First Semester English Portfolio: Sophomores

Link to portfolio: http://www.tiffanyalanaaugust.wix.com/sophomoreenglish

Angry Letter Final

Dear Nick Jr.,

     Living in Hawaii as a kid, I've watched television for a majority of my childhood, including channels such as Disney and Nick Jr. I loved seeing the characters interact with each other, usually finding a ridiculously planned solution to a not-so-big problem. Even now, I watch the occasional Spongebob, but I've noticed that some shows are set in Hawaii. I appreciate the humor and effort that goes into these episodes, but my family and I can't help but being somewhat offended when it comes to how Hawaii is portrayed.

     Despite the fact that there are more channels that also do Hawaii themed episodes, I remember one in particular. In 2009 on Nick Jr., the Fresh Beat Band did a Hawaii themed episode called "Rock the Luau." Although Hawaii may have crystal blue water and white sandy beaches, we do not live in grass huts and wear neither coconut bras or grass skirts. I understand that this the main image that most people get of Hawaii, but it isn't accurate. It gives people the wrong perspective of Hawaii, which is misleading to most. 

     The Huffington Post wrote an article called "What You Think You Know About Hawaii is Actually Wrong." Myths and perspectives of Hawaii are debunked, such as everyone that lives here surfs, is Hawaiian, and Hawaii is it's own country. These are few of the many myths that contribute to the false image of Hawaii. In a local newspaper (The Honolulu Advertiser), reports went to the streets for more on these stereotypical experiences. One woman recalled that while at the airport, she said she was from Hawaii, and was then asked to show her international passport. As residents living in Hawaii, most of us are shocked that this still happens in modern society. 

     A while back, I visited California for camp. When I told people that I was from Hawaii, questions swarmed me about living in a hut, rowing from Hawaii to California in a canoe, and even speaking English. though slightly offended, I set their facts straight and asked where they had gotten the previous information they had spewed at me. Around a third of the answers I had gotten back were "Oh, I saw a show about it on (television channel/network)."

     I understand that the stereotypical Hawaiian environment may mean more views and entertainment for children, but most of the activities, attire, and cultural events are not relative to most. Instead of creating semi-false ideas of Hawaii for children, maybe you could research about ancient Hawaii or specify on time periods. Hawaii has developed from living in grass huts to modern technology that can also be found anywhere from London to Sydney.

     I have no oppositions about a show as a whole, just certain Hawaii themed episodes. most are greatly entertaining, humorous, and captivating, but please consider the stereotypes being taught to the viewers.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Agustin 

Angry Letter Draft

Dear Nick Jr., 

     Living in Hawaii as a kid, I've watched television for a majority of my childhood, including channels such as Disney and Nick Jr. I loved seeing the characters interact with each other, usually finding a ridiculously planned solution to a not-so-big problem. Even now, I watch the occasional Spongebob, but I've noticed that some shows are set in Hawaii. I appreciate the humor and effort that goes into these episodes, but my family and I can't help but being somewhat offended when it comes to how Hawaii is portrayed.

     Despite the fact that there are more channels that also do Hawaii themed episodes, I remember one in particular. In 2009 on Nick Jr., the Fresh Beat Band did a Hawaii themed episode called "Rock the Luau." Although Hawaii may have crystal blue water and white sandy beaches, we do not live in grass huts and wear neither coconut bras or grass skirts. I understand that this the main image that most people get of Hawaii, but it isn't accurate. It gives people the wrong perspective of Hawaii, which is misleading to most. 

     A while back, I visited California for camp. When I told people that I was from Hawaii, questions swarmed me about living in a hut, rowing from Hawaii to California in a canoe, and even speaking English. though slightly offended, I set their facts straight and asked where they had gotten the previous information they had spewed at me. Around a third of the answers I had gotten back were "Oh, I saw a show about it on (television channel/network)."

     I understand that the stereotypical Hawaiian environment may mean more views and entertainment for children, but most of the activities, attire, and cultural events are not relative to most. Instead of creating semi-false ideas of Hawaii for children, maybe you could research about ancient Hawaii or specify on time periods. Hawaii has developed from living in grass huts to modern technology that can also be found anywhere from London to Sydney.

