Language and Arts vs. Social Life: Thankful for a Classmate

     There exists such a thing as favoritism, which, among individuals, can create meaningful relationships as well as ill-mannered ones. Though favoritism is subjective, meaning the outcome changes based on whom one asks, it is a useful tool which can help one figure out the closest people to him or her. Because of these reasons, I don't particularly enjoy "playing favorites", as far as friends or classmates go, though if I had to choose, two people rise to to top of the list. These two individuals are named Gabrielle (Gabby) Burns and Shiloh Psujek.
     It's a little surprising that I'm writing this, as I've only known Gabby since the start of this year, and we haven't exchanged many words, though I have experienced enough to truly know I am thankful for her. Whenever we see each other in the halls, we say hello, and I try to encourage her as much as I can to be persistent with her INCREDIBLE Trombone playing-skills, as well as with her Spanish, as I am both a linguist and a musician. (Though, I wish she played jazz...we would jam so much!) She is a fantastic student, and always tries her best. She's always there for me when I need help, and I've even worked on a project with her. I also try to boost her confidence. Gabby, if you had more confidence in your excellent self, you'd be almost perfect.
     I've known Shiloh since Freshman Connection in the Summer of 2009. I didn't know her very well then, but we've become much closer since. She is one of the cleverest individuals I know, and always has to have the last word. She knows how to argue, and always has another sarcastic comment to make, after which I always laugh. That's probably the biggest reason I'm thankful for Shiloh--she knows how to make me laugh. It's something I can always count on when in her presence. Shiloh is probably THE BEST clarinetist in the world, which I knew the first time I listened to the gorgeous notes float gently out of her instument's bell.   She's one of the most beautiful people I know, both inside and out, and is one of my best friends. I can always talk to Shiloh about anything, no matter how difficult it might be to say. (I'm actually on the verge of "happy/remembrance tears as I'm writing this, because it's all very real and true). We talk about anything ranging from personal problems to jokes, school, relationships, and, Shiloh's favorite, RaNdOmNeSs!!!!! Shiloh, I'm thankful for you because you're one of my best friends, and I know I can always trust in you, and you can always trust in me as well! (OK, the tears have started to cascade down my cheeks...seriously......)
     In conclusion, my friends Gabby and Shiloh keep my life interesting and play at two different extremes of my life--language and arts vs. social skills. Both are very special to me, as are both of my friends. What would I do without them? I don't know. Although, I do know I have them as my very good friends, so why question it? Thank you so much, Gabby and Shiloh! I love you guys! (Now I need to go and wash my face...)
A Presto,
Simon

Be a Leader, be the Plow!

     What are some defining characteristics of a plow? Good question, I'm glad you asked! A plow is a hard-working, slightly old-fashioned piece of technology! It is a way of clearing a path for some larger force, creature, machine, person, or even a soccer ball! I even did my invention project in biology last year on snow plows, where I turned my bicycle into a snow plow. Could one ride it? Not really, especially since it couldn't turn right.....*whistles*. Anyways.....If we were taking this literally, a plow would be just that, a tool. However, in order to interpret how I am a "plow", we must delve deeper into the purposes and functions of a plow, or, alternatively, what a plow represents.
     My Italian IV teacher, Dr. Foy, calls me a firecracker. What does this mean, you ask? Well, she's never called me one to my face, just to my parents. Therefore, I have to infer what it means. I think it means I get people going. I motivate people to do better. Because I only, and I mean only speak in Italian in her class, I motivate both her and others to speak more Italian in class as well. Basically, it means I clear the way for others to follow in my footsteps. Get it? That's where the plow comes in!!!!! By "clearing the way", I become a leader in the class, which makes me more confident. It's a mutual benefit which helps others to aspire to be leaders and study harder as well, while I feel personal gain because I have helped others as well as having inspired them.
     In the future, I hope to plow my way through all the obstacles I may face, which is another defining characteristic of plows--they are able to overcome any obstacle. The plow is an ideal person, and obviously no one is perfect. To me, one can exhibit qualities of a "plow", but one cannot be a plow all of the time. Thus, when someone exhibits plow-like qualities, he or she is acting as a leader.
    In conclusion, I believe no one is a full-time plow, or else he or she would be perfect! Take me for example. I may be a plow in my Italian IV class, and at the same time,  I want to follow in the paths of Dr. Foy and Ms. Floreani, as they both teach an English literature class as well as Italian, and I would like to do just that. I would like to be a teacher of English literature as well as a high-level Italian teacher. How about you guys? What is one way in which you are a "plow", and one way in which you walk on a path cleared by another?
A Presto,
Simon

Ninjas in Mr. McCarthy's Class?

      Being a human, I have preferences, ideals, unique ideas, and beliefs which make me who I am. Because every human is unique and special, we all have certain categories which we fit into, which others can use to describe us to people who do not know us that well in order for him or her to mentally recognize us. For instance, I could say to one of Mr. Fanning's students, "Oh, you know Mr. McCarthy! He's the best, coolest soccer player/English teacher ever! " (Which I would record on tape and bring to Mr. McCarthy for extra credit).....Because of these preferences, everyone ends up being good at a certain array of things, or subjects. Therefore, what I personally believe could be changed, or not changed, as far as our American Literature classroom activities and atmosphere go, could, and most likely will be different than those which someone else thinks.
     Personally, I believe our classroom activities and atmosphere are nearly perfect the way they are. I love how every person can speak his or her mind and need not be afraid of being "shunned" based on his or her opinions. I love our discussions and our time debating about anything ranging from Nikes to child labor laws. We are free to be ourselves. One thing I really enjoy in this particular class is the daily journal. It helps me loosen up and get in my "literature zone" every time. Also, because Mr. McCarthy reads each and every one, I feel like we are able to establish a new level of connection with our teacher.
     Alternatively, one thing that I think could be improved on in our American Literature class is something contributing to discussion. I believe it would be fun if every night, one new person would be ULTRA-NINJA on the reading and know it completely inside and out, prepare discussion questions for the next day, and become the moderator of discussion in class the next day. This would remove the shyness from people as well as help them present something they know to their peers. I believe it would help us come together even more as a class.
     Well, that's it! Other than that, our class is pretty much perfect! (Mr. McCarthy, more extra credit, please?). It is the format and type of class I would like to be emulated by every other teacher in the school. It helps me think on my feet and learn in new ways, and ultimately, it allows me to be myself inside of the classroom.