Prezi

 Creating this prezi is where I learned the most about my family history. It was fun diving into the genealogy books and looking through all the old pictures. I have such an amazing family it seems.

Family Echo

This family tree was fun and also stressful, because I feel like I have so much family! I put on as much as my time allowed; however, my genealogy books date back to the 1800's.

Echo

Email Transcript

 So I definitely procrastinated this assignment. I didn't send the email in enough time to get a response, but we have all of our family history in some books. I wasn't too worried about having enough information.



Hi Family!

I am working on a family tree project, and I was wondering if any of you could provide me with some funny childhood stories. If you have any pictures you want to send in, that would also be helpful.

Thanks so much!

Love you

Grace

Interviews

Interview Questions

I had a fun time interviewing my Grandpa. He's been absent in my life for many years and to be able to spend some time with him was a gift. He's actually quite funny. My dad definitely got his rebelliousness from him and my brother from my dad. It's crazy how personality traits can be passed on as well.

Interview #1

Interview #2

4/28/15

I think this is profound, and I wish I would hear that from my teachers. While I am sure there are many teachers who lose sleep over their students, there are also many teachers that teach because it is a job. Those classes are painful to attend. Then again, I learn what I want to. Nothing can be forced. If I want to change my outlook on my education, I have that opportunity. I often forget why I go to school, and this was a great reminder. I need to remember that I am learning more beyond the textbooks and lectures. I am learning perseverance and strength and many other things I probably don't even see. Thank you to this man for pointing it out and writing about it. And thank you Ms. Mahoney for making us read this.

4/17/15

 1. My stop motion animation was about a yogi practicing sun salutation and tree pose. Sun salutation takes the yogi to mountain pose, queen chair, and warrior 1. I chose these poses because sun salutation is the beginning of every practice. It is the beginning of centering and breathing. I chose tree pose because it is one of my favorites; the pose it about rooting down and rising up. This pose is about grounding yourself so you can impact others, reaching out and reaching up. Originally, I planned on shooting my friend dancing. Our schedules never aligned, so I had to use the model I had: my mom. I don't believe this video was any easier than my other plan; however, it was convenient to shoot my mom because she was home. She and I both share this passion for yoga, so I did have fun.
2. I would rate my project 9. I loved the filter I used on the images and the music I used. I felt the music set the mood of the stop motion. Looking at the other stop motions, I didn't see them use filters. I also faded out the music. Because I don't have very good technology skills, I was extremely impressed by how it turned out.
3. Even though I did complete my project on time, I could have used my time in class more effectively. If I chose something else to film, I would have made the class time given more productive. I put the video together on the last day, which wasn't difficult at all.
4. My animation is unique because it is about yoga. I had a live model. I also used time outside of class to make sure the subject matter was interesting.
5. I believe I deserve a 96% on this project. I turned it in on time, my camera is stationary, I shot it outside so the lighting would be good, it is focused on one individual, the filters are consistent, it tells a story of a yoga practice, I had good music, and my animation had a title and credits. I chose not to give myself 100% because I did not use my class time effectively.

4/14/15

I have one funny story to share about this weekend. My best friend Carly and I planned on hanging out Friday all week. When Friday came around, she texted me saying she didn't want to hang out. Our conversation was funny. After hugging, she admitted she was happy to see me. My birthday was on Monday, but I didn't want to celebrate because I didn't feel the need to celebrate myself when I haven't accomplished anything this year. I feel like I haven't been a productive part of society. Hopefully, that will improve, and my family and I will celebrate later this year.

4/7/15

I plan on doing a dance stop-motion animation. I want to shoot my friend Katie or Carly doing a contemporary dance piece on the ground. Every pose they make, I will shoot. I believe this will turn out super cool. I want there to be contrast between them and the ground. If I take it outside on concrete, I want them to wear black, so they stand out. If I take it on a wooden floor, I will ask them to wear white. Most likely, I will take it outside on concrete to get that natural light. I will take these pictures outside of class, but most likely I won't be able to shoot until Wednesday or Thursday. I will definitely have it done before Friday when they are due.

4/6/15

Matt and I hung out on Friday, which was great. We ate at On The Border and went to Dick's. My car died, though, so my boyfriend came and picked me up. He and I hung out for awhile. On Saturday, I got a haircut, and Sunday was Easter. My family came over for brunch, an Easter egg hunt, Easter baskets, and dinner. Easter is my mom's favorite holiday, so she made it special.

Carly Eats

4/2/15

I love everything about spring. I love cloudy days and thunderstorms. I love sunny days and breezes. I love flowers and baby animals. Everything about spring is perfect and beautiful. Waking up to a pink sky and walking outside to smell the fresh cut grass puts a smile on my face.

