Inside, Looking out
By Jerika Chiguina Period 4 Mrs. Griffin An Autobiography Assignment
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter of Introduction/ Prologue …………………….1 What’s in a Name?.......................................................2 Personal Alphabet……………………………………3 Likes/Dislikes List…………………………………...4 Sensory Experiences…………………………………5 Metaphorical Definitions…………………………….6 A Quality Personality………………………………..7 Color Your World…………………………………...8 Room Sweet Room………………………………….9 Personal Metaphors………………………………..10 Extended Metaphors……………………………….11 Symbolic Recipe…………………………………...12 Ultimate All-Purpose Excuse………………………13 Telling Tales……………………………………….14 Unfinished Sentences……………………………...15 Personal Symbol…………………………………...16 Map of Life………………………………………..17
A Mysterious Place………………………………..18 Synectics…………………………………………..19 A Day in Life………………………………………20 These Words Belong to Me………………………..21 In Other Words…………………………………….22 Flashback…………………………………………..23 Remembrance of Things Present………………….24 As Time Goes Bye-Bye……………………………25 My Own List of Lists…………………………….26 Cheer Yourself Up! ……………………………..27 Metamorphosis ………………………………….28 Picture This ……………………………………..29 Look who I look up to ………………………….30 Remembering the Child ………………………..31 One Medium Suitcase ………………………….32 The Perfect Present …………………………….33 Memorable Event ……………………………...34 How to ………………………………………...35
Always Say Never …………………………….36 Are You Hungry? ……………………………..37 Where I’m from ……………………………...38 Deck of 52 …………………………………….39 The Examined Life …………………………….40 Annual Report ………………………………...41 Ekphrasis ……………………………………..42 Visually Speaking ……………………………43 Lessons I’ve Learned Too Late ………………44 The Door ……………………………………..45 Advice to the Young …………………………46 Who Am I? …………………………………...47 Rewarding Experiences ……………………...48 Valuable Lessons …………………………….49 Futures-Fantasy and Fact ………………….....50 Epilogue ……………………………………..51
An Introduction In this book, you will read a very detailed part of my life. In each page, find out how my life can either give you tips, change how you think, or maybe the way you see yourself. I have assembled each prompt for my readers to get a glimpse. Maybe you may have the same interests as me? Maybe you will learn a few things about yourself? I know that you will learn things about me that I’ve never explained to anyone besides the people closest to me. Looks can be really deceiving. As you read, I hope you enjoy my writings! The title of my “all about me” book is “inside, looking out”. The title resembles my life explained by me to the reader. It’s like trying to read a book from the covers. You will
never truly understand what the book is about. You would have to read it. You will then know the knowledge of each part that makes the book so good and interesting.
Prompt # 2 “What’s in a name?”
According to my mother, she wanted all her kids’ names to start with the letter “j”. Originally my name was supposed to be Jericco if I was a boy. She thought I was going to be at first. My name derived from the name Christ. The -ka in my name is from Christ. The Jerrico was because she wanted my name to start with a J.
Prompt #3: Personal Alphabet
A: Achieving
I am achieving because effort is what always kept me going through time. I will keep striving and having that need to learn. It’s more like an urge. I have an urge to learn something new.
B: Big Hearted I am too soft hearted when it comes to everyone else or everything else around me. I always want to help and do things for others. It is so easy to get along with me. That is why I am big hearted.
C: Controlling I am controlling in everything I do or say. I usually say what’s on my mind. I do what I think is best for myself. I never let anyone else control me.
D: Determined I am determined to better myself. Without determination, you would have no attitude in accomplishing or getting something done. Determination is key of getting what you want and deserve.
E: Expectant I chose expectant because I expect more for myself then my younger years. I only want what I think can improve my skills. My parents are also expectant. They expect me to do my best in all. Only then can I be confident.
F: Faithful I have a lot of faith in life. I don’t like to rely on others, only what I can do for myself. I have faith in myself. That is what keeps me going. Being faithful let’s my mind be at ease. If I have faith in myself to accomplish, I will eventually accomplish.
G: Grateful
H: Hard-working I am able to get things done. I work extra hard and not take my time. I would say I am more careful with time. I do my best and always put in effort.
I: Imperfect I do not have a exterior or interior, but I have a perfect mind set. I have my doubts about myself. I have flaws. I am only human.
J: joyful
K: Kind I always put others before myself. I never put people down. I am usually helpful and volunteer to help when needed.
L: Limitless I will keep striving and live like there is no limit. I will dream above all that is only good for me for now and for the future. There is no limit in wanting something in life. That is why I am limitless.
M: Moralistic I live by the positive things in life that will help me later. I live through learning and doing better. That is my moral. That is why I am moralistic.
N:
O: obtainable I am obtainable in knowledge. Meaning i want to keep gaining knowledge in everything i learn. From learning, I perform better. I work better. I can think better.
P: patient I am the most patient person I know in my life. Through every situation, I will think of a better way to do or say things before I perform them. I always stay calm.
