Narration: Graduation.

Graduation

I have always been known to be the person who shows up late for everything. Maybe it is because of my African descent. Africans are considered the most unpunctual people in the world, and they will tell you if they are asked. Time management seems to be a problem for them, and i am no exception. I am late to everything, and i was even late to my own high school graduation, the most important time in my life.

It just so happened that the 3rd of June, 2009  was the day designed for my high school class to graduate. I woke up pretty early, i don’t know if it was out of excitement, but also my house was full with cousins who came to support me. So i woke up whenever they did, and on this day, they woke up early. On that day, i felt a little nervous and also stressful because i received phone calls from family and friends all over the country and had to keep up with my hair appointment. My hair appointment was at 8:30 a.m. and i left the house at exactly that time. When i got to the salon, my hair dresser was busily working on another client’s hair so i had to sit around for a while. When it was finally my turn, i mounted up on the stool and the work on my hair began.

Unfortunately for me, the hair dresser took longer than i had anticipated. A work that i though would take about an hour and a half ended up taking three hours. I didn’t leave the store until 12:30 p.m. and i had to be at the graduation in thirty minutes. I got home, shortly after and because i had not taken my bath, i rushed to the bathroom, took a very quick shower and came out. My clothes were not ready so i had to plead with my sister to help me out. I got dressed, tried to look my best in thirty seconds. By the time i was all set to leave for my graduation, the time was 1:30 p.m. I was thirty minutes behind time. Honestly, i was so confused and my nervousness raged out of proportion. I kept asking myself, what if they did not allow me to graduate because i was late? What if i become an object of ridicule because I’m late? The number of “what if” questions were countless.

Fortunately, i was late but everyone received me kindly. I remember, as soon as i drove in with my brother, the man directing the cars yelled out to me and said, “hey! that graduate needs to be in there right now!”  Immediately, i jumped out of the car, with my graduation robe, all out of place and headed straight to where i saw students i recognized as graduates. I saw the principal who asked me to fix the my attire and join the closest line i can see. I did just that. To my disadvantage, my seat was in the front row; in front of everyone. I felt welcome considering the fact that i showed up late. Everyone seemed concerned about my absence and thought i will not be able to show up. Overall, the graduation ceremony was a success.

I will never know when i will overcome my flaw of being late everywhere. I’ve had moments when i said, “this will be my very last time” but find myself repeating the same old routine the very next day. It’s difficult to overcome than i thought, but i hope with great planning and time management i will stop my habit of lateness. If not, who knows, i might be late to my college graduation.

Cause and Effects of Fast Food Restaurants

The effects of fast food restaurants

Fast food is any food that is quick, convenient, and usually inexpensive. You can buy fast food just about anywhere that sells food and snacks. Vending machines, “drive-thru” restaurants, and 24 hour convenience stores are probably the most common places to find fast food. It’s so popular because for under five dollars, you can usually get a filling meal. However, fast food is inexpensive because it is usually made with cheaper ingredients such as high fat meat, refined grains, and added sugar and fats, instead of nutritious foods such as lean meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

As the world progresses people do not have time for anything, adults are entirely rapped up in there jobs, as they just want to be successful and give there family a wealthy living and students are now more than ever attending after school classes such as martial arts, singing or dancing lessons. People now rely on the easiest and fastest way for pretty much everything. We now have internet that makes communicating all over the world very fast and convenient. We have text messaging and cell phones to ease our stress on getting to talk to others at a very fast pace. Now, we have fast foods for people who need a fast access to food. So where does this current living lifestyle leave us with fulfilling our body with the correct nutrients?

In our world and time currently, many people have lost touch of what they experienced while growing up. The traditional family dinner at the table where everyone could talk about how their day went. The traditional quality time with mum whenever she was cooking and in that process, learn how to cook. Those old routines not only brought the family together, but they also created healthy lives. Now, most parents prefer to go out and eat with the family rather than cook. Our idea of a delicious home cooked meal is slowly, but surely slipping away from our hands. Everyone has resolved to the easiest and most convenient was of eating. Yes, those food might be delicious, but they are also very unhealthy.

