8 Lessons To Live By

Today, in the last blog post of 8th grade, I will be writing about life lessons. More specifically, the 8 most important life lessons to me.
1. Enjoy the moment- not every second has to be thought over. As long as one is happy, don't question it.
2. Spend time outside- wherever you want to be, whether in the ocean or in the mountains, be in nature as much as possible. It is proven that nature makes you happier.
3. Laugh and smile every day- laughing makes you happier. Even if you're not feeling great, fake it until you make it. In this case, until you're happy again.
4. Have faith in something- As long as you believe in anything, you are more likely to take responsible risks with the knowledge that this thing will keep you grounded.
5. Be observant- you can miss so much from staring at your phone or not paying attention. Make sure you are always understanding what is going on around.
6. Be spontaneous- a lot of the most exciting and memorable things are those that you do on a whim. Don't overthink something that could be incredible.
7. Be honest- don't lie. If you don't say the whole truth or say white lies, you will stop being trusted.
8. have FUN!- smile, laugh, do things that make you happy. As long as you have fun, everything will fall into place.

Since this is my last post of the school year, I'd like to thank everyone reading. Bye guys!

Believe - For Whatever It's Worth

By believing passionately in something that still does not exist, we create it. The non-existent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired.” -Franz Kafka

Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, are just 5 major religions in this world. What do they mean to their followers? For some, religion is a way to make sense of what life is, and a way to explain fate, or what lacks of it. For others, it is a way to hope that it is not just you directing your life, or others’. Religion is not just a term that can provoke wars, or call on its followers to attend worship. It is so much more. Religion is a term that can be defined as a catalyst for hope, a reason to be kind, and a reason to love. The books To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Night by Elie Wiesel, and The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd share a plot about a young child who is forced to follow the norm while trying to decipher who they are in a world where restrictions are too prominent to do so. Throughout the stories of Scout, Elie, and Handful, religion is used as a source of positive foundation, which in turn allows them to transform the world for the better.

Human's Greatest Innovation

As you read the title of my blog, did it trouble you to understand the words I had written? I have a feeling it didn't. When you have a conversation with a friend or family member, how do you communicate? Through language I'm guessing. I believe the greatest human innovation is the invention of language. Language allows people to communicate ideas in incredible ways. Without it, the invention of technology and fast transportation would not have spread so quickly across the world, and had not been accessible to the majority of the population. Furthermore, language has become a required course for all students. It is not only a vital part of life, but a concept that can evolve, be studied and changed forever. I hope that I can learn and become a great master of language one day, but it is a big goal to have. Long Live Language!

The Pressing Topics of Yesterday and Today

In my opinion, the three most crucial issues in society are FDA Regulations, environmental protection, and education reform. FDA regulations today have improved immensely from where they were in the early 1900s. Then, factory workers' fingers were being cut off in the machines they were using and unfortunately the remains of those limbs were being cut up and mistakenly falling into the meat. Today, this does not happen, because there have been safety regulations put in place to stop this from happening. There has also been recent talk about using GMO's in our food, and whether or not to have all food be organic. The FDA has improved their position within the food and drug industry which has helped the American population greatly, however there are still issues within the industry such as legalizing certain drugs, and correctly labeling food.
Another issue is environmental protection. In the progressive time period, John Muir was a huge part of making national parks untouchable. He had an eye for beauty and was able to see that such magnificent places should be preserved for the eyes, not for chainsaws. Today, there are more than 50 national parks in America, and we owe this great fact to John. In the present time period, we are still having environmental problems. The difference is however, that the environment is in danger from pollution and dangerous gasses. This is an issue that needs to be solved soon because it could lead to something worse than cutting down a tree.
Finally, the last and worst issue we as the American race face today is the problems with education. In the early 1900's, students sat in rows, were taught to listen when spoken too and were taught to respect those in charge, basically all of the qualities factory workers need to be respectful do what they are told. Schools were preparing students to work in assembly lines for the rest of their lives, and this is not how students should be taught. This ridiculous way of teaching has been changed for most private schools today, however the big problem is with public schools. Public schools students still sit in rows, cannot talk without being spoken to, and go by the bell system. They have no freedom for what they learn, or their passions, at least within the school day. This is a pressing issue and should be changed as soon as possible. Students should be taught to follow their instincts and be creative, not listen and calculate all day.

How will I Transform the World?

       The world is an interesting place. I have always been told when there is a scary situation that there will always be more good people in the world than bad and not to worry. As I think about this now, I am not so sure.
       On the news, how often do you see kind acts between people or companies? How often do you see stories of violence and hate between people or races? One occurs much more than the other, and I am sure you know which one. As I walk down state street at night, I can't help but feel vulnerable. I attribute this anxiety to multiple things: being a girl, being a teenager, it being dark, and not feeling strong enough if something were to happen. The concerned feeling is not a new concept to me. I am an anxious and cautious person so it must be normal for me to feel this way when walking in a relatively safe town at night.

No. It may be normal to me, but that doesn't make it right.

There are reasons that people are scared and worried about their well-being in public situations. Some are attacked and hurt on a daily basis all over the world, on different levels, so does violence's frequent occurrences make it okay?

 Absolutely not, however this is how many view the problem.

Unlike providing water for everyone, this is something that can't be solved with money or resources. This is an issue hiding deep inside the stereotypical and dark crevasses of our brain, that can only be solved with patience and understanding. I realize that I can't solve this problem by myself, but if enough people see how unjust the circumstances are for people around the world, maybe this problem will solve itself, and I hope to be a part of the change.

Who is the Most Courageous Person in my Life?

Courage has a very expansive meaning in my opinion. Someone could have courage in their personality, and be brave because they want to be. One could have tragedy thrown in their life and have to show courage not by choice, but because it is necessary for their survival. Furthermore, one could be surrounded by courageous people and not possess it personally, but absorb it through peers. Because of the diversity in the meaning, I have chosen to not appoint someone who upholds the title of most courageous. In my daily life, I am surrounded by people who face challenges and hardships every day with a brave and optimistic attitude, so not only do I think me answering this question is unfair, but also inconsiderate to everyone who demonstrates a courageous mindset in their everyday lives. This being said, I would like to mention people that do not receive the recognition for courage they should:
-local emergency responding teams such as the police force, fire response squad, etc.
-terminal disease survivors who overcame their hardships
and finally,
-anyone who lives life and goes throughout their day with gratitude for what they have, a smile on their face, and hope for someone less fortunate to have happiness and support in their life.

Lessons Learned from War

War is a teacher
Never halting nor waiting for other's backgrounds
Always tearing apart the souls of innocent men, to come to a conclusion.
Showing those that choose to participate their harsh words once said to the other side

As I aid those who walk to kill, I see all
I see the men who fight for their beliefs
I see the men who fight because they think it is right
I see the men who long for the warmth or their wife's embrace

As I aid those who walk to kill, I feel all
I feel the sorrow of nurses, who saw their friend die
I feel the triumph of a soldier, who shot the enemy for the first time
I feel the bloody dirt I have to trudge on, day after day.

I do not own a heart, I do not own a soul, but if what I see is how it feels to be human, I will stay the same for a very long time.

I cannot express the realities from first hand, for I am only the boots, aiding those who walk to kill.