Tuesday 10 January 2012

Assignment #5: The Road Less Traveled

I believe that it is pointless to lead a life where I would find myself methodically completing depressing tasks, with the thought of where I would've been at this moment with my dream job. It is mandatory to be passionate about your job. I constantly witness my mom dreading to experience yet another day of labour at her workplace. My mother had to discontinue her education in college in order to be married. At a very early age, her marriage was arranged, this was very common in India during that generation. She had to abandon her dream to follow a tradition. Her dream was to become a chef, and till this day she still wishes it. She often discusses what she visions how her life would have been if she followed her passion. She says that if she could have changed the past, she would. If any one has the choice to get an education and pursue their dream career, they should, without any hesitation, take the opportunity. High school gives students a chance to realise what we are passionate about, I believe everyone should take advantage of this opportunity and use it as a first step to achieving your ideal occupation.


During my time in middle school, I picked up a sudden interest in orthodontics. Ever since then, that has been my dream career until recently. My original plan was to attend the University of British Columbia, and receive my Bachelor of Science degree. Next I was planning on following the steps of my cousins, and attending a university in Washington for dental school. That would approximately take eight years. I predicted I would open up an office, much like our local orthodontist's, in a location similar to Penticton's, so I could provide services efficiently, and locals would not have to drive out to a more developed city to receive oral treatment.With this career, I knew I would be financially stable for the remaining of my life, but I wasn't sure if I would be entertained. Recently, I began to analyse the benefits and negativity's of becoming an orthodontist. There were more pros than cons, but still, I realised the majority of dentistry did not involve mathematics, the subject I most enjoy. Therefore, my new plan is to still attend UBC, start with my BSc and realise my passion through those four years. I would prefer a job in mathematics, but I would also settle for a medicinal job, which involves using at least basic math on a daily basis.

Tuesday 3 January 2012

The Taming of the Shrew

Context- The scene I chose was of Kate reciting a lengthy speech that convincingly displayed her being tamed. This scene took place at Bianca's wedding. Before this scene, Petruchio and Lucentio proposed a bet to see which man's wife was more obedient. They ordered their wives to come forth and which ever man's wife most readily came, won twenty crowns. They each sent their man to bring their wife. Lucentio's wife promptly refused, but astonishingly, Petruchio's wife, Kate, swiftly arrived at his side as if it was her honor to obey him. No one could believe their eyes, they thought had known Kate to be assertive and independent, everything a suited wife would not be. After her speech, the play is over, and everyone is happily married because it is a comedy.

Symbolism- In this scene, Kate reads a speech which symbolises her being tamed and transitioning from an unpleasant woman to what was considered a desirable wife in that era. Another symbol is the extravagant costumes. They symbolise and remind the viewer or reader that this is just story and a play, it is not what should be expected in real life.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Assignment #3: Novel Journal Entry (ROOM)

"But you said a birthday cake, it's not a birthday cake if there's no five candles on fire." ( p.23)

          It's Jack's fifth birthday, and his mother made a cake for him, but placed five chocolates on the surface instead of candles, but Jack wanted candles instead to make it a "real" birthday. In this quote Jack is screaming and having a fit over this miniscule issue. When I was five I did the same thing. When I wanted something, I wanted it. Period. I was much like Jack, I was not aware of the difficulties my parents had to go through to fulfil my desires. I did not realize candy or toys were a privilege.

         When I was younger, all I wanted was a puppy for my birthday. I used to argue with my parents to convince them that I am responsible enough to raise a puppy. I even bribed my siblings to be on my side during the arguments, anything I needed to get a dog. My only focus was to get this pet, I didn't take anything else into consideration. Our back yard was not large enough for a dog to play and exercise in. Neither did I acknowledge that my parents raised a dog in India, where animals were banned from entering homes, and they wouldn't be able to adapt raising a dog inside the house. If I owned a dog I would provoke my parents to depart and go out of their comfort zone. I realize that now.