Q:
R:
S: Skeptical I am very skeptical, which means not very convinced. Stubborn is what you’d call me most of the time. I do not like the mentality of being wrong. I like being told I am right when I am actually right. I do not usually do things if i don’t want to do them. I do not let anyone convince me into it. So more like hard headed.
T: Thankful
I am very appreciative. I do not like to see people take advantage of
others or things around them. I am always thankful for what I have and who I have around me.
U:
V:
W: Weird I am weird all the time. I am random and sarcastic as well. I say the most random things. My friends and family tell me I’m weird. It’s just the way i do things. It’s my way of making life much more interesting.
X
Y
Prompt #4: Like/ Dislikes List
LIKES:
Dislikes:
1. Positive people 2. Lectures 3. The little things 4. Life 5. GOD 6. Family 7. Friends 8. The teacher who is making us write this autobiography. 9. My strict parents 10. being alive.
Negative people Lectures Unappreciative people Being sick Unpaid working Drama Boring people Awkward vibes my strict parents No money
Prompt # 5 “Sensory Experiences”
On a Sunday morning, the heat is already beating the concrete on my door steps. You can feel the light dry hot wind blowing against my cold skin. Feeling ice cold to hot and dry is the worst possible way to start your day. The roads are dry and from a distance, you can see steam arise. It’s a perfect day to go to the Umatac Discovery day carnival. Once you drive by the scenery, you can smell the hot oils that have been dripping from barbeque on the grills. Balloons are shattered into the air, but there is no wind to carry it too far. The air is filled with smoke and clouds of dirt. Right by the carnival is a race track, a dusty red dirt track. You hear the sounds of the engines roaring loudly but one could stand it. Now it hits me, the sun is now beating on me. This feeling is going to turn into an ugly tan line in the mirror tonight. The event is also near a beach so you can smell the salty and rock shores. Music is loud. Band is playing. Everything is perfect on this Sunday morning.
Prompt # 6 “Metaphorical Definitions�
1. Depression is a sad and lonely place. = Depression is a dark room. 2. I fear the night. =The night was shrouded in fear. 3. I love taking risks. = I fell in love with fear. 4. Love can change a person. = Love is forever changing its clothes. 5. You and I are complicated. = I am tangled up in you.
Prompt# 7: “A quality Personality”
Everyone is made up of different qualities. We all have good ones and bad ones. My qualities would be simple. When I look into the mirror every morning, I see an imperfect young lady. I see myself all grown up, getting ready to graduate. I feel my life passing by. I feel the time on my hands that I must choose wisely to spend it. I feel the air blowing on my skin as it changes because I’m getting older.
Prompt # 8 “Color Your World�
I think that the best colors to wear when you are happy are light colors. You could
wear yellow, pink, orange, blue, or green. On a nice day, my idea of the perfect color would be orange types of colors or blue. It looks good on most people. It brings out the eyes of most. Also it catches a person’s attention all the time.
Prompt # 9: Room Sweet Room
My room is filled with girly objects, but not too girly. That is just like me. I can be girly but at the same time I know my limits. You will find a dresser topped with many accessories, all in several colors and designs. Just like the accessories, I am a very colorful person. I am not dull and boring. I definitely cannot stand those type of people. If you know me well enough, you know me to be random and weird. Other than the accessories, you will see many books and magazines. How will I relate that to myself? Well I am into style, fashion, and into writing. I write everything I feel and dress to my mood. The magazines keep me inspired. The models and money in the pictures help me to know what I want in life. I want to be successful just like the people in the pages, but most of all I want to inspire others from my work. Besides the books and magazines, you will also find many old cards of several celebrations, along with pictures. They all resemble my past. They remind me of people who raised me and who were always around. The cards have always helped me to remember not only the important celebrations, but lessons that taught me well through the years. My room is simple and not too big. In a way that is also like me. I am simple. I like to keep things at rates where it is good enough for me. I know my room is not perfectly styled or big like most, but it is perfect for me. Everyone has a place of their own that keeps them sane. This room happens to be mine. I can be myself and feel comfortable in my home, in this room. If I learned one thing, it’s that no matter how bad my day will be, the thought of being in bed will get me through that day.
Prompt# 10: “Personal Metaphors” 1. Animal: If I were an animal, I’d be a lion because I am stubborn and always wanting to be right. In this case, the lion is king of the jungle and seems to get what he wants.
