NYU quote 2

“Through these programs, students gain an enriching, enlightening experience, and a better understanding of the nature of a professional training program.” This is another quote that I used for my final project. It answered another question that I used for the core of the assignment. I focused on how exactly NYU's Tisch School of Art prepared their students for their future career. This quote reflects how NYU thinks their education standards are and how they help their students' development.

NYU

"Can foundations really make a difference?"

- NYU Professor Beth C. Weitzman

This is a quote by an NYU professor that I found interesting and thought would be useful for my assignment. My central question for my essay was "Does NYU efficiently prepare aspiring actors for their desired field of choice in the industry?" This quote is found at nyu.edu.

Clive Davis quote

“I am enormously proud to play a part in the creation of this new program which will give ambitious and hard-working young men and women the fundamentals and skills to serve as the foundation for success in the industry that I love. I can think of no better place for such a program to reside than at the Tisch School of the Arts, the country’s greatest performing arts school, located in the performing arts capital of the world.” by Clive Davis

I found this quote intriguing because it shows a successful person trying to help the youth of today's day and age. It also shows how he feels about NYU and their art program. He feels that it is the best place to help aspiring actors, singers and other young people who want a career in the entertainment business. Not only does Clive Davis "say" he would like to help the youth but he did something to make a difference by developing a program in which he can help them by himself since he holds a very high position at J-Records (A very prominent record label in the music industry; home to many successful music artists such as Mario and Alicia Keys).

www.nyu.edu/nyutoday/archives/16/04/PageOneStories/Davis.html

English Final Project

Chavous Hatchell

Professor Marshall

English

April 22, 2007

In today’s times, it is almost impossible to get a good job without a college degree. By the eleventh grade, most students have a good idea of which schools they’re intending to apply to. One of the most prestigious schools that you’ll find on many high school students’ list is New York University (NYU). NYU is held in high regards by many and also discourages high school students because of its well known entrance policy. It is known to have a strict acceptance policy and attempt to only accept the best students in the country. NYU is located in Greenwich called the Washington Square campus. It was founded April 18, 1831 by Albert Gallatin. Gallatin served in the U.S. Treasury under the presidency of Thomas Jefferson. He, along with other University founding fathers, wanted to make NYU a “center of higher learning that would be open to all, regardless of national origin, religious beliefs, or social background.” NYU went from a student body of 158 to enrollment being close to 40,000 students amongst 14 schools with colleges at six different locations in Manhattan. This shows the vast expansion of this prestigious university over the years. What is NYU’s major focus? As a school, what are its goals? What field is it most prominent in? NYU’s major focus and prominent field is the art department.

NYU is famous for its strength in the arts field. It has been the Alma mater to many past and present celebrities in both movies and television such as, Woody Allen, Whoopi Goldberg, Angelina Jolie, Debra Messing and Marisa Tomei to name a few. Not only does NYU produce actors that eventually obtain a mainstream career, but the afore said names have also been winners of the Academy, Grammy or Emmy Awards. NYU offers a wide variety of art teachings to their prospective students. The Tisch School of the Arts is in association with NYU and offers preparation for one’s craft in the arts. Tisch has been around for over 40 years dating back to 1965. It enrolls 3200 students a year within 14 different programs with hopes and intentions of earning degrees such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Fine Arts. It provides teaching in both theater and film. The school has escalated and expanded its teachings to different departments such as theatrical design, theatrical lighting, cinema studies and dance. It includes a Drama Department, Interactive Telecommunications Program, Dramatic Writing Department, Performance Studies Department, Musical Theater Writing Program and many others that contribute to it being one of the best art schools in the nation. Recent news regarding the Tisch school art dept. is the development of the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music which was founded in 2003 (nyu.edu).

The Tisch School offers opportunities for high school students to get a head start on beginning their college studies. Over the summer time, Tisch holds classes at the campuses in New York, Dublin and Paris. “Through these programs, students gain an enriching, enlightening experience, and a better understanding of the nature of a professional training program” (Tisch.nyu.edu). The summer schooling programs are each four weeks long. The students enrolled in the program take college courses in order to get the foundation and a brief preview of college schooling. Once this summer program is fully completed, the student receives six full college credits which are applicable for NYU courses (Tisch.nyu.edu). Its summer drama program provides 28 hours of training a week which provides training courses at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, the Experimental Theatre Wing, or Collaborative Arts Project 21. It also offers a seminar every week at the New York Theatre on the origin of the profession with Tisch’s faculty staff (Tisch.nyu.edu). “The emphasis of the program is on the process, not the product. Students are here to be challenged, to learn, and to grow. While there is no final performance in this program, there are viewings that allow students to share pieces of work with guests and students from other studios” (Tisch.nyu.edu).

The development of this department was made possible due to a five million dollar donation from Clive Davis who is not only the CEO and founder of one of today’s most prominent recording label J-Records but also an NYU alumnus. Davis is well known for his nose for good talent. He has played parts in the careers of famous mainstream singers such as Carlos Santana, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Whitney Houston, Patti Smith, and Alicia Keys. A quote by Clive Davis reads, “I am enormously proud to play a part in the creation of this new program which will give ambitious and hard-working young men and women the fundamentals and skills to serve as the foundation for success in the industry that I love. I can think of no better place for such a program to reside than at the Tisch School of the Arts, the country’s greatest performing arts school, located in the performing arts capital of the world.” This department is a four-year undergraduate program that educates students in all standards of current music. The department teachings include the history of many different genres of music ranging from rock to jazz. It also teaches the impact of recorded music on different cultures in today’s society. Upon graduation, students receive a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts.

During my research of the Tisch School’s art program, I thought it would be interesting to interview a colleague of mine who attends NYU to get a personal response about the program. My colleague, Emily Ciotti, explained to me that she attends NYU as a drama major in hopes of either being in movies or on Broadway performing. For her acting classes, she went to a conservatory off campus where she endured nine hours of immense training three days out of the week. She also said that her NYU academic class was a mandatory writing class. She was required to take an Intro to Theater Studies class the 1^st semester followed by an Intro to Theater Production course during the 2^nd semester. Aside from these Theater classes, she was responsible for the completion of five papers written over the course of the year, three during the 1^st semester and two during the 2^nd.

