Aprils Blog

 Mortimer Alder speaks about why books shouldn't be marked on. He also list the different types of books to owners. While I was reading this essay, I don't know how to feel about it. I am unsure whether I agree or disagree but it was interesting to see an author so passionate about the importance and care for books. He describes them with such words, you'd actually think the book is a person.

 Molly Ivins is a popular journalist. In this essay, she talks about the damage that guns can cause and how guns are no longer used for protection but to hurt people. She also said that more people should be licensed to carry a gun.  I personally didn't enjoy this reading because I don't like discussing violence. Some new words I learned are; 1. psychosexual. 2. perforating.

 Carl T.Rowan is a journalist and commentator who was born in Tennessee. In this story, he writes about this teacher he once had named Miss Bessie. Miss Bessie was a very educated woman to inspired her students to work hard, remain humble and to be grateful for the little things. In the time of World war I, she encouraged her students to be aware of what is happening in the world because growing up black was very hard. This was a time when the battle between black and white also started to rise.  I love this story because Miss Bessie showed that you can make due with even the smallest things and to never lose hope.

Today in class, we were assigned to write an essay on whether women should be allowed to continue school if they are pregnant. I loved this topic because I feel as though people underestimate women because we're often assumed to be the 'soft type' but in my essay, I tried my best to prove them wrong. It was a successful class.

 Naheed Mustafa is a Canadian born citizen who is a journalist. In this published story, she expresses her thoughts on wearing of the hijab, the headscarf for Muslim women which has become a controversial issue in several countries today. She stated that by wearing a hijab she didn't feel pressured or judged by men who think women should show their physical assets. This gave her freedom and that women should not follow the rules of society, it is best to be yourself and to feel comfortable.  I agree with Naheed Mustafa, this allows a woman to feel liberating and I'm all about supporting eachother.

 I think during my time in English Class, I've grown a love for writing, It has not only helped me develop my vocabulary skills but I also try to have fun with it.

  In todays world, smoking has become a big activity that is normalized almost across the entire world. This includes marijuana , tobacco and it has gone even far to something that has been created called 'Vape'.  Alice Walker expresses herself as a young mother who is concerned for her daughter who is currently smoking during her daily activities such as doing homework or lounging around the house. When Alice was younger, she grew up in a home where her father, grand-father and sister developed addictions for smoking tobacco which ultimately led to her father and grandfathers death. Alice soon became curious as to why this 'smoking' was so good like what others expressed. She tried it and quickly gave it up due to her body's reaction. Years later Alice is worried her daughter might turn out like her grandad. I think this story was delivered really well because smoking has become a major activity that can both be fun and dangerous. I don't think smoking marijuan...

  Susan Musgrave who was born in California to Canadian parents is a famous author of more than 20 books including fiction, poems and works for children. Susan who has wrote "Visiting Rites" expresses very dull and painful moments in her life of being married to someone who is consistently in prison. As she describes and reminisce about the concrete walls of prison and the everlasting feeling of excitement to see her husband , it becomes a no show. Susan feels as though everyone thinks that it is odd that she stands beside a man whom is considered a criminal for various drug troubles until in the end, she meets a guard to says Susan has inspired her in different ways.  I think this essay is describing how strong a woman can be and how far she will go for her lover. It shows courageousness and bravery to stand beside a man who the world is against but you remain in his corner.

 Russell Baker grew up in Maryland, Baltimore during the great depression where he grew up to be a successful writer. In this essay, he gives step by step on how to carve a turkey. This essay was super humorous and I really enjoyed it. I think transitional words were used correctly and it flowed smoothly. Some new words I learned are: 1. Posterior - the back side 2. Chassis - A frame

 Lee Hendrick was adopted and growing up, he had his fair share of difficulties. He was adopted by Caucasian parents and therefore, going out with his family he would often get looked at differently. Lee even endured bullying at school and felt insecure and judges. As lee grew up, he eventually became more comfortable within himself and even returned back to his home land where he felt completely happy knowing everyone else looked like him. I like this story because it shows that you don't need to look like your family to be family.

As we wind down the semester, our lecturer went into detail about different Compare and Contrast essays. My classmates were able to grasp the information very quickly and came to an understanding. I'm feeling slightly more confident within my writing skills and with more practice, I am able to perfect it.

 My Goals; I plan to workout more. Eat healthier. Study more. Do well on exams. Manage my time better. Remind myself its okay to take breaks.

 Some new words I learned today are, 1. Grommet - a firm material to strengthen an opening. 2. Octothorpe - the symbol # 3. Nauseant - an agent that induces nausea

 I enjoyed this story because it describes heroes are all around us. We may not be able to see it immediately, but if we choose to look at it in a different light, it will click. Heroes can be seen as our parents, siblings, friends or even people who serve as teachers or doctors. We are all heroes at the end of the day because we help one another and we are courageous. 

 Today in class, we learned more in dept about how to construct a compare and contrast essay. My classmates and I were able to give our feedback. Although some students were a bit unsure about what they were doing, they were able to understand. As for myself, I had a bit of difficulty developing my essay in terms of vocabulary but I think I did a good job.

School progress; I think school has been doing me okay, I tend to be good at time management and my grades are good as well. I hope to continue on this track and make friends. You know what they say, "If you can survive UWI, you can survive anything". 

 My thoughts on Antigua and Barbuda opening up the island; I personally think our twin island has reached to a level where we can open our country to tourist to shop and explore. The country is almost fully vaccinated and I think this is a great start. This will benefit our island by providing more cash flow.