"SK8ER BOi" MUSIC VIDEO

For some extra points in one of my classes me and a few classmates decided to make a music video. We chose the song "sk8er boi" by Avril Lavigne for a few reasons and figured it would make a funny film. Enjoy and be sure to tell me what you think!

"SK8ER BOi" MUSIC VIDEO Video Stills

TRUE LIFE: I'M IN A CLIQUE

For our group video on societal norms we chose to examine the cliques that plague our schools. Hopefully our video will interest you and get some laughs. Enjoy!

TRUE LIFE: I'M IN A CLIQUE Video Stills

HUMANITAS: IN RELATION TO THE CLIQUES OF GHCHS

At my school it is pretty obvious at lunch time that there are cliques that divide our school. But the thing is, I never noticed them until this year. It wasn't until I started looking at the people who surround me that I noticed it-- people only talk to certain people and will NOT talk to people in different cliques. However, in humanitas, all the cliques come together. We started out together in ninth grade when there were no cliques so we went through high school without the idea that we couldn't talk to certain people. I never noticed cliques because in my core classes, there was no divide between the social groups of our school. Everyone blends together and its a lot of fun, even today. Sure we get sick of each other sometimes in humanitas because we have so many classes together, but it all works out for the best. There is no social divide here and I appreciate it more than you can understand.

HUMANITAS: IN RELATION TO THE CLIQUES OF GHCHS Video Stills

"REALITY CHECK" THIS AMERICAN LIFE (2007)

The episode, "Reality Check" from the the television series This American Life, is all about people who are unable to give up what they have lost. In the episode we see that society judges individuals, even without fully understanding their situation. For example, a man clones his beloved bull named chance in hopes of not having to lose his companion forever. He brings his bull back to life in a way and names the new animal Second Chance. However, he has to learn to deal with the fact that his old bull is gone because the cloned bull is rapid and violent--nothing like Chance. We hear other people's stories as well, but the theme is consistent.

"KIDS AND MONEY" BY LAUREN GREENFIELD

Today in class we watched the movie "Kids + Money." We saw a variety of kids from different social classes and different age groups. They were all influenced by money and dealt with consumerism in different ways. Some kids spent money without limits, some were poor or did not have much money but still spent money, and there were others who were poor with a restricted cash flow and hardly spent any money at all. This lead to a divide between the kids' social norms--some spent money profusely in order to fit into the superficial society of LA, and others did not get caught up in the hype of consumerism at all. The video used mainly interviews, in addition to voiceovers, to make a point and really got me worked up and frustrated. Honestly, I just wanted to slap some of the spoiled kids in the face. Some of the things them and their parents said were just over the top and completely ridiculous. However, it did inspire me because I thought the way they edited their video was very effective and I admired the reaction they got out of the audience.

RITUAL NARRATIVE: My License

For many, a rite of passage may be a bat/bar mitzvah, a confirmation, or a quinceañera. And although I had a confirmation, it did not change me or my life. At my confirmation I did not find myself to be suddenly enlightened, mature, or magically find the meaning of life. I did not change at all. I kept on living in the same way as before. But getting my license, now that is another story.

The day I got my license was the same as any other except for the whole me having to wake up early and heading to Simi part of course. After my alarm went off I got dressed and my dad drove me to the DMV. When we got off the freeway my dad and I switched so I could get in some last minute driving practice. It had taken me a lot of time to convince my parents to let me take the test and when I was finally there I was psyched! I didn’t take the test that day because my taillight was out, but when I did take the test I passed. I actually did well, and I finally had my license! And unlike my confirmation, my life changed. Having a car and my license meant freedom. I could finally go places without my mom busing me around, and this really changed how I could live my life. So when it comes down to it, getting my license was my version of a rite of passage.

"BIKINIS & TIARAS: QUINCENERAS"

This story, taken from the book Girls on the Verge: Debutante Dips, Drive-Bys, and Other Initiations, was written by Vida Vendela on the topic of Quinceaneras. The author examines the tradition of the quince and notes that it is changing. Many young girls are now having their pictures taken and skipping the party all together, while others are competitively throwing parties bigger and better than ever before but forgetting why. We hear stories about different ways to celebrate and how the tradition is changing amongst the Hispanic community. When I read this narrative, I did not really understand how getting your pictures taken could be better than throwing a party, but now I feel that those who choose to simply have their pictures taken might be choosing a better route--they are choosing not to lose themselves in the glamour and hype of the quince party. The article also made me think about my Hispanic friends, and how so few had quinces, so it is obvious that what the author is saying is true. The tradition of the quince is dying.

VERSUS NARRATIVE: Rules, Rules, and More Rules

Rules can be defined as normal circumstances, as the code of regulations observed by a religious order or congregation, a prescribed mathematical method for performing a calculation or solving a problem, or as principles or regulations governing actions. In the case of my parents, I think it is safe to say that rules were used to exercise dominating power or influence. I had always been controlled by my parents’ rules and sometimes it even felt like they made rules up just so they could feel like they had control. They had always been strict, always had to know exactly what I was doing, who I was with, and why I was doing something. Generally, it was just too much.

