AM*rawr;♥Individuality and Writing♥

Passion Draft..Live life and life to the FULLEST

2010-05-18T21:51:00.001-07:00

My faith has not always been my passion. I was always raised in a Christian-Catholic environment from going to private school from kindergarten till eighth grade. Growing up a Catholic, it has instilled in me that Jesus is a part of my everyday life, that he forgives, and loves beyond all measure. But going to church every morning (as was required by my school) really did not help me to form as strong a bond to my faith. It was like I resented them for "pushing" us to attend. I felt forced. And the more you are forced to do something, the more you feel trapped, pushed, and resentful.

There was a period where I did not attend Church for a very long time. After going to a public school for the first time I felt liberated to make decisions for me based on what I wanted. But in that period I think I learned the biggest lesson of myself and my faith. I learned that I took my faith for granted. I was lost freshman year. Trying to find myself in a whole new world to me was difficult without the help of the Lord. I doubted God and especially my religion. But through all that, when I took a step into the ten o'clock Samoan mass I was reinvented. The beautiful voices, the faithful church-goers, and the feeling that the Lord was with me filled my heart and soul to the brim.

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I thought it could not get better than what I finally felt in my church; belonging and acceptance with myself and the Lord. I listened to the homilies (the reflection that the priest gives) so that I could get the most out of God's word and try to relate it to my life. It helped sometimes but it was really hard to stay focused and to really grasp everything. Until someone introduced me to a whole different way of worship.

In my research I attended an Easter play and several youth services at Word of Life Christian Center (WLCC) and was just amazed at the beautiful things that they were doing there. It was so modern and relatable, it moved me to tears! I felt so filled with understanding and love and passion that I haven't seen before in my church. They praise and worship so passionately that even the songs make you tear up. They fill you with the word of the Lord and help you to grasp the concept by using real world examples. I felt something rise within me that I never wanted to fall. I felt a true connection that I have tried so hard to achieve back in my Catholic faith. I interviewed Mrs. Canencia and she explains, "The main thing that we are to instill in others including the youth (the new generation) is that JESUS LOVES YOU no matter what. This is the most important thing that everyone Must know. Then it opens up to all the different challenges one has in their personal life and are to be guided this day forward." I have seen that they live by this concept and that Jesus gave us life and life to the FULLEST and it is what and how we choose to live our faith as good followers of the Lord.

What I learned is that it should not matter what religion you were born into whether it be Catholic, Christian, Mormon, or any other denomination; you should make that decision eventually for you. I learned that I get more out of the Word of Life community. I felt bad about this at first, I felt that I was betraying my fellow Catholics. But who says that any certain religion is the "Right" religion. It's what you get out of it and how you choose to use the knowledge that the Lord graces you with. The two religions are very different but in general we all follow one Lord and one Word that is the bible. But what they have in similar is that they try to instill in their followers the morals, values, and love of Jesus Christ. In a world filled with violence, hatred, and sin the main goal of the followers of the Lord is to love God, love others, love ourselves, and live a good life and life to the fullest.

Journal #32

2010-05-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

Everyday is a memorable learning experience in or out of school. I learn the ways of relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, and the ways of society. Everything is a learning experience that will help me form my own judgements and views on certain matters. Its hard to pick but on major steping stone learning experience was getting behind the wheel. I learned that its not a game, people die, and you have to be responsible because your life and the life of others around you are not things to be taken lightly.
My vision of school is a learning atmosphere that reciprocates the want to better the students as a person and a student even if the student shows little interest. Because a school atmosphere where hostility and negative attitudes where the adult figures dont care, only makes it okay for the students to not care. We should not only learn the core classes but the ways of the outside world on our own. How to get a job, and develope our people skills. Learning it by experience is the only way things really sink in and the reality of it can affect you.

