Justice Is Not Served

    Police officers are the sign of safety, security and justice. In any given crisis, the police force is a reliable resource to reach out to. Police officers play a key role in law enforcement. Recently, the roles of the police officers seem to have been warped into the complete opposite. Instead of feeling at ease with police officers close by it seems there is more fear and angst overpowering the security and safety police officers are condoned to give off. These officers are armed, and are able to use their weapons whenever they feel in danger. There are rules behind using these weapons however, but many lines have been crossed over the years. These incidents have been brushed off however- simply because they are the police and they lay down the law.
     I believe this is completely unjust and inhuman. Why should the deaths of innocent people be the product of an officer feeling "threatened?" I believe far too many officers are acting on an impulse and the overconfident mindset of being a police officer, resulting in police brutality. In order to stop these inequalities, the government needs to take a step back and see how the world is acting to these horrendous incidents involving unarmed citizens.

     These disturbing actions need  consequences.
     I know many believe this killing of unarmed citizens is pasted completely on to the black youth, but there has been the mistreating of all races from the Police. My point is, it doesn't matter what race or nationality, innocent people are dying at the feet of these powerful men and women and the same unarmed citizens are not receiving the justice and respect they rightfully deserve.
    If you don't know how to use a gun in the right situation, you don't deserve to have one. There needs to be more severe training and the teaching of gun and violence laws. #JusticeForMicheal #ICantBreathe #JusticeForTrayvon #JusticeForSammy

The Ever- Changing Future

“The future you have, tomorrow, won't be the same future you had, yesterday.” - Chuck Palahnuick
 
Chuck Palahnuik, American novelist and  freelance journalist, is most recognized for his award winning novel that was also made into a feature film, Fight Club. 

As a grade twelve student I feel very pressured, needing to make huge decisions that will impact my future. Everything is at such a fast pace and I have different feelings toward my future each day. As Chuck Palanuik expresses, our conception and idea of our future changes constantly. One day you think you finally have your life figured out, than the next you're back to square one. I need to accept that this is just a part of growing up. Different factors may alter our future aspirations, but they should never stop us from doing what we love. You are just shaped into a stronger person being able to work with what life throws at you. This quote speaks out the most to me because at this point in my life, I change my mind almost every day. Wondering what school, program and lifestyle would be the best for me is extremely stressful. I just wish someone would choose the perfect career for me and make me successful, but I know that is definitely not how it works. I think I need to take a step back from this craziness and calm down. Every day is different. We can't change the present, but the future is a completely different story. I am going always think of this quote so I never loose sight in the whirlwind of my future, and to understand that the future is mine to discover along the way.  

Inspiring Couple Days At Lourdes

        In my opinion, Romeo Dallaire was indeed the most powerful and influential recipient of the National Leadership Award. Being a man with a great deal of emotional, physical and mental pain from his time in Rwanda, he could have easily resided close to this subject while speaking to Lourdes. Instead of talking solely about the devastating time in his life, he gave us the option to educate ourselves about his past, wanting to bring upon more of an inspiring message for the future. His heartfelt speech touched my heart, encouraging our generation to travel to developing countries and to get some "foreign dirt on your boots." I am going on the 2015 mission trip to Nicaragua this January and am so grateful to have the opportunity to help the oppressed and less fortunate. Romeo Dallaire expresses that nothing is far away anymore and we are the generation without borders. It is our duty, as the affluent population to be humanitarians and to share our wealth. I had the privilege to meet with Romeo Dallaire and shared with him of my upcoming trip. He explained to me that travelling to these third world countries, enduring the daily struggles of the natives and spreading peace and community, is exactly what not only they need, but us as well. He stated that, "no human is more human than any other," and that we should all seek the respect for humanity. I left that assembly with only positive things to say and my head held high. I still cannot believe our school had the honor to meet such an amazing figure in history. He is the type of person we should all aspire to be like.

         The following day, our school followed the tradition of going to the Sleeman Centre for the Remembrance day Ceremony. Remembrance Day is a very special day for myself and my family, having two of my grandparents serve for Canada in WW2. I have heard Dr. Bill Winegard speak at Lourdes the previous years alongside my grandmother, but this year's speech spoke more out to me. Bill Winegard, similar to Romeo Dallaire, spoke to us as a generation that has the power to change the future. He strongly discussed the aftermath of war for the soldiers, struggling with mental heath issues, suicides and Canada's role in these tragedies. The Canadian government asks of its country to help fight in the war, but when their time is finished, these soldiers are left to battle their inner war on their own. I believe the Canadian government should support these soldiers and treat them like the heroes they truly are. They are risking their lives for others and our country, returning with physical and mental problems that should most definitely be addressed. The infamous remembrance day slogan, "Lest We Forget," is a phrase we should actually mean when saying. Winegard reminds us to remember the soldiers and to care for them. Even though war might not be a reality in our everyday lives, it was/is for them.