     I have no oppositions about a show as a whole, just certain Hawaii themed episodes. most are greatly entertaining, humorous, and captivating, but please consider the stereotypes being taught to the viewers.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Agustin 

Risky Business Final Draft: Teen Anxiety

     Staring from our tiny-tot years, we all begin to experience some form of worry. Whether Billy will give back your ball or if your mom will pick you up today, these examples are classified within the most minor forms of anxiety. In today's society, teens everywhere face pressure and trivial drama that often results in endless hours of nervousness. While most teens brush it off, others may experience the more serious side of their worries. Teen anxiety, caused by phobias and parental expectations, is a growing problem within our generation that should be taken more seriously, as it can have many negative effects on an individual's future. 

     With the experience of teenagers changing considerably over the past 30-40 years, their problems change along with it. Although teen anxiety may have not been a serious or big problem in the past, it has crept up on our generation and nestled itself comfortably into many teenage lives. The National Institute of Mental Health states that while 8% of teens are diagnosed with anxiety, 18%-20% fly under the radar and remain undiagnosed. This is significantly larger compared to the 3% of teens from 1970-1990, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Most are unaware of the growing problem, as it seems either uncommon or unimportant. We must learn not to mistake ordinary worries for anxiety and vice versa. 

     As stated before, an undiagnosed anxiety disorder can be sorely misconceived as an ordinary worry taken overboard. This common misinterpretation has lead many into thinking that teen anxiety, or anxiety in general, is not serious and should not be taken seriously. Parents of teens are the majority of who believe that their child is just going through a phase, and it shouldn't be anything to worry about. Meanwhile, they're unconsciously pressuring their kids to do good, or better in school. As most teens continue throughout high school, obstacles and problems are evident, such as parental expectations and common phobias. Parental expectations, a regular part of a student's life, may sometimes be overbearing and cause a majority of their stress. Children are constantly looking for parental approval and support, both of which can be gained by satisfying expectations set. Disappointment may seem normal to some, but terrifying and horrible to others. This can trigger panic attacks, a more general form of anxiety. Panic attacks can be described as dizziness and light headedness, along with flashing vision, nausea, tingling sensations, shortness of breath and/or chest pain, and the feeling of being closed in. Most parents don't want to freak their kids out on purpose, although they are oblivious. Compared to "major" mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or depression, anxiety is usually categorized as a "sub-disorder," or a smaller part of the major disorders. In reality, anxiety alone is a major disorder that more should pay attention to. According to the Discovery Channel, anxiety disorders are one of the top 10 diagnosed mental disorders in America. Even though anxiety can be triggered by insignificant events, such as not meeting parental expectations or failing a test, they may have a substantial impact on a teen's current state and future. 

     Without proper diagnosis and treatment, anxiety, in the most crucial part of our lives- our high school years- could ruin teens for the rest of their days. Anxiety not only takes a toll on your mental health, but your physical health as well. Due to phobias, constantly worrying and being on guard means a lack of sleep and relaxation; what all humans crave and need. Phobias, such as being afraid of the dark, social interaction, or the number 13, play a big role in anxiety. Based on a Gallup poll, the fear of failure was ranked number four in a survey of top 10 teen fears in America. Failure can be anything from a bad grade on a test to not getting on the football team and anything in between. Adding to that, because everyone has as different definition of failure, it can also mean getting on the team but not the position you wanted, or getting a B instead of an A. Little things such as those can trigger panic attacks or immense terror in a person. An Oregon Live study states that five times as many high school and college students are dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues that youth of the same age who were studied in the Great Depression era. With an anxiety disorder and the phobia of failure, the need for perfection is greater than the average student, and would study until satisfied. Not having enough sleep that night could lead to different situations, some being exhaustion and not having the ability to focus. There's no telling how much this could affect the student's future, on all aspects of their life.

    Teen anxiety, caused by phobias and parental expectations, is a growing problem within our generation that should be taken more seriously, as it can have many negative effects on an individual's future. Whether it be worrying about an upcoming test or acceptance of your peers, take a bit of extra time to asses yourself and your nervousness. 

Risky Business Rough Draft

Teen Anxiety

     Starting from our tiny-tot years, we all begin to experience some form of worry. Whether Billy will give back your ball or if your mom will pick you up today, these examples are classified within the most minor forms of anxiety. In today’s society, teens everywhere face pressure and trivial drama that often results in endless hours of nervousness. While most teens brush it off, others may experience the more serious side of their worries. Teen anxiety, caused by phobias and parental expectations, is a growing problem within our generation that should be taken more seriously, as it can have many negative effects on an individual’s future.   

