Career Fair

Overview of Occupations

            As I was interviewing students at the Career Fair I noticed some really unique and fascinating career stands. There was a diverse variety of occupations, such as pediatricians, criminal lawyers, physiologists, cardiologists and different types of surgeons. Some students had interestingly presented their career projects, especially Christiana. She wants to be a surgeon; she was dressed up in her medical uniform ready to work. I thought her occupation was really interesting. As she was educating me on a surgeon's profession, I found it really incredible that to become a surgeon you must attend 2-3 years in university, 4-5 years in medical school and 5-6 years of learning and becoming familiar with the new vocation! In total its 12-13 years of preparation to become a surgeon! That's almost a quarter of your lifetime. This education period is for people to learn the procedures, like first there is the check-up where the surgeon diagnoses the patient and decides what procedures are required to aid the person in need. Next is the procedure where the surgery is performed, during the procedure the surgeon ensures that all the instruments needed are cleaned and sterilized. After the procedure is performed the surgeon follows up with the patient's recovery, they make sure the patient is taking the correct medication and that the disease or problem is healing correctly.  But all this education and labour does pay off, there are many benefits and pros such as a large salary from between $100 000- $500 000 each year depending on how much experience you have as a surgeon and also a surgeon helps people immensely by possibly saving their lives. Also since this occupation is in the medical field the surgeon has medical coverage and benefits. A surgeon also learns a lot of life lessons and morals watching other people's possibilities of dieing, the surgeons learn to cherish their own lives. But there are also disadvantages and cons for this occupation, the most important one, of possibly killing someone, and having to deal with the guilt in your conscience for the rest of your life. Also it may be difficult in some stressful situations to keep calm and composed. Surgeons work long days with 9-10 hours each day, and in emergencies a surgeon could be called in to perform for a patient in a crisis. They'll have to stop and immediately arrive at the hospital and be prepared to perform swiftly. There are also the long years of education and preparation required to become a surgeon. You must also have funds available to enroll in the schools and courses that are required to have this occupation. I thought this profession was very interesting and exciting but I am not sure what profession I want to pursue. I might either become a teacher and afterwards become a principal or possibly have a profession involving the medical field. I am capable of becoming anything I want to be and be successful. I am still very young and only twelve and I still have a couple years to officially decide what profession I would like commit my life to and study diligently in.  

Christina Z

Holling's Victorious Cross-Country Race

Holling had been training for weeks.  At the tryouts for the varsity team Holling clocked in with the fastest time of all grade seven and eight.  Holling was so swift; it was questionable if he was naturally that quick without mutated rats like Sycorax and Caliban chasing after him, or perhaps Holling being filled with such an adrenaline rush running as if he were on fire.  But regardless Holling had such an unbelievable time he would be representing the seventh grade in the varsity race.  Every week Coach Quatrini would hold practice, with the varsity team and every week Holling would run behind the eight graders and would never dare pass them.  As the team ran together the seventh graders, like Holling and Danny, would trail behind in fear of being spat on in the face by eight graders  The two boys would keep behind the pack because….they knew what was good for them.  Last time Holling tried to pull in front of the crowd of eight graders he found himself waddling with his shorts around his ankles and a cool breeze wafting through his body. Eighth graders were bullies that tried to intimidate everyone, especially the seventh graders.  These bullies were filled with rage, embarrassment and wrath when the younger runners were swifter and speedier than them.