Journal #31

2010-03-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

One passion that comes to mind when I think of the intrinsic rewards is reading. I love to read and for me it's a way to get away from the real world. It's a way for me to escape into anothers persons wolrd where their words give me strengh to and show me new things. I never liked reading until I read a certain book(Twilight). But my tastes have changed and the difficulty levels have changed also. It has come to the point where my punishments from my parents would to take my books away.HAHAHA. I think I'm a silent dork that likes to read when nothing else seems promising or just for the fun of it. I think because of my passion of reading I developed a passion of writing. I might like to write a book, work for a magazine, or become a journalist. I want to stretch by reading more difficult things on subjects that are informational and contraversial to broaden my knowledge and develope my own ideas of things. I hope to be a powerful writer where what I write can move people in one way or another, the way some writers moved me to tears,anger, or a deep sense of other feelings.

Communication: Her Proud Daughter

2010-03-12T13:40:00.000-08:00

When I hear people say "communication is key to many a success in relationships in general," I can't help but feeling like a disbeliever, even pessimistic about it. I find myself saying in my head, "man what a whole bunch of self-righteous, optimistic, moralist people these are." They really believe that it's so simple that communication can mend a broken heart, or put back a broken relationship with friends or families? I mean it's just so easy to just not say anything at all. Its just like in World War II when the allies appeased everything that Hitler did to avoid conflict again. Wouldn't it be easier to turn your head from the wrong doings of others to spare the hurt all around? But we learn from our mistakes right? If we hold ourselves inwardly and let the "Hitler's" of our life step all over us, then we are turning to our own personal world war. And who know who will win that battle.

I'm a girl and of course it's in my nature to have the urge to talk to just hear myself or just the need to be heard. It's a lonely world when you can't share your joys and sadness with someone. But it's so hard to communicate with the two people who, by nature we try to hide everything for fear of disappointment or punishment. What teen openly goes to their mother to discuss the troubles of teenage crisis's? Personally, I fear ridicule and judgment.

But most would crave to have just a fraction of what my mother and I share. I can go to my mother and talk of these teenage "crisis's" that seemed to crush my whole world. But I open up willingly only to blow up at her because of her judgmental and blunt demeanor. My mother is not one to hold her tongue and say what you want to hear. I hear the wisdom in her words but it's said so candidly that I automatically put back up my walls. It's hard to accept the things that you try to block out that are pointed out to you from someone on the outside. It's a constant battle to be heard and to truly hear. But so much good has come out of our open communication that I can't help but being a true believer.

So I find myself openly sharing my troubles more and more as the years go by. My mother and I have not only the relationship of mother and daughter, but as friends too. It has helped build the trust and undying love for each other. I believe that if my mother never raised me the way she did, with all our healthy beefs, the open talk of friends, but the discipline of a mother, I would be far worse off. She is a proud mother, and I, her proud daughter. I believe in the powers of communication and crave for that openness in my future relations.

Poem Graphic

2010-03-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

Journal #30

2010-02-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

- degrading of other races:personally i have a step grandfather who is micronesian and there is so much racial prejudices and stereotypes against their race and I believe that things will change
- how sex complicates things and how open our society is to sex:personally many of my friends talk openly about sex and how its not a big deal.I dont believe its a big deal but it does complicate things and changes how a person thinks and feels.After your first time things in you change and everything is different.
- how religion affects ones beliefs:I am a frequent church goer and I love listening to the priest talk and relate the scriptures to our every day lives. I personally believe of the power of church.

- realtions of parents to children(the importance):parents need to have that open relationship with their chiildren. The need for communication between parents and children, husband and wife, and friends are nessesary for a healthy relationship between anyone.
- No regrets: living with regrets slows you down from actually enjoying the finer and little things in life.
- Feeling wanted is important: being wanted ups a persons self-esteem. Esspecially with parents and in relationships.
- Every thing happens for a reason
- Everyone and everything changes

Amber in Wonderland Final

2010-02-16T19:49:00.001-08:00

Amber in Wonderland

In the silent nights
my dreams overwhelm the tossless slumber
while Mock turtles, Scared Bunnies, and a Mad Hatter
run amok in the mist between reality and dreams
while you try to decifer the difference

Sometimes waking to confusion
or happiness
or fear
or sadness
but having no sorrow
while all I can remeber is the turtle and his story
about his dilemmas and how we both,
can't seem to find who we were
and why we are who we are.