            With the experience of teenagers changing considerably over the past 30-40 years, their problems change along with it. Although teen anxiety may have not been a serious or big problem in the past, it has crept up on our generation and nestled itself comfortably into many teenage lives. The National Institute of Mental Health states that while 8% of teens are diagnosed with anxiety, 18%-20% fly under the radar and remain undiagnosed. This is significantly larger compared to the 3% of teens from 1970-1990, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Most are unaware of the growing problem, as it seems either uncommon or unimportant. We must learn not to mistake ordinary worries for anxiety and vice versa.

            As stated before, an undiagnosed anxiety disorder can be sorely misconceived as an ordinary worry taken overboard. This common misinterpretation has lead many into thinking that teen anxiety, or anxiety in general, is not serious and should not be taken seriously. As most teens continue throughout high school, obstacles and problems are evident, such as parental expectations and common phobias. While most parents may dismiss it as a stress overload, there’s a chance it could be more than that. Compared to “major” mental disorders, such as schizophrenia or depression, anxiety is a “sub-disorder,” or a smaller part of the major disorders. In reality, anxiety alone is a major disorder that more should pay attention to. According to the Discovery Channel, anxiety disorders are one of the top 10 diagnosed mental disorders in America. Even though anxiety can be triggered by insignificant events, such as not meeting expectations or failing a test, they may have a substantial impact on a teen’s current state and future.

            Without proper diagnosis and treatment, anxiety, in the most crucial part of our lives- our high school years- could ruin teens for the rest of their days. Anxiety not only takes a toll on your mental health, but your physical health as well. Harvard Medical School states that anxiety in early development, if not caught, could lead to physical problems, such as short-term memory loss, digestive disorders, suppression of the immune system, and are sometimes related to heart attacks. Constantly worrying and being on guard means a lack of sleep and relaxation; what all humans crave and need. Students are commonly known to pull all-nighters in order to finish their homework, projects, and study for upcoming tests. An Oregon Live study states that five times as many high school and college students are dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues than youth of the same age who were studied in the Great Depression era. With an anxiety disorder, the need for perfection is greater than the average student, and would study until satisfied. Not having enough sleep that night could lead to different situations, some being exhaustion and not having the ability to focus. There’s no telling how much this could affect the student’s future, on all aspects of their life.

            Teen anxiety, caused by phobias and parental expectations, is a growing problem within our generation that should be taken more seriously, as it can have many negative effects on an individual’s future. Whether it be worrying about an upcoming test or acceptance of your peers, take a bit of extra time to assess yourself and your nervousness.

           

College Essay Final

Stanford Prompt:

Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—know you better.

Aloha, Roomie!

I apologize in advance for any grass trails from my skirt, it gets messy. Don't worry about the bristles from my coconut bras; I'll be sure to pick up after myself. 

Nah, just kidding. My name is Tiffany Agustin, your roommate for the year. I’m aiming for the amount of intellectual vitality that you would want in a Stanford roommate, and I'm hoping to be to your satisfaction. I'd like to avoid as much conflict as possible, whether minor or great, and get along as well as possible (although I'll take what I can get). 

I am indeed from Hawaii, although I do not know how to surf, so please don’t ask for lessons in the future. However, I’m open on learning how to surf together. I’m pretty short compared to all you mainlanders (what we call those from the motherland), and I’m not used to the cold because cold doesn’t exist here. I own a vast collection of sweaters for someone that hasn’t experienced true cold, but I’m proud of it.

Now, onto more serious matters. Grades are very important to me (it should be for the both of us, we’re applying to Stanford), so I’d like for us to help each other out a bit. Testing each other, taking turns at buying graph paper and index cards, sharing notes. I like to be meticulous with the order of things, including the notes that I take and the order in which our room is kept. I merely ask that we keep to our separate spaces within our room and only utilize which areas are ours. I assure you the room will be divided to fulfill the needs of our college lives.

With us living in a dorm, I'm relieved that we don't have to handle money that often. I ask that you won't have me hold your change, because I'm allergic to nickel. Not the actual coin itself, but the metal. The lower the amount of nickel, the longer it takes for a rash to develop. Nickel is one of my many allergies, along with raw fish, onions, and aspirin. If you have any allergies at all, please let me know! Wouldn't want to kill you "on accident."

