Many teens suffer from thoughts of suicide. I myself have several friends who have thought, or even attempted to kill themselves. It is a cold, hard reality in the world today. Harry Potter author: I considered suicide by CNN talks about one woman who suffered from depression, and out of it came the most famous series of our generation.
J.K. Rowling won the hearts of millions of children, teens, and even adults with her Harry Potter series. Now one of the richest women on Earth, no one would expect her to be like so many other women out there. No one would expect her to have started out as a poor, working, and very depressed, single mom. After separating from her first husband, Rowling was living in a cramped apartment with her baby daughter. Her apartment had only been afforded through a friend who offered to help her financially. After so long, alone and depressed, Rowling realized what her depression was doing to her, and she sought help.
This article matters to me because I know so many people who are suicidal. J.K. Rowling was depressed, but she was willing to admit it. She was willing to get help. So many of my friends had to have help thrust upon them (at which point they don't see it as help, only an invasion of privacy). I know how hard it is to live with depression (two of my sisters were diagnosed with it), and I know it is hard to seek help, to admit that there is "something wrong" with you. However, perhaps if more people had something, or someone to keep them firmly planted on the ground, maybe more people like J.K. Rowling would come out and find the help they need.
This article matters to the world because so many teens do suffer from depression. Most don't seek help for it, because they don't see anything wrong with it. Indeed, at our fragile age, we often feel low and lonely, but so often, that feeling of sadness gets out of hand. What brought Rowling back to the real world was the fact that she had a daughter to care for, and baby who needed her. Rowling had something to fight back with, something to fight of the depression.
Even though Rowling was older than my friends, and indeed many teens who have suicidal thoughts, she still sends a message. So many times, we only see the bad. Rowling saw the blessing in her life; she saw her daughter, and it helped her through her depression. If only more young people could see the blessings in their lives, perhaps less would commit suicide, and more would seek help. Although, as far as we know, Rowling never actually tried to commit suicide, she still serves as a role model for depressed teens seeking the light in their own lives.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
PLN 5
Every year, thousands of children go missing. Some are never found, some are found dead, but some are found alive and in the oddest of places. CNN's Toddler rescued after 27 hours in well talks about one Indian girl named Vandana who was found in a well outside of New Delhi after being trapped at the bottom of it for 27 hours.
This toddler’s story relates to the world because Vandana was reported as having been the sixth child to fall into a well or uncovered pit in the last two years in India. So many times, children go missing, and either are never found, or are found too late. Often times, these children aren’t even noticed as being missing. So often, no one even searches for lost children, because they caused problems in their families financially, and it is easier not to bother looking. It is such a relief when children are found and returned to loving families after ordeals like this.
This article matters to me because I believe Vandana’s story was a small miracle. She had been in the 45 ft deep well for 27 hours without food water, or fresh air. When She was found, Vandana was calm, and more importantly conscience, which made it much easier to help her. Though the girl probably suffered from dehydration, doctors reported her health as normal, which is a miracle in itself. Many people (myself included) would probably not be in such good shape after spending the night in a pit, with no food, water, or good, clean, oxygen.
My English class read Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. The narrator, Rueben described miracles as things that were meant to bug you. True miracles made your skin crawl; they scare you. Hearing Vandana’s story scared me. It made me realize how dangerous life is for small children in third world countries. However, I find relief in the fact that there are still so many children out there like Vandana who get help in time, and make it out, unscarred.
This toddler’s story relates to the world because Vandana was reported as having been the sixth child to fall into a well or uncovered pit in the last two years in India. So many times, children go missing, and either are never found, or are found too late. Often times, these children aren’t even noticed as being missing. So often, no one even searches for lost children, because they caused problems in their families financially, and it is easier not to bother looking. It is such a relief when children are found and returned to loving families after ordeals like this.
This article matters to me because I believe Vandana’s story was a small miracle. She had been in the 45 ft deep well for 27 hours without food water, or fresh air. When She was found, Vandana was calm, and more importantly conscience, which made it much easier to help her. Though the girl probably suffered from dehydration, doctors reported her health as normal, which is a miracle in itself. Many people (myself included) would probably not be in such good shape after spending the night in a pit, with no food, water, or good, clean, oxygen.
My English class read Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. The narrator, Rueben described miracles as things that were meant to bug you. True miracles made your skin crawl; they scare you. Hearing Vandana’s story scared me. It made me realize how dangerous life is for small children in third world countries. However, I find relief in the fact that there are still so many children out there like Vandana who get help in time, and make it out, unscarred.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
PLN 4
Every parent wants the best for their child. Even children born with disabilities deserve the best their parents can give. However, what happens when a couple's desire to make their disabled daughter happy turns into a desire to play God? In CNN's Disabled girl's parents defend growth-stunting treatment by Amy Burkholder, Ashley's sad story is told.
