Diary Of a Nerdy Blogger

GLO Portfolio

2011-05-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hello mom/guardian :D
welcome to my blog! here is the link to my GLO portfolio.
http://www2.k12.hi.us/~mnguyen/GLO.html

Its a portfolio that shows what i've been working on all year long and how it relates to Hawaii's standards. Throughout my MeneMAC experience, I have learned alot and this portfolio will show most of my hard work. There are six general learner outcomes that are expressed through this website. hope you enjoy my presentation!

Journal #4: Process Paper: How you shaped and produced the “impact activity”

2011-05-23T21:28:00.001-07:00

When I was in doing this project, I decided to make a video. I feel this is more effective because I want to show my audience what I have learned from this project. At first I wanted to do a demonstration in class but I didn’t feel that was a lot to show from what I’ve learned these past couple months. A classroom is completely different from a kitchen so I would not be able to show a lot. This is why I decided to take footage of me making a 3-course meal from what I’ve learned. I think that this is more efficient in displaying my cooking skills. I also got the inspiration by watching cooking shows. They make it look really interesting and when I see the food on television it still makes my mouth water so I think I can still reach my audience.

The process of making my video was difficult. At first I didn’t know how to organize the footage that I had. In my first trial, I put together all of my prepping before my final product. This made my video almost 20 minutes long, but from menemac and the professional advice from Mrs. Sueoka, I realized that this would be too long of a presentation. My final product ended up being almost 4 minutes long. I learned that being straight to the point. Using my media skills, I was able to crop down video clips and overlap some footage.

Journal #3: Reflective Journal: Response to your learning

2011-05-23T21:27:00.002-07:00

Throughout this experience, I’ve learned a lot about myself. I know that deep down inside of me, I have this need for creativity. I admit that my creativity does not show very often but through this project I have shown my true colors. In the kitchen, I loved being able to make my own masterpiece. It gave me a sense of accomplishment. I know that from cooking, I do have the patience which I never thought I could have. Somehow making food made me feel happier and gave me comfort. The best part was being able to produce this food to my family. The main reason why I started this project on cooking was due to my family. My greatest enjoyment is being with my family. Food is and always has been the thing that brings my family closer. So for me to be able to cook the way I did, just made me love it even more. I’ve also gotten a better understanding of the essential questions in Project Icarus.

My passion is being with my family and being able to express myself through food. It allows me to be creative and it brings joy to me like nothing else has. The thing that motivates me to genuine learning is knowing I have a goal. Having that big dream or goal that I need to reach drives me more towards genuine learning. The more I chase after what I want, the more I learn on the way because I know that with every success there is a mistake that has been made. I feel that you cannot learn if you have not failed. It makes you a stronger person to get back up on your feet and keep moving. In cooking, I think that is the same mindset you must have. After learning from the professionals and researching online, I realize that many cooks, even the professional ones need to take risks and learn from trial and error. It is what makes the person a better chef and that is how new recipes are developed. Some skills that I have learned from this experience is patience, precision and multitasking. These are the three main skills that I feel will help me as a lifelong learner. In the future, when I have my career and family, I am going to need to balance everything out. This will involve multitasking. As I make my way in becoming a doctor or nurse, I know that every move I make will count. This will take precision. Finally, as life comes at me I know I will need patience because I am the type of person who always wants to get to the bottom of things right away. In some cases, this is not the answer and I need to learn how to be patient.

The big question that is often asked is “what is the point of school?” I believe that the point of school is so people will be well educated and it is the point where kids start learning about the real world. If I had a choice, I would still go to school because I think that education is something really important and should be valued more. Back then some people didn’t even have the option of going to school because it was a privilege. I think that we are fortunate enough to live in a country where our education is free. The purpose of school is to make sure that kids have a future. Being scholarly and having smarts will get a person far in life. A lot of times people think that school is a waste of time and do not understand the true meaning of why we have school. I on the other hand appreciate the education I am getting now. Although schoolwork puts a lot of pressure on us, it prepares us for reality and all the stress we face as adults. As high school students, the stress we have now is not as big as how it will be later on. Later on, we will be on our own and we have to make our own decisions. School helps us being on self discipline and lets us figure out a full potential.

Journal #2: Essay: Data and information gathering

2011-05-23T21:27:00.001-07:00

My Project Icarus consists of me learning how to cook. In my past experience, I have never cooked, especially not on my own. I have always watched from the sides and admired but never took the initiative to do anything about it. From this project, I wanted to learn more about how to cook my own meals. Before I do this, I must gather data and information about my topic first. Since my goal is to make my own meals, I should gather data on the different flavors that mix well together, what cooking techniques do cooking beginners need, and data on how people with years of experience make food from scratch.

Before my interviews, I wanted to learn a little bit more so I looked up websites online that could help me. I wanted to learn what types of spices and flavors worked well with each other and what types didn’t. I also wanted to know if there were any other basic cooking essentials that I needed to know about. From these websites, I studied a couple of flavors that mixed well together. For instance, in rice, fish or seafood dishes, the top ingredients that work well is mint, mace, and saffron. For stuffing dishes, celery, parsley flakes, and sage blend well. In these websites, I learned so much about spices that I tried making something at home. I tried baking a cake using different ingredients and following the baking directions. As beginners luck, I was able to make the cake look semi- decent. It tasted a lot better than how it looked! Not only did spices and ingredients matter, but the color also matters as well! When it comes to presentation, the food must look appetizing. This was something that I wanted to practice on because I always think that presentation is important. Some basic cooking essentials that I found useful was to always change up the heat of your food accordingly because if you leave food on at one temperature the whole time, it won’t cook properly. Another thing is simmering and boiling are two different types of cooking techniques so I shouldn’t get those mixed up or I might end up ruining a meal. There was a lot more that I learned but these are the most important things that I got from the websites.

The first thing I did was get some resources from actual cooks. I took the time to set up dates with the people in my family whose food inspires me the most. I set up a date with my uncle Brian, uncle John and my mom. At first it was difficult to set up these appointments because everyone was so busy but I managed to get the dates set. There were three days that I could come watch and learn how the professionals do it on the spot. I also had the privilege of helping them out in the kitchen. As I sat back, took pictures and listened, I learned a lot of new skills that could help me with my final product. I learned that when baking, everything has to be exact and precise or the meal will not turn out that well. I also learned how to cut and prep my food properly. I didn’t realize how much work and concentration it took to make one dish. The most important thing I learned was to ALWAYS check on your food by stirring so it won’t get burnt and tasting just in case you needed to add anything more. It truly was a great experience and I felt like real line cook! Although my intention for this project was just to learn to cook, I eventually got curious in how the whole system works. I asked my uncle Brian and he told me that chefs have rankings and the more experience you have, the higher rank you’ll be. Executive chefs make triple digits which I have to admit, impressed me. Cooking was something I’ve always wanted to do and I enjoy doing it so maybe if I keep practicing, I could consider doing it professionally.

Overall, I felt like I did a lot of research! I was getting so into my project that I didn’t mind looking up more and more information. I truly want to continue this because I know there is so much more to learn and I want to enhance my cooking skills. I realized that cooking takes so much prepping time and patience. Patience is something that I’ve always needed to work on and somehow cooking is one activity that I could do to raise my patience. Other then the stressfulness and precision, I feel that cooking is also an art. Being able to blend in flavors is like blending in colors. If I wanted to, I could make my entrees into art by the way I present it. There are so many types of cuisines out there that I want to learn how to make and not only from my culture but from cultures all over the world. This project has definitely allowed me to explore my creativity and given me the opportunity to pursue a hidden passion of mine.

Resources:

http://www.electricchef.com/techniques/spicesseasonings.html

http://eblong.com/zarf/flavorwheel.html

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/cooking/a/flavorblending_3.htm

http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/02/mastering-the-art-of-herbs-spices.html http://www.streetdirectory.com/food_editorials/cooking/cooking_tips/some_easy_basic_cooking_techniques.html

http://www.culinaryschoolguide.net/index.php/cooking-techniques-culinary-school/

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1534485/five_essential_cooking_techniques.html?cat=22

Journal #1: Learning and Research Process

2011-05-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

· Describe your passion.

A passion is something that a person has an intense desire for. For a really long time, I had no idea what my passions were. I always thought that my job was to be a good kid and do well in school. I never thought about what I liked to do personally. As I started to think about this project, I had no idea what my passion was. I thought my passion was dancing but I’ve come to realize that it is only a stress reliever and something I liked to do on my spare time but it didn’t truly make me happy. A couple of months ago, I had this party where all my family came over. It hit me that they all came because everybody knows that my mom cooks food. I’ve always admired how my mom cooks food because not only does it bring the family together but the way she cooks inspires me as well. That’s when I knew that cooking could be one of my passions. Food has always been my comfort object and my emotions are always expressed through the food I eat. Even though I am a complete amateur when it comes to cooking, I truly want to learn more about it so maybe one day I can cook as well as my mom. When I grow up and have my own family, I want to be the one cooking all the food and bring my family together! That truly is my passion.

· What resources will you use for your learning? And when/how will you access those resources? (Appointments, library work, online searches, etc.) ?

o Kandi Phaduangdet

§ Experience in the food industry for 5 years.

o John Cocklin

§ Kitchen Manger for Paparazzi Bar

§ Bar Manager for Paparazzi Bar

§ Cooked for a Uncle’s Fish Market & Grill

§ Worked with Chilies & Ryan’s Grill

o Brian Baradi

§ Chef at “Aaron’s fine dining“ – Restaurant at the Top of Alamoana

§ Chef at Ryan’s Grill for 6 years

§ Technical School for a year and studied culinary arts

WEBSITES:

· What questions do you want answered in your research and learning?

o What type of flavors work well together?

o What are the things that you must know while cooking?

o Is there a difference when you’re baking?

o What are some techniques that can help you cook better?

· How will you “take action” on your passion?

Since I want to just learn how to cook on my own, I want to watch the professionals cook first & take notes, and then I want to make my own dish using what I’ve learned from them. By the end of this project, I want to be able to cook a 3-course meal all by myself.

Holocaust Questions

2011-04-26T12:23:00.000-07:00

1. What details about the Holocaust experience became clearer or more vivid for you because of the video?

Some details that became more clear to me because of the video were the killings of the Jews. They were tortured in ways that i could never imagine. I saw the skin and bones of the starved and the wasted bodies of the dead being buried by bulldozers. The gas chambers slowly killed thousands of people who were thinking that they were going to shower. The Jews were treated like they were not human.

2. Describe the video techniques used to tell this story:

Camera angles were effective because the shots were not just in one place. It switches angles so it is not boring. There is a lot of zooming in when needed. It enhances the story that Elie tells.
The graphics were "old" looking from the black & white accent. The videos that are also compliment the interview very well.
The interview was very good because even though Elie does not speak well, there were subtitles.
Excerpts from the book go very well with the story that Elie tells. When he talks about what happens in these camps, he refer to the book "Night to explain his own experiences.

3. What is the "madness" the Oprah and Elie Wiesel speak of at the end of this section?

The "madness" that Oprah and Elie Wiesel were talking about it was how inhumane the holocaust was. They questioned if the nazis were really even human. How could these people be so evil and allow others to be tortured right in front of them?

Personal Quadrant D

2011-04-03T21:40:00.001-07:00

Topic: Dancing

Dancing is something that Ive always been interested in but i never really got into it as much. Even though i participated on school dance team, Ive always wanted to perform professionally. To me, dance is an art. When I do it for fun, i feel free and stress free. I wanna be able to expand my skills in dance and know what my full potentials are.

Stretch: From practicing at school to performing with a professional studio

OR Card Quarter 3

2011-03-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

This I Believe essay draft

2011-03-04T00:11:00.000-08:00

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.

Albert Einstein

From what I can remember, my life has always been about school work and keeping up my grades. I always kept my head in the books. Even in elementary school, if my teachers didn’t assign me any homework then my dad would MAKE homework for me to do. Everything was about studying, finding vocabulary words, reading about life situations, and doing math problems. I have to admit, I hated the feeling of not doing anything but stay home and do work. I would have rather been outside having fun with all my other friends. I knew that if I tried to go play outside without studying or doing my dad’s homework then I was going to be in deep trouble. Around middle school, my parents decided to get separated. My little sisters and I went to go live with my mom. We left Houston to move to Hawaii with my aunty and my grandpa. After the separation, my dad wasn’t there to force me to do his homework.

