking those challenges and collecting them like postcards.
Without question, I believe the experiences we face as individuals ultimately cause us to change. I ardently encourage welcoming variation as a challenge to alter for the better. Ask questions, yearn for inspiration, and challenge limits. There have been many roads I have passed up, but so many others that have irrevocably changed my life.
At the age of six, my father relocated the family to Singapore. During breaks from school, my parents brought my sister and I to a myriad of countries to give us the kind of experience not many were able to have at our age. This traveling routine piqued my interest in cultures and lifestyles, intriguing me to foreign things. Seeing these different mores and, often enough, hardships, forced me be grateful for everything, knowing that others may not have what I have.
In Cambodia, my family sat sipping at sodas in at a cramped store, where a group of small children laughed and sold postcards. I gave a smile to one of the girls, who modeled smudges of dirt on her smooth face. She returned my gesture, yellowed teeth in the sun, a giggle escaping while she disappeared around the corner. Eventually, my family begrudgingly finished our break, and urged our feet to keep walking around Siam Reap.
Unannounced, a timid hand pulled down on my sleeve and the small girl stood next to me. Her dark brown eyes peered into mine with a nervous yet excited expression. Skittishly, she handed a crumpled and folded piece of paper to me, and with another crooked smile, darted back to selling her postcards. Nonplussed, I carefully unfolded the gridded paper and read:
“HELLO
I give you good lack forever.
My name is NGEA Love from NGEA
NGEA”
I slid the note into my jean pocket, awestruck and taken. My puzzled mind could not piece together how my pathetic smile compelled her to believe I was worth the time to write a painstaking letter. Reality dawned. How hard must her life be for her to equate a smile to such a gift? All in the same moment, my mind felt humbled and appreciative. Only such specific encounters make any excursion worth the trip; the cultures and the people become so much more than what any travel book can tender.
Upon returning to the United States, the abruptness of how ignorant my classmates were of the cultures I had been immersed in for half my life shocked me. I found it bizarre that so many of them had barely left the state; I found it bizarre that so many of them grew wide-eyed with fear at the thought. Too many, to my disappointment, were unaware of anything on the other side of the globe-- the thing to worry about was who had gum, and how long until recess. On account of that observation, I crusade for testing myself, taking those challenges and collecting them like postcards.
Without question, I believe the experiences we face as individuals ultimately cause us to change. I ardently encourage welcoming variation as a challenge to alter for the better. Ask questions, yearn for inspiration, and challenge limits. There have been many roads I have passed up, but so many others that have irrevocably changed my life.
A minor Scholastics Comment.
I did a series and submitted it to Scholastics, and wanted to remark on how I feel about it.
My series of art deals with the aesthetic nature of different cultures. Each piece of art deals with a different culture, and the patterns and designs that are involved with each culture. I selected the countries or cultures for each piece because of their importance or value to me, or because I have a particular interest for that civilization. For example, I selected Singapore because I used to live there, and often recall memories from my past. I chose to explore the Aztec culture because it was my favorite of the three Ancient Central American cultures. I chose symbols from Japan because they exemplified the feelings I felt towards a close friend, and I chose Algeria because I am just, simply, curious about it.
I anticipate that people will have different reactions to my work. I hope some people exemplify the same curiosity that I felt while researching for each piece and that this curiosity encourages each person to learn about those who are different from them. I aim to amaze people with each intricate detail that was put in, and at how unique each piece is, by only using a country’s different aspects within their traditional works and textiles.
Art has always played a role within my life. At first, it was a fun activity that was an alternative to television and dress-up. However, as I grew older, my art became more and more personal. It told stories, it suggested interests, and it illustrated my life. When I finally entered high school, it occurred that each piece should always have a meaning behind it, for that is what truly makes it art. From then on, I thought about each piece I did as conveying something, even if it was as simple as “I love my cat.” As time passed, these meanings became more convoluted, more complicated to figure out, but the art that was produced along with now also had a deeper technicality. Presently, art plays a role in my life that allows me to express myself in a subtle way that I find more mysterious. Also, it plays its part as a stress reliever. In every day life, I find myself noticing compositional effects and color complimenting and it has caused me to realize that art plays its role as a way of life.