Scavenget Hunt

3/30/15

I completed the scavenger hunt, however, the pictures were not very fun because I took them all at school. I'm sure they were not creative either because I went around with two other people, and we took the same pictures. I think they would have turned out better if I spent more time thinking of a good composition.

3/27/15

I have taken a couple photography classes in school. Currently, I'm in black and white photography, and in 8th grade, I took digital photography. I know that the photographer makes the picture. Any picture can be edited through filters, cropping, hues, etc. I like taking pictures, but b&w photography is a lot of work. I prefer to take photos on my phone or with a digital camera. Before posting any photo, I edit it with cropping and filters.

3/23/15

Over spring break, I stayed in Kansas. The majority of the time was spent with my friend Carly. I had a suitcase in my car, so I could be spontaneous with plans. The most exciting things we did were go to the Broods concert and Giselle ballet. Broods was amazing. Mikky Ekko opened for them, too, and he is extremely talented. Other than that, we watched movies, went to dinner, and talked. I worked for my dad in accounting at Hermes Landscaping Monday through Thursday from 8-12 to work off my speeding ticket. This past weekend, my family went bowling, saw American Sniper, and made homemade pizza.

Prezi

3/11/15

Over Spring Break, I was supposed to go to Beaver Creek, Colorado, but unfortunately, my dad needs to stay home and work. We actually found out two weeks ago that he needs open heart surgery for a mitral valve replacement. I suppose it is okay that we aren't going, because I would rather my dad be alive than dead. Haha. My friend Carly and I are going to the Broods concert, so that will be fun. Other than that, I will probably yoga.

3/9/15

My weekend was HORRIBLE. On Friday and Saturday, I spent the majority of it with my best friend Carly. She came over late Friday night and left early Saturday morning, which was nice and brief. On Saturday, my mom and I needed to talk in front of a third party; it ended poorly. That evening, I went to Carly's and spent the night. I left early that morning to have a meeting with my parents. That too went poorly; it resulted in me packing my bags and leaving. I have been staying with Carly ever since, and I honestly think that my dad doesn't even care.

3/6/15

If I were the principal, I honestly have no idea what changes I would make because I don't know what the role of a principal entails. I don't know what he does on a day-to-day basis or how much power he actually has. Every change the principal makes, I assume, needs to go through district office, so in fact, he is low on the totem-pole. Furthermore, he probably doesn't have a high salary, so I wouldn't want his job. Not to mention, he has to be around high school students all the time. Yuck.

3/5/15

1. Use as many slides as you need. - Too much text can be overwhelming.
2. Don't put too much information on one slide. - People need visuals for balance.
3. Use visuals to help explain the information. - People will understand better.
4. Highlight what you are talking about. - This helps the audience follow along with your speech.
5. Repeat yourself to get the point across. - Redundancy instills your presentation in the audience.
6. Speak information not on the slide. - People can read on their own. Explain beyond.
7. Believe what you are saying, and the audience will too. - Have confidence in your presentation.
8. Have flowing, flawless transitions.  - This helps with the coherency of  your presentation
9. Make visuals large. - Again, too much text can be overwhelming.
10. Have a color scheme. - This helps the presentation flow.

3/2/15

This weekend, I got to see Preston. I hadn't seen him in a couple weeks, so it was nice to reconnect. We went to Cafe Gratitude, which is one of my favorites in KC, and then just hung out. On Saturday, I spent the entire day with Carly, and we watched the new Alice in Wonderland. I locked myself out of my car twice this weekend; one of the times was at Carly's and the other at Waterway. On Sunday, I studied at several different coffee shops to complete homework, because I am thoroughly unproductive at home.

2/23/15

Over the weekend, I was in Chicago for a ballet competition. It was absolutely freezing, but I had an amazing time. It was really the first time I participated in a competition, but this wasn't like most; it was THE ballet competition. Most every participant trains year-round in hopes of later joining the professional world. Only four girls, including myself, from my dance studio went. We arrived on Thursday with enough time to shop a little on Michigan Avenue. On Friday, the competition began, but my age division didn't perform until Saturday. We watched some and prepared mentally for Saturday. Then on Saturday, we arrived at 3. I fixed my makeup and began warming up. I warmed up for several hours before performing on stage. It was an incredible experience. On Sunday, I took masterclasses from the judges: ballet technique, contemporary technique, and variations. My favorite was variations because that was when I was able to perform rather than perfect combinations. That evening, we celebrated as a group after receiving our scores. I was shocked by how well we did for our first time. I was two points away from qualifying for nationals in New York, which is insane considering I was one of the youngest in the senior division. Next time.

