Monday, May 12, 2014

Which character are you most like from Lord of the Flies?

              I would compare myself the most to Piggy, because both of us are awkward and clumsy. Like Piggy, I have asthma, except it's extremely mild, barely even considerable. I do not have a knack for associating with groups of people, so I'm usually an outlier. However, I am known as the peacemaker of the group. I have non leader like attributes as well, thus I am considered introverted. Despite that I am intelligent and extremely determined in my tasks, I'm not usually acknowledged for it; in fact, my clumsy personality deceives people a lot. Like Piggy,  both of us are really responsible for disciplining others when they slip off task or if they misbehave.
              One of the quotes, "Piggy was so full of pride in his contribution to the good of society that he helped to fetch wood"  shows that Piggy is really considerate towards his society, and he is willing to help out his team. Piggy is the symbol of intelligence and rational thinking, as well as responsibility shown through his speech. Another quote, "How can you expect to be rescued if you don’t put first things first and act proper?" exemplifies his maturity towards other and proves his logical thinking. He is beneficial in the story, as he serves as the problem solver, as well as the most emotionally and mentally developed character. 

Saturday, April 26, 2014

My Spring Break In Summary

Monday: I knew since last week that my week long break isn't going to be exciting unless I start homework, which is basically what I planned to do today. Today, so far, is a peaceful and reserved day, when I feel more worry-free than usual, but I am not going out as much as I expect myself to. Hearing that my friends are  enjoying their time at entertaining places stirs endless jealousy within me. The only burdens that still hinder me are memories left of the previous exams and tests I've took before proceeding to break. I usually discipline myself in a way that if I do not study hard during my school weeks, I will give myself less leisure time during break. My schedule today accompanies of waking up early at 9:00 A.M., practicing piano for about an hour, then doing my homework. This morning, I felt a little more creative about making breakfast, so I made a delicious fruit smoothie and drank tea, which our family often drinks because it is so healthy, fat free, and provides a limitless amount of antioxidants that support heart and brain health. Our lunch and dinner consisted of plain rice with a variety of vegetables and meat, accompanied with chicken soup. (DELICIOUS)
While starting homework, I often get distracted easily, even during a quiet reading session or a simple writing assignment. The thought of picking up my pencil as a sign to start concentrating can already frustrate me. Checking my Facebook account, of course, is my main distraction, possibly because I always anticipate for notifications and pondering what statuses I will post next. Today, I narrowed all my assignments to doing only English homework today, which consists of reading "Lord of the Flies" and taking Cornell notes on it. As a really impatient person while accomplishing time-consuming tasks, such as reading a long chapter book or working on projects, I'm not fond or experienced at taking notes; I believe that it only results in a mediocre understanding of the story. Aside from taking notes, I finished a study guide, which is surprisingly simple considering how interesting the story is so far. Many literature assignments are a review from the past, but I also learn many new techniques such as applying academic language to my daily life.

Tuesday: Living this day feels exactly the same as Monday; Well, maybe I did go outside a little more than I did yesterday. I felt that today was a relaxing day-no homework and no requirements from my parents. Of course, I could've been a little more productive by pulling a more extroverted attitude and spending time with my friends, but of course, I don't want to distract anyone.  This morning, I woke up at about 10:00 AM, and in the following hour, I knew I had to rush to piano class. Playing piano in the morning is a relaxing, yet productive way to spend your break, also considering that I seriously have a knack for playing the piano. My afternoon was spent like a typical, free day, consisting of making berry smoothies with my sister, and taking a walk outside my neighborhood. I walked to CVS; although I'm not much of a money spender, the products from the store tempted me to use up all the money I received from New Year's. My dinner tonight included rice with spicy chicken, but I didn't bother to eat the vegetables because they tasted raw. I hoped on doing something more significant rather than just sitting on my bed with a computer propped on my lap. Like usual, I'd just waste time reading useless Facebook newsfeed and not even posting a status myself. In true honesty,  I wonder why I even have a Facebook account... Although this day could've been spent so much better, I appreciate how it is indeed break, and I should be taking time off just to relax, because it's such a privilege.  :)

