My Hobbies

Jill Marler

Mrs.Whitsell

English Comp I

12 September, 2012

My Hobbies

            Many people have things they enjoy doing in their spare time, and it is usually based on their individual talents. I always joke about sewing or knitting, which has been placed in the elderly lady stereotype, but it truly is a beautiful talent. While there is a variety of hobbies, three of my hobbies are volunteering, socializing, and cheerleading. I love being around people, and these hobbies require much association.

            Volunteering is a hobby I enjoy, and I am blessed with the opportunity to volunteer during school hours. Every day, I volunteer my time as a teacher’s aide in first grade. Though it is not always easy, I look forward to spending time with the six year olds as they grow and mature. I love listening to them read, as well as learn about the basic life cycles. Their teacher will remain one of my favorites, and I think back to how school was different when I was in her class. I strive to be a positive influence on those children, because they always brighten my day.

            Another hobby of mine is socializing in various ways. I am quite content to spend time with others, and I love making new friends. A growing way to socialize is through social media. I love visiting with friends on Facebook and Twitter, as well as meeting many new people. It is impossible to have too many friends! Socializing is how I spend a large amount of my free time, and it is certainly my favorite hobby!

            Cheerleading is a sport I have participated in for the previous five years, and I enjoy it very much. Cheering is a sport that not only is meant to encourage the players, but also teaches a positive outlook. My squad’s main fundraiser is to host a Little Bear Paw program, which enables preschool through sixth grade girls to learn and perform at a number of games. Practices are scheduled, and I adore the time I spend with the girls. The program deems to be my favorite part of cheerleading, because it enables interaction with all ages, while giving them something to look forward to.

            Hobbies are an important part of everyone’s lifestyle, and there is a variety to choose from. The hobbies I spend the most time with are volunteering, socializing, and cheering. I am grateful for the hobbies I get to participate in.

Cause and Effect of Prejudice

Jill Marler

Mrs. Whitsell

English Comp I

21 August, 2012

The Cause and Effect of Prejudice

            The act of prejudice is unfair and caused by many opposing views. Throughout history, mankind has struggled through being mistreated and judged because of a small difference. Harsh words and actions are the signs of this, and a common form of racism is caused by skin color. This topic is important because prejudice occurs daily to numerous people who most likely don’t deserve it. It needs to be brought to attention, and minimized.

            Whatever creates these unkind feelings is passed along to others whom begin treating people unethically as well. The idea that one race is inferior to another is clearly a main cause of prejudice. Time isn’t taken to understand others when this occurs.

            In addition to prejudice being passed along to others, another cause is an individual’s difference. Prejudice occurs when one is unlike the other. While encountering a trait or quality that is unfamiliar, one must decide to accept or reject it. Prejudiced individuals reject an aspect of someone which in turn, leads to the effect on the ones prejudiced against.

            The effect prejudice has on individuals and the society we live in is very significant. When people are not accepted, they miss the chances to grow in their community.  Employers must overcome any form of prejudice in order to provide job opportunities to everyone qualified. In smaller cases, it may only bring about emotional pain to the one being picked on. Others-because of their skin color, gender, or religion- could become victim to harassment. They could also lose their self-worth and struggle with building it back up.

            Prejudice is a topic some ignore, while others fall victim to its effects. Prejudice is quite controversial, because some only apply doing the right thing to certain situations. Many motives cause people to treat others unkindly, and the biggest influence is who one surrounds themself with. It is more important to respect others than to cause them harm.



Photo Essay-Breaking Family Ties

     It sure has been a hard day. I've worked all day long, and all I want is a smoke. Life is hard here; I'm doing all I can to provide for my family. My boy is smart; I want him to be a successful man one day. He's the only one I got, so I'm willing to do everything in my power to give him the opportunities to go far. Farming does not bring in much money. I need every bit to survive and to top things off, I need some for my boy to go to school. I will just have faith that the good Lord is watching out for us!

