Graduation/Summer Plans

Graduation is in two weeks time, which feels sort of bittersweet. I have known a lot of the grade since 4th grade, so growing up with them has made me feel close to them, in a sense. We saw each other through all of our awkward middle school phases, including braces, acne, greasy hair, and mood swings (which some people never grew out of). Now, seeing everyone "becoming adults" feels super strange, as our conversations switched from "did you see her new shoes" to "what is your major?" The gravity of graduation is starting to feel real, because I am slowly realizing that after high school, I am not socially obligated to continue contacting the people in my class. I will not be forced to sit in classrooms with them for hours on end, which is negative and positive; negative because I will miss seeing everyone interact and watching people grow and find themselves, but positive because, frankly, there are some people I would prefer to not have to be around. 

Aside from the heavy, emotional parts of graduation, I am SUPER excited. I feel like finally I get to experience a reward for all of my hard work in school. I get to move on from the confinements of the hallways where I was taught the basics of how to survive in the "real-world." I get to explore a new campus and a new area, finally studying the exact discipline I am interested instead of spending time learning about who started which war and when. I get to make my own decisions constantly, no longer having to request permission to use the bathroom and waking up at 6 am to catch a bus. 

I think the actual graduation ceremony itself will be really amazing. Our school has put so much time and effort into the planning of the event, so I anticipate it running really smoothly. I imagine there will be a lot of tears shed, by both teachers and students alike, as the teachers have watched us grow as individuals just as much as our peers did. The Bob Carpenter Center is also really nice, with plenty of seating and space for everyone to fit comfortably. We should be able to get really good pictures outside, too, because of all of the greenery. After graduation, I am going out to lunch with my family, but I have yet to decide where. My graduation gift is spending a week at the beach with my friends, which should be a really fun and relaxing way to say goodbye to high school and hello to summer!

After going to the beach, I start working at my summer job at the YMCA camp! I can't wait! Although it's a temporary full time job (40 hour weeks), I love being around kids and outside. I would much rather be outdoors with energetic campers than inside a store with fluorescent lighting folding shirts and bothering costumers who have no interest speaking to me! I have a feeling I will be exhausted from working that much, but the money is so worth it! Happy summer! :)

Prom

Our Newark Charter School prom is on Friday, April 28th. I am super super excited for this year's prom! It is after spring break, which is really convenient, because it gives me downtime to get the rest of my supplies for prom. I still need jewelry and shoes, and I have to practice my hair and makeup for the big day. I already have my dress. It is a bluish-green, sparkly lace on the top and white on the bottom. The top and the bottom are split by a line of beautiful shiny jewels. I love the dress because it is super flowy, which is completely different from my last year's dress. Last year, I had a navy blue lace dress. It was actually a short dress, but the lace details were long. My hair was up and curled, so this year, I am going to have my hair down. Luckily, my dress has a super boring back, so I don't have to worry about showing it off!
Austin asked me to prom with a poster that said "prom would be picture-perfect with you." The poster had pictures of us around the border, including ones from 3 years ago when we started dating (I still had braces haha). Of course, I said yes! He brought me Wawa coffee and a breakfast sandwich, as well, so I was especially eager to say yes.
I went with him yesterday to pick out his tux. We were going to go with possibly navy this year, but because of my dress color, we went with a dark gray. His pants, jacket, and vest are all dark gray, but his tie is the color of the top of my dress. We got a really cool tie! It is an ombre tie, so it has a lot of different colors. I wanted us to look very "springy," and the tie really helps with that goal.
He HATES the picture part of prom. We go to White Clay's Judge Morrison Estate (or something like that), and it is absolutely gorgeous. He just hates that we take pictures for a few hours. Plus, his mom can be really annoying about pictures, which just makes him grumpy. By the time the picture session is over, he's usually really irritable, as he gets super hungry and exhausted.
Last year, prom was at the same place it is this year (it is going to be at Deerfield, and the table set up is pictured below). It is SO NICE. There was a drink bar where we could get whatever drink we wanted. There were also amazing desserts and coffee. The main entree was good, but not particularly memorable. My only complaint about last year was that my ears hurt from the music... it was so loud.

