Parent Characteristics

Ever since I was a child, people have always told me that I am the splitting image of my father. I must conquer that I look just like my father and we have some similar personal traits. This may come off as a bit strange, but sometimes I look more like my mother, as well. I am a mixture of both of my parents physically and a bit mentally. But, I think I am most like my great grandmother.

I was born on December 27, 1993. Yes, everyone has a birthday, but I consider my circumstances to be a bit different than most, considering my mother had me when she was only 17. My mother was very actively involved in my life, but she still had to work in order to provide for us so we stayed at my great grandparents’ house. My great grandmother watched me as a child. She loves to make popcorn; she is somewhat soft spoken and the nicest person ever. Above all, she had a great relationship with God. Now, as a young lady, I still possess many of her traits. I love God with all of my heart and I know the importance of being kind to others, regardless of how they may treat you. It is not okay to be a push over, but you must try to be as kind to others as you can and pray for them to be kind.

Children are a mixture of both their parents, physically and mentally. But, the person that you spend the most time with when you are younger can greatly influence how you act when you are older. That is why I am most like my great grandmother.

Native Language in America

America is well known for having a culture unlike like any other: a melting pot culture. America is one of the few countries in the world that has a plethora of cultures, races, and ethnicities from all walks of life. With that being said, one would think that it would be quite simple to protect and ensure one’s roots. However, it is the complete opposite. Although this country is filled with so many different groups of people, there is still a vast majority who seek to destroy this special connection that some may have with their native lands. For example, some educators frown upon students who do not speak English. In my opinion, I believe that a student from another country should learn English, as well. But, they should still feel comfortable enough to speak their native language in school and should not feel great amount of pressure from educators to learn English.

Because American society is so diverse, I believe that everyone should be more understanding towards someone who speaks another language. In fact, I think we should make a greater effort to understand them, as well. It is ignorant of us to have such a one-sided view on this matter. In our education system, we have courses that are designed to teach us other languages. With that being said, we should try to help someone from a foreign country understand us, and we should also try to understand him or her. By instilling this idea in our students and teachers, everyone will be able to learn another language much faster.

No matter where you are, you should never feel ashamed or embarrassed of your culture. Schools need to be more understanding of others from different countries because the transition is not simple and everyone can get a positive learning experience from helping one another.

APUSH Five Page Paper

American politics was not egalitarian and antidemocratic from the time of the writing of the Constitution, and in the last 200 years the American polity and economy have become even more antidemocratic and not egalitarian. 

America’s political society was somewhat different from that of English Parliament, but it still exemplified some of England’s ideas, which generally disregarded some of the rights and opinions of its people. Overtime, the US Constitution began to expand its rights in regards to all groups of people. But, in the last 200 years America has expanded the Constitution in the best interest of all human beings, but has also limited the sovereignty as it corresponds to the people. From the time of its establishment to the current, America has become more antidemocratic and has not taken into consideration the rights of all human beings. For example, homosexuals still cannot reap the legal benefits that come with marriage, the Electoral College voting system limits the rights of the people to vote, and the establishment of the USA PATRIOT Act takes away one’s rights to privacy.

When the Constitution was being established, the American people did not have a say in what the contents of this documents, which would define their rights as an American citizen, would contain. Such decisions were made by a chosen few, whom we have come to know as our nation’s Founding Fathers. Delegates from every state met at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, with the exception of Rhode Island, in Philadelphia. In my opinion, a document of such importance should be in the best interest of the people. Therefore, every state should have been represented at this convention and those who were present should have considered a democratic alternative that involved the citizens of this newly established country. The method that they chose to determine what the Constitution would consist of was similar to that of the English Parliament, in my opinion.

The Constitution has been revised several times to accommodate to egalitarian ideals. However, the constitution was not originally in favor of equality for all. For example, slaves were not considered humans, but property. They were a very small step above livestock. In fact, one can conclude that slaves were only counted as three-fifths of a free person to accommodate to plantation masters. This rule was put into affect, with respect to taxation without representation. The Constitution did not include the Bill of Rights nor did it have a true definition for citizenship. With disregard of the Bill of Rights, the people were unprotected and the government would exercise its full authority. Shortly after, sovereignty and limited power ideals were brought to the board’s attention. James Madison recognized the importance of limiting the power of the government and enforcing the rights of the people. However, slaves were still not considered and would not be for years to come.