If you’re from Hawaii as well, I feel better that there's someone I can talk to about the differences here. Reverting back to the topic, if you are from Hawaii, then I’m happy (secretly ecstatic and cheering) to know that I have something in common with my roommate.

I hope that we create many quirky, dorky, and enjoyable memories together. I’ve been told that college would be the best years of my life, and I’ll be trying to prove that statement correct throughout our four years together. Hope to meet you soon!

Tiffany Agustin

Word Choice: Abstract vs. Concrete Language (Brianna and Tiffany)

1. The soldier warmly embraced his children for the first time after spending six strenuous months in Iraq. Glee was plastered over the span of all their faces; smiles expanding for ear to ear. As the children barreled towards their father, the dedicated soldier cried out a wail of happiness; he had finally reached the moment he had been yearning for.

2. She tightly gripped the gun, hands shaking. The man across of her smirked mischievously, toying with her. "Where's my daughter?" she demanded forcefully. Silence ensued as the man wiggled in his chains. He then looked up slowly, smiling devilishly. "That' for me to know and for you to find out," he snapped. With sweaty palms and shaking hands, she set the gun down on the table. As she glared at the man for the last time, she clicked the button and bolted out of the trailer. The man went up in smoke. 

3. As the competition came to an end, the seconds seemed infinite. My palms sweaty and heart racing, I waited impatiently for the announcers to declare the winner. I had a slight anticipation I was going to win; my competitors acted with great temerity while playing. The static of the mic burst through the silence. The world was a blur as our names were announced for everyone to hear. We had won at last.

Ball Pit: 

My eyes widened as they scanned over the explosion of color before me. Patches of blue, red, yellow, and green could be found anywhere and everywhere in my field of vision. Without hesitation, I dove straight in to the various hues and shades of color. I felt like a little kid; unlimited energy with the feeling of exploration coursing through my veins. Emerging from the ball pit, my eyes locked onto the bright orange stairs that led up to the sky blue slide. I quickly scrambled up the stairs, stumbling over step after step. Reaching the top, I felt accomplished and proud. I sat down and gripped the handlebar above the opening of the slide and sat down clumsily. Taking a deep breath, I pushed off and let go of the bar and all the maturity I currently had, letting myself transform into the carefree child I once was.

Roller coaster:

Iron bars perfectly organized to create a colossal 400 foot roller coaster. Each individual component, perfectly placed to create a contraption that would provide entertainment and induce awe. Coats of the colors of bright autumn pumpkins served as the exterior of the attraction, making it contrast so beautifully against the baby blue skies. It spun around itself, and twisted itself into several variations; like a skilled contortionist at the Cirque Du Soleil. Quite the spectacle, it caught many daring souls that sought adventure. 

College Essay Draft

Stanford Prompt:

Virtually all of Stanford’s undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate—and us—know you better.

Aloha, Roomie!

I apologize in advance for any grass trails from my skirt, it gets messy. This is my first time writing a letter in English instead of Hawaiian, so pardon my grammar and spelling.

Nah, just kidding. My name is Tiffany Agustin, your roommate for the year. I’m aiming for the amount of intellectual vitality that you would want in a Stanford roommate, and I'm hoping to be to your satisfaction. I hope that when we meet, we agree on virtually anything and everything that ever was on the face of this planet (although I know that won’t happen ever in the history of the universe).

I am indeed from Hawaii, although I do not know how to surf, so please don’t ask for lessons in the future. However, I’m open on learning how to surf together. I’m pretty short compared to all you mainlanders (what we call those from the motherland), and I’m not used to the cold because cold doesn’t exist here. I own a vast collection of sweaters for someone that hasn’t experienced true cold, but I’m proud of it.

Now, onto more serious matters. Grades are very important to me (it should be for the both of us, we’re applying to Stanford), so I’d like for us to help each other out a bit. Testing each other, taking turns at buying graph paper and index cards, all that stuff. In addition to that, maybe we could alternate in buying dinner?

Whatever you buy can’t have onions, which is what I’m allergic to among other things, such as nickel and raw fish. If you’re planning on killing me, don’t use the above methods, because they’d know it was you. If you have any allergies at all, please let me know!

If you’re from Hawaii as well, then what a coinkydink (my word for coincidence). This is the warning that I make a lot of weird noises and words that may be either disturbing or creatively stimulating. But if you are from Hawaii, then I’m happy to know that I have something in common with my roommate.