No longer able to control
wanting to let curiosity and a guiltless tounge loose.
Standing in the room
with the many locked doors
wanting to drink from the bottle or eat the cake too
To gain what I long for more than anything.

Because of curiosity
and a longing to be able to speak.
Speak to right the wrongs
Speak to defend myself
Speak to tell how I really feel
Refusing to hold my tounge any longer
To see me as I truly am
In all my glory.

We have met the enemy and he is us.

2010-01-13T22:03:00.000-08:00

Fireworks:Friend or foe? Firworks should not be banned. Every year there is a push to ban fireworks in Hawaii. The many traditions of Hawaii include the ever famous and anticipated New Years or fourth of July were many fireworks are burned. Children running around with beautiful colors in their hands and crackling ones being thrown. Every year people are always sent to the hospital. Should they be banned just because of a few hospital cases?

It is true that on these days where many people celebrate, there are many things that have proved to be a problem here on the island. The smoke creates bad air quality. And if you were on the Big island you would see that on top of the smoke, there were plenty of vog that made conditions all the more worse. People with poor respitory systems often find these times hard to celebrate. Also many people go to the hospitals because of burns from these dangerous things.

But is it really the fault of the item or the handler? The saying best fit comes from the cartoon Pogo;We have met the enemy and he is us. Think about it. Out of all the people with poor respitory problems, was it the fireworks that first caused these problems? No, either they were born with it or it was aquired over the years due to smoking or other causes. And those who were born with it know the dangers of being out and what they can and cant handle. Those others should also be aware of the dangers when they step out into the smoke infested air. And for those who were burned, was it not of their own wreklesness that caused the damage? There are so many things to consider before we rush to a rash descision. Should the tradition and enjoyment, even of those with respitory problems, be banned because of a few burns and run ins to the hospital? We should first consider how much fun it is to watch the bonding of family and friends with the similar enjoyment of fireworks. Imagine a New Year's or fourth of July without the merryment and excitment. Thats what it would be like without the display of the beauty and dangerous colors. It would be like any other party during the year.

OR Card; Precious

2009-12-17T13:46:00.001-08:00

This is my OR card. I did it on the book Precious. This book is now a major motion picture. This book was very different from the other book I usually read. I used images of the laptop and the world to symbolize learning is altainable no matter where you live.

My quote, "That day sucked. But that's why God made new days," showed a little of what Precious thinks and even thought she goes through a lot, she tries to keep an open mind. My conflict and resolution explains a lot. And the hope picture tells people that this book is HOPE. And the other picuture symbolizes differneces and perseverence

DRAFT OF ANGRY LETTER

2009-12-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Seventeen Magazine,

Hello, my name is Amber Thomsen and I attend Moanlua High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. I am an avid and passionate follower of seventeen magazine. I love all the clothes, makeup, and body advise that are included in your magazine. I also love the real life stories and advise for school that are sometimes featured in your magazine.

But this letter is not only to praise the magazine, I am writing to inform you on how I personally feel about a particular section of your magazine. This section I am referring to is located in the December/January issue; the love life section. I do very much enjoy this part of the magazine, I sometimes find it useful and entertaining. Although, I felt strongly that the "hookup do's" section is promoting hookup's and I find that somewhat wrong. This section tells us that it's okay to jump into a NEW HOOKUP, hook up with people FROM WORK, and hookup with EX'S. This to me seems a bit uncalled for. Our mothers or adult figures do not teach us that hookup's are alright. It seems a bit hypocritical.

But I will commend that it did say some things to avoid. It does say that we should first find out why the past relationships did not work so to not get hurt. But that just gives me mixed signals. Should I just hookup with a new guy right after I just broke up with boyfriend or wait to get over him?

Sincerely,

Amber Thomsen

Draft

2009-11-12T00:06:00.000-08:00

The media has, in some ways, promoted the ever rising problem of hazing. What is hazing? Hazing is an initiation that involves degrading, humiliation, harassment or abuse usually affiliated in clubs, sports, and especially fraternities. This is an ever intensifying, scary, and dangerous "sport" that is on the rise. The question is; what effect does the media have on young teens and hazing?