The effects on fast food on our society is evident more than ever. The United States is said to a country with the most percentage of obese people. Well some might wonder how that is possible. It comes as no surprise, considering the amount of fast food restaurants available and also the amount of people who patronize it. Sadly, obesity is the disease that kills many people annually, and yet it is a disease that can be cured easily. Most cancerous diseases that people die from are incurable but many doctors try all they can to help the patient overcome the illness. Obesity; however, is curable but many people are victims of the illness annually, unfortunately, many people die from it every year.

Many might ask the question, will decreasing the number of fast food restaurant, decrease obesity? Well, it will not decrease obesity, necessarily. However, educating society about the harmful effects of relying entirely on fast food, can help decrease obesity. Encouraging society to stay home and cook will not only save money, but it will also save lives.

Paper # 4

Bridal Procession Photo, India Picture – National Geographic Photo of the Day.

“Thank You Ma’am” by Langston Hughes

Character Analysis:

Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones

Mrs. Jones in the story was a woman who was going by her day like every other person. She was minding her business until a little boy decided to snatch her purse. Surprisingly, th e little boy was able to get away with the purse because he tripped and was caught by Mrs. Jones. Instead of sending him to the police because he tried to steal her purse, Luella decided to question the little boy on her own. She sent him to her house. An action that many people will not do because there is a possibility that the thief will not only come by and steal in her house, but he might bring along a whole crew. Nevertheless, Luella observed that the boy was dirty and needed his face to be washed so upon arrival at her home, she asked the little boy to wash his face. As he was washing his face, she made him dinner and began a conversation with him. She told him what she did for a living and went ahead to ask the little boy why he wanted to steal her purse. Apparently, he was from a home where no one cared about him and he needed a pair of suede shoes so that prompted him to steal. After spending some time together, Mrs. Bates gave the little boy 10 dollars and asked him never to steal again but instead, ask whenever he needed something.

Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones is a unique character in the story. She is found doing the opposite of what most people will expect her to. For example, as the little boy still her purse and does not get away with it, most people will expect that after she caught him, she will turn him in to the authorities. Instead she takes him home and actually treats him very nicely. Also, she does not punish him for what he did but rather asked him why he did what he did.  She treated the little boy like her son. In the end, she gave him the money he needed to purchase the shoes that he always wanted and allowed him to go free.

How does this story relate to contemporary times?

          In terms of our society today, this story reminds me of why perople commit crimes. In Thank You Ma’am by Langston Hughes, the poor little boy stole because he didnt have any money to buy a pair of shoes that he really wanted. In our world today, many youngsters and even adults find it hard to have what they want, so they find crime to be their only option. They steal, if that is the only option for them to get what they want. They kill, if that is the only option to get what they want. Without seeking other options such as working hard to get what they want, these people want the easy way out.

          When they get caught, they face the authorities, that is, they are sent to jail or have to go to court to defend themselves. Most often, depending on the crime, these criminals are punished according to their deeds. Very seldomly do they go free, like the little boy in the story. As they are facing the punishment, some learn their lessons and others do not. Those who do, look back and are thankful for what they did, like the liitle boy was grateful to Mrs. Bates.

Drinking Age

CLAIM:       The drinking age in all states should be 21

GROUNDS:

1) Reduces the amount of highway fatalities due to drunk driving

2)  Individuals who are introduced to alcohol tend to be very dependent on it later in life

3) Allowing teens to drink will negatively affect the academic performance of students

4) Setting the drinking age at 21 decreases the the percentage of underage drinkers

5) Allowing teens to drink will make them more vulnerable to drug and substance abuse.

WARRANT: Making the drinking age in all states 21 will decrease the percentage of highway fatalities due to drunk driving and also, most teens are still learning about responsibilities, so increasing the drinking age keeps them and others safe.

Twenty-one should be the legal drinking age.

Effects of Technology

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  No one can actually go back in time and tell the exact date technology came into effect; there is no history of when technology began. As far as one is concerned, technology has always existed, depending of the time frame the person lived. Cave men striking two rocks to ignite fire for the very first time can be considered a form of technology because it made life a little easier for them. According to Webster’s Dictionary, technology is the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area. Ever since modern technology came into existence, there has been positive, negative effects as a result.