I got a call one afternoon from my dad. When i saw the caller ID, I was scared to answer because I knew I haven't got in touch with him in a very long time. Although i was afraid, I still picked up the phone because he was my dad. The conversation started off simple with a "Hello?" and "How have you been?". When things were going good, he asked how I was doing in school. At first, I didn't know what to say because there was just so much going on and I simply didn't have the nerve to say that I wasn't little miss perfect anymore. He also asked why he hasn't gotten a call from me in months. I told him it was because I was busy. The other line suddenly went silent. I knew right then and there, I just hurt his feelings. He let out a sigh and started this long lecture about how I was irresponsible and how much I wasn't trying enough. In the back of my mind I was thinking "No matter how hard I tried I'm never good enough for anyone." My vision became blurry with tears cause it hit me. Everything he was saying was true. I cant do anything right and I always screw up. While my dad kept lecturing me, I took a very deep breath and took all his words into consideration. By doing this, I realized how I simply lost track of what was important to me and got lost in all the corruption with my friends, family, peer pressure, and keeping up with school. There's so much more to life then high school. After high school, everyone goes their separate ways into the world. Even though friends may be my friends now, they wont be there for me in the end. They have their own dreams they need to follow and so do I. It may seem like all fun and games right now, but once I took a step back and looked at the big picture I could see that none of it will matter in the end. Playing around and getting sucked into peer pressure will not help me grow as a person and get to where I want to be.

I realize now that as I grow up, life will be complicated and tough whether I want to face it or not. Although I should keep doing my best in everything and work hard, I can’t forget to be happy. When things do start to get complicated and I start dwelling on the past, I know that what the future holds is much more valuable. Instead of grumbling and whining about what happened, I should make the most of it and look on the brighter side of life. Once I have a more positive mind set, I allow myself to be happier. As I grew up, I look back and realized the point that my dad was trying to make. I knew he just wanted the best for me and for me to make the most out of my life instead of being sucked into my friends and peer pressure. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. This, I believe.

Final Draft (Allusion Poem, Graphic, & Reflection)

2011-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

Poem:

(In relation to the story of the goddess Artemis)

A golden arrow

Sharp and pointed,

I'm waiting with anticipation

Years of skillful practice and patience,

Leading up to this one moment of truth

The teaser who taunts so proudly in the distance,

Mocking me, doubting me.

Thoughts in my head blurred my vision,

With the dream that seemed so near

Suddenly became a distant goal.

I stand alone with misconception

Then it hit me...

The dream is already prevailing,

All I need is more ambition

The reason for my existence,

The reason why I am here

It’s the hunt, the thrill, and the determination

It is now clear,

Aim for the farthest

And hit with a perfect shot

Relection

Through this assignment, I felt as though that I was able to have a better understanding of allusion. I could apply the concept of allusion in relation to myself. For me, this was a fun project that allowed me to explore various mythological figures. At first, it was difficult for me to research on a topic, but I finally found a mythological figure to compare to. The reason I picked the goddess Artemis was because I felt we had the same characteristics. She was a determined hunter who felt that she had a duty to kill the woman who kept bragging about all her kids. Like myself, I am a very determined person but all I need is my motivation. When Artemis shoots her arrows, she makes sure she has a clean shot even though her target is far away. For me, I feel as though my dreams are so far for me to reach and that my main goal is to get rid of my fears and doubts. I enjoy the thrill and challenges yet I need a lot of motivation to reach my goals.

Allusion Poem & Graphic (Draft)

2011-01-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

Poem: ( In relation to the story of the goddess Artemis)

A golden arrow

Sharp and pointed,

I'm waiting with anticipation

Years of skillful practice and patience,

leading up to this one moment of truth

the teaser who stunts so proudly in the distance,

mocking me, doubting me.

Thoughts in my head blurred my vision,

with the dream that seemed so near

suddenly became a distant goal.

I stood alone with misconception

then it hit me..

I had a choice

the dream is already established and motivation in mind

the reason for my existence, the reason why i am here.

its the hunt, the thrill, the determination

it is now clear,

aim for the farthest

and hit with a perfect shot

Writing Portfolio

2010-12-14T20:04:00.000-08:00

Invitation:

Dear mom/uncle john,

WELCOME to my portfolio! Here are some questions to answer after you have seen my portfolio.

1. What piece of writing did you like best in my portfolio and why?

2. What did you like about my portfolio and sharing and what would you like to see me improve on?

3. Which of the writing traits (ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency) do you feel was most successful for me?

4. Which of the traits of writing would you like me to improve on in the coming semester?

The Postcard Killers

2010-12-13T21:46:00.000-08:00

Pro/Con Subtopic Essay- Cyberbullying (Webcaming/Camera Usage)

2010-11-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

Pro/Con Subtopic Essay- Cyberbullying

Cyber bullying has become more frequent now days with our society growing more dependent on technology. Bullying use to be thought of as a normal process of growing up, but times have changed and teens are being harassed to a point where it’s leading to suicide. There are different things that teens have access to and use regularly. Video and camera usage are a few of many different types of technology that teens utilize on a daily basis. They make music videos, perform comedy shows, display their talents, and talk about their day or their opinion on a specific topic. Although this may sound innocent, there are people out there who won’t always like or agree with what others have to say. Teens are still naïve and emotionally vulnerable as they attempt to grapple with their haters. Most of the time they cannot handle what other people have to say and they feel like committing suicide. YouTube is one broadcasting site that allows people to upload anything they want. This leads to exposure of sexual content, profane language, and nudity. Teens shouldn’t be exposed to this because they are not aware of the consequences and it can corrupt the way they think the world should be like. Parents/Guardians should monitor their child’s use of broadcasting and video usages at all times and in all areas because kids are still not mature enough to be fully aware of the adult content, hate comments, blackmailing, and sexual predators.

Granted, teens should express themselves through technology because they should be allowed to be creative and display their talents. However, this shouldn’t mean teens should exploit themselves sexually. If kids are perfectly okay with exposing themselves to complete strangers then they should be comfortable with showing their parents. It goes to show that the teens who disagree with this have something they want to hide. Sites like YouTube do not filter out people so anyone can have an account and upload whatever they want. Some kids use this for their advantage in a good way by posting up music videos, short films, and etc. to entertain others and show off their talents. On the other hand, teens also take advantage of these sites in a bad way, such as recording themselves in a provocative way. They don’t understand that there are people out there who don’t always agree with what they say or do. For instance, an 11 year old girl from Florida, known online as ‘Jessi Slaughter’, became the center of a cyber bullying frenzy on July 22, 2010. The young girl - whose real name is Jessica Leonhardt - told Good Morning America Thursday that the escalating bullying began with postings aimed at her, regarding her alleged sexual history. In response, she said she used her webcam merely as a way to vent. This back fired however, because everyone began targeting her due to her profane videos. After these hateful comments, she posted a video of her meltdown. It goes to show that kids are not mature enough to be online unsupervised. If parents were to monitor their kids all the time on these types of websites, they could see that they are doing something productive or they’re just trying to exploit themselves.

Another way that teens can take advantage of camera usage is by blackmailing. “Sexting” is the common name for taking nude pictures of oneself and then sending them through cell phones or uploading it to the internet. Most often done by teenage girls for their boyfriends, they never think about the outcome after the breakup. Many times, these photos spread around the school and it leads to bullying and embarrassment. Several cases have risen over the past year where teenagers have been charged for producing and sending child porn since they are under aged. With light weight cameras or cameras built into phones, almost all teenagers have one. With a click of a button, it is so simple to blackmail another person.

In conclusion, the generation today is overly exposed to a lot of adult content and this is corrupting their minds. Teaching them right from wrong is not enough anymore because they want more proactive involvement rather than prohibitive don’ts from parents. Parents just want their kids to be safe because there are so many dangerous people out there that teens don’t realize. They think it’s harmless but there are pedophiles who take things too seriously.

Bibliography:

-Authoritarian Parenting, Authoritative Parenting and Permissive Parenting - their effects on children:

http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/authoritarian-parenting-authoritative-parenting-and-permissive-parenting-their-effects-on-children-1459885.html

-Online Child Molesters:

http://www.netsmartz.org/news/onlinemolesters.htm

-"Generation IM":

http://www.netsmartz.org/news/apr02-2.htm

-Girl Scout Survey: Sexual Harassment of Teens on Net: http://www.netsmartz.org/news/feb02-1.htm

-11 Facts About Cyber-bullying:

http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-cyber-bullying

-Facts About Cyber bullying:

http://www.suite101.com/content/truth-about-cyberbullying-a280827

-Cyber bulling Facts:

http://www.preventchildabuseutah.org/cyberbullyingfacts.html

-Cyber Bullying / Sexting

http://www.familysafecomputers.org/bullying.htm

-Cyber-bullying

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyber-bullying

-'Defriending' latest form of adolescent cyberbullying

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/105494523.html

-Cyber Bullying – How Webcams Have Changed The Internet

http://webcam-messenger.net/2010/11/08/cyber-bullying-how-webcams-have-changed-the-internet

-Cyberbullying grows bigger and meaner with photos, video

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/webguide/internetlife/2008-07-14-cyberbullying_N.htm

-Cyber Bullying in Youtube:

http://hellboundbloggers.com/2009/04/30/cyber-bullying-in-youtube/

-'Jessi Slaughter' YouTube Cyberbully Case: 11-Year-Old Tells GMA She Didn't Want it to Go This Far:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20011349-504083.html

-Overly strict parents:

http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/parenting_styleschildren039s_temperaments_match

OR Card: Last Song

2010-09-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

Assessment: 4

I think that the design of my OR card is simple and not cluttered giving it a more "professional" look. The graphics that I chose were effective and really gives insight on the overall book. My conflict and solution was straight to the point and the quote I chose shows what the main theme of the book is.

USC College Essay (Rough Draft)

2010-09-15T02:23:00.001-07:00

Essay Topic:

USC’s speaker series "What Matters to Me and Why" asks faculty and staff to reflect on their values, beliefs, and motivations. Presenters talk about choices they have made, difficulties encountered, and commitments solidified. Write an essay about an event or experience that helped you learn what is important to you and why it is important.

A Close Call

Another day drifts by and yet it seems like every day is the same old routine. I sit there on my desk trying to keep my heavy eyelids from closing itself. Sadly, the chair has already taken in my form from our multiple encounters. It was still early, the clock beside me read 8pm but I could already feel a rush of exhaustion overwhelm me. My red eyes are slowly drooping down to the words that looked like another form of alien language. Two science test, a math exam, and an english essay was due the next day and I can’t fall asleep knowing what needs to be done.

This is how it is at least every week and the stress that comes with it is like a never ending flu that I have caught. After a long day from school, lectures, work, dance, acting in videos, and meetings for various clubs, I still have come home to a load of homework and a messy house. As I continue to study, I can hear the stairs creek. My mom comes downstairs all dressed up and ready for her second job. I can see her reflection on the computer screen staring at me with a disappointed look on her face. I wasn’t in the mood to get into another argument, so I continued on with my work. I already know in the back of my mind, that she is going to tell me to clean up the house because it’s a wreck. Of course, that’s exactly what happened. To my utter dismay, I sigh and slowly rise from the seat that has turned into a memory foam pillow. I straighten up the house with a grumpy expression on my face and as always, she nags me about my attitude. We get into that argument that I was trying to avoid and we both ended our night on a bad note. She storms out of the house and I continue straightening up. I glanced back at the clock to see it display 10pm which makes me even wearier. I slowly drag my feet to the computer and finish studying.

It was now 1am and I can barely keep my eyes open. The paper in front of my face became a blur and I began to doze off. Only thirty minutes passed by when my nap was disturbed by an unknown phone call. It was my uncle. I can hear grief in his voice as he told me that my mom was in the hospital. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. As I continue listening, I can feel my heart sinking. Tears rimmed my eyes and for a split second I couldn’t breathe. I started to imagine not having my mom around anymore, which made me cry even harder. The last time I saw her, there was so much hatred. She is the person who has been there for me through everything, the one who raised me, and the reason why I even exist. My uncle promised he would call me back as soon as he knows more about the situation. I paced around the room for an hour or so until uncle called again. This time he had great news, because my mom was going to be okay. I was so relieved to hear that I was still going to have her in my life.

