Blog Week 9
April 23rd - Making Connections I always feel kind of old when I look at what the popular kids cartoons are now and think "Gosh, my cartoons used to be so much better." My favorite things to watch in the morning before school used to be The Smurfs, Scooby Doo, and Tom and Jerry. So the fact that if you asked what those are to a toddler today and they would have no idea breaks my heart a little bit. I was confident to say that no cartoon even holds a candle compared to the ones I used to watch- until I found Bluey. This Australian cartoon might have well reinstated my faith in humanity. Bluey, is an Australian animated series that was released in 2018. The show follows a family of Blue Heelers, specifically the eldest daughter, "Bluey." She lives with her mom, Chili, dad, Bandit, and little sister, Bingo. When you look up the genre for the show it very unsurprisingly says "preschool" but I promise you a good chunk of the shows viewers are much older than preschool. While Bluey follows suit as a kids show with its bright animations and playful themes, it surely caters to more audiences than just children. The show's episodes are typically centered around basic and normal ideas, for example, the episode "Hairdressers" where the kids are pretending to cut Chili and Bandit's hair. But almost every episode of Bluey carries an important lesson or moral that the viewers can take away and learn without even realizing it. Throughout "Hairdressers" Bingo is trying to express her ideas and thoughts so, in an effort to help her sister, Bluey keeps trying to finish her sentences or complete her thoughts. The episode further develops with Bingo trying to find her voice and the whole family learning how to be more patient with Bingo as she learns how to express herself. Along with their valuable lessons, Bluey also adds some humor for older audiences and ensures the show is entertaining more viewers than just kids. I must confess, I've definitely watched Bluey while babysitting and while on my own. |
The cutest show ever
Photo Credit: Disney Plus Word Count: 349 |
Blog Week 8
March 6th - Harmless Vice Beverage Runs: My Harmless Vice or My Guilty Pleasure Rain or shine, day or night, in sickness and in health, there will always be one thing that I will never refuse- a beverage run. While some may call this an addiction, I call it a well deserved treat. These beverages can range from Starbucks iced coffees in the morning, to crispy McDonalds cokes after school. I mostly accredit this addiction to my mom. She probably would not enjoy being put to blame for this, but it's the soul truth. I remember always running errands together and accompanying her for mundane tasks, all because of the promise of a sweet iced beverage. One day after all of our exhausting errands I remember we went to my mom's favorite sandwich shop. Along with my meal, I had gotten a root beer. As I sat in the booth across from her, I was lost, deep in thoughts of beverages. Until I told her, "You know, I can honestly say that I think I would drink a soda at anytime of day. If someone offered me a soda I just couldn't refuse it." She looked at me, wondering where she went wrong but also deeply resonating with my statement all at once. My deep confession was met with her sorrowful reply, "You get it from your mom." While this occurred years ago I think that the beverage addiction has spread. My love for hopping in the car and driving to find a satisfying beverage can be a bit costly, but it brings me much enjoyment. |
I give beverage runs 5 stars.
Photo Credit: Claire Morris Word Count: 252 |
Blog Week 7
February 21st - Prompt As a kid I used to get teased for being a teacher's pet quite often. When I got a good score on a test or paper some of my peers would roll their eyes and give me the "of course you did" reaction all in one glance. While this bothered me, because I genuinely enjoyed getting to know my teachers and just wanted to impress them, it never really changed how I acted. I would just roll my eyes right back at them and keep to myself because I knew my work was worth what grade I received. Until one day, I was hanging out with one of my friends at recess. He was complaining to me about a score he got on an essay and said that he thought it was simply because the teacher just hated him. I loved this teacher and didn't believe that he would mark my friend down out of pure hatred so I tried to defend him. In response to my efforts, he looked at me and said, "Well, what did you get?" I reluctantly told him my score (which was presumably better than his) and was met with a reaction that would change my perception of myself. "You only got that score because he likes you, not because you actually earned it." At the time, this quip was one of the most insulting remarks I could imagine. My body was filled with rage and I grew so angry that someone close to me could so quickly discredit the work that I put into my assignment. I don't remember how that conversation specifically ended. but I do remember the next couple of days in PE he would run by me and whisper "teacher's pet" along with some other boys. From then on I told myself that I didn't care what people thought of me. While I tried to convince myself of this at the time, I think the fact that I can so vividly recall this memory proves that it wasn't the truth. I was insecure about my true value and began to believe what I was being teased about, I thought that maybe I wasn't as smart as I thought. So, in an effort to refuse the fact that it could be true, I just pretended it didn't get to me. Believe it or not, I still hear some of these remarks in high school. And similarly to then, I still tell myself that I don't care what people think of me. The difference this time is that now I believe myself, not what others say. I believe that truly not caring what other people think of you comes from a place of knowing your worth and trusting your own capabilities. |
The true face of a girl willing to throw hands at recess if you mess with her report card.