For her required written assignments, the papers were called “Reckoning Papers.” With these papers, the student is instructed to take a certain work from the field, research and reflect on it. The first assignment was a piece of art from the Manhattan Ensemble Theater. The second was an essay from their anthology, the third was any film; the fourth was a piece of public art while the final is the selection of an artist and discussing their preoccupation in which you find throughout their work. As of right now, she is currently on her 2^nd draft of the final writing assignment. “With these ‘Moments of Fascination,’ you discuss big ideas as well as put other essays, movies, art works, books, and poems into conversation with each other” (Emily Ciotti). During her studio training, she has to engage in character class, scene study, Shakespeare, voice, speech, ballet, improv, and movement technique. For Shakespeare and scene study, the students are to prepare scenes outside of class with one other person and bring them to class. The teacher works with the students’ scenes in order to help improve their acting techniques. She summed up her character training as being taught and practicing how to stay in “character” as well as bringing the character to life during the work. During these courses, the student in training is assisted in the development of their acting talent. The ballet and improv training sessions are once a week as well as voice and speech. The main reason voice and speech is scheduled once a week is to preserve the students’ voices because the “voice is the most important tool for the actor” (Emily Ciotti). Movement training is to allow the body to be free and be used to fulfill the character.

Emily’s reflection on her first year at NYU’s Tisch art school was positive overall. She gave me great feedback on from the inside of how the Tisch art school prepares students. She informed me on the strenuous work and training she had to endure throughout both semesters. When I asked her if what she has learned this school year has prepared her to take her career to the next level of mainstream performing, her response was “Tremendously.” She feels that the schools training and education is difficult at times but is beneficial to aspiring actors in the long run. From a first hand voice, I have been made aware that NYU’s art program is an excellent choice for preparation of acting on the mainstream level.

After the interview with my colleague Emily, I understand how she is going through vigorous training in order to better prepare herself for her future career in the acting industry. She is away at art school attempting to accomplish her goal of becoming an actor at one of the most prestigious art schools and in one of the most prominent cities in the world. All throughout high school, she participated in voice classes and acted in the school play productions in order to get a foundation or starting block for her destined goals. On the other hand, in high school, I only focused on academics as opposed to extra curricular activities such as drama and sports.

When I speak of my aspirations of becoming a famous movie star, many people believe that I have made a career choice. My family is aware of my passion for acting and is willing to support me completely if I choose to fulfill this dream. As of now, I do not want to pursue an acting career. When I speak of it I refer to it as a dream because that all it is to me. Even back in my elementary school years, I would dream and imagine being on television or the movie screen. This dream of becoming an actor serves as my connection and catalyst for why I wrote about and researched NYU’s art school. One of my favorite quotes which I carry in my heart always is, “A dream deferred is like a raisin in the sun” (Langston Hughes). This quote later went on to inspire Lorraine Hansberry to write one my favorite books entitled “A Raisin in the Sun.” My father explained this quote in a different light saying that a delayed dream can be affected the same way as a raisin shrivels up in the sun’s high heat. Although my father was the main advocate expressing to me that it is better to be realistic in picking life goals, he continues to remind me that he will support me and whatever my decision may be. At this point in my life, I am content being in school to become a lawyer instead of pursuing a dream in the acting industry. My dream will remain a dream.

NYU wasn’t originally on my list of choice schools while I was in high school. It wasn’t until recent research and consideration that I saw and admired what NYU has to offer students in their astounding arts department. Not only does it offer education in the arts such as Broadway, television and film but now, has a major department in the field of recorded music. I wouldn’t mind attending that school with intentions of becoming an actor because of its prestigious reputation and great resume of graduates that have been educated and propelled to the top of their fields. NYU has been very prominent in the past and will be for future years to come. Each year, thousands of teenagers with dreams of acting careers in movies, television, or Broadway plays do their best to gain acceptance to one of the best schools in the nation. With this in mind, it is safe to say that NYU will remain a strong school and help produce our future stars of entertainment in future years to come.

Works Cited

1. McMillan, Marilyn. "About NYU". New York University. 11 April 2007 .

2. Fowler, Aaron. "About Tisch". New York University: Tisch School of the Arts. 11 April 2007 .

3. McMillan, Marilyn. "NYU Today". New York University: NYU Today. 11 April 2007 .

4. Fowler, Aaron. "Tisch School: Special Programs". New York University: Tisch School of the Arts. 11 April 2007 .

5. Ciotti, Emily. Personal Interview. 21 April 2007.

Study tips

Finals, the worst form of torture a teacher could impose on his or her students. Now, if you were like me, and decided to study everything the night before, then you may not do so well on that exam. In this entry, I will give you some tips on how to study, and explain why these are good tips.

First things first, make sure you go to class during the semester. The day before the exam, you don’t want to be studying all this random stuff you don’t know about. You need to actually learn the stuff you’re studying, if you don’t than all this stuff is pointless. Next make sure the television is off, and if there is music being played, remember to put classical or music with no lyrics. If you insist on lyrics in your music, put on a song you know the words to, or you’ll probably pay attention to the lyrics instead of your physics notes. Another important pointer is to study before the night before, so you know what you’re studying. Lastly, if you have trouble remembering your notes, as you’re studying, write them down again, that way you’ll have everything embedded in your memory when you look at that test.

In conclusion, if you insist on waiting the night before and you take these tips, to go to class, put on some classical music, and copy down your notes while studying, you’ll be set when it comes to finals in a few weeks.

Yankees vs. Redsox Rivalry pt. 2

One of the things I really enjoyed about college is meeting people from all over the country. I’m from New Jersey so I’m used to the people from New York. One of my suitemates is from Boston, Massachusetts so he obviously is a Boston Redsox fan and a Yankee hater. He wrote the previously posted story in hopes of further explaining of the implicit rivalry.

There are rivalries in all types of entertainment or sports. One of this magnitude is good for life because it gives players more to play for. Instead of the players only playing for their 8 figure checks, the play for pride. They also play for the pride of their fans who take this rivalry just as serious, if not more than the players do. It’s good to have great competition like this amongst extremely arrogant rich men. It makes the players play and actually want to instead of just going through the motions for their salaries.

Yankees vs. Redsox Rivalry

Two sworn enemies, both at least hundreds of years old, and neither of them planning on reconciling their differences. They live close to each other, yet never get along, and whenever they get together, there is usually a fight. I’m talking about thousands of people, living in the same area, and still being arch-enemies. If you thought I was talking about the Civil War, you were wrong, and I’m sorry. This rivalry that I’m speaking of is that of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. I’ve done extensive research on Baseball-almanac.com and both the team websites, so if anybody here ever wanted to know anything about the history of these two teams, how the rivalry started, and where the rivalry has gone since the beginning, today is your day.