I understand that my mom has to work two jobs to support me and my two little sisters. She is a woman that has put up with so many things and has been through so much. I have everything that she never had and she tries her best to put a roof over our head. The most I can do is help out. My mom will always be in the back of my head and one of these days, I will repay her for everything she has done for me. We don’t come from a rich family and have the privileges that some most families have. I was raised with not much and that’s why I work so hard. But when it comes down to it, family is all you’ve got. They are the ones that are going to be there for you through thick or thin, rich or poor, and dumb or smart. I am not saying that nothing else is important but I have come to a point in life where I know that everything else doesn’t matter compared to your family. I will always be committed to my education and strive for the best so one day I can support my family.

Coming of Age Poster (Final)

2010-09-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

College

2010-09-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

University of Southern California (USC)
Link
Reason:
The reason why I want to attend this school is because it is top in the nation and it provides a nursing program that I am interested in. I am also considering other choices but USC is on top of my list. It has the anesthesia program that takes 24 months to complete. But before I do that, I want to take my first four years to get my bachelors degree in nursing. I don't want to jump from college to college so I would rather stay at USC throughout my 6 year college career. One challenge about USC is that there will be a lot of competition.

Cyberbullying

2010-09-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Article: Jessica Slaughter: Kerligurl13
Page 1
Page 2 Continued.
Page 3 Continued.

There should be more restrictions towards adolescent kids who go on social networking sites because it may deter cyber bullying.

Coming of Age: Poster Draft

2010-08-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Instead of the silhouette of the girl, It will be me and Im debating whether or not to add a bus stop and a sign saying "One Way Street".

A Summer to Remember: Critique Draft

2010-08-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

I could feel the scorching sun on my skin as I walked down the sandy sidewalk. Today was July 4^thto be precise and Ala Moana beach was packed with hundreds of people enjoying the cool blue water. The mouthwatering aroma of barbeque filled the air and families were indulging in all the food. Instead of swimming or socializing like everyone else, I continued listening to the sound of my music. I was still angry with my mom about not being able to go out with my friends. It wasn’t fair how little freedom I had compared to all the other juvenile delinquents out there. With that thought I continued to walk by with my music blasted loud enough for the person next to me to hear. I noticed every once in a while strangers greeted me with a friendly smile or a simple hello, but I wasn’t in the mood to react back. Before I knew it I had already circled the entire beach. At that point I started to walk back to the tent where all my family and friends were. As I approached our tent, I recognized a familiar face that I haven’t seen in a while. To my surprise, it was him.

The last time I saw him was the summer of 2009 and after that I’ve never really talked to him. At first, I didn’t think he recognized me but then we started to talk. I took a stroll around the beach again with him and his cousins. We spent most of the day talking about our lives, our friends, and our family. I learned so much about him and saw that we had a lot in common. When I was talking to him, it felt like I knew him my whole life and it just seemed unreal how comfortable I felt towards him. The day was almost ending and I watched as the sun began to set on the horizon. After gazing at the beautiful display of fireworks, everyone began to pack up and go home. As I was leaving, I remembered that I never even had the chance to say goodbye to him. I looked around to realize he had already left. Even though I was not able to say goodbye, I had a feeling that I was going to hear from him pretty soon.

My instincts were right, because the next day I received a text from him. I had completely forgot that I gave his brother my number so that we could still keep in contact. His brother must have given him my number. A day or so passed when he finally confessed that liked me and I was ecstatic to hear that he felt the same way I did. After that, he and I began talking more and more frequently. Everything was going good until we ran into two problems. For one, summer was about to end in a week and two I’m not allowed to date until my junior year. Usually, the dating part was no problem because I would end up doing it anyways. It just becomes difficult hiding it from my mom. In my past relationships, it never really worked out because we wouldn’t be able to go out to places or do anything without getting caught. I had a feeling that if I wanted this time to work out then I would have to tell my mom about him. To me, this was a big step up because I have never opened up to my mom before. He was the only guy that made me realized that if I ever want things to work out then I would need to stop keeping things from my mom.

I was still sour with my mom two weeks prior but I finally built up the nerve to talk to her. My hands were trembling as I stood outside her bedroom door. My stomach felt twisted and I started having second thoughts. I didn’t realize it was going to be this hard. My brain kept yelling at me to stop being such a baby and knock already. So I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and banged my hand on the door. I came in and told her that we needed to talk. As I sat down on the bed, I could feel my heart pounding hard. But to my surprise, she took it quite well. There wasn’t that much arguing like how it normally is. Before, I’ve always had the urge to say some smart remark and that would just make it worst. This time, I actually took my time to listen to her and for once I didn’t feel the need to talk back. She told me about how she had lost her mom when she was very little and how she’d wished that she had a mom to talk to about these kinds of problems. Listening to my mom talk about her struggles as a kid growing up, it made me realize why she is that way she is. It isn’t to ruin my life or keep me from doing things, its to protect me from what she knows might lie ahead. She explained to me why I wasn’t able to do the things that most kids can do and that is because she is teaching me about moral values and how all my privileges must be earned and not taken for granted. It made me more grateful to have a mom to watch after me the way she has for the last 15 years. I didn’t realize how much trouble I’ve caused her with all my lies and secrets until that day. Neither one of us left the room that night without puffy red eyes.

The morning after the conversation with my mom, I called him up to tell him about it. I told him that I made a compromise last night with my mom about the whole dating issue. Everything that my mom and I talked about finally sunk into my head and I have learned from the mistakes I’ve made in the past. I was glad that he forced me into talking to my mom and his assurance helped me through it all. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have been able to empathize my mom or had any clue about why she was so hard on me. Despite not being able to go out with him until next year, I think that was a smart decision to make. After all, summer doesn’t last forever but the memories and experiences are the ones I will definitely remember eternally.

Social Networking: Teens Who Log On Don’t Lag Behind

2010-08-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Do the positive aspects of social networking sites outweigh the negatives?

YES: Online social networks provide new opportunities for developing and maintaining social and work relationships.

NO: Revealing private information on social networking sites is foolish and can be dangerous, especially for young people.

Summary:

Today’s generation has been introduced to many social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Zanga, and so on. Many parents try to keep their child away from these types of sites due to their fears of the online world. Even though there may be some dangers, the good balances things out and shows that the world isn’t as bad as many people imagine it to be. Researchers from USC and UC Berkeley advocate parents to not block their kids from engaging into the digital media world due to their fears. Well-adjusted kids know not to talk to strangers and to be careful about what they put online. In society, electronic devices seem to be the path to how kids find their own identity, are able to work and communicate better, and are able to develop technical skills that they will need later on. Our generation is advancing into technology and these social networking sites help kids prepare for the future.

Article Link:

Social Networking

Proposition:

I agree that it is a lot better for kids to start using technology to improve themselves. These social websites are here for us to communicate more effectively and allow kids to develop their socializing skills. Socializing helps people develop a better understanding of each other. This allows our society to be more considerate of people because now we can relate to each other. Kids should not be restrained from learning how to interact with each other and I think that these sites can help kids enhance their media skills. They can also experiment all the different ways to express themselves and eventually find their identity. Many kids show their media skills such as photography, video making, web designing, graphic designing, and so on through these social networking sites. Overall, I believe we are coming to a new era where technology can allow the youth to be more aware of the things that are going on in their community. With society becoming more knowledgeable everyday, kids shouldn’t wait until they are older to learn about the online world.

Coming of Age: Another Step Into the Real World

2010-08-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

As a little kid, all I had to worry about was recess and coloring inside the lines. Now that I have grown older I have come to realize that there are more important things to life. From my experiences, the older I have gotten the more freedom I have gained. With all that freedom also came responsibilities. I can no longer depend on everybody around me such as my parents and my friends. I need to rely on myself and be able to face the challenges that the world has to offer. To me, coming of age means to mature as a person in school, at home, and especially when it comes to money.

Only recently I have "Come of Age", which was the beginning of my high school career. Coming in as a freshman, I didn't know what to expect except that things were going to change. Going from middle school to high school was a big step up for me. There were a lot of exams and projects that helped shape me as a person. It helped me be more responsible for my own learning. Nobody was there to force me to study, instead I had to make my own choices and study by myself. I can't always rely on others to succeed. I was on my own when it came down to taking my exams or applying for the different activities around the school. High school, especially the meneMAC program, has helped me become a more responsible person and be a more independent learner.

Besides school, I have grown more mature at home as well. During the summer, I had a lot of chores that I needed to do. I noticed that I have more harder chores to do compared to when I was in middle school or even elementary school. If I wanted to go out then all my chores had to be done first. This taught me that all my privileges needed to be earned and not just handed out. If I want something, then I have to work hard for it. Life isn't always going to be easy and handed out on a silver platter like how it was in kindergarden. After the summer has ended, I know now that I have to gain my 'freedom'. Freedom meaning things such as my phone privileges to going out with my friends. I should be more grateful for these things rather then thinking its a necessity.

This summer especially, has been a time where I really matured and come to understand my parents more. I have been through a lot, especially with my family. I won't lie, but I've gotten into a lot of trouble in the pass month or so. I've argued with my mom about many things that I thought was unfair. Such as all the freedom that some kids have and that I don't. They weren't even good kids yet they still got to do whatever they wanted. But the more I argued, the more I realized how immature I was being. It wasn't right for me to talk back, especially towards my elders. I learned from my mistakes and am making sure I don't do it again. Once I realized this, I saw myself as a more understanding and a mature person. I should never talk back to someone who is older than me, even if I know I'm right and that they're wrong. Most of the time its pride, and they are really the ones who are right. It just takes some empathy to realize their point of view because sometimes, i don't know that my actions are really hurting me. My elders know what's best for me and that's why they do what they do. It isn't to keep me from doing things, but just to protect me from what they know is coming ahead.

I've always thought that I could get whatever I wanted. As of now, I know that everything I have is due to hard work because money doesn't grow on trees. When I was a little kid, if I wanted the newest toy, my parents were the ones who bought it for me. Back then I thought that it was so easy to get something because all you had to do was buy it at a store. Now, most of the time if I want something then I need buy it with my own money. My parents provide me with all the things that I NEED. They tell me that all the unecessary things that I want, I would have to work for it myself to gain moral value. By that time I didn't know what was coming to me. It isn't easy when I have to pay for things myself. Once I started to work for my money, I saw that the small things that I wanted so badly were not important anymore. Im looking at the bigger picture now and I think that making my own money has helped me "Come of Age".

In the end being more mature is being more understanding of other people's point of view. Not whining about things that you can't always have is all part of being more of an adult. Even though growing up does have its perks, such as more freedom, there are also the responsibilities that come with it. The real world or the reality of things isn't always going to be fair and most of the time it is very competitive. As I have "Come of Age", I learned from my experiences and became a more mature and independent person.

GLO reflection

2010-05-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

Hello mom/guardian :D
welcome to my blog! here is the link to my GLO portfolio.
http://www2.k12.hi.us/~mnguyen/GLO.html

Its a portfolio that shows what i've been working on all year long and how it relates to Hawaii's standards. Throughout my MeneMAC experience, I have learned alot and this portfolio will show most of my hard work. I hope you enjoy my presentation!

Questions you must answer while commenting..

What did you like best about my portfolio and portfolio conference? What would you like to see me improve on in my portfolio?
From your point of view, which of my attainments of the 6 general learner outcomes is of most value? Please explain why you feel it is important and what about my documentation of it impresses you.
Which of the GLOs would you like me to focus on in the coming year(s)?

What makes a good sci-fi?

2010-04-23T13:31:00.000-07:00

Journey to a Sci-Fi World

By: Maddie Nguyen

When we watch science fiction (sci-fi) movies like the Matrix, Wall-e, Star Trek, and so forth, get entertained to watch even more. We watch science fiction movies for entertainment and understanding of the possibilities that technology can take us. Screen writers think about what really keeps the audience wanting more. As our society begins to grow upon technology, we ponder about the future. Sci-fi stories educate the minds today, about what can happen to us due to certain scientific breakthroughs, so that we can be cautious about our lives in the future. We cannot ignore the advancing of technology and its possible outcomes, because every single day, we learn more and more about science. What makes an astonishing sci-fi is a story that sheds light on the potential outcome known to science. We continue making stories like these, to make the audiences contemplate and allowing their minds to imagine.

