In today’s society, many girls tend to want to be just like the movie stars they see on TV. They envy the beauty, glamour and the fame that most movie stars have. For example, in Frankie’s case, she wanted to have the gold locks as Shirley Temple did.
The author is saying that most girls like her might feel as insecure as she did when she would put plaits in her hair. Images of beauty were mostly perceived to be that of having curly, cloned hair just as Shirley temple did. In today’s society many girls have low self esteem and deal with always trying to be perfect. Nobody is perfect. There is only one kind of beauty that young girls do not seek, and that is the beauty that is within your soul.
Though to the media perceives our beauty to be something that it is not, we must still continue to encourage young girls and woman to love them for what they are. If you try to be something that you’re not, it only makes you less unique.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Finding Myself in the Midst of it All
There are several things that make up a persons identity, whether it is their personality, their actions, or their personal experiences. E.E. Cummings quotes that ‘’It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are,’’ which is certainly true with my experiences. Some of things that make up the person I am today are that of: my past, my personality, and even self-esteem problems.
Growing up as a child was difficult, due to the fact that I was the baby of two older brothers that were always on my back. I remember being on the schools playground being constantly watched because my mother also worked as a teacher’s aid at my school. Then came Jr. High School, and I was going to be on my own, my brothers were off to a public school while I was put in a private school. I struggled my first year from the transition of a public school to a private school because the rules were so different. It was very difficult for me to adapt to them up until my second year. I made new friends and even became more open to things that I had never experienced. High School was soon to come after eight grade graduation, and I was in for another change in my life.
Throughout my first couple of years at Marian Catholic High School, I would see how a lot of the girls wanted to be like someone else, so I wanted the same thing. Not knowing who or what my personality was affected me throughout my last High School years. Soon came my junior and senior year, parties would come up and so did drinking. Drugs and liquor were always offered and I was eager to try. For a while, I would find ways and places to do them, but was scared that I’d get addicted. The last months of my senior year, I was still trying to create myself, and find out what is was that I was missing. Nothing seemed as if it was falling into place, and I was ready to give up with doing my best at anything.
My next encounter with finding my identity was moving into the Mount. The first few months of college were extremely uncomfortable for me. I was far away from San Diego and didn’t know how to accept the change in community. Going to an all girls school was also a bit of a problem for me, due to the fact that I grew up with mostly guys. My identity was soon to be discovered with all of the experiences that I had gone through with High School. With the next four or five months of college, I began noticing a change in me, a change that would benefit me in the future. This change was that of responsibility and character.
As I look back on all of my past experiences and struggles with trying to be myself, I finally found out what I was missing, my self-esteem and my own personality. I began breaking limits, instead of setting them and learned to strive for the best. Being me wasn’t hard, because I learned to love myself and to appreciate the people that loved me for me also.
I am a person of integrity, and courage. Dr. Seuss quotes ‘’Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.’’ I admire this quote because reality is better than dreams, sometimes we just need to wake up and figure out what we need and are missing in life. No one is perfect, only unique. I am April Robles; love me for what I am not for what I’m not.
Growing up as a child was difficult, due to the fact that I was the baby of two older brothers that were always on my back. I remember being on the schools playground being constantly watched because my mother also worked as a teacher’s aid at my school. Then came Jr. High School, and I was going to be on my own, my brothers were off to a public school while I was put in a private school. I struggled my first year from the transition of a public school to a private school because the rules were so different. It was very difficult for me to adapt to them up until my second year. I made new friends and even became more open to things that I had never experienced. High School was soon to come after eight grade graduation, and I was in for another change in my life.
Throughout my first couple of years at Marian Catholic High School, I would see how a lot of the girls wanted to be like someone else, so I wanted the same thing. Not knowing who or what my personality was affected me throughout my last High School years. Soon came my junior and senior year, parties would come up and so did drinking. Drugs and liquor were always offered and I was eager to try. For a while, I would find ways and places to do them, but was scared that I’d get addicted. The last months of my senior year, I was still trying to create myself, and find out what is was that I was missing. Nothing seemed as if it was falling into place, and I was ready to give up with doing my best at anything.
My next encounter with finding my identity was moving into the Mount. The first few months of college were extremely uncomfortable for me. I was far away from San Diego and didn’t know how to accept the change in community. Going to an all girls school was also a bit of a problem for me, due to the fact that I grew up with mostly guys. My identity was soon to be discovered with all of the experiences that I had gone through with High School. With the next four or five months of college, I began noticing a change in me, a change that would benefit me in the future. This change was that of responsibility and character.
As I look back on all of my past experiences and struggles with trying to be myself, I finally found out what I was missing, my self-esteem and my own personality. I began breaking limits, instead of setting them and learned to strive for the best. Being me wasn’t hard, because I learned to love myself and to appreciate the people that loved me for me also.
I am a person of integrity, and courage. Dr. Seuss quotes ‘’Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.’’ I admire this quote because reality is better than dreams, sometimes we just need to wake up and figure out what we need and are missing in life. No one is perfect, only unique. I am April Robles; love me for what I am not for what I’m not.