According to Baseball-almanac.com, the Boston Red Sox came into the American League, which was the official professional baseball league back then, in 1901. Within two seasons of playing, the Red Sox won their first World Series in 1903 led by the legendary Cy Young, the right handed pitcher that set the path for many great pitchers to come. The Boston Red Sox, then the Braves, adopted the name “Red Sox,” in 1907. They went on to win championships in 1912, 1915, 1916, and 1918. In 1914, the Sox debuted a left-handed pitcher who went by the name of Babe Ruth. Winning a total of 89 games within the next 6 years established Babe as one of the premier pitchers in the majors. He also had quite a knack for hitting home-runs and in 1919 made a name for himself amongst the sluggers when he hit a remarkably unheard of 29 homer’s. By the end of the year, the finances of the Sox’s owner then, Harry Frazee, were spiraling quickly. In an effort to boost his financial record, Frazee made what is now the most infamous deal in the history of Major League Baseball: he sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. This was an abomination to the Sox fans and from this deal came the infamous “curse of the Bambino” which was a curse the Red Sox felt was bestowed on them once they got rid of the Babe. From then on, the Sox were plagued with utterly disappointing seasons. Despite the amazing players that crossed their paths, and the amazing title bid’s they would make, they would always seem to lose their chances in heart-breakers. That is, until 2004 when they finally broke this “curse,” and won their first championship since 1918. As of now, the curse is gone, and the Red Sox had a new beginning to start on. No more blaming anyone else for their losses!

According the New York Yankee’s team website, the Yanks began their careers as the New York Highlanders, in 1903, when they were bought by a couple New York bartenders for 8,000 dollars, planning on moving an old Baltimore franchise to the north. The Yankees, who were known as the Highlanders until 1912 weren’t a team to be reckoned with until the year of 1920, when they made a tremendous deal to sign a young charismatic pitching Ace and slugger named Babe Ruth. From then on, things were to change. Along with Babe, the Yankees began to rake in talent, left and right, like the great first baseman Lou Gehrig and the legendary outfielder Joe DiMaggio. Thus begins the Yankees dynasty. They won three straight pennants making a challenge for the title from 1921 to 1923. They won their first in 1923 when they first moved into Yankee Stadium. From then on, it was pure domination. The Yanks won again in 1927 and ’28, then ’32, again in ’36, all the way through ’39. From 1941 to 1950 they won 5 more championships. They won championships from ’51 to ’53. Then again in ’56, and from then until ’62 they won 4 titles. They won again in ’77 and ’78. After that, they went on a sudden drought. The next 16 years were years of reconstruction, and by 1996, the Yankees were back to their old ways. They won 3 more championships between then and 2000. The Yankees haven’t won yet this decade, but according to their history, they are due up soon.

If you look at the history of those two teams, they both have one thing specifically in common: Babe Ruth. Once the Yankees got Ruth, they prospered, and Boston fell behind…horribly. It was a drastic turn of events, seeing as back at the turn of the 20^th century, the Red Sox were then the best team to play ever, setting winning records non-stop, yet by 1920, they switched spots with the Yanks, and became the laughing stock of the MLB. From then on, things became rough, and whenever the team’s got together, there was always a major brawl. The two teams would continuously be in the race to win the pennant, and the Yankees would usually come out on time. You can obviously see why these two teams would dislike one another. This rivalry has been the center of many baseball fans and baseball player’s lives. There are still players that even after retirement, still dislike the other team. Even the fans are affected. There have been countless accounts where there have been legitimate fights over the two teams. In one instance, in 2004, the day after the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the American League Championship Series; there was a man who killed his two friends in a tussle involving this ongoing quarrel. In another case, after this Curse-Breaking win, there were people rioting in the streets in Boston whom were being contained by policeman got a little out of control. A woman was shot and killed in the middle of the celebrations in an accident. As you can see, things may get out of hand with this rivalry. It even takes over the conscious’s of the players and leads to extremely unprofessional acts.

The “original brawl,” occurred on May 30, 1938, when Red Sox player and manager Joe Cronin and Yankees Outfielder Jake Powell broke out in a fight beneath the stands in front of thousands of fans in Yankee stadium. Perhaps one of the most infamous brawl in baseball history, on May 20, 1976, the Yankees Thurman Munson, as he was rounding the bases, collided with Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk, which ignited in a huge fight where the two were ejected from the game and fined generously. Although there were many instances of fights in between ’76 and ’03, this brawl seems its overshadowed all the others. In an American League Championship game against the Yankees, a great brawl broke out where the Yankees 73 year old bench coach, Don Zimmerman lunged at the Red Sox ace Pedro Martinez. Martinez moved out the way and threw Zimmerman down, which ignited an even bigger brawl. On July 24, 2004, the Yankees third Baseman, Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch and exchanged heated words with Sox catcher Jason Varitek. The two began fighting and caused a bench clearing brawl. It seems as though the two teams have no shame, and find it worth the while to fight each other.

All in all, I see this rivalry as the biggest in the sports world, period. It’s had a thorough history and it’s the best rivalry because it’s two of the most established franchises in the game, who always bring their top game whenever they play. The Red Sox – Yankees Rivalry will never end because the tradition has carried on for almost 100 years.

"Lucky" poem

Hey Lucky???

I hear you girl, calling me Lucky,

And I think you’re right too.

I am lucky to have you, and us.

Lucky to have you here when I fall that deep fall,

And it is even better to have us walk away; together.

I hear you girl, calling me Lucky,

And you all should hear her too.

If you were lucky enough to hear the chastity of her voice,

Then, maybe, you can make sense of what I cannot.

She makes me calm when I see her.

She makes me calm when I miss her.

And when those anxious thoughts arise,

Lucky thinks of her and there goes that chastity again.

I hear you girl, calling me Lucky,

But do you hear me calling you.

Though my voice may sound full of clichés,

At least this thought and this feeling is new.

At least for now my luck is good.

But time isn’t waiting for either of us,

And I’m damn sure running out of sand.

It’s ironic,

But my luck is running cold because the summer is drawing closer.

My luck is not even a woman,

I just wish she was my lady; Lady Luck.

I have been dealt some good hands,

But I’m feeling this one.

They says it better to Lucky than good,

So I’ll hold onto this hand.

I hear you girl, calling me Lucky!

This poem was written by a friend of mine. I really enjoyed it because who doesn't like the feeling of being lucky or having good fortune. I read the poem and find it interesting. The only thing different for me is that I look at in a different light. Instead, of considering myself lucky or hoping to get lucky, I pray that I am blessed. I'd rather receive a blessing rather than receive good fortune "by chance" or on accident.