2. Car: If I was a car, I’d most likely be a jeep because I am tall and complicated. Jeeps are most of the time lifted and complicated to drive. 3. Article of clothing: I’d be a pair of stressed denim jeans because jeans are simple and comfortable to wear. In my case, I am simple and always wanting to be comfortable in what I do or wear. 4. Day of the week: I’d be a Sunday afternoon, because Sundays afternoons are always relaxing. In that time, your mind is at ease. I resemble Sundays, because I am always calm. 5. Food: I’d be a pasta dish because it has so many ingredients involved just like the ingredients that make up my personality. 6. Color: I’d be red because red is daring and elegant but sometimes dark at the same time. It describes the way I am. I take risks, always trying to have a good time, and but sometimes I could spend hours alone. 7. Movie: I’d be the movie “she’s all that”, because our generation today, people don’t accept us for how we really are. In that movie, she transform from a nerd to the girl every guy wants to be with. I think that’s how we all are today. We have to hide our identities to be accepted in society. Today, it’s really about looks. 8. Fragrance: There is no certain perfume or spray that I would be but I’d be a sweet, not too strong long lasting elegant fragrance. What girl would want to smell lightly sweet and womanlike? 9. Type of building: Everyone knows I am tall, so I’d be a sky scraper. One with a lot of huge glass windows that you can see the world above and below. 10. Plant: I’d be an orange rose because it reminds you of a warm and welcoming setting. I am welcoming to anyone. Although, a rose is known to still remind you of something dark and just like me, I don’t mind being alone. 11. Musical instrument: I’d be a violin. Violins have this sweet sound, but it also can give you sounds of pain. Every time I hear a violin I think of someone who’s imperfect, going through pain or has an ugly past but still so beautiful. 12 geometrical shape 13. Piece of furniture: I’d be a soft but at the same time firm couch because I can be lazy, but I can’t stand staying in place for more than 30 minutes. 14. Song: I’d be a dance type of song. I love to feel live, but it can also be motivating. Thats me, I like to make people feel happy even if it takes me being weird just to see a smile. 15. Season of the year: I’d definitely be spring time because I am a colorful person. I love colors. I love the sky to be blue with flowers bloomed. I am a happy person and to make others feel happy and also colorful. 16. Television character: I’d be Jennifer Lawrence because in reality she loves to eat, she’s blunt, she’s weird, and she’s thick and doesn’t care what anyone has to say. Describes me! 17. Cartoon/ comic character: I would say I am 18. Appliance or machinery: I’d be a door, because doors can shut people out or welcome them. 19. Natural phenomenon:
20. Word: I’d be the word weird. Because I am very weird.
Prompt # 11: “Extended Metaphors” 1. (15.) season of the year: I’d definitely be spring time because I am a colorful person. I love colors. I love the sky to be blue with flowers bloomed. I am a happy person and to make others
feel happy and also colorful. In addition I’d say, I am more like spring because it is breezy, always bright, and sometimes rainy on Guam. I am usually a positive, weird, loving, colorful person. Just like spring. It may rain sometimes, but it is needed. In my case, I may make my own rain, my bad emotions or choices but in the end it’s always bright. You learn and move on, just like the seasons.
2. (7.) movie: I’d be the movie “she’s all that”, because our generation today, people don’t accept us for how we really are. In that movie, she transform from a nerd to the girl every guy wants to be with. I think that’s how we all are today. We have to hide our identities to be accepted in society. Today, it’s really about looks. In addition, I’d say it’s not only during our younger years in school that every child feels this way, but it is also in reality. On Guam, it is not about your skills and experience of work to get a job. You have to look good, have good work, and know people that can get you in. That’s how I see it.
Prompt# 12 “Symbolic Recipe” As a human, we all really have the same characteristics. We are made up of our own personalities, pasts, thoughts, emotions, and experiences. But everyone deals with
themselves differently. We all go through tough times and set goals. For me, we really are all made from two different people, but all made the same way.
Prompt#13: The Ultimate All-Purpose Excuse
Mrs. Griffin, Jerika Chiguina has been under my care for the dates of March first through seventh. She has the condition of pneumonia, which interferes with her juvenile type one Diabetes. With her condition she must take extra care at home and as much rest as possible. We put her under antibiotics so she is able to get back to school. Jerika Chiguina will be missing school for the dates of March tenth through twelfth. (71) The antibiotics given will treat the bacteria from the pneumonia. We ask that you stay extra attentive to her when she is back in class. If any questions or concerns, please call the following numbers. I appreciate your patience and understanding.
Sincerely, (w)479-9084
Prompt# 14: “Telling Tales�
Doctor Bob Leonguerrero
When I was seven years old, my grandmother would tell me stories of the Duendas. They were these little people who lived under the rocks in jungles. She mentioned how these Duendas took my uncle. As the story continued, my grandmother mentioned what happened to my uncle. In this time, he was four or five years old. She said that he would always play near a tree at the back of my grandparent’s house. We had a huge garden with trees near it. My uncle mentioned to me that the trees were ancient, but my uncle was stubborn and didn’t care. He played around the tree and ended up stepping and falling on a root of that tree. Grandmother said he called for her but every time she called back, he didn’t answer. She kept looking and looking in search for him. It was like he disappeared. She looked until the sun started to set on the ocean side and worried he was lost out in the jungle behind the trees. So she set out a group of people from the village and some family member to search for him. They looked everywhere, but there was no sign of him. My grandmother said the next morning, our family said a prayer and a chant in Chamorro. This chant was asking for forgiveness, to let go my uncle. My grandfather knew the Duendas had him. My grandmother said she saw him appear under a chair. That is how we found him. My uncle told me that they made him invisible and that no one can hear him scream for help. They put him under the chair because he stepped on the root of the tree. Never again did I want to go to that garden by myself.