This year, Austin and I were nominated for prom King and Queen. Our friends, Hanna and Ryan, were also nominated. They always joke about how they want Austin and I to break up for like 2 minutes so they can officially be the longest-dating couple at the school. They are really great friends, and we are sitting with them during dinner at prom. I am really looking forward to prom because of them and because of my dress, Austin's tux, and dinner!!!!!! :)

HOSA

I went to the HOSA competition on Wednesday. I was competing in the event "Job Seeking Skills," which required me to write a cover letter and resume. Upon going to the competition, I had to fill out a job application and go to a five minute interview. The judges were super super nice, and the time limit really was not an issue at all. I ended up getting 2nd place, which I think is pretty darn good for this being my first and only year competing in this event.

Philly Scavenger Hunt

This weekend I am going to do a scavenger hunt in Philly with my brother. It's called the Big Hunt, and basically you use an app that gives you clues, and you have to walk to the certain destinations to get the next hint. They say you have 2 hours, but the whole point is to do it as quickly as possible. I am kind of nervous that I won't be that good at it, but my brother tends to be good at that stuff.

My 18TH BIRTHDAY

This weekend I am celebrating my birthday by going out to eat and possibly going to the mall. My real birthday is Tuesday, March 21!! I am seeing Bill Nye that day with my entire family and I am so excited!

Science Olympiad Update

I ended up getting 3rd in Disease Detectives, 6th in Dynamic Planet, and 7th in Experimental Design. There were about 40 teams there, so I was really shocked when I received the awards. We got the medals at the award ceremony, but the judges weren't finished with dynamic planet, so I had to go home not knowing if I placed in the top ten or not. I was really excited when I found out, and they sent the medal to the school. Overall, my last ever science olympiad was a success.

Science Olympiad

Tomorrow is the Science Olympiad competition. I am doing disease detectives, dynamic planet, experimental design, and invasive species, so I have a lot going on tomorrow! I am also driving down with my friend and getting breakfast, because we want to get into the right mindset. I am doing 3/4 events with her, so the day should be fun. The only downside about the competition is that there is a lot of time where we just wait around doing nothing, which can get really boring really quickly. Also, the competition takes the entire day, but because it's my last one, I am going to try to enjoy it!

Drama

Save the drama for your mama.
-Sophia Hannah

I would really like to analyze this quote, because it really deeply resonates with me. I have the most drama-filled life known to man, and I tell all of it to my mama. Like literally the other day I was walking and had to stop because someone walked in front of me. How rude. Drama. You guessed it, I told my mama.

Job Interview

I applied for a job at the YMCA summer camp, and I recently heard back. I had to set up a time for an interview, which was quite scary! I have my first ever job interview next Tuesday immediately after school, and I am terrified. I am not exactly sure what to wear or what to say, and I saw that many many other people applied, so I have a lot of competition. I really want the job because I love children, and I want a full-time summer job to help me pay for college.

Mock Trial

The mock trial competition is coming up really soon, and I am nervous about how it is going to go. I think the team is prepared and very talented, but as it is my last year, I would really like to get top ten. Because I started in freshman year, getting in the top ten at the competition would be a huge accomplishment, but the team's placing really depends on who we compete against and what kind of judges we have. Hopefully, we will go in confident and well-prepared to beat the other teams!

Skiing

I am going skiing really soon while it is still winter time. I have gone before, but it has been years. I am sort of nervous, because I hear about a lot of injuries people get from skiing, so I am planning on going really slowly. I also hate being cold, but hopefully if i layer up I'll be fine! Wish me luck!

The Things They Carried

The new book we are currently reading in E110 is amazing. I love the style of writing and the stories being told to prove deeper meanings. For example, when Jimmy Cross digs the hole, and when O'Brien describes how the men had to take turns going into holes to check for people. Such examples really make the writing really interesting and convey deeper meanings for the reader to understand. I also really LOVE the fourth chapter and the descriptions of the lodge and the boat. That has to be my favorite part thus far, because the rocky boat and the water are great analogies for how some decisions can feel.