Photo Credit: Claire Morris Word Count: 458 |
Blog Week 6
January 17th - Prompt Something that I wish I could do well is math. Out of all the ways I could have gone with this prompt my choice may come off as humorous, but it is the genuine truth. For all of my life I have enjoyed learning, I am very grateful for my educational opportunities and see the value of knowledge. English has been my favorite subject since what seems like the dawn of time, but I also enjoy science and history. English has always come pretty naturally for me but science and history are subjects I've challenged myself in. I took Honors Biology and AP World History as two of my class courses last year. I didn't always grasp the content immediately, but it was an engaging challenge that I was happy to take on. However, there is one challenge that I believe I will be fighting until the day that I die- math. I wish that I could say I was good at it but just didn't enjoy it, or that I enjoyed it but just wasn't good at it, because the truth is that neither of those options are the case. There is no drop of love or joy for math in my body and it SHOWS. In my younger years of schooling, math was difficult but my struggle was manageable. Fractions and multiplication charts were a daily annoyance, but nothing to write home about. As I got older is when the problem really started to be apparent. My first notable fail with math was in 3rd grade, when we took our CASSP math test. I remember it like it was yesterday, when the bell rang for recess all of the kids shut their computers and ran outside to play. But left over in the classroom was one sad little girl staring at her computer, waiting for an answer to just magically appear on the screen. That sad little girl was me, and I did in fact cry to my 3rd grade teacher about how I literally had no clue how to solve any of the problems. And while I wish I could say differently, those were not the last tears I shed over elementary school math tests. This mental battle carried on into high school and still rages today. Although this was an answer with some silly stories I do truly feel that being skilled in English and subjects with the arts is often overlooked in comparison with being skilled in STEM subjects. Even if I think my math skills improved I believe that my heart lies with English. |
Photo Credit: Arizona State University
Word Count: 430 |
Blog Week 5
November 30th - Literary Quote Analysis "We accept the love we think we deserve." During my freshman year of high school I wrote an analysis on this quote by Stephen Chbosky, And while I still love it and believe in its significance, I think the meaning of it has changed in my life. The first time I wrote about this quote I think my perspective on things was a bit more simple and optimistic. I focused more on the surface level meaning of the quote and didn't really think about how it applied to my life. Now that I have a little bit more experience in all things I believe I can understand the layers to this quote. When Chbosky is talking about "love" he doesn't only mean romantic. While this may be the most common thing people's mind goes to when they read this, it does not only apply to romance. (maybe that's why I didn't have a very deep understanding of it at the time...). In our friendships, family relationships, and romantic lives we accept and give love every day. Whether it be through quality time, confiding in each other, or reassurance we are constantly crossing paths with love. However, if we do not truly believe we deserve the love that we are receiving, then it is meaningless. This is why it can be so easy to let people walk all over us. We stay in toxic relationships and allow ourselves to be more susceptible to fake love (or no love at all) because we think that it correlates with our worth. I believe this is why I had trouble making genuine connections with people for so long. I was much more self reliant and thought that made me stronger, when in reality it was just my excuse for being scared of vulnerability. I clung to the relationships I had already built and strayed away from any new experience because I thought it was easier that way. As I got older I went through more struggle and began to come to terms with my flaws. While accepting these flaws was not something I wanted to do, it opened up so many doors for me. I started connecting with more people because I finally believed that I was worthy of being more than just a resource for others. This change allowed me to find people that I consider a true blessing in my life and showed me that I have a lot to offer. |
"I know love is real because I exist and am full of it!"
Photo Credit: Claire Morris Word Count: 401 |
Blog Week 4
October 11th - Personality Test "The Achiever: They are defined by their impressive drive to accomplish more." Type threes appear to be confident, goal-oriented, and ambitious. But also, "The Achiever: They are unsure of their innate self-worth and fear being insignificant or a failure." Type threes seek to project an image of themselves and repress their internal feelings. While usually I like to kid about these type of tests, knowing that people will resonate with whatever they are told, I do believe that the type three enneagram is fitting for me. I love taking on a challenge and have a drive to do great things in life, but I also need reassurance and seek validation. After looking into what it really means to be a "type three" more, I am reminded of one of my absolute favorite movies- Fantastic Mr. Fox. The movie is about an extremely ambitious fox, who is unsatisfied with his calm life. Before finally settling down, he wishes to have one final grand scheme. In pursuing this scheme, he gets himself and those he loves dearly in a significant amount of trouble. While in the height of the issue, he gives a vulnerable monologue, "I think I have this thing where I need everybody to think I'm the greatest, the quote-unquote Fantastic Mr. Fox. And if people aren't knocked out and dazzled and slightly intimidated by me, I don't feel good about myself." If I didn't already have an obsession with the movie or a love for Wes Andersen, this quote alone would be enough to earn my stamp of approval. Like The Achiever, Foxy seeks fulfillment in his life through what he can accomplish, almost to a fault. I've been able to observe this in myself as well, both the good and the bad parts of it. Although things like the enneagram test don't get everything right, I think it's cool to be able to reflect on yourself and pull what is fitting from it. |
Foxy, from Wes Andersen's "Fantastic Mr. Fox."