Reflection

Jill Marler
Mrs.Whitsell
English Comp I
19 November 2012

     Writing's importance has been expressed more in the last semester. I have grown as a writer in numerous ways, varying from advancing my grammar to the content I used. The effect of ethos, pathos, and logos have been applied in my papers more because I am more informed about their meanings. The use of contractions was a big habit of mine, but I have slowly diminished them from my paper. I have also grown by learning to keep my verb tense continuous throughout my paper. I struggle with point of view, but I'm improving my usage of that as well.
     In addition to all I've learned, revisions are very important to a paper. I complete two or more rough drafts before I reach my final draft. It is crucial to get others opinions as well as ask for assistance. Books are a good reference when completing the paper you desire.

The Squeeze and Wal-Mart

Jill Marler

Mrs.Whitsell

English Comp I

5 November 2012

The Squeeze and Wal-Mart

            Wal-Mart is a giant retail store that can be found in almost any location. I feel that is effective in some ways at keeping its low prices, and also attracting customers in any way they can. I appreciate that Wal-Mart provides easy access to products I need in my lifestyle, as well as the convenience of matching prices of any competitors in the area.

            I am certainly a fan of Sam Walton’s store, because it is one of the main stores in my community that provides what I need as a consumer. I don’t avoid it; many other stores may have similar items with higher prices. Though I am a supporter of Wal-Mart, I don’t believe they are doing the best they can in order to get customer satisfaction. They must provide an ideal shopping experience complete with helpful employees and the best prices.

            I have never been employed at Wal-Mart, but I know someone who has. They did have some complaints about the way they were treated, but they eventually moved on out of the business. There won’t be a perfect corporation and Wal-Mart will continue to win over the consumers with every low price, nevertheless it’s important for the customers to feel as they are the company’s first priority. Honesty is a good trait to have for success, and Wal-Mart’s low price advertisement must be just that!

Optimism with Benefits

Jill Marler

Mrs. Whitsell

English Comp I

12 November 2012

Optimism with Benefits

        In life, it is important for an individual to notice the positive side in every obstacle they encounter. Many people wish to be happy, while others make it happen by looking on the bright side. Life has tragedies, but when someone finds a way to be optimistic in the midst of their storm, it encourages them to overcome it. An optimistic outlook is very important to not only that person, but also has an effect on whomever he/she is around. It is said that health benefits come from being positive, as well.

        The overused glass half-empty, or glass half-full concept reveals so much about someone’s outlook on things. The optimists who look upon situations as half-full may notice health benefits that pessimists may miss out on. Their stress levels are much lower, which causes a decrease in depression. Regardless of a pessimist’s health, they may not have the right thought process to cope with a negative experience like an optimist. People who bring out the positive in every situation can even have a longer lifespan, as well as a greater resistance to illness. If optimistic individuals spend their time enjoying others and laughing, this also benefits their life. Laughter not only boosts your mood, but it soothes tension as well! Laughing can also relieve pain, making the torturous “hitting the funny bone” less painful.

        Being positive does not only improve the quality of one’s life, it also encourages others to have a bright outlook on things after they are around someone positive. People want to be around someone that encourages them, not one who brings them down or only talks of negative things. It is also important to stay away from the pessimistic individuals that bring down positive thought flow.

        In order to gain this positive attitude, a person must first accept that they will encounter struggles throughout their lifetime. Following their acceptance, they need to develop a determination to always get the best out of whatever they encounter. It is important to focus on any positive factor to create a habit of it. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people (Ephesians 6:7).

        Additionally, an individual must acquire a habit in which they rarely take their blessings for granted. Being thankful for every up and down that occurs is critical in order to develop the positive outlook which is desired. Regardless of the trials that will be faced, the positive determination successfully attained will always overcome anything.

        The act of being positive is more than personal, it affects everyone nearby. Optimism does, indeed, provide benefits in numerous ways as well. Improving health and changing the way an individual deals with tragedies are two advantages of looking on the bright side of any situation. It is important to always be thankful in order to wipe away the negative that comes from coveting others. In addition to being thankful, it is also crucial to be surrounded with enthusiastic people whom will help to develop a permanent positive thinking process. No matter the struggle, being positive will always help bring about triumph in the end!