Over the course of 200 years, Americans political system has both expanded and shrunken, severely. New additions have been made to the Constitution that limit sovereign authority and did not limit the power of the government. America was supposed to be much different than the unfair laws and regulations that were established by the English Parliament, before America was founded. There are many aspects of political life that many Americans do not have an opinion on. We are living in a society that is interested in protecting and honoring the elite, and disregarding the rights and opinions of the common man.

The Electoral College came into affect in 1964. US citizens do not actually elect their President; they elect officials in every state who make the decision for them. This is known as indirect election. The Electoral College system does not represent a democratic society because the people do not have a direct vote in the Presidential elections. The chosen officials do not truly represent the voice of the people because everyone should have a say in who becomes the next President of the United States. I would expect the Electoral College to be withheld during the establishment of the Constitution, considering the power of an American citizen was very limited, during that time. To limit sovereign authority as time progresses is taking large steps away from democracy and egalitarianism.  

The USA PATRIOT Act is a document designed to prevent terrorist activity, in America. It stands for the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. In order to protect this country, Bush Administration felt that some rights had to be sacrificed, such as privacy. To make sure the USA PATRIOT Act would be approved, “the Bush Administration requested that no public hearing be held in order to prevent public discourse” (Robert Barr). The USA PATRIOT Act “protects” Americans by violating Amendment 4 of the United States Constitution which states “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.” Basically, Amendment IV protects the American people from irrational searches of their home and documentation, without precedent. Since the Patriot Act is legal, The government can look through private and important documents and search your possessions, without probable or lawful cause, the right to unfair arrest, the right to enter your home without notice and ultimately invade your privacy. Because the people did not have a say in the USA PATRIOT ACT, its establishment could be considered antidemocratic

America has a long history of racism, discrimination, and prejudice against many different groups. Unfortunately, discrimination still plays a major role in our society, although the Constitution is supposed to protect any and everyone from it. Homosexuals are still facing many forms of discrimination. For example, if they decide to get married, they will not be able to reap the legal benefits that usually come with marriage. Americans are allowing their emotions and feelings about homosexuality to overshadow that fact that it is illegal and unconstitutional to deny them a proper marriage. This form of prejudice does not exercise egalitarianism because it is not in the best interest of everyone. We have no right to dictate how other people choose to live their lives.

In conclusion, America has been and will always be a very antidemocratic and non egalitarian nation. Government officials continue to find ways that limit the rights and authority of the people. One would think after 200 years, America would attempt to turn over a new leaf, but it continues to disregard the idea of limited governemnt.

                                        Cited

Dickinson, John, Morris, Gouverneur, Jefferson, Thomas, Adams, John, Paine, Thomas, Randolph, Edmund, Madison, James, Sherman, Roger, Wilson, James, Wythe, George. Morris, The Constitution of the United States, 1787

Unconstitutional, Nonny de la Pena, DVD, Journeyman, 2004

USA PATRIOT Act, 2001

McGraw-Hill, AP Achiever

Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, 19 October 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_(United_States)

Wealth=Succes???

 For whatever reason, most of us have concluded that the only way one can achieve ultimate success, is through wealth. I personally believe that it is this mentality that causes people to be unsuccessful. Success isn't measured by materialistic, but by one's accomplishments. People spend more time obsessing over what they lack, rather than being appreciative of what they already posses. No, our possessions may not be much to others. But if we spend out entire lives trying to keep with our neighbors, we will be very unhappy, in the long run.
  
During my 16 years of life, I have come to the realization that we determine our own success. Why try to live up to someone else's standards of accomplishments, when we can simply live up to our own. We know ourselves better than anyone else, right? I am not saying that it is wrong to hope for things, or to have desires. We wouldn't be human if we did not. Take into consideration the people who do not have what you consider "little" or "not enough." It's time we start focusing on the things that count.
  
In conclusion, take a second and look around at all you have accomplished. I can not give you the questions to ask yourself, to determine your success. Just know that success isn't found in a lottery ticket, a house, or a car.

Autobiographical Personal Essay

In life, I believe that everyone has that one experience that will define who he or she is. The experience usually has a fork in the road; you can pick the path that will lead to success or the path that will lead to your downfall. If ever I am presented with a choice, I always make it my obligation to select the option that will benefit me the most. A time that I can recall making a decision like this was when I was in elementary school. Someone that I considered my friend was emotionally bullying me. One day I made a major decision that continues to define who I am.