          The use of technology has some positive effects. Technology has automated many of the critical processes in the industry as well the household. The electronic gadgets that have entered the homes of the common man have saved him from the daily household work. The automobile industry and technology are almost interwoven. Times have witnessed this industry evolve from mechanical scooters to automated aircrafts. Animals were the only modes of transport in the olden days. Technology was the driving force behind the creation and design of the modern-day automobiles. Bicycles evolved into scooters and sports bikes. The idea of having four-wheeled modes of transport gave rise to the creation of cars. Modes of air and water transport came up, thanks to technology. Machines have automated many of the crucial industrial processes. Machines are now taking up many of the mundane jobs that were once executed by human workers. Technology has evolved to an extent where machines can perform tasks that are physically inaccessible to man. The use of advanced technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence has proved helpful in life-risking tasks like mining and space exploration. The computer technology, needless to say, has changed the face of the world.

          Computers can store, organize and manage huge amounts of data. They can process large amounts of information. Computers have given rise to the software industry, one of the most progressive industries of the world. The Internet that seeded from the computer networking concepts is the most effective communication platform and the largest information base existing today. The Internet has brought an important positive change to the entertainment and advertising industry. Advertisements can reach the masses within seconds over the Internet. The entertainment media has progressed only because of the advancements in technology. Cellular communication has revolutionized the communication industry. The conventional telephone, also a piece of technology, was one of the earliest technological developments in communication. Mobile phones have broadened the horizons of communication by enabling convenient long-distance calling. Satellite communication is another important dimension of technology. Satellite TVs and satellite radios have eased the broadcasting of events across the globe.

          While technologies have their advantages there is a negative effect to all this technology as well. Since the industrial revolution, society has become more and more dependent on technology. So much so that people sometimes lack the willingness to think before they act. Some individuals become impatient if it takes more than a few seconds to download a copy of the morning news paper. Others expect immediate responses to their email, and expect someone to answer their cell phone whenever and wherever they call. The invention of the television has brought all forms of entertainment into homes, with video and audio combined. Before 1950, newspapers and radio were the only ways to bring media or entertainment into the house. Mass production and other job opportunities brought many people from the rural areas and farms into the city. Society is more reliant on technology than ever before. Technology is making society so bust that people cannot even find time to spend with their dear ones. It would be surprising to know that people are in contact through chat and online messaging though they are in same city. Due to the fact that they think it is faster and effective, but they are forgetting that meeting personally can never replace online chatting.

          As society becomes more knowledgeable, technological advancements will be more evident and even more complicated. One has no idea what scientists and engineers might create in the near future but their goal will be to make the world much easier to live in. Their creations might be of great help to society and others might bring great unproductiveness. However, technology will always be needed and will be up to individuals to make use of it as they wish.

H.A.P.P.I.N.E.S.S.

          Happiness is a mood that many find difficult to understand. Everyone has their own definition of the word but happiness is an “emotion we experience when in a state of well being” (Frias). A smile can easily be perceived as someone being happy. Laughter can also be described as someone expressing himself in a state of happiness. Happiness, however, goes beyond physical  appearances and mainly has a lot to do with the emotions of oneself. According to Destiny Trenino, “to be content with your life not just financially wise, but in deeper sense such as family and love” is what makes one happy. Happiness is a feelng of contentment, self establishment and success. Happiness is “to be able to wake up everyday with a positive outlook on life” (Trenino).

          A pessimistic individual can never be happy in life. He will always have thoughts of negativity and failure even when a situation is at its best. According to Jessica Gutierrez, happiness is “to be consumed with positivity, without negativity.” Optimism is very helpful when it comes to the issue of happiness. Most often, many believe happiness can be afforded because of wealth, but that is not the case. Happiness is “being content and having feelings of joy. A feeling that is defined by a good state of mind and an up beat approach to the world around us” (Yanez). If one lives in a nice house, drives a nice car and lices flambouyantly, society automatically believes the person is happy. Happiness; however, does not come from tangible resources; happiness comes from within. Yes, driving a nice car can put a smile on one’s fave. Yes, living in a multi-million house can put a smile on one’s face. Yes, living a lavish life can make one happy, but it is temporary happiness.

