Hide the Mirrors and Cover up Socia Media

Taking a look at the article in MacLean’s, Inside the dangerously empty lives of teenage girls, Dr. Leonard Sax speaks on behalf of the low self worth teenage girls from the age of twelve through twenty-one. The doctor, a family physician, who lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and daughter, has come to learn that even though “Today’s teens and tweens look confidant on the outside / have a dangerously fragile sense of self.” And that the overwhelming amount of anxiety is causing extreme issues in these young adults’ lives that are leading to self harm, self objectification and sex appeal.

            In this particular article, Dr. Leonard Sax is interviewed on his expertise on the subject. Previously, he has come to know that “Boys are doing [more poorly] relative to girls in terms of both motivation and academic achievement.” Behind the academic achievement of girls, throughout the university years, there are “more then one in five girls cutting herself and/or burning herself with matches. More then one in four high school girls binge drinking. [And] today, one in eight females in the U.S takes anti depressants.” He then goes on to explain that instead of the innocent shows on television in 1966, girls are now watching Gossip Girl, “Which is about anxious teens, trying to present a sexual persona, who have all kinds of obsessions and neuroses.” No wonder girls find comfort in the idea that anxiety is the norm.

            Cyber bubble is how Dr. Sax explains the addiction to social networking. Girls spend a lot of time photo shopping their pictures, making themselves look thinner and getting rid of pimples, because they know that boys are more interested in the photos on these sites. Self-objectification is another result from anxiety in young females who are “Losing what psychologists used to call middle aged childhood: eight to twelve years of age, the time for girls to have adventures/ without worrying about whether they’re hot.” This is where anorexia comes into play. Young females are so engulfed in their own image, constantly stressing over their figure, even if their not heavy at all. Social media’s view on women leaves no room for enjoying life; it only used math skills to add calories. Every time these women step on that scale or walk past a mirror, they are forced to hate themselves.

           

            When asked if more kids are sexually active then twenty years ago, the doctor states that “Kids may be sexually intimate- the term I use it includes both oral sex and intercourse- a little earlier /then they were twenty years ago.” He has come to find some troubling issues, in that you find a lot more twelve year olds not just in a relationship with a boy, but providing sexual favors to seventeen year old boys.” Worst part about this is that girls are using their sexuality in order to accomplish some other end such as raising their social status. Though studies, both girls and boys were asked and neither sees anything wrong with this case. Dr. Sax goes on to say “That boy who’s a champion gamer is not going to fall apart if some other guy gets to level two in a game before he does. Whereas the girl whose identity consist of being the “smart girl” or “Justin’s girlfriend” tends to crumble is she doesn’t get into the University of her Choice or if Justin dumps her.”

             

            A lot is at stake for these teenagers. Boys have a greater chance of surviving these obstacles but girls on the other hand, are set up to fail by the help of social media, academic achievements and their social status. The best advice Dr. Leonard Sax has is to set limits, monitor your teenager lives and make sure their friends know your keeping tabs. Don’t over do it, because this leads to rebellion, but make sure they know you care and that you’re there if they ever need help or comfort in these hard years.

Peace on Earth?

It’s that time again! Hang those stockings, dress the tree, and put those classic carols on repeat. Christmas is around the corner. From December first all the way till Christmas day, it’s crunch time. But watch out for those hazardous mall parking lots where people care more about the stall closest to the door rather then the innocent pedestrians. The “Season to be jolly” might as well be the “Season to cause car accidents.” I mean, what says Merry Christmas more then exchanging insurance details? Warning, last minute shopping, wrapping, baking, and preparations may cause the human mind to go insane. Don’t even get me started about Boxing Day!

 
All those family members you've ignored throughout the year? Say good bye to good cheer and festivities. During the holiday you will continually be reminded why you avoided those phone calls and invitations. Sure, your side of the family isn’t so bad, but watch out for the in-laws. Suddenly all those plans are dictated by your unwanted guests and that relaxing weekend at the cabin has turned into madness and frustration!

When the two weeks of your “Holly Jolly Christmas” is over, get used to the lighter wallet and an emptier bank account. The vacation your brother invited you on that you were too proud to decline, ended up being the one thing your debit decided to do at the till. And all those presents the kids begged for all year long? They are now sitting unwrapped collecting dust. But it’s all in the name of St. Nick! Never mind that those toys aren’t going to be touched again, better sitting in your basement then on the stores shelves anyways! And don’t worry; the weight lost from your wallet is sure to be found on your new and improved figure. That abundance of cookies, strudels, pies, and not to mention turkey dinner, has found a way to remain apart of you to keep that Christmas spirit alive. Let’s just hope that one of those presents under the tree was a gym member ship with your name on it.