My series of art deals with the aesthetic nature of different cultures. Each piece of art deals with a different culture, and the patterns and designs that are involved with each culture. I selected the countries or cultures for each piece because of their importance or value to me, or because I have a particular interest for that civilization. For example, I selected Singapore because I used to live there, and often recall memories from my past. I chose to explore the Aztec culture because it was my favorite of the three Ancient Central American cultures. I chose symbols from Japan because they exemplified the feelings I felt towards a close friend, and I chose Algeria because I am just, simply, curious about it.
I anticipate that people will have different reactions to my work. I hope some people exemplify the same curiosity that I felt while researching for each piece and that this curiosity encourages each person to learn about those who are different from them. I aim to amaze people with each intricate detail that was put in, and at how unique each piece is, by only using a country’s different aspects within their traditional works and textiles.
Art has always played a role within my life. At first, it was a fun activity that was an alternative to television and dress-up. However, as I grew older, my art became more and more personal. It told stories, it suggested interests, and it illustrated my life. When I finally entered high school, it occurred that each piece should always have a meaning behind it, for that is what truly makes it art. From then on, I thought about each piece I did as conveying something, even if it was as simple as “I love my cat.” As time passed, these meanings became more convoluted, more complicated to figure out, but the art that was produced along with now also had a deeper technicality. Presently, art plays a role in my life that allows me to express myself in a subtle way that I find more mysterious. Also, it plays its part as a stress reliever. In every day life, I find myself noticing compositional effects and color complimenting and it has caused me to realize that art plays its role as a way of life.
Big Wheels Keep on TURNIN
“Time is like a wheel, and we are just mud on the side of the road, while it goes by” (Natalie Babbitt).
I have always valued learning; but like any prideful student, I have difficulty accepting mistakes I make in an academic area. Coping with failure can be draining, but life, like a wheel, continues to move right along. In the grand scheme of life, forgetting how to calculate the probability of ‘Event A’ happening, given that ‘Event B’ happens for the Thursday math test is not the pivotal moment of existence. The world will sustain its gradual turn, despite the fact that the abominable answer scribbled down in a panic was, in short, wrong.
This school year, Aurora High School adopted a new policy with turning in assignments. A student must submit a hard copy of the assignment on the day it was due, and then promptly submit it to turnitin.com, a website that checks for plagiarism. If a student fails to submit their work to the program, their grade is unceremoniously downgraded to a zero. Unfortunately, I became overwhelmed one week, and the deadline for turnitin.com passed by. I collected my thoughts days later, and abruptly realized my mind lapse.
Although I campaigned against this policy, it did not bear the fruit I desired, and my poor grade remained, which left me, and my report card, devastated. After moping for a day or so, I received a pick-me-up by a classmate while sitting in German class. He passed along the desk an old worksheet upon which he scrawled his words of wisdom (naturally, all in German). He pointed out that life was too short to worry about what happened in the past. Living in Aurora, the opportunities are endless, and we have so much to be grateful for. We are not living somewhere where our lives are in danger upon walking outside, or where we have to go and work to help the welfare of our families. In retrospect, a poor quarter grade should be the least of our worries because we can bounce back from anything.
I stared at his words, and remembered Winnie and Mr. Tuck’s conversation within the pages of Tuck Everlasting. The wheel of the world will continually move, whether the people in it have braced themselves or not. I took a deep breath in my seat, and prepared to move on with life.
I have always valued learning; but like any prideful student, I have difficulty accepting mistakes I make in an academic area. Coping with failure can be draining, but life, like a wheel, continues to move right along. In the grand scheme of life, forgetting how to calculate the probability of ‘Event A’ happening, given that ‘Event B’ happens for the Thursday math test is not the pivotal moment of existence. The world will sustain its gradual turn, despite the fact that the abominable answer scribbled down in a panic was, in short, wrong.