Works Cited

Ephesians. New Living Translation. Illinois: Tyndale House Foundation, 2007. Print.

Social Networking: Creating and Destroying Relationships

Jill Marler

Mrs.Whitsell

English Comp I

20 October 2012

            Social networks are taking over our society’s communication by turning face-to-face conversations into chatting over a screen. Many use the opportunity to meet new people, while some use it in a more negative way. If a parent were asked their opinion on their child using a social network site, their reply may be of disapproval because of the incredible amount of time their son or daughter spends on it. The supporters of social networks are countless; however, the opponents of these sites are taking a stand against them. Facebook and Twitter are currently two of the most popular social networking websites, and they bring about many positive reasons to support this communication, as well as harmful aspects which cause the opponents to feel the way they do about social networks. Pros and cons of online communication have made a simple reconnecting tool into a very controversial topic.

            A positive feature social networks have brought about is the opportunity to develop new relationships through an internet connection. It is always difficult to acquire the nerve to walk up to someone you have never met, and take the chance of either making a friend, or getting rejected in the process. With online communication, it is as simple as sending a message! The conversation would be less awkward in such a case, and it can create a friendship that would only improve in person. These websites also connect people with common interests, which would provide easy conversational topics to chat about.

            Another advantage of social networking is the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. It is very hard for family members to move away, but it becomes easier to stay in touch by photo-sharing and messaging through a social network. When an individual graduates and loses contact with the friends they grew up with, it’s comforting to know that they will be able to communicate with them regardless of the distance. For example, the internet brings an opportunity to see pictures of your cousin’s new baby, when otherwise; it would be weeks before you had a chance to meet her in person. A number of grandparents only have the opportunity to watch their grandchildren grow up in pictures, and that is through the convenience of social networks. Increased communication, whether face-to-face or online, strengthens all relationships.

            As well as the aforementioned pros to social networking, these powerful websites provide awareness to many causes and disasters that citizens may not otherwise be informed about. According to ProCon.org, some sites have a specific purpose to provide support groups and encouragement to the people struggling with issues, varying from weight loss to drug addiction. They introduce people to others involved in the same trials, and they hope to improve their conditions.

            On a more negative note, many individuals oppose social networks. This side has become aware of the darkness that a social network can bring to someone’s life. When creating a profile on a social network, there is no way to verify that people are who they claim to be; therefore, many dangerous people have the ability to create fake profiles, and become someone you wouldn’t want to develop a new friendship with. Bullies have gone online, predators are lurking everywhere, and MySpace is a nightmare for kids and teens.  Online predators do their homework: they check profiles, blogs, and do searches on the names of students they've targeted to see what other information is available about them online. They then usually create a profile pretending to be the same age or close to the age of the student they want to target. They then IM, chat, message, or email the student. This is called "grooming." Once that student is comfortable with his or her new friend, the predators will usually admit they are older than they claimed they were, but they don’t always reveal their actual age. If the student doesn't seem to be upset with that, the predators will reveal who they really are, convince the student to meet them in person, and, well, you know the rest (J, A Hitchcock).

            Other than an individual pretending to be someone they aren’t, teens encounter bullying over the internet, as well. So many get verbally abused through social networks, and it is very painful for the victims to go through. Studies have found that anywhere from 9% to 40% of students are victims of cyber bullying; electronic communications allow perpetrators to maintain anonymity and give them the capacity to post messages to a wide audience. In addition, perpetrators may feel reduced responsibility and accountability when online compared with face-to-face situations.  These features suggest that youth who may not be vulnerable to school bullying could, in fact, be targeted online through covert methods (Schneider). Students can spread rumors online and set up websites that poke fun at someone. There are chat rooms, blogs, and social networking websites available to all who wish to participate. These can be filled with damaging lies, personal information, and embarrassing secrets about a student. This information can be transmitted to an entire student body and beyond with a simple click of a button. Once the information is out there, whether it is true or not does not matter. Others can simply pick up on it and expand on it to even greater levels of cruelty. When the victim is not in front of them, kids seem to become much braver and are willing to send or forward mean messages (D’Antona).