Ashley was born with cerebral palsy and would only ever have the brain capacity of a six-month-old. Her parents (who remain anonymous) loved and cared for her despite the severe brain damage. Things turned bad when her parents decided that her brain wouldn’t be the only thing that never matured. At age six, Ashley’s parents had Washington doctors perform a hysterectomy breast surgery, and inject high amounts of estrogen into her body to prevent her from ever growing up.
This article matters to the world because Ashley’s parents now want to make it legal for other families with children like Ashley to undergo the same operation. Many call this an outrage, perverse, and disgusting. Ashley’s parents stated, “ this would make it easier to cuddle and carry a child who can do little more than lie propped up on a pillow.” Is it fair that Ashley will never grow, never have her period, never grow breasts, never be a woman simply because her parents thought it would be easier for them to cuddle her? There are hundreds if not thousands of "pillow children" as those like Ashley are called who are just fine without this operation. It is not fair to play God with this girl's life. It is true, Ashley will never have children, nor will she get married, but does that make it right to rob her of her right as a living, breathing human being to grow up whole?
This article matters to me because of how Ashley's parents have restricted her. Having worked with disabled children last year, I know what they can be capable of if we let them try. I helped a boy with severe autism learn animals and phrases in Spanish, and even a year later, he recalls them. My fellow students helped a young girl with spinal bifidia and other mental disabilities learn how to speak quite well in sign language. Given the chance, even the most impaired are capable of great things. It is true, children like Ashley may never be great successes, may never go to the moon, write a best-selling novel, or even walk on their own, but as Anne Radar, one 43 year-old woman with cerebral palsy put it, "it's dehumanizing" to take away a child's right to even age like every other human on the planet.
"The parents are not seeing the potential of the child; they are seeing a baby," says Radar. Yes, Ashley's brain may never mature to anything older than that of a six-month-old, but is it fair to take away the chance for her body to do so?
So, my fellow bloggers, my fellow humans, what do you think?
Ashley was born with cerebral palsy and would only ever have the brain capacity of a six-month-old. Her parents (who remain anonymous) loved and cared for her despite the severe brain damage. Things turned bad when her parents decided that her brain wouldn’t be the only thing that never matured. At age six, Ashley’s parents had Washington doctors perform a hysterectomy breast surgery, and inject high amounts of estrogen into her body to prevent her from ever growing up.
This article matters to the world because Ashley’s parents now want to make it legal for other families with children like Ashley to undergo the same operation. Many call this an outrage, perverse, and disgusting. Ashley’s parents stated, “ this would make it easier to cuddle and carry a child who can do little more than lie propped up on a pillow.” Is it fair that Ashley will never grow, never have her period, never grow breasts, never be a woman simply because her parents thought it would be easier for them to cuddle her? There are hundreds if not thousands of "pillow children" as those like Ashley are called who are just fine without this operation. It is not fair to play God with this girl's life. It is true, Ashley will never have children, nor will she get married, but does that make it right to rob her of her right as a living, breathing human being to grow up whole?
This article matters to me because of how Ashley's parents have restricted her. Having worked with disabled children last year, I know what they can be capable of if we let them try. I helped a boy with severe autism learn animals and phrases in Spanish, and even a year later, he recalls them. My fellow students helped a young girl with spinal bifidia and other mental disabilities learn how to speak quite well in sign language. Given the chance, even the most impaired are capable of great things. It is true, children like Ashley may never be great successes, may never go to the moon, write a best-selling novel, or even walk on their own, but as Anne Radar, one 43 year-old woman with cerebral palsy put it, "it's dehumanizing" to take away a child's right to even age like every other human on the planet.
"The parents are not seeing the potential of the child; they are seeing a baby," says Radar. Yes, Ashley's brain may never mature to anything older than that of a six-month-old, but is it fair to take away the chance for her body to do so?
So, my fellow bloggers, my fellow humans, what do you think?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
PLN 3
Cruelty in any case is generally frowned upon in the modern world. Apparently, one marine who was stationed in Iraq didn't get the message. Video appears to show Marine abusing puppy by CNN.com talks about how one marine, who has not been identified, was taped throwing a black and white puppy over the edge of a cliff.
This article matters to the world because of the image it sends. This man (we are assuming it was a man) was a U.S. marine. Not only has he made himself look like a monster, but he has given marines a bad name. U.S. marines are supposed to be men and women who we can look upon in times of danger. Marines are suppose to be portrayed as heroes, but now, many might see them only as monsters. After viewing the shocking You Tube video (which is not online anymore, so don't bother looking) it is a little hard to look at marines with respect anymore.