Hip Hop

Hip Hop

There are many big problems I am seeing in the hip hop culture today. In the early eighties and late seventies hip hop was what most would say is pure. Well, it’s still pure, but you would probably have to search pretty hard for that unadulterated hip hop. Most people who aren’t really aware, or don’t really care about the Hip Hop community believe that most of it is degrading women, jewelry, and what color your car’s rims come in. I blame media because they focus on whatever is making the big corporations money. Usually that means anything with a beat that girls can shake their behinds to is going to be what you will hear on the radio and see on TV. Hip hop is a means of expressing yourself, whether you’re rapping, dancing, DJing, or “Graffing.” Unfortunately, a lot of artists out seem like they don’t need talent to make it big, just a song that will make you bob your head. Some other problems I have with hip hop today are the issues of race and class. I also hate the labeling all over hip hop, which is actually a world wide problem. Hip hop is a culture and usually is confused with Rap. Rap is a music genre that can be broken down into may other sub-genres. Over the years, true Hip hop has lost its zeal and has been labeled negative as opposed to positive and uplifting. Hopefully one day in the near future, an artist will come along and remind us what real Hip Hop is and should be.

Real life event reflection

This story is one for the ages. My roommate wrote this story because it was actually a real life event that could’ve ended worse than the way it did. It occurred the weekend we returned to school after Christmas vacation. What began as an enemy making fiasco later catapulted us to the middle/forefront of the campus society. Almost everyone was at this event. Since my friends and I are easy going nice guys, the world (SJU campus) was in awe that we were the ones who initiated it.

Many people told us that they saw the street filled with people in a ruckus. Several days later, when people realized we were the ones who started it, mixtures of amazement and laughter began. It was amazing how everyone on campus heard about the “brawl that never occurred.” After it was all over, the opposing guys caught us on campus one day asking us for an apology. This time only two of us were present, I and my cousin. We stood up for ourselves and didn’t apologize but rather told them that we were in the wrong as well as themselves that night. Since then, we have a mutual respect for each other. I wouldn’t call it a friendship between the two crews but rather a mutual understanding. This incident was also a wake up call telling us that we shouldn’t hang out in Queens as much as we try to, it’s already a risk living there.

Interesting story and real life event

Surrounded by at least thirty grown men, all of them with liquor on their breath, anger in there minds, ready to pummel the first person to make the wrong move. Backing up slowly, 4 anxious men, with their back to the street, have a feeling in the pit of their stomach that they have no choice but to go down with a fight. There’s no way out, and they have absolutely no idea what they did to trigger this anger, but it doesn’t seem like anybody is in the mood to talk. Sounds like a movie right? Perhaps a scene out of Pirates of the Caribbean 3? Well this is just a recap of one crazy night that I have chosen to share with all of you. Some of the names in this story have been changed for privacy purposes

It’s a late Saturday night, my friends Orpheus, Bo Vice, Olehan and I, all looking for a spot to hang out, and get our party on. It later comes to our attention that there is a party at the Jamaica Estates, here in Queens. Orpheus insists on heading out to this party, because he wanted to go out and have fun, and it seemed like the place to be, seeing as everyone we knew was going to be attending this party. I, on the other hand, warn them that I do not attend parties in Queens, because I do not enjoy the quarrels that constantly happen at these get-togethers. Olehan is slightly neutral in the decision, because he did not really care where he went, as long as some liquor was in his system. After a few minutes of Orpheus and Bo Vice insisting on heading out there, I reluctantly agree. Having an ominous feeling that something bad would happen tonight, I decide not to join in the alcoholic festivities in which my associates take part, not that I would in the first place. Well, seeing as I am not drinking with them, they take it upon themselves to finish up a bottle of grey goose vodka, and half a handle of Giorgio Vodka split between the three of them. They were very inebriated, to say the least. Now, I do not have my license, therefore I cannot drive three drunken men to a party which I do not know how to get to. So we ask a good friend of ours, Monica if she could drive us to this house party. She abided. So we’re on our way to the party and after driving around the estates, we finally find the street that the house is on, and pull up to the front. It looks slightly crowded, so Olehan, the most composed out of the three drunkards, asks me to go to the door and see how it looks. Orpheus gets out immediately with me and walks to the door, assuring me that he is “sober as a duck.” We walk to the door, and the guy at the door immediately tells us it was thirty dollars a head to get in. We both turn around in an instant, me walking back to Olehan, who is telling Monica to go find a spot to park down the street. Orpheus and Bo Vice are over talking to a few girls in a circle smoking, asking if they knew any way we could get into the house without paying thirty. The girls tell them to go and tell the bouncer that they were smoking and already paid. In an ingenious move, Orpheus and Bo Vice turn right around and walk up the lawn back to the door, telling the bouncer their incredibly seamless story, stating that they were already in there. (This is two minutes after he had told us it was thirty dollars to get in.) From there I knew it would get bad, because the bouncer must have felt insulted by Orpheus for trying a trick so ridiculous on him. After continuous arguing on Orpheus’ part, because Bo Vice is so drunk he couldn’t think of anything to say to convince the man he could get in, they get nowhere. Angrily, the two turn around and yell “F the party!” to the bouncer. I know this is not a good move on our part because he had bothered the man enough. I was right. The bouncer, whose height was similar to that of our very own Anthony Manna’s except he was less pigment challenged, and more intimidating, having a good 35 pounds on me, steps down, yelling obscenities and removing his jewelry slowly. I quickly walk to him explaining that we did not want it to escalate to anything. Once he stepped down though, all hell broke loose, at least 16 people following suit, warming up ready to fight. To our dismay, many of them were on the built side, when it comes to stature. While I am busy holding back the stronger African American version of Mr. Manna, my friends are backing people up off of them, slowly backing up to the street, Bo Vice holding back Orpheus emphatically yelling “I got my man!”. Orpheus, Olehan, and Bo Vice are ready, Orpheus the most enthusiastic about fighting telling everyone to back up and thinking he could take them all. I turn around and run over next to them, realizing that there is no way out of this but a fight. By now, at least 35 or 60 people were out on that lawn ready to get a piece of the action. Miraculously, our friend Monica comes back around the block with that ratty 91 brown Honda accord we drove to the party with a wondrous look on her face scared as hell. Quickly, Olehan jumps in the passenger seat, and Bo Vice pushes the reluctant Orpheus into the car. I’m the only one left out of the car, and the enemy is surrounding the car like a bunch of zombies. Gladly, as I look up I see my good friend and our own classmate Donovan Hamlet showing up trying to calm everyone down. Clearly, this wasn’t a good time to rendezvous or ask about what the speech homework was last night, so I quickly nod and hop into the moving car. The Manna-like man jumps to the other side and tries to open the door on Orpheus’ side, trying to grab him out. Orpheus’ stupid behind almost willingly gets out ready to fight. I snatch his shirt and get him back in the car, shutting the door. Finally, we’re safe, but extremely excited yelling at each other, some arguing that it was better to get in the car, others calling each other ‘wussies.’ I look back and as we drive a way I see some type of projectile flying towards us, and as it hits the window I realized how angry that mob was. These guys decided to throw a full bottle of Hypnotiq at the car! A bunch of drunken men throw an unopened bottle of liquor at us, something told me that it would have been an interesting brawl. They were definitely not the happy ones by the end of that tussle, but I’m ok with it, because as of now, everything has been settled, and we walked away unscathed.

