Student Success Statement

"A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder."

- Thomas Carlyle

Reflection:

When you have no idea where you're going, no idea what your ambition will be, without motivation, you will not find your path. What's important about setting goals for yourself is working towards accomplishing them. Much like a rudder guides a ship, our goals and our choices guide us towards the paths we decide to take. Know where you plan on going....so that you won't get lost.

In addition to what I said previously, you should set goals and pursue them. Don't get caught in the current of normality and get swept away just like everyone else. Don't become part of the crowd, be that person that stands out. Wouldn't you much rather emphasize on the things that you love and receive praise for that, or do something you hate and become a typical full-time worker at fast food franchises?

Student Success Statement

"If there is beauty in character,

there will be harmony in the home.

If there is the harmony in the home,

there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

there will be peace in the world.

Conclusion:

If there is beauty in character,

there will be peace in the world."

-Chinese Proverb

(The key to success is definitely good character.)

Reflection:

I think that there is much to be said about this proverb, but it all amounts to a single conclusion: this is all tremendously true. I see it as something of a domino effect. Let's say there's no beauty in character, then there will be no harmony in any home, which will lead to discord in the nation, and soon there are senseless wars across the world. People underestimate the power that good character can have, and it is important to realize that fact. Without giving good value to our character, I feel that this world will slowly deteriorate. In fact, it's already deteriorating, so shouldn't we start working towards a bit of a change?

The Six Pillars of Character

The Six Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness: To be deserving of trust or reliance; being dependable. 

Ex.  Your friend dropped some money, since you are trustworthy, you pick it up and hand it back to her instead of keeping it.

Respect: To treat others with proper acceptance or courtesy.

Ex. You don't like that one teacher, but you make sure to be polite and say "Good morning" every day..you treat her with RESPECT

Responsibility: To hold yourself accountable and can be depended on to get the work done..and on time.

Ex. Your group is depending on you to finish up the project, and you really want to go to the movies, but you decide to  responsible and prioritize your schoolwork.

Fairness: To be fair.

Ex. You only offered a cookie to your friend, but other people wanted some. To be fair, you gave them some too.

Caring: To show concern and care for others.

Ex. You see your friend trip and fall during a run. Instead of running, you stop and help pick him up.

Citizenship: To be a good citizen.

Ex. You saw some kids up to no good, so you go and tell and adult.

Reflection:

I actually have heard of the six pillars of character before. In my middle school, the Six Pillars of Character were the central motivation for everyone. We even had to buy specific "Binder Reminders" (agendas) from the school that had messages for different days of the year, to remind you to follow the six pillars. We had different months of the year commemorating each pillar, but I think that emphasizing the importance of good character didn't always work for many students. Some thought the idea was dumb, and I think that's true for many highschoolers as well. In my opinion, the six pillars are great! However, only those who are motivated to be good people will actually take them into account.

Student Success Statement

"I would prefer to fail with honor than win by cheating."

- Sophocles

Reflection:

People like Sophocles are good, honest people. As much as I wouldn't want to admit it, I'm not sure my conscience would feel guilty enough if I happened to cheat on a small test. Cheating isn't something I do, I'm too dumb to actually pull it off and I tend to study heavily beforehand anyways, so there's no real reason to cheat, but if I was taking a test and circumstances made it impossible to study, I just might feel tempted to cheat. I wouldn't feel proud of failing even if I did it honorably, I'd MUCH rather get a good score.

However, the thing that holds me back the most is my own personal habits. I haven't cheated on a test my whole life, and starting to cheat now could become a bad habit and I always remind myself, "If I cheat on this test, I'm cheating myself". That's one of my many mantras, and honestly, I wouldn't want to break it now.

Memorial Day

What is Memorial Day?

Memorial day is a U.S. holiday.

What is the purpose of Memorial Day?

The purpose of memorial day is to commemorate those who have died while serving the military. 

When is it? 

Memorial Day is typically observed on the last Monday of May. This year (2015) it will be on May 25th.

What are a few ways to show honor and respect on Memorial Day?

Well, since it is a holiday celebrated by the entire nation, sometimes there are rallies. Many schools also give students the day off on Memorial Day.

You could show honor and respect for Memorial Day by participating in charities for the families that have lost their loved ones as a result of their time in the military.

Memorial Day is a holiday that I find particularly interesting because it kind of ties into Veteran's Day. Both are holidays that honor those who have served the U.S., and it is very endearing to see that these people who have sacrificed so much are being given recognition.

What are a few things you will do on Memorial Day to show honor and respect?

On Memorial Day, I think I'll probably just work on my homework. I don't really tend to do anything out of the ordinary for holidays like  these particularly because I've never really lost anyone who joined the military (nor do I want to). I respect those who have died serving their country, but I don't think there's much I can do to show my honor and respect if my parents don't even let me leave the house...

Student Success Statement

"The most important thing you will ever have is good values."