Science fiction must evoke a sense of wonder in the minds of the audience. A suspenseful and dramatic plot adds to the sense of wonder in the unknown future. The emphasis of the scientific breakthrough makes the audience more interested in the story. The main point of science fiction is meant for us to be entertained and informed. For instance, the “Matrix” movie has a great plot that makes the audience wonder what will happen if robots were to take over the world. The intentional effect of the movie was to both to entertain and inform. When screenwriters and authors produce sci-fi stories, they mainly focus on the plot and how it will appeal to the audience. An excellent sci-fi movie includes the climatic consequences and advantages that we can obtain from science. Although the movies are fictional, they include believable things that would make the audience imagine how life would be in the future and it adds to overall effect of a incredible science fiction story. A creative plot provides the forum in which we can prosper with the right knowledge. It allows our brain to escape from reality and into the unknown world of science and where it can take us.

Scientific possibilities for the future shape the entertainment industry today. When we make sci-fi entertainment, the scientific evidence that supports the story is very important. When we base the outcome of the future, we look upon science. Authors make science fiction for us because there is much potential in the future but the entertainment industry allows us to see the major consequences and warn us about what could happen. For instance, in the movie “Matrix”, the message to us was that in the future robots will begin to take over if we rely too much on technology. After watching the movie, I began to imagine our world in the future and the thought of a matrix world. Not only did it frighten me, but it made me more cautious. They capture our attention with fictional stories that can be supported with science. The fact that the stories can be supported with evidence makes us more imaginative and open to all the potential results.

Overall, the main point to an excellent good sci-fi is a enticing storyline and the plot is supported by science. Science fiction is made to entertain and educate us about the different breakthroughs that scientist are discovering. We make all of these sci-fi movies because it is entertaining, allows us to be imaginative, and makes us more cautious about the plausible outcomes that science have to offer.

Picture Analysis

2010-04-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

In the Process..

Verbs:

Roasting, crackling, burning, sticking, heating, smoking, toasting, warming, cooking

Sensory Details:

Hear: crackling of the fire, stomachs grumbling,

Smell: the sweet marshmallow roasting, the wood burning,

Taste: the gooey & well toasted marshmallow

See: the blazing fire in the black night, the wood burning, the marshmallow toasting, the stick covered with sweet white residue

Feel: The warmth of the fire, the roughness of the stick, the rumbling in their stomach

Blog Invitation

2010-03-24T21:02:00.001-07:00

In Process..
Hi everyone! My name is Maddie and I have been previously working on a poetry website. I invite you to come and enjoy the site and the different poems.

Click on picture>>>

A couple of things that I would like you to notice is the slideshow next to the poem. I felt like the pictures really matched the poems and lyrics. Another thing is that there is a megaphone looking picture and if you click it, it plays the song. I was trying to capture a sad mood and make you reflect. I hope you enjoy my site! After visiting my site please comment on this blog post. thank you.

Metephor Reflection

2010-03-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

In process...

During this metaphor assignment, I have learned a lot about myself and I have enhanced my media skills.In the process of making a video, I had to not only act, but direct and edit my own video. I am usually the person that only acts in a video, but I now have produced, directed, and edited my OWN project. I enjoyed filming the many different angles and view points to capture the different perspectives. After a whole day of filming at the beach, I have enhanced my directing skills. That day, I was responsible for finding the best shots to use for my video. I feel as though I have accomplished in doing so. By finding unique angles and shots to express myself, I had use my creative thinking in order to produce my film.

I am happy with the outcome of my video because it wasn't a total failure. I was surprise that it came out so well because it was my first time in charge of an entire video project. Although it was a challenge for me to find the perfect spots, I managed and succeeded with flying colors. I didn't realize that there were so many different things I could do with my metaphor. I found that videography is pretty fun yet challenging.

I have come to learn that poetry is an art of expression. When people write poetry, they usually vent about everything i their life. That's what I did, I expressed and vented about myself. Before writing my poem, I jotted down some notes about myself and some notes about my metaphor. It seemed to me that we had A LOT in common. Which led me to decide my topic. Next, I wrote down some verbs and adjectives that described my metaphor. As I began thinking, my poem was done n flash. It was easy to write my poem because it was all about me and my feelings.

As I began to reflect and think about myself, I have come to discover a lot about myself. This project has forced me to think deep down and find all the different pieces of myself and put them together. I now have a much better understanding of myself and I how I feel or relate to something. Before the project, I didn't realize how much I didn't know about myself. I guess its because I never had the time to personally sit down and think about myself. I enjoyed this project very much and I hope we do another project dealing with videos because it was fun producing my own video.

5 poems

2010-02-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

Song 1: IN THE END BY LINCOLN PARK

It starts with
One thing I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind I designed this rhyme
To explain in due time

All I know
Time is a valuable thing
Watch it fly by as the pendulum swings
Watch it count down to the end of the day
The clock ticks life away

It's so unreal
Didn't look out below
Watch the time go right out the window
Trying to hold on, but didn't even know
Or wasted it all just to watch you go

I kept everything inside
And even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be
A memory of a time when

I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end it doesn't even matter

One thing, I don't know why
It doesn't even matter how hard you try
Keep that in mind I designed this rhyme
To remind myself how

I tried so hard
In spite of the way you were mocking me
Acting like I was part of your property
Remembering all the times you fought with me
I'm surprised

It got so far
Things aren't the way they were before
You wouldn't even recognize me anymore
Not that you knew me back then
But it all comes back to me in the end

You kept everything inside
And even though I tried, it all fell apart
What it meant to me will eventually be
A memory of a time when

I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end it doesn't even matter

I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
And for all this
There's only one thing you should know

I've put my trust in you
Pushed as far as I can go
And for all this
There's only one thing you should know

I tried so hard and got so far
But in the end it doesn't even matter
I had to fall to lose it all
But in the end it doesn't even matter

Song 2: NUMB BY LINCOLN PARK

I'm tired of being what you want me to be
Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface
I don't know what you're expecting of me
Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes

(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)

I've become so numb I can't feel you there
Become so tired so much more aware
I'm becoming this all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you

Can't you see that you're smothering me?
Holding too tightly, afraid to lose control
?Cause everything that you thought I would be
Has fallen apart right in front of you

(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)
Every step that I take is another mistake to you
(Caught in the undertow just caught in the undertow)
And every second I waste is more than I can take

I've become so numb I can't feel you there
Become so tired so much more aware
I'm becoming this all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you

And I know I may end up failing too
But I know you were just like me
With someone disappointed in you

I've become so numb I can't feel you there
Become so tired so much more aware
I'm becoming this all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you

Poem 3: The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Poem 4: Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.

Poem 5: Mines:)

Secrets of the Ocean

2010-02-20T17:58:00.000-08:00

I flow smoothly,

undulating through life.

Although I may have my high and low tides,

I usually stay mellow.

I am known for fluctuating,

due to my uncertainties.

Around the island,

people come to me.

Whether to hang out, have fun, or reflect upon problems,

I will always be here no matter what.

Many who admire my calm horizon,

come to find that I can be full of life.

There are people who stay ashore and are too afraid to swim deeper.

Those are the ones who will only see shallowness,

and quickly judge my ways.

Occasions of rareness comes around when unique people,

risk their lives sailing pass the shallowness and into the deep unknown.

On a search for the treasure box deep down,

no one can get pass the gaurded sharks.

The secrets that lie beneath are great,

yet no one has the first clue.

I am an ocean.

Journal #27

2010-02-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

Brainstorming....
hmmm...
---I could compare myself to the ocean. I have my high tides and my low tides.On bright and sunny days, I am clear as glass but on cloudy days, I am murky. Like an ocean I can be really deep and mellow but only towards people who would do anything for me. For instance, people who want to learn more about the ocean, risk their lives sailing out to the waters, not knowing whether they will come back. I also like to go with the flow, but when that beautiful moon or a 'pretty face' comes out then it controls me. Although the ocean can be really mellow it can also be really unpredictable, just like me. People go to the beach whenever they want to hang out, have fun, or just sit on the sand and reflect upon their life, just like how people come to me to talk about their life, their problems, to hang out, or to just party and have fun. Like an ocean, I am full of life and many people get lost with me. For instance, I would be talking about something and the person that I'm talking to would be so lost. People like to go in and out of the ocean just like how people come in and out of my life. Many only stay on the shallow end of my life because they are to scared to go farther on and discover my deeper side. People have no clue what lies beneath the ocean. Just like how scientist are discovering new things all the way down deep in the ocean. I am full of secrets and although some people think that they have me all figured out, they don't know the half of it.

Journal #25

2010-01-27T23:11:00.000-08:00

“My Vocabulary History”

Assess your own vocabulary. What are your strong points; what are your weak points when it comes to the trait of Word Choice in your writing and reading?
I do not have many strong points in my vocabulary, but whenever I learn a new word I tend to use it in my writing. I have a lot of weak points in the word choice trait. I do not understand many words, but I intend on building up my vocabulary. I also have grammar problems whenever I try to write a paper.
Describe how you have studied vocabulary in the past. What kinds of class activities and assignments have you experienced to work on your word choice?
Ever since i was little, my dad would make me read at least once a day and write down any vocabulary words that I do not understand. He would tell me to write down all my vocabulary words in a journal, then he would test me. Since I do not see him as often anymore, I still try my best to keep finding vocabulary words so that i will benifit in the future. Some class activities that I have experienced and has helped me to work on my word choice, is whenever we write essays. Whenever I write an essay, my peers would correct it and tell me to make certain corrections. This helps me to improve on my essays and makes me realize my mistakes for next time.
Describe how you, personally, learn new words. Give a specific example of how you have learned a new word recently.
As I have said before, I still write down vocabulary words that I do not comprehend and then once i know what it means, it helps me to build a better understanding of what i am reading. I also try to study my words every once in a while.
What are your specific vocabulary/word choice goals? How many new words would you like to learn this semester? What will be your evidence that you “own them” and can use them in your speaking and writing?
A specific goal that I would like to achieve is being able to comprehend more words and studying my words more often. I would like to learn as many vocabulary words as possible, maybe 50+ by the end of the semester. My evidence would be improvement in my essays and a journal of vocbulary words that i have learned.

Journal #20- New Years

2010-01-11T18:27:00.001-08:00

My friends and family gathered in the heart of Kalihi waiting eagerly for 2010. At 11:57pm multiple fireworks and aerials went off, each one louder than the next. We were all building up to the moment for the New Year. As I glanced down the streets, I noticed that they were being occupied by lots of people and fireworks, making it hard for cars to pass by. If I wanted to see, I had to squint through the thick smoke. Every time I needed to breathe in, I would have to inhale the acrid smell of gunpowder and all I could hear is the crackle of fireworks and the big explosions that rumbled in the night sky. Aerials were being launched from every single house nearby, especially the house I was at. As my uncles were getting ready to launch one, they noticed how much I was admiring the display of fireworks so they told me that I could fire up the aerial. I rushed through the fog with my burning taper in anticipation. Once I lit up the rocket shaped fire cracker, I rushed back to a safe position and watched the rocket shoot up in the air. It made whining screech as it was rising and then a big boom finale. I stared in amazement as the bright, neon lights exploded in the black sky. It was 11:59pm when everyone counted down “…5…4…3…2…1...” I began to have butterflies in my stomach as I anticipated for 2010. When the clock finally stroke midnight, everyone began cheering and screaming “Happy New Years” at the top of their lung, even louder and bigger fireworks were popping nonstop, and all of my family and friends were hugging one another. I was happy that I was surrounded by people who loved me and wouldn’t mind spending another year with me.

Parent Commentary

2009-12-15T23:46:00.000-08:00

Reflection:
So as a first year menemacer, I have learned a lot. One thing that is most important to me is writing a paper. Throughout my life, I know I will need to write papers in college and on job resumes. So constructing a paper correctly is very crucial to me. Being in menemac English core, has taught me how to construct a paper in a way so there are important traits that are followed. These traits include ideas, voice, organization, and word choice.

According to my introductory letter, I stated “I want to work on my writing skills. I want to write more vivid and detailed essays. Another thing I want to work on is building up my vocabulary so I can write better stories or essays.” Overall, I think I followed up on all of my goals. I have learned a lot of new vocabulary words and learned how to apply them to my essays. I have also been able to write vivid and detailed stories, thanks to my “word choice” and “voice” trait. I really believe that being in the menemac core has benefitted me for the better.