This article relates to me because this is in fact, a crime of animal abuse. Recently, our English class did a group project where we created Public Service Announcements. My group discussed animal abuse. Not only this, but as a young puppy, my own dog was abuse by her breeder. This marine threw a young dog off a cliff like it was a rotting banana. Unused, unloved, he sent it away, without a thought.
I have always had a respect for the brave men and women who fight to protect this country. I am proud to have so many people fighting for my freedom. However, the act this man committed is completely deplorable and brings shame to all marines.
This article matters to the world because of the image it sends. This man (we are assuming it was a man) was a U.S. marine. Not only has he made himself look like a monster, but he has given marines a bad name. U.S. marines are supposed to be men and women who we can look upon in times of danger. Marines are suppose to be portrayed as heroes, but now, many might see them only as monsters. After viewing the shocking You Tube video (which is not online anymore, so don't bother looking) it is a little hard to look at marines with respect anymore.
This article relates to me because this is in fact, a crime of animal abuse. Recently, our English class did a group project where we created Public Service Announcements. My group discussed animal abuse. Not only this, but as a young puppy, my own dog was abuse by her breeder. This marine threw a young dog off a cliff like it was a rotting banana. Unused, unloved, he sent it away, without a thought.
I have always had a respect for the brave men and women who fight to protect this country. I am proud to have so many people fighting for my freedom. However, the act this man committed is completely deplorable and brings shame to all marines.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
PLN 2
Though the rate of teen deaths killed in car crashes has dropped by more than a third, too many are still dying on the road. It doesn't take a genius to discover where all these deaths come from. Teen deaths in vehicular accidents are due to one main factor: not buckling up. State laws drive down teen-motorist deaths by Kieran Nicholson of the Denver Post talks about how if more teens buckled up, less would die on the road. This article also talks about how state officials have started creating more serious punishments for drivers and passengers who are not buckled up.
This article matters because it concerns the future. Though less teens are dying on the road, 43 died in Colorado alone last year. Teenagers do not realize how dangerous cars can be, and they never realize that they might die on their way home from school. If the adults of the future continue on this path, how will it look in 20 years. If teens aren't taught how to take care of themselves on the road, how can they be expected to teach their children? If they can't even buckle up themselves, where will their children learn to?
This article matters to me because as I am in highschool, most of my fellow students drive. It is frightening to know that teenagers my age die every day simply because they didn't buckle up. Our school even has a sign near the parking lot that says Buckle up-somebody out there needs you! It never regesters in a teen's mind that not buckling up might cost them their life. I will be driving soon (granted I get my permit) and I always buckled up as a child, and have no intention of changing my habits now. However, many young people my age do not take buckling up as seriously. Atleast one student who attended my school died in a car accident, hence the sign near the parking lot. I don't understand how students can see signs like ours, or hear stories like so many others, and not see how important it is to buckle up.
This article matters because it concerns the future. Though less teens are dying on the road, 43 died in Colorado alone last year. Teenagers do not realize how dangerous cars can be, and they never realize that they might die on their way home from school. If the adults of the future continue on this path, how will it look in 20 years. If teens aren't taught how to take care of themselves on the road, how can they be expected to teach their children? If they can't even buckle up themselves, where will their children learn to?
This article matters to me because as I am in highschool, most of my fellow students drive. It is frightening to know that teenagers my age die every day simply because they didn't buckle up. Our school even has a sign near the parking lot that says Buckle up-somebody out there needs you! It never regesters in a teen's mind that not buckling up might cost them their life. I will be driving soon (granted I get my permit) and I always buckled up as a child, and have no intention of changing my habits now. However, many young people my age do not take buckling up as seriously. Atleast one student who attended my school died in a car accident, hence the sign near the parking lot. I don't understand how students can see signs like ours, or hear stories like so many others, and not see how important it is to buckle up.
Friday, February 29, 2008
PLN 1 for Second Semester
Just about everyone I know, and thousands of others I don't have heard about the tragic death of actor Heath Ledger. Though many were so callous as to make jokes about his death like, "he died of a Brokeback," or, "if I had been in Brokeback Mountain, I would have killed myself too," most were heart broken to hear of the Australian actor's death. Source: Feds investigate Heath Ledger's death by CNN.com discusses the cause of Ledger's death. CNN reports that he did due to an accidental overdose of six different types of medication.
This article matters because, though his death was accidental, the fact remains that
Ledger died of a drug overdose. There are so many people out there using multiple types of drugs. Though many of these people are using them for similar reasons to that of Heath Ledger, many more are using them solely for the purpose of getting high. Heath Ledger never meant to overdose, chances are, he was just frustrated and took too many drugs at one time. It was so easy for him to take so many pills that it killed him. Heath Ledger's death was an accident, so how can people who take drugs to hurt themselves not realize what they are doing?