The media has played a major role on teens and their involvement in this hazing "sport." Many films in the past and recently have involved hazing whether to poke fun or as a serious crime. Films like Jarhead, American pie presents: Beta House, and The Good Shepard all have forms of hazing. Movies like American Pie, Family guy, and Dazed and Confused portray different forms of hazing that poke fun and make it seem funny to be humiliated and degraded.

Teens are influenced by media greatly. Many studies show that ranges of attitudes and beliefs can be learned from the television. Studies show that kids who view violent acts are more likely to show aggressive behavior and develop some unhealthy habits and ways of thinking. So if teens, who are in one of the most stressful and self building phases of their lives, witness these types of actions on television in the "funny" context, then what can we assume that they are learning from it? They are seeing different forms of "entertainment" and getting ideas that can affect them in the future. I.E.; college day

On the other hand, the media can use it great influence to inform people of the dangers of things like hazing. When people watch TV. they are forced to see commercial, and among these commercials are PSA's. Public service announcements are made to inform the viewers of certain things by impacting the viewers and hopefully affecting them to see the better side. There are a few anti-hazing PSA's out on the networks that are being viewed. Also other programs like those on the discovery channel, 60 minutes, and news networks like dateline NBC have showings dedicated to informing viewers of hazing that include interviews of professionals all wrapped up for a legit informational program.

Hazing is seen as traditional and ritualistic. But does that make it right? Is it not enough that when teens move on to college they are faced with an even harsher form of hazing? If they are witnessing the effects of hazing in these trivial teen years, is the media preventing them from a right to a healthy and less stressing life? Even though it doesn't affect them directly, these shows can instill in our youth that hazing is just part of life and happens even to the best of us. This makes them think that it is alright to do it to others because its a tradition and it is a funny form of entertainment.

But some can argue that there are positives to this dangerous and unhealthy form of initiations. Some claim that it intensifies the bonding in teammates, pledges, or military personnel's. They claim that they need to establish this and put "pledges" in their place. Like in any other situation like getting a job or joining a team, you need to prove you are worthy enough and prove yourself, and that is what hazer's use as motivation. And ironically some see hazing as the right of passage to prove themselves to others or to be proven of. Statistics show that 67% agree that a significant part of initiation is to be humiliated. Young people believe in keeping the code of silence, whether out of fear or tradition.

Now days the media is interconnected to almost everything. It can have its positive effects, and negative ones. The ones that matter are the positive ones, but when the negative ones are the ones that are being most abused, then it proposes a negative effect on society. The media both promotes hazing and informs the negative effects of hazing. The media should take partial blame for the rise in hazing. But nonetheless, methods and steps are being taken to prevent this dangerous "sport.' It is such an old practice but people still find it amusing and that is why it will be nearly impossible to stop this
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazing
*http://www.hanknuwer.com/blog/?s=yuks
*http://www.insidehazing.com/betrayal.php
*http://www.bgviews.com/our-views/opinion/hazing-can-have-real-dangers-1.1912045
*http://books.google.com/books?id=YEybKqyfVNwC&pg=PT139&lpg=PT139&dq=defenders+of+hazing&source=bl&ots=ikrAzDTg9F&sig=CCenFL9Y1ctmjr1rd300L2AHlbY&hl=en&ei=qhL5SpuiGI78sgPq6YXLCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CAwQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=defenders%20of%20hazing&f=false
*http://www.baylor.edu/student_activities/hazing/

FINAL DRAFT

2009-09-24T00:49:00.000-07:00

Evaluate a significant experience, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
That night, like any other weekend, my mother had another cup of wine. That’s usually how it is around my family. They all get very intoxicated, have fun, and open up way too many issues and truths that some can’t always handle. Of course not every weekend we have these wild family parties where most of our treasured memories are made...