Proud Achievements: I am most proud of my "voice" and "organization" traits. In the first quarter, I already had the concept of voice and organization but I didn’t fully understand it. I knew that using voice was based on personal perspectives and being myself, which wasn't hard. The same goes for the "organization" trait. Although I understand the process, due to 8th grade, I only got 3's on both traits. At first, I didn't understand what I was doing wrong, but then as we began to write more and more essay I had a better understanding of the two traits. I am proud to say that I fully grasp the two traits. To me, I believe that it was my proudest achievements. I guess you can say practice makes perfect. Besides traits, I am so proud of my KC3 essay. It was the only essay in the entire first and second quarter, that I got all 4’s on each trait (4/4). Not only does it shows me the progress in my understanding in the traits, but it also shows me that it is NOT impossible to get a perfect paper in English.

Challenges: In the beginning of the year, I had a lot of challenges with the "ideas" and "word choice" trait. Whenever I wrote my papers, I either had too much detail which threw off my focus or I put unnecessary words to describe a topic. The more I tried to be “more descriptive”, my papers would lose focus which affected my “ideas” and my “word choice” traits. Throughout the second quarter, I began to understand how to make my paper more focused. I have learned that by using smaller yet effective words, I made my paper focus more on the topic then the vocabulary words. I have also improved my vocabulary and I have learned how to use the new words.

Goals for next year: My goals next year is to keep up the good work. After only 2 quarters, I believe that my understanding of the traits is strong. My goal in the beginning of the quarter was to get at least one perfect paper and I have succeeded. My goal next year is to continue to do the same. When I first received the 4/4 paper, I was thrilled and speechless! I want to have that feeling again. I am aiming for the best and I am going to try my hardest to get another 4/4 paper. Since I grasp the concept of the 4 traits, I don’t think it will be as hard as the first time. It’s all about how to structure a paper.

After looking through my portfolio, please answer the following questions listed:

What did you like best about my portfolio and portfolio conference? What would you like to see me improve on in my portfolio?

From your point of view, which of my attainments of the 4 traits of writing is of most value? Please explain why you feel it is important and what about my documentation of it impresses you.

Which of the traits of writing would you like me to focus on in the coming semester?

heres the link to my portfolio.
English Portfolio

~The Cycle of Interdependency~ Rough Draft

2009-12-04T20:05:00.001-08:00

~The Cycle of Interdependency~
By: Maddie Nguyen

Interdependence; a word that means to depend on each other. In my social and educational life as a Mene Mac student, I always end up relying on something to get through the day. Besides myself, I can honestly say that everyone and everything on our planet Earth counts on one another. We all cause ripple effects. Everything we do never just affects one’s self; it affects the people around us as well. Some people may cause small ripples and some may cause big ripples. It all comes down to the things we do. In my essay, I will discuss scenarios when I needed to count on someone or something which later impacted me personally and educationally.
This year is my freshman year. The first time I came to high school, I had butterflies in my stomach. My goal was to join at least one committee. To my excitement, I discovered the home coming committee, who desperately needed volunteers to help, and I immediately agreed to join. Little did I know that I was going to play a big role in interdependency. My responsibility on the committee was acting and dancing in the homecoming performance. I snatched the leading act and I tried my best. Each person had a critical role on the committee. There was the president who was in charge, prop makers, two choreographers, backup dancers who also acted, and last but not least the two primary actors and dancers. If we did not have a president, then we probably would not have gotten anything done. The president was the one in charge of putting people to work and in charge of the scripts for actors, so everyone counted on the president. I see the president like she is the ribbon which keeps a present together. The prop makers were important as well because without them, our entire performance would not have made sense. We needed the artistic producers to make the presentation better. I consider them to be the appealing bow on a present. The choreographers were very crucial too, they were the ones who made up all the dance moves which we performed on opening night. All of the dancers relied on the choreography. The thing with choreographers, were that they are hard to find. They needed to be creative, have dancing talent, be committed, and most importantly, be outstanding. They are what I consider the wrapping paper which wraps everything together. Finally, there were the actual performers, which is where I came into play. We were the ones who are committed to every rehearsal and work very hard to not mess up. We are the entire show and who the audience came to see. So everyone depended on us to do a good job. I consider us performers, to be the actual gift to everyone. Altogether, the homecoming committee would have only succeeded if every person did their job. After months of practicing, we finally came together and made magic happen.

As a Mene Mac student, I have experienced many interactions by being in the learning program. The learning program requires 3 core classes. We consult in different ways to complete a project. In biology, we are in the process of an E-cyber mission. Our goal is to create a group project that will help living things. Each group has 3-4 people who work together and try to brainstorm a bullet proof assignment. In each group there is a leader who keeps everything in order, the creative writer, the researcher, and person who is in charge of the testing. The creative writer is the person who writes up a report on the project based on the scientific method. The researcher is the person who gathers all the data, makes inquiries, and delves more into the topic. The person in charge of testing is the one who tests the hypothesis, assists the group, and tries to facilitate the project. In the end we all collaborate in hopes of going to nationals. While in English, we have strong communication through blogging. We post up our rough drafts, comment on our peers’ drafts, and wait for them to comment on ours. If someone does not contribute in the commenting, then it affects them and their group members. So we all rely on one another to get our work done. In this class, we are also in the progress of a Kc3 project. For this assignment, our class got divided into three groups. My group is working on invasive species. So with six group members, we are tasked to do thorough research on different subtopics. After my team did all of the research, we came together and reported to the rest of our group about our own subtopic. As of now, we are using the information that we have attained to set up a presentation. Our Kc3 project is a good example of interdependency. My third Mene Mac core is Hawaiian history. In the first quarter, we were assigned to a specific topic about what happened when foreigners overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy. My group project was on the Reciprocity Treaty, my history teacher required each person to be in charge of a specific task. There was the power point person, the quiz maker, the researcher, and the game maker. We counted on each team member to be responsible for their assignment. In the end we had to present our topic to the class and the class presented their topic to us. It helped prepare us for an upcoming exam. Overall, being a Mene Mac student is a benefit to me in a good way by teaching me the value of team work.

In a way, being interdependent is rewarding. Without interdependence then nothing on our planet would be able to function correctly. We all rely on each other. For instance, plants count on us for carbon dioxide and we count on the plants for oxygen. We lean on other people and other people lean on us. Being interdependent is beneficiary for anybody who wants to be successful in life. Every job out there requires interaction and association with people or things. For example, nurses and doctors need sick patients to make money and sick patients need doctors to be cured. As you can see, interdependency is all around us even if we don’t realize that it is. Throughout my experiences, I've begun to understand the cycle of interdependency.

Interdependence

2009-12-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

Introduction:

Interdependence; a word that means to depend on each other. Throughout my social and educational life as a mene Mac student, I always end up relying on something to get through the day. Besides myself, I can honestly say that everyone and everything on our planet Earth count on one another. We all cause ripple effects. Everything we do never just affects one self. It affects the people around us as well. Some people may cause small ripples and some may cause big ripples. It all comes down to the things we do. In my essay, I will discuss scenarios when I needed to count on someone or something which later impacted me personally and educationally.

Body:
Paragraph#1: (interdependence)A personal experience
Paragraph#2: (interdependence)Learning experiences by being a menemacer

Conclusion: In a way, being interdependent is rewarding. Without interdependence then nothing on our planet would be able to function correctly.....

Journal #18

2009-12-04T12:30:00.000-08:00

Empathy:

definition: understanding how another person feels.

own experience: divorce/seperation
MOVING EVERY YEAR
Stress at school
Furlough Fridays

learning experience: ??

Interdependence:

definition:It means to depend on one another.

Personal experience: recycling
homecoming committee
cleaning after myself
cleaning up my house
taking care of my stuff

Learning Experience: KC3 Project
Peer Commentary
ecybermission
History Presentaion

Rough Draft Photoshop for Kc3

2009-11-21T17:51:00.001-08:00

Kc3 Final

2009-11-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

~The War Against Alien Invaders~

KC3 Final Draft -----> By: Maddie Nguyen

Hawaii was first introduced to the world in 1778 by Captain Cook. Ever since then, foreigners from around the world have been invading the tropical island, slowly taking over. These foreigners, however, were not the only ones to come and deplete the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Foreigners have brought 4,000 to 20,000 various plants because of their beauty or sustenance. What they did not know was that these plants would not only become an infestation, but cause damage to Hawaii’s environment and native species as well. As of today, the species of invasive plants are numerous and are dominating Hawaii’s land ecosystem. Because invasive plants are impacting Hawaii’s land ecosystem, our community has developed programs and even taken time to personally help prevent invasive species from demolishing Hawaii’s environment.

One of the most lethal land alien plants in Hawaii is the exotic South Asian ginger. This plant originated from Southern Asia and was brought in by immigrants who came to Hawaii in the 1900's to work on sugar plantations. These immigrants brought the South Asian ginger because of its beauty, not knowing that the plant would diminish Hawaii’s forests. Nowadays, many people do not realize that it is fatal to the native plants and Hawaii’s forests because of its deceivingly beautiful appearance. Kaliji pheasants are birds who consume the plant’s crimson berries and unintentionally disperse the seeds around the island, rapidly increasing the inhabitants of Asian ginger. This exotic plant causes destruction by displacing native plants that live in the Hawaiian forests. Hapuu tree ferns, Laua’e ferns, Limukele, and Limukaulaua are examples of native ferns and mosses that shelter the forests from rain. This prevents flooding from occurring in riverbanks, streams, and thus losing its purpose of a watershed. A watershed is basically an area that shelters lakes, rivers, ponds, and etcetera from rain so that it does not overflow. The function of a watershed is important to Hawaii’s forests because without it, the rain would obliterate all of Hawaii’s water sources. Another alien species that is radiant yet invasive to the Hawaiian Islands is the banana poka. The banana poka is originally from South America and was brought over to Hawaii before 1921 by settlers. “Native to the Andes, the vine was probably brought to Hawai'i as an ornamental because of its ostentatious, pink flowers. Banana poka was apparently planted at most of the sites that currently have heavy infestations” [2]. Another reason why settlers brought the banana poka to Hawaii is because of the banana fruit that it produces. This plant may look harmless, but it is very robust and can take on an eight foot tree. The banana poka strangles and suffocates native trees such as the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au. The vines of the invasive plant suppress oxygen and sunlight from the native trees. As the invasive plant gradually kills off the native tree, it allows excess amount of sunlight to damage the second and third layer of the rainforest. Due to the banana poka plant, Hawaii’s forest is debilitating and native plants for instance, the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au are coming closer to extinction.

In Maui, a local resident referred to as Pat Bily has contributed to the battle against Hawaii’s invasive South Asian ginger, banana poka, and other various invasive plants. The devoted plant specialist is passionate about the situation and volunteers his time to defend Hawaii from harmful invasive plants. In fact, Bily’s zeal for Hawaii’s environment motivated him to establish the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC). “Everyone has a tremendous respect for Pat’s dedication, commitment, and hard work. He is a true hero.” says Mark White, Director of Maui Programs for the Conservancy. Bily pursues his duty of battling invasive plants by going on voluntary monthly trips to Conservancy’s Maui preserves refurbishing fences, removing detrimental weeds, and planting seeds of awareness in the community. Canoe members, hunters, local students and the community in general were motivated into volunteering because of Pat Bily’s effort to care for Hawaii’s environment. The MISC has also inspired other committees to form on other islands, showing that anyone can make a difference.