Prompt# 15: “Unfinished Sentences”
1. I usually worry about… I usually worry about what tomorrow will bring. What if I die tomorrow or will I pass my test? I always worry. Everyone worries. I worry about the little things too! I think about what i should wear or how I should do my hair. As a female, we will always worry of how we look, how we do things, what to eat, and things like that. 2. I feel angry when… I feel angry when I don’t do something right the first time. Trying is what makes it perfect but doing something multiple times is tiring. For example, math can be complicated. I am not good at that subject, I admit. Whenever a lower classman understands the problem given the first time, I freak out because I don’t understand. 3. I’m moody when… I’m moody when I am hungry. I think everyone is like that. When i’m hungry, I tend to be irritated with everyone until I get my food, just like a child. I will keep thinking about what I’m craving until I get it. 4. I’m happiest when… I’m happiest when I have food and relaxing with some friends or family. I can do that all day if I wanted to. It could be my hobby. Also, I enjoy shopping all day. I could shop for hours. 5. I feel confident when… I feel confident when I finish my homework and pass my tests. It is one of the greatest feelings in the world. Feeling accomplished, you are just so happy! Knowing you have good grades and turn in every paper on time, great feeling! You have a positive mentality, like you can do all.
6. I feel frustrated when… I feel frustrated when there’s too many people surrounding me. I need my space. I can’t stand crowded places. I guess it would depend, but I can’t be in a room where there is too many people or objects. I feel like something bad is going to happen. 7. I feel depressed when… I feel depressed when I argue with my friends or family. It’s like a
heart break knowing we are not talking because we had a disagreement. What would really suck, if you are so close to that person? 8. I am comfortable when… I am comfortable when I am in a quiet place, just listening to music and writing. There are no loud noises around you. That is a perfect day to be outside. You’re writing or drawing how you feel. It sounds boring, but when you actually do it. It’s relaxing to just ease your mind. 9. I feel nervous when… I feel nervous when I am taking a test in a silent room. You just feel the pressure of time running out. You think so much about writing in the correct or wrong answer. Than you see people getting up because they finished the test before you. I hate the feeling of being nervous or anxious. You just think too much. 10. I feel sentimental when… I feel sentimental when seeing a commercial about abused animals. I have a soft heart for animals. They are just like humans and seeing pictures or videos of them neglected breaks heart. It just makes you angry at the people who did it to them.
Prompt# 16 “personal symbol” I have this jewelry box on my dresser. It is filled with jewelry that has been made for me as a child. There is a white gold bracelet that is engraved with my name. The box has my zodiac sign and color of the horoscopes jewel. To me, it means the world. It is precious and cannot be made again. The box reminds me of how I am growing up and how much I’ve grown, not being able to fit the baby bracelet. It reminds me of how someday I will have a child of my own and he or she will wear one just like I did. Some day they will also look back at what’s been given to them. They will learn to appreciate it the way I do.
Prompt# 17 “Map of Life”
-Elementary: I went to San Vicente and Price elementary.
BIRTH: Born on GU, on August 8th.
Prompt# 18 “A mysterious place” There’s a place in the village of Umatac, Guam that I used to love going to as a child. It’s a long hike, but is definitely worth the work out! This trail runs through long sword grass. So it’s good to go during the day and with a knife in hand. The scary thing about it is its ancient grounds. You’d have to ask for permission and let the ancient ones that you will be on their lands. At the same time, just knowing that place is there, makes me happy. We still have some parts of Guam that hasn’t reached civilization of buildings or any touch of concrete. As the trail goes, you will see many bamboo trees. They are beautiful and large. They add shade and color to the setting. You come to a stop because it’s an edge to the river and waterfall. This river looks like a long slippery slide. With gorgeous clear waters, they are filled with many fish, shrimp, and some eel. They do not bother you. Finally, after the long wait, we a setting where we can set our bags and get ready for a swim. At first, you want to look at the view. You see beautiful trees making shade spreading down the river. The water is glistening from the sun. It is so clear you can see the bottom of the river. The water is deep enough to jump in. It is fresh and clean water so it’s cold, which only makes this more exciting. You will
see shrimp swimming around you. This place is quiet and calming. You can definitely hear the birds chirping and the water flowing. The sound of being antisocial has never sounded so good!
Prompt# 20 “A Day in Life”
She woke up to an alarm from her phone, “I got that Aflac, Cadillac, midnight drive…” It’s the song White Walls by Macklemore. She rises to get her towel and freshens up before school starts. It is five- thirty in the morning. No one is up, but she still plays her phone at max volume while in the shower. It takes her half an hour to get out of the shower. Then, she gets ready for school. There’s not much in her bag because she’s a senior and only attends one class today. She listens to music while getting something in her stomach. It is now six-forty-five and so she rushes to take out her crying baby Shiatsu of two months. Then, she leaves her house by seven-thirty. Well, her house is only less than ten minutes away. School is school. It is always quiet in the morning. She just has to get through a hundred and fifteen minutes of ceramics class, but already ready to leave class by nine forty five. Might as well go to sleep in class and wake up to leave school. That is how she starts her mornings. While the sun is still up, she attends her daily workout session at Paradise Fitness for a couple hours. After, she goes home, does everything you would do after a long workout, and do any assignments or studies. That is everything she does while the sun is up.