On Being a Cripple
The essay that had the most impact on me was the story of Nancy Mairs and her struggles of being a crippled person. Throughout the story Nancy describes herself as wanting to be a ‘’tough customer’’ though she is diagnosed with the illness of multiple sclerosis. With this, Nancy has said something to me that will stay with me forever.
This quote meant a lot to me due to the fact that I also have an illness, which is rheumatoid arthritis. This idea of her wanting to be more than what people see her as just being disabled perceives her as a strong woman. Though she is quite dependable on her husband and her other family members, her personality shows no weakness. As well as myself, I do not like to speak of or complain about my disease. I feel that this idea of being a ‘tough customer’’ has pushed me to realize that there is more to life than just setbacks. An illness is something that tries to hold you back from what you normally do, and with this story, Nancy does not let this get to her. The moral of the story is that no one should stop what their doing with life because of a small setback, it isn’t worth it. People need to learn that with being a strong person mentally, it only makes you a strong person physically, emotionally and sometimes verbally.
Nancy’s illness did not bring her down because she never allowed it to. Though she has experienced the hardships of being a disabled person, she still manages to live her life to the fullest. Learn from your experiences, and move on from there, do not let anything hold you back.
This quote meant a lot to me due to the fact that I also have an illness, which is rheumatoid arthritis. This idea of her wanting to be more than what people see her as just being disabled perceives her as a strong woman. Though she is quite dependable on her husband and her other family members, her personality shows no weakness. As well as myself, I do not like to speak of or complain about my disease. I feel that this idea of being a ‘tough customer’’ has pushed me to realize that there is more to life than just setbacks. An illness is something that tries to hold you back from what you normally do, and with this story, Nancy does not let this get to her. The moral of the story is that no one should stop what their doing with life because of a small setback, it isn’t worth it. People need to learn that with being a strong person mentally, it only makes you a strong person physically, emotionally and sometimes verbally.
Nancy’s illness did not bring her down because she never allowed it to. Though she has experienced the hardships of being a disabled person, she still manages to live her life to the fullest. Learn from your experiences, and move on from there, do not let anything hold you back.
Attending the Mount
Attending Mt. St. Mary’s college is an experience that I will never regret, because it has been both a struggle yet very pleasurable for me. When receving my acceptance letter to the Mount, I knew it would be one of my first couple of choices. Attending the Mount was going to be a life changing experience for me, from moving from San Diego to Anaheim and next into the dorms.
My family and I moved to Anaheim after I graduated from High School, because my father was offered a better job. As summer had ended, I nervously waited for school to start, as it was just around the corner. The first week of school was about to begin, and I had to move all my belongings into my dorm room. This was the part that I took pleasure in the most. Moving into a room with my roommate that I’ve know for about sic years was really exciting for me. Not living with my parents for the first time was going to be an awesome experience. After I had gotten settled into my new room, I slowly started developing new friendships and depended on myself more than ever.
Moving to the Mount is probably the best experience that I’ve enjoyed since I got here. Though it was been really fun at times, I still have gone through my struggles with not having all of my family around. Not being around my two older brothers and parents especially was a bit devastating for me. Depending on all four family members was a must when being the youngest of them all. Being away from home has been hard, but has not only made me a stronger student, but stronger person.
Living at the Mount wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I’ve learned a lot and have gained a whole lot of independence. Living on my own has been great; I intend to stay focused in what I am studying in school, which is business. Thanks to the Mount, I have become a risk taker, a goal setter, and a person of great commitment.
My family and I moved to Anaheim after I graduated from High School, because my father was offered a better job. As summer had ended, I nervously waited for school to start, as it was just around the corner. The first week of school was about to begin, and I had to move all my belongings into my dorm room. This was the part that I took pleasure in the most. Moving into a room with my roommate that I’ve know for about sic years was really exciting for me. Not living with my parents for the first time was going to be an awesome experience. After I had gotten settled into my new room, I slowly started developing new friendships and depended on myself more than ever.
Moving to the Mount is probably the best experience that I’ve enjoyed since I got here. Though it was been really fun at times, I still have gone through my struggles with not having all of my family around. Not being around my two older brothers and parents especially was a bit devastating for me. Depending on all four family members was a must when being the youngest of them all. Being away from home has been hard, but has not only made me a stronger student, but stronger person.
Living at the Mount wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I’ve learned a lot and have gained a whole lot of independence. Living on my own has been great; I intend to stay focused in what I am studying in school, which is business. Thanks to the Mount, I have become a risk taker, a goal setter, and a person of great commitment.
Pleasure and Pain
Attending Mt. St. Mary’s is an experience that I will never regret, because it has been both a struggle yet very pleasurable for me. When receiving my acceptance letter to the Mount, I knew it would be one of my first couple of choices to go to. Attending the Mount was going to be a life changing experience for me, from moving from San Diego to Anaheim and next into the doors.
My family and I moved to Anaheim after I graduated from High School, because my father was offered a better job. The first week of school was about to begin, and I again had to move all of my belongings into my dorm room. After I settled into my new room, I slowly started depending on myself and even became more independent. Though it has been really fun at times, I still have gone through my struggles with not having all of my family around. Being away from home has been hard, but has not only made me a stronger student, but stronger person.