After spring break, Coach Quatrini announced the Long Island Junior High School Cross-Country meet was on the upcoming Saturday.  Saturday morning Holling arrived at the school, the air cool and crisp, but Danny and Holling were pumped to finish the races ahead.  Danny's JV cross-country race was announced and everybody was cheering him on.  Everyone was watching Danny's position closely and on the 4^th lap Danny was first across the finish line with one more lap to run.  Around the last bend everyone was anticipating Danny to appear but instead there was a mischievous pack of eight graders.  One runner after the other Danny still had not been seen.  Finally Danny had limped from around the bend, all bloody and beaten, and his knees dripping with blood.  He crossed the finish line nearly last.  Danny's dad carried Danny off to a place for him to rest.  Then as Holling was lining up at the start line Danny's father returned to tell Holling a message from Danny, he remarked garbled "Beat those pied ninnies?" Holling knew what he had to do, he had to win the race and prove to the eighth graders that they do not impact or intimidate the seventh graders.  Holling knew he had to do this especially for his friend that lost the race because of the bullies; he wanted to vindicate Danny by beating those eighth graders.  Holling's race commenced and by the second bend, Holling was already trailing behind the pack of eight graders.  When the runners had headed into the woods for the last lap, Holling ran close behind the crowd.  From the sidelines Mrs. Baker hollered at Holling to pass those eighth graders!  Holling obeyed, he sprinted into the bush and brushes staying close to the trail and passed the pack of eighth graders.  He passed the finish line first!  Holling couldn't have accomplished this without the encouragement from his teacher and coaches, Meryl Lee waving a rose at the end of the finish line and Danny waving his shirt at the end of the finish line screaming and slurring words.

This cross-country meet reminds me of when our school girls' basketball team was playing against and opposing, aggressive team.  Our team was winning by a couple baskets and the game had been even in score the majority of the game.  One girl on the opposing team elbowed Leger's point guard in the face; it was obvious that this team was becoming more aggressive.  I thought it was inappropriate for her to be so aggressive towards our team because that gives us a disadvantage to win and play our best.  The injury might not have been intentional but it caused our player to have a throbbing face.  Our point guard had to sit out for the remainder of the game which caused our team to lose our lead.  We all searched deep within ourselves and gathered the strength to beat this team to advance to the next round.  We began to play more aggressively and wanted to show this team that they cannot intimidate us or literally push us around.  We won the game by a basket and conquered the team like Holling did with the eight graders.

CHRISTINA Z

The Little Man and the Mountain

St. Andre

St Andre lived August 9, 1845 – January 6, 1937 and was officially named a saint on October 17, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI.  He was born in  Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Quebec and his original name was Alfred Bessette.  From the moment he was born he had to be specially looked after because of his frail body.  St Andre's father worked in the lumber industry, his father tragically lost his life in an accident with a tree falling on him when Andre was only nine years old.  Three years later his mother had died of tuberculosis, that left Andre and his ten siblings orphaned and on their own.  Andre was then sent to live with his aunt and uncle, he was searching for a job that would suit his fragile health.  That left St Andre wandering in search for a job with little education and barley the ability to read.  He sampled jobs such as a blacksmith, baker, shoemaker and wagon driver.  A pastor noticed the gentle, spiritual Andre and pursued for him to become part of the church system but he was denied because of his poor health.  But in 1874 he was finally accepted as Brother Andre. Bessette died in 1937, at the age of 91.  Millions of people remembered Andre and all the miracles he had performed with praying to St Joseph.  His body forever lies in the church that Andre helped build. 
  St Andre grew up as an average, humble man that today is known as one of the greatest servants of the Lord.  St Andre was not somebody who got everything handed to him like our current generation.  St Andre had a life of countless challenges and obstacles that he miraculously overcame.  Regardless of St Andre's deprived, destitute and ill-educated life, St Andre lived it to the fullest. He lived a modest and humble life through the light of the Lord and performed unfathomable miracles. Wealth or possessions were never a priority in his life, the significant goal that this feeble man achieved was the reward of assisting others.  Due to his weak physical state, St Andre became incapable of doing activities in life, but he never complained to the Lord.  The Lord had a plan for St Andre in the earliest times.  The Lord has prepared a plan for each of us that are waiting to be fulfilled.   Even in the most terrible times, we have to remember the Lord has included unfortunate events to test our faith in Him.  St Andre was faced with many tests from the Lord in his life.  Instead of becoming discouraged or upset with God, St Andre embraced the circumstances and tried to make the best of them.  In fact he was happy and content with his life because St Andre had the important things in his life, a personal relationship with the Lord and a place in heaven. 
Figuring that he was too unintelligent to become anything else, St Andre became a doorman at Notre Dame College in Montreal.  The only job for him each day was opening and closing the doors.  But he didn't frown on being a doorman; he enjoyed listening to people's situations and praying to St Joseph.  With St Andre's sincere prayers, problems were cured!  Andre was aware that he couldn't help the situations himself, so he prayed to the Lord which assisted many.  St Andre truly was the miracle worker of Montreal.  He was also able to build an astonishing oratory. This miniscule man is an example to all of us that when our situation becomes difficult the strong hearted will work harder, just like St Andre.  He trusted in the Lord and the Lord directed his meek, humble, holy and spiritual life. 

 Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path."

~Christina Z

Relating to The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars

Holling's Frequent Disappointments and Unfortunate Events

The night of Holling's performance in the Shakespeare play was also the night that his FAVOURITE baseball player on the New York Yankees, Mickey Mantle, was signing baseballs at the Baker Sporting Emporium.  After Holling's spectacular performance the crowd was crying and applauding with amazement.  The night was fantastic, but after his performance as Arial the 'warrior', Holling had to skedaddle to get to the Baker Sporting Emporium before Mickey Mantle left.  So Holling took a bow and bolted off to the dressing room to get dressed for the signing but the door was locked!  Mr. Goldman was still on stage bowing and bowing and it didn't look like he was finishing soon.  So Holling grabbed a blue, floral cape to cover his leotards with feathers on the bottom- and scurried outside to look for his father. His father hadn't arrived yet and Holling couldn't risk missing out on Mickey Mantle so he jumped on the bus.  Of course he had no money so Holling had to convince his way onto the bus, he also forgot his baseball but the bus driver was nice enough to give Holling a brand new baseball from the lost and found. When he got to the Sporting Emporium Holling was nervous with anxiousness, there was no line up and there in front of him was the one, the only, Mickey Mantle.  Holling walked up to Mickey in his cape and his yellow tights with feathers on his bottom- he handed Mickey the new baseball.  Mickey Mantle looked at Holling in confusion, wondering what Holling was supposed to be dressed up as.  After questioning   Holling, Mickey threw his unsigned baseball on the floor refusing to sign it. Then he was about to leave when Holling's friend return his baseball and left.  The two boys' were in shock, their hero was such a jerk and he crushed their spirits.  Those two boys looked up to this celebrity and Mickey wasn't who they thought he was.  He was mean and judgmental.  If I was Mickey Mantle I would be honored that many different types of kids are fans of mine.  But instead this famous baseball star crushed this boy's heart. "The world should split in two and I should fall into the crack and never be heard from again." Holling reflected on the recent occurrence.  "It hurts more than anything you can talk about." Holling thought.  Holling was embarrassed and ashamed of himself.  Only a mean, cruel, heartless person would cause these shameful thoughts of a young boy that idolized him.  Sometimes your role models and the people you look up to, are not always who they appear to be. 

Michael Jackson was somebody that I admired, and he was admired by millions of people that looked up to him.  He was the 'King of Pop' he was amazing.  But he wasn't happy with himself and the way he looked. To almost everyone Michael Jackson was amazing for his personality and his sensational music.  But very few people in Michael's life said hurtful comments that scarred him.  To me Michael Jackson was a great person and still has the reputation of a great person, I thought he was responsible and decent unlike some of the other artists.  But when I heard he was taking drugs I was crushed and disappointed.  All the drugs and depression made Michael not live the long life he should have.  On June 29, 2009 Michael passed away and the whole world was mourning.  I was disappointed; everyone had thought of him as a role model even me.  He was a remarkable singer and person who cared so much about other human beings. All his money and fame and he still wasn't content with his life.  I thought of Michael as a responsible person.  I had no idea he depended so heavily on drugs in his daily life.  I was saddened to learn that behind the scenes he wasn't that person, the person I had thought of him to be.  Many people had lost respect for M.J, but he was not happy with his personal life.  Every time M.J had seen his fans cheering him on, that was what fed him and kept him living happily for a while. Michael Jackson was a true, genuine amazing person but he eventually became overwhelmed with his life and all the stress.  We all make mistakes but this mistake destroyed his life.  We all still adore Michael, may his soul rest peacefully.