But lately, they have lightened up. Actually, they seemed to let go and give me freedom all in the matter of a day—one day they were strict and the next I was free. A Friday a few weeks ago, I was stuck home because my mom wouldn’t let me go out. But the next night, my mom had no problem with me going out; she didn’t even need all the details. I guess my parents finally realized they wouldn’t be able to control me forever. I’m going off to college in a few months and they won’t be able to control my every move. So now, more than ever, I appreciate the restrictions they placed on me earlier because now I really appreciate my freedom.

"MY BROWN EYES"

This article, written by Alexander Amador, describes the life of a Hispanic living in the neighborhood of the Eigth Street Locos 13 gang. Amador tells us about her family, friends and the gangs that she grew up with. She offers us a new perspective, one of respect and love. In her eyes, gangs are groups of people who take care of each other--they are like families. She does not support gang wars, but noted that gang members are good "homies" and chose to take care of her even though they gang banged. The norms in this article contradict the common belief that gangs are being purely destructive and violent. With her story, we can see another perspective, we just have to be open to it. At the author's home, the same principles of respect and love are present. From her story, we learn that people can care for each other, but it isn't always in the way we expect.

While reading this article, I accepted this perspective and thought of my friend Angel. He is in a gang, and is a foster child. All my friends, including myself, have told him at one time or another to straighten up his act, get out of his gang and stay out of trouble. However, now I wonder if his gang gives him a real family that he can love and count on. Something that he might not have at his foster home.

"CURVE"

This story, written by Alison Smith and published in Red: The Next Generation of American Writers--TEENAGE GIRLS-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today, tells the story of a teenage girl who feels she is too skinny. She is conflicted as she feels pressure to be thin, while at the same time being criticized by her friends and family for being too skinny. In the story we hear what her friends/family think about her weight and uncomfortable situations she has gone through. However, by the end of her story she learns to love herself--her hips give her curves and she loves that about herself. As I read this article, I realized that I could relate because I've gone through problems with my self-image and confidence as well. I remembered similar situations to those described by Alison Smith and was inspired by her writing.

"INTRODUCTION"

Ihis part of the book Red: The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today was written by Amy Goldwasser, the editor of the book. The individuals she discusses in this introduction are the teenage writers of my generation. It was interesting to read what she had to say because she offered a positive perspective on the use of blogging, social sites, and the Internet. Goldwasser tells us that teenage writers of our generation are deep and talented despite popular belief. Our reliance upon technology has turned into a beneficial habit which makes my generation able to more easily write and discuss/express themselves in essays and other media. This contradicts many of society's beliefs that depict the Internet as damaging to social norms and behavior. It was inspiring and made me think of all the fights I have had with my parents when I joined my friends on the Internet and made myself a MySpace .

"SLEEVES"

This story, by Amy Hunt and from the book Red: The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today, tells Amy's story. She is overweight and hates it. It affects every aspect of her life. But in the end, Amy realizes that she wants to change, and learn to love herself. The issue presented in this story is how Amy sees herself and how she lives according to her weight. The norm of this story is for Amy, and other overweight people, to strive to blend in and be invisible, which both complements and differs in real-life society; some want to stand out and be their own person, whereas others who may be self-conscious may want to be invisible and not attract attention. When I read this story it did not make me feel sorry for the author like I had expected it would. However, it did make me think about similar experiences where I have been self conscious about my face and my body. It even inspired me and provided me with a relevant topic to discuss in a future essay or blog.

"THE BORDER"

This article, written by Cindyu Morand and from the book Red: The Next Generation of American Writers-Teenage Girls-On What Fires Up Their Lives Today, explains the difficulty she had with adjusting to a new culture and lifestyle. She hits rock bottom and has nothing, but we learn that this was necessary for her to accept what her life has become and begin living again. The author deals with everything from racism and money, to academics and acceptance. When I read this story I honestly felt sorry for her. She was miserable for two years straight and when she realized that she had to accept life to be happy I was happy for her.

"THE AMERICAN MAN, AGE TEEN"

This story, written by Susan Orlean, describes the life of a young boy Collin Duffy. We see how kids see the world and we realize that The may think they know everything, and even though they dont, they have consideration for recycling, the world, families, and are innocent. They are still young and play video games. They just want to have fun and are content with their world, they dont need anythng else. As a matter of fact all they want is to keep it from changing and being invaded by outsiders. I thought the story was interesting but tedious.

SOCIAL NETWORKING NARRATIVE: ASHLEY IS doing busywork

ASHLEY IS doing busywork. (10:59 AM)
When I got a MySpace I was in tenth grade and my friend made it for me. My mom wouldn’t let me have one so I figured it was the only way. Unfortunately, she found out about me making one without her knowledge and, to say the least, it didn’t go over so well with her. Even though she was mad, she eventually decided it was fine and just needed my email and password so she could see what I was up to. Since then I have gotten in trouble by some of the things she considered to be inappropriate and I have felt controlled by her stuffy expectations.
MySpace has become an indicator of the amount of freedom my mom will let me have, and as I’ve gotten older she has allowed me to have more freedom and doesn’t maintain as much control over the social networks I am a part of as she used to. In the past I had very little freedom and this was supported by my mom’s obsession of monitoring my behavior on MySpace. Whereas now she hasn’t even noticed I have changed my password (signaling that she doesn’t check my MySpace), doesn’t care I have a Facebook in addition to a MySpace (she didn’t even ask for the password to my Facebook account), and I am glad to say that I have more freedom than ever.