Photo Credit: Little White Lies = Word Count: 326 |
Blog Week 3
September 8th - Media Analysis We've all had the experience of sitting down, getting comfy, and looking for a movie to watch. Our indecisive nature leads to us scrolling for what feels like hours upon end until we're so sick of choosing that we don't watch anything at all! While in the moment this act feels like the hardest decision you've ever had to make, there is one clear answer that could save you loads of time and energy- Rom-Coms. If you think about it, it's truly the best, most obvious choice. Horror movies are not the pick for everyone, either you love them or you despise them! (and there is no in between) Sad movies will send you pausing the movie and going to buy tissues in bulk which isn't exactly ideal all the time. Action movies can be entertaining, but after too long you start to forget why people are even fighting in the first place! Period dramas are an acquired taste, by the end of the movie you're either talking in a British accent or 2 hours into a deep slumber. In all of these choices that just don't seem fitting, there is one solution! Romantic comedies have something for everyone. They come in various types, depending on the time period of release, actors, and targeted audience. Rom-Coms are the most versatile genre of movie, as they can be set in quite literally any type of setting, time, or universe! There is something for everyone in a Rom-Com. Feeling sad- The Notebook! Nostalgic? 10 Things I Hate About You! Dramatic? My Best Friend's Wedding! A common misconception is that Rom-Coms are just about their corny plots and unrealistic endings. That pre-conceive idea misses the whole point of the genre! Rom-Coms are meant to quite literally "romanticize" life. Nobody sits down and watches a Rom-Com with the idea that it will be the most complex movie ever produced. They want a feel-good love story that takes you on a journey of emotions! The best movies will always include a cheesy plotline and a surprise love confession- in the rain of course! |
An avid movie watcher of only the finest films (it was probably Tangled)
Photo Credit: Claire Morris Word Count: 348 |
Blog Week 2
August 30th - Object of the Week: Glasses Our life and its progression can be measured by many things. Sometimes by yearbook photos, marks of height on a wall, or clothes we've grown out of. But there is something else, a bit more unconventional, that can be a great measure of the course of our life- glasses. And no, I don't mean eyewear, I'm talking about the objects we drink from everyday. The first glass we are introduced to would be the bottle. This type of cup or glass usually contains milk, and is a great tool for quieting fussy babies. As we get older, we are promoted to the plastic "sippy cup." We are dependent on this cup throughout the progression of our childhood. It usually isn't real glass, as the sippy cup will be prone to getting dropped and being used as a projectile device. Following the sippy cup, is usually children's tumblers. These are a bit more elevated than the sippy cup, and often have fun characters and images on them. After the tumbler, is where our drinking device options expand. We begin to see the world outside of just our comfort cups. Some gravitate toward glassware, others prefer bottles (more elevated than the ones for babies), or even mugs. (usually containing caffeinated beverages) The glasses we use can often say a lot about who we are as people. Our preferences differ based on what we are drinking and what the occasion is. It's amazing to be able to observe the evolution of my life through my baby bottles, sippy cups, and tumblers. |
This was in the soccer phase of my life! Baby Claire was chugging from her water bottle.
Photo Credit: Claire Morris 258 words |
Blog Week 1
August 23 - Inside Out Narrative Similar to Riley in the Pixar movie, “Inside Out” we all have traits that define who we are. We begin developing these traits from adolescence and continue to grow them throughout the course of our lives. Many traits that we have can be attributed to the environment we were raised in, things we participate in, and people we surround ourselves with. In the movie, “Inside Out” Riley’s traits are categorized into her “personality islands.” Each island stems from her core memories and major life moments. Every person in this world has their own “personality islands” that make them unique. When thinking of my own “personality islands” and what they would look like, there is one core trait that comes to mind. I remember being in the 2nd grade when I first began to take interest in my school’s “student council” program. To my surprise, you had to be in the 4th grade to join as a class representative. When I was finally of age, I ran to be in the program and put together my campaign. To my luck, I ended up winning the election and was an official class representative. What I didn’t know at that time, was how impactful that good news would be in my life, and that the 4th grade was only the beginning of my career in student government. When I was in the 8th grade and had the job position of class president, I had a very important choice to make. Did I want to continue down this path in ASB that I started on, or try something different? Thankfully, I made the right choice and applied for the RHS leadership program. I can accredit much of my success (in every aspect) to the program and the people a part of it. Being involved in leadership has had a drastic impact on my life and is a significant part of who I’ve become. With that, there is no doubt in my mind that one of my “personality islands” would be the “leadership island." |
Me repping the leadership polo per usual! I've definitely come a long way since the 4th grade.
Photo Credit: Claire Morris
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