In the most basic terms, we as a generation have become so definitive on what I would call a new creative era. This new creative era has brought music to please, art to satisfy, and dances to whoa. Many of these new trends and styles are the result of a pretentious idea. When a person attempts to impress by affecting with more talent or effort than there is to begin with, it’s a hit or miss. It’s worthy of a video, some type of recognition, a masterpiece. But there are also those who fail; they get criticized and pressured and threatened and, in the end, are held mentally captive for lacking that last bit of originality that gets the people going. In good hands, they are safe to try again, But it is these ideas of going out on a limb that get us to where we are today: a constantly changing society in a sprinting pace. No looking back, just trying to impress.
Letter of Advice
Dear Future AP Student,
You have made it to APLAC; congratulate yourself and prepare for a year full of arguing (academically) and denotation of articles/novels! If you love reading and writing, this class should be interesting to you. I advise you to work hard in this class and, as any other student will tell you, do not procrastinate. Unlike other subjects, writing is not something you can improvise and get a good grade on.
I took two AP classes last year, so I juggled a lot. With AP Calculus AB and AP Language and Composition, I had a lot on my plate. I managed to maintain my workload in those two classes while keeping decent grades in all of my other classes as well. Taking more than one AP is asking for a lot of work all year long. Just keep in mind that although you will have tons of work, it will pay off in the long run. Throughout 2014-2015, I have learned so much; I know I would not be able have the aspirations that I do today if it was not for the rigor of these two classes. It also helps when you have teachers that guide you through your path.
Ms. Henry is an amazing teacher and gives AP Language and Composition a creative twist. You’ll really like her and the positive attitude she brings to her class. Just stay on top of things in this class and have the drive to earn a good grade. You are going to do great in APLAC, so have fun while doing it.
Good luck and best of wishes,
Jacob Gomez
Conformity at its Finest (Video)
Conformity at its Finest (Poem)
Water takes the shape
of all that it surrounds
These rivers in your mouth
Oh how they poured out
We live in a place where
The sea is dark
So caught up
In the midst of everything
Hold it in
They wouldn’t let you out of the crowd
Those streets tore your innocence down
I’m sick and tired
I begged for the world to change
Just know that its not all you and that’s the thing
Hold it in
They come at you from both sides of your mind
Thick and thin
These walls you’ll stand behind
You hold yourself like a trophy
Keeping them pleased
Pictures
Of all you’ll ever be
I watched the world burn
Along with the people who abused it
Everything conspires but no
You refused it
I watched the heads turn
A million eyes and a center
You thought mimicking actions was for the better
Skipping and laughing
Don’t take it so seriously
The days go by slower
When you’re pressured without ease
If I get loud
Just quiet me down
Because in the end
It’s you who missed out
On natural happiness
These thoughts, crystallized
I implore you to say it isn’t right
Cynical (Word of the Month)
The world is full of surprises. Every turn I take holds a different experience, some breathtaking in the most uplifting way, some disappointing. As I have matured, I have come to realize that people put a toll on me. I have a certain distaste for insincere people, and with that, I have found it hard to open myself up. Like the world, people are full of surprises, full of disappointment. I have been pressured to follow the crowd. I have been critiqued for acting differently, but were we not taught to be original? I think one of the biggest problems we have as a society is that we fail to realize that being original is an accomplishing attribute in itself.
Word of the Month
Love. It brings out the best (and the worst) in those who have it. Love can make you feel like you have the world, and make you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom. You establish relationships with girlfriends/boyfriends, friends, family, etc. Love is not always going to be kissing at the top of the ferris wheel, but it’s the feeling that you’ve finally gotten comfortable enough to let someone walk through your metaphorical wall and pour your heart out to them. Some of the strongest love can make you wish you’d found this road earlier. Love is an emotion experienced by the many and enjoyed by the few. It’s definitely a feeling of extremes, which isn’t for everyone. You have to love. You have to feel. It is the reason you are here on Earth. To risk yourself.
Education Reflection
Time progresses, I grow older; I appreciate the little things. With the little things, comes a feeling of bliss for the larger things. I seem to rely on smaller things like others’ actions and reactions to give me happiness and sadness. I’ve also grown to appreciate the privileges I’ve been given and the things people have done for me. Education is one of those privileges I’m beyond blessed to have. The fact that adults have the patience and will to put up with a bunch of adolescents is what amazes me most. It’s not easy to believe my teachers spend most of their days assisting teenagers—the most stubborn, opinionated beings on the face of this earth. In places around the world, like parts of Africa and the Middle East, education is not a part of their daily routine, nor is it mandatory.
Being educated means an individual is pushing themselves to thrive in the real world. When I realize that I’m on the road to success by staying in school and trying my best, I know not everyone in the world gets an equal opportunity. To me, receiving an education is always going to be one of the privileges I’ve been born into. If I maintain a goal and a mindset, I can achieve anything. I’ve always considered an education to be one of the most important things a person can endure. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion. Those who don’t realize the importance of school and the benefits that can come with an education obviously don’t know what kind of issues they’ll be going facing in the years to come. Those who lack an education bring us down as a society; as a whole. If society had an overall GPA, those who lack an education bring our GPA down, decimal point by decimal point. Some choose not to be educated for personal reasons, and others feel it’s just not an obligation. Those who can’t persevere try to ride on the backs of others. They want the easy way out. Education isn’t easy, it never will be. I’m paving my future. Time progresses, I grow older; I appreciate education.
Word of the Month
Control. Something everyone wants, but can’t have. People want to be in first place, they want to know what it feels like to dictate someone else’s actions beside themselves. Control doesn’t always mean power, though. Control can contradict itself and run your authority underground. It can ruin your personality and change your perspective on life itself. Control leads to corruption, but it can also lead to happiness. Something everyone wants, but can’t have.