To some it up, there’s really no moral to this story…just don’t get into arguments with the guys that run the party, it’s never a good idea. Have a good afternoon, and god speed.

Future bowling plans

After the concert tonight, some friends and I intended on going to the bowling alley. I’m not a good bowler but I enjoy playing games because of the level of competition. I think I’ve only been bowling no more than 10 times. My good friend Ernie came up with the idea of a bowling game amongst the circle of friends. So far, everyone invited has boasted that they are very skilled at bowling. We will see who’s who when we finally make our way to the lanes.

The funny thing about this competition is that girls are included in it. I don’t have anything against girls competing but I really do not want to lose to one of the girls we hang out with because she would never let me live it down. The surprising thing about me is that out of the few times I have gone bowling, I have never lost a competitive game. I usually play to the level of my competition. I tend to play better when I have to prove something or when I’m challenged. I really hope we eventually make our way to the bowling lanes before the school year comes to a close. This would be a wonderful way to finalize the school year.

Comment to Ernie's Addicting card's blog

I play the two card games that Ernie recently learned. Time after time, we sit around the table and play spades. We usually begin by complaining over how much homework we have to do and then all of a sudden a serious game of spades begins. I’ve been Ernie’s partner for a few games but for the most part, I play against him. The first 4 games my partner and I played against Ernie, we lost. Since then, I have beaten Ernie each time I have played him including twice tonight, 4/21. The game of spades takes a lot of skill and concentration. It can also bring friends together and even break friendships apart because of the high level of competitiveness.

The other game Ernie learned is a southern based game called “Tunk.” This game is an every man for themselves game while spades is a four player game divided into teams of two. In tunk, you must also concentrate and pay attention to the cards played but the other people around the table. Here in this game, I have more wins than Ernie as well but it’s not a surprise seeing as how I’ve known the game longer. Card games in college are great because it saves money by keeping us in the building during the night. Usually people like to go out to different events that cost large amounts of money. Over the summer I intend to continue playing both games in order to get better for next year’s competitors and my friend Ernie’s improvement in the game.

What is life?

This week in philosophy class, my professor told us to ask an adult what their definition of life is. She said that all of the answers would vary based on the person’s occupation and field of work. She also gave us a breakdown of which types of professions would view life in different ways. I asked my father and his response to this question was:

“Life is a journey of intrigue, adventure and struggle. A struggle for survival in search of love, happiness and security. Each day is a journey searching for who and what you are and where you belong in this world. Life is a series of ups and downs, ins and outs, just scratching your head trying to figure out what's this thing all about. Life is not to be taken for granted, it is a gift from God to use it to give Him glory, honor and praise. Life is not about us, it's about God who created us from the dust of the ground. What is life? Without God life is nothing.”

After reading through his response, I felt the same way not because he is my father but because he explained it the same way that I would. I see life as a gift from God allowing us to go on a journey. Throughout this journey we search and explore the world for meaning and purpose for even being here. Not only is life a journey but it is a mystery. Everything about it can not be defined or determined. I try not to take my life for granted because it is not a game. You only have one chance, one life one shot to complete what your purpose is. Most people believe that you do not die until your purpose has been served for even being alive. This is an interesting take on the purpose of life. I believe that our life’s purpose is to please God and make him proud that He has created us. I hope I do so through my life.

Weekend Workload

This weekend, I have been buried in work up to my neck. I have to finalize a 6 week long English project. I also have to write two philosophy papers on Renee Descartes. Along with these assignments, I have to prepare a speech on abortion. These are not little assignments that I can just easily walk or rush through. All of the above take time and careful thinking. Seeing as how it is the end of the semester, the completion and quality of these assignments can either make or break my final grades in the courses.

In this instance, if I finish these projects with great vigor, depth and great quality work it could potentially pull my grade from its unmentionable mark now to a surprising higher grade. I know I will spend my entire Sunday morning and evening completing the assignments that are due on Tuesday. I can’t risk being up all night Monday finishing all the assignments which are due Tuesday.

The issue behind the abortion speech is that another classmate of mine chose this topic as well. He presented already and did an excellent job delivering his points and views. The other day, I went to my professor in hopes of changing my topic. She told me no it’s too late and she would love for me to stick with this topic to hear a different way of looking at abortion. She wants to hear my take on it as well as my way of thinking. Both the other student and I are against abortion but she still wants to hear how my delivery will be different from his. I hope she enjoys mine as much as she enjoyed his seeing as how she’s making me stick with this topic.

Tonight's Concert

Tonight, there is a follow up concert headed by R&B singer Ciara, rock bands Hello Goodbye, and Boys like Girls. I’ve only heard of the singer Ciara, so when I attend tonight I will only be there to see her performance. The only downside to this is if Ciara performs last then I will be forced to sit or stand through the other group’s performances. I hope that once I arrive that the hosts tell the audience that Ciara is performing first.

If indeed she goes on stage first, I will only be staying for her performance. Once her segment is done I will make y way to the exit so I can prepare myself for the work that I have scheduled for tomorrow. I shouldn’t even go tonight since I have this ridiculous work load but I already paid for my ticket. I actually regret buying it and wish I could sell it but I can’t. Hopefully I will have a good time at the show and it will make me feel a little less down about my work.

The plus about all of this work being due is the arrival of the final week of classes. I still can not believe how fast it flew by. This also means that my summer job or vacation is coming but I know that too will go by quickly and before I know it, I will be back in school for my 2^nd year in college.

Last Night's Concert reflection

The concert I attended last night was the first concert I had ever been too. It wasn’t a terrible one but it had some performers I had never heard of. The two biggest stars there were rapper Juelz Santana and R&B singer Ne-yo. Both artists had the crowd behind them with all of the females in the audience. The rapper threw his signature bandana into the crowd and had so many girls fighting each other over it. On the other hand, the singer threw his sweat towel into the crowd as well. He too had girls physically fighting each other over it.

The thing that stuck out to me was the way the girls were crying in joy when the saw these to stars. This fame or celebrity star status attracts adoration from millions of people around the world. I addressed this point several places throughout different English assignments this semester. One day, I wish to have that same aura as our present day performers and celebrities in order to feel this same adoration. It’s amazing to see these young people go crazy over people they see on television all of the time, right now in person, and my never see in person again.