WORD COUNT: 232

"THE WAY WE LIVE NOW: GROWING UP ON FACEBOOK"

This article, written by Peggy Orenstein from the New York Times, analyzes the lives of those who use Facebook and other social network sites. The author explains that younger users seem to grow up on Facebook because they begin using the site at such a young age. And although it may be comforting to remain in touch with old friends instead of having to let them go, the author notes that this is bothering to her because she feels like the past is never really the past when you are online. Your past is constantly dug up and resurfaces, which conflicts with the societal norm of putting the past behind you. The author's ideas were interesting but I felt that the style with which she composed her article was confusing and choppy.

"STARING DOWN FACEBOOK"

This article, written by Zoe Sandvig, discusses the effort of people across the country to fight against technology's control over our lives. Many people are trying to distance themselves from technology and we hear that many positive effects have come from this distance. However, the obsession over Facebook and other social networks is affecting many students' lives in negative aspect. Because of this, a division is arising between those in society who obsess over Facebook and those who disapprove of it. When I read this article, I was embarrassed because I realized the negative side of using the Internet too much and I was forced to examine the amount of time I spend online as well.

"FACEBOOK IN A CROWD"

This article, written by Hal Niedvicki, described the story of a person who had 700 friends on Facebook and no friends in real life. Based on this article, we see that online communication is changing the social structure of our society. Even the term "friend" has a whole new meaning online. Many who have a Facebook or a Myspace communicate online and then are unable to have a conversation in person. This article made me frustrated because it made me think about the ways in which we socialize. I have begun to think that the ways in which we socialize are falling apart.

“BEING THERE: THE SUBTLE ART OF FACEBOOK UPDATES”

This article, from The New York Times and written by Virginia Hefferman, analyzes the importance of Facebook’s status update. The author asks herself what makes a great status update and explains the difference between MySpace and Facebook. The norms of society are supported in this article because updating your status on Facebook is accepted as a norm, and this is the topic being discussed. However, I did feel the topic of status updates was a little ridiculous. I feel updates are insignificant and don’t need to be analyzed. Since a discussion we had in my English class about the meaning of life, I feel that articles like these are ridiculous and that we seem take insignificant things and turn them into something bigger, when in reality, what you see is what you get. We need to stop making such a big deal out of everything.

“SOCIAL NETWORKING BENEFITS VALIDATED”

This article, from the Washington Times and written by Karen Goldberg Goff, discusses the benefits of MySpace, Facebook, and other social networking sites. She tells us how it is essential for youth to learn technical skills and become competent citizens, in addition to discussing the amount of monitoring appropriate for parents—they should accept that technology as an important part of the youth’s culture. The article was interesting to read because many of the parents and other important figures in my life complain about how I socialize and why it is going to hurt me in the future—not being able to talk to people, have a conversation face to face, etc. It was interesting to hear a different and more positive perspective on my generation’s communication techniques.

"WHY YOUTH LOVE SOCIAL NETWORK SITES: THE ROLE OF NETWORKED PUBLICS IN TEENAGE SOCIAL LIFE"

In this article by Danah Boyd, the author discusses the importance of social network sites in the lives of teenagers. The author tells us about the opposition MySpace, Facebook, and other sites meet from society, and the issues these sites are creating. There are many expectations placed on these social sites which are also leading to social hierarchies and drama. Parents and older generations do not appreciate the lack of privacy their children have online and do not understand the new behaviors that come along with networked publics. The author established that the norms of older generations and younger generations are creating a divide between participants and their families. This article was interesting to read because what the author said was true, but it was wierd to think that someone actually studied something that everyone already knows and accepts.

"RIGOR REDEFINED"

This article by Tony Wagner is based on the 21st century skills that employers look for in possible workers. We learn that many schools are failing to teach students these necessary school and how this is becoming a problem. 21st century skills are the skills necessary for survival in the modern world and include: critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, leadership, agility, adaptability, initiative, entrepreneurialism, effective oral/written communication, accessing/analyzing information, curiosity, and imagination. And although these skills may me missing in some students and workers, they are included in the ESLRs of my school, Granada Hills Charter High School. The teachers have taught us how to communicate and think, not just how to memorize information. I have also learned basic technological skills and how to learn as well as many other things that will come in handy when I enter the work force.

MY ROOM Personal Narrative Video

For my film class we created a film that told our story. The film is our own personal narrative. For my film i decided to base it upon my life--where and how I live. I realize that I spend most of my life in my room and everything in that room represents me. Hope you enjoy it!

VIDEO STILLS:

THE REAL WORLDStan Chambers Video Journalism Award

What everyone says about sports is true—it prepares you for real life. Volleyball is my sport. From it, I have learned leadership, teamwork, patience, and all the other cliché qualities we say are essential in a person. But I have also learned how to let things go, how to keep my mouth shut, and how to put up with people one wouldn’t necessarily want to work with—qualities necessary for survival in the business world, the so-called real world. They aren’t traits one would necessarily strive to attain, but vital attributes nonetheless. But I wonder why the life I’m living now not considered the real world. Is it fake? Does my current environment not exist? No, I think people just don’t want to admit that high school is the real world—it never really ends.