"And my goal in life is to give to the world what I was lucky to receive: the bliss of divine combination through my music and my dance."

-Michael Jackson

Christina Z

So far in novel

The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars has been a pleasure and delight to read thus far.  The greatest feature of this book is the consistent humor and sarcasm.  The humor of this book really adds emotion and personality to the characters.  The humor shows the personality of the characters which gives the readers a good assumption of what the characters act and look like.  From the beginning of the novel, there were witty phrases that you couldn't help but grin.  The best feature about this book is that children of our age can relate to Holling, with a teacher that hates them and the parents that ignore them.  There are mischievous characters, clumsy characters and intimidating characters that we can all relate to.   With the way the author Gary D. Schmidt shows the readers how a character feels whether frustrated or devastated, is interesting and leaves the readers wanting to read more.  "A good writer tells you a great writer shows you."  I also enjoy the story line and plot of this novel three chapters into the book.  It was very fascinating when I read the first page and the student, Holling, explains how on the first day of school his teacher immediately hates him for no reason at all.  The unfortunate events that this seventh grade boy manages to create, makes me chuckle and smile throughout every page.  This book was written with remarkable detail and thought.  The descriptions create the most unusual pictures in your mind, but they greatly add to the quality of every page.  There are descriptive, interesting sentences like "And if you can't have sun or blue sky, then you wish it would snow and cover the entire gray world with a sparkling white that your eye can't take it in."    This sentence and the descriptive words remind me of our month now.  Lately the sun hasn't made its appearance, it has been gray, cloudy and the days have been gloomy and ominous.  This describes how I feel in this season, sometimes it rains and sometimes it snows but the sun rarely reveals itself.   I would rather the snow fall already so I could play and build with it.   This is just one of the many sentences that create a pleasant image in my mind.  The vocabulary is diverse and creative with all the amusing and funny idioms, metaphors and similes.  "The halls filled up with the scent of Hamburger-and-Pepper Surprise, a scent that lingered like the smell of a dead animal caught underneath the floorboards" is a simile that makes me giggle.  I am anticipating the remaining chapters in this entertaining novel. 

Christina Z

History

Pierre Du Gua de Monts

            Pierre Du Gua de Monts was born in 1558 in France and died in 1628 in France.  Pierre Du Gua de Monts is famous for founding the first permanent settlement Port Royal in Acadia, which is now Canada.

            In June 1604 Pierre and his settlers entered the Baie Francaise, which is now the Bay of Fundy. They founded a colony on the St. Croix Island which was suitable and to defend from the Indians.  They spent the first winter on the island.  A few settlers surrendered to the harsh climates and diseases with the limited natural resources on the foreign island.  Many died of scurvy and other diseases.   After the loss of his colonists Pierre moved to land close to the island and started a colony Port Royal.

            Pierre was an early explorer that was given a monopoly on the fur trade by New France in 1603.  This monopoly gave Pierre the authority and power to stop any illegal traders.  In return for the monopoly given to Pierre, he became the governor and ruler of the new settlement Acadia.  Pierre would remain the governor of Acadia if he could bring 60 new colonists each year to Acadia.  Pierre was to sustain control of the area, explore and discover precious metals, gold, sliver and others for France.  The new settlement was also to evangelize to the Native peoples; France was very holy and wanted to Christianize new people that were strangers to God.  Pierre's new colony was associated with some other early explorers; Jean de Poutrincourt, Samuel de Champlain, Marc Lescarbot, Mathieu Da Costa, Louis Herbert and many more were involved.  The settlers harvested and planted crops on the new barren land.  The colonists also built a mill to grind flour.  The French traded leftover furs with the Micmaq tribe.  The new land was becoming successful but the business project wasn't.  While Pierre was trying to increase the business, merchants were becoming jealous and were protesting and undermining him back in France so the King cancelled the monopoly.

            In 1607 the monopoly was cancelled by the French king, King Henri IV and Pierre was forced to desert Port Royal.    In 1608 he decided to assist Samuel de Champlain build in Quebec for Samuel and Pierre were very close friends.  Pierre helped prove that Europeans could dwell in North America permanently and that the country was able to support agriculture.  He accomplished many amazing goals before his life sadly ended. 