Another thing that sticks out is how many fans go crazy over them. What makes it even more amazing is that this was just on a college campus. I believe the number they said that was in the arena last night was 3300. Each time Juelz Santana or Ne-yo performs in other cities they receive the same reaction. All over the nation, these artist travel to perform and are received by a new host of adoring fans.

No Hot Water

When I woke up this morning, I went to my bathroom to bathe. Once I turned the water on I realized that the water was freezing cold. I was so upset and was later told that the water in the entire building was cold. Now the idea was thrown out to just take a quick 5 minute shower in the cold water. This is impossible for me because I do not take quick showers. My quick shower is probably 30 minutes. The next idea was to boil water. I can’t do this either because I can barely make hot tea or hot chocolate in a microwave so there’s no way I’d be able to boil water for a shower.

At around 4 in the afternoon, we were told that the hot water was cut back on in some rooms. Everyone scattered to their respective floors in hopes to take a hot shower before the water was cut off again for whatever the reason. Once I got back to my room, I turn the shower on and the water is still frigid. That was a terrible feeling. To make matters worse, my friends and I were told that the water would be cold like this for the entire weekend because the entire maintenance staff is off for the weekend. It seems that I will just have to take the fastest shower I’ve ever taken in my life this weekend.

Warm Weather

Today, April 21, 2007, I went outside early this afternoon with sweat pants and a long sleeve shirt anticipating cold windy weather like earlier this week. Once I get outside the front door of my building I feel the wonderful 75 degree weather. People are walking around with no sleeve shirts and shorts and there I was with sweat pants. This warm weather is good for the school because it brings the young people out of their rooms as opposed to staying cooped up inside. It’s ironic how everyone couldn’t wait and anticipated the warm weather and it finally arrives the 2^nd to last week of school.

This beautiful weather also can be a negative. For people such as myself, I have a very busy weekend loaded with school work. I’d love to be outside right now playing basketball but instead I have to stay in and do homework. I hope I do find time to get outside and get fresh air. I would love to be able to enjoy the weather outside but I know if I go out there for a second I’ll be out there until night time. I really hope the warm weather stays because this cold has really taken a toll on my health and put a limit on my activities.

VT Shooting pt. 2

A few minutes ago, a friend of mine told me that he lost someone in the VT shooting. This isn’t the first time that he’s lost someone in a tragic event. Most people now are recovering from loses that occurred during the Katrina hurricane. A tragedy such as this one is insurmountable and an act of God through nature. Tragedies we can’t control still hurt but are more understandable knowing that it wasn’t in our hands and could not have been stopped or avoided. This friend of mine went to school with one of the victims of the D.C. sniper we witnessed not too long ago. This is the second person he has lost due to large scale public hate killings. Violence in America and throughout the rest of the world needs to cease.

Last night's fashion show

Last night on campus, there was a fashion show at Carnesecca Arena. The show included students from all classes modeling designer clothes of designers in which I have never heard of. The show started off as a disaster. Once a good amount of people were seated, all of a sudden the FIRE ALARM goes off and we are forced to evacuate the building. A lot of people were upset because the good seats they earned by coming early were taken from them by selfish people.

Once the show finally began an hour late, it looked as if things were going smooth. It wasn’t until the change of scenes in which the show was delayed tremendously. All in all the show was entertaining and enjoyable depending on how you made it. Next year, Lord willing, I will be apart of the fashion show. I would have to practice my walk because I don’t have a standard one yet. Modeling is new to me even though I’ve been told on numerous occasions that I have a “model’s frame.” Modeling would never be anything that I would take serious. It would only be a voluntary thing for fun or with friends. I don’t have a passion for it nor do I desire one.

This weekend....

This weekend for me was intended to be a nice relaxing and fun filled one. I had a very rough week with big projects and make up tests along with homework on my hands. At the end of the week, I was hoping to sit in my room and relax. I also planned on attending a concert on campus with music performances by recording artists Ne-yo, Juelz Santana, and Ciara. Instead of relaxing and being able to enjoy this, I have to finish one final English project.

Since this is a Thursday night, I will organize all of my work and then pull it together tomorrow during the day. I really do not want to be up at 4 or 5 in the morning the day of class finishing up a project I had a month and a half to complete. With one last hurdle and obstacle in my way, I intend to tackle with preciseness and in good time in order to help save my grade from what it originally was. I also like the concept of this 6 week project because the topics were picked by the students. I literally picked whatever topic I wanted and whatever I want to do to present it to the professor or class.

End of the Semester

As the semester draws near to a close, I sit back and think of how fast the year flew by. I still remember move in day like it was five minutes ago. A lot of people are now starting to crack down and finish up last minute assignments including myself. I have been spending endless hours in the library in order to avoid distractions and failing grades. My friends laugh at me because the first time I stepped foot into the library was within the last two weeks of school.

It’s a great feeling to know that I have one year of college already under my belt and out of the way. With the way this year past by, I’ll be out of college in no time. What I’ve learned this year is that college can be extremely difficult. It’s not often that you get a professor who actually cares about your grades and is willing to help you. I’m grateful to have been a beneficiary of a few professors who actually warned me that my grade was in danger instead of just letting me fail and find out on my own.

What I plan on doing for 1^st semester of my sophomore year is to begin working this hard from the 1^st day of school as opposed to the last week. My new hangout spot will be the library. Next year, I plan to spend time in the library each day to avoid distractions. When I was younger, the place I hated to be in the most was the library because I hated to read. I still hate reading to this day but I love how quiet the library is. While I’m in the library for 3 hours, it feels like I’ve gotten a week’s worth of work completed. I know next year that the key to a strong finish is a strong start.

Virgnia Tech Shootings

In recent news, a 23 year old student from Virginia Tech University went on a killing spree. The murderer began by killing his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend because she broke his heart. He then went on to shoot and kill 30 more people and lastly himself. The murderer also injured 21 other people during the massacre. This young man was said to be deranged and have anger issues. He also was labeled as a stalker and wrote gruesomely violent plays more extreme than those of Stephen King and Quentin Tarantino.

A mental issue is no justification for taking a life. In this instance, the young man took the lives of over 30 people. This massacre has gone down in history as the worst school shooting to date. My sympathy and compassion goes out to the families who were impacted by this terrible act. I also have sympathy for the murder’s family for the shame and humiliation brought to them by there relative. The murder’s grandfather stated, “I’d rather be dead than to have to live with this shame that he has brought to the family.”