MY ROOM Personal Narrative

I live at school. The hallways, the lockers, the gum speckled floors. This is where my day begins.

I live at work. I sip my Starbucks frugally as I enter the grey room. Work, paper, red pens, paycheck. Then I drive home when the lights are bright and the skies are dark.

I live at home. Up the wide streets lined with trees. I park, eat dinner, catch up on my shows, and go upstairs.

I live in my room. I see my bulletin board, points in time frozen to be stuck upon my wall. I have a closet, my own bathroom, a desk, a bed. In my closet there are the clothes I wear and the volleyball gear I cherish. In my bathroom there is all the makeup I use, a shower, a toilet, and more lotion and body spray than I will ever need. In my desk there are papers and paychecks and junk. In my bed there are blankets and a pillow. This is where I live. After all, you spend two thirds of your life sleeping!

“PILOT EPISODE” My So Called Life (1994)

This film followed the life of a high school student named Angela as she grew up and took on new friends. As she tries to fit into high school she meets resistance from her family and friends. We learn that Angela doesn't really know what to do and is forced to follow her friends without knowing who she is. Angela transforms the stereotype of the high school student desperately trying to fit in and makes it personal by showing us her relationships. The video/audio techniques used were voice overs and scripted footage.

WINGS FOR WHEELS:THE MAKING OF BORN TO RUN (2005)

This video told us the story of Bruce Springstein and his band as they made music and tried to make an impact with their unique sound. We learn that Springstein is a devoted artist who had a lot of ambition and drive, and tried to put his music on the map. We learn that he (along with his band members) is a talented artist who can be described as determined, ambitious, driven, and focused. As Springstein and his band tell their story they transform the universal idea of a struggling band, trying to be heard, and make it personal by telling us their personal feelings and emotions as they made music. They used interviews and voice overs as their primary source as well as photos and footage of Bruce Springstein's experiences as a singer (including performances and recording sessions). I felt the movie was well put together and edited, but as I watched it I felt that the movie became boring, tedious, and repetitive. After a few minutes, I was sort of over it.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY...MONAAAAY!!!My Experience With The Current Economic Climate

In this day and age, the economy is unstable, unreliable, and has caused countless sorrows. Money is the root of all our problems some say, and I agree. But that is not all money causes; it also causes tremendous stress and anxiety. Even though I am only seventeen, I feel the economic pressure with the onset of college. The college I hope to attend next fall is going to cost me approximately 50,000 a year, and around 200,000 for the entire education. Even without a tumbling economy, this is an incredible amount of money. But the reality of the situation is that the economy is only getting worse.

I use the bank known as Washington Mutual and my parents have been saving money there for my education for as long as I can remember, but it was all for nothing. The bank used our money, and lost it in the stock market. My college fund went down the drain and now for me to go to a respectable college or university, my parents have taken the majority of the money out of my other four siblings’ college savings and transfered it into mine. This should not have even been necessary in the first place, but now we have no choice. So, in order for my siblings to go to college, I need to find a way to use as little money as possible for my education. The weight has been partially put on my shoulders and I am only too aware of the weight of the economy. (I can't even imagine the stress this is causing my parents)

I am not the only one. Some of my friends on my club volleyball team are in similar situations and are applying for scholarships that are worth only 200 dollars! I have to wonder, when is this crisis going to end? And why are teens under such stress from the economy? All I know for sure is that something needs to change in this country, and it needs to change fast.

"TEEN LEARNS FROM CREDIT MISTAKES OF OTHERS"

Jenna Jakowatz is a high school senior in Southern California and reveals to us that she is already beginning to feel the burden of finances even though she is just 17 [you can hear her full story at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101082178]. I have to say that as a senior myself, going off to college has made me more aware of our financial crisis. I have to think about how I can help my parents pay for the pricey private college I will be attending next fall. Unfortunately, our bank used part of my college savings and lost them in the tumbling market, and I am feeling the heat now more than ever [for my complete story visit MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY...MONAAAAY!!!Personal Narrative]. The economic crisis that surrounds my family is evident more than ever, not only because of my family's losses, but also because of my job. My boss is stressed and irritable, and has hired less people. Those that were left with a job, like myself, are constantly overwhelmed with work whereas in the past we were not because there were more people available to pick up the slack. All I can say is that I hope our economy will soon become more stable, Obama will do his job, and keep his promises.

“MY WAY” and “GOD'S CLOSE-UP”This American Life (2007)

Today we watched two episodes from the Lifetime series known as This American Life. The first episode we watched showed us four stories of people who made life changing decisions. Each of their decisions changed their lives and affected the course of their lives dramatically. They remember their decisions and how they affected them as they are forced to live with them. As they remember, they take the universal idea or stereotype of a life-changing decision and make it personal by showing the effects each of the decisions had on them. The second episode we watched was on the topic of God. We hear two stories. In both, the characters try to find God and we see how He influences their lives. They turn their journey and experiences into a personal myth by making it personal through their own ideas and views on how to express Him. In both episodes, they used interviews and voice overs to show us their personal ideas and opinions, and footage of their experiences to tell their stories.

