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.