When I was a little girl, I did not know the qualities of a friend, which contributed to the reason I continued to remain friends with this person. Everyday, I felt humiliated because she would often treat me like a puppy. Anywhere that she went, I had to follow. Anything that she did, I had to do the same. If ever I chose to go my own way, or even if I was absent from school, she would threaten me with the loss of her friendship. One afternoon, we were playing outside for recess. She told me to come follow her and I do not know what came over me, but I decided to go the other way. I chose to go in another direction because I was tired of following behind someone else. In that moment, I felt liberated and I knew that I wasn’t a follower; I was a leader. Ever since then, I have made my own decisions and have never let anyone alter my choices, to benefit them.

My past experience with bullying has encouraged me to become a much stronger person and has also motivated me to inspire others to find their own bliss. No one should ever feel inferior to anyone else. I believe that everyone has an opportunity to defeat the odds and use their negative experiences as motivation to progress in life. If I had listened to what others had said about me, I would not be the strong willed, highly motivated, go-getter that I am today.

Sometimes a negative experience can have a positive aftermath. I made a choice that now continues to play a major role in my life. I understand that it is imperative for me to excel in life, so long as I continue to make decisions that are in my best interest and are not influenced by others. I used the negative experiences as inspiration to excel in life. After all, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.

Keep Me Warm For Winter (Short Story)

Click Clack Click Clack. The sound of small shoes hitting cobblestone, echoed throughout the cold and lonely streets. Little Anna Bell walked the streets alone in her worn down Mary Janes, an old coat, and tattered scarf. Her blonde her blew in the winter wind and was beginning to dampen from the snow. Winter in New York was the coldest time of year and the busiest. Christmas was around the corner so it was rare that the streets were ever as quiet as they were that night. As Anna Bell continued to walk down the street, she glanced at the windows alongside her. She looked at the families trimming Christmas trees, baking cookies, sharing stories and laughter by a warm fire. Anna began to reminisce about Christmas time in her home, and soon began to cry. She immediately turned her head to face the streets and kept walking. Click Clack Click Clack.

    Anna did not realize that she had been watched for quite some time. Not by a person, but by two magical stuffed animals. Their names were Wooly and Mammoth. They had brown and black fur that was as smooth as silk. Their eyes were black and they wore clothes like that of an elf’s. They were very thick and could withstand the unbearable cold. Wooly and Mammoth had been keeping close watch on Anna Bell and had gotten a hold of her Christmas list. Anna Bell had not asked for much. She only had three things on her list: to have a family, to have a warm and loving home, and clothes to keep her warm for winter.

 “How are we going to help her Wooly?” asked Mammoth.

“I feel so bad I really wish that there was something we could do now”.

“I know!!!!” Mammoth exclaimed. “We can take her list to Santa Clause and see if he can help.”

  “Mammoth you’re being crazy. Santa lives all the way in the North Pole. Don’t you think he’s be busy this time of year?”

  “Wooly, I’m surprised at you. You know that Santa is never too busy to help a child in     need”, said Mammoth.

  “Yeah you’re right, but how are we going to get there?’ Wooly asked.

  .“You ask too many questions Wooly. Just leave it all up to me.”

  Mammoth began to rummage through the empty boxes left in the store. He picked a box just big enough for the two of them to fit comfortably.

   “We’ll mail ourselves there”, Mammoth said.

Wooly and Mammoth left their store window post and carried the box all the way to the post office. Mammoth did all of the addressing and Wooly made sure they were packaged securely. They paid the Triple Express fee and were on the way to the North Pole. 

    The journey was pretty calm and relaxed. The extra money they paid made sure that they had the best care and the fastest service. The trip was only a day, which gave the two brothers plenty of time to find Santa.

    Boom! Wooly and Mammoth busted out of their packaging and scurried up the mail mountain. The pile of mail was about 15 feet tall and very dangerous. Any slip could cause an avalanche.

   “Be very careful Mammoth”, Wooly whispered.

   “Don’t worry I’m- WHOA!!”

   “MMAAAMMMOOTHHH!!!!!” Wooly exclaimed.

Mammoth was plummeting down the mountain. Wooly dove for Mammoth to catch him.

  “I don’t think I’m going to make it”, Mammoth said.

  “Yes you are! I need you to pull yourself up”, Wooly, said.

Wooly pulled and pulled and Mammoth finally found the strength to jump up.

  “That was scary”, Mammoth said breathlessly.

  “We must keep going”, Wooly said.

     Wooly and Mammoth entered the main hallway. To their surprise, Santa’s office was right down the hall. They ran down the long hallway as fast as they could. They knocked on the door repeatedly with excitement. The door opened slowly. It was Santa.

