Blog Revision

      For my header I chose the phrase, "Paradise is where you make it." It reminds me that it if I'm ever in a bad situation it can always turn around depending on what I do with it. I used a beach sunset because, to me, that resembles paradise. The header shows I can effectively use the magnetic lasso and eraser tools to remove the background, leaving only the subject. I changed the color of my text and background to match the header. My posts from freshman year are organized in it's own section on the side of my blog for easy access. My blog as a whole is arranged from year, to month, then by post.

Coming of Age: Rough Draft

      As a kid I was never raised like the stereotypical asian child. My parents made the brave decision to move here from Guandong, China, not knowing a word of English, trying to start a new life. Growing up I was at a great disadvantage compared to most kids. I was taught manners, how to walk, speak Chinese, and understand cultural traditions. That was about it. I know what you're thinking. "What about English?" I had no choice but to learn on my own, through TV and hearing it everywhere I go. I basically lived my entire life without any guidance. What do I mean by that? Take this example. When I got home from school as an elementary student my parents wouldn't ask me "what did you do today?" or tell me "don't forget to do any homework you have!" They were never on my case about grades or extracurriculars. Instead, they let me do whatever I needed to do. Some people would say it's because they don't care, but I personally think it's because they trusted me to do whatever I felt was right, to fend for myself. It taught me to learn and become an independent person. Without even knowing it they taught me the most valuable lesson I could ever ask for.

      Although my parents weren't always there for me I had two older brothers, Thomas and Wayon, who were there through it all. I developed this unique bond with Thomas that was unlike any other. With Wayon, on the other hand, we were polar opposites. Thomas guided me when no one else could. He taught me and disciplined me. Being a straight-A student and an outstanding athlete, he was definitely a role model. He was the first person I would go to when I need help with homework or I wanted to figure out my future. Often times I complain to him about how stressful school is or how I just want to give up. He never fails to bring me back to positivity, reminding me that it'll all be worth it or it's going to prepare me for college and life after that. As cheesy as it sounds, I don't know what I would've ever done without him. The day I have been dreading for years has finally come. The day he begins a new chapter of his life, college.

      With camera in hand I hop out of the car quickly as Thomas and my parents load enormous bags of luggage onto a cart. Thomas and I push the cart to check it in while our parents park the car. It's happening, it's actually happening is all I could think while the large bags are being lifted onto a scale. Once that is all done we make our way to a bench and wait patiently as there is time to spare. I feel mixed emotions as this is a bitter-sweet moment for me. Proud because he is the most hard-working person I know and no one deserves it more, but also depressed because I will no longer have him to guide me when I soon begin high school, when I need him the most.

       Close friends and relatives come to greet and congratulate him on everything he has achieved, not forgetting to wish him the best of luck at the University of Washington. He turns his wrist to take a quick glimpse at his watch and soon enough, he says, "well I should start heading to security check." The feeling of anxiety fills my entire body as I don't want to see him leave. We walk with him until retractable belts form barriers signaling that this is the farthest we could go. He is on his own from here on out. I spread my arms out on both sides of my body and gave him a big hug. A tear rushed out of my eyes and down my face. Not wanting him to see me cry, I quickly wiped it away with the sleeve of my shirt. From this point on I'm not going to have someone to make sure I do well in school and make the right decisions. It made me realize I have to take initiative if I want to be successful on my own.

      We said our last goodbyes and before we knew it he was waiting in line, occasionally looking back at us as if he didn't want to leave. Each step he took made me more and more anxious for him and for myself. Thinking about what our futures would be like as we drift our separate ways. Would he be so busy he forgot he had a little sister? Will I crumble without his guidance? Will he still treat me the same when he gets back? All these questions gather in my head, but only time will reveal the answers. Almost near the front of the line, he waved at us and I was quick enough to snap a picture. His smile showed he was ready to take on this journey. As my role model and brother, if he was ready then so was I. 

Responsibility of Visitor Safety

       Many visitors on this island plan exciting excursions in hopes to experience what nature has to offer. Little do they know the dangers they may face along the way. The island of Hawaii is constantly having to deal with accidents on our most popular attractions. Some say the visitor is to blame, and others, the location. I, on the other hand, would have to blame the property owner because they are responsible for installing warning signs, taking care of the land, and putting restrictions on the property.