This article relates to me because some of my close relatives use medicated drugs. My family has a history of health problems, so it is only natural that we would take medication. Though all of my family members who use medication use it safely and for its proper purpose, reading stories like Ledger's scare me. It was so easy for him to overdose, so easy to kill himself accidentally. It frightens me to think that it is so easy for people to kill themselves without even meaning to. Heath Ledger's story really opened my eyes to the dangers of medication. Anyone in my family could accidentally overdose, and it could be there name in the headlines.
This article matters because, though his death was accidental, the fact remains that
Ledger died of a drug overdose. There are so many people out there using multiple types of drugs. Though many of these people are using them for similar reasons to that of Heath Ledger, many more are using them solely for the purpose of getting high. Heath Ledger never meant to overdose, chances are, he was just frustrated and took too many drugs at one time. It was so easy for him to take so many pills that it killed him. Heath Ledger's death was an accident, so how can people who take drugs to hurt themselves not realize what they are doing?
This article relates to me because some of my close relatives use medicated drugs. My family has a history of health problems, so it is only natural that we would take medication. Though all of my family members who use medication use it safely and for its proper purpose, reading stories like Ledger's scare me. It was so easy for him to overdose, so easy to kill himself accidentally. It frightens me to think that it is so easy for people to kill themselves without even meaning to. Heath Ledger's story really opened my eyes to the dangers of medication. Anyone in my family could accidentally overdose, and it could be there name in the headlines.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Goals for 2nd Semester
There are so many things I feel like I need to accomplish this semester. Getting a good grade, doing more work and having a better thinking process as far as my PLNs go, understanding more about my laptop. Even though I have always recieved a good grade in this class, I still feel the pressure of doing well.
I have managed to keep my grade up the entire year, but I know that I still need to work harder. My PLNs always got good grades, but I know that I still have a lot to work on. Sometimes, they just seem too short, and other times, when I read over them, there didn't seem to be any thought process, just a bunch of words. It seemed like I was just rattling about subjects I don't understand. My laptop, though somewhat less frightening, still frustrates me. There are still times when I would like to hear that satisfying *crack* as the laptop hits the bottom of the trash can.
To keep my grade up, I have to put more into my work. I have always had problems with run on sentences and creating strong conclusions as never been an easy task for me. I realize how important it is that I work on making better conclusions, and how to put my thoughts into shorter, easier to understand sentences. By the end of the semester, I plan to be able to do this without having to sit for half an hour thinking about it. Accomplishing this, I believe, will definetly help to improve my PLNs.
I can accomplsih this by writing, proofreading, and thinking more. If I can et comfortable with writinng, then I will be able to order my thoughts better, therefore, shorten my sentences. Also, if I can think clearly, then perhaps conclusions will come more easily to me.
The problems I have with my laptop will be a little more difficult. I have never had patience with technology. It is harder in a classroom, because I feel like a dork for asking for help. However, I know that all I have to do to master my laptop is to gain a little patience, and learn to ask for help.
Hopefully, by the end of the year, I will have mastered these difficulties, and I will be a more independant, and confident learner.
I have managed to keep my grade up the entire year, but I know that I still need to work harder. My PLNs always got good grades, but I know that I still have a lot to work on. Sometimes, they just seem too short, and other times, when I read over them, there didn't seem to be any thought process, just a bunch of words. It seemed like I was just rattling about subjects I don't understand. My laptop, though somewhat less frightening, still frustrates me. There are still times when I would like to hear that satisfying *crack* as the laptop hits the bottom of the trash can.
To keep my grade up, I have to put more into my work. I have always had problems with run on sentences and creating strong conclusions as never been an easy task for me. I realize how important it is that I work on making better conclusions, and how to put my thoughts into shorter, easier to understand sentences. By the end of the semester, I plan to be able to do this without having to sit for half an hour thinking about it. Accomplishing this, I believe, will definetly help to improve my PLNs.
I can accomplsih this by writing, proofreading, and thinking more. If I can et comfortable with writinng, then I will be able to order my thoughts better, therefore, shorten my sentences. Also, if I can think clearly, then perhaps conclusions will come more easily to me.
The problems I have with my laptop will be a little more difficult. I have never had patience with technology. It is harder in a classroom, because I feel like a dork for asking for help. However, I know that all I have to do to master my laptop is to gain a little patience, and learn to ask for help.
Hopefully, by the end of the year, I will have mastered these difficulties, and I will be a more independant, and confident learner.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)