IB Leavin'

Dear Fellow IBers,

It was a journey. Every good story has a beginning, middle, and end; however, as I approach June 8th my story of IB and high school will come to a close. Despite this bittersweet moment I am beyond excited to begin a new chapter of my life at UVa. This year I have embraced the idea of finding joy in the ordinary and enjoying the journey I am on without worrying about what is to come next.

Crazy enough my senior quote was by Walt Whitman, "Keep your face always toward the sunshine–and shadows will fall behind you." This quote reminds me of my favorite flower, a sunflower. There is hope presented in Whitman's quote about facing towards happiness and focusing on positivity. In the midst of admission letters, applications, eating, more applications, the extended essay, IAs, homework, performances, family events, hanging with friends, studying, more presentations, and Netflix (aka bae), I realized that there is more to life than a good grade. Life is about gaining experiences and exploring the world before us. 

I have always enjoyed traveling the world and since an early age my parents have taught me that it is important to be open to new ideas and cultures. However, I never really understood the importance behind what they had been telling me until I joined IB two short years ago. By being part of a close knit group of people I learned how to be open to other perspectives, which provided me with a bigger view of the world. I realized that there is more to life than my opinion. The world is full of 7 billion+ people who are each unique in looks, actions, and thoughts. In the past two years I have let go with being uptight concerning details and embraced adventure, meaning that every inconvenience becomes a new adventure. I am no longer afraid of failing or being imperfect because perfection leaves no room for exploration. 

I have become obsessed with taking pictures and looking at pinterest. Every time I look at my iPhoto I am reminded of who I use to be and who I have become today. I transitioned from a quiet, shy individual to (almost) out going and talkative. The people that have surrounded me have pushed me to break out of my shell and embrace who I am!

In a Whitman way, I'm going to charge you to enjoy the mundane because everything is special and joy can be found in the ordinary. 

~Morgz 

Hey Walt

Between stamps and scribbled cursive are some of Whitman's greatest thought in his notebook. On one of the non-numbered pages antique and religious are written at the top of the page, above the other writings. The last image is very interesting, it is of a skeleton figure with a heart shaped body. There are other drawings of people, "The Saturdy Press," and a harp. It is very interesting to look at the drawings of the various people, or characters, because they all are showing the left side of the face. Possibly Whitman admired the left side of his face more than his right? Or was he more skilled at sketching the left facial features? Or is there a religious connection to the left? I'm sure all of his characters would have a specific "side," of a picture, like any basic white girl. Now back to looking at all of Whitman's notes. One of the lines he wrote was, "Welcome the storm–welcome the trial–let the waves...I shall see what the old ship is made of..." which I think is particularly profound. Through his notes and writings in the notebook I have gathered that besides being a profound writer, Walt Whitman explored religious beliefs and trials. The lines about the storms, trials, and ships make me realize that he was not afraid of possible difficulties because the bad times make us stronger and allow individuals to learn and grow. Without failing or having trouble it is difficult to learn. Various ideas shared above pair well with the idea of Whitman writing about the spider, or mundane. He realizes that truth can be found in the ordinary and darker times. 

The yellow tags point out that Whitman dabbled in religion; however, he viewed God as being four-sided, including Satan, which was different than the interpretation I understood. In the quick line where he wrote religious, he was writing about two religious platforms and these refer to things that were happening during the Civil War. Maybe Whitman's religious views were not as conventional as I first believed? In the beginning while I examined his notes it was difficult for me to understand the president-elect Whitman kept referring to; however, after examining Whitman's works and the notes made by others, I understand that his reference is to Abraham Lincoln. In addition, while I tried to decipher Whitman's notes I didn't understand that he was making a lot of references to current events (the Civil War and Lincoln). Whitman was very interested in what was happening in the United States, specifically in the political realm with respect to Lincoln.

Red, White, And Blue

Freedom, success, money, wealth, physical possessions, and family are the basic building blocks of the "American Dream." When I personally think of THE "American Dream," I think of doing well in a company and making it big to then be able to provide for a family. There is an idea associated with this dream about wealth and becoming rich, possibly obtaining a large house, family pet, and children. A "perfect," post-card family is what expected: smiling children, a dog, and parents that get along. A formula has been created that hard work=money=happiness, and this formula has become the driving force behind many attempts to achieve the "American Dream." For those from other countries that wish to live the "American Dream," they see a dream that is filled with freedom, liberty, brotherhood, and happiness. 