This school year, Aurora High School adopted a new policy with turning in assignments. A student must submit a hard copy of the assignment on the day it was due, and then promptly submit it to turnitin.com, a website that checks for plagiarism. If a student fails to submit their work to the program, their grade is unceremoniously downgraded to a zero. Unfortunately, I became overwhelmed one week, and the deadline for turnitin.com passed by. I collected my thoughts days later, and abruptly realized my mind lapse.
Although I campaigned against this policy, it did not bear the fruit I desired, and my poor grade remained, which left me, and my report card, devastated. After moping for a day or so, I received a pick-me-up by a classmate while sitting in German class. He passed along the desk an old worksheet upon which he scrawled his words of wisdom (naturally, all in German). He pointed out that life was too short to worry about what happened in the past. Living in Aurora, the opportunities are endless, and we have so much to be grateful for. We are not living somewhere where our lives are in danger upon walking outside, or where we have to go and work to help the welfare of our families. In retrospect, a poor quarter grade should be the least of our worries because we can bounce back from anything.
I stared at his words, and remembered Winnie and Mr. Tuck’s conversation within the pages of Tuck Everlasting. The wheel of the world will continually move, whether the people in it have braced themselves or not. I took a deep breath in my seat, and prepared to move on with life.
One moment in history
My mind began tumbling a scenario:
If I had to choose to witness any moment in history, what would it be?
After thinking of a few events, I realized that all of them were shrouded with some sort of mystery.
My first few thoughts were the creation of Stonehenge, the Black Dahlia murder, and the burning of the Library of Alexandria.
For the most part, I am just so obsessed with events where nobody knows what really happened- who and how built the giant stone structures in England? Why was Elizabeth Short so brutally murdered? What valuable information was potentially lost with the burning down of the Library of Alexandria?
This might be another reason why I want to go into archaeology. Part of the job requires analyzing and mystery; sometimes, you do not know what whatever you're digging up does, or could do, or didn't do, or who used it. Conceptually, searching for an answer using only bits of information is fascinating to me.
If I had to choose to witness any moment in history, what would it be?
After thinking of a few events, I realized that all of them were shrouded with some sort of mystery.
My first few thoughts were the creation of Stonehenge, the Black Dahlia murder, and the burning of the Library of Alexandria.
For the most part, I am just so obsessed with events where nobody knows what really happened- who and how built the giant stone structures in England? Why was Elizabeth Short so brutally murdered? What valuable information was potentially lost with the burning down of the Library of Alexandria?
This might be another reason why I want to go into archaeology. Part of the job requires analyzing and mystery; sometimes, you do not know what whatever you're digging up does, or could do, or didn't do, or who used it. Conceptually, searching for an answer using only bits of information is fascinating to me.
Why an Archaeologist?
For some time, becoming an archaeologist rests as one of my primary goals. I hope to accomplish this dream. As an undergraduate, I hope to accomplish an education by working hard, an experience through studying abroad, and establish friendships that last. I believe these goals in particular will help me take the next step into my life as an Archeologist, and as a person.
Through undergraduate work, I hope to gain the knowledge and education to intelligently make inferences and analytical steps. With this information gained, I will be able to make hypotheses and educated presumptions if faced with any mysteries while excavating dig sites or looking deeply at artifacts. With this education, I hope to accomplish a deep understanding of the classical world, and apply it to possible careers or other steps in my academic life. This may include research into the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, Latin, Italian, Greek, or other ancient cultures within the Mediterranean.
While majoring in Archaeology, I hope to accomplish the experience needed to succeed in an archeological occupation, and part of that experience will include studying abroad. With such hands-on experience, studying amidst different cultures gives the type of comprehension one could not simply read out of a textbook. It is one thing to read and learn from a book from the comfort of one’s home; it is quite another to be immersed in the culture itself and learn directly from its people. Moving directly into the place of study, although much more modern than in ancient times, gives a person the feel of what was, along with the feeling of what is, and that comparison can tell a person a lot about the culture.