End of the Marking Period

The end of the marking period has to be the most stressful time in the school year. Every teacher rushes to get grades in, attempting to meet the required number of grades per marking period. However, this causes chaos for students, who have to handle projects, tests, essays, etc on top of normal homework assignments. Also, after the marking period is finally over, the new one begins, which can be equally as daunting. If you mess up your grades in the beginning, it becomes more difficult to keep high grades later on when there are a million things assigned at once! But alas, graduation is right around the corner, so I can handle a few extra assignments in exchange for freedom.

College Acceptance

I have recently gotten accepted into Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. I have already submitted my reply saying I will attend, and I am veryyyyy very excited about it! It was my dream school, so I applied early decision this year, and luckily, I got in. I think the best part of this, aside from the fact that it is an amazing school, is that I do not have to wait for my acceptance/rejection letter like my friends do. They are really nervous about hearing back from colleges, but the nerve-racking and anxiety-filled waiting session is completed, and happiness ensued. :)

Top Christmas Songs

1. Happy Holidays
2. All I Want for Christmas is You
3. Winter Wonderland
4. Winter Wizards
5. Drummer Boy
6. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
7. Snow and Heat Miser Song
8. White Christmas
9. O Holy Night
10. Noel

Fake News Story

November 25, 2016- In Newark, Delaware there was a robbery at 10:30 am. The incident occurred at the Christiana Mall with many witnesses present. The police were promptly notified and those who witnessed the event stayed behind to give statements.

The robber, a 12-year old girl, was attempting to steal a 12 pack of earrings from Claire’s. After sneaking the pack into her purse, she calmly exited the store, witnesses say, but the small security tag on the back of the package caused the alarms to beep persistently. Terrified, the teen attempted to claim that she thought she had already paid for them, but most witnesses claim that the girl was not innocent. Wearing her converse sneakers and sweater dress, she was clearly a terrifying sight for any who had to be present during the event.

“I just didn’t know what to do,” Lia Marshall stated, shaking profusely. “I’ve always known there are cut-throat, sociopathic people out in the general public, but I never thought that I would have to witness one of their heinous crimes… I mean, earrings? Of all things to steal, she had to choose the deadliest option…”

Although the police arrived promptly after the security alarms beeped, the shaken witnesses and workers found it troubling to relay what had occurred.

“When my coworkers and I arrived at the scene, I immediately knew I had to call for backup. I could see the murderous scene, and it was something I knew would stay with me forever,” policeman Anderson reported.

Although the police ultimately decided to call the teen’s mom and the store was not pressing charges, everyone present at the incident is seeking medical attention. 67% of witnesses are claiming to have PTSD, saying that they break down crying whenever they see the glow of an earring. Some of the police present are shaken too, with over half of them taking time off to be with family during this tough time.

“These times are when people need to surround themselves with family,” an anonymous witness expresses. “It’s really great to see the community come together and support all of us who were emotionally damaged by this.”

The teen has expressed remorse and her parents have come out with an apologetic statement.

“We were unaware that our daughter would even be capable of something this abominable,” her mother, Melissa, stated. “We have sent her to a mental institution, and we are optimistic about her recovery. After her three month stay, she will be attending a military school, so none of the victims have to see her again. We greatly apologize for the damage she caused...it was never our intention to raise a monster.”

The public has responded with love and support for the parents of the deplorable teen, due to the great action they have taken to ensure their daughter no longer harms society. Some have called this “the worst Newark has seen,” while others remain slightly optimistic, claiming she could have started the downfall of society, but luckily she did not.

The police would like to remind people to remain calm, ensuring the public that they are doubling up on the number of patrols in the Christiana Mall. For now, people are warned to keep an eye out for any other monstrous individuals.