            Additionally, interaction with others is important to an individual. When conversations turn into text on a screen, the socialization once present is now diminishing. Parents do not get to spend time with their children if they are constantly on social networks, and this has a negative impact on that child’s life. Children may not gain the effective communication skills they need to succeed in life, and they may become self-centered as a result of time spent on social networks. It is also important for the individuals to be physically active, which is rarely the case when they spend large amounts of time on a computer.  

            Social networks have so many positive aspects that can be easily accessed by any individual, but when they are used for negative reasons, they become dangerous to many innocent people. They provide a chance to reconnect with family and old friends, meet new friends, and bring about awareness to a large population about important causes. Undesirable parts of social networking are cyberbullying and online predators, but many users are still naïve to the danger lurking in the web. It is so simple to compliment every convenient aspect a social network brings to a person’s life, but the painful ways it can affect an individual are very significant.

           

Work Cited

ProCon.org. "Social Networking.” Socialnetworking.ProCon.org. ProCon.org, 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 20 Oct. 2012.

Shari, Kessel Schneider, et al. "Cyberbullying, School Bullying, and Psychological Distress: A Regional Census of High School Students." American Journal of Public Health 102.1 (2012): 171-7. ProQuest AP Science; ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source; ProQuest Research Library. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.

D'Antona, Robin, Meline Kevorkian, and Ashley Russom. "Sexting, Texting, Cyberbullying and Keeping Youth Safe Online." Journal of Social Sciences 6.4 (2010): 523-8. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 22 Oct. 2012

J, A. Hitchcock. "Cyberbullies, Online Predators, and what to do about them." MultiMedia & Internet@Schools 14.3 (2007): 13-5. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.

Bose Headphones: Dangerously Reducing Noise

Jill Marler

Mrs.Whitsell

English Comp I

15 October 2012

Bose Headphones: Dangerously Reducing Noise

            There are many times you wish you could just escape the noise: around children, when you’re trying to sleep, or you just wish to relax without distractions. Bose brand noise-reducing headphones claim to be just what you need to block out that background noise. The attention-catching ad of Bose’s headphones displays a man rowing his boat directly into Niagara Falls. He is completely relaxed and oblivious to the current danger he is in because he is wearing the Bose headphones, and the sound of the screaming waterfalls isn’t even heard. Bose Company is clearly demonstrating the quality of their product as they show how their product is effective at blocking even the loudest of noise.

            If you have visited the Niagara Falls, you know how incredibly loud they are. It’s hard to think straight with the noise the waterfalls produce. Bose uses the popularity of the falls to show potential customers just how well the product works. Not only is the man in this advertisement rowing straight into them, but he’s smiling and relaxed as if he’s experiencing a lovely day on the lake. A form of danger is present as you wish you could just get his attention so he’d turn his boat around, but he couldn’t even hear onlookers as they yelled in hope of bringing him to safety. Though the danger is ignored, it is sure to catch the attention of many.

            There is a humorous side to the Bose advertisement, as well. The company uses many aspects to make their product memorable, and the laughter it brought was very effective. When people find a sense of humor in something they read or see, they tend to remember it very well.  An advertisement is meant to sell a product, and it does if people share it!  The headphones are often shown being used in airplanes or drowning out cries of children, but in this instance they are blocking out a large amount of noise, and helping a man relax before he plummets down the falls. High quality of this product is promoted, while it brings about a humorous viewpoint to anyone who looks at it. Bose headphones allow a person to take a break from reality, even the reality of dangerous situations. The company very wisely thought up the mix of danger and humor to create an effective advertisement that is sure to catch many consumers’ eyes. Bose headphones seem to be the best selection if you wish to block out all of the noise. “Bose noise reducing headphones” are the only words displayed on this advertisement, and the font gets smaller, which demonstrates the normal volume slowly decreasing as it reaches the headphones. This is craftily designed to present how much the company believes in their product.