Oahu was an island inspired by the MISC to start the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) on May 22, 2000. A wide spread invasion of multiple plant species has become a danger to the environment. Nearly hundreds of plants have slowly taken over our island. The situation got so severe that an intern from the University of Rhode Island flew to Hawaii. Hearing about the non-native plants that are annihilating Hawaii’s land ecosystem, he was determined to unite with the OISC and assist by removing invasive plants. “But rather than managing widespread populations of established invasive plants, the OISC is using scientific assessments and field surveys to predict which incipient weed might become invasive in the future,” states Joshua Atwood, intern for the OISC. This process allows the OISC to perform more efficiently and informs the committee whether to terminate the alien plant or to continue searching elsewhere. Throughout the years, the OISC has helped decrease the amount of invasive species around Oahu.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s (HDOA) Plant Pest Control is state agency that helps Hawaii’s environment from invasive plants. Ninety-Five percent of major pests currently in Hawaii have been detected by the HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch. This branch distinguishes invasive species using a “developed weed harmful assessment”[1]. The agency then identifies on recently arrived non-native species and determines their invasive potential. The HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch is composed of two sections which is the Biological and the Chemical/Mechanical (C/M) Control Section. The Biological Control Section consists of groups operating together distinguishing new immigrant pests, investigating native habitats to observe the natural enemies of the invasive pest, and so on. The C/M Control Section on the other hand combats invasive plants by using chemical/mechanical methods such as trapping to control or eliminate the invasive plants. C/M Section staff also provides technical advice to land owners or managers to lessen the impact of noxious weeds. The Plant Pest Control C/M Section includes observing habitats for the attendance of harmful weeds. Another subdivision in the HDOA that stops invasive plants is the Plant Quarantine Branch. The Plant Quarantine Branch is in charge of an ongoing project known as “First Class Mail”. The HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has the authority to examine first-class and priority mail since they have discovered that mail packages have been the number one transportation for alien plants to Hawaii. “The HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has been known as a major breakthrough and has fortified the HDOA inspection programs to prevent the introduction of harmful plants from entering into the State” states Sandra Kunimoto, Chairperson for the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Overall Hawaii’s land ecosystem is slowly being dominated by the invasive plants. The Asian ginger weed and banana poka are just two examples of the many invasive plant species that are harming Hawaii’s environment. In turn, community group efforts and programs like the Maui Invasive Species Committee, Oahu Invasive Species Committee, HDOA Plant Pest Control, and HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch have been developed to help combat the invasive plant species. With society's help, Hawaii might still have a chance in the war against harmful plant invaders. If society does not contribute to this war, then our native species will become extinct and our environment will be destroyed.

Foot Notes:

[1] Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

[2] No publisher. Alien Plants. No revision date. University of Hawaii. 13 Nov. 2009 http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/book/1990_chap/13.pdf

---------------------------------------------

Biobliography:

Internet Sources:

Naomi Sodetani. A Weed Warrior Battles to Save Native Forests. No given Revision Date. The Nature Conservancy. 10 Nov. 2009 >

Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

Simberloff,Daneil. Introduced Speies: The Threat to Biodiersity & What Can Be Done. December 2000. American Institute of Biological Science. 7 November 2009 <http://www.actionbioscience.org/biodiversity/simberloff.html>

No publisher. Alien Plants. No revision date. University of Hawaii. 13 Nov. 2009 http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/duffy/book/1990_chap/13.pdf

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Pest Control. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/ppc>

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Quarantine. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/pq/pq>

No Publisher. Passiflora Tarminiana. 12 November 2009. Wikimedia Foundation. 13 Nov. 2009

Interviews:

Harris,Jason. Interview Personal. Honolulu Zoo. November 4,2009

Chan,Norton.Interview Personal.Waikiki Aquarium.November 4,2009

Rough Draft Kc3

2009-11-13T17:31:00.000-08:00

~The War Against Alien Invaders~

KC3 Rough Draft -----> By: Maddie Nguyen

Hawaii was first introduced to the world in 1778 by Captain Cook. Ever since then, foreigners have been invading the tropical island, slowly taking over. Foreigners, however, were not the only ones to come and deplete the natural beauty of the Hawaiian Islands. Foreigners have brought 4,000 to 20,000 various plants because of their beauty or sustenance. What they did not know is how the plants would not only become an infestation, but they will cause damage as well. As of today, the species of invasive plants are numerous and are dominating Hawaii’s land ecosystem. Because invasive plants are impacting Hawaii’s land ecosystem, our community has developed programs and even taken time to personally help prevent invasive species from demolishing Hawaii’s environment.

One of the most lethal land alien plants in Hawaii is the exotic South Asian ginger. This plant originated from Southern Asia and was brought in by Asians who came to Hawaii in the 1900's to work. Nowadays, many people do not realize that it is fatal because of its exquisite appearance. Birds consume the plant’s crimson berries and unintentionally disperse the seeds around the island proliferating the inhabitants of Asian ginger. This exotic plant causes destruction by displacing native plants that live in the Hawaiian forests. For instance, Hapuu tree ferns, Laua’e ferns, Limukele, and Limukaulaua are examples of native ferns and mosses that serve as a blanket preventing rain from filtering into the forest. If the South Asian ginger relocates these native plants then the forest would be vulnerable to rain and the forest would lose its purpose as a watershed. Another alien species that is radiant yet invasive to the Hawaiian Islands is the banana poka. The banana poka is originally from South America and was brought over to Hawaii in the 1900’s by settlers who used the plant’s fruit as food. The appearance of the banana poka is a vine with ostentatious flowers and banana fruits. This plant may look harmless, but it is very robust and can take on an eight foot tree. The banana poka asphyxiates native trees such as the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au. The vines of the invasive plant suppress oxygen and sunlight from the native trees. As the invasive plant gradually kills off the native tree, it allows excess amount of sunlight to damage the second and third layer of the rainforest. Due to the banana poka plant, Hawaii’s forest is debilitating and native plants for instance, the Hawai'i Creeper, Hawai'i Akepa and the 'Akiapola'au are coming closer to extinction.

In Maui, a local resident referred to as Pat Bily has contributed to the battle against Hawaii’s invasive South Asian ginger, banana poka, and other various invasive plants. The devoted plant specialist is passionate about the situation and volunteers his time to defend Hawaii from harmful invasive plants. In fact, Bily’s zeal for Hawaii’s environment motivated him to establish the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC). “Everyone has a tremendous respect for Pat’s dedication, commitment, and hard work. He is a true hero.” says Mark White, Director of Maui Programs for the Conservancy. Bily pursues his duty of battling invasive plants by going on voluntary monthly trips to Conservancy’s Maui preserves and removing detrimental weeds, refurbish fences, and plant seeds of awareness in the community. Local students, canoe members, hunters, and the community in general were motivated into volunteering because of Pat Bily’s effort to care for Hawaii’s environment. The MISC has also inspired other committees to form on other islands, showing that anyone can make a difference.

Oahu was an island inspired by the MISC to start the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC). A wide spread invasion of multiple plant species has become a danger to the environment. Nearly hundreds of plants have slowly taken over our island. The situation got so severe that an intern from the University of Rhode Island flew to Hawaii. Hearing about the non-native plants that are annihilating Hawaii’s land ecosystem he was determined to unite with the OISC and assist by removing invasive plants. “But rather than managing widespread populations of established invasive plants, the OISC is using scientific assessments and field surveys to predict which incipient weed might become invasive in the future,” states Joshua Atwood, intern for the OISC.

Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s (HDOA) Plant Pest Control is state agency that helps Hawaii’s environment from invasive plants. Ninety-Five percent of major pests currently in Hawaii have been detected by the HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch. This branch distinguishes invasive species using a “developed weed harmful assessment”[1]. The agency then identifies on recently arrived non-native species and determines their invasive potential. The HDOA Plant Pest Control Branch is composed of two sections which is the Biological and the Chemical/Mechanical (C/M) Control Section. The Biological Control Section consists of groups operating together perceiving new immigrant pests, investigating native habitats to observe the natural enemies of the invasive pest, and so on. The C/M Control Section on the other hand combats invasive plants by using chemical/mechanical methods such as trapping to control or eliminate the invasive plants. C/M Section staff also provides technical advice to land owners or managers to lessen the impact of noxious weeds. The Plant Pest Control C/M Section includes observing habitats for the attendance of harmful weeds. Another subdivision in the HDOA that stops invasive plants is the Plant Quarantine Branch. The Plant Quarantine Branch is in charge of an ongoing project known as “First Class Mail”. Since first class mails have been a major path for the invasive plants or plant products to be transported to Hawaii, the HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has the capability to scrutinize first-class and priority mail packages. The HDOA Plant Quarantine Branch has been known as a major breakthrough and has fortified the HDOA inspection programs to prevent the introduction of harmful plants from entering into the State.

Foot Notes:

[1] Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

---------------------------------------------

Biobliography:

Internet Sources:

Naomi Sodetani. A Weed Warrior Battles to Save Native Forests. No given Revision Date. The Nature Conservancy. 10 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/hawaii/projectprofiles/art20660.html>

Atwood,Joshua. Saving Hawaii From Alien Plants. 30 March 2009. National Science Foundation. 12 Nov. 2009 <http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=114152&org=DGE>

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Pest Control. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/ppc>

Kunimoto,Sandra. Plant Quarantine. No Revision Date Given. Department of Agriculture. 13 November 2009<http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/pi/pq/pq>

Interviews:

Harris,Jason. Interview Personal. Honolulu Zoo. November 4,2009

Chan,Norton.Interview Personal.Waikiki Aquarium.November 4,2009

Kc3:Rough Draft Impromptu Plans

2009-11-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

(Introduction)

(Cause)- The invasive plant and what are they doing to harm the environment?

(Effect)- Programs

(Effect)- People

(Conclusion)

Journal #14- Thesis Statement

2009-11-03T21:45:00.000-08:00

Topic: Invasive Species

Subtopic: Programs/People to protect hawaii from invasive land plants

Statement: Because invasive plants are impacting Hawaii's land ecosystem, our community has developed programs and even taken time out personally, to help prevent invasive land plants from destroying Hawaii's environment.

Journal #13

2009-11-03T21:44:00.000-08:00

Done in class....

Kc3 Project Plans

2009-11-03T13:07:00.000-08:00

1. Shaneika Aguilar, Madelynne Nguyen, Jorjiane Guasch, Rebekah Morales, Korie Lum, and Kevin Caguillo

2. Invasive alien species and biodiversity

3. Starting off small (subtopics):

Shaneika Aguilar - Invasive alien land species and its effects

Korie Lum - invasive alien freshwater/saltwater species and its effects

Rebekah Morales - Research on our local biodiversity and why it must be preserved

Madelynne Nguyen - Programs to protect our local species and its effectiveness

Jordie Guasch - Invasive alien plants and their effects on the environment

Kevin Caguillo - invasive alien insects/pests and its effects

Other Plans:

(Those who are in charge, but the whole group is still involved)

Shaneika Aguilar: Visiting and documenting a place on Oahu.

Madelynne Nguyen: Conduct a survey on Survey Monkey that will provide data from other students in different states/countries about the environmental issues you are researching.

Korie Lum: Find and interview an "authority" on your topic. The interview and appropriate B-roll or still pictures will be part of our documentary video.

*Everyone must remember to write down the bibliography and credit the places and sites of where they received their information for this project.

Additional Information (Group Portion)
Shaneika and Korie: Video - Storyboard and edit and present the video documentary of your topic.

Maddie: Interactive Portion - Plan and present an activity that will get your audience to think and interact with us - something challenging and engaging. Create, post, and analyze team survey on Survey Monkey.

Shaneika and Kevin: Create the powerpoint that will highlight the main points of your research and present it in the videoconference

Jordie and Rebekah: Pre-conference website and activity -(Jordie) Create the website and the (Rebekah) pre-conference online activity that will introduce your topic and will help to "hook" and focus your audience.

Jordie: Scripting - Write the script for the presentation. Serve as "host" the videoconference.

Important Notice:

Each team member is required to print 3 articles that are related to our topic.

As a group, come up with one thesis statement.

Each team member will compose a well-written essay based on our topic.

*Everyone must remember to write down the bibliography and credit the places and sites of where they received their information for this project.

Kc3 Project

2009-10-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Maddie!!

This is just a reminder.

Here is your finalized assignment to clear up the confusion:

- Find 2 excellent resource articles related to your subtopic, which is programs that are trying to protect our local species and its effectiveness (Class assignment):

Here are the questions that need to be answered:

- What is the name of the person that is finding a solution to this crisis?

- What are they doing?

- Has their strategies benefitted the environment or has there been any progress since they started finding solutions to the problems?

- What are the species that they are trying to prevent from worsening? What are the species that they are helping to survive the crisis (native species)?

- Begin on Survey Monkey survey questions draft (will be assigned on Thursday by Ms. Sueoka. No rush). And try ask Ms. Sueoka if we can advertise our survey worldwide.

- Research programs that are trying to protect our local species and its effectiveness (Group Assignment)

- Make sure to add a bibliography and credit every source that you use

- Come up with 5-8 interview questions for the interview that Me and Korie are holding.