            Pierre's associates and trust worthy friends were thankful for his accomplishments and for his support.

Marc Lescarbot: "De Monts, it is you whose high courage has traced the way for such a great undertaking, and for this reason, in spite of the attack of time, the leaf of your fame will grow green in an eternal spring."

Christina Z

Holling Hoodhood

The Wednesday Wars

Holling Hoodhood's Parents

            Mr. and Mrs. Hoodhood seem to disregard every word Holling explains to them.  Holling approaches his mom to inform her, always feeling like he has to convince her, and explains to his mother that his teacher Ms. Baker despises him.  Mrs. Hoodhood denies that Mrs. Baker detests Holling even though she doesn't even know the details.  As she is told by Holling what took place at school that day, the information goes in through one ear and out the other.  Not even listening to what her son just told her, she automatically takes the teachers side without really knowing the full story.  In disbelief of how oblivious his mother is, Holling goes and looks for the hope of a decent ally against his teacher "out to get him".  Holling's father is an architect that owns a company Hoohhood and Associates.  Hoodhood and Associates was being considered for an immense deal with the Baker Family's Sporting Emporium and their new building.   Holling's father was watching his Walter Cronkite show when Holling came and explains his problem with his new grade seven teacher Ms. Baker loathing him.  The first response Mr. Hoodhood has is "What did you do?"  As Holling explains his innocence and Mrs. Baker "hating his guts," all that registers to Mr. Hoodhood is that Ms. Baker is part of the Baker family that is choosing the architect for the new building for the Baker Sporting Emporium.  At that moment all that Holling's dad is interested in is ordering Holling to respect and praise Mrs. Baker for the sake of the Hoodhood and Associates chances of succeeding.  For Holling this wasn't a surprise because his perfectionist father usually doesn't pay much attention to him just their "Perfect House."  Holling's house is always trying to be improved by his parents.  The exterior of his house is smooth, bleach white which Mr. Hoodhood paints every year.  The azaleas are all the same size to match the perfect walkway leading up to the perfect porch.  The door that never squeaks opens into an uncomfortable living room perfectly covered in plastic.  Instead of spending time with his family Mr. Hoodhood searches for something in the house to improve and perfect.  Holling feels like all his dad really cares about is his house and work.  But Holling must realize that his father works for him and does love him.  Holling doesn't think that his parents really care or love Holling but I think that throughout this book Holling will begin to realize that his parents do everything for Holling and his sister.  Hopefully Holling will understand his unique family and that his family truly does love both him and his sister.

Christina Z

Me to We Excursion

                                   

On October 27, 2010 a few grade seven students and teachers went to an astonishing workshop.  We arrived at the high school and were anticipating the special speakers that were going to attend the "Me to We" workshop.  We walked into the large gym and Mark Keiburger was speaking.  Mark Kielburger has a brother Craig Kielburger, and together they started an amazing organization "Free the Children."

Krieg Keilburger was a 12 year old ordinary boy that read the newspaper one morning.  The headline was about a boy in India that was murdered because he refused and stood up for child labour.  This young Indian boy worked in a small carpet factory; he wanted the opportunity and right to go to school to get an education.  Many children in many countries work in factories that put their lives in danger everyday.  The boy one day decided to rebel his work, he started to convince people to have a voice and refuse to be put to child labour.  This boy's topic began to receive too much attention and started to get others thinking about how child labour should be condemned.  One of the Indian masters or bosses was informed about this boy convincing others that child labour was wrong.  Somebody was sent to kill this boy.  We are so fortunate to have an education doesn't matter what race, age or culture.  Craig Kielburger was touched by this newspaper headline and took initiative.  He went to school that day and told this truly devastating story to his classmates.  He then asked who wanted to free the children and many hands shot up.  Today he is known for his amazing organization "Free the Children."

Free the Children" is an astounding organization that supports those who don't have a voice, and those who can't speak out in fear of being murdered and threatened.  November 19 is the day when all over the world, people will take the vow of silence.  We take the vow of silence and don't speak for 24 hours to support those who can't speak out.  In some countries villagers and kids don't have clean water, proper medicine, education and can't break the cycle of poverty.  Kids don't usually live to the age of five, so when a child survives until the age of five it is an accomplishment.  We can free the children, we can support and come together to benefit  all.