I grew up around that kind of behavior, but I can say that what I got out of their experiences has opened my eyes greatly to the new or old wounds words can open.
That night opened up a whole cacophony of drama that opened all our eyes. My mother, with her opinionated demeanor and somewhat open-mindedness quality that comes much to my benefit, seems to never be able to keep her mouth shut. My mother decided to lecture my twenty-three-year-old cousin, who by the way, doesn’t have a job, doesn’t pay rent, and doesn’t exactly stay fit. We used to joke about how he was “the loser” in our family. He cracked under the pressure of the truth and broke down. I knew he lacked confidence and determination. Even I, a highly intuitive fifteen-year-old, notices when people who are highly capable of doing so many things lack the willpower. But sometimes, even the most perceptive person can see right past the reality of something.
The eye opener was that we learned my cousin had an illness. Not a physical illness, but a forbidding and exceedingly feared mental illness. What we failed to see was that my cousin was mutilating himself since high school. This sent him to the hospital where he spent the night in the psych ward. I remember him saying “I was doing it since high school, and not one of you noticed.” In a way, it's kind of a shameful thing on the family. We were in denial that something was wrong, we ignored the truth of the situation, and we just let things fly by unnoticed. It showed that we lacked in some part.

People with these kinds of illnesses need help. I always knew I wanted to do something where it involves me helping people or children. I love listening to people talk about their sadness and happiness's and pondering about why people think and do the things they do. I want to understand people on their level. We sometimes are too busy to think about others and all we do is complain and mope around. I want to learn how to help effectively. This was one of the main experiences that made me want to pursue the psychology and sociology field.
Through my years I have faced so many tribulations that opened my eyes to this one reality. I learned from church that it’s one thing to say you’re a Catholic, and it’s another to live like it. This goes for so many things. I have learned to accept those who are different, and help those who need my help. This discovery has helped shape me. I just need to figure out the best methods to help. I understood that I wanted to be psychology major and hopefully help those who need help understanding themselves and others. I strive to be on top no matter how long it takes me.

Draft of College Essay

2009-09-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

Evaluate a significant experience, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

That night, like any other weekend, my mother had another cup of wine. Drinking and drinking until she was in that state that makes you feel like you have entered la-la land. That’s usually how it is around my family. They all get very intoxicated, have fun, and open up way too many issues and truths that some can’t always handle. Of course not every weekend we have these wild family parties where most of our cherished memories are made...

I grew up around that kind of behavior, but I can say that what I got out of their experiences has opened my eyes greatly to the new or old wounds it can open.
My mother that I love oh-so-much, with her opinionated demeanor and her open-mindedness quality that has come much to my benefit, seems to never be able to keep her mouth closed. If ever in this situation, you better find yourself far away from my mother’s path. If she has something to say, she will say it, especially if it’s something you should hear and no one else will say. My mother always sparks up these infamous debates between whomever and most times, doesn’t let up until her side has clearly made an ample argument. I can say in all honesty, I am my mothers’ daughter in almost everyway.
So anyway, that night opened up a whole cacophony of drama that opened all our eyes. Sometimes things can just float by unnoticed by many, and what surprises me the most, is how we let it go unnoticed. My mother decided to lecture my twenty-three-year-old cousin, who by the way, doesn’t have a job, doesn’t pay rent, and doesn’t stay fit. We used to joke about how he was “the loser” in our family, and we all noticed that he doesn’t have the drive to do anything for himself. Even I, a high intuitive fifteen-year-old, notices when people who are highly capable of doing so many things lack the determination. But sometimes, even the most perceptive person can see right past the reality of something.

That night we learned my cousin had an illness. Not a physical illness, but a forbidding and exceedingly feared mental illness. What we failed to see was that my cousin was mutilating himself since high school. This sent him to the hospital where he spent the night in the psych ward. I remember him saying “I was doing it since high school, and not one of you noticed.” Usually this type of mentality can be found in girls. To hear of this type of thing happening in guys lives, is not unusual, but still very upsetting and shameful. And I honestly think that’s what my papa, who was my cousins guardian in his earlier years, thought of. How it is so shameful on the family, how being in denial that something is wrong is better than the truth of the situation, of how people can just let things fly by unnoticed by all who care for him. It showed that we lacked in some part.