Due by Thursday, October 29, 2009 - Turn in to Shaneika, except for the class assignment :)

Check Out My Book- Jack and Jill by James Patterson

2009-09-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

If You cant read the problem & solution,

Problem: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Solution: Alex Cross ends up working with both cases. Jack and Jill worked their way up to the top of the chain and planned to kill the president. Their plan was a success
and although Alex Cross was not able to stop the execution, Detective Cross figured out that
Jill was Jack’s misstress and worked in the white house. Jack was a CIA agent’s husband.
The CIA agent was the one who planned everything. Jill was left to die as Jack and his wife
got arrested but were murdered in prison. During this time the school killer framed a fellow military cadet about the local child killings. Detective Cross’s partner, detective Sampson, was tracking the Sojourner Truth killer. Finally the detectives found that the school killer was actually a disturbed 13 year old boy. In the end, Alex Cross undergo
the pressure of solving two important cases.

Journal#12: Fire and Ice

2009-09-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Fire:

- I don't like how there's project after project due. Its really stressing and I feel like I have to work extra hard to maintain an exceptional grade.

- When my partners take forever to post of their essays and wait last minute. It makes me worry when they are procrastinating.

Ice:

- I enjoy to blogging and updating my profile. Its fun and educational all at the same time!

- I love how we do peer commenting on my essays. It helps me to revise better on my blog.

-The air condition rooms!!! I am so glad that we a fortunate enough to have most core classes in a cold class.. I LOVE COLD!! When I talk to my friends that aren't in mene mac, they are fortunate to have at least 1 air conditioned class.

- I like how teachers getting involved with students through blog, have a better communication.

-Last but not LEAST, I enjoy venting..

Final REVISION

2009-09-23T00:52:00.001-07:00

The Sacred Chamber

By: Maddie Nguyen

It was finally 4 o'clock. The yellow school bus full of screaming kids dropped me off in front of my house. The rubber tires screeched as smoke trailed from the exhaust pipe. The excessive yelling was faint now, but my head was still throbbing. I took in a deep breath, my eyes half open as the muscles in my shoulders tightened from the stressful day. My heels were sore and raw as I started up the stone pavement pathway that led to an elegant gate. Two white stone lions stared lifelessly at me, It seemed as though the lions were my personal protectors and I was the helpless princess.

Laughing at the fantasy, I felt relief coming home to my house or as I used to call it, my "castle". I took out my keys and kept twisting and turning it until the door finally opened. As I stepped in the house a blast of ice cold air rushed outside. I closed the door behind me and enjoyed the cool air. I shouted out to see if any one was home. There was no reply.

I took off my shoes and let my tensed feet touch the frozen marble floor. I shivered for a brief moment and then made my way to the living room. The living room, which was covered in carpet, was a lot more suitable for my sensitive feet then the frigid floor. I looked around and everything was clean and tidy. The tan sofas looked inviting and the brown pillows on the sofa gave the room an antique but elegant look. A tan marble table under a unique patterned rug pulled the elegant look together. 42 inches of plasma screen hung above the brick fireplace. I ran upstairs to change into a comfortable loose tee and my favorite cotton shorts. Once I changed, I rushed back downstairs .

For a split second I was afraid of being home alone. It was silly, but thats when I rushed into a room in the house that I felt safe in. Out of all the rooms in my house I just wanted to go to the study room where i would usually go in and cuddle with a good book, read, hangout, watch a movie, study, play games and it was also my peaceful place i can go to be alone but feel safe all at the same time.

I turned the golden knob that held its place on the white painted door, anxious to get in. I brought the blanket that laid on the couch just in case. The thermometer besides the door displayed the red needle at 60 degrees. I felt the air numbing my face as I stepped in. My feet sunk into the fluffy white carpet. It was like being on a dream cloud. My tense shoulders were loosened up once I took a big whiff of the familiar cinnamon apple scent. I knew this is where I belong. My study room or what I call my "sacred chamber" resembled who I was. I did all my studies, growing up from immature to mature, and I learned new things everyday from the countless books on the book shelf.

I noticed one of my favorites, Jack and Jill by James Patterson, still on the desk with a bookmark in between the pages. Pictures of my family were framed and scattered on the creamy walls. In front of me was a game table that could be either turned into air hockey, foosball, poker or pool and I realized that the computer monitor was still on. Everything was exactly the same.

I made my way to the big leather chair but came to a stop. I couldn't help but stare out the single window where sunlight poured in. From the window, I could see the backyard filled with green grass and bright flowers that bloom. Banana, pear, papaya, mango, and orange trees surrounded the backyard (my mom has a thing with fruit trees). It was a tropical paradise. The perfect view for (what I consider) the perfect place to be at peace. Sometimes I would catch myself staring out the windows for hours and not even realize it. Daydreaming or I would admire the beauty of the multi colored flowers that bloom. I saw many other things too, like the birds that would fly onto the trees, steal the fruits,and chirp a symphony. Then my 2 dogs would rapidly turned there heads spotting the birds and go off barking. After, they would turned around satisfied at themselves.

I continued walking until I sank down on the big leather chair and let out a big sigh. Life made sense for once and I had this feeling like there’s no one left in the world but me. It was as if an invincible bubble came up once I walked through the door and nothing depressing or irate could walk through. Happiness was now my new best friend. I can hear my own thoughts for once and I can hear it clearly enough to know what I want from myself or what the world has to offer. Confusing thoughts of exams and drama that lingered my mind throughout the day now disappeared. I was having those days where I felt like the whole world was against me and just wanted to see me fall. The emptiness in the chamber was a nice break from the cruel outside and once again I felt like a protected princess in a castle. I rested my head on the seemingly comfortable desk and slowly began to close my eyes because I knew I was safe.

Journal #4 Respond to Mrs.S

2009-09-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Mrs. S,

Thank you for commenting on my pre-assessment. I agree that I should elaborate more on the specific situations involving the people, places & actions ect. If I improved on those specific details I also believed that my writing assessment would be better.

Journal#10: Rough Draft

2009-09-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Sacred Chamber

By: Maddie Nguyen

It was finally 4 o'clock. The yellow school bus dropped me off in front of my house. The rubber tires screeched as smoke trailed from the exhaust pipe. I took a deep breath and smiled as my body began to loosen up from the stressful day. I started up the stone pavement pathway that led its way up to an elegant carved gate. Two white stone lions stared lifelessly at me, I felt as though the lions were my personal protectors. Upon the grass rested a big elderly oak tree that shaded half of the front lawn from the beating sun. I stared at the tree for a moment feeling grateful for the shadow that it cast against the sun. Like the stone lions, I felt as though the "grandpa" tree was my protector.

As I opened the gate, I took a glimpse of the front patio. A black table and matching chair set looked lovely on the stone floor. A cherry blossom tree shaded the patio and pink petals covered the floor. I also noticed my mom's hibiscus flowers was along the right side of the white front door. There were red, pink, yellow, and even purple flowers that flourished. Next to the flowers was a stone water fountain. It was so dazzling, especially at night when the twinkling christmas lights are on. Water trickling down from the top fountain, colored flowers blossomed, a radiant cherry blossom tree, matching black patio set, on a stone floor made me feel like I was in one of those romantic italian movies. It was a good place to be alone and reflect on my life.

Coming home to a dull red bricked house was a relief. I never got tired of coming home to my house or as I used to call it, my "castle". I took out my keys and started to turn the lock. I had to keep playing with the keys by twisting and turning too many times until it finally opened. As I stepped in the house a blast of ice cold air rushed outside. I closed the door behind me and enjoyed the cool air. I called out to see if any one was home. There was no reply.

I quickly took off my shoes and let my warm feet touch the frozen marble floor. I made my way to the living room, which was covered in carpet. It was a break from the frigid floor. I was glad that the AC was still on. Everything was all clean and tidy. The tan sofas looked so inviting and the brown pillows on the sofa gave the room an antique but elegant look. A tan marble table under a unique patterned rug pulled the elegant look together. The colors were relaxing and settle. 42 inches of plasma screen hung above the brick fireplace. The plasma TV yelled out "Turn me on!". I tried my best to disobeyed the demand as I ran upstairs to change into a comfortable loose tee and my favorite cotton shorts. Once I changed, I rushed back downstairs .

For a split second I was afraid of being home alone. It was silly, but I rushed into a room in the house that I felt safe in. Out of all the rooms in my house I just wanted to go to the study room where i would go in and cuddle with a good book, read, hangout, watch a movie, study, play games and it is also my peaceful place i can go to to be alone but feel safe all at the same time.

I turned the golden knob that held its place on the white painted door, anxious to get in. I brought the blanket that laid on the couch just in case. The thermometer besides the door displayed the red needle at 60 degrees. I felt the air numbing my face as I stepped in. My foot sunk into the fluffy white carpet. It felt like being on a dream cloud. I took a big whiff of the familiar cinnamon apple scent and I knew this is where i belong. My study room or what I call my "sacred chamber" resembled who I was. I did all my studies, growing up from immature to mature, and I learned new things everyday from the countless books on the book shelf.

I noticed one of my favorites, Jack and Jill by James Patterson, still on the desk with a bookmark in between the pages. Pictures of my family were framed and scattered on the cream walls. My wooden painting board was covered with splashes of paint and the brushes were set aside for later. In front of me was a game table that could be either turned into air hockey, foosball, poker or pool and I realized that the computer monitor was still on. Everything was exactly the same.

To the right were two beautiful dark mahogany desks. One desk was for the computer and one was to work on. The desks were big... I remembered when I was like 6 years old I would use to play hide and seek with my little sister. So when I went to go hide, I would sneak into the "sacred chamber" and hide in the drawers below the table. Memories flooded back as I walked in the door. The book shelf was also dark mahogany and the books were organized by height. It seemed like the books were living happily all snugged together. As i made my way to the big leather chair, I couldn't help but stare out the single window where sunlight poured in. From the window, I could see the backyard filled with green grass and bright flowers that bloom. Banana, pear, papaya, mango, and orange trees surrounded the backyard (my mom has a thing with fruit trees). It was like a tropical paradise. The perfect view for (what I consider) the perfect place to be at peace. Sometimes I would catch myself staring out the windows for hours and not even realize it. Daydreaming or I would admire the beauty of the multi colored flowers that bloom. I even noticed the sun glistening on the dew of the grass. I saw many other things too, like the birds that would fly onto the trees, steal the fruits,and chirp a symphony. Then my 2 dogs would rapidly turned there heads spotting the birds and go off barking. After, they would turned around satisfied at themselves.

I sank down on the big leather chair and I felt like life made sense for once and I had this feeling like theres no one left in the world but me. It was as if an invincible bubble came up once I walked through the door and nothing depressing or irate could walk through. Happiness was now my new best friend. I can hear my own thoughts for once and I can hear it clearly enough to know what I want from myself or what the world has to offer. Confusing thoughts of exams and drama that lingered my mind throughout the day now disappeared. I was having those days where I felt like the whole world was against me and just wanted to see me fall. The emptiness in the chamber was a nice break from the cruel outside for once I felt like a protected princess in a castle. I rested my head on the seemingly comfortable desk and fell fast asleep.

Journal #9 Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers

2009-09-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

Tell why your novel relates to cultural/ethnic roots and identity. Give specific examples from your reading...

I am reading "Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers", it relates to the cultural roots and identity because it talks about a Japanese-American and haole culture. A girl named Lovey is ashamed of her culture and she would rather be haole. She believes that the haole culture is more sophisticated and thinks that once she becomes haole then she could do more with her life. Like live in a big house or have nice things. Overall "Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers" talks about the cultural differences between japanese and haole. Lovey believes that haole culture will allow her to find her true identity.

Examples from the book:

"Better to have straight blond hair and long Miss America legs and lots of boobs like Ginger Geiger, 'cause, to me, no sense in sending Miss Hawai'i to Atlantic City unless she's haole 'cause she never makes the finals, only Miss Congeniality. She got lots of Aloha Spirit that's why."

"I want a great name. Beckenhauser. Allen. Geiger. Smith. Brown. Cooper. Have a father with a great nickname like Richard-Dick. Rober-Bob. James-Jim. A mother with a great nickname like Debra-Debbie. Cynthia-Cindy. Susan-Sue."