Wealth can be defined in many ways which include the physical accumulation of money and possessions or the accumulation of a deeper meaning of life. Personally, I have started to change my view of wealth. As I younger child I believed in the stereotypical "American Dream," of wealth and success; however, after traveling and acquiring new perspectives I now view the "American Dream," as having rich relationships and a wealth from gaining experience. I am still the basic teenager who carries around an iPhone with twitter and instagram apps uploaded to the home screen. I have prepared myself to go to college (go hoos!!) in hopes of getting a well-paying job. 

Most Americans view wealth and poverty as black and white, because you are either wealthy or poor. A perfect portrayal of this concept is in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, staring Will Smith. The Pursuit of Happyness is seen as a film that reflects how an African American man overcomes adversity to rise up to fulfill the American Dream and improve his relationship with his son, as well as his finances. Homeless lines, sleeping in a subway, and struggling to pay rent are themes of poverty displayed throughout the film, and these particular themes reflect the views of many Americans. Wealth is to be praised and worshipped, while poverty is frowned upon. What if the portrayals of wealth and poverty were different? Wealth is being rich, but it could be rich due to emotions or relationships or a gathering of perspectives or experiences. While poverty is lacking something, and that "something," does not have to be a physical possession or money. 

Over the summer I was given a different look into the "American Dream." I traveled to Bayamo, Cuba where I interacted with children, youth, and adults who had never taken a selfie or seen a picture of themselves. During the many conversations I had with my translators I learned how America was perceived from the outside. On one of my first days working at a sports camp I was talking to my translator Leo. He was given the opportunity earlier in the year to get out of Cuba and travel to North Carolina. As Leo described his experience he told me about going to Target. The everyday shopping trip to me was an overwhelming experience for him. He recounted, "Entering Target was overwhelming. I was told I could get whatever I wanted, but as a boy from Cuba there was too much for me to look at and I could not pick out anything. I went from having nothing to choose from to having too much to choose." This is when it hit me, in America we focus on quantity and not quality. The quantity and "more, more, more," lifestyle has consumed American citizens to construct what we now call the "American Dream." In addition to talking about Target, Leo commented on the basic freedoms we are so blessed to have as American citizens. Having the opportunity to have freedom of speech and not worrying whether or not the government is going to come to your hotel to detain you is an amazing gift. Experiences such as these are what provide me with wealth and fill me with thanksgiving as I think about what it means to be American and what the "American Dream," is suppose to be. 

Freebie Freebie Freebie

yeah...

IOC Practice

Notes on notes on notes

Audio can be found HERE

A: 6- I provided an understanding of the text by including quotes when needed and analyzation of the specific language used within the passage itself. My understanding was not displayed in an "excellent," manor, therefore, not allowing me to move up on the rubric. 

B: 6-My display of figurative language and other literary features was only "adequate." Only two overall categories were analyzed. Also, the reader was only considered in a few aspects and not referenced throughout the presentation.

C: 3-My organization was great until the end of my oral when I jumped back to the narration aspect of my argument. If I had included this earlier in the presentation I would have awarded myself with a higher mark. 

D: 3- I used the word "um," as a filler more times than I would like to count (how annoying...). Also, I struggled at some points to form coherent sentences without hindering my overall message. 

#ibPLAYin @ Dunsinane

Seat Belt Sign is Off

https://www.ted.com/talks/ric_elias (video link)

Towards the end of his quick TED talk Ric Elias challenges the audience by saying:
But imagine, and how would you change? What would you get done that you're waiting to get done because you think you'll be here forever? How would you change your relationships and the negative energy in them? And more than anything, are you being the best parent you can?
In summary Ric Elias is challenging his audience to take a step back and examine how they live their life. He stresses that the time we have on earth is precious and should not be wasted and, therefore, we should fill our lives with positive energy. In addition, he persuades the audience to marinate on the idea that life is urgent and should not be postponed for a later date.  

Ric Elias was a passenger in seat 1D on the plane that landed in the Hudson river after flying into birds. He goes through what he was thinking as the engine cut off and the pilot announced "Brace for impact." Before hitting the water he had three thoughts:

1. It all changes in an instant
2. I've lived a good life; however, I allowed my ego to get in the way.
3. Dying is not scary, and the only thing that matters is being a good dad.