What Matters Most -mall assignment

            As I was just about to walk out the door, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. All I could see were tired eyes and the evident gloomy bags underneath them. I was begging to look like my mother. Of course, it didn’t help that I was up all night with Cassandra who had the flu. Poor girl, she’s always sick. This morning I put on a hint of blush because I decided it was going to be a good day. And of course I had to have a smile on my face because tonight was my youngest of three’s birthday party. All of this seemed much easier when Dave was around. I long for him terribly, but the kids miss their dad something fierce. I took another look, inspecting myself. Wearing the required all black clothing, check. Cherry Lane smock, check. Lunches on the table for the kids, check. I was ready to go. As I arrived at the mall, I took mental note it was just as undisturbed as usual. Starting my day, I first empty all garbage cans and clear any garbage night custodians missed. One time last month I got called into the main office, thinking that I was going to get fired by my vulgar boss but he simply stated that I was an exceptional, thorough employee and that he was lucky to have me on staff. First time I’ve ever heard the guy bark more then two words let alone give someone a compliment. Nevertheless I took it to heart and continued my job the best I could because I had to. I am the main supporter for my family now. It was 10:15am and the mall now has a buzz about it. Managers began opening their stores and the regulars were pilling in starting their daily routines. I mind my own business, occasionally smiling at familiar faces and even some new ones. The part I love most about my job is that I get to, in some small way, change someone’s day. Sweep, mop, wipe, wash, and stack. This carries on for the majority of my day. Just before my lunch break, an old man bent over his cane softly coughs causing me to turn.

            “Excuse me miss, I don’t mean to bother you but can you please wipe down my table?” he asks with a sincere smile on his face.

            “Of course, I will just finish this up and I’ll be right over.”

As he slowly walks away I wipe down the rest of the stacked trays. When I’m done, I rush to his table and start clearing the mess. My walky-talky growls in my pocket.

            Seeming interested, the elderly man asks, “Busy day?”

            “It’s not too bad,” I replied, “Going by particularly fast today, it’s my son’s birthday today.”

            “How lovely, how old is he turning?”

            “Nine years old today! Looks like he’s almost sixteen though, he’s a tall kid. ”

            He gently puts his soft wrinkled hand over my blue cleaning gloves. “He must be a lucky boy to have such a hardworking and kind mother like you to show him how life can be a better place.”

And that was it. Tears threaten to spill as I thanked him and told him to have a good day. I walked to my cleaning closet and lost it. I’m not sure why but I guess I just needed to hear I was doing a good job. Being a single mother isn’t easy and I do the best I can. So I will continue to come to work everyday with a smile on my face then celebrate when I get to see my children get off the school bus at 3:25pm and spend the rest of every night with them. Because family is what matters most.  

Sam the Althete

Although every story emphasizes different elements of fiction, Stuart Mclean captivates his audience with humor, conflict and symbolism in his short story Sam the Athlete. This is a story of a boy who is about to start the daunting first year of middle school and learned valuable lessons.

           

            Stuart Mclean adds humor in his story to engage the reader. In the beginning of his short story, Sam is threatened by failure in every aspect of his life involving sports.   It all starts in grade one when “Sam’s teacher reminds her class to bring clothes for gym for the next day” and not aware of how things work in the world of sports “Sam looked around the class, wondering which kid was Jim and why he couldn’t bring his own clothes.”  Later, instead of quitting the all girls field hockey team “Sam went home and shaved his legs.” It’s the little real life things, which we all can relate to, that make this story humorous. Such as when Dave finds Sam in his room “wearing a skirt practicing [his] moves in front of the mirror and holding a Lady Bic razor.” And after an “uncomfortable silence”, Sam explains that he has a secret and he has “been dressing up as a girl.” In this particular scene, the readers know the reasons as to why Dave finds his son acting this way, but the character Dave is unaware of the details which make it awkward, there for funny for the readers.

            Conflicts in a story are what make it interesting. We all don’t want to hear stories where nothing goes wrong- that wouldn’t be fun! In this story, Sam wasn’t very athletic; which created a lot of problems for him even though “all Sam wanted in the world was to be an athlete.” And even though “he kept trying so hard, he kept failing –miserably” at all soccer, baseball, bowling and hockey. When Sam had an epiphany and ‘his suspicions were confirmed’ that the team he just joined was an all girls team, which created the biggest problem of them all. He had finally found his calling, but he was a boy. Sam had the choice to “just disappear silently” and “never come back to the field hockey team.”  But “at the end of practice when Coach lined the team up and handed out the team uniforms” Sam decided he didn’t care and chose to play anyways, making it “Sam’s first-ever skirt.”