How can a family let their loved one go by like this without noticing that something was out of place? Now that we all think about it, we can point out signs that have been there all along. Our own family member has been getting worse and worse, and while that was happening, we were too busy with our own selfish lives to even look deeper and do something.
I learned that we need to understand people on their level. We sometimes are too busy to think about others and all we do is complain and mope around. All we did was criticize and question why cant you? But we didn’t think of the “what’s wrong” or the “how comes.” All we like to do is feel sorry for ourselves and criticize others to make ourselves feel better about our own unsatisfying lives. Through my years I have faced so many problems that opened my eyes to this one reality, but how many times do I return to my old ways? Too many. I try and try and try, but it hardly ever last. It’s the peer pressure of it. If you find your friends doing it, you tend to do the same. Sometimes you are just guilty by association. You could be wrong just because you didn’t open your mouth about something that was said or done that was wrong. I learned from church that it’s one thing to say you’re a Catholic, and it’s another to live like it. How many times do I find myself straying from the Catholic way?

I have learned to accept those who are different, and help those who need my help. This discovery has helped shape me. I understood that I wanted to be psychology major and hopefully help those who need help understanding themselves and others. I have always been a good listener and advice giver. I always analyze other people problems or habits right down to the bone and understand their situation. I just need to figure out the best methods to help solve the problems. I strive to be on top and I have so many stories. These people that I love have push me even when I was done with them pushing me. I accepted them for who they are but sometimes it takes longer for me to accomplish that.

JOURNAL # 8

2009-09-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

As of right now, I am totally undecided on what college I want to attend. But I have been thinking that I would like to go to a college in either California, Washington, Utah, or Florida. But I have looked into a few colleges like USC, University of Wahington(i visited there last year), and BYU. I dont want to go to far from home. And of course one of the big issues is how much the college is. I would love to attend an Ivy leage college, but on the real side, it's a lot of money for my family and quite frankely, I dont think I would be able to keep up...

But honestly, before this year, I never really thought much about the application process in applying to college. Even right now, the courses that we take in high school, all the extra-curriculars, the outside activities, and our grades and test scores all matter if you want to get into the right college. Although I was aware that all those things will be taken into consideration in the process, I NEVER really thought about the essay portion, I didn't think it was a big thing. How wrong was I? I looked at some topics and I came up with a couple that I like;Have you experienced a moment of epiphany, as if your eyes were opened to something you were previously blind to? Describe this moment and your percepts about it; Evaluate a significant experience, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. I read so many topics that I'd love to write about and I just want to write them all:) But I'll figure something out.

Journal # 9-Ophelia Speaks

2009-09-11T12:31:00.000-07:00

This book is a collection of stories of young teenaged girls from all over the United states. These girls tell of the many heart breaking, loving, sad, and inspiring stories of their lives. Some are in poetry form or essay forms. These stories show the real things young people go through now and how it builds them and breaks them. How they could be trapped and feel totally helpless by their family, boyfriends, and peers...

There are sections about self mutilation where girls express how hurting themselves can make them feel better and how it can be an escape. Or in the section of sexual preferences, how these girls go through self discovery and figuring out where they fit. One girl doesn't even know that she goes that way and find her soul mate in one particular girl and how they learn to ingnore what other people think. The whole book is deticated to show the real things that goes on in our girl world, and it is not pretty at all. It shows how they grew and built their way back from horrible experiences and the life long lessons they learned. But sometimes it didn't always end so pretty.

COMING OF AGE POSTER DRAFT

2009-09-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

This is my Coming of age poster. I wanted to try and put other languages on it because I wanted to show that no matter where you grow up, each language has same meanings. You go through this phase of life no matter where you are in the world...

I also put pictures on my me and my family and friends on it to demonstrate that we dont have to go through it alone and we can have fun in this coming of age process. My main point is independence, thats why the INDEPENDENCE is larger and the other coming of age words are smaller. I also put the bus because it pretains to my personal coming of age. The bus represents the essence of independence on the right path to self discovery.