Wednesday: Today was the "start" of break for me, because I actually had the chance to treat myself outside to dinner, and welcome two guests to my house. Starting from this day was when I finally believed this break is worth living through. I woke up later than my previous days, approximately at ten o'clock, which is unfortunate because it only made my morning and afternoon fly by like a breeze! It was difficult tolerating my mom's discipline when she saw my report card; two B's and four A's that could just barely remain stable. So of course, my morning and half the afternoon was spent studying and completing half of my book report. I tend to work better when I divide my homework into days; today, I'm working a lot less than I did on Monday, however I felt that I should've definitely studied my AP exam during my leisure time...
When the guests arrived at our house (They flew from China) approximately at 6:30 PM, I felt more comforted hearing that I'll be spending two days visiting places that I usually enjoy visiting. First off, I ate dinner at Tomi's! There was never a time when I didn't walk out of Tomi's bloated, so I seriously tried restricting what I ate to prevent food poisoning and such. When I came home, it was already late  at about 9:30, however, I was really restless. That night, I stood up until one o'clock A.M., planning and fantasizing ahead on what I would do the next day. <3

Thursday: Not surprisingly, I woke up at ten o'clock again, however, this time feeling revitalized and ready for the day! I started off my morning practicing piano to allow time to pass faster. My dad took today off from work, so we can spend more time together. I ate out today for lunch, at a Muslim-adopted Chinese restaurant (That's quite neat, isn't it?). I ate authentic beef noodle soup, one of my favorite foods of all times. Not just is the food served in incredible size, it also never fails to keep you filled! After lunch today I simply knew I couldn't eat dinner. Afterwards, we drove to Valleyfair mall, which I hadn't been to since last May. I never had a knack for choosing impressive fashion styles, therefore, making me an awkward shopper. Clothing that I like are usually too expensive, or simply not a fit for me. I am more of a window shopper, and I usually like looking at hair accessories or skin products. Despite that our trip to the mall was tiring, we didn't come back empty handed like usual, and overall, I definitely enjoyed the experience! As I said previously that I wasn't going to eat dinner, I was wrong; I had a feast for dinner today! I enjoyed traditional Shandong dumplings with salmon fish, beautifully cooked green vegetables, and shrimp. It felt luxurious eating at the master dining table with our family and friends. :D

Friday: Friday has kicked in, and I'm starting to feel nostalgic about break coming to an end. But that's not preventing me from enjoying the last three days anyways. Today, my dad took the guests along with my sister and I to visit the lovely breeze and shoreline of the Seventeen Mile Beach. The views from the beach is amazing, and the weather is ideal! Afterwards, we the our meal at Mcdonald, to which I indeed felt regret like usual, but it's only once in while, so i might as well forgive myself and treat myself out to this opportunity. Afterwards, we drove a long way to San Francisco, where we said farewell to the two guests that had visited two days ago. Neighboring the street was a Disney Store, so me and my sister passion-heartedly ran to the store and bought ourself merchandise of our favorites. On our way to Chinatown, we had no place to park, as it appeared that all the streets and lots were completely filled, to our dismay. Although it wasn't unexpected that we only had about 15 minutes to spend at the crowded and entertaining Chinatown, we definitely admired the sight of the bustling cars, busy streets, the vivid Chinese culture, and of course, the merchandise. I bought a big panda plush for less than twenty dollars-what a deal! I was satisfied as the day came to an end, that I got what I had expected. This break in summary was surely a privilege, maybe one that I'd do anything to live again. :)  

Monday, March 10, 2014

Q.O.D. (Question of the day) answer

What is the relationship between gesture and thought? How do actors incorporate gestures into their performance. How conscious is the actor's hand? 
 Gestures help express thoughts as the performers speak. They accompany the speaker so that the audience would better understand what the performer is implying; it also brings emotion to speech. The actor's hand is half conscious, as part of the attention goes to their speech. 