Prompt# 21 “These words belong to me” 1. Could you think all day and brood till you can’t think anymore? 2. Something that is dulcet is sweet and sugary. 3. Is glamour just pretty or
Prompt# 22 “In other words” 1. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” -Reinhold Niebuhr
2. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” -Barack Obama
3. “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
-Luke 6:35
4. “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” ~Walt Disney
5. “At one point in your life you either have the thing you want or the reasons why
you don't” - Andy Roddick
6. “There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen,
those who watch things happen and those who wonder what happened.” - Mary Kay Ash
7. “It’s not being completely afraid...fearless is living in spite of those things.” -Taylor Swift
8. “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” -Dr. Seuss 9. “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” -Coco Chanel
10. “Whatever you are, be a good one.” -Abraham Lincoln
Prompt# 23:” Flashback”
If I could change a part in my past, I would change the fact that my mother and I was never close. We would barely talk and when we did it would turn into an argument every time. I never liked the fact of being close to my parents. My parents were divorced so I was used to taking care of myself. We did not bond like most moms and daughters did. We did not vent to each other about our boyfriends or eat each other’s food, none of that stuff. I wanted to be close with her. Although we had our ups and downs, it made our bond stronger today. We talk to each other most of the time. Well more than before. We can go places with just each other. We can eat at a table with just us and it’s always a good time. Things definitely get better. You just have to
give it time to adjust.
Prompt# 24 “Remembrance of Things Present” In twenty years from now, I want to remember my childhood, how I grew up and how I was raised. I want to remember those who stuck by through all the years that have passed. I want to remember the things that I’ve learned today. I want to remember all the experiences and the people that were there with me to enjoy them. I want to remember the accomplishments and goals I’ve reached. I want to remember why I keep moving on with my life. I want to remember the good things I’ve done for people.
Prompt# 25 “As time goes bye-bye” As time ends for me, I want to spend the rest of my life with the person I married and had children with because I will never know when my last day will be. So I would cherish every moment. I want to travel the world and purify myself in happiness of beauty in those new places. I want adventure out in the world and do things I’ve never thought I’d do. I want to change the lives of those in need. I want to help cure the sick and give back to communities. I want to thank all the people who’ve stuck around because they are the reasons why I get through the day. The most of all, I want to never look back at my life with regret but with pride.
Prompt#26: “My Own Lists of Lists�
People Who Have Influenced Me: 1. God 2. My parents 3. Family 4. Friends 5. My teachers 6. My community Places That Make Me Happy: 1. Santa Teresita Church 2. My home sweet home 3. My room 4. The beach 5. Sacramento, California 6. Restaurants Places I would like To Go: 1. California again 2. The 7 wonders of the world 3. Bahamas 4. Las Vegas 5. A place where I can meet my grandpa who passed.
6. France/ Italy Things in People Which I Like: 1. Positivity 2. Personality 3. How they would think outside the box 4. being weird or random 5. being open 6. Being welcoming
Things in People Which I dislike: 1. Negativity 2. Always complaining 3. Unappreciative attitude 4. being judgmental 5. When they are always upset 6. When they are always depressed Things That Worry Me: 1. being distant from friends or family 2. Losing my faith in God 3. Losing faith in myself 4. Tomorrow 5. My future 6. Death
Things I Would Like to Know How to Do: 1. Fix a car 2. Knowledge about all cars 3. Drifting 4. Cure Cancer 5. Make the world at peace 6. Perform surgery. Things That Have Moved Me: 1. Touching movies, videos, or pictures 2. Articles 3. Books 4. Magazines
5. Websites 6. The BIBLE
Ideas That Intrigue Me: 1. Space travel 2. How the brain works 3. Life-Saving meals for starving children 4. Medicines used for cancer 5. Writing a book\ 6. Weight-Loss programs
My Personal Favorites: 1. Italian food 2. Food in general 3. Ashley Sky Victoria Secret Model 4. Down Syndrome Program 5. Writing a book. 6. My idea of a perfect day
Prompt# 27: “Cheer Yourself Up!”
1. Do something good for someone else. 2. Volunteer. 3. Eat the best chocolate to you, while taking a bath. 4. Hang out with friends. 5. Do something creative (arts in crafts, DIY clothes, etc.) 6. Workout. 7. Sing karaoke with your friends in the ugliest voices. 8. Buy a lot of junk food & pig out! 9. Go out to eat! 10. Go shopping! 11. Hit the gym or workout at home. 12. Do something for the rush or thrill of it. 13. Hangout at your favorite spot. 14. Dance till you can’t dance anymore. 15. Plan a party (no pity or i hate boys party) 16. Make a funny video. 17. Take a lot of pics with your friends doing something stupid. 18. Cook or bake a lot! 19. Sit in a Jacuzzi. 20. Watch scary/ funny movies (stay away from romance or depressing ones) 21. Believe things will get better.