This tragedy hits close to me because I have family down in Virginia. One of my first cousins has a host of friends that attend school there and could have been one of the victims. Thankfully, all of his friends were sparred and made it out with their lives. This tragic act shocked the nation. It shows how fast things in the world go and come. Just last week we sat in our homes bashing Imus and persecuting him for his snide remarks about the Rutgers woman’s basketball team. About a week later we sit in the same places in awe and bewilderment in regards to such a large scale act of hate amongst the youth. This tragedy shows you never know what an individual is thinking. One day you may make fun of a person and just think its playful harmless banter and the next day they can be on a killing spree punishing all those who hurt them.

"Astrology" poem

Astrology

I don’t discriminate with boys

Just be sweet, smart and fine

I’ve chilled with many races

But surely every sign

First I knew a Gemini

He had the same sign as me

And more game than a toy store

But nothing like a Pisces

I met a Capricorn on the block

Oh my, what a dancer

Didn’t like to sweet talk

Unlike a Cancer

If you want a long-term relationship

Stick to an Aquarius

But if you want him for the night

Find yourself a Sagittarius

Leos are hard to find

Because they’re one-women-men

Aries are the type to ditch you for your best friend

Libras are intelligent

And take pride in what they do

A Taurus would rather hit the streets

Than to cuddle up with you

Virgos are cool but to me

Nothing more than a brother

Scorpios are the type

You take home to meet your mother

12 personalities

12 different signs

12 different stories

Each one of a kind

C.C. McFarlan

I don’t believe in astrology or zodiac signs. I just find it interesting and intriguing for people to base their personality traits on a star constellation that was visible the night they were born. Some people actually use this astrology to guide them through their lives. What I really find interesting is in some cases, how close the person acts in regards to the signs description. For example, cancers are supposed to be big flirts or smooth talkers. My father is a cancer and its amazing how he thinks he’s such a smooth talker.

According to the author, Scorpios are supposed to be the type of guy you take home to meet your family. I find that interesting because I’m a Scorpio and have met many families. I get invites by the parent’s of my friends all the time. Sometimes it seems as if the parents want me around more then my friends do. I don’t believe that I’m friendly or that parents have a natural attraction to me based on “My zodiac sign.” It’s just interesting how something fake and made up worked out to be very similar for a good amount of people in the world.

"His Brown Eyes" poem

His Brown Eyes

What’s the first thing that I see

When he passes me by?

It’s not his clothes or his style

But his beautiful brown eyes

Those sweet honey-colored circles

That change colors sometimes

To molasses in the cold

And golden brown in the sunshine

There not hollow like others

They can tell you his life story

How they’re filled with dreams, ambition

Love, hope, and glory

I can stare into them forever

Because each minute brings a surprise

I can tell his every feeling

By looking into his beautiful brown eyes

C. C. McFarlan

Another poem about eyes; Well, this one refers to a specific type of eyes. The author chooses to right about one of her interest’s eyes. She describes the “Brown Eyes” as if there windows easily seen into. She explains how you can see his life stories, goals and aspirations while looking into his eyes. I wonder how someone will describe my eyes. I am not the average guy with blue or brown eyes. Instead, I have eyes that are so dark that they look black.

This is another part of the author’s writing that I find humorous. All throughout school, when people looked at or into my eyes, they’re first reaction was, “Wow, you have some black eyes. Your eyes are very dark.” I have been called a host of names such as the spawn of Satan or the devil’s son. The names don’t really bother me because my eyes are deeply dark. Most girls like light colored eyes but its funny how a lot of people in general are surprised once they look into my deep dark eyes. I’m really curious to see what other terms or words will be used to describe my black eyes one day. I don’t have any idea what the author of the description might say about my eyes seeing as how dark they are. Who knows? Maybe I’ll have to just write that for myself.

"In Your Eyes" poem

In Your Eyes

Heaven opens up its gates for me

Angels sing song through the skies

The world is at peace and the sun never sets

Every time I look in your eyes

My heart skips two beats

Butterflies in my stomach start to rise

I drift off into another dimension

Every time I look in your eyes

I can be myself now and forever

I no longer have to deal with lies

I fall in love all over again

Every time I look in your eyes

I’m filled with eternal happiness

It feels so good I can cry

I’d give up anything at the drop of a dime

Every time I look in your eyes

C. C. McFarlan

This poem is very different from the others because I don’t relate to it. I do admire it and the way it is written. Each time I read it, the poem gives me a feeling of tranquility and peace. The author obviously gets a warm feeling of completeness when she looks into the subjects eyes. I’ve never experienced feeling that way towards another person. The only times I can remember feeling anything similar to that is when I receive a good grade in a class, when the Lakers win a big game, or when I get new sneakers. I guess one day in the distant future, I’ll be able to say something along those lines in regards to another person.

As of now, I’ll stick to playing cards or basketball and school work. I really do not think I’m a good time manager so I know I won’t be able to balance a stable relationship and school work at the same time. This state of happiness will have to come to me from some other source. I feel as if I’m too young to feel that way about a girl anyway. The thing I find extremely humorous is that the author of this poem is a girl that’s younger than me. I guess this shows me that my theory of feelings and emotional maturity does not apply to everyone.

***Information***

For some apparent reason, when my blog is being viewed, the poems can not be seen but my response to them is visible. From what I have seen, in order to see the poem that my response is referring to is to highlight the seemingly empty space and then the words appear.

"Mind vs. Heart" poem

Mind vs. Heart

Right now there’s a war going on inside my soul

Should I keep you to hold or just let you go?

Cuz when my eyes see you, my body needs you

My soul wants you, my heart loves you!

But when I’m alone in the dark my mind tells my heart

That we should stay far apart, that’s when the drama starts

Cuz although my mind knows what’s right, my heart knows what I like

But late at night when I close my eyes I begin to visualize

You and I watching the sun rise

But then I get a message from my mind saying it’s about time

I leave the fantasies behind and move on with my life

I guess the war that goes on within will never end

It’ll only die down until I see you again

C. C. McFarlan

This is a poem about a young girl’s emotions. They’re torn between two things that are used for judgment, both her Mind and Heart. While her heart may tell her to do one thing, her mind tells her that she’s better of avoiding it. In this case, the emotions are towards a special person in her life. Many young people have situations like this because they feel so strongly inclined to do one thing and at the same time feel as if they shouldn’t do it. This situation is not an easy one but rather a difficult emotional rollercoaster.