I hope that we create many quirky, dorky, and enjoyable memories together. I’ve been told that college would be the best years of my life, and I’ll be trying to prove that statement correct throughout our four years together. Hope to meet you soon!

Tiffany Agustin

Coming of Age: Poster Draft

College Essay Prompts

Berkeley:
     1. Describe the world you come from--for example, your family, community or school--and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and inspirations.
     2. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution, or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

Stanford:
     1. Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has important to your intellectual development.
     2. Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate--and us--know you better.
     3. What matters to you, and why?

University of Southern California:
     1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
     2. Discuss some issue or personal, local, national or international concern and its importance to you.
     3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
     4. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
     5. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
    6. Topic of your choice.
   

Coming of Age Final

'Cuz Jersey just got colder and
I'll have you know I'm scared to death
That everything that you had said to me was just a lie until you left

Now I'm hoping just a little bit stronger
Hold me up just a little bit longer
I'll be fine, I swear
I'm just gone beyond repair
-Jersey, Mayday Parade

     To be fair, I really was scared to death. Shaking legs and twisted headphones, I watched as our car passed the "Welcome back" sign. With music blaring in my ears, our white Toyota Sienna turned into the parking lot. I could see hordes of kids greeting each other with smiles and hugs as the car slowed to a stop. Stepping out, I hear "Bye, sweetie. Have a good day! Make new friends!" behind me. Right, as if I had any to begin with.
     Moving from a private school to a public school was a drastic change for me. Private school was everything I've ever known, and here I was at Moanalua Middle School. There were no longer butterflies in my stomach, but angry bears clawing at my insides as my nervousness grew. Students at Punahou hated Kamehameha, but they hated public schoolers even more. "You're moving schools?" my friend asked. "Wow, I feel really bad for you. You could be raped or killed; I heard that some crazy kid brought a gun to school and killed his entire class!" Not necessairily the first thing you'd want to hear. Walking through the foyer, I hear whispers trailing behind me.
     "Is that the private school girl?"
     "I heard she's a snob."
     "Are you kidding me? All private schoolers are snobs."
     "I bet she's rich."
     "She probably thinks she's better than us. I mean, look at her."

     Months had passed, and it didn't get better. Each day felt like a scheduled punishment, only to be repeated each week. I felt miserable. I was still the private school snob that no one talked to. I kept quiet throughout my classes, not wanting to be judged. My teachers became my friends; their classrooms my cafeteria. Almost everyone that I tried to talk to would scoff, walk away, or both. The rejection was annoying, but bearable. The taunts still followed wherever I went, each more crushing than the one before. I've heard it all by then. So far, I was living in a mansion, had private tutors and a lot of money, and was the weird, conceited, freaky genius girl from Punahou. When my mom asked how school went, I made up names of fake friends in fake stories having fake fun. In reality, I was lonely and friendless. It didn't seem like things would change for a while.

     Staring at the ticking clock, I switched my focus to the whiteboard and our teacher, who was going over a project that we would later submit to a university in Arizona. The talking started to fade as I started intently at the clock, silently begging it to declare the end of the school day. Tick. Tick. Tick. It seemed like the clock was mocking me. Ha. Ha. You. Have. No. Friends. Even the clock was making fun of me now. I'd officially hit a new low. Whilst incoherently muttering about how much I hated class, I felt something light brush my shoulder. I jumped slightly as I whipped my head to the left in surprise. The girl in the next row was leaned over towards me. "Do you know what time class ends?" she whispered. Staring at her in shock for a bit, I registered what she had asked and sighed louder than I meant to. I fumbled as I reached into my backpack and opened my planner, amazed at this rare occurrence of social interaction. "10:45." I replied in a monotone voice. "Thanks!" Her bubbliness was overpowering and slightly disturbing, and then she said something that added to my growing perturbation.
     "So, you're from Punahou?" I froze. It was the first time anyone had chosen to carry a conversation with me that was neither relative nor teacher. I freaked out in my head, but my face showed no change in expression. "Uh, yeah." Insert awkward silence and a sudden interest in my planner. The corner of her mouth slowly turned up. "You don't talk very much, do you?" "Uhh," I started shakily, "Most people seem like they don't like me, so I just keep  to myself." She stared at me in wonderment, as if I was crazy. "Why would you care about what other people think?" My eyebrows furrowed, perplexed, as she continued. "You seem super smart, smarter than a majority of our school, and you care what they think? It doesn't really make sense to me." She shook her head in emphasis, expecting a response of some type. I processed this, slowly understanding what she was trying to tell me. The realization hit me, setting off fireworks in my head and my eyes widened. With a new perspective, I smiled as my eyes met hers. She smiled too, as if she were proud that I finally understood. The words she spoke after that changed my entire year's outcome. "My name's Allie," she said. "Might sound weird, but do you want to be friends?"