Venting Session

2009-09-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

There is so many problems right now in my household I cant take it. It frustrates me because its like walking on egg shells in here. I feel like I have to watch everything i say or do. My brother got in real serious trouble and I was greatly affected because I had to confess things that I wouldn't normally tell my parents...

I didn't get in as much trouble, I actually got off real easy and i feel so ashamed because my brother and I got so many lectures and dissapointed so many people.
Oh and another thing is that situation with the kam school boys raping that girl?They were 13 and they raped a 12 year old girl! And this a private school dorm. My cousin called me that day when the cops went there and was so upset because that was her very close friend. And even more I met the girl on saturday with my cousin and she seemed fine. What is wrong with the world? Kids hurting kids like this now? Now we dont only have to worry about predators but those of our same age! This day and age we have so may things we have to worry about. This felt really good actually. We should have more of these.

Coming Of Age Essay

2009-08-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Coming of Age: I took my steps

There are many things that edge in the borders of my mind when I hear the words coming of age. There are so many rights to passage in our lives that prove that we are responsible enough, mature enough, sensible enough, and independent enough to do the things we want and aspire.

Waking early to the bright familiar sun in my eyes, ready to take on all the obstacles the day may throw at me. Going through the same routines as any other day but packing, dressing, and anticipating for a whole different reason. I have done this many a times before, but on this day, I was afraid. Afraid of all the possible things that could go wrong, of the people, of the requirements, of the responsibility and awareness this simple act requires.

Walking the down the road I have walked so many times before, and used to all the stares, I sit on the bench waiting for my bus that will take me to another bus stop, where I walk to the next one down. This is where my dread comes, just waiting at this stop I already see many weird people, and people doing weird things. But I handle these things with the most respect I can offer by turning my head and minding my own business and wondering when my bus will come.
Where is my gosh darn bus!? These people are so creeping me out. I wish Diamond or Daijha was here with me...but noooo they HAVE to meet me there and I have to ride this dang bus all the way by myself. I can do it...it's no big deal, you've done it before Amber...yah but NOT BY MYSELF!!!
I think this to myself.
My bus comes and I board on the most crowded bus EVER!!! I find my seat put my earphones on and chill. I catch the bus all the time, with people or without them, but never this far by myself. I always felt free riding the bus, like I dont have to rely on my parents to take me places. I take pride in the fact that I am independent enough to do this. But going all the way to Waimea bay?! By myself? I think not, but I love going to the beach, and all my friends were going to meet me there, so I had to do it. While the bus is going I love people watching and I note all the places we pass and admire all Hawaii has to offer. We turn the corner, and I see the infamous Waimea rock that I have jumped so many times before. As my final stop comes into sight, i do the last thing of my right of passage, I pull the string and I get off with all the other teens and tourist who had the same idea as me. With my breadth held, I walk off and take in the blazing sun, the fresh scent of the salty sea, and the beautiful sight of WAIMEA BAY.

Even though this may seem as a simple step, and so many people do it, I felt like a whole new accomplished person. I have always liked the feeling of freedom and independence when I take the bus. But doing this by myself proved to me and my parents that I can be trusted to get there and back safely with everything still intact, and on time. You have to be responsible, you have to know what you are doing, and there has to be the trust that your parents give you. I have showed them that I can do all this, and I think it showed them that if I can handle myself so responsibly I can be trusted to go out without them worrying that I will get into trouble. Sure, I have taken advantage of this trust but I payed for my mistakes and learned from them. You have to prove yourself and take baby steps to get there, I took my steps, and it has taught me some of the most valuable lessons that I have learned today.

Writing experience & goals

2009-08-10T22:43:00.000-07:00

Well ever since I was middle school I loved to read, but I was never a writer. I could write standard B papers with just getting by and what was needed of me, never more. Ever since freshman year I have noticed how writing more details and putting more in your descriptive paper makes a whole difference. I even noticed when I read, how boring it would be if there was hardly any discriptions and "show not tell" elements in it. My goal is to master the "show not tell" aspect and write more than what is expected of me and wow the reader:)