       Keeping up with the property's maintenance needs is the first step to ensure the safety of all visitors. The County of Maui apologized for the lack of warning signs after David Potts' death from being striked by a large wave. The property owner should be the most familiar with the location and what it is capable of. Therefore, they should warn visitors of any hazards that might jeopardize their safety. Taking care of the land is another task the property owner should be aware of. Something as simple as keeping the area free from litter will prevent injury. Paula Ramirez and Elizabeth Brem both died after walking off an area of a cliff hidden by vegetation.  Fences can only be built with the authorization of the property owner. Restrictions are needed to alert the visitors of where they are allowed to be and where they should stay away from. Property owners have a great deal of responsibility when it comes to protecting everyone that steps foot onto their land.

       The property owner is responsible for the safety of all visitors because they are in charge of installing warning signs, taking care of the land, and putting restrictions where needed. It's hard to put the blame on the property because the outdoors can be very unpredictable. Weather can also add on to the list of hazards. The people should use their common sense where ever they go. They need to understand the possible dangers before even entering the property. The visitors can't be fully blamed because they can make careless mistakes just like everyone else. As you can see, the property owner, location, and visitors all have some part in causing an accident, but the property owner should have complete responsibility because it is their land after all.

Group Positions

1. Visitors should be responsible for their own safety
2. The location is responsible for the visitors' safety
3. The Government or owner of property is responsible for any accidents

GLO Portfolio

The ending of another semester begins the creation of another online portfolio. The link below will lead you to my 2nd Semester GLO Portfolio. Please browse through and examine what I accomplished in the MeneMAC English Language Arts program. Then, please answer the following question as a comment.
"What have you learned about my achievements in MeneMAC this past year."

sherylx3.weebly.com

Merchant of Venice Literary Analysis: FINAL

In the 16th century life was more complicated than it is today. Love, religion, money, justice, and law play key roles in the happiness of those living at the time. In a comedic play taking place in Italy, "Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare shows how the five factors can jeopardize how you see others and who you are as a person. When Bassanio is in need of money to impress the girl of his dreams, Portia, he turns to his good friend Antonio. Shylock, a moneylender, is against everything involving Antonio because of what he did to him in the past. Therefore, a bond is created to sacrifice a pound of Antonio's flesh to Shylock if the money isn't returned in a certain amount of time. In the play he proves himself to be a cruel and relentless Jew unworthy of any respect.

Shylock uses his and other's beliefs as a way to segregate. His treatment towards Christians, specifically Antonio, is often unruly. In act 1, scene 3, lines 143-148, Shylock states, "If you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are expressed in the condition, let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me." If a non-Christian were to borrow money from Shylock there wouldn't be such an intimidating bond. He really knows how to hold a grudge, especially for Antonio. Shylock uses religion as his excuse for his hatred towards others. In act 2, scene 5, lines 13-15, he says," I am not bid for love: they flatter me. But yet I'll go in hate, to feed upon the prodigal Christian." Even when it's not necessary, he always finds a way to put down Christians. He really is a cruel Jew. Shylock shows harsh racism even when it is not the right time for it.

Shylock hasn't showed any respect for others, therefore, he doesn't deserve any. When Jessica took off with Shylock's money he was more worried about the ducats than losing his daughter. In act 2, scene 8, lines 18-22, Solanio says," A sealed bag, two sealed bags of ducats, of double ducats, stolen from me by my daughter! And jewels- two stones, two rich and precious stones, stolen by my daughter! Justice! Find the girl! She hath the stones upon her, and the ducats!" Even from other's point of views, all he cares about is his money. For a person like him that will never change. He almost treats Lancelot like a slave. In act 2, scene 3, lines 94-96, Lancelot states, " My masters a very Jew; give him a present! give him a halter: I am famished in his service: you may tell every finger I have with my ribs." He shouldn't treat Lancelot that harsh, even if he is his servant. You can guess that Shylock takes his anger out on him.  Shylock's interactment towards others is not appreciated.