Missing the Old Halloween

     I would definitely consider myself as a Halloween enthusiast. There is nothing I love more than coming home from school and being welcomed by a plump pumpkin, waiting to be carved. As the Halloween decorations come out, I can't help but jump up and down with my anticipation. I need to watch AMC Fear Fest every night, go into as many haunted houses as possible, and buy/eat as much Halloween candy as my bank account and body will let me. There is one thing however that I can't stand about Halloween now, and miss from my childhood.
        I miss the simplicity of Halloween. I miss trick- or- treating with my dad and sister, filling our pillow cases to the brim. I miss wearing costumes for my own satisfaction, not caring what others think. I'd love nothing more than going to school in my crazy over-the- top zombie princess costume, scaring myself when I look in the mirror. Nowadays, if you aren't dressing as a trashy zombie princess, and found at the right party you're looked right over and basically laughed at. The infamous movie "Mean Girls", clearly explains this ordeal that girls all over the world can relate to. Karen, dressed as a skimpy mouse is asking Caddy why she is dressed so scary. Caddy, dressed as a vampire bride responds, It's Halloween. Let's keep Halloween scary and fun and CLASSY. Let's relive our childhood and try to see Halloween as we used to. The best holiday of the year.

Opinions Change

      “Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.” -Robert Frost

When even the murmur of poetry is mentioned, it seems as though a wave of disappointment washes over the classroom. No one seems to have enough time to rhyme, or to  become "deep" on a emotional level, all  at the same time being a literal genius. This is the case for myself, feeling as though poetry is a definite struggle, needing to incorporate the long list of poetic devices, feeling and self expression throughout each piece. It is a well fought battle when a poem is finished however, feeling great success and satisfaction. My feelings towards poetry changed as I was writing, feeling like I've discovered a side of poetry I actually liked. Poetry in my opinion, is letting your inner thoughts and feelings out on a piece of paper. It is a way of expression that can be shown in numerous forms as well. The one thing I love about writing in this style, is the underlying meanings hidden in your work, left for your readers to discover. I've learned not to label poetry as a struggle anymore (or as much as one) and to give it more of a chance. I definitely surprised myself, with my abilities to write poetry, and plan to continue writing on my own. 

You Get What You Give

Society today has made us feel like the number given to us at the top of our paper determines our self worth as a student. As teachers assign universal test dates, projects and their requirements, it is now in the hands of the students to determine the outcome. The amount of dedication, personal flare and quality going in to each assignment completely relies on the student. As soon as an assignment is given out, my main priority is to do as best as I can. When I feel as though I can't improve my work anymore and have met the requirements, I have completed my assignment. The best way to ensure myself that my school assignments have met my needs and my teacher's, is my personal satisfaction towards my work. In high school, teachers want their students to thrive in their subjects, helping them each step of the way. It is never a bad idea to form a good relationship between the teacher and their student, gaining more respect and knowledge equally on both sides of the party. Teachers are respectable figures in our lives, learning from them every day. The majority of teachers give their students the right to voice their opinions and to express themselves, being able to show their interests. Ms Reidel's idea of a feedback sheets gives her students the right to voice their opinions and to have a say in what they like, dislike and want to change in the class. She is allowing her students to share their interests, while also meeting her expectations. If students would stop labelling teachers as the "bad guys" and start realizing that they're there to help, school would be a more enjoyable place for everyone.  Be respectful, appropriate and hardworking. You can't fail with those qualities.

                                                     Truman Capote (1924-1984)
         
          Truman Capote, once a southern boy from New Orleans was introduced to the big and bright lights of New York City at age thirteen. Disorientated by the city, he dropped out of school when he reached age seventeen and got his first job at The New Yorker magazine. It didn't take long before Capote's writing took off and was accepted by the high society elite and was only seen at the most exclusive and lavish parties, clubs and restaurants. His writing was best described as colourful and controversial as well as flamboyant; parallel to his own life. The majority of our generation probably have no clue who Truman Capote is, until the words "Breakfast at Tiffany's," are mentioned. I myself want to further my knowledge about this striking author, fascinated about his luxurious life and his era. He was at the top of his game, introducing the world a whole other side of writing.


                                                  "Good writing is rewriting."                                                       - Truman Capote
     
       This quotation caught my attention, knowing how long a process writing can be. When writing, we can't expect our first draft to be perfect, rejecting any form of criticism or help. Our minds must be fully opened to changing our words and ideas around to be satisfied later on. I am very glad peer editing is such an important part of this course, feeling as though my writing and editing skills have improved solely because of this exercise. Sometimes I feel that it is a bad thing that my stories are picked apart from my teachers or my peers, but I remind myself that the only direction I can move after this step is forward. Your writing is your writing. If it takes thirty tries for you to perfectly get your point across, so be it. Just know this doesn't make you any less of a good writer because of it.