THE RAINY DAYS My LA

Every state has something that defines it. California is known for its bright sun and warm weather. Within this sunny state is my Los Angeles, the so called “City of Angels.” It’s sunny so often that it is rare when the citizens don’t worry about conservation of water. We are almost always in the middle of a drought. It’s relatively annoying actually. But there are those occasional days where it rains. And those are the days that I remember most here in Los Angeles. We don’t remember every day of our lives; we just aren’t physically smart enough to do that. So the few days we do remember have to stand out to us, have something unique about them. That defining factor is the rain to me.
Today I drove to school. Like every other day. But I will remember this day for awhile. It rained. I wore Uggs—a stupid decision. They are ruined and I’ve almost fallen a few thousand times already. The count may reach a million by the end of the day. The puddles seep into my shoes and flood my toes with cold water. My freshly straightened hair from the morning has grown waves and frizz. The damp air is suffocating and I can’t help but wish for warmer days. I want it to be summer already—not just because of the weather though. I will remember this day. I will remember the cold, the damp, the rain, the puddles, the frizz, everything.

"ECHO PARK AVENUE"

Another personal narrative we read was from the book titled The Bus: Cosmic Ejaculations of the Daily Mind in Transit which was written by Steve Abee. In the story, the author walks to the bus and catches a ride on it because he has to pick up his car. We learn that he has a wife and a child and has recently gotten in a fight with his wife. After leaving his home, he tours Los Angeles and he retells us his thoughts and speculations on the universe. He tells us his story and turns it into his own personal myth by dominating the piece with his own personal thoughts, emotions, ideas, opinions, etc from that bus ride. Although he uses effective imagery and intriguing descriptions, his story is overwhelming to the reader because he floods us with so many ideas. Its information overload. This is why his piece didn't inspire me--although he created a well written story he simply told us too much.

“LAUREN & CAPPIE” High School Confidential (2008)

We watched episode one of the series High School Confidential. The video portrayed the stories of two high school students--Lauren and Cappie. Lauren is a popular student with a comfortable lifestyle whose life is shaken by a brain tumor. Cappie was an average teen who turns into a party girl. She chooses a job over the volleyball team, is hit early with financial responsibility, and has a troubled childhood. As we see the two girls grow and mature, it is evident how clearly they both fit high school cliches. They both seemed so naive and immature to me for so easily falling into their high school stereotypes, but then I realized that I am the same way. Both of their stories become personal myths because we are able to witness how they changed and what changed them. In the film, interviews, voice overs, and footage of their experiences were used. After watching it, I was inspired to tell my story through the visual medium of video.

“THE ROAD WARRIOR” The O.C. (2006)

We watched an clip from The OC from an episode called "The Road Warrior." In this clip we see one of the characters listening to her own voice. Eve, though their lives are dramatic enough, she creates her own voice over because she says it makes her own life more dramatic. A voice over is a production technique where dialogue is spoken by someone who may be on screen at the time and is also known as off camera commentary.Voice overs allow us to her what a character may be thinking and what defines a person.

"RUNNING"

Another one of the narratives that we had to read was titled Running and was written by Ron Rodriguez from Roosevelt High School. The story begins with the author describing how running influences and impacts his life. We see it is such an important part of his life that it is nearly all he thinks about. In fact, as the author is telling his story he falls asleep and dreams about running through Los Angeles. The author continually awakens and falls back asleep during the story and we are able to see Los Angeles through his eyes. The author uses effective imagry and descriptions which draw in the reader and make his story interesting to read. He turns the story into his own personal myth and we can see that his life is saturated with running and it is all he thinks about. This is evident because every time he falls asleep, running is what is on his mind.

"JUST WATCH"

The latest personal narrative we read is titled Just Watch and was written by Saskia Boggs. The author explains how television saturates her life and how its relevance has changed over the years. We learn that she has strong and passionate views on television but is not a strong enough person to voice her opinion or speak out against TV. She tells her story in a frustrated and angry tone, and takes the universal idea of the inflated importance of television and makes it personal by telling us how TV can be found in her environment and its effects on her. Her piece is effective because every one can relate to what she says about television, understand her views, and even learn how to improve our lives from her story.

"THE DEPTH OF DEPP"

Another personal narrative that we read was titled The Depth of Depp and was written by Grace Habeggar. The author tells us how Johnny Depp has influenced her and reveals that she is obsessed with Johnny Depp. She doesn't seem to live her own life and even goes as far as to model her own after his. She transforms the average cliche of a crazed fan into a more personal message by telling us how he has influenced her. The author includes stories of how she has seen his movies, ideas of his she agrees with, etc. Her mini-stories are clear and easy to read. The story as a whole, is also effective because everyone can relate to being in support of a person, cause, etc.