            Bose used certain propaganda techniques to sway the viewer’s opinion about their product. The form of assertion was wittily used because Bose didn’t have a slogan, or words to explain their headphones; they simply displayed how well their headphones blocked out noise. The point they were trying to get across was made because they simply demonstrated that actions speak louder than words on their ad. Simplification was another form of propaganda because the headphones are what the ad is selling, and they are simply what is shown.

            We all have times when we want to block out everything, and Bose Company tries to convince you that their headphones have the power to do just that. Drowning out background noise is what the company aims to master, and they feel confident at this by showing their product supplies oblivion to even the loudest of noises. Advertisers wish to convince you of their product’s capabilities over another leading product, and Bose did well at completing that task. Propaganda techniques are wisely used to sway a consumer’s opinion, and the familiarity of a well-known landmark was present in the Bose headphone ad. Bose successfully presented their product in a way that would get someone’s attention, and make them want to share it with others.

           

The Lucky One: Book versus Film

Jill Marler

Mrs. Whitsell

English Composition I

10 September 2012

            Many complain that movies based on books are never as good. They believe some of the magic is missing, or the characters don’t match who they imagined.  Classic books contain important aspects that may be limited and not even appear in the two hour average a film contains. I’m a fan of every book Nicholas Sparks is involved in, and one of my favorites of his writing is The Lucky One. This masterpiece made it onto the big screen in the spring, and though I adore the film, there are many differences between the book and movie.

            The Lucky One captured all of my time from the second I opened it. Love stories are my favorite genre, and this one is quite a love story. The book and the movie have many similarities, as I had hoped when I heard a film was being made. The action scenes were captured in the intensity they had been described, and the amount of luck the main character has is displayed well. Many of the female’s emotions were revealed, as she was cautious to let him win her over. It was an amazing film, with the whole story captured in the short time.

            In contrast to the book, the movie left out some important moments that captured the viewer's emotions. There were moments which seemed predicatable, but they had been left out of the film.  The male lead character walked across the country for her, and experienced numerous things that were left out of the film. The movie didn’t include as much dirt about the female’s ex-husband as the book did, but his character was easy to dislike. Overall, scenes were left out, but the differences between the book and film weren’t a great deal!

            We all love seeing a good movie, and we have potential to be critical when our opinions interrupt the plot for it. Reading a book before seeing it in movie form is encouraged so you can imagine the story; rather than seeing the movie, and being stuck with the actors. Imagination is a big part of the magic in reading a story, and it’s important not to lose that.

            There are definite similarities and differences between The Lucky One book and movie, but I love hearing that a book I love is being filmed into a movie! It’s easy to be bitter when your favorite part is left out, or the little details that kept you involved in the story just aren’t displayed in the film you’re watching. I love when the characters match well; however, they may not have the personality you thought they would. The scenes may not all make it onto the movie, and the feelings may hide, but a film based on a movie is truly a great idea.

September 11, 2001: Altering the United States Forever

Jill Marler

Mrs. Whitsell

English Comp I

19 September 2012

           The United States’ economy was influenced significantly by the events which occurred on September 11, 2001. The impact of the planes crashing into the Twin Towers created an aftershock that would last years. Security became more serious, prices went up, and our taxes increased. Though I was but six years old, I knew things were serious and changing.

            After the terrorist attack, security in airports immediately went into action. The process to board a plane became more thorough, and every bag was to be checked securely.  Americans became cautious and paranoid; many preferred other forms of transportation over airplanes, because they had developed a fear of flying. Families began to stay home, in their comfort zone, so the travel revenue was decreased. Aside from flight security, many were cautious of others they would see on the street.