PS: I rewrote that paragraph close to eight times so it must be good. ;)

Dear Jack,



               I just wanted to let you know how much I miss you and how much you mean to me. Ever since I was born, you've always had my back. I know ever since we've gotten older, there has yet to be a bigger pain in my butt than you, but now that you're gone to school, life is so much different without you. I love seeing how happy and excited you are for your future, making me just as excited for mine. You are such a hardworking and dedicated student. Although I've never mentioned this to you in person because its extremely hard to say, I'm am so glad you decided to take a gap year. I've lost count of how many times I've wished you were on your way to Western last year, but that was only because I knew how ready you were. You're such a great brother and I wanted to thank you for always being the first one there when I had a problem. Whether it was asking if you could beat someone up for me, beating me up, or just being your annoying,older-brother self, I can and will always count on you. I love you! Can't wait to have you home for the holidays.

- Emma

For or Against?

   

    The art of writing should first and foremost be a way of expression and creativity, empowering imagination and inventiveness.When writing freely, you should feel as if you have no boundaries and no limits. I believe writing gives others the chance to speak their mind, with endless possibilities and opportunities. By banning the literary work of authors, the art of imagination, creativity and originality is not being able to reach audiences as the authors intended to. From watching the Youtube video "Banned Book Week: 13 Authors Speak Out,"I was able to clearly see the author's viewpoint on these situations, being strongly affected. Although authors write for themselves, readers are everything to them.In my opinion, censoring or banning books seems like hiding the truth from society. When schools ban books to "protect" their students, they are taking away their freedom and their choice. As far as limitations in writing go, everybody has a different idea of when a line has been crossed. Yes, there are times where some writing styles and techniques can be viewed as dark, depressing and disturbing, but we must remember, writing is a gateway to many, expressing their inner thoughts and feelings. To conclude, I believe everybody has the right to like and dislike things, just not the right to choose for others.

A Little Deep

The one thing no one can take away from us is our identity. Our identity makes up who we are. Our name, our personality, our appearance, our interests; the differences between each other. People know us because of our identities. For starters, my name is Emma Pickering and I am sixteen years old. I live with my Mom, Dad and my two siblings. I am finally a senior at Our Lady of Lourdes, having a hard time accepting that this time next year, I'll either be starting my future career at university or working diligently for university the following year. Over the four years I have had at Lourdes, I have made enough memories to last life time. So many aspects of high school, have given me a better sense of who I am, and who I want to be. The friends I have made here, know me better than I do, and often I cannot believe how similar we've become. I don't think I would be half the person I am today, without my crazy friends by my side. On a less sappy note, 99% of the time my friends and I are chirping each other, I love to dance, eat, watch 90210 and Gossip Girl. I have a pretty basic life, but I often wonder about what I could be doing instead of sitting in front of a computer or TV screen. I have such a desire to travel and explore what else is outside of Guelph, I am leaning towards a job that involves travelling and really being able to understand the world. I am interested in a job involving English, History and French, because I am thriving at these subjects, and loving them the most. I am very eager to see how this final year at Lourdes shapes me into someone ready for my future, so I can discover more of who I am, eventually being without my family, old friends and a comfort zone. I want this year to be like no other year I've had before. Cheers to my first of many blog posts, I'm excited for not only my readers to learn more about me, but myself as well.

Who Has The Key?

The key to success, does anybody really know? Everybody wants success, but does anybody know what it takes to achieve such a thing? After watching Angela Lee Duckworth's Ted Talk- "The Key to Success-Grit," I can't help but agree with her own vision of success and the pathway many need to take in order to obtain this valued and wanted characteristic. I thought it was amazing how after each area of knowledge studied,the same characteristic that was needed kept unveiling. That characteristic was grit. A four letter word, that says so much. Grit is the passion, the stamina, the perseverance and the integrity that lead you to your goal. When you have grit: being lazy is completely out of the picture. You know that nothing will come easy without grit. You strive to make your dreams and goals a reality. This video is perfect for high school students, being at an age of competitiveness with universities, colleges and future careers. The thing that will set you apart from all the others is grit. We all have grit inside of us. Its up to us however, to use it to the best of our ability. I do believe I have grit inside of me. I really want to make a mark this year and to come out of high school ready for the future and what else the world has to offer. I want to put 100% into everything I do, knowing this year counts. When I want something, I know I have to work to get it. The feeling of achieving something you've worked so hard for is more rewarding than the achievement itself. Success outweighs your IQ by a landslide. Whenever I come across a bump in the road this year, I am going to remember this "Ted Talk" about grit, to motivate myself to look at the whole picture, be open to failure and to keep my eye on the prize. Let's see how much grit I need to get through grade 12! (or this course).