Hannah's English Blog

 One tradition that is important to me and my family during the holidays is getting together to celebrate Christmas on the 24th. I find this important since we are able to all get together and celebrate just a day early and technically have two days that we celebrate. We open presents and wish each other happy Christmas once the clock hits 12, after that we stay and celebrate for a few hours then go home. Later in the day, now the 25th, we go over someones house and celebrate again, just talking and getting together again. I like this tradition and to this day we still keep it up, I love any chance I get to spend with my family and cousins especially during special times like the holidays.  In class we continued to watch the film and the worksheet  I learned that ìts important to cherish times with loved ones. To also never forget moments with them since things may change     

 As Ive grown older the holidays are something that I not cherish and be in the moment for. Back then when I was younger, I would only care about hanging out with my cousins and opening presents. Now I really do care about being with my family members and try to make the most out of it,  make the most memories with them. It now feels more emotional since things have been rough with certain members not being here with us/ separated, makes me realize that I should spend all my time with those around me. I feel responsible for also having to capture these moments and how Im now the one helping prepare the food and decorations instead of waiting for it.  Today in class we watch the film The Color Purple and completed a worksheet along with it  I learned to never take things for granted and spend the most time with those I care about. With holidays coming soon and the end of first semester, I realize I have to really know what my future will be look like and to start work...

 Prompt: Ive reconnected with a childhood friend that I havent spoken to in a good, long while. I would say that it did change me, as the friend and I were now opposites, I always looked up to her. We were attached to the hip back then so we would act the same, every now and then when I reconnect with her I noticed myself acting differently for a few weeks. It wasnt something good, since she does bad habits that I would pick up from her whenever we hung out. I understand forgiveness as something sincere but know that it can also be fake with some people.  In class we started on a mini group project  I learned that its important to never stop learning. It doesnt have to be school related, but things outside of school and your surroundings. You can never learn too much and its nice how everyone has something different that they learn and can teach others about too. 

 Prompt: A song that brings back a specific memory would be Riptide by Vance Joy. It brings back memories due to it being a song that me and my siblings always heard when we lived in one of our old houses. It brings back the memory of us playing in our backyard on a nice summer day. Our backyard was huge and had some random steps on them, it was shaped weird so we always did parkour there too. The song would always be playing on a radio we had so hearing that song now brings back nice, sweet memories.  In class we read more chapters and answered questions  I learned that its never too late to try something new. No matter what your used to or age, its nice to break a cycle and try a new thing that can bring you joy. 

 Prompt: The best gift I have received was my dog of now 3 years. It was a random gift, my dad was at a clients house whose dog gave birth. My dad had sent me a picture of the puppy and asked if I wanted it. We already had another dog of 11 years and my mom didnt want anymore pets. As a joke I had said yes, not expecting him to actually bring the dog home. Once he came home with the puppy I was so surprised but loved the dog.  In class we continued reading chapters and answered questions  I learned that no matter how hard your life can be you can always turn it around. That theres never a stopping point to do what you want and rebuild your life. 

 Prompt: Something that I believed but turned out to be different was probably High school. I always imagined it like the movies, where people can go wherever they want, almost no consequences, things like that. However, once I got to high school, I realized it wasnt like that at all and actually similar to how middle/elementary was. Only difference I immediately noticed was how there was so many more people and older as well. This shaped my identity since I realized I was going to change and my group of people would expand, as well as.  Summary: Today in class we continued to read more chapters  Reflection: I learned some more about how Nettie is going in Africa as well as how the family she was with now know that Nettie is actually the aunt of the kids. I also learned how Celie almost doenst believe in God anymore. This made me realize how someone can go through so many events that it can completely change them. Or how seeing one thing happen change them as well. 

 Prompt: If I ever uncover the hidden letters there would be too many emotions I would think about. First emotion would be me being surprised that I found them and that Nettie isnt dead. The next would be confusion as to why Mr would hide them, I would try to figure out a reason for that. The next would definitely be anger. I would be angry because Mr hid all the letters from me that were very important. I would see him as someone completely different in a bad way and always hate him.  Summary: Today in class we read chapters 61-65 and asked our own questions on each chapter.  Reflection: I learned how Netties life was going and how she has changed as well. She seems more confident and happy watching over her niece. Im excited to see how she continues to grow and seems to enjoy life as well with the missionaries. 

 Prompt: A relationship that changed over time as I grew more aware was the relationship with my brother. As I grew older and more aware, I saw how he really acted and grew more mature as well. This made our relationship move from us always fighting and joking around to being serious with each other and really understanding each other. We connected even more and were able to understand each other/ help each other when we were going through rough situations. Now I feel like our relationship is strong and that we ´ ll always be there for each other.  Summary: Today in class we read more chapters and did a worksheet  Prompt: Today I learned how and what Nettie went through the letters she had written to Nettie. Also learned how Nettie went through the hardships and experienced colonialism for the first time.  

The most memorable event for me this month was going to my first ever Friendsgiving, where I have thanksgiving dinner but with friends. We each had to bring an actual homemade meal, I made a banana pudding that thankfully everyone loved. It was very memorable to me because I got to hangout with my friends and eat good food. We set up a fire as well and sat around talking for a few hours. I felt very thankful for the new friends I have made this year and for having all my friends in my life.    Having a Friendsgiving during the break I learned many new things about all my friends and the experiences all of them had. I learned to be thankful for everything and to never take things for granted.