2/20/15

"We do not learn for school, but for life." The current curriculum and set up of school teaches kids to fit in a mold, become uniform, and please others rather than please themselves. Instead of solely learning about English, math, history, and science, students would spend half of their education time learning how to apply the knowledge they're given and where in their life it becomes useful. If the knowledge was specific to a certain career path, it would not be taught in the general education. Rather than public school, the curriculum would be taught to accommodate each student individually: their aspirations, hopes, dreams, and interests. For me personally, I would have tested out of most general credits because school comes easily to me. I would now be focusing my time on spirituality, the philosophy of yoga, and the meaning of life. I would be learning about meditation and training my brain to be present. I would be learning how to step out of focusing on healing myself but instead healing the world. I would learn about the power of energy and breath. I would also learn hands-on. I would travel and meet people and learn from their stories: learning about culture, food, human behaviors, etc. I would be well-rounded and ready to live life.

2/19/15

My favorite food: mango
Foods I'd like to avoid: anything processed
My favorite things to learn: spirituality, philosophy of yoga, people
My favorite color: red
My best friends are: Carly, Preston, Katie, Mary, Chloe, Bailey
My favorite games to play: tennis, word, puzzles
My favorite books: Rich Dad Poor Dad, The Giving Tree, The Sun Also Rises
My favorite movies or TV shows: Gilmore Girls, The Intouchables, Exit Through the Gift Shop
My favorite holiday: Thanksgiving, President's Day
Things I do well: sleep, dance, yoga, glowing
Things I need to practice more: gratitude
My favorite place to go: Europe, coffee shops, my room
My favorite family activities: family check-in meetings
My favorite thing to do outside: walk, breathe, meditate
My favorite chore: feeding the animals
My least favorite chore: cleaning the kitchen
What I want to be when I grow up: a healer
A place I want to visit: Netherlands
My favorite part of the year: spring
My favorite part of each day: laughing

Infographic

2/24/15

This infographic tells me that pictures are more important than words, connecting on social media can improve business growth, almost half of purchases are made through social media, 8 times as many people are looking for infographics since 2012, and the average U.S. internet user spends 37 minutes daily on social networking.

2/17/15

I like this cartoon. I think it is funny, probably because I hate school. I would tell the USA kid to continue to do what makes him happy because school is a joke. From an adult perspective, children are not entitled to education. We are lucky to have our education, and it should not be taken lightly, for the government spends many resources on public education. American kids should learn to appreciate what is given to them rather than expect things handed to them. To me, this is like wasting food on your plate. Parents say, "There are starving kids in Africa." Well, yeah. However, the food was never going to reach them anyway.

2/10/15

This quote took me by surprise. To me, it means putting more energy into things. It's easy to give time and love to things I care about. In school, it would absolutely not work because I'm not interested in learning. If I wasn't required to attend school, my focus would solely be on dance and yoga and the things that make me light up. I would excel in those areas; because the more energy you put into work, the better it is executed. This prompt isn't even relevant to my life, though. I'm 15; I have no freedom to choose where my time is spent.

2/9/15

I had a good weekend, and the weather was incredible. On Friday, Preston and I went down to Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop, which was incredible and the first time I had been. Afterwards, we went to Thou Mayest, where he was hit on by a gay couple. The more feminine man talked to me, while the masculine one talked to Preston. Both of them were hairdressers and loved Preston's hair. Grabbing a cookie to go, we headed back to his house to watch "Dark Skies." It was a weird movie. On Saturday, as usual, I went to yoga and dance. That afternoon, I did my homework on the lawn, soaking in the sun and then hung out with Carly. She and I went to Po's Dumpling Bar in Westport and then to IKEA, where we imagined our dream home. After that, we played pool and wrote poetry. On Sunday, I went to yoga, studied, went to yoga again, and took a walk with Preston at sunset. After dinner at home, I slept over at Carly's house.

2/6/15

CIA torture and interrogation techniques are not usually explored and talked about, leading me to hold greater interest. What I find most interesting is truly just learning about the techniques. Waterboarding, for example, is when the victim is placed on their back and experiences a series of simulations, causing the subject to feel as though they are drowning. The effects of such techniques are gruesome and long lasting. The other thing I find interesting is the divide among political party morality. Most republicans view torture acceptable and justified, while many democrats believe it to be inhumane. Having become family friends with George W. Bush, it's hard reading so much criticism toward him. I can't imagine the pressure he underwent during his presidency regarding 9/11. This image below is of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed after and before torture. He experienced brutal techniques because of his involvement in the 9/11 attacks. 

2/5/15

My weekend started out wonderfully and ended miserably. I spent Friday night with my boyfriend, Preston, and we went to The Basha. My dad's ex-manager owns the restaurant, so he is always warm and welcoming when we go; he gave us free Baklava. On Saturday morning, Preston and I went to yoga, and then I headed to dance. After several hours of movement, I was quite exhausted, so I took a long, luxurious nap. That evening, Alex, my former dance partner, had his birthday party. The only people there were Kansas City Ballet dancers, some friendly and some arrogant. Driving in the rain, I rushed to Olathe East High School for my friend Carly's performance in "Catch Me If You Can," and she did amazingly. The next day, I went to yoga and t. Loft where I completed homework. Upon arriving home, I learned my sister's boyfriend's mom had a heart attack and my parents marriage was over. We spent Super Bowl Sunday in turmoil.