Prompt# 28 “Metamorphosis”
In a world of skyscrapers, I was only a simple statue. I saw the little things in life, but now I see the view of the world. It’s now in my hands. That a change was to be made, to see what could be better for me. This view is becoming much clearer, And that I could be successful with better luxuries of happiness. I was once a seed, but my choices helped me bloom into something beautiful. A beautiful young lady, a flower. The most wonderful creation God has made me. A nourishment of the soul. A mind so pure and new. I’ve become my greatest mistake.
Prompt# 29 “Picture This” “The Old Guitarist” by Pablo Picasso This was painted in 1903, just after the suicide death of Picasso's close friend, Casagemas. During this time, the artist was sympathetic to the unfortunate situation of the people who were sadly treated and painted many canvases depicting the miseries of the poor, the ill, and those cast out of society. He too knew what it was like to be bankrupt, having been nearly penniless during all of 1902. This work was created in Madrid, and the distorted style is reminiscent of the works of El Greco. This bent and sightless man holds close to him a large, round guitar. Its brown body represents the painting's only shift in color. Both physically and symbolically, the instrument fills the space around the solitary figure, who seems oblivious to his blindness and poverty as he plays.
Opinion:
The artist is making his statement clear that this man and his surroundings are mistreated. It is in deep depression and has weaken this man’s soul. He strums the pain of his heart through this guitar. The blue coloring definitely sets a scene for loneliness but symphony for his friend.
Prompt# 30: “Look who I look up to”
Angelina Jolie is one of my inspirations. She was born in Los Angeles. Her parents split up when she was a child, but both very well known. Her mother was a French model and her father was an actor. She started to act at the age of eleven and took classes at the Prestigious Drama Academy. Having reached a peak in her career, Jolie then decided to pursue her humanitarian interests and began to become more and more involved in campaigns to help people in the Third World. In 2001, she adopted a Cambodian child named Maddox, and was made a Goodwill Ambassador for the United States. She took her role very seriously indeed, and took time out from her acting career to visit Sierra Leone, Pakistan, Tanzania and the Western Sahara. She began campaigning for peace in troubled Sri Lanka, got involved in helping refugees from Chechnya and Thailand, and donated $5 million to an environmental wildlife sanctuary in Cambodia. When she turned her attention back to her career, she was offered the chance to make 'Tomb Raider 2', for which she was paid a staggering $12 million.
“Invisible children” is the most inspiring worldwide project. Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army have been abducting, killing, and displacing civilians in East and central Africa since 1987. They first encountered these atrocities in northern Uganda in 2003 when they met a boy named Jacob who feared for his life and a woman named Jolly who had a vision for a better future. Together, they promised Jacob that they would do whatever they could to stop Joseph Kony and the LRA. Invisible Children was founded in 2004 to fulfill that promise.
Since his passing on May 11, 1981, Bob Marley’s legend is larger than ever, as evidenced by an ever-lengthening list of accomplishments attributable to his music, which identified oppressors and agitated for social change while simultaneously allowing listeners to forget their troubles and dance.
Prompt# 31 “Remembering the Child”
My mother’s favorite moment of me as a child was my first time using the bathroom in a toilet “potty training”. She said that when I sat down and peed, I laughed and said, “I peed!” I can only imagine all the other times I have used the restroom. She said I always ate and never turned down any food ever! The funny thing about it is that I love to eat. I do eat a lot up till this very day!
Prompt# 32: “One Medium Suitcase”
In a medium suitcase I would take all the objects that have sentimental value to me. I am leaving forever, so I want to bring along the things that remind me of what I am leaving and keep me sane. Some clothes and shoes is a girl’s must in a suitcase. In case I need to shower or change, I’ll need some clothes and shoes to match. I will also pack my favorite I would pack hygiene products and a curler & straightener. A girl has to fix her hair. Lastly, I would pack my laptop because that would really help me get information on places and things while I’m out to wherever.
Prompt# 33 “The perfect Present” Self- confidence and patience would be the perfect present for me. I am patient, but lately I haven’t had much for people. Maybe it’s because I am getting older and understanding why I need less people in my life. I don’t have much self-confidence either. I am anxious to a lot of reasons about myself. I think way too much about how I look and how I feel. I find myself worrying about things that are not important. I also tend to dwell on the worst situations. It’s my way of moving on. I think that everyone needs self-confidence! I need it. It helps to get you through a day. You won’t worry about how you look and how people think of you.
Prompt #34: “Memorable Event”
On the night of March 29th of 2014, I attended the Chamorro music concert. It was held at the University of Guam field house. I was with my grandmother and my parents. I didn’t think I’d like the performances, but I enjoyed myself. There were about 20 performers and they were amazing! It was a memorable experience! The scenery, the band, the lectures, the poetry of the lyrics was beautiful. It made you feel as if you were in their time. This concert made me realize that I should always appreciate my Chamorro culture and keep practicing. Our elders are not going to be here any longer and I should expand my knowledge.
