End of the Tri

I am mostly happy but a little bummed that this tri is over. I feel like we have all grown so much: becoming better writers, mastering the EE, balancing a ton of work, getting closer to each other. However, I really liked my teachers and classes this tri. I'm sure I'll still see them around though. I always get nervous for the start of a new tri, even though I'm a senior! I guess it's just that it's change. Well I hope everyone has an awesome long weekend! Relax! We deserve it. Even though I sometimes thought of blogging as a burden, it's a little weird knowing that this is my last one. I'm just glad that all the dip cans are in the same classes so we will still see each other. And Ms. Mork, you really are an awesome teacher! I feel like I've learned so much from you. Thanks for being tough when we needed it, and understanding as well.  Good luck with your library classes!

Thanks everyone!

Yiruma

So I was told to listen to some Yiruma (instrumental piano) songs today, and I have definitely found a new love. Even though the music is amazing, calming, and just peaceful, it makes me feel sad. I really am not sure why. It is usually quite slow, I wonder if that has something to do with it? I usually don't have these sorts of reactions to things, so I was pretty surprised. Well, I still plan on listening to songs by Yiruma. They are so impressive and I am able to do homework while I listen since there are no lyrics :)

Presentations

I thought the presentations in class today were really great. It wasn't even the presentation style (as everyone just spoke), it was the content. I really appreciated how Sam, Jackie, and Michael all shared very personal stories and trusted us enough to reveal these things about themselves. It took a lot of courage to stand up there and share such personal information, and I think that shows how us Dip Cans really are extraordinary people. I think these first presentations really epitomized this TOK class: the presenters analyzed thinking itself, provided examples of how their mindset has changed, and looked at multiple sides of an issue. Way to go Sam, Jackie and Michael. You three nailed it.

St. Ben's

I applied to the College of St. Benedict mostly as a super back-up school and because it was free to apply. Well, I was accepted and also just found out that I received a pretty substantial scholarship from them, as well as have been entered into the running for their top scholarship. Money is going to be a big issue in determining which college I go to, so this recent event really got me thinking. I had not really ever seriously considered going to St. Ben's, but now that I know I will have financial support there, I feel like it might move up on the list. Is it bad to have money influence which college you go to? I'm not so sure.

UChicago

I am so excited! I have been wanting to apply to the University of Chicago, but I was hesitating because the essay topics are so strange and difficult! However, one of the questions is make up your own essay question... so I thought I could use my prescribed title question!! Ahh I think that would be great! I will reword the question a little bit, but overall this makes applying there a much more doable thing! Ms. Mork you are grand.

TOK Final

For my final essay, I am using the prompt: "'The possession of knowledge carries an ethical responsibility.' Evaluate this claim."

I just came up with the idea of using the issue of Conceal and Carry. The possession of knowledge would be how to work a gun/the power of a gun. The ethical responsibility would be when it is appropriate to use the weapon. So I would take the stance that the possession of knowledge does carry an ethical responsibility.

What do you guys think of this idea?

Acting

With the musical and one acts being relevant, I have been thinking about how talented one must be to be an actor. I especially noticed this with Tom in the musical, but one must completely release one's inhibitions and take on the personality of a character. I struggle with this, which is probably due to my reserved and shy nature. However, I am going to try to branch out by possibly trying out for the one acts. I think it would be a really cool experience, I just have to start looking for a monologue for auditions. Acting is hard, especially when you have to produce emotions that you have never personally experienced. I think it is important to push yourself and try new things though.

The Godfather

Right now I am watching The Godfather and I am really noticing the culture. They all take their life of crime in the Mafia very seriously, yet it seems like their lives have more substance and love than those of people's nowadays. Respect, loyalty, and honor are very valued in this culture, and are treated with the utmost care. Somehow, this life seems to have a romantic appeal to it. However, there is obviously a large down side, crime, murder, dishonesty. The movie also depicts the men mistreating their wives, which was a part of their specific culture as well as the time period. It is also very interesting to see the intellectual side of the Godfather; his logic is incredible, as well as his persuasive techniques. I find this topic very interesting, as I wrote my EE on it!

Breathe

It feels like we just pretty much made it over the hill for this trimester. Our EE is done, IA is practically done... things are great! I mean, tonight I watched a movie. Since when does that happen? It's just really nice to not have all that stress we were dealing with earlier in the tri. We only have a couple weeks left... then it will be on to an easier second tri, for most of us that is. So congratulations to everyone, we made it through a tough period!

Friends and Faith

By going to Catalyst, as well as becoming closer to religious people, faith has become a larger part of my life. I have noticed how amazing the lives of some of my friends are who have faith and religion as a large part of their life. Someone I know just asked for a bible for their birthday- how awesome is that? By seeing how deeply faithful some are, it inspires me to try to deepen my own faith. I think I'm definitely on the right track, I am surrounded by good influences.

Voting

Sorry for lack of posts this last week, musical rehearsal kicked my butt!

Anyways, as it is election day, I wanted to reflect on my experience.

At school today, the conversation was buzzing with political issues. I had several conversations with friends, many of whom have different beliefs than I have. I just really hope that political opinions won't get in the way of friendships.

After school, I went to a church by my house to cast my ballot. I didn't really know what to do, but the people there were very friendly and helpful. I did think it was interesting how the candidates for county positions on the ballot did not list political party or if they were an incumbent. I had not heard of most of those people, so I sort of had to vote randomly on a couple. 

Overall, it was a quick process that made me very proud. It's interesting to think that your vote affects who will be the next President.