To convey this point and have the audience believe in what he is saying Elias uses ethos and pathos. He is a reputable speaker because he experienced the emergency landing first hand. He displays his expertise by communicating his seat assignment and the interaction he had with the crew members. The audience understands and believes his story because he established himself as a reputable man and flyer. As his story progresses and the audiences learns of the three things he realized in the sky Elias utilizes pathos. A plethora of personal experiences, imagery, and connections to family provide the audience and viewer with a personal connection to the event. By using the onomatopoeia "clack, clack, clack, clack, clack,clack..." to describe the sound of the engine and "big explosion as you climb through 3,000 feet." Many people can identify with the fear that would occur on an airplane as systems begin to fail. This fear is created due to television shows and movies that have been created about planes crashing. Later he uses the verb "imagine," to draw the audience in and make them visualize the events occurring around him. A few minutes later Elias continues by telling about his experience at his daughter's performance. While not all of the audience members have children (like me), they can identify with family. This is the moment in the TED talk that it hit me, what would it be like to be on the brink of death's door and not know if you were going to see your family again? The emotional appeal that is heavily scattered through Elias's talk allows the audience to apply his ideas to their own life. 

So out of all the TED talks why did I chose this one? For starters I'm always up for a little bit of inspiration and insight into how to make the most out of the moments I have on Earth. In addition, I am currently on a United Flight that is beginning its descent to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport. As I listened to the flight attendant video detailing all of the exists, oxygen max directions, seat cushion flotation devices, and seat belt signs I immediately identified with Ric Elias's talk. I trust that the plane I am on is going to easily navigated the cloudy skies and safely land on an airstrip in a new city; however, as I listened to this TED talk I began to wonder, how would I react if my plane began to go down? Would there be any outstanding life revelations I would have? Despite this thought being slightly frightening, as I cruise at an altitude of a couple thousand feet, it is comforting. It makes me realize that life is precious and that as I continue on my journey I need to enjoy every moment and make the best of it. As a side note (and connection to class) Elias brings up that we have been preparing our entire lives for death. As a little throwback to Macbeth, despite whether an individual choses to believe in fate or free will death is inevitable and the final destination for every human being. 

All electronics must be powered off and stowed beneath the seat in front of me, so it is goodbye for now.

Come to the Dark Side

2.  Film noir literally means “black film.” As you are watching the film, keep track of all the elements in the picture that seem dark or depressing. Think about the characters, the setting, and the storyline.

When I think of "black film," or a dark film I am constantly reminded of the idea of going to the Dark Side. This is a theme that repeatedly shows up in Star Wars and Double Indemnity. 

Darth Vader: You cannot hide forever, Luke.

Luke: I will not fight you.

Darth Vadar: Give yourself to the Dark Side. It is the only way you can save your friends. 

Now Double Indemnity is not a conflict that takes place in space but it shares similar themes to Star Wars. In both films there is a dark side and a light (or good) sight, therefore, sparking conflict and gray areas. Throughout our study of literature so far this year we have hit on the concept of light vs. dark. In Double Indemnity Walter Neff, an honorable insurance agent, is lured to the dark side by his love interest Phyllis Dietrichson. As a man of the law the love he holds for Mrs. Dietrichson leads him to considering the murder of Mr. Dietrichson. The dynamic duo, Phyllis and Walter, plans the murder of Mr. Dietrichson very diligently or "straight down the line." The entire storyline revolves around the interactions between Phyllis and Walter as they plot to kill Mr. Dietrichson. The theme of murder and revenge steep deep within dark or depressing elements that plague film noir. 

While together Walter and Phyllis perform deadly deeds, Phyllis Dietrichson is the perpetrator of the violence and the root of the evil. As a married woman she creates desire in Mr. Neff when he enters her home. She is shown in only a towel with a glittering anklet on her bare leg. She invites herself over to Walter's apartment which perpetuates the love interest between the pair, therefore, leading to the murder they plot. In her past life Phyllis killed Mr. Dietrichson's early wife. Murder coursed through her veins; however, Walter Neff was guilty as well. Towards the end of the film he confronts Phyllis at her home and then proceeds to shoot her. Mrs. Dietrichson was a femme fatal who could quickly turn from wanting to kill you to showing affection. 


Setting wise there are multiple instances that portray film noir and dark elements. In Visions of Light, a documentary, film noir is described in full detail. One characteristic of film noir is the lighting, but most specifically the use of blinds to create lines across a figure or object. In Double Indemnity the venetian blind lighting effect was used to heighten mood and portray characters. On the many occasions that Walter Neff visited Phyllis Dietrichson this technique was used. Specifically, towards the end of the film as Neff visits the Dietrichson household for the last time, the Venetian blinds cast shadows on the walls. This provides the audience an explanation, visually, concerning the conflicting relationship of the pair. In this sequence, and the rest of the film, the lighting used to create shadows communicates the dark relationship and motives of Dietrichson and Neff. In addition, the romance paired with murder also reflects the ideas of film noir presented in Visions of Light. Double Indemnity utilizes the venetian blind lighting technique, shadows, and dark romance to effectively showcase ideas of film noir.

T