     Within the next week, I started to speak up in class and talk to the people that sat around me. Those whom I befriended saw that I wasn't a stuck up snob as they thought, and saw I was just another person. The funny thing was, I did too. I learned that these people weren't here to judge me because of the school I used to go to; they were just kids sent here to learn, just like me. I didn't have to be afraid of them or their opinions. No opinion is right or wrong, good or bad. In addition to that, it was the day I realized that people will never stop judging. Whether out loud or silently, consciously or not, there will never be a time when I'm not being judged. I could let that bother me, or just brush it off. In my case, I gently shoved it off a cliff.
  

Coming of Age Draft

'Cuz Jersey just got colder and
I'll have you know I'm scared to death
That everything that you had said to me was just a lie until you left

Now I'm hoping just a little bit stronger
Hold me up just a little bit longer
I'll be fine, I swear
I'm just gone beyond repair

     To be fair, I really was scared to death. Shaking legs and twisted headphones, I watched as our car passed the "Welcome back" sign. With music blaring in my ears, our white Toyota Sienna turned into the parking lot. I could see hordes of kids greeting each other with smiles and hugs as the car slowed to a stop. Stepping out, I hear "Bye, sweetie. Have a good day! Make new friends!" behind me. Right, as if I had any to begin with.
     Moving from a private school to a public school was a drastic change for me. Private school was everything I've ever known, and here I was at Moanalua Middle School. Students at Punahou hated Kamehameha, but they hated public schoolers even more. "You're moving schools?" my friend asked. "Wow, I feel really bad for you. You could be raped or killed; I heard that some crazy kid brought a gun to school and killed his entire class!" Not necessairily the first thing you'd want to hear. Walking through the foyer, I hear whispers trailing behind me. "Is that the private school girl?" "I heard she's a snob." "Are you kidding me? All private schoolers are snobs." "I bet she's rich." "She probably thinks she's better than us. I mean, look at her."
     Months had passed, and it didn't get better. Each day felt like a scheduled punishment, only to be repeated each week. I was still the private school snob that no one talked to, too stuck up for her own good. My teachers became my friends; their classrooms my cafeteria. Almost everyone that I tried to talk to would scoff, walk away, or both. The taunts still followed wherever I went, each more crushing than the one before. I've heard it all by then. So far, I live in a mansion, have private tutors, had a lot of money, and was the weird, conceited, freaky genius private school girl. When my mom asked how school went, I made up names of fake friends in fake stories having fake fun. In reality, I was lonely and friendless. It didn't seem like that would change for a while.
     Staring at the ticking clock, I switched my focus to the whiteboard and our teacher, who was going over a project that we would later submit to a university in Arizona. The talking started to fade as I started intently at the clock, silently begging it to declare the end of the school day. Tick. Tick. Tick. It seemed like the clock was mocking me. Ha. Ha. You. Have. No. Friends. I felt something light brush my shoulder and slightly jumped as I whipped my head to the left in surprise. The girl in the next row was leaned over towards me. "Do you know what time class ends?" she whispered. Staring at her in shock for a bit, I realized what she had asked and sighed louder than I meant to. I reached into my backpack and opened my planner. "10:45." I said in a monotone voice. "Thanks!" Her bubbliness was slightly disturbing, and then she said something.
     "So, you're from Punahou?" I froze. It was the first time anyone had chosen to carry a conversation with me that wasn't either related to me or teaching me. I freaked out in my head, but my face showed no change in expression. "Uh, yeah." Silence. The corner of her mouth slowly turned up. "You don't talk very much, do you?" "Uhh," I started, "Most people seem like they don't like me, so I just keep  to myself." She stared at me in wonderment, as if I was crazy. "Why would you care about what other people think? You seem super smart, smarter than a majority of our school, and you care what they think? It doesn't really make sense to me." When she said that, something snapped in my head, like the pieces of a puzzle coming together. The realization hit me and my eyes widened. I smiled as my eyes met hers. She smiled too, as if it were a silent agreement. The words she spoke after that changed my entire year's outcome. "My name's Allie," she said. "Might sound weird, but do you want to be friends?"
     Within the next week, I started to speak up in class and talk to the people that sat around me. Those whom I befriended saw that I wasn't a stuck up snob as they thought, and saw I was just another person. The funny thing was, I did too. I saw that these people weren't here to judge me because of the school I used to go to; they were just kids sent here to learn, just like me. I didn't have to be afraid of them or their opinions. No opinion is right or wrong, good or bad. In addition to that, it was the day I realized that people will never stop judging. Whether out loud or silently, consciously or not, there will never be a time when I'm not being judged. I could let that bother me, or just brush it off. In my case, I gently shoved it off a cliff.
  