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS My Story

You know what our problem is? We care too much. We think we have ‘intuition’ but that’s just another way of saying we are so self-conscious that we pay attention to every little detail. Everyone is nervous about what people think about them, no matter how confident they claim to be. Everyone is imperfect, and therefore, there is always something someone can criticize themselves on. Take me for example. Some may say I’m pretty or I have a lot going for me but what I see is that I can be incredibly lazy, I am always in a bad mood, I am regrettably flat, my nose is too big, and I’m super pale in the winter. I also hate to write essays and I am miserable, like many others, whenever I have to do homework or any other type of labor.
The bottom line is: we all care too much. That is why there are so many problems in our world today. But girls, oh man! We just take it to another level. We are known for fighting with each other and our infamous drama. Take my club volleyball team for example. When we met each other I thought it was a nice group of girls. But then the tallest girl on the team asked me if I had noticed the cliques that were forming. After her saying that, I could help but notice that our team was separated into two groups and me being ditzy and oblivious had just begun to notice. I started paying more attention to the cliques that had formed and began to notice everything. Girls were turning their backs to me. They weren’t inviting me into their rooms at the Vegas tournament. The little things augmented into huge ordeals. I had thought myself to have gotten over my middle school self-consciousness, but I was wrong. I realized I had not changed one bit. Now, every practice is an awkward one. I keep a distance from certain girls and they keep their distance from me.

"APPEAL FROM AN ANGRY NOT SO EMO"

Another one of the pieces I read today was written by Kali Moriary. It is titled "Appeal From an Angry Not So Emo" and was edited into the book Red: the Next Generation of American Writers--Teenage Girls--On What Fires Up Their Lives Today. The author expresses her frustration with the hate that surrounds us today and we learn that the author/narrator is an outsider, and is mocked on a regular basis by her peers. Moriary takes the cliche of being left out or being picked on and makes it personal by adding in her own personal experiences and views on the subject. For example, she believes that hate is all around us and--like authority--nobody cares. Her story is effective because everyone can relate to what she is saying, and is also quite enjoyable because her dramatic style makes the story an exciting one to read.

"WHAT TRUTHINESS TAUGHT ME ABOUT BEING (UN)COOL"

One of the pieces I read today was written by Sarah Schelde. It is titled "What Truthiness Taught Me About Being (Un)cool" and was edited into the book Red: the Next Generation of American Writers--Teenage Girls--On What Fires Up Their Lives Today. The story is a compilation of experiences that describe how she stands out and why she is proud of it. The author distinctly remembers the moments where she stands out or was considered uncool. She takes this universal idea of being an outsider and makes it her own personal myth by telling us how SHE feels about her situation. She stresses to the audience that it is okay to be uncool and is even a good thing because it will lead to success later on in life. Her style and story was effective because everyone can relate to feeling left out.

I AM FROMI Am From Poem

I am from streets lined with pear blossoms.
I am from Chipotle on Fridays
Movies on Saturdays
And Starbucks after school.
I am from a two story house covered in brick and ivy
A pool and swing set surrounded by the pine trees in the backyard.
I am from my own room
My laptop and desk
My own bathroom.
I am from volleyball that I play year round
And thousands of dollars spent for me to play club.
I am from high expectations for my future
Expectations those are too high.
I am from a family of 2 boys and 2 girls…blonde and beautiful.
I am from manicures
Pedicures
Highlights.
I am from weekends at Disneyland
Magic Mountain
And SeaWorld.
I am from new clothes every month and makeup to paint my face.
I am from smiles used to cover up.
I don’t know who I am.
All I know is where I am from.
They say you are the product of your environment.
I guess that is true.
But why aren’t I happy?
Something is not right.
But isn’t this the perfect life?
The life everyone wants?
The high school football player and cheerleader who married
Bought a big house
Had a big family
Of smart, beautiful children.
I am a stereotype.
But the thing about stereotypes is…
They’re not always as predictable as you think.

"MY IMPRESSION NOW"

This excerpt was from John Seller's book titled Perfect From Now On: How Indie Rock Saved My Life. It is narrated from Seller's point of view as he reflects on the function of itunes known as a play count. A play count allows the user to see how many times they have listened to a particular song, as well as other things including providing information of the most listened to genre. The author finds this incredibly interesting, because a computer can define you and your musical preferences--the play count makes the listener's habits quantifiable and sortable. It even reveals to the author what his favorite band is even though he had only just begun admitting it to himself. I felt that this made the author appear slightly dumb or stupid because an insignificant function on his computer revealed parts of himself he hadn't even realized on his own. His awe of the computer and its limitless abilities also made him appear primitive to me because a computer is just an everyday object. It is nothing special; everyone has one. The author made his fixation with the play count into a personal myth by adding personal experiences, songs, and thoughts that are unique to the author. However, these thoughts were reflective and were written in the past, so the thoughts he is currently remembering and writing about could be different from those thoughts he had as the experience was happening.

"PLAY"

Once again, we continued to read and annotate excerpts from various authors. One of the excerpts was from the book Red which was edited by Amy Goldwasser. The excerpt was written by Olive Panter, age sixteen, and titled "Play." In respect to the writers age, the piece is well written, interesting, easy to read/follow, and easy to relate to because of his relate-able topic. Panter reflects on exactly how big a part music plays in his life and tells us how he grew up in an environment saturated by music and the effect that this has had on him. However, because the writer is reflecting upon it, the flow of ideas that were written down are probably different than those that he had in the past.

EMBARRASSMENT AND TRIUMPH Mixed CD Poem

Back in the day
The movie drawled on
We sat with a trench between us
The bombs falling and bursting
The war starting all over
I should have heeded my friends’ warnings
How typical
You’re friends one day and enemies the next
Frenemies.