  “Ho Ho Ho. What can I do for you two shoes?”

  “Santa, my brother and I have come a great way to see you”, Mammoth said

  “There is a girl that we know of; Anna Bell. Here is her Christmas list, Sir. Her parents died and there is nowhere for her to go. Please, help her”, Mammoth said.

Santa began to look over the list and began to smile.

  “ I commend you two for doing this”, Santa said.

  “Is there anyway that you can help her Santa?” Wooly asked.

  “Of course”, Santa said.

  “Come on boys, we have work to do.”

 Santa gave Wooly and Mammoth a ride back to New York. As you can imagine, they were extremely excited to ride in the sleigh. But, they were happier to know that Santa could help little Anna Bell. Wooly and Mammoth showed Santa the alley that Anna Bell slept in. Santa parked his sleigh on a nearby roof and walked towards her.

  “Anna Bell”, Santa said softly.

  “Santa?” Anna said puzzled.

  “Yes, it’s me. I have received your Christmas list personally from these two little bears”, he replied.

Anna Bell immediately hugged Wooly and Mammoth.

  “Thank you”, she whimpered.

  “Close your eyes my dear and your lists shall be complete.”

Santa blew a magical breath of snow that surrounded Anna Bell. When she opened her eyes, she was in a nice warm home, with a loving family Santa had made all her wishes come true. She ran to her new family and hugged them. Ding Dong.

  “I’ll get it”, mother said.

  “Sweetheart, someone left a present for you”.

  “I wonder who it could be from”, Father said.

Father handed her the present.

  “From Wooly and Mammoth”, Anna read.

Wooly and Mammoth were inside the box. Anna’s eyes lit up with happiness and joy.

There was a note attached to Wooly.

  “To keep you warm for winter”, she read.

  “What lovely bears dear”, Father said.

Anna Bell looked at the window, looked at Santa and mouthed out thank you, as she smiled. He winked back and rode away.

    “Who are smiling at dear?” Mother asked.

    “No one Mother”, she said with a smile.

Bullying

Elementary and secondary schools around the country are beginning to actively address the problem of bullies. In your own opinion, is bullying an issue that should be addressed by the school or left to parents? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

Bullying is becoming a very controversial issue, in American society. Although bullying begins at school, for most students, it does not end there. Students use social networking websites to verbally abuse each other or one particular person, which is known as cyber bullying. Realistically speaking, most teenagers do not like to discuss bullying with their parents, and are too afraid to tell an administrator or authority figure, at school. But, I do believe that school officials should address bullying, rather than getting the parents involved. Although parents do have the parental right to know what is going on with their child, parents do have a tendency to blow situations out of proportion, which can make things worse for their child. School officials should address bullying because the students are in their care, and when victims choose to take matters into their own hands, it generally ends in tragedy.

Children spend the majority of their day in school. With that being said, I believe that their learning environment should be one of the places they feel most comfortable. The staff and administration are responsible for the safety and well being of every child that attends the school, from the first bell, until the dismissal bell rings. Harassment from other peers usually takes place at school, which makes it the school’s responsibility to settle any disputes that occur on school grounds, before the situation reaches a climax. I am aware that teachers and staff are a small population, compared to their students and cannot be everywhere all of the time. But, if ever they suspect any kind of harassment, I think they should act on their instincts and talk to the victim. Teachers are more than educators; they are mentors and guardians, to a certain extent.

This country has seen some of the worst tragedies, due to bullying. In most cases, the victim decides to seek revenge on those who tormented them. For example, the Columbine High School massacre that occurred on April 20, 1999, was a result of constant harassment and bullying from other students. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold went on a killing spree and held the entire school hostage for hours. 12 were killed, and some were injured. Not only was this a murder, but also a mass murder suicide. The two boys killed themselves, after all of the damage had already been done, leaving behind years of trauma and heartache for the victims and their families. This tragedy would have never happened if their peers did not constantly bully them. I am not trying to justify their approach to the situation, but the bullies are at fault, as well. The staff and administration at the school could have possibly prevented the situation from reaching that point. According to reports, their parents were negligent, which supports my stance on this issue. Some parents do not pay attention to their children, which is why the school should handle such situations, depending on the circumstances.

In conclusion, parents do have a right to be involved with certain situations, but I feel that the school should handle bullying because it more than likely takes place on campus. Children are in the school’s care for the majority of the day and when victims choose to take matters into their own hands, it generally ends in tragedy.