Writing Position Statements

Group Position Statements (Tiffany, Brianna, Dylan):

 1. Tourist deaths at local attractions are the state’s fault because there was a lack of signs posted, they weren’t posted around other potentially hazardous areas, and if there were signs, they weren’t adequately maintained to warn visitors. 

2. Tourists are responsible for their safety when visiting hazardous attractions because signs have preciously been placed in various sights and attractions only to be ignored. The state cannot be held responsible for any lack of common sense on the person’s behalf, and it’s impossible for the state to know every hazardous point of every attractions. It’s the tourist’s responsibility to know which points to avoid.

3. In Hawaii, there are many incidents at tourist attractions, but both sides are at fault because there is a lack of signs on the government’s part. Tourists should also use common sense, and tourist services like Triple A should have warnings about attractions.

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Mini Essay:

     Every year, thousands of tourists come to Hawaii to get away from the stress of every day life and relax in paradise. Although there are many sights to see, they're just as beautiful as they are deadly. Along with the privilege of seeing the sights comes the risk of being killed or injured. Tourists are responsible for their safety when visiting hazardous attractions because sign have previously been placed at various sites and attractions, only to be ignored. The state cannot be held responsible for any lack of common sense on the person's behalf, and it's impossible for the state to know every hazardous point of every attraction. It is the tourist's responsibility to know which points to avoid and are potentially dangerous. 
     A big part of tourists getting injured when seeing the sights is because a lack of common sense. In 2002, 18-year-old Daniel Dick of Sylmar, California, was killed when he reportedly straddled an explosive water spout at the Halona Blowhole and was lifted three to five feet in the air and dropped headfirst onto a rocky crevice. A warning sign was posted in the parking lot, only to be ignored by Dick as he strolled along the shoreline of Sandy Beach. Although the water spout site was not equipped with signage, it's only common sense to be careful while in close proximity to an explosive water spout, knowing that falling in could be lethal thanks to the sharp rocks below. It's like replacing the water spout with explosives and a detonator. If the sign tells you to be careful about the detonator, you don't straddle it and fall on it and explode into a billion pieces. In another case, witnesses said that David Potts, 44, of San Anselmo, California, was dancing around the blowhole when a large wave struck him from behind and knocked him into the hole. While the Maui Fire Department conducted a three day search, no sign of Potts was found. The Maui Visitors Bureau had not promoted the area as an attraction. The only warning sign was a hand painted sigh that read "Blowhole: Park and walk at your own risk" attached to a rock at the Nakalele Point parking lot. Even if Potts wasn't aware of the sign, it's common sense that you don't dance around a blowhole with your back to the waves that are known to be big and powerful. 
     Although there may be a lack of signs and warnings around certain potentially dangerous sight seeing areas, it's common sense to be precautious around places like a blow hole or a cliff. Why would common sense be called common sense unless it's not common? Everyone may have it, but it's their choice to use it or not. The state cannot be blamed for tourist safety when they are responsible for their own when visiting potentially hazardous sites. 

Revision Process

     My revision process included almost everything about my blog. I changed the background, title, header graphic, and as well as other miscellaneous things. As you can see, I changed my title from "The Never-Ending Story" to "L'heure du thé" or "Tea Time." Tea helps me think, in this case, about the past, present and future. This includes the choices I've made and the choices I'm destined to make. It helps bring change for me in a way. I even buy a different tea every month, and set a new goal along with it.

     The header above took me around 7 minutes. I don't really know how this shows skill; I followed some tutorials online and quirked some of them to suit my liking. For example, the words "tea time" were from a tutorial, but I didn't quite follow through because the finished product looked weird. I just changed some things. I changed the background as well for a cleaner look. It sort of shows off everything else, telling everyone not to mind the background and focus on the posts.