Summer is here.
Our friendship is flourishing under the warmth of the sun
Sleepovers. Dinners. Friends.

Winter is here.
The weather is changing
Temperatures drop and the clouds control the air
I can feel the pressure
I'm sitting all alone feeling empty
I’ve lost her and it’s effortless
I’m busy still saying please
But everything isn’t meant to be ok
It will never be the same.

Spring is here.
If only I knew what I know today
Everything is falling apart
I’m starting from scratch
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
It’s so hard to say goodbye
There's gotta be more to life
More to my life
But why can't I let it go
It doesn’t matter
I just have to keep holdin’ on.

Summer is here
Again.
The seasons took their toll
I remember what happened back in the day
She always took the time to criticize me
It was all about her
It was like I’m was the one she loved to hate
Just shut up, shut up, shut up
You’re a stupid girl
I don’t want to hear it
Bow in the presence of greatness
I’m better, faster, and stronger.

EMBARRASSMENT AND TRIUMPH Mixed CD Story

We sat beside each other as the long movie drew on. We talked and gossiped and laughed at her as we stared at her back. Her roots were dark as charcoal and were in a deep contrast against the bottle blond of her hair. Her curves oozed from her sides. We found it easy to make fun of her. Everything was turning around and plummeting downhill. It all had happened so fast. This is what always seems to happen with girls. One minute you are friends and the next you aren’t even talking. Sure, it depends on the person but deep down all girls—and guys though they will deny it—crave the petty arguments we know as drama. Without it, life is boring. It is all a matter of being able to control the drama before it controls you. This is what guys have over us. They get in fights just like us, but are a different breed since they don’t care enough for the drama to escalate to the next level.
First semester had passed and the weather had grown dreary and cold. We had begun as acquaintances last year as the flowers bloomed and clouds snuck away from the sun’s warmth. Summer came and I got to know her under the heat of the sun. As school came back into session we talked and texted as our status changed. Suddenly I was her ‘best friend.’ The whirlwind had taken me by surprise and swept me away before I had time to think. I did not heed my friend’s warnings of her true character and gave into her. I realize I am a pushover. I don’t pay attention to everything around me and am blinded by the intensity of everything that surrounds me. Not everyone notices everything, after all people only see what they want to see. And a new buddy, seemed like good news.
Winter came. Temperatures dropped and the atmosphere changed. The good times faded and fighting and drama took its place. My eyes were opened as if they had been clouded and obscured by the summer. She was no longer carefree and fun, but now she thought too much and had a talent for holding grudges. I found myself trapped by her and desperate to find a way out. Holly felt the same way. We slowly tried to fade from her mind. Hoping that she would simply forget us and we could slip out of her grasp. No. This would not happen. Drama, drama, drama. This only provoked the animal and everything escalated. If only she had been a guy.
Nothing was ever the same. We found ourselves looking at her and taunting her. We were in the same class as her but never talked. The dismal silence that separated us grew as words eroded the friendship Holly and I had with her once. Kaput. It was done and over, the summer came and overtook the winter. As the cold dreary weather melted away, so did the beast.
New times were ahead and all that was left was to move on. If only it was that simple. Things would never be so easy. Though I try I am still connected with her. I revealed my secrets and let her see my heart. A bond like that is not easily forgotten and only time will tell whether I can completely forget. I hope I can. In the meantime, I take it as a lesson and will learn from it. Math and philosophy were not the only things I learned in school that year. I grew up and my eyes were opened to the brutality of people. Nothing is fair and just in this world and there is nothing we can do about it. Everything is so much easier when you are ignorant. If only I had been aware enough to avoid her in the blinding light of the summer. Maybe then I could have remained in the dark.

"HANDWRITTEN" PLAYLIST

For class we also had to create a CD with songs that represented our own personal narrative. Below is a handwritten image of my play list.

"MY RIDE, MY REVOLUTION"

My teacher's string of personal narratives continued as we read Luis J. Rodriguez's "My Ride, My Revolution" from her book of stories titled The Republic of East L.A. In the story we learn that the author has a limo because of his current job. The narrator then begins to describe himself and we learn that he lives in a bad neighborhood, is Mexican and Indian, and can never hold a job for a long period of time. He also only holds jobs where he can think, listen to music, read a book and "check out every mole and pimple of the city" (Rodriguez, 2). This is why he enjoys his current job. We additionally learn that because he brings the limo home one day he become a big hit. The limo "is an extra seventy one inches of curved metal-and-glass epiphany--creamy white, tinted windows, and dark grey leather interior" (3). The people of his neighborhood admire it and have a respect for him because of it. However, the author realizes this is temporary. As he tells his story, the narrator sidetracks and reveals other parts of his life to us. In a way, he mixes mini-stories or sagas into his main tale.

His story structure is interesting and I believe I will try to model my own narrative after his style. The story relates to my film class because we see the authour create his own personal myth, which I am required to write for myself.

"WE STOOD IN LINE AT ELLIS ISLAND FOR THIS?"