Renewal
It’s December. Christmas is 12 days away and now is the time to show love to the most important people in your life; friends, family, your partner, pets, and whoever else deserves warmth this holiday season. After Christmas comes the New Year, which means celebration and another opportunity to tell others how much you really appreciate their existence. With these occasions, we can also put our issues aside and focus on pure happiness. We can move from our past and focus on improving ourselves. Renewal is crucial for self satisfaction and a positive outlook on the days to come. No one is perfect, so starting fresh is something every person can do.
Immutable
Joseph Camden was always an outcast; an introvert. He wanted nothing more than to make the world a better place. He felt that the new city he moved to was appealing because of its characteristics; a small, suburban town where with a population of less than twenty-thousand. Yet, the school he was forced to attend was the worst part. Oasis High School was known as the grey area, where students never performed up to standards. Students were left to learn without guidance or expectation, which helped OHS become notorious for lack of intelligence. Students at Oasis High were destined to fail.
On the first day of school, Joseph knew he didn’t fit in. The atmosphere of the campus was unwelcoming; like a heavy fog in the woods. He walked with discomfort as he passed by people. Boys chanted, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” in the bathroom and girls reciprocated stares like a group of vultures eyeing their prey. Joseph had a feeling he wouldn’t last.
“Excuse me, do you know where room 109 is? I’m new.” he asked a student, who he thought seemed different than the rest.
“It’s on the other side of campus, in the science building. Follow the stone path all the way down and take a left. You can’t miss it,” she replied.
“Thanks. What’s your name?”
“Mia. Mia Kayla.”
“I’m Joseph, but you can call me Joey.”
“I can show you the way to your class, if you’d like? Mine’s along the way.” She seemed comforted by him.
Mia gave Joseph some tips on getting through school such as staying below the radar and not hanging around after school. Halfway through their walk, she got interrupted by a voice from behind.
“Well well, who’s this? I’ve never seen him around!” the guy asked Mia furiously.
“Look man, she just offered to walk me to-,” Joseph intervened. Students nearby began to slow; heads turned to listen to the argument.
“Oh, shut up!” Jacob cut off Joseph. “I don’t wanna hear anything from you, ‘new boy’. This is between me and my girlfriend!”
“Jacob, you’re being stupid! I’m told, this isn’t what it looks like!” Mia rebutted.
“How can I believe anything you say! You know what, whatever! And you, ‘new boy’, you better watch yourself.” Jacob stormed off with his fists clenched.
Mia apologized to Joseph. “I’m sorry.” She walked the rest of the way alone to class while Joseph stood in shock and fear.
Joseph reached the science building and found Mr. Oaht’s class. He trudged past a slender man who greeted him at the door, then proceeded to an empty seat. He sat down and looked for something interesting, but saw nothing but gray. He began to contemplate his experience on his first day at OHS. Everything in the school was bland. To Joseph, it was a prison without bars. Where was the spirit and liveliness around here? The peace? The order? He panned over a room of students flipping desks and drawing vulgar images on the board. The bell finally rung.
“Morning class, I’m Mr. Oaht. This year will be different. Let’s be honest, none of you are going to go on to be successful. I’ve tried for many years to give you all a drive to be somebody in life. But, I’ve realized now that my attempts have failed, and as a result, I won’t attempt to teach you. Do what you please.” Moments later, one student came crashing through the classroom door. Joseph turned pale.
“Didn’t I just finish talking to you? This is ridiculous.” Jacob seemed cocky.
“Look man, what happened earlier wasn’t my intention. Today’s my first day at this school. I didn’t mean for it to look like I was flirting. I just needed help.”
“You think I care? I’m not gonna say it again. Stay away from my girl!” Jacob said as he got in Joseph’s face.
“Believe what you want. You can screw yourself if you wanna get mad over nothing.”
“What’d you say to me?” Jacob became aggressive. Students stopped what they were doing to look in the boys’ direction. “Are you deaf? Can you not hear me?!”
“I said screw yourself.” Joseph stood up out of his seat, calm and easy about the situation. Jacob pushed Joseph. “Whoa man, relax!” Joseph’s voice grew louder and slightly aggressive. “I don’t want any problems!”
“It’s too late for that. You see these students? This school? We’re in a place where there are no rules. No one cares if you choose to ruin your life. And you’ve done exactly that by insulting me and my personal life.” Jacob pushed once again. Mr. Oaht glanced, unresponsive. It seemed as if this school was a living hell. “Fight!” He began throwing punches while Joseph absorbed them and screamed for Mr. Oaht to help, unaware that even the teacher didn’t care.
“Jacob, please! I’m sor-,“ Jacob threw another punch. Crimson red blood ran down Joseph’s nostrils. He fell to the ground. Students once again chanted, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Two teachers finally arrived and restrained Jacob while Mr. Oaht realized he should call the ambulance. The students in the room showed no sympathy; their faces expressionless. Officers arrived on scene; red and blue lights covered the grey walls of the school while students disregarded the situation. This isn’t the first homicide attempt they had witnessed at school. Mia looked at Joseph through her classroom window as he was carried to the ambulance, realizing it’d be the last time she saw him. The ambulance departed and the blank atmosphere returned.
Joseph had a vision: to start little by little. He wanted to feel safe and make a change. He tried to make himself clear that he never meant any harm, yet Jacob denied him. The school denied him. Society denied him. To the students at Oasis High, Joseph wasn’t meant to last. He was a failure in the eyes of failures.
Through the Eyes of a Writer 