     I organized my archive by most recent to oldest. Seeing as the theme of this year is "coming of age," the past shouldn't be dwelled on. Instead, we should look towards the future and what it may bring us. I didn't include post names because mine are super duper long. The little things that I've changed include link colors, blog width, post font and background color. Like I said, little things.

View freshman portfolio here: http://tiffanyalanaaugust.wix.com/freshmenportfolio

Senate Bill 525

A bill relating to: Education
Be it enacted by the legislature of the state of Hawaii:

Essential Question: If the bill is passed, how will the students be affected personally and academically?

Summary:

1.        This act shall be known as the safe schools act. The legislature

2. believes that all students have the right to participate in a safe

3. environment, free from bullying, cyber bullying, harassment, and

4. discrimination. A non-disruptive environment is needed for all students 5. to strive for high academic standards.

6.        The state holds the responsibility to provide a respectful, safe

7. learning environment where all members of the present school

8. community, no matter their race, sexuality, different beliefs or

9. characteristics. All are to be treated with respect and dignity in order to

10. realize their full potential within the community. The purpose of this 11. act is to protect students from cyber bullying and harassment, as well 12. as to prohibit discrimination in Hawaii’s public and charter schools.

13.      The new additions made shall apply to all public schools and public 14. charter schools governed by 302. Any act of “bullying,” meaning any 15. written, verbal, graphic, or physical act that a student or group of

16. students exhibits to a particular student or group that causes mental 17. or physical harm, and is harmful that creates an increasingly

18. intimidating, threatening, or abusive environment for the school

19. community. “Cyber bullying,” meaning electronically transmitted acts 20. through the Internet, cellular phone, personal data assistant, or

21. wireless handheld device are also prohibited. Those that are

22. transmitted include text messages, blogs, photos, e-mails, video clips, 23. drawings, faxes, information taken from social networking sites, or any 24. combination of those listed. Acts such as those listed above that occur 25. on school premises, using a school owned object (such as a car or

26. computer), or school system is strictly not allowed.

27.      An individual of the school community shall not be treated or

28. respected any differently because of disabilities (mental or physical), 29. race, color, religion, ancestry, natural origin, nationality, political

30. party preference, gender or gender identity, martial status, familial

31. status, physical appearance, or sexual orientation.

32.      “Harassment” shall include any variation or act of the following:

33. physical contact for offensive intent, verbal abuse for offensive intent, 34. making verbal or non-verbal expressions or gestures that may be

35. perceived as offensive, hurtful, threatening, or pressured involving

36. those of the categories listed in above paragraph, name calling, causing 37. fear to prevent others from a safe environment, sexual harassment, or 38. physically hurting or stalking another.

39.      Any misconduct as listed above will result in suitable punishment. It 40. is required that the following are posted in every room and school

41. vehicle: definitions of bullying/cyber bullying/harassment, a statement 42. of prohibition of acts listed beforehand, and consequences when

43. engaging in acts listed beforehand. The school board, allowing

44. anonymous reports of incidents, shall provide specification of reports 45. of bullying. No staff shall get involved with any occurring incidents, but 46. report it to the office. The government may require teachers to

47. complete classes on bullying etc. The government to support this bill, 48. which will take effect on July 1, 2013, shall provide an approximate 49. amount of $500,000. 

Persuasive Speech:

        Bullying can affect students academically, emotionally, and physically. 1 in 7 students from grades kindergarten to 12 are either bullies, or are the victims of bullying, and 1 in 10 of those victims end up dropping out of school due to the continuous harassment they've had to endure. This bill not only stops bullying, it also allows students to know that they could walk through school halls knowing that they're safe from harsh words of physical abuse from other students. This bill will hopefully allow victims of bullying to achieve higher academic standards than in a situation where they are forced to pay more attention to bullies rather than their education. Students should be able to know that they have rights under federal laws if they are being discriminated against their nationality, gender, or disability. If this bill is passed, we hope create a safe environment where bullying is not tolerated, and to make a future where students are respected for their beliefs, backgrounds, and personalities. This will make a big difference to how schools are today. Our futures rely on the education we receive, and we cannot let bullying affect our futures. We need to take a stand against bullying to make sure that not only our generation, but also future generations will not have to be forced into a life-threatening situation at such an immature age.