This poem is very similar to the one I posted by another friend of mine not too long ago. I feel the same way towards both authors. These wars between the Mind and Heart might be experienced by all at least once throughout the course of life. Emotions are a special thing and can be very strange. They can be so fragile at times and very strong other times. As I have already stated, I think these types of emotional issues can be avoided by not making a person your number one priority too early in life. Instead, adolescents should focus their time and effort towards their school work and other constructive things that are beneficial for the long-run in life.

"Look at me Mom" poem

Look at Me, Mom

Look at me, mom

I can do it on my own now

I’ve learned to do so much

Without you, I wouldn’t know how

Eight long hours of labor

Stress, stretch marks and pain

Sleepless nights and long mornings

Yet you still loved me the same

Look at me, mom

I’ve learned to walk

Look at me, mom

I’ve learned to talk

Look at me, mom

Look at what I can do

Look at me, mom

I graduated from high school

Look at me, mom

I’m growing up right before your eyes

They say when you’re having fun

Time passes you by

I’m moving on to college

This brings my eyes to tear

But because of you

I have nothing to fear

You gave me confidence, encouragement,

You gave me self respect

You gave me precious moments and memories

That I’d never forget

Look at me, mom

I can do it on my own

Look at me, mom

Look at how much I’ve grown

Look at me, mom

I am as happy as can be

But I didn’t have to keep saying look at me, mom

Because you were always looking at me

C. C. McFarlan

In this poem, the author expresses her feelings of maturation towards her mother. I feel as if I can connect with this poem because I am my mother’s only son. All throughout my childhood, my mother “babied” me and took care of me with such caution. My father would always tell her, “He’s a boy; you need to leave him alone and let him grow up so he can learn things on his own.” Even at 18 years of age, my mother still attempts to do everything for me. Now my father blames her for my incompetence at certain things. He says I depend on her for things I can do on my own because of the way she catered to me as I developed.

I really feel the same way as the author in this poem. Being in college now, it’s almost as if I scare my mother with every thing I do or adventure I embark on. Instead of just accepting the fact that I am maturing and getting older, she continues to try and “baby” using some discretion since I am in college now. My father continues to preach that I should accept responsibilities for my actions and in a sense, take care of myself since I am 18 years old now. I say to my mother, look at my accomplishments. Look at how big I have gotten now. I know I will always bring fear to my mother’s heart because I’m her only son. I will continue to show my mother and express to her how much I’ve progressed in life, how much I’ve developed and matured in order to make her proud of me.

Speech Quote: "It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees"

In my Public Speaking class today, a classmate of mine presented a persuasive speech on the neglect of our freedom of religion. A quote he used during his presentation was, “It’s better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.” I was taken by this quote because it encourages me to stand up for what I believe in. Instead of being timid or afraid to voice my opinion, I should stand firm on my beliefs. I’ve never been afraid to speak for myself or anything of that sort, but instead of being confident enough to say what’s right or how things should be, I’ve remained quite and kept my thoughts to myself.

In the latter half of the quote, it talks about life on your knees. The term living on your knees, means to be submissive and to not have a backbone. All these phrases and terms are euphemisms for a person who is weak minded or fearful of expressing the truth. Instead of being fearful, we should stand up for our beliefs rather than be passive and let the wrong thing continue to go on. Living on your knees will only allow what is right to be submerged and suppressed. The world would be much safer and happier if the truth or what is right wasn’t kept hidden. Instead of living on our knees, we should stand up for what is right and our beliefs in order to end the submerging of what is right or correct.

"Who Am I" poem

Who Am I?

Picture this: I’m laid up on the couch, just got home from school

1000 channels but nothing is on, so I just watch the news

So many wars, so much crime

So many days, so little time

So many options but no choice

So many opinions but no voice

So I finished my homework and then later

I picked up a pen and a piece of paper

I wrote what I felt about what’s going on

How it used to be right but now it’s all gone wrong

I gave it to my teacher once I was finished

She read and said who am I to have an opinion

Who am I?

I’m the alpha, the omega, the beginning and the end

I am a sister, a daughter, a foe and a friend

I am the first and the last; I am what was and what will be

I’m that kid that has a dream but ain’t nobody gonna kill me

I’m that pain you feel every time you fall

But then strength you need to stand up tall

I’m the perseverance you need to get pass the boulders

Then I’m the cockiness in your heart when you brush the dirt off your shoulders

I am the sorrow you feel whenever you lie and –

I am the hope for the future. I am the “I Am”

I am all you could need, I’m all that you got

You ask who am I but the question is

Who am I not?

C. C. McFarlan

I really can relate to this poem because at the adolescent stage in a one’s life, they begin to ask the “Who Am I” question. At 18 years old, instead of searching for myself, I am developing an answer to this seemingly simple question. I try to have an answer when this question is asked. Although I am still young and developing, I want to have an idea of who I will be when I am established in life. I do not call myself the alpha and omega as the author does but I do claim to be “The One” when I’m an adult. When I use the term “The One” I mean several things such as: the one to make my family proud, the one to support myself along with others, the one to make a difference in this world.

"A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste", poem

A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste

They said a mind is a terrible thing to waste

You’d be the disgrace stuck in one place

With ignorance written across your face

Opportunities come and you let them past

Stuck in one spot: going nowhere fast

But I can’t relate to that

See, my intellect leads to elevation

That brings forth elation

I try to supply education but you don’t hear the conversation

For my mindset you can’t find yet

Unless you get a translation and acquire relation

At hand but

You don’t understand cuz

You ain’t get da oxymoron in da early stanzas

But I’ma stick to thetopic

And correcting intentional errors is not it

It’s that you think you’re hot because you cop whips (cars)

And got kicks (shoes)

But you need to stop it

And get the pic I’m tryna illustrate

Into your minds these words shall penetrate

Observe my ways and emulate

Maybe then can we associate

Because you’re wasting my time if you’re wasting your mind

And those are two things you just don’t wanna waste

C. C. McFarlan

A college friend of mine wrote this poem several months ago. As I was reading through her poem book, I stumbled across this one and found it very interesting. I felt as if it applied to my life because I’ve always been known as a procrastinator. I’ve been known to waste time and just not get my work done until the very last minute instead of working ahead of time or getting things done rather than sitting around and doing nothing. I agree with the poems author, because a mind is a terrible thing to waste. The mind is a marvel of science and is always developing. Instead of letting it be effected by atrophy, we should educated and further progress its advancements with knowledge. Procrastination hasn’t really hurt me in the past but in college it can be deadly to your grade in a class. In the future, instead of wasting time away or letting my mind go to waste, when I have free time I will do the work I have. Another great quote that I’ve been taught is, “Don’t put off what you can do today for tomorrow.” With this being said, I’ll continue to try to do things ahead of time as opposed to rushing through them the day before or the day its due.