Grayson’s American lit

  Prompt Response:  I have overcome a couple of my biggest fears in life over the last few years. My fear of heights, particularly when it comes to roller coasters, has always been a difficult thing for me to overcome. I struggled mostly with the idea of it breaking because of its complexity. My girlfriend had begun to urge me to try them and started to get me on to bigger and bigger rides at Six Flags Over Georgia. By the end of the day, I had ridden every large ride in the park, breaking my fear apart. Summary: I broke my fear of roller coasters with my girlfriend. Reflection:  I am glad that I overcame a fear, because without the push that my girlfriend provided, I would still be scared to this day.

 Prompt response: As I grow older and face new experiences daily, I have become alot more informed on politics. I think there are always issues in politics and heavy bias on both sides. This has already sparked debates between me and my dad due to our having different opinions and values. I think me debating people will only start to happen more and more often.  Summary: I have become much more invested in politics as I've grown, sparking many debates. Reflection: Debating with people on your opinions and ideas is good for growth, understanding, and educating yourself and others.

 Prompt response: The truth that many, including me, are afraid to accept is death. You can't slow it down, you can't hide from it, and you can't escape it. It's Something that we will never be 100% accepting of because of the unknown. It is a fate that I will always have trouble accepting. summary : Death is a truth that I am afraid, like many others, to accept. reflection: The truth can be hard sometimes but finding acceptance in reality is one of the best things you can do.

  Prompt Response:  If I were learning about Hispanic/Latino heritage for the first time, I would primarily be interested in the food. I would choose food because of the wide variety and styles of food that the cultures offer. Many foods are unique and full of flavor. I would also be interested in Learning about traditions. I would focus on Traditions and food, because they are often huge parts of different cultures. Summary: I would primarily be interested in traditions and food if I were learning about Hispanic/Latino heritage. Reflection:  I often enjoy learning about food when exploring another culture, as it is a cheap, easy, and fun way to look into a new culture.

  Prompt Response:  There have been many times in my life when I have been judged unfairly. I have been judged for what I wear, say, and believe. I have always worn different clothes, especially in middle school, and this often led to judgment from others and assumptions. I chose to wear baggy clothes, which led to assumptions from teachers and peers. I remember being pulled into the office and accused of smoking just based on the way I looked, even being searched. This happened a few times, always having the same result, finding nothing. Summary: I was often judged unfairly in middle school. Reflection:  Judging a person before actually understanding them is a very inconsiderate thing to do and can lead to many untrue assumptions.

  Prompt Response:  The two guys in Interlopers see each other as intruders. I've experienced similar scenarios in my own life more than once. For example, I sometimes in social dynamics can feel like I'm intruding and think others don't want me there if I wasn't in the original plans. In other instances this has happened to me on the other side were I feel like someone is intruding on me and what im doing. Summary: I have related to the feuds of the characters within the story many times. Reflection:  I think we all can feel intruded on sometimes and that is part of being human, learning to manage the feeling and accepting others can be important. Also, learning how to tell people when you feel intruded on can help avoid these scenarios.

Of today’s 15 vocabulary words, which three do you think you will use the most in your speaking and writing this semester? Explain why each word feels useful or powerful to you.  adroit, aesthetic, animosity Prompt Response:  Out of the 15 words we reviewed today, I think I will most likely use adroit, aesthetic, and animosity. I chose each of these words because of their meanings; for example, I chose adroit because it is a more sophisticated way of referring to something or someone clever. I then chose aesthetic because it can be applied to many things in writing and speaking. Last, I chose animosity because hatred is a strong and unique topic. Summary: I chose  adroit, aesthetic, and animosity as my 3 words I see myself using. Reflection:  Today's lesson allowed me to learn new words, and reminded me of the real meaning of words I don't hear often. I think these will help articulate my writing in the future.

  Prompt Response:   With it being homecoming week, I realize how grateful I am for the Lakeside community. I show my school spirit through going to school-related events and supporting our sports teams. I enjoy Homecoming alot because of the excitement leading up to it and the many traditions involved. However, my favorite tradition would definitely be the dance in general. The dance is my favorite tradition because it brings many people together for a good time and to connect. Summary: My favorite part of homecoming week is the dance. Reflection:  I am very appreciative of the community and support that Lakeside provides and continues to build.

  Prompt Response:  For me I think the best and most enjoyable learning method is class discussion. There are many reasons why I enjoy class discussions the most. For example, I enjoy hearing everyone’s perspective on the way they see the question or subject. I also like this method because it is more engaging for me and helps me memorize important topics. Summary: I enjoy class discussions the most when it comes to learning methods. Reflection:  Before answering this question I never thought about how much I enjoy class discussions.

  Prompt Response:   The aspect that I like most when creating a poem is the way it is so easy to write after getting a small start. For example, when I begin writing a poem, I always struggle with the first line, but following this, I just start writing as I think, and it flows very well. I also enjoy the freedom writing a poem provides; I feel like I can write in many different styles about almost anything, making it feel very open-ended. Summary: Writing a poem can be difficult at first; however, you can write about almost anything and in any style you want. Reflection:  I enjoy poetry due to the freedom and different moods I have when writing a piece.

  After reading Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem "Constantly Risking Absurdity," which explores the poet's daring craft, write about your most absurd personal experience. Describe a single, specific incident that felt ridiculously bold or foolish. Ensure your response is vivid, concise, and captures the essence of absurdity. Prompt Response:  I have made some absurd decisions a few times in my life. One stands out to me more clearly than the others; it is the time that I decided to change the speed limiter on an electric skateboard. I was riding an electric skateboard with off-road tires at 30+ mph when it started to wobble, and it shot out from under me. This resulted in me rolling through the sand and being sore for a few days. I think this was absurd to me because I allowed my curiosity and confidence to take over. Summary: I tested my boundaries with an electric skateboard. Reflection:  Going back, I don't think I would make a decision like that again.  

  Prompt Response:   If I were to choose a song to describe my life currently, I think it would be Young, Wild and Free by Snoop Dogg and wiz khalifa. I chose this song because it is along the lines of being young and having fun without responsibilities. It also reminds me of how iits okay to make mistakes and being young is about learning. Summary: I would describe my life using Young, Wild and Free by Snoop Dogg and wiz khalifa. Reflection:  Comparing my life right now to a song was difficult but fun, trying to link myself to someone elses words.

  Prompt Response:   If I were to compose a poem about an aspect of life it would be about thought. I would write about the importance of thinking and forming your own thoughts. I believe many people choose to just go with a large group of people with common thoughts rather than standing out and creating their own thoughts and beliefs. My life message would definitely be to think for yourself, not what others want you to think. Summary: I think personal thought is one of the most important aspects of life. Reflection:  I think many people choose to blend in rather than express or think for themselves, and I think my life message would definitely be an individual and focus on your own thoughts.

  Prompt Response:  Within my first 4.5 weeks in American literature, I have begun to feel more engaged and focused on the subject. I am starting to know what is going on in English and can keep up with my peers. I have enjoyed learning about creation myths and going into early American poetry. I have begun to be more focused and in the habit of doing my blog post as well. Overall, I am having a great start to this year in English class, ready to learn. Summary: I am having a strong start in English this year with a good understanding. Reflection:  This year in English, I have begun to be much more engaged with the material because of Mr Rease's teaching style.