- Dennis Prager

Reflection:  

I think that this is definitely something that is true. Without good values, you can watch as your life quickly falls apart. Good habits and good morale lead to a more accomplished life, whereas bad values, and no morale can lead to being unproductive or even becoming someone who loses their life early on because they fell into a bad path (drugs, excessive drinking, etc.). I've often said that I will never feel the need to take drugs or do alcohol because I've learned from other people just how catastrophic taking that dark path may become. I want to be someone that my parents brag about later on in life and that they still think about with rose-colored glasses on their deathbeds.

Optician

Duties and Responsibilities:
The purpose of an optician is to help fit glasses and contact lenses for customers based on prescriptions from ophthalmologists or optometrists. They also help you choose the type of glasses or contacts to buy.

Salary:
The salary of an optician is approximately $33,330 yearly, or $16.03 hourly.

Education:
Opticians usually have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as some on-the-job training and possibly an associate's degree from a community college. Licensure is also required in some states.



Reflection:
I think that if I wanted to work in the eye industry, or whatever you call the optical department, that I would aspire to become an optometrist, not an optician. I think that the pay for becoming an optician is fairly good for someone living on their own, but if I were to want to get married and have children, I would want to make more money. I want a higher wage so that my kids can not only have enough food to grow up healthy, but so that I can provide money needed when they want to join a sport, or go on a camping trip. I want to be financially capable of giving my children the easiest life possible. Even if I had a husband to manage my financial status, I would still like to feel self-dependent when it comes to handling myself or my family.

Student Success Statement

"Nothing is ever gained in doing what's wrong."

- Wilford Woodruff

Reflection:

There is definitely profit from doing what's wrong, you can gain a perfect score on a test, or money, you could win that soccer game, or even the girl of your dreams. What you don't get, however, is the satisfaction that you've done something right. Even those with no conscience or consideration would likely ponder on the fact that perhaps they aren't capable of anything unless it's by less than morally correct means. Wouldn't you much rather feel proud that you do everything right, and have that knowledge that you are capable of great things without having to resort to choosing the wrong? I would much rather get a low A on a test and know that that result was the fruit of my efforts than get a perfect score and know that nothing I wrote came from my actual capability as a student. 

LAUSD: Family Services

LAUSD offers:

- Student Volunteer Programs

- Parent Advisory Committee

- District English Advisory Committee

- Parent Bill of Rights

These services will benefit me because I definitely am going to consider the volunteer programs for students...and my parents are definitely interested in getting more involved when it comes to my school things, definitely.

These services will allow us to be more involved with the school, as well as possibly provide excellent learning experiences I can put into practice later in life.

"Nicest Man in the World"

In a Florida airport, a man by the name of Patrick Morgan found an IPad with $13,000 shoved into the case. Instead of trying to keep it to himself, he did the right thing and contacted the authorities. When the owner appeared, he gave sixty dollars to Patrick and left. However, this airport custodian's good deeds didn't end there. Patrick gave a portion of his money to a homeless woman, and gave the rest to a coworker in need.

Patrick was recognized for his honesty, and given a check of $625 dollars as a result. This just goes to show that sometimes doing the right thing brings all kinds of rewards, not just internal satisfaction.

Student Success Statement

"The reward for doing right is mostly an internal phenomenon: self-respect, dignity, (self worth ), integrity, and self-esteem."

-Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Reflection:

There is no monetary or materialistic reward for altruistic actions. I think that's what makes doing right most important: there is nothing physical to be gained about it. Doing the right thing is about being a self-less person who does things for others even when in a position to lose something. There is, however, a spiritual value to being good. Never mind fights over the existence of something like heaven, being a good person leaves you with a healthy conscience. Being someone who commits admirable feats is someone who can feel good about themselves, feel happy because they made someone else, maybe not even someone they know fully well, happy. What Dr. Laura says is true: the reward for doing right is mostly an internal phenomenon. 

LAUSD: Students

LAUSD offers:
- Online courses
- Student Emailing System
- Info on student materials needed
- College and Career info

These services are beneficial for those who are trying to get ahead, or those who would like to know more regarding certain events or things going on within the LAUSD district.

I think (if I felt the need to get ahead) I would definitely sign up for online learning. I find the high school life particularly stifling and would much rather like to finish up before I'm supposed to. My dad has always told me high school was much more crammed than college, and I believe him. I think I have a fairly decent GPA and would like to get high school over with. I think school has led me to feel incredibly anxious and stressed out recently, what with the stupid IDP project dumped on us in the middle of all the AP testing, and then finals, and then another speech I have to write for my college class... I HAVE FINALS ON MY BIRTHDAY. I'd definitely like a calmer atmosphere with more mature peers where I can concentrate and not deal with my constant headache.

Forgiveness

Prisoner: Eric Smallridge

Girls: Megan
           Lisa

Megan's mother: Renee

This story is about a man who was drinking and driving, Eric Smallridge, and as a result became the offender in a horrific account of manslaughter. His poor choices ended the lives of two girls (Megan and Lisa) and landed him 22 years in jail.