One time the Kielburgers were building a school in Equador.  They had to leave soon for their flight but it was dark and the roof wasn't put up yet.  They were puzzled so they went to the wisest person in the village.  She was a four foot tall 108 year old woman.  They explained their problem and then the woman went out into the village and told all the villagers they were having a "minga" tomorrow.  At 4:00 the next morning all the villagers came to the uncompleted school and put the roof up together.  The Kielburgers were stunned how everyone came together and finished the roof in such a co operative way.  They came together in a "minga."  A minga is the coming together of people for the benefit of all.  I had a blast and listened to some of the most amazing speakers!  Let's come together in a minga and be the remarkable change-makers of the world!

Christina Z

Awful Halloween- Christina Z

The Most Awful Halloween

                It was October 31^st,    when I was about six years old.  I was dressed up in my Barbie princess costume and I had my golden crown placed upon my royal head.  I was also wearing my matching Barbie princess shoes because I knew I wouldn't be able to pull off my fabulous outfit with out them. My sister was upstairs acting out Dracula phrases and playing with her lengthy cape that had a satiny sheen to it.  My brother was making different and unusual arm motions, attempting to be ninja!  I didn't want to break the news to him that it wasn't working out so I let him continue with his nonsense!  While my siblings were trying to play the part of their costumes, I sprinted upstairs to retrieve my princess bag.  I was anticipating my bag would be full when I returned home. I was looking forward to the tootsie rolls, the Oh Henry bars and the sour delights that I couldn't wait for to explode in my mouth! 

                We set out on our journey. It was a dim autumn night and I could smell the snow in the crisp, fall breeze.  It was a quiet night not many people were out, the roads were serene.  There were about 20 houses that gave us many scrumptious delights.  The houses were ornately decorated; there were flashing lights and creepy scenes.  At several houses there were fake dummies that had fake blood everywhere and some heads emerging from the ground, the props seemed frightening.  The night was coming to an end.  What a great, successful night!!  My arms were hanging on by a thread the bag was so full.  I was hobbling along in my noisy clanking, stylin' Barbie shoes that all the other kids on my block wanted, but couldn't have.  I was relieved that we were coming to the end of our excursion, my legs were rubber.   It was our final house of Halloween night, my siblings and I walked up the broad driveway, ready to fall asleep.  We drowsily walked up the steps while my mom waited at the end of the driveway.  At the front window, the light from the television was illuminating off the curtains onto the porch.  I rang the doorbell, the person sitting on the couch watching T.V, got up from his seat, and then came to bring the goodies.  Through the screen door I could see the silhouette of the man coming to the door. The bald- headed man opened the door and gave a friendly smile.  My siblings and I grinned cutely.  The man dropped the delights into my sibling's bags and last but not least it he came over to me, he was about to drop the candies into my bag when, a giant golden retriever jumps from the screen door!!!!!  RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!! The dog came over, I could imagine myself screaming so loud the dead could hear me, and slobbered/bit my hand.  At one point my whole hand was in the dog's mouth.  I was traumatized and almost lost my hand!  Seriously, it was nothing severe it just really, really   grossed me out!  To this day I have never liked animals with teeth, not even Chihuahuas.

                That is an event I will never forget, that was my WORST Halloween yet.

Christina Z

            

The Nest

           

            This past week my brother has been nagging my mom for her permission to go to Canada's Wonderland's Fear Fest.  Fear Feast is a fair that takes place in Canada's Wonderland from the beginning of October to October 31st.  There are haunted houses and people in monster costumes and creepy suits.  Nicholas has been trying to convince my mom to allow him to go to Fear Fest with fifteen of his friends from school.  My mom doesn't want Nicholas to go to a place so far away, when there are all these crazy people running around in their costumes screaming like banshees who harass and frighten others.  No adults will be there to supervise so she is hesitant to let him go. The time is from 7pm to midnight.      