Prompt# 35: “How to…”
How to break someone’s heart:
Although I have never broke anyone’s heart, I know how it feels to be heart broken. So I decided to share how another person may break yours. The greatest way to break someone’s heart is to show that you don’t care about them at all. Step number one is to get that person to fall in love with you. You buy them flowers, gifts, food. You can take them out. Make them feel special! You tell them things that would make him or her smile and laugh. Let them feel as if you want them in your life forever. Than you go to another person and do the same
thing, but make sure you get caught. Let that other person catch you with the other. Then, boom! He or she is heartbroken. Your mission is complete.
Prompt# 36 “Always Say Never” There are only a few places I ate at that I never went back to. Denny’s and Shirley’s are the two places I try to never eat at again. Every time I eat there, I get bad stomach aches or pains. I think it’s their eggs because I like eating breakfast for dinner at cheap family restaurants. Also the set up feels unsanitary. There is always food on the floor and that is disgusting! Every New Year’s, my uncle makes us take shots. It is tradition. I always tell myself to never do it again but I do anyway. I hate the burn in your throat taking it down and when it’s
in your stomach. It makes me feel sick, but it’s with family.
Prompt# 37: “Are You Hungry?”
My idea of a perfect dish would be Italian. My favorite Italian dish is a pasta dish, the penne with sweet sausage and white sauce. My grandmother usually makes this
for me. It is so delicious, especially when you top it with cheese. It all goes together and melts in your mouth. Some people serve their pasta dishes with bread. I do. I like to put garlic spread and butter with cheese on Texas toast bread. Then I bake it till its golden brown and the cheese is melted on top. If I could, I’d eat that all day. That is definitely my favorite type of meal!
Prompt# 39 “Deck of 52” 52 daily noises 1. Alarm
2. Mom yelling 3. Neighbors coughing 4. Dogs barking 5. chickens chirping 6. cars passing 7. music playing 8. children playing 9. babies crying 10. snoring 11. toilet flushing 12. water running 13. coffee brewing 14. dishes being washed 15. car alarms 16. dad yelling 17. police sirens 18. construction 19. phones ringing 20. phone notification 21. food cooking 22. road rage 23. church bells 24. doors opening and closing 25. people walking 26. people talking 27. cash registers 28. car ignitions 29. car muffler 30. car horns 31. school bells 32. people running in the halls 33. teachers writing on boards 34. whistling from aids 35. typing 36. texting 37. farting 38. ROTC 39. teachers yelling 40. lecturing 41. chairs moving 42. desks moving
43. creaking of old furniture 44. people chewing tobacco and pugua 45. people eating 46. traffic 47. screen door squeaking 48. TV 49. radio 50. zelden playing 51. showers 52. snoring
Prompt #40: “The Examined Life�
Best Traits 1. I am very random and weird. 2. I always put people before myself. 3. I tend to be over protective. 4. I am not a picky eater. 5. I am too nice.
Greatest Faults 1. I tend to overthink situations. 2. I tend to dwell on situations. 3. When I know I’m getting close to someone, I push them away because I am scared to be hurt. 4. I chose my friends over my family at one point.
Prompt# 41 “Annual Report”
A year ago, I was in the happiest state of my life. I have never been that happy with myself and with life. It was my junior year in high school. I made new friends but we are no longer friends today. At the time, I didn’t care about relationships. I just cared about my friends, family, and studies. Honestly, I am better off today than I ever was a year ago. Junior year was the best year I’ve had in high school. My close uncle was still alive, my friend Raph would still be alive, and it just seemed like a perfect year. I felt like I was doing so well, so content.
Prompt# 42 “Ekphrasis”
I am truly inspired by the story of Jesus Christ. I want to dedicated this poem to him because I adore and praise him every day.
My love, I know you are watching me. You are the true meaning of love. You have relieved the weight off my shoulders. This heavy burden, You take it all from me. I surrender everything, My life, my love, my family, my friends. I see myself in you the way you do in me. I know you are watching me. Your gentle touch, Like a butterfly landing on a rose. It’s so sweet and calming. Letting me feel the beauty of sacrifice, of sin. There is no one that can describe and understand our chemistry. I know you are watching me.
Prompt# 43 “Visually Speaking”
Prompt #44 “lessons learned after it was too late”
As a teenager, you are still young. You want to try and fit in. So you want to try new things, even the things that are bad for you. In my case, I did a lot just to fit in. I smoked and I drank. I have skipped school and classes. In all, just to fit in. I’ve made terrible choices and now I am living a life trying to mend it and make it better. My past will always be there unless I accept it, but I don’t regret anything. It’s how I learn to make better choices. I think I truly messed up my body internally but doing those things. I now have diabetes and I think those are the reasons why I do have it. It’s devastating, but now I’m spending the rest of my life trying to take better care of myself. That is the only way. Another thing, it was childish for me to let myself be someone else. I should’ve accepted the way I was. Maybe today I’d be different? Maybe I’d have different friends or mind set.