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

SSR Blog Post+Academic Language

For your (classmates and teacher's) information, I wasn't able to read a nonfictional book, because I didn't bring it to class. Instead, I read one of my spare books, "Romeo and Juliet". I chose to read this book because our class recently studied various of poetry, and out of all I studied, Shakespeare's works had always appealed to me. Most of his works are confusing to the sound, and it assesses readers on their abilility to interpret a foreign way of writing. The author creatively combined many elements of poetry, such as illusion, simile, metaphors, and iambic pentameter in his worldly famous sonnets and of course, his most famous piece, "Romeo and Juliet". I believe the concept of this story is to understand that true love at first sight has it's own risks and decisions, while also understanding that we shouldn't be rebellious towards those with authority. 
I read through act 1 of the play. In the act, readers can automatically assume that the Montagues and the Capulets are two opposing sides. Romeo is lost with love, and his hopes of seeing true love vanished. He sits alone, pondering and depressed, while waiting one day that his hopes will be fulfilled. Mercutio, one of Romeo's joking brothers, analyzes Romeo's strange personality and jokes off his peculiar attitude. One day, the Montagues were invited to a party by the Capulets, to which Romeo disagreed because of a dream he encountered that implied that he shouldn't attend parties. Mercutio instructs Romeo that dreams are lies, and tells him merely to live his life to the fullest. 
During the party. Romeo encounters Juliet, to which he describes her as the most ideal girl he had ever met ("love at first sight"). Being the daring person he is, he admits to loving him,and they shared a kiss. Despite being enemies, Romeo discovers that he had truly fell in love with Juliet, and he eventually forgets about Rosaline, the girl he was rejected by. 

Friday, February 21, 2014

Examples of Poems (Written by Elizabeth Wang)

Limerick
There was once a girl named Hannah,
She really liked to eat bananas.
Once she found some near a savanna,
Then she put on a hat and threw a samba,
until finding out they were all eaten by iguanas.

Free Verse Poem
The sunshine projects light rays,
gradually disappearing the greys.
It sits as high as a tower,
a highlighted sphere in hover.
Allow me to feel a prosperous shower of light.

O' Helios, the God of light,
attract the daylight as you might!
Defeat the darkness out of sight,
for sunlight is the savior of the night.
Let its power thrive!

Sunlight, O beautiful sun,
you nourish the living.
We are so grateful of your existence.
You lived for so long,
and accompanies me until dawn.
You are man's best friend.

The sunshine is the start of day,
the everlasting rays,
that shows fearlessness.
The bold light, warm to touch,
is one of God's first creations.

On the darkest days,
when rain and clouds hide your presence,
my happiness will drain until your next visit.
A faint memory of you will drown my nightmares,
like how love rids of hate.

The sun is so powerful,
you are the greatest provider,
you feed us,
watch as we embrace your warmth,
and you enjoy it.

You are the center of your followers,
Mercury, Venus, Mars,
and so on.
Despite the coming of cold spirits,
you never failed to protect.

Your existence is like love so deep,
love like never seen.
You are the creator of green life,
the saviors of the frozen hearts,
and the center of all surroundings.

Ballad (From "Frozen")

Once upon a time, we were so  close.
Although we're sisters,
I expressed most love to you.
You would've been greater than a prince I'd find one day.
When we were young, you enjoyed my presence.

You were the candy to my teeth,
I would always hold on tight of you,
and never let you go.
You were the best sister I could ever imagine,
despite that I am three years young.

Suddenly, you stopped talking to me,
I wondered why you changed so suddenly.
Why do you shut me outside your door,
I was oblivious of what happened before,
but forgive me, dear one!

Growing up separately,
I felt unfamiliar with you.
Until one day, I received great news,
you would be crowned the queen!
And I will be set free from the deserted castle!

Finally the gates will open,
and outside is happiness.
Happiness is love, joy and light!
Alas, I will see you and the stunning smiles of strangers,
Oh, how much fun will it be!

Then all at once,
the party stops, the music freezes.
The queen strikes me with ice,
only after a small argument.
Regret and tension filled my body.

