A Generation of Nincompoops?

http://www.bnd.com/2010/09/28/1416886/with-basic-skills-downgraded-are.html#ixzz10pOkcIX0

The author of this book claims that our generation is the dumbest because we have grown up dependent of technology.  Everything is available with the click of a button.

While what she claims is entirely true, you can't put the blame entirely on the children.  Is it our fault that we were raised in households where it is acceptable to never touch laundry detergent or pick up a mop?  And of course there are the exceptions within this generation.  Personally, I had and have chores to do around the house.  I love baking--from scratch, not a box.  I grew up without my parents hovering over me, as the article states, "helicopter parents."

It is the generations above us that created all these new inventions that hinder us from learning.  Yes, it makes our lives a whole lot more convenient, but parents should also have the responsibility to teach their children how to manage on their own.

If we are the dumbest generation, then the generation above us is the laziest.

What's on TV?

In the rare time I have to watch TV, my little brother usually monopolizes control of which channels we watch as a family.  Since we are limited between Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, if I like a show, I have to wait for the season to come out on DVD to purchase it.  In my small collection, I have the Office and Ugly Betty.

NBC's The Office

ABC's Ugly Betty

 As for new shows coming out, I had to resort to actually googling what's premiering, and I think that NBC's Outsourced will offer a similar humor as it follows a man who gets sent to India to work at a call center.  Hopefully, I'll be able to catch it to watch it sometime.

NBC's Outsourced

If I had the Power...

I've long been concerned about meeting the nutritional needs of all people--be it students or adults.  I believe that it is a fundamental right for students to have access to healthy meals.

I would love to see the district prepare fresh meals made from scratch--no pre-cooked foods high in preservatives.  Food truly makes a difference in the performance and overall health of a student.  By having healthy food available, at least students have access to two healthy meals a day.  I realize that government regulations limit what can be served and has certain guidelines, but some of them are absolutely ludicrous and must be changed.  Having fresh food available can only enhance student's bodies and minds.

Constitution Day

Political Cartoon

Background information: Originally, the 14th Amendment was added in 1868 (following the Civil War, 1861-1864) to the Constitution to ensure that the children of Africans forcibly brought to America could become citizens; thus, providing their children with all the benefits of citizenship.
(source: http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/14thamendment.html)

This particular cartoon shows how America can be two faced.  On one hand we're saying, "Don't touch our Constitution!" while on the other we're asking to reform immigration laws that contradicts the 14th Amendment.  It's a pretty ironic situation seeing as we are a country of immigrants.  While there is a problem with the control of immigration, we need to find a middle ground that will make both sides happy.

Advise for the Fish

I just would like to congratulate all of you who took the initiative to come here as it took much courage to leave your comfort zone and start somewhere new.  Personally, it was the hardest but best decision I've ever made.

Seeing as we're already 3 weeks into the school year, you've probably noticed that there is more expected of each student.  Maybe all the kids already know something that you never even heard of before.  Maybe at your old school you earned A's without doing really anything.  Don't feel bad if this is the case--it's not your fault.  Some school districts maybe didn't cover some of the material, but it is up to YOU to seek help so that you can catch up.  Stay for tutorials.  Late buses run Monday through Thursday.  Our district extends us this privilege, so use it!  We can't change what happened in the past, but you have the power to make the change now.

But you don't have to stay just for academics.

My fondest memories of school are rarely from inside the classroom where the teacher dominates the conversation towards the lecture, but from extra curricular activities.  You'll gain not only skills but make long lasting friendships.  Plus you'll need to join for your college resumes. (I know you're just staring high school, but college is just 4 years away!)  And don't be afraid to try new things.  Try out for the school play.  Go to an Art Club meeting.  Compete in UIL.  It will only expand your experiences.  Keep your mind open.

Freshman year is one of the easier years here at BETA--still challenging but not as intense.  It's important to keep your grades up because this is a competition for ranking.  You'll be thankful come junior year when you're taking pre calculous and physics Pre-AP that you put in the effort for those A's when you were younger.

Overall, Freshmen year is about exploring new possibilities and balancing all your responsibilities. Make new friends, share experiences, and work hard.  Make the most of this year and good luck class of 2014!

Senior Year, Baby!

I met a whirlwind of emotions on the first day of school this year.  Of course there were the usual feelings of excitement to see all my friends, especially since we finally earned the title of seniors, but also sadness to see another summer pass knowing that all my leisure time would quickly vanish in the chaos of balancing school, extracurricular activities, and friends.  But perhaps the most unexpected emotion was the sudden realization that it was my last first day of high school at BETA.

As I walked through the hallways waving at familiar faces and occasionally stopping for a quick chat, I realized how much BETA was like a family.  I've attended this school since 8th grade and appreciate how much it has prepared me for college and my future career.  Over the years, teachers have made bonds that make coming here truly special.  It's nice to have instructors that care for their students as much as ours do.  They're always available for tutoring and usually very understanding if something unexpected ever pops up.  As for my fellow peers, I feel incredibly lucky to get the chance to get to know each one--be it through trying to survive  hardcore courses like Pre-Calculus, having fun in clubs, or hanging out on the weekends.  I could've never made it these past years without Trina (especially last year in physics!) and Juliana being there for me at school.  I'm looking forward to making this the best year yet with all my friends. Let's hear it for the class of 2011!  Woot, woot!