Also, the creation of friendships and connections adds to the quality of one’s time at a university. I hope to shape many different friendships and make them last a lifetime. Meeting different people leads to different perspectives. These different viewpoints can open the mind to things never considered, and that quality in a friendship has value. Often, people say the friends they choose to surround themselves with define them; but I would rather have them be a compliment.
There are many things I wish to accomplish in the next phase in my life. While an undergraduate, the education, the experience of travel, and the establishment of friendships are three I will achieve to become an Archaeologist and an intellectual.
Through undergraduate work, I hope to gain the knowledge and education to intelligently make inferences and analytical steps. With this information gained, I will be able to make hypotheses and educated presumptions if faced with any mysteries while excavating dig sites or looking deeply at artifacts. With this education, I hope to accomplish a deep understanding of the classical world, and apply it to possible careers or other steps in my academic life. This may include research into the Ancient Greeks, the Romans, Latin, Italian, Greek, or other ancient cultures within the Mediterranean.
While majoring in Archaeology, I hope to accomplish the experience needed to succeed in an archeological occupation, and part of that experience will include studying abroad. With such hands-on experience, studying amidst different cultures gives the type of comprehension one could not simply read out of a textbook. It is one thing to read and learn from a book from the comfort of one’s home; it is quite another to be immersed in the culture itself and learn directly from its people. Moving directly into the place of study, although much more modern than in ancient times, gives a person the feel of what was, along with the feeling of what is, and that comparison can tell a person a lot about the culture.
Also, the creation of friendships and connections adds to the quality of one’s time at a university. I hope to shape many different friendships and make them last a lifetime. Meeting different people leads to different perspectives. These different viewpoints can open the mind to things never considered, and that quality in a friendship has value. Often, people say the friends they choose to surround themselves with define them; but I would rather have them be a compliment.
There are many things I wish to accomplish in the next phase in my life. While an undergraduate, the education, the experience of travel, and the establishment of friendships are three I will achieve to become an Archaeologist and an intellectual.
22.10.10
On a Roll!
Once you get deep into something, you cannot stop yourself! The ball will continue to roll until you tear yourself away and stop running on top of it.
I envy Reshma and Ian's intelligence for recording thoughts over the summer. I thought a significant amount, but failed to come on and write about it. Some of these thoughts included:
-People need multiple groups of friends so their life doesn't crumble if something happens.
-Even though parents say they trust you, sometimes, they really don't mean it.
- I need a job if I'm going to function. (As in, spoil people)
-Why aren't there a lot of clouds this summer to see pictures in?
-I really wish it was cold, but I know in a couple months I'll wish for the exact opposite
-Cats pwn dogs. Probably because they act so much more like humans, which I find fascinating
-Why didn't I ask what type of cheese that German woman used?
-I can never go into childcare, or teaching, (I couldn't handle grades)
-I cannot wait until college, even though I'm almost positive it will be like an older version of high school.
-How do I make a difference in the world with Archaeology?? (I would be a doctor, but blood makes me a little queasy)
-Wow. Time flies. School..again!
I envy Reshma and Ian's intelligence for recording thoughts over the summer. I thought a significant amount, but failed to come on and write about it. Some of these thoughts included:
-People need multiple groups of friends so their life doesn't crumble if something happens.
-Even though parents say they trust you, sometimes, they really don't mean it.
- I need a job if I'm going to function. (As in, spoil people)
-Why aren't there a lot of clouds this summer to see pictures in?
-I really wish it was cold, but I know in a couple months I'll wish for the exact opposite
-Cats pwn dogs. Probably because they act so much more like humans, which I find fascinating
-Why didn't I ask what type of cheese that German woman used?
-I can never go into childcare, or teaching, (I couldn't handle grades)
-I cannot wait until college, even though I'm almost positive it will be like an older version of high school.
-How do I make a difference in the world with Archaeology?? (I would be a doctor, but blood makes me a little queasy)
-Wow. Time flies. School..again!
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