Our True Heros

What happens after a hero has finished the main parts of their journey, after their journey is over? Well, it says that they have the freedom to live out the rest of their lives with out the fear of being killed. But what does that really mean to many of our heros? The other day, I spent the day handing out Thanksgiving cards and treats to the veterans in Yountville. All of them were heroes in the eyes of not only me, but my fellow 4-H members as well. We got to sit down with a few of them and listen to their journeys, many of which were full of sadness and loss but also times of good and enjoyment. I got to actually see what heros whom finished their journeys looked like. It wasn't the first time that I had done this or the vets but it was one of the first times that I actually realized what this ment to them. I noticed that a lot of them were grateful that we had taken the time to show them our appreciation and thankfulness that we had for them. It really made many of their days because a majority of them didn't have family anymore that came to see them. There they were, the people who fought for our country, left to live out the rest of their lives, not only in freedom but also abandoned in a sense. People seemed to have ceased coming to visit them lately and it was kind of sad to see because they really enjoy being visited. If you feel like you would love to show the veterans your appreciation all you need to do is take a little time out of your day to visit them or deliver little treats just to show that you care.

Friends

 "A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself."
-Jim Morrison

When I read this quote, I thought it was completely and utterly correct. A friend is someone who you can do anything with, say everything to, and always depend on. Who do you go to when you can't go to family for help and support? You go to your friends because they are always there for you and you can count on them. That is just what true friends do for one an other. The truth is, you don't really want to go to someone who isn't your friend because why would they care? The people that do care are kind people who are willing to be your friend. They are one of the most valuable things you will ever have and cherish. I know that I will do anything for my friends and they will do the same in return. What would you do for your friend? What would they do for you? Next time you are with your friend, think about all that you have done for each other. Show them how much they mean to you because friendship is one of the best things you'll ever experience.

Teamwork Inspiration

Rwandan Bicycling Team

I have recently seen a movie documentary about a bicycling team in Rwanda. The whole process of creating this team moved and inspired me. I noticed that the members didn't just see each other for training and that was it; they worked together for everything. Their bond was so strong that they were even willing to sacrifice their own great opportunities for each other.  I noticed how they are a great example of what teamwork really means. Now I will use that to work on how I work in a team. At my school, you many groups for all of your different classes to work on projects and if you can't work with your group

What Do You Think?

       Well, there is a variety of different opinions when it comes to reading. Yes, of all things, I said reading. Reading is such a big part of our lives that we do everyday, weather it's reading novels, television ads, text messages, or even this blog post. Using some "Hero's Journey" vocabulary, some people may describe reading as "The Ultimate Boon" or being in "The Belly of the Beast" for their day. Those who find Reading to be the ultimate boon, enjoy reading and find it to be the highlight of their day. For many, it can be a way to escape their busy and sometimes disappointing lives. For the others who find themselves in the belly of the whale either can't find pleasure in reading or just feel like reading is difficult. When they are required to read anything, they tend to get unhappy and feel miserable. If you're someone like me, you might feel like you go in between the two. Sometimes when I get a book that doesn't intrest me, I feel like reading it puts me in the belly of the beast. Then other times, when I really love the book I'm reading, I feel like reading was definitely the ultimate boon or reward of my day. Everyone has their own thoughts when it come to reading. Some people love to read things on social network sites but just can't find entertainment in things like books and novels; while others can't  think of anything better than crawling up with a good book and reading all day. What do you feel like when it comes to reading?

Symbolism in Stories and Life

   
     In a story, a successful hero must be able to interpret symbols along the journey. For example, in the story called Forbidden City, the protagonist named Alex comes across different events, objects, and people who symbolise something that he has to analyze. One of the symbols from the story is a white statue that looks like the Statue of Liberty. This statue uses to hands to hold the torch and sits in the middle of Tian An Men Square facing the big picture of the dictator of China. Alex learns that the statue represents the students and the type of government and freedom the students are all fighting for. He notices, in a way the "Godess of Democracy" is peacefully there looking the government in the face, symbolizing the many students who just wanted democracy.
 

   
      In real life, one symbol that seems to represent my school is a computer or laptop. It symbolizes how we focus on "twenty-first century learning" and how we use the technology and the internet to do a lot of our work. The internet is constantly gaining information and knowledge to share with others just like we, as students, are. An other invented symbol for New Tech is a puzzle. For the puzzle to be completed correctly, all of the little individual pieces have to come together as one. If you lose a piece or put it in the wrong place, the puzzle won't be the best it could be. It's the same when it comes to the students here. We all have to work together to complete our projects and if one person doesn't show up or does the wrong work, we don't produce the best project we possibly can.

Freedom, Rights, and our Country

When you look at this flag, what do you see? We were asked a similar question in class the other day. I was surprised to see that not very many people knew what to say and that they had not really considered that question before. I sat there as tons of different answers popped into my head. The American flag isn't just a piece of fabric that we use for the U.S. in events like the Olympics. There is a much deeper meaning to it. The flag represents hardiness, valor, purity, innocence, vigilance, perseverance, and justice. It means freedom, rights, evolution, and advancement. It shows how our states can put differences aside and come together to unite as one. It demonstrates that we don't forget where we came from or how we started. To many others, it says that we have had good times and bad times; and even though we might not have the best economy and things right now, it could still be even worse. I had never really considered how many people have died just to get to where we are today and how many places still don't give their people the freedom to live their lives in comfort. In China, the people can not talk about certain things, learn about some major horrific events that had once taken place there, and are monitored for everything they do with the outside world. We have to be thankful that we do have the freedom to speak our mind, protest and more without being punished or killed over it like some people. So next time you speak your mind in a protest or sign a petition, you should stop and take into consideration how good we have it as United States citizens.

So Relatable

While I was reading the story Forbidden City the main character Alex was experiencing so many things on his trip to China. While he is there, he makes friends with a man who is there to assist his dad and his dad's co-worker. Then he discovers that the man is sort of a "spy" that has to report everything they do to the government. Alex feels betrayed and upset at first and I can relate to that. I remember a few times when I felt betrayed by someone that I thought I could trust. In an other situation, Alex gets upset and feels like he can't communicate with anyone in China without Lao Xu there to translate. When I go to Mexico every year, I don't really understand anyone and it gets frustrating not being able to talk to my family without my dad there to translate. Finally, Alex starts to learn a little of the language and is excited that he's learning more and more. I am just now learning Spanish and I get very excited when I do understand what someone says. I like to blend in and not stand out so much like Alex does in the story. There are so many other examples in the book that are relatable to me but I think that is enough for now.