Prompt# 45: “The Door”
1. When I walk out that door, I want… When I walk out that door, I want to eat at Capricciosa! I want to sink my taste buds into the garlic bread and seafood spaghetti! If this was during the holidays, I’d order their pumpkin pie. It is warm when you get it. Topped with some whip cream would be perfect! 2. When I walk out that door, I don’t want… When I walk out that door, I don’t want to go home and do chores. I don’t want to fold clothes, sweep, and mop, take out my dog. I don’t want to clean the dishes or clean the bathroom.
Prompt #46: “Advice to the Young”
The most important lesson I have been taught, is to have faith in yourself. If you believe in yourself, you can do all things. You can achieve and accomplish everything and anything, if you put your mind to it. I wasted my time in high school going out all the time when I should’ve sent out college applications and studying for exams or test. I was a good student. I paid attention all the time, but I was easily distracted. A younger person, should not do that. He or she should wait until after graduation, at least. Partying can wait. We have our mid and older years to catch up. They should be paying attention to school. Also, I would say to stay single throughout high school. You get hurt. You get distracted. You miss out on times with friends. Growing up, it wasn’t so easy. You have to work for what you want in life. The better things in life, they do not come easy. Finding a job is complicated as well. You need skills and experience.
Prompt #47 “Who am I?”
1. Provider
2. Nourisher
3. Student
4. Daughter
5. Teacher
Prompt# 48: “Rewarding Experiences”
Rewarding Experiences 1. Volunteering with the Down syndrome program and being able to interact with them. Interacting with the Down syndrome kids, it helps you to realize how beautiful they are. They are very intelligent and loving. 2. Retreats with your church’s confirmation class A retreat is getting away from the normal life you live. In this experience, you learn about yourself and find your way closer to God. 3. Going to Lake Tahoe in California Lake Tahoe is one the most beautiful sites I have ever been to. It is so large, looking out to it lets you think it’s an ocean.
Prompt #49 “valuable lessons” Ten valuable lessons: 1. Never regret your past. I have learned to never look back at the choices you’ve made and to never regret the experiences that go along with them. If you always regret them, you will not learn to let go and move on with your life. This decision allows you to set your mind at ease that things will only get better. 2. Admit our wrongs. Becoming an adult has its phases. One of them is admitting to your mistakes. It may be big or small, but an apology is never something to be ashamed of. Saying sorry allows you to comfort a person that you care and assuring them that it was you’re doing. It is also a part of maturing. 3. be appreciative. Growing up you realize everything has changed. You have changed, your body, your mind set, the people in your life, your life. Everything will definitely change and you will come to realize that things will never be the same as you were a child. You don’t feel excited when it comes to doing things on your own. Your parents will not be here to support us any longer. They are getting older. We must appreciate all the little things that we do have. Never take them for granted. Be thankful for who you are, what you’ve become, and what you have in your life. Also the people in it.
4. Love yourself the way you want to be loved. In my opinion, this is the most important lesson in life that I have learned. To love
yourself makes it easier for you to love someone else, also to show it. Negativity will never let you live your life freely. You will always worry. You will always be anxious. You will never have a peace of mind in anything you do.
5. be humble. In our generation today, a lot of us pay attention to the way we look and the things we have. It’s good once in a while to be confident, but not too confident. You must be humble. You must keep some things low key. You must have respect for one’s self and towards others. 6. Stay loyal to who is loyal to you. In the worst situations, you will realize who are there for you and who are not. Than life will turn around. You will only trust a few. 7. Do not procrastinate. If you really want to succeed in life, never waste your time. Don’t procrastinate. You will learn that it does not get easier if you take your time on work, assignments, or plans. 8. Don’t give up easy. In life, the most reward able things never come easy. You have to work hard and have determination. You must keep focus and set goals. Goals will always help you step up. 9. Determine who you are. If you know who you are, you will have confidence. You will not let anyone tell you otherwise. You will not let another opinion get in the way of yours unless it is needed. 10. The key to survival: Lastly, how will you survive in the real world? Will you work hard for hard earned cash or steal money from others because it is easier. I see life better when it is challenged. You keep your mind set all the time till you accomplish. When you accomplish, you will succeed and that is how people are very successful today. That is how they earn their money. That is how they learn better and think harder than before.
Prompt# 50 “Futures- Fantasy and Fact”
EPILOGUE My personal alphabet and like or dislikes pages would help the reader to easily describe how I am and what I am into. My personal symbol’s page would give them a glimpse into my pass as a child. It would tell them how I still keep my valuables close at heart. It would tell them how much I appreciate my past and how it affects me now. In each of those pages, there’s a piece of me that I haven’t told to a lot of people. For them to have picked it up, they are lucky to look through my life and experiences. Although that is not how I want a stranger to get to know me. To read through someone else’s life, it is beautiful and lets me know that maybe someone out here is like me. Maybe they want some advice? Maybe they should know what I have been through to look at themselves better. We all want to inspire someone.