Junior to Senior

People say that a persons junior year is one of the hardest, and I can not say they are incorrect. It was a very difficult year which had its ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade my year for anything. That may be stretching it some, because I can imagine being happier spending my time at the beach. Now that my junior year is almost to a closing I can not believe how time has flown by..


As the school year began, so did the most wonderful sport, volleyball. We had a wonderful season and actually made history by making it to the State Tournament for the second time in Batesville High School history. The school work was difficult, especially balancing the work with sports. I would have to say the toughest course was the medical classes I took out at UACCB. They were college level, so it definitely was a challenge, but worth it in the end to further my college experience. It was a dry and warm winter. There wasn't much snow at all, and we did not miss a day from school from the inclimate weather. While snow days are fun and a wonderful break from school, I more so enjoyed getting out of school earlier in the summer. I also participated in track, which is not my favorite, but it helps keep me in shape. The formal prom was a good experience, and I loved getting dressed up and going dancing with my friends. Overall, junior year was pretty great, and I can not wait for my SENIOR YEAR!


Well senior year, how could it get any better? It is now our time to shine. Sports, off-campus lunch, not making up school days, and getting out early for summer are only a few advantages to being a senior. It seems like just yesterday I was the little seventh grader on campus, but now time has gone by so fast and I am the big person on campus. All I can say is how time flies..and let the senior year begin!

Survival and I.

When asked to write about what extent I would go to ensure my own survival, I was uncertain. If the time came, I believe I would do anything and everything possible to make sure I survive, depending on the situation. Life is so precious, and I believe God intended life to be lived to the fullest. It seems crazy to think about now considering I am in the comfort of my home, but what if something out of the ordinary happened to me? What extent would I really endure to make sure I survive? You see television shows on "Survivor Stories," and no matter the predicament or what the cost must be, these people would literally fight til their death. Fortunately, for them they were able to make it out alive, and were able to share their stories for others to be inspired by. I have once again been reminded of how blessed I am. To have a home, a supportive family, and a free country in which I am able to live my life to the fullest. Some aren't so lucky. Many have to figure out how to survive every single day, and I can not imagine what that must be like. I am so thankful and now reassured of how blessed I actually am.

Survivor Synthesis Essay: The Holocaust

6-word-slant:


To survive even among the dead.


140-Character-Claim:


Captives in oppressive situations survive because they conform to harsh and extreme conditions that they are forced to face (Subordinate Clause).
(124 Characters)


Essay:

“I knew I was diseased from filth and neglect, but I thought that this existence was normal,” states Holocaust survivor Lili Silberman. Captives in oppressive situations survive because they conform to harsh and extreme conditions that they are forced to face. Such as in “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London, where Buck, the ferine and pertinacious main character, drives on in harsh weather conditions with little food or warmth, so did these survivors.

There are certain things in life too disturbing and horrifying than many would want to hear, but for the sake of honoring those who have passed, recognizing the facts is necessary. According to “The Holocaust” online article by Jennifer Rosenberg, the Holocaust began in 1933 when Adolf Hitler was in control of Germany. The term “Holocaust’s” literal meaning is “sacrifice by fire,” which was how the Nazis plan of persecution was carried out. An “estimated 11 million people” were killed during “this large massacre.” According to Rosenberg, the most widely group of targeted victims were the Jews. Around two thirds of those murdered were European Jews. But what about the other third? Most people consider the Holocaust being centered only on killing the Jews. While that’s true and they held the majority, other people groups were also victims including: homosexuals, gypsies, Jehovah’s Witness, disabled, and anyone who “resented the Nazis.”

Throughout the midst of turmoil and disaster, very few lived to tell about their tragic experiences. One of the survivors is Jeannine Burk, who added her story to the “Holocaust Survivors” online website. She was not sent directly through the death camps because she was kept hidden from the Nazis by a woman whose name still remains anonymous. She states she will “never be able to thank her in a public way.” Another article, “Children of the Holocaust” by Lili Siverman, who actually went through the torture, gave a detailed description of their physical condition. She said they would “[have] worms” from moldy bread, and lice and scalp infection from never bathing. She “never saw a toothbrush, a handkerchief, or toilet paper.” She blistered from frostbite and lack of clothing in below zero temperatures. Having been so young when she was taken away, the “existence (of disease and neglect) [seemed] normal.” Burk believed many “survivors [felt] guilty about surviving.” Questions haunted her about why she remained alive, while so many of her people had been sacrificed.

Overcoming this tragedy would be one of the hardest steps. It is unbelievable that anyone would even have to go through this kind of wantonness. Silberman stated “how lucky [she] was, far luckier than most.” As I was reading her story I paused and contemplated on that thought; that she was “lucky?” Even though her life was spared, can you imagine living with that experience forever embedded in your memory? Through many tears and the “unexpected kindness of strangers,” Lili Silberman can forgive even though the tragedy will never be forgotten. Despite the belief of Silberman, Jeannine Burk has a different opinion; she blames the Germans for their “unacceptable” passiveness and rejecting taking responsibility for their actions. She “cannot forgive” them “until they can own up to it.” While both ways of accepting or dealing with tragedy seem completely opposite, sometimes coping with difficult situations can only be carried out a certain way. Even though forgiving and forgetting is best, it’s hardly possible for some. Sometimes all you can manage is to find peace among the storm.

Therefore, I challenge you to face difficulties headstrong. Always be mindful of how blessed you are. Of course, life is going to be hard because no one can escape tragedy, but remember to stay strong and never give in. Be the best individual possible and continually strive to make something of yourself. With that attitude, anything worthwhile can be obtainable.