"Live in a house with Dixie cup dispensers, bunk beds with ruffled sheets, bendable straws, rose shaped soap, Lysol, and Pez..... I wanna be Lovey Beth Cole. Mrs. Michael Cole. Wanna marry you, Dennis. Be a Cole. Be a haole. A japanese with a haole last name"

" I dont tell anyone, not even Jerry, how ashamed I am of pidgin English. Ashamed of my mother and father, the food we eat, chicken luau with can spinach and tripe stew. The place we live, down the house lots in the Hicks Homes that all look alike except for the angle of the house from the street. The car we drive, my father's brown Land Rover without the back window. THe clothes we wear, sometimes we have to wear the same pants in the same week and the same shoes until it breaks. Don't have no choice."

Journal #8 Brainstorming Special Place

2009-09-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

HMMMM....

I might write about my study room at my house back in Texas... that was where I was raised. Its been almost 3 years now since I moved to hawaii........

Final REVISION

2009-09-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

How to Party Laos Style

By: Maddie Nguyen

As the rising sun peeked up on the horizon, the simmering chicken aroma trailed its way to my room. The smell was strong enough to wake me up from my deep slumber. As the aroma of the chicken broth mixed with a hint of red curry wrapped around my nose, my eyes opened wide quickly and I knew there was going to be a party today.

I threw back my warm sheets that comforted me all night to make my way to the bathroom. I quickly brush my teeth and got dressed, too ecstatic to speak. The wooden floor creaked as I slowly try to descend down the stairs gracefully and trying my hardest not to make a loud noise (a.k.a - trip and fall flat on my face). As I suspected, my mom was there cooking over the steaming hot stove. The fresh cut long bean, mint, purple and green cabbage stood out on the table. The kitchen was flooded with huge used pots piled in the sink and 3 enormous ones on top of the stove my mom was hovering over. It was just how she liked it (unorganized).

Aunties, uncles, cousins, friends, grandparents and siblings already crowded the living room waiting as anxiously as I was. As eager as I was, I was disappointed because I knew that the soup wouldn’t be done til 4PM. This would mean I would have to wait nine long dreadful hours. The large group of chattering people distracted me from going into the kitchen. My mouth watered as I was headed to the living room. Out of no where, the tangy curry and fish sauce aroma hit me like a crashing wave. I was lured into the kitchen instead of the living room. I now remembered why I was up so early, it was to help my mom cook. I watched in amazement as everything in the kitchen came to life. I made my way to ask my mom if she needed any help, and of course I was in charge of shredding the chicken.

I peeled the chicken slowly watching the steam came from the tender white meat. Every once and a while I sneaked a little bit for myself... I think I got that habit from my mom. I remember she telling me " When I was little I always helped MY mom shred the chicken just so I can have a little with white rice and soy sauce". So instead of getting of being furious whenever I would try and take some chicken, when I was suppose to be shredding, I would hear a giggle escape her mouth. I kept peeling until there was nothing but a naked bone.

The nine hours slowly leaked by as the kaopuhn mocked me with its spicy and tangy smell. It made me want to eat the entire pot while it still boiled fiercely. Luckily I didn't try to, or the party would have ended with me in the hospital with a bright red, 360 degree tongue burn.

The sound coming from the television blasted through the speakers as family members continue to chatter the time away and talked about funny memories or random things. Only some people payed attention to the voices coming from the television speakers. Others knew that the T.V was only on for display. Everyone who waited patiently since early morning began to hear a loud rumble echo in there stomach. A ripple effect of rumbling from this one area could be heard from miles away. Even the blasting surrond stereo couldn’t be heard compared to the sounds escaping from all the stomachs in the living room. This was a sign that lunch was done and I watched as a smile spread on everyones faces.

My entire family helped set up the table as the once scattered kitchen suddenly became tidy and organized. Everyone gathered around the table and viciously took a bowl for their soup. As I looked around the living room, I saw my family slurping and scarfing down the kaopuhn with eager and satisfied faces. Not one person was not smiling and having a good time. When I finally got my bowl, I took what I could before the 35 gallon pot was no more.

When I sat down, I only focused on the food. I love the tremendous feeling of the hot soup trickling down my throat. It was like drinking hot coco on a cold day or slurping homemade chicken noodle soup when your sick as can be and all you could think about was the sweet chocolate warmth that comforted you when the weather wasn’t or the happiness you felt when the chicken soup made you feel like the world was finally at ease. That is exactly how comfortable, and at ease I felt once I began to consume the soup once more. But instead of a sweet or mild taste, there hint of spice and tang that was still on my taste buds as an explosion of flavor erupted in my stomach. The soup was so spicy that just by looking at it, it made my eyes water. One word echoed through my mind “PERFECT”. The fresh cabbage and long bean gave the soup an extra boost of crunch and texture. Too irresistible to not have seconds... if I had to only choose one food to eat forever it would definitely be ka poon. When my stomach got bloated and I felt as though I'm going to explode in a million pieces, I still couldn't resist the provocative new steaming bowl waiting in the kitchen.

Rough Draft ( KaoPuhn)

2009-09-01T22:33:00.000-07:00

I threw back my warm sheets that comforted me all night to make my way to the bathroom. I quickly brush my teeth and got dressed, too ecstatic to speak. The wooden floor creaked as I raced down the stairs to help my mom cook kaopuhn. As I suspected, my mom was there cooking over the steaming hot stove. The fresh vegetables and other ingredients were all on the table. The kitchen was flooded with huge used pots piled in the sink and 3 enormous ones on top of the stove my mom was hovering over. It was just how she liked it.

People already crowded the living room waiting as anxiously as I was. My mouth watered as I now slowly try to descend down the stairs gracefully and trying my hardest not to make a loud noise. I was headed to the living room when the aroma hit me like a crashing wave and lured me in to the kitchen instead remembering why I was up so early. I watched in amazement as everything in the kitchen came to life. I made my way to ask my mom if she needed any help, and of course I was in charge of shredding the chicken.

I peeled the chicken slowly watching the steam came from the tender white meat. Every once and a while I sneaked a little bit for myself... I think I got that habit from my mom. I remember she telling me " When I was little I always helped MY mom shred the chicken just so I can have a little with white rice and soysauce". So instead of getting of being furious whenever I would try and take some chicken, when I was suppose to be shredding, I would hear a giggle escape her mouth. I kept peeling until there was nothing but a naked bone.

Hours passed by slowly as the kaopuhn mocked me with its smell, making me want to eat the entire pot while it still boiled fiercely. But luckily I didn't try to. It was merely a fantasy that would soon be fulfilled in a moment.

My family helped set up the table as the once scattered kitchen suddenly became tidy, organized. Everyone gathered around the table and took a bowl for their soup. As I looked around the living room, I saw my family slurping and scarfing down the kaopuhn with eager and satisfied faces. Not one person was not smiling and having a good time. When I finally got my bowl, I took what I could before the 35 gallon pot was no more.

When I sat down, I only focused on the food. I love the feeling of the hot soup trickling down my throat. A hint of spice and tang still on my taste buds as an explosion of flavor erupts in my stomach. The fresh cabbage and long bean gave the soup an extra boost of crunch and texture. Too irresistible to not have seconds... if I had to only choose one food to eat forever it would definitely be ka poon. When my stomach got bloated and I felt as though i'm going to explode in a million pieces, I still couldn't resist the provokitive new steaming bowl waiting in the kitchen.

(STILL IN THE PROCESS)

Journal#6: Transscript

2009-09-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

What are the ingredients:

coconut milk

red curry

whole chicken

ox tail

salt

MSG

shrimp paste

fish sauce

vermicelli noodles

sliced cabbage

long bean

bean sprouts

lemon grass

kefer lime leaf

ginger

Bring a pot of salted water to a near-boil, then dunk in the dried rice noodles. Remove pot from heat and press the noodles into the water. Allow noodles to soak.

Add broth and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium and add the shrimp paste, bean sauce, fish sauce, and tamarind paste, stirring to incorporate. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Finally, add the coconut milk. When coconut milk has melted into the broth, do a taste test. This "sauce" should be tangy - a balance of salty and sour - and a little spicy. If not salty enough, add up to 2 Tbsp. fish sauce. If too salty, add a squeeze of lime juice.

If too sour, add 1-2 tsp. sugar, or more to taste.

Keep soup warm on minimum heat.

By now the noodles should be ready. Taste one to make sure it is soft enough to eat. If not, place pot over medium heat until noodles are done. Drain and set aside.

To serve, place generous mounds of noodles in serving bowls and ladle soup over top (bowls should be at least 1/3 full of the spicy soup). Now either add the other toppings yourself, or place in bowls and allow guests to add their own.

Serve with slices of key lime on the side and fresh vegetables, as well as additional red chilies or chili sauce (for guests who like it extra spicy).

ENJOY!!

Are there any special memories?

" I remember always waking up at the crack o dawn to help my mom start cooking the stock, just so she can make me my special breakfast with the chicken stock. The smell of the simmering chicken in the pot would make its way to my room and it would be my wake up call to come down stairs to help my mom. "

Is there a back ground to this soup?

"Its a communal party dish, everyone can put their own vegetables and make the soup the way they wanted."

Are there any stories/experiences from this dish?

" Everyone always fidgets for the thick, meaty ox tail, but my mom always saved a few pieces in separate bowl just for me."

What is your favorite part in making this soup?

"My favorite part would have to be shredding the chicken just so i can have a little on the side with some white rice and soy sauce"

Is it traditional?

"I would consider it to be a traditional laotion dish"

Journal #5 What is a meneMAC student?

2009-08-28T14:01:00.000-07:00

Define a mene mac student. List 3 traits and describe.

Almost a month has flew by so quickly, and yet I've learned so much from the mene mac program at MHS. For instance what it takes to become a good mene student. A meneMAC student is unique in their own individual way. Each and every student is special.

A meneMAC student should be very responsible and have a positive attitude. They should be able to understand the value of time management and get their priorities straight. They should also be aware of their studies and be able to handle stressing points in class. Turning in work on time and listening to instructions follows under the procedure of being responsible. Responsibility is an important factor to base a meneMAC student on because if they are not responsible for themselves then they wouldn't be able to keep up with the fast pace process that is the meneMAC program and would fail.

A meneMAC student should not goof around, but be serious about learning and work hard to achieve their goals. This trait defines a meneMac student because they need to be focused on learning or the drive to succeed in life and in the program would be meaningless. A student must feel the need to want the best for themselves in order to prosper in the learning program, and be considered a good meneMAC student. Being serious about learning is very important in this program.

Creativity follows under one main trait that makes up a good meneMAC student. They need creativity to come up with amazing ideas that help the process of writing or making videos. Without creativity, there is no fuel in imagination and there is nothing that would motivate the student to thrive in other possibilities in life.

As I look up at the upperclassmen this year, they are all good examples of what a meneMAC student. This is because they are so focused in their projects, work well together, understand how to deal with tough situations, are responsible, and each and every one of them are different in their own way, which makes it even better for them to be a productive learner.

Overall, there are many ways to define a meneMAC student, but 3 main traits that defines a meneMAC student is being creative, responsible, and be serious about learning and working hard.

Journal #3 Brainstorming Food

2009-08-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

Rough Draft (PLANS) due 8/25

1)Laos Soup--- Ka-Poon

Whenever there was a big party or just hanging out, my mom would bring out the "big pot" and would cook ka poon. Even though there is *ton* of soup, its gone by the end of the night. Sometimes it would last for about 3 days max. I love the sensational feeling of the hot soup trickling down my throat. A hint of spice and tang still on my taste buds as an explosion of flavor erupts in my stomach. Too irresistible to not have seconds... if I had to only choose one food to eat forever it would definitely be ka poon. When my stomach gets bloated and I feel as though i'm going to explode in a million pieces, I still can't resist the provokitive new steaming bowl waiting in the kitchen...

2)Include name and interview date

(Mom) interview date: 8/26

3)Questions for your interview

-What are the ingredients?

- Are there any special memories?

- Is there a background to this soup?

- Are there any stories/ experiences from this dish?

- What is your favorite part in making this soup?

- Are there any traditional

Journal #1 Writing Experiences &&& Goals

2009-08-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

I have had some writing experiences in the past. When I had to write stories for my english classes to research papers for science and persuasive writing essays for social studies. I had experienced varieties of writing material including poems or random stories. I enjoy writing stories. I can express myself through the words. For example, if i was angry i would write scary stories and if i were happy i would write a comedy. Sometimes i lose myself when i write... escaping reality to a place where anything can happen. My writing goals, is to build up my vocabulary, more descriptive, and to be more creative. I believe having more descriptive and big words can make my stories more interesting. It is always better to improve.