Behind the Scenes: A Cheater

Okay, listen, cheating may be looked down upon, but you have to give me credit for how much work it takes to keep up! It takes a certain level of talent in order to properly keep up with two boyfriends.
Texting can be complicated...on more than one occasion, I have replied to one boy with "you too" after he asked "what's up?" Flirting while responding quickly to two boys is almost impossible, as they want instant, perfect replies. It's hard enough to do this with one boy, let alone two! Luckily, they're both totally in love with me...I mean, who wouldn't be?

Dates are by far the hardest. How do I explain calling Chad "Brian" while seductively sharing a strawberry milkshake!? "Sorry, Chad, that's the name of my new fish that we keep in my basement so you'll never see him..."

Sometimes, to be more efficient, I'll go on two dates at once! We will meet up in the movie theater, and I just alternate between the two films. The only issue with this is that they probably think I have severe bowel issues when I'm gone for 15 minutes at a time...

The best part of having two men lust over me is the constant shower of gifts and compliments. I get double the Christmas gifts and double the love. Honestly, it would be perfect to have like 5 boyfriends. I would have no problem finding 3 more men to date (I could get any guy I want, watch out ladies), but juggling 2 is hard enough.

The most awkward part is making out with them. Chad is obviously the better kisser BY FAR, so while kissing Brian, all  I can think about is Chad. Brian doesn't notice though, because my attractiveness and amazing lips conceal any of my deeper, real feelings...if I even have any haha.

Election

I expected the outcome of the election, yet I was still baffled when the results were released. I have no problems with people having their own political opinion, because that is the basis of a democracy. However, I am still shocked at just how many people would support a sexist, racist man. Regardless of people identifying as Republican due to economic policy beliefs or governmental involvement restrictions, people who voted for Trump must hold prejudice to a degree. Women have been fighting constantly to gain more rights and to be equal to men, yet now we have a president that CONSTANTLY and PUBLICLY says sexist remarks. Not only does he say the remarks, but he will also DEFEND his actions, furthering his innate sexism. Such a president will influence citizens into thinking treating women the way he does is acceptable, which could destroy the progress women have made thus far. Trump doesn't just comment about women; he also targets immigrants. Do people forget when he called Mexicans rapists and suggested we put Muslims into "camps" for national security? What about when he said, "laziness is a trait in blacks"? Such comments were somehow overlooked by American citizens, which is a horrifying discovery. What's next for America? He's pushed the envelope farther than I ever could have imagined, but the scary part is how many people agree. You are not welcome if you are not a white male (being rich helps, too).

Waiting

Now that the November 1st deadline has passed, all students can think about is December 16th, the day we find out if we are rejected, deferred, or (hopefully) accepted. I have never really been a patient person, so waiting for December  16th is already driving me crazy. My application is submitted with my essays, my letters of recommendation are waiting for review, and my transcript has been sent. Everything I have ever done has been a step toward the final goal of college, and now I get to see if my hard work and dedication has been beneficial. I need to know if it was worth it, if I can look back and know that my work meant something. December 16th will tell me that. Until then, all I can do is wonder.

A Pet I Could Never Have

I could never have an otter as a pet. I love otters, because they are incredibly adorable! They scurry around on land together and dive in the water to play. They are very fluffy and soft, but they  become  sleek once wet. I've also seen them get fed at the zoo, and they seem very well trained. However, otters have a reputation for being vicious and mean, so unfortunately, I could never actually own one.

Another pet I could never own is a horse. I think horses are beautiful, bold, and majestic, but I have no idea how to ride one. Also, I am afraid they will injure me greatly if I startle them. Cleaning up after them isn't exactly easy either, because of how large they  are!

Owning a tarantula is also not an option, because I am deathly afraid of them! I would not even let it in my house at all. I don't think it's very humane to buy a pet you want to kill, so tarantulas can remain in the pet store, thank you very much.

A final pet I could not own is a cheetah. I love cats (I have two), so owning a cheetah would be amazing! I could cuddle and play with it all the time, scratching behind its fluffy ears. Unfortunately, I cannot own a cheetah, because they are wild and not domesticated. Odds are, I would be eaten if I forgot to feed it, and that's a risk I am not willing to take.