One personal narrative we read was written by Paul Feig and was taken from his book Kick Me: Adventures in Adolescence. The story was from the chapter titled "We Stood in Line at Ellis Island for This?" We only read the beginning of the chapter, though the impact was still significant. The story was narrated by the author who reflected on a traumatizing childhood experience--kids in elementary school nicknamed him Fig Newton. From an outsider's point of view this name can hardly be considered 'traumatizing' even though at the time the author, a self conscious and self absorbed preteen, would have felt personally victimized. The author makes the experience real to his audience with childish narration and exaggerated and dramatized thoughts. He goes as far as to say there must not be a God because He would never allow such an injustice if He were real. Feig's story represents his state of mind at the time of his experience and tells us his personal story or his personal myth [refer to post titled "THE STORIES WE LIVE BY: PERSONAL MYTHS AND THE MAKING OF THE SELF" ].

"ROLLER BOOGIE"

Another narrative our class read was written by Rob Sheffield. The excerpt was titled "Roller Boogie" and was taken from Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time. The author reflects on his thirteen year old self and regrets who he was at that time. He refers to himself as a "douche bag" and tells us his story from an ironic point of view. At the time, the narrator would have thought he was cool and was very content with his life. Whereas now all he does is regret his actions and casts a shadow of embarrassment over his words. He pokes fun at himself and portrays himself as clueless. The author takes this memory and turns it into his own personal myth. However, like the memory of Patricia Hampl who wrote I Could Tell You Stories: Sojourns In The Land of Memory, he changes his memory [refer to "MEMORY AND IMAGINATION" ]. He knows he was actually uncool and weird at the age of thirteen even though at the time he was oblivious. If he had been telling the same story as a thirteen year old there would have been no irony in the story and the narration would be very different.

"LIFE AND MYTH"

Today, we did the same assignment as yesterday. We were required to read analyze and summarize The Stories We Live By: Personal Myths and the Making of the Self by Dan McAdams. However, today's piece was on the subject of stories and our personal myths. The preface explains that identity is what is about a lie that provides meaning, unity and purpose. As we continue into the introduction we learn that you have to know the identity and life story of someone to truly know them. And by extension, in order to learn more about people and ourselves, we tell stories. From these stories each of us creates a personal myth which "is a special kind of story that each of us naturally constructs to bring together the different parts of ourselves and our lives into a purposeful and convincing whole" (Dan McAdams, page 12). We make ourselves through myth. As the work continues, we read about Margaret Sands story and how she is forming her personal myth. Her story is a tragic one and after we read of her life we continue on to learn what a story really is. All stories have a setting, characters, initiating event, attempt, consequence and a reaction. After clarifying the grammar of a story we realize, through examples, just how much we are impacted by stories. They provide us with life experience, provide us with a common structure, are related to life and measure time. The list continues. Stories also entertain us, instruct, organize our thoughts, and even mend us when we are broken. The writer goes on to relate the story to the myth and say that a sacred story is the same as a myth, and myths accomplish the same thing for society as a personal myth accomplishes for the human being. However, we still need personal myths because we need to discover ourselves/our identities because society no longer tells us how to live. The author continues on and explains how the myth develops and concludes with the connection between our personal myths and the rest of the world--the stories we create influence the stories of other people, those stories give rise to others, and soon there is meaning and connections within a web of story making and living (McAdams). Our personal myths/lives help create the world we live in, which is at the same time creating us (McAdams).

In regard to the assignment summarized above I see no distinct correlation between what I read in the piece and what I have been working on in my film class. I do realize however, that I am currently writing my own personal myth and searching for my identity. Many other people my age are going through the same process and I suspect that we may do a project in the future which will help to reveal our own personal myths and stories to the public.

"MEMORY AND IMAGINATION"

Today in class we read and annotated an excerpt from I Could Tell You Stories: Sojourns In The Land of Memory by Patricia Hampl. The excerpt was titled Memory and Imagination. The chapter began by telling one of the author's memories and then goes on to analyze the memory and why she remembers this one in particular. Hampl realizes that as she told her story she got carried away and made mistakes in retelling the story. She had replaced parts of the memory, not with what she had that day, but with what she wanted. We learn that the author is finally getting what she wants by replacing parts of the memory, nothing is what it seems, she invented parts of her memoir, and she has to remember this moment in time in order to discover herself--by remembering the story a part of the writer will be revealed to herself as well as what she wants (symbols of longing). The author also discusses why she writes memoirs and the significance of remembering the past.

By reading this excerpt, I was able to learn that remembering the past is enriching and fulfilling. It is a journey that is necessary for all of us to take in order for us to find meaning in life. Memories allow us to learn more about ourselves and reveal our true desires. This relates to my film making class as we are learning to remake films from our own point of view. We pick and choose those scenes which seem important to us and molded a film to represent us just like a memory is molded to represent its owner.

HARRY POTTER TRAILER

Just in case you've been under a rock for the last couple of years here is the trailer for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, a movie that I remade for a project in one of my classes.

HARRY POTTER REMAKE

Check out my version of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." I hope you like it and be sure to let me know what you think!!!

"HARRY POTTER REMAKE" video stills

Just to give the viewers an idea of what this remake is all about...check out the video stills from below! And don't forget to check out the remake and behind the scenes footage/bloopers!!!

BEHIND THE SCENES

The process of producing the five minute long remake of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was a surprisingly long, tedious, and funny one. Here's a behind the scenes look at what it took to make the movie. Enjoy.

"BEHIND THE SCENES" video stills