        Jack in this case, does not comprehend that his mother was kidnapped. In order for her to receive Sunday treat, she has to allow Old Nick rape her multiple times a week. Their living conditions are much more harsh than mine were when I was young, but a five year-old's mind set will always be the same.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Assignment #2- Public Displays Of Disaffection

1) The three main points of the article, "Public display of disaffection," written by Anne Kingston and Alex Ballingall are the habit and addiction to cell phones, the change cell phones have caused to people, and the annoyance its causing society. Everyone uses cellphones these days, “[i]t’s an addiction.” Even people with high profile jobs seem to text during the most important of meetings. An example would be when a "52-year-old, who received an honorary doctorate at the ceremony, took his seat on the dais and began typing into his iPhone.... [t]he guest of honour has a responsibility to be present in the moment.” Another point is that cell phones put "personal and business relationships, both of which rely on making others feel valued, at risk." If a person is on a date with a friend, they are likely to feel uncomfortable if their date is "constantly glancing" at their phone. Many singles have left their dates for this reason. When we are occupied by our phone when around other people, we tend to focus more on our phone, and our friends don't get our undivided attention. Individuals from this current generation seem to be "losing [their] one-on-one people skills and ability to engage in uninterrupted, focused conversations.” Lastly, a main point I found was that society that understands the limit of phone usage is getting irritated by the active phone users. A UK survey revealed that "most people said they’d rather see someone pick their nose than use a mobile device in front of them." People think of it as "rude, period." Restaurants are getting annoyed as well, noting that the "'no cell phones' is the new 'no smoking'." For example, some "fast-food outlets...[have started] to refuse to serve digital multi-taskers."




2) I agree with her first point because, I have experienced it myself. many teenagers, for example, the students in our school, allow themselves to become addicted to cellphones. We constantly need to socialize and know what is going on the world. But, I believe we can fix this addiction easily as well.

I believe that it puts relationships at risk depending on how often you are on your phone while your with another person. For example, I don't believe that if someone just glances at their phone, it will ruin a relationship. But this could definitely ruin a business relationship, that is because a friendship or a personal relationship is more casual, while on the other hand a business relationship is formal, and it could possibly ruin career opportunities if you are not acting professional.

I disagree with the last point, it may be true but I have never witnessed it. I have not yet seen restaurants refuse to serve you if you are using a cell phone, or I haven't yet experienced people asking me to turn off my cell phone. If a cell phone is used wisely, consequences wont occur.




3) I think cellphones are acceptable on your own time, when you aren't disrespecting others by ignoring them. Cell phones are also acceptable if there is an emergency, such as when a person is injured and the fastest way to contact the ambulance is by using a cellphone, even if it is at the work place. I also think its acceptable to use phones once in a while with friends around, only if they don't mind it. I think it's unacceptable to use cell phones during a class or lecture, or when you are with a person who has a business relationship with you. I think schools and movie theatres should consider cellphone banning because its takes away from your focus in class and its disrespectful to the teacher who is taking his or her time teaching you important topics, and in movie theatres because people feel annoyed by the cell phone screen glare that takes interrupts the theatre. I don't think there should be cell phone jammers, because an emergency could happen anywhere at any time, and a cell phones always come in handy when there is an emergency.

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Assignmnet #1 - Superpower

The wind gusts through my hair as I peer down at the Buckingham Palace through the fluffy white clouds that look exactly like fresh cotton candy. It's been 10 years since my visit to my cousins in London, England. I am overjoyed to spend time with them and tour around England. After this trip, I am planning to make a short flight to Egypt, Africa to finally view the pyramids and deserts we had learned about a few years back in Social Studies. I see the pyramids right before my eyes as I fly above England.
Sadly, I awaken, and glance at my English teacher tapping my shoulder. I can only dream about obtaining the super power to fly place to place. If I could have the power to fly, I could use it to change history, visit my missed relatives, or even complete simple tasks without having to travel long distances.
I would have the ability to change history by travelling over seas to any crime scene about to happen. I would appear in a flash and snatch any weapons the criminal held to have him left with a confused look on his face. I would've saved the day.
I would be able to visit my relatives all over the world, from one country to the next, and reunite with my family that I haven't seen for years, we could reminisce and catch up.
An example of a simple task i could complete if I could fly would be grabbing my homework from home that i happened to forget. Instead of walking a seven minute walk, I could vanish from my desk and reappear with my missing homework in just a matter of a few seconds.
The power of flying would solve many of my various problems, with much less effort.
It would make life so much easier. I wish I could fly.