Works Cited

Frias, Bernardo Pursuit of Happiness. Irving: Northlake Community College, 2010. Print

Gutierrez, Jesenia. Journey of Joy. Irving: Northlake Community College, 2010. Print

Trenino, Destiny. The Purpose of Life. Irving: Northlake Community College, 2010. Print

Yanez, Alicia. Joy for Life. Irving: Northlake Community College, 2010. Print

Brazil’s First Female President

                                                                                                               In a recent election in Brazil, he country elected their very first female president. Latin America is no stranger to female presidents but Brazil has never had a female leader. Dilma Rousseff was the former chief of staff for the former Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Due to her position in the former government, Rousseff was mostly worked behind the scene. Forbidden by the law to run fo a third term, former President Lula encouraged Rousseff to ran for the presidency. The race to becoming a president was not easy for Rousseff. Earlier in the campaign, she was being treated for lymphoma. Also due to the fact that she was a female running for presidency in a country that is dominated with male politicians, she was underrated. Despite her mishappenings in the presidential race, Roussef overcame all the obstacles and is now the first president of Brazil.

          During the previous elections, the United States came closer to having a female president than any other presidential campaigns. Hillary Clinton, wife to the former President Bill Clinton ran for nominee of the democratic  party but unfortunately won the race to Barrack Obama. Its surprising how close she actually came to being called the president of the United States of America. Will America ever be ready for a female president? Maybe not any time soon but eventually, the country might be led by a female. Brazil is the wealthiest country in Latin America and the United States in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Rousseff’s responsibilty of upholding Brazil’s reputation might be great, but she just might do her job very well. As for the United States, we will not know if a female can uphold the country’s reputation until a female is actually elected president.

Pathos

Clustering

Loss of A Loved one

Strength
Shocking

Struggle

Comfort

Self

Tragic

Family

Poor Health care

Siblings
Sad
Mom
Dad

Africa
Confused

Scratch Outline

Effects of losing a loved one
– Causes one to appreciate the people they have
– Makes one very careful and hopeful for the best since the unexpected is always bound to happen
– Makes one stronger
Dad’s tragic death
– Created a major shock in the family
– Affected mom the most since dad was always the main provider
– Reveals, to an extent, the poor level of healthcare in Africa
How the loss of father affected me
– Now I do not have a father figure, all I have is mum
– All responsibilities are now geared towards mother
– The death has brought the family closer and made us stronger

Something I Have Experienced

The thought of losing a loved one may seem to be an issue one could think the least about until the unexpected happens. It was a hot African summer, usually; my siblings and I take summer classes because my father was strict when it came to education, but not this specific summer. During the summer of 2002, my father decided to drop us off at my aunt’s house since he had to travel and mother was already abroad. At first, I thought it was unusual because father never made such decisions but I pushed the thought under the rug and became very happy to spend the summer with my aunt. The following week, father dropped us off at a town where my aunt lived, said his goodbye, and that was the last time I saw my father alive.
I remember calling my dad on his phone the day he told us he will arrive in the country and he never answered. Then I began to get worried, but yet again my thought was that “it’s dad, nothing can happen to him”, and threw the thought away. Upon returning home, I saw mum, and my father’s family all dressed in black, the color worn in Africa to represent mourning. I ignored that fact and was so excited to see mum. Then, an uncle called us into the guest room because he said he wanted to tell us something. That’s when it hit me that the event I did not expect the most, has finally happened to me. My uncle told us father died during his trip. At first, I was in denial and stayed in denial for a long time until I really did not see dad. When events like a loss occurs, it affects the way one views life and can change an individual completely. Till this day, I get scared when it comes to the idea of me or anyone in my family traveling. I’m aware death can meet someone anywhere and at anytime but for some reason traveling scares me the most.

“Just fine” by Mary J. Blige