            The red runners symbolize comfort for Sam. He seems to think that buying the newest, coolest shoes will equip him for this big step into the life of middle school. When his mom took him shopping he sighed as he watched the sales man take out “the red runners…wrapped in gold tissue” out of the “royal blue cardboard box” and all his fears began to lighten. Thankfully the “firm but spongy” sneakers fit perfectly. Even though the shoes really wouldn’t make a difference, they made his world just a little bit better.

When Sam was handed his first ever uniform, the fact that this was an all girls team didn’t seem to matter anymore because for once he belonged to a team and he was now finally good at something. “Sam had been aching to hear those words ever since his first soccer game.” Sam skirt symbolizes acceptance. Stuart Mclean uses humor, conflict and symbolism in his short story and it makes all the difference; allowing no room for dull writing.

Grade 12 - The Light

I see a light in the distance. It's not far off considering it used to seem ages away. I have been pacing these bland and restless halls for four treacherous years, trying to keep on the path to this brilliant, bright light. My character has been shaped, molded and sculpted. Through devotion to this enduring experience I have gained confidence and courage. Failure has made me successful because I have learned to start over. Hard work has paid off. But most of all I have required the basic essentials for my future. I snap out of my daze and into reality when I hear my name being spoken. My heart begins to beat faster. I feel a smile form upon my lips and my entire body trembles. A petite and jovial woman appears seeming quite familiar, gently guides me towards the steps. One foot after the other; this is what I tell myself. A rough hand secures mine and shakes firmly. I am handed a rolled piece of paper and I continue to walk. That same light that has shone in the distance is shining on me now, bright and full. Just before I step down, I see the proud faces of my family with tears in my mother's eyes. Taking this all in, it suddenly resisters. I am graduated.

College Application

Unusual is my middle name. I am quiet and sneaky. During my spare time, I stack sugar cubes and fly kites. My ancestors have come from Never Land, being distant cousins five times removed of Peter Pan himself. Flying was useful until my right hand was chopped off by the American soldiers in the Vietnam War. I have been the lucky winner in Lotto 649 three times. Coke is the ultimate soda. If you don't know me, you don't know that I personally have met the immense Shack O’Neill. If you don't know me, you don’t know that I can through a dart and hit the bulls eye 98.4 % of the time. If you don’t know me, you don’t know that I have many talents. This includes holding the Guinness world’s record for standing on my head, making the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and my personal favourite, whistling the exact tune of Beethoven’s commanding piece, the second movement from Symphony No. 7. I was successful in taking a multitude of nuns to a Justin Bieber concert. Just for the record, they are all now “beliebers.” I was successful in designing the Chinese flag. I was successful in baking my first pie with my bare hands. I am indolent. At exactly 1:05pm I take a nap; just after I play a round of crochet with the Prime Minister. When I ask for rain, it pours. When I ask for sun, it shines. When I ask for allowance, I’m told no. I am divinity. Everyone wants to be me because I am everything. But I have not yet attended college.

The Book and the Lady - Secret Unknown Scene from Mice and Men

George stepped out under the evening sky and began to jog as he headed to the bunk house. It was dinner time and if he didn't hurry, the other men would devour his meal. He rushed toward his bed and started searching for the book "All's fair in love and war" Crooks had lent him. The men had a quarrel about the characters in the novel so he thought he would solve it once and for all. The feeling of someone watching, while searching his bunk, made George turn towards the door.  She stood there once again, dressed in all nines, meeting his gaze; eyes as bright as the sun with a slight smirk on her face. She was as beautiful as the day was long, and it was hard not to stare. It was like she caught him with his pants down. "Cat got your tongue?" There’s that beautiful smile again. George cleared his throat. "Ahem…Can I do something for ya miss?" She whispered, "Ask me no questions tell me no lies." God she is sure a puzzle, George thought to himself. "I never asked you no questions ma'am." "I know silly," she giggled "it's a line from that book yous guys are readin." He thought for a moment, "Oh- well umm, yes, that's right." George hoped he wasn’t as red as a tomato for supposin such things. "But I better get back; don't want my food to get cold." Really George was just looking for a way out and didn't want to upset Curley's wife and makin her think that he was scared of talkin to her. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained I guess." There she goes again. "Yeah well, see ya around miss." Side stepping though the door trying to avoid her intense stare, George trots back to where the guys were avoiding the questions as to why it took so long to grab that measly book. Sat in silence, George finished the rest of his meal caught up in his own thoughts to notice the elephant in the room, Curley's wife, sitting in the corner all alone like a troubled child.