However, Eric's sentence was halved, and not just by anyone, but by Megan's mother Renee, who knew that Eric was truly sorry for what he had done. Renee said that although she had felt rightfully angry and hateful towards Eric at the beginning, it hadn't allowed her to move on. When she went out to have Eric's 22 year sentence cut down, she was not only freeing him from jail, she was freeing herself from all of her bitterness. Renee recognizes that the only true way to heal is to forgive, and that's exactly what she did.

I think that this story sends a very powerful message, and I know that I wouldn't have been able to forgive the man who killed my daughter. I would've hated him for my entire life, and continued to grow until I was a bitter old woman. Forgiveness is key to happiness, and holding a grudge doesn't hurt anyone as much as it hurts yourself. Even though I'm saying this as a hypocrite ( I know I would never have forgiven Eric) I understand the sentiment behind it.

Student Success Statement

"When a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive."

- Alan Paton

Reflection:

Harboring anger or resentment towards another person is kind of like holding yourself at a standstill. If you're always dwelling on these negative feelings, you'll never get past them, you'll live a bitter life where the only person who suffers is you. Holding a grudge continually isn't just hurting yourself, it's hurting others as well. Unless you walk the path of forgiveness, you can never even dare to hope that you'll stop feeling so much pain.

Student Success Statment

"Dare to stand alone."

-Thomas S. Monson

Reflection:

There is great importance in standing alone, because whenever everyone else is doing something wrong and trying to convince you to do the same, it's important to have your own integrity and have the courage to follow a different path. I think that saying you'll stand alone is easier said than done, it is something that requires more than simply just the belief that you are right, it requires hardened resolve and true longing to stand up for what you believe in. I don't know if I would dare to stand alone if everyone else was contradicting me, trying to convince me that I'm the one who's wrong, because with so many people against me, I just might believe them. It's happened before, on a math problem, but I don't know what my reaction would be in a real life crisis, or how someone can dare to be the only man standing.

Benihana

If you've never  heard of this restaurant...YOU. ARE. MISSING. OUT.
That said, the first thing you should do is get in your car and drive all the way to Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, or Torrance and EAT from there. 

The beautiful temple-decorated restaurant.....*drum roll* BENIHANA


This is one of the few restaurants that provides genuine, authentic, extremely delicious food that would have even you (who probably has never tasted actual Japanese food) say, "Go-chisousama!" -meaning, you had a very good meal.

So, why is Benihana so great, you may ask? Well, as shown in the picture above, this is an interactive meal, where the cooking is part of the entertainment! Every chef in the restaurant prepares the food directly in front of you, and in every occasion, they'll manage to make you laugh, or at the very least crack a smile.


I've been to Benihana about 5 times, so I know the gist of the place, and I'll explain the routine as best I can.

When you walk in, your things are laid out, you can usually alternate between using a fork or chopsticks like typical Japanese restaurants.

1) The waiter takes your order since they need to know which ingredients to give the chef when he comes to cook for you and brings you your drinks, as well. The last time I went, we had a coupon for Benihana that they send to you the month of your birthday so you can get a free Japanese mug, so my sister got the Buddha, and I got a woman in a kimono. Although the last picture shows that there are many many more choices to choose from!
 

2) The waiter asks you if you prefer soup or salad. The soup is a mushroom onion soup and I HIGHLY recommend it, but a lot of people tend to choose the Caesar salad. To each their own.


3) They bring you sauces to put in your food, but I never use them, haha.



4) After this, you have to wait a while for the chef to arrive, but when he does, he pulls up a small cart with all of the utensils he'll need. It'll be a table exactly like this one, which is the typical arrangement in most Benihana restaurants.


5) He'll start off by making the fried rice (or serve you the white rice, but again, I recommend fried rice) and then go on to make noodles for the ones who ordered, hibachi chicken and sushi...and so on. Each time he finishes making a specific thing, he serves it drops the food on the plates for each person that are around the grill. If you notice in the picture above, the plates are ALWAYS next to the grill, and each plate has a serving of something.


6) The chef will clown around! This is typical, and nearly every chef has a lot of charisma, their jokes are usually funny so don't worry about that.

7) After they're nearly done, they'll start to clean up the grill, so you can evidently see that the conditions are very sanitary, which is very important. 

8) EAT! I usually order from the kids' menu, and in case you guys didn't know...I EAT A LOT but I can never finish my meal because the entire meal is too much. You're most likely going to have leftovers and that's really awesome! Reheated Benihana food is still delicious.

On a scale from one to ten, I give Benihana a 100 because it's such a good restaurant it breaks the scale. 
Take your kids, take your fiance, take your sister-in-law, they'll appreciate it more than any boring trip to typical places like Olive Gardens or TGIF's. Just saying....