            When I read "The Nest" it reminded me so much of my brother's situation.  Nicholas wants to go to a place that my mom doesn't approve of.  They have discussed the situation but she is certain that with many different, strange and crazy people around it won't be safe.  She doesn't want him to go especially because it is after dark, far away and there is no supervision.  It is important to my mom for Nicholas to have friends bigger and stronger than him so he will be protected if trouble ever finds them.  It is going to be hectic with so many people around. There will be a large group of kids and somebody is bound to get lost.   

            I felt terrible for Nicholas especially when he was being so respectful and using his controlled voice like Jimmy.  I know that my brother wants some responsibility and freedom and I feel his frustration because he's trying so hard to persuade my mom to allow him to go to Fear Fest.  But I also see my mom's point of view of wanting Nicholas to be safe.

             I think my brother needs a little responsibility to show my mother that he is responsible and careful.

                                                                                                                                          Christina Z

WE DAY

The Me to We Story

           

On September 30, 2010 the grade 7 students and two grade 7 teachers went on an excursion to the Air Canada Center for a ‘Me to We concert.  ‘Me to We’ is a program that informs and encourages the youth to raise awareness about world issues both environmental and economical.  We arrived at the ACC and I was amazed by how many leaders of our generation were there.  The stadium was humungous!  There were 20,000 people hustling and bustling to get into their seats and when the stadium was filled, the presentation began.  

          The most memorable part for me was when the host asked everyone to take out their camera and take a photo on his count of three.  The lights were dimmed, 1-2-3 and the stadium lit up like a giant Christmas tree with the flashes of thousands of cameras.  What an unforgettable moment.  The host then introduced the band ‘Down with Webster’!!  Their first song was ‘Your Man’ followed by ‘Woah is Me’.  Their performance was awesome.  They sang so great everyone was dancing in the stands and doing ‘the wave’.  I was very impressed with everyone’s enthusiasm.

          Next the host introduced the founders of ‘Me to We’ Craig and Mark Kielburger.  They explained their missions overseas and all the positive things they have been doing across the world.  Very inspirational! There were other speakers that also were very informative, they are holding a ‘Halloween can drive’ to donate canned foods and are hoping to exceed last years donations of over 250,000 pounds.  This day was ended with an unbelievable performance by K’naan, he sang ‘Take a Minute’ and ‘Waving Flay.’ Everyone was bursting with generosity which made this meeting very outstanding and motivating us all to be a generation of change makers.

Christina Z

Poetry on Canvas

          Van Gogh is a remarkable artist. I have always wanted to get a detailed story on Van Gogh and when I did it really made me look at his life differently.  I thought that Vincent was just a crazy artist, because when I asked to know a little about him I was told he cut off his ear.  When I actually got the whole story I was saddened by his depression but inspired by his passion.  Van Gogh has beautiful art. 

          The other day I was on the internet and his paintings were amazing.  They were so moving.  To me his work and pieces are poetry in a picture form.  It is so detailed, and the colours are dreamy and soft, they're brilliant.  Van Gogh's art is special because you stare at the picture and appreciate every detail.  I remember in gr.4 in Mr. Talluto's class, we did our version of "Starry Night."  Still today three years later, I remember that picture of "Starry Night" so vividly.  It was sad to know this picture was drawn while Van Gogh was in a mental hospital.  Vincent's paintings are especially intriguing when they show a farm landscape.  Farm landscapes are so peaceful.  I especially love "Landscape Under a Stormy Sky," Van Gogh painted it in Arles, in May 1888.  There are fields and fields of wheat with the thick gray, fluffy clouds in the sky.  The first time I saw it three years ago I loved it and I still remember this painting today!

          Van Gogh is such an inspiring artist as he took the mishaps in his life, like him losing his dream job as a minister, one day and step at a time.  Even when he was put down by others about his different perspective on art, he kept drawing and painting.  Today he is considered one of the greatest artists of all time.  We should never get discouraged easily and we should purse out likes whether art, dancing or singing.  Van Gogh's art will always be so brilliant.  Van Gogh is a remarkable artist.

                                                                            

                                                 Christina Z