Shylock wants to make sure he will get his bond, no matter what. He won't even let money get in the way. In act 4, scene 1, lines 85-87, Shylock says, "If every ducat in your six thousand ducats were in six parts and every part a ducat, I would not draw them: I would have my bond!" He doesn't want the bond for the flesh, he wants it for revenge. Justice and law even come to play in his fight for the bond. In act 4, scene 1, Lines 99-103, Shylock says, "The pound of flesh which I demand of him is nearly bought, 'tis mine, and I will have it: If you deny me, fie upon your law! There is no force in the decrees of Venice! I stand for judgement." He is so serious that if he doesn't get his bond he will blame Justice. Shylocks strong hatred towards Antonio makes him want the pound of flesh even more.

In this play Shylock reveals himself to be a harsh and relentless Jew unworthy of respect from others. He uses religion to segregate, doesn't show any respect towards others, and is bitter in his attempts of trying to achieve his bond. His actions have caused everyone to turn against him, even his own daughter. In the end Shylock gained nothing from what he has done since the beginning. Antonio decided his future for him. His money will eventually be given to his daughter, Jessica, and Lorenzo after his death. Worst of all, he demanded him to become Christian. Shylock has lost everything he once had. From family, to money, and to property. He is good example of how the five factors can transform your life.

Merchant of Venice Literary Analysis: Rough Draft

In the 16th century life was more complicated than it is today. Love, religion, money, justice, and law play key roles in the happiness of those living at the time. In a comedic play taking place in Italy, "Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare shows how the five factors can jeopardize how you see others and who you are as a person. Shylock is a Jewish moneylender. In the play he proves himself to be a cruel and relentless Jew unworthy of any respect.

Shylock uses his and other's beliefs as a way to segregate. His treatment towards Christians, specifically Antonio, is often unruly. In act 1, scene 3, lines 143-148, Shylock states, "If you repay me not on such a day, in such a place, such sum or sums as are expressed in the condition, let the forfeit be nominated for an equal pound of your fair flesh, to be cut off and taken in what part of your body pleaseth me." If a non-Christian were to borrow money from Shylock there wouldn't be such an intimidating bond. He really knows how to hold a grudge, especially for Antonio. Shylock uses religion as his excuse for his hatred towards others. In act 2, scene 5, lines 13-15, he says," I am not bid for love: they flatter me. But yet I'll go in hate, to feed upon the prodigal Christian." Even when it's not necessary, he always finds a way to put down Christians. He really is a cruel Jew. Shylock shows harsh racism even when it is not the right time for it.

Shylock hasn't showed any respect for others, therefore, he doesn't deserve any. When Jessica took off with Shylock's money he was more worried about the ducats than losing his daughter. In act 2, scene 8, lines 18-22, Solanio says," A sealed bag, two sealed bags of ducats, of double ducats, stolen from me by my daughter! And jewels- two stones, two rich and precious stones, stolen by my daughter! Justice! Find the girl! She hath the stones upon her, and the ducats!" Even from other's point of views, all he cares about is his money. For a person like him that will never change. He almost treats Lancelot like a slave. In act 2, scene 3, lines 94-96, Lancelot states, " My masters a very Jew; give him a present! give him a halter: I am famished in his service: you may tell every finger I have with my ribs." He shouldn't treat Lancelot that harsh, even if he is his servant. Shylock's interactment towards others is not appreciated. 

Shylock wants to make sure he will get his bond, no matter what. He won't even let money get in the way. In act 4, scene 1, lines 85-87, Shylock says, "If every ducat in your six thousand ducats were in six parts and every part a ducat, I would not draw them: I would have my bond!" He doesn't want the bond for the flesh, he wants it for revenge. Justice and law even come to play in his fight for the bond. In act 4, scene 1, Lines 99-103, Shylock says, "The pound of flesh which I demand of him is nearly bought, 'tis mine, and I will have it: If you deny me, fie upon your law! There is no force in the decrees of Venice! I stand for judgement." He is so serious that if he doesn't get his bond he will blame Justice. Shylocks strong hatred towards Antonio makes him want the pound of flesh even more.

In this play Shylock reveals himself to be a harsh and relentless Jew that doesn't deserve respect from others. His actions have caused everyone to turn against him, even his own daughter. He is a good example of how the five factors can change a person completely. None of the factors benefited him in any way. He lost connection with all his money, justice and law didn't work in his favor, and being a Jew wasn't an advantage either. The factors could benefit a person in a good way, but in most cases they don't work cohesively.