Works Cited

Burk, Jeannine. "Survivor Stories." Holocaust Survivors. Holocaust Survivors, 2012. Web. 16

May 2012.

http://www.holocaustsurvivors.org/data.show.php?di=record&da=survivors&ke=5.

Rosenberg, Jennifer. "The Holocaust." About.com. About.com, 2012. Web. 16 May 2012.

http://history1900s.about.com/od/holocaust/tp/holocaust.htm.

Silberman, Lili. "Children of the Holocaust." ADL. N.p., 2001. Web. 16 May 2012.

http://www.adl.org/children_holocaust/story_beyond_tears2.asp.

Anthropomorphism

There once was a turtle,

Who's name was Mertile.

He went for a walk,

And tripped on a rock.

After stubbing his toe,

And screaming "OHHHH NOOOO!"

He realized that he was alone.

Mertile limped around,

On the cold, hard, ground

But seemed to be getting no where.

He soon found a shoe

Near an empty canoe,

And sailed down the river blue.

With the paddle in hand

He started to land,

At the banks of his beloved home.

Still staggering about,

But never giving into doubt,

He struggled on without a pout.

Finally returning home hungry, injured, tired,

And a new lesson aqcuired,

He warned his children,

"Never wander alone."

The Call of the Wild

In Jack London's book, The Call of the Wild, the willingness and strive to be the leader left an impression on me.The example he set by the way he demanded to be the leader helped motivate me to do just the same.

For some background information; Buck, the pertinacity main character in the novel, was a  half-Saint Bernard and half-Scottish shepherd dog  who started of living in a home where people loved him and where he would always love to be, but soon he was kidnapped and taken off to be bought and sold for money. He then is owned by two mail carriers, who work for the Canadian government. He learns to adjust to his life as a sled dog, and relearns his wild instincts by learning to fight, hunt for food, and sleep under the snow at night. After fighting and killing another dog, Buck becomes the lead dog for the sleds. They dogs are required to carry a heavier load than should be allowed, and are treated under the worst conditions. With little food, rest, and superfluous Mercedes to drag along, they quickly become too tired and weary to travel any further. One day as Buck refuses to move his owner Hal beats him. He was saved by a man name John Thornton who takes him in and keeps him. They become devoted and loyal companions til the cessation of John's life. 

The theme in the book was to become a leader, even through the arduous times and struggles. Throughout all of his difficult circumstances Buck was able to prove he was the leader the pack needed. He set his mind to not be a follower and pushed almost til the death many times. The book was taken place mostly in harsh, brumal conditions. Too harsh and cold for a normal human to withstand. The ferine dogs thick fur and amount of food and exercise allowed them to withstand the harsh conditions. Buck was faced with more than one problems other than the climate. The owners that had previously owned him before John Thornton beat him and were very cruel. They were inexperienced and clueless. Thankfully loyal and trustworthy John Thornton came along to Buck's rescue.

If I was a boy who loved to read adventure and suspenseful books, this book would be perfect. It is based off of the outdoors and the survival in the wilderness. To me, I wouldn't read it again, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

The Zeal to Survive

Inside each of us is the will to survive no matter what the cost. Not only do you see this in humans, but likewise in animals. Time after time animals are striving to survive, and risking their lives doing anything, and everything it takes to remain on top.

Take the Titanic for example. This world-wide known incident shocked the world we live in today. Hearing stories and watching movies based on the Titanic gives me a clearer picture of that horrid day. Everyone showed their ministration by doing anything and everything in their power to live, and find a way to help each other in order to get out alive. Sadly enough, demonstrative families were broken and torn apart because of this incident. Husbands didn't return home to their wives. Can you imagine the amount of dispair? The will to survive that day and also the many lives lost, will never be forgotten.

Another example is from the book by Jack London, The Call of the Wild. The people and dogs in this book were challenged by harsh weather and the will to be in the lead. Buck, the main character, was pushed almost to his wits end by being beaten by his transient owners and the terrible weather conditions. Without anything to really live for or anything to accomplish he still pushed to live life to its fullest, and something deep within him kept him going.

The zeal to survive is living in all of us. What extend would you take to living another day? Maybe nobody will ever know until they are pushed to their limits. I think it is an incredible thing to see people in unison strive for a goal.

What Does Being Human Mean? [Summary]

Many people have different views and oppions as to what "being human" means, but being human consists of a deeper love for one another, and bearing a soul.

One of the many reasons why humans are a unique species is because of our ability to choose our own eternity. Animals, which we are sometimes refered to as, do not go to heaven or hell. Therefore, they do not have control over their destiny. As humans we are able to have a personal relationship with God, which definitely gives our race a unique factor. In the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, A human attempts to make another living being. He succeeds, but does not properly care for his creation in the way that any other human needs. This goes to prove that humans attempting to create something that can only be designed by God will only lead to a mistake.

Humans also are able to have a deeper love for one another. You might ask, "How can you tell animals don't love each other?", but animals only reproduce to keep their species alive. They don't reproduce because they "love each other," but because it is in their DNA to reproduce to keep their own species going. Humans, on the other hand, usually only reproduce if they honestly and truely care for one another. And I'm going to leave that there for the imagination before I get to into detail...In addition, humans are able to read feelings. We can tell how someone feels or what they are going through by simply looking at the expression written on their face.


Counter:

Animals are able to read feelings as well humans. For example, a dog can tell how their owner feels, and is able to respond to them by cuddling or sort of "sympathizing" with them. Also, how can you know for sure that animals don't go to heaven or hell? There is no way of knowing for sure until that time comes, and no one has ever come back to life to tell about it.