Living at the Mount wasn’t at bad as I thought. I've learned a lot and have gained more independence. Thanks to the Mount, I have become a risk taker, and a goal setter.
My family and I moved to Anaheim after I graduated from High School, because my father was offered a better job. The first week of school was about to begin, and I again had to move all of my belongings into my dorm room. After I settled into my new room, I slowly started depending on myself and even became more independent. Though it has been really fun at times, I still have gone through my struggles with not having all of my family around. Being away from home has been hard, but has not only made me a stronger student, but stronger person.
Living at the Mount wasn’t at bad as I thought. I've learned a lot and have gained more independence. Thanks to the Mount, I have become a risk taker, and a goal setter.
Something That I Hate…
Have you ever been in a situation where one of your friends was acting like someone they were not in front of someone else? If so, then you will realize it is something that I have experienced with many of my friends, and simply bothers me. Something that I hate is when people act fake in front of certain kind of people or groups because they are too insecure to just be themselves.
Acting like you are someone else, doesn’t get you anywhere in life. I personally cannot stand the fact that some people are so insecure about their personality and their looks. It also frustrates me that because at the end of the day I feel somewhat sorry for those who act fake. Nobody likes people who are phony. I’d rather accept you for what you are than for what you’re not.
Being a fake person or having fake personality usually comes from having much insecurity. Insecurities play a huge role in society today. Almost everyone wants to look like they have it all, and they want the glamorous life. Taking care of yourself is doing one thing, but trying to make yourself something that you’re not is a big problem. Having your own personality and character traits are what make you such a unique person. Why would you trade that in to be like someone else?
Knowing that a lot of people tend to act fake in front of others does annoy me, but I also know that I can’t change that, only accept it. Learn to be yourself, and love everything that God has given you. This only makes you different from the rest.
Acting like you are someone else, doesn’t get you anywhere in life. I personally cannot stand the fact that some people are so insecure about their personality and their looks. It also frustrates me that because at the end of the day I feel somewhat sorry for those who act fake. Nobody likes people who are phony. I’d rather accept you for what you are than for what you’re not.
Being a fake person or having fake personality usually comes from having much insecurity. Insecurities play a huge role in society today. Almost everyone wants to look like they have it all, and they want the glamorous life. Taking care of yourself is doing one thing, but trying to make yourself something that you’re not is a big problem. Having your own personality and character traits are what make you such a unique person. Why would you trade that in to be like someone else?
Knowing that a lot of people tend to act fake in front of others does annoy me, but I also know that I can’t change that, only accept it. Learn to be yourself, and love everything that God has given you. This only makes you different from the rest.
The Holidays
Spending the holidays with my family and having fun with them are two of the things that I take very seriously. Not spending enough time with my family and not making the best of the holidays are what really disappointed me this year because my family is what means most to me.
This year, I spent Christmas with my mom’s side of the family, which was in Palmdale, California. While I spent New Years in San Diego with my dads side of the family. I had fun being around all of my uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents, but still had some disappointments when doing so. Whenever my family is together, my cousins, brothers and I love to joke around and just have a good time. One thing that really sets me off is when my aunts and uncles can be a little too serious. Though we all are practically adults now, we still have our moments where we want to have some childish crazy fun. I just want my family to know that there are times to be serious, but it can’t hurt to spice things up a little with a game or two.
My biggest concern for the holidays was not being around my brothers and cousins as much as I wanted to. For one reason, was because everyone had their own thing going on after Christmas and New Years. After both Holidays, most of my cousins and I went out with our friends to celebrate the New Year. Getting caught up with our personal lives can sometimes tear us apart from what we know is most important, which is family.
Having my family together in one big room is what really makes me happy at the end of the day. Just being around everyone that I love is what makes life worth it. I hope to spend more quality time with them as the holidays come next year. Though I had some disappointments, I will still continue to love and cherish my family as the years go by no matter what!
This year, I spent Christmas with my mom’s side of the family, which was in Palmdale, California. While I spent New Years in San Diego with my dads side of the family. I had fun being around all of my uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents, but still had some disappointments when doing so. Whenever my family is together, my cousins, brothers and I love to joke around and just have a good time. One thing that really sets me off is when my aunts and uncles can be a little too serious. Though we all are practically adults now, we still have our moments where we want to have some childish crazy fun. I just want my family to know that there are times to be serious, but it can’t hurt to spice things up a little with a game or two.
My biggest concern for the holidays was not being around my brothers and cousins as much as I wanted to. For one reason, was because everyone had their own thing going on after Christmas and New Years. After both Holidays, most of my cousins and I went out with our friends to celebrate the New Year. Getting caught up with our personal lives can sometimes tear us apart from what we know is most important, which is family.
Having my family together in one big room is what really makes me happy at the end of the day. Just being around everyone that I love is what makes life worth it. I hope to spend more quality time with them as the holidays come next year. Though I had some disappointments, I will still continue to love and cherish my family as the years go by no matter what!
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