Angus’s English Blog

  Prompt Response:  One conversation that changed me is when my parents talked to me about drunk driving. My parents sat my brother and I down after 5 people had died my freshman year at lakeside. They were talking about the different dangers that being under the influence while operating a vehicle could be. One of the people that passed due to drunk driving at lakeside was a girl named Sophie. Although she wasn't driving, she was in the car driving on Oak Grove Rd doing roughly 100 mph. My parents pretty much scared the thought of ever being under the influence out of me. Summary:  Today we talked about different situations in which people could find phrases offensive. Reflection:  People have very different opinions on certain situations than I do.

  Prompt Response:  Something I believed as a child was that Santa was real. Most children around the world believed that Santa was real and this misconception is spread from generation to generation. Although it is fake, this idea of Santa delivering presents to everyone in one night allows children to use their imagination and they can have fun with it. I figured out that Santa wasn't real when I was about 9 years old. I asked my parents and we had a whole conversation about it. Summary:  Today we read a poem about using foul language and how it can affect people. Reflection:  I learned that some people in my class get offended by different mean phrases.

 Response: Today it is much easier to find a job regardless of race. This conversation made me realize how much our society has changed from back then. Even though it has drastically changed, there is still racism present in our society today. If I was in Troy's position I would try my best to find a job so that I could provide for my family. It would be hard, but I would continue to look no matter what adversity I faced. Summary:   Today we presented our projects over the book Fences . Reflection: I learned much more about different characters from  Fences  because of the presentations.

  Prompt Response: I think the play, Fences , was a good read and full of great characters. I enjoyed what messages were shown through different characters and how they unfolded as the story went on. The character that stood out to me the most was Rose. She was very determined to be with Troy and wanted to succeed with him. Even though she had dreams, she put them aside to be with Troy which is quite hard to do. I think she truly loved him. The project shows how characters are and their traits. I'm doing the playlist of the characters. Summary: Today we finished our Fences project. Reflection: I learned more about Lyons and how his character stayed the same throughout the story.

  Prompt Response:  I think the play, Fences , was a good read and full of great characters. I enjoyed what messages were shown through different characters and how they unfolded as the story went on. The character that stood out to me the most was Rose. She was very determined to be with Troy and wanted to succeed with him. Even though she had dreams, she put them aside to be with Troy which is quite hard to do. I think she truly loved him. The project shows how characters are and their traits. I'm doing the playlist of the characters. Summary:  Today we finished our Fences  project. Reflection:  I learned more about Lyons and how his character stayed the same throughout the story.  

  Prompt Response:  I think that in order for someone to truly forgive someone else, they have to forget what they did. There is a saying, "To forgive it to forget." In the past I used to hold things against people or they would hold something against me. Now though, I try to make amends with everyone so that I can either keep the friendship healthy or to leave on a good note. Summary:  Today we finished the book Fences . Reflection:  I learned more about forgiveness through talking about it with the class.

  Prompt Response:  One character that seemed much different was Lyons. In the book he almost came off poor. But in the movie, he seemed confident and cool. He seemed like someone with swag and in the book he seemed like a needy child. The movie changed my understanding of this character by showing me a brand new perspective of Lyons. Summary:  Today, we read more of "Fences" and had a discussion about topics in the book. Reflection:  I learned a new perspective on the character Lyons and understood more about the character.

  Prompt Response:  I think that one big betrayal can lead to a relationship falling out. Also you wont be able to trust that person anymore because they've gone against everything you have done with them. One big lie can completely break your trust in someone by misleading them and making them feel manipulated.  Summary:  Today we read more of the book "Fences." Reflection:  I learned more about how manipulation can completely break someone's trust in you.

  Prompt Response:  I believe that a parent owes their kids emotional support. They should love them, listen to them, and encourage them. I don't agree with Troy's views on parenting because he thinks that all he has to do is provide for his kids. I think that Troy should be a better father and show more love to his kid. Summary:  Today we read the book "Fences." Reflection:  I learned more about parenting and how some people's parents aren't their for their children when they need emotional support. 

  Prompt Response:  In the past, I have been put in a position where I have had to choose between studying and hanging out with friends. Although it would be really fun to do things with my friends, it is very important that I study my school material. Getting a high grade in my class is something that motivated me because I strive to maintain a high GPA. I was satisfied with my choice because I gained a better understanding from studying but I was a little annoyed that I was unable to hangout with my friends. Summary:  Today we finished the STEAL project for "Fences." Reflection:  I learned more about that character Cory through the STEAL project.

  Prompt Response:  I don't think parents have to like their children. But I think it is a good idea to have a good relationship with your children. I think it is the bare minimum to take care and provide for the child. The difference between loving someone and liking some is that when you love someone, you are willing to do anything for that person. But when you like someone, you won't go as far to be with them. Summary: Today we read Act 1 scenes 2 and 3. Reflection:  We had a discussion about parents and them loving their child. This made me realize that I have a good relationship with my parents (both of them love me).

  Prompt Response:  I don't think that men should ask their parents for money. It is a man's job to provide for himself and his family. My parents have worked at their job since they came out of college. This has shown me that even women have to work for their money and can't rely on their parents to support them. But there are some circumstances like being in debt or maybe you are unable to work. Summary:  `My parents have provided for me and then made sure that I learned not take money from my parents as an adult. Reflection:  I learned lots about being independent.

  Prompt Response:  One fence I have built in my life was from my middle school friends. During my time at St. Thomas More, I became really close with a group of people. Now however, I don't talk to them because I don't think they like me. I hung out with them about a month ago and every time I tried to talk to them, they would just ignore me. This made me feel sad and annoyed because I had taken time out of my day to hang out with them and they treated me poorly.  Summary:  Today we read the first act in Fences by August Wilson. Reflection:  Looking back, I can see that I have made many fences.  

  Prompt Response:  After watching all of my classmate's presentations, I learned lots about different people and who they truly are. I didn't realize this, but Antonio climbed and he mountain biked. I was surprised by this. Also I didn't know that Caleb was really religious and that he read scripture for fun. One more thing that I learned was that Pedro played for a club team named Tysa. I used to play at a club team and we played against them. Summary:  Today we presented our cultural identity masks. Reflection:  I learned lots of new things about my classmates' cultural identity.

  Prompt Response:  When I joined the basketball team  I felt like I belonged. I met lots of people like one of my best friends. The people that I met was Hani, Vedat, and SIddh. These people have been great influences on me and they've taught me great lessons such as being loving towards everyone and forgive others. Also there were other people that helped contribute to the vibe and make being there a good time. Summary:  Today we did our common lit and blog post. Reflection:  I learned lots about the science of connecting with people.

  Response:  I used to be scared of heights. But then I climbed up a mountain with my family and overcame my fear. My parents made sure to be right next to me the whole time and comfort me through my struggle. Now I don't have an issue hiking, but I don't know if I can climb up a mountain. I am really thankful for my parents for being there to make sure that I was safe. Summary:  Today we finished our cultural identity masks and took our student ID photos.  Reflection:  I learned that I have a great smile and more about my cultural identity.