One doesn’t have to attend many beauty shops to hear complaints about the high fuel prices. After the Twin Towers collapsed, cars were lined up at the gas station because they knew the prices were about to skyrocket. Not only did the inclining gas prices affect the economy, but the prices of food went up, as well. Parents were saving as much as possible because of the increase in food; therefore, they did not spend on products which were not absolutely necessary. The income of businesses quickly dropped, and workers were laid off after this horrific tragedy.  The economy was far from prospering in this time frame.

            In addition to gas and food prices rising, our country’s debt became greater than before. Destruction caused by the terrorist attack was abundant in New York City, and reconstruction was not cheap.  With few other solutions, the government raised taxes on the American people. The nation was not only suffering with the high prices, but with devastation as well.

            Our country has experienced difficult times, but those struggles only unite us more! The events of September 11, 2001, created great economic turmoil for our nation. Security became a priority in our airlines, gas prices inclined, and our debt increased because of the attack on the Twin Towers in New York City. The United States was changed after this occurrence, and we will never forget 9/11.

On the Sidelines of the State Championship Basketball Game

Jill Marler
Mrs. Whitsell
English Composition I
30 August 2012

On the Sidelines at the State Championship Basketball Game

Today is the day! It’s March 10, 2012, and I’m preparing for what will take place. This opportunity was once doubted by many while the cheer squad and I had faith in the senior high boys’ basketball team. Discussing how well the season was going in the fall of 2011, Houston Cooper said to me, “This is my last year of high school basketball, if we could win the state championship, I’d be content to never set foot in a gym again. But I don‘t think that will happen.” We defeated numerous teams and became conference, district, and regional champs; those victories led to this day. In the previous week, we traveled seven hours to cheer the boys on in the state tournament. A large amount of praying, then praising, went up as we advanced through each round. I have devoted my year to encouraging our teams, and I felt each win meant as much to me as it did to the players.

The road to this game is important, but this is the game that will never be forgotten. It is Saturday, March 10, and a large percentage of Mammoth Spring’s population is traveling at least three hours to cheer on their Bears in the Class 1A State Finals in Hot Springs, Arkansas! As we arrive at the convention center to a full parking lot, everything feels surreal. The anticipation and anxiety is building as the game prior to ours is coming to a close. Fans in blue are everywhere and the boys run out to begin warming up. Our student section is full of spirit and equipped with crazy attire and megaphones. The radio station reporters line the court as they discuss the starting lineup of both teams. We stretch and carry our pom-poms to the sidelines before we prayed that we would give God the glory no matter what the outcome was.
The warm-up clock ran down as one of the biggest game’s these boys would ever play was about to begin. I observed our crowd as I bit my nail, wondering if the Sacred Heart Rebels knew who they were up against. The buzzer goes off and we begin the “Jump, Garrett, Jump!” chant with the student section. This game is bursting with energy and both teams want to take the lead. When the first time-out is called, we get the crowd pumped up. I must say, my voice was not properly prepared for the consistent yelling it’s doing today. Everything is going well when half-time rolls around, and the boys get a break. We grab our pom-poms and head to the court for the most observed routine we will perform. Looking at the crowd of thousands was more than overwhelming; and though we weren’t the main attraction, it was nice to get their attention for 60 seconds!
            After our small break, we’re back to stomping and encouraging our boys. This game is close, and in the last few minutes remaining we are tied! Sacred Heart has the ball, and with only seconds on the clock, Houston intercepts the ball and heads down the court for a lay-up! He scores to secure the win! The Mammoth Spring Senior High Boys’ Basketball team has won the first ever 1A State Champion Title for our school! The crowd is roaring, everyone is hugging, and “We Are the Champions” plays on the speakers. This feeling is like none other, the boys I’ve cheered on for the past four years have finally received a trophy they well-deserved.
Houston doubted this would happen, but boy, was he wrong! The theory that hard work and determination pays off has now been proven. I felt like a part of this accomplishment, and it taught me to never take a moment for granted. I will relive these blissful moments forever, and many of them are brought back with photos. I was on the sideline through every bad call, and I’m known for my ridiculous outbursts when something good happens on the court. Each game I have cheered mean so much to me, but the few hours spent at the state finals game will always mean the world to me!