Mysteriously, she rushes outside the building,
out the hall, and to the far,
bringing a frostbiting coldness to her vibe.
Only then did I notice she wasn't ordinary,
reveal to me who you are!

Haiku

What's a basketball?
You throw it over a hoop,
six players each team.

Ode to my parents

Dear mom and dad,
I have something to say,
Leading me through the good and bad,
never leading me astray.
I am grateful to have you in my life.

Your love to me is deep,
bigger than love I'd dream.
Following the steep,
you were like the light that beamed.

Oh, how much more can I love you,
for raising me to who I am now.
Watching as I grew,
you said "I will never leave you".

You are the reason why I'm strong,
why paths aren't wrong.
Through only words,
I couldn't yet express such love.

You are as protective as a shield,
soldier to the weak,
to me did seem,
I do not deserve such love.
So may this poem show my thanks!

Stream of Consciousness Writing

Elizabeth is writing a poem,
currently out of ideas.
Not wanting to start, but wanting to end.
Messages in my brain just couldn't send.
Tried to rhyme, but ran out of time.

Poetry is not my thing,
everything I hear about it is start to cringe.
I can attempt a free verse,
only to end up writing an essay.
Oh, I do have a habit in failing.

Five minutes pass, ten minutes, an hour or two,
no ideas or a clue.
Sitting in my chair with a blank paper in front,
all I can do is give up and grunt.
Yes,yes, I failed poetry.

Elegy

Oh beloved one, beloved one,
we mourn for your passing.
We lament and lament,
for the unsuccessful loss of our best love.

Taunted by death,
we fear hell's breath.
Flooded with distress,
we wept.

As I dwelled by your grave,
I cried, "Oh God, the one of all creation.
Will your angles guard the deceased heart?"
Our eyes, flooding like a waterfall,
only saw a past that could never be obtained.

Oh death,
you are the one that consumes life,
the one that makes living trees wilt.
Oh, how much we despise you,
you signal the coming of troubles and accidents,
yet we cannot avoid you.

In heaven,
home of light,
we enjoy a bright presence,
adorned with angels.
You fight away death with might.

Heaven of the highest,
will you consume death,
and protect her afterlife.
Save her with grace,
and don't let devils chase.

Forget the past, live the future,
may God bless the one who left,
we can only hope she gets the best.
As for now, we plead,
rest in peace.




Friday, February 7, 2014

Free Verse Poem

Twin
Looking into the mirror,
Wow, suddenly I see my sister,
a scary, surprising, spectacular feeling.
What does the other side of me say about herself?
Does she look into the mirror when I do, 
and questions the gift god gifted her with,
a gift so big there is nothing better.
I can be her mirror, feed her, friend her, compliment her,
yet, we are still different people.

What shall I say about myself in contrast to my twin?
I think differently than the majority;
They say twins are same in and out, 
to which I argue not. 
Comments usually raise about personalities,
to which I believe we have two different hearts,
each of which truly makes us different,
which truly amuses me the most.

So now if I were to ask you,
what defines a pair of twins to you,
Is it a similar, uncanny pair of two,
or is it your strange, suspicious sister or brother that looks exactly like you?


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Special Ed Vs. General Ed.

Do you believe that schools should combine both special education and general education students in the same classroom? If so, how would teachers, parents and students figure out how to provide both support and academic challenge to kids with special needs? What strategies for all students would need to be put in place? Should special education and general education merge? What are your honest thoughts about this topic? Why do you feel this way?

I do not feel that special education and general education classes should be put into the same classroom, because both classes learn at different paces. It would be likely that general education classes would learn curriculum that is beyond or below the level of those put in special education classes. Special education students may also react differently to normal people, and may not be comfortable at first when approaching them due to social issues. If special education students merged with general education students, then teachers, parents, and students could encourage them and help them teach the curriculum slowly, and step by step. A specialized teacher may also help in keeping all the special education students on task and controlling themselves properly in front of normal students.  Some strategies for all students is to be respectful, treat others equally, consider others feelings, encouraging one another, and helping those in need. Students should most likely be responsible in taking care of others struggles, being patient, and guiding them through obstacles one step at a time.