2/2/15

Email is a form of communication, and I believe is used less and less. I only use email for formal communication between other adults. Email etiquette is using a subject, header, and formal closure with your name. The email should be polite and concise. Email would be used for businesses. 

1/29/15

10 years from now I will be a quarter of the way through my life and exploring more of my spirituality. I will have completed some form of formal education, completed my dance career, and teaching and inspiring others through yoga. I will have started or starting a company and will be financially independent. I will have clean relationships with my family and an amazing guy in my life. I will be happy. I will be successful. I will be present. I will take each moment at a time and will be smiling through the discomfort. I will be admirable. I will be beautiful. I will be a light in the world. I already am. 

1/27/15

People concerned about safety in the United States tend to agree with CIA torture and interrogation techniques , while others are against it. The people that are against it question whether or not these techniques are ethically right or correct. Many agree because of the concept of paying for wrong-doings. Also, they believe these techniques protect the national security, even though they are harsh.  

CIA Torture and Interrogation Techniques

CIA torture and interrogation techniques.

1. Without doing any research, what background do you currently have on this issue? - James Olsen wrote a book called Fair Play, and he served in the CIA.
2. What do you want to know about this issue? - Everything else. I don't really know anything and am extremely intrigued and interested in this topic. 
3. Why did you choose this issue? Had it effected your life? Is it something you are passionate about? Explain. - I've thought about joining the CIA's clandestine service. I want to know more about what that entails. 

1/26/15

To be an effective PSA, it needs to show emotion. Bullet points do not convey anything other than facts. There were also limited topics, so creativity was important to keep the audience interested.

1/23/15

Kids these days. Entitled. Unbalanced. Over Stimulated. Kids these days. Inconsiderate. Self Absorbed. Yearning for Immediate Gratification. Kids these days need more nature, less technology, and fewer privileges. This generation has so many opportunities in front of them and need to open their eyes to see how blessed they are. Once they exit themselves, they can work on improving the lives of others.

PSA

1/22/15

A public service announcement is an awareness campaign to educate the public on some issue. They are best when they convey strong arguments and emotionally connect with the audience. You can get someone to take immediate action by scaring them with the horrid consequences of continuing their behavior. In my PSA, I will show severe, grotesque images of obese people, in hopes of persuading them to eat better.

1/20/15

Over the three day weekend, I seemed quite busy. On Friday night, I ice-skated with two of my closest friends for Mary's birthday. On Saturday, I had dance class, attended Carly's dance competition, and went to dinner with Preston. On Sunday, I had brunch with my sisters and spent the day with Carly; we ate at Grinders, took her to get cornrows, played with puppies at Petland, and went to a party that evening. And on Monday, I spent the day doing homework before I had dance. I am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life.

1/16/15

I am currently a sophomore at Blue Valley High School and just transferred here this semester. During freshmen year, I studied at Blue Valley Southwest, which I struggled with for several reasons; the biggest reasons, however, were I connected with few students and few teachers inspired me. Last semester, I tried online school, which I found to be fairly isolating so now at BVHS, I feel as though I am still trying to get my footing. Everyone is extremely inviting, and I hope to deepen relationships this year.

Who I Am

1/15/15

Avoid judgement
Be positive
Care for yourself
Dive deeper within
Enjoy the little moments
Find inspiring people
Give freely
Hug often
Inspire others
Juggle life's balls gracefully
Kindheartedness
Live joyfully
Move forward each day
Never stop chasing your dreams
Offer your authenticity
Protect your beliefs
Quiet your mind
Reach higher than you thought possible
Soften your personality
Trust your instincts
Understand beyond your eyes
Value perspectives
Wonder and wander off your path
Xenophilia
Yesterday has already passed
Zen is an important daily practice in the difficult moments

1/13/15

Emerging Technology is quite the class. By that, I mean I love the people and their spunky personalities, however, the material taught is fairly basic. We write blogs, make slides, and play games. Mrs. Sheuerman is a strong individual yet also caring, which I like, and my classmates aren't afraid to express themselves. I have learned how to communicate my thoughts quickly in these blogs and also how to blog. I took this class for the credit, so I'm open minded on what's to come.

1/12/15

This weekend was full of unimportant events, however, the one best described was on Saturday. My favorite contemporary teacher told us he was moving to New York, and I started crying. He has inspired me and given me the time for creativity; I believe he's instilled emotion and passion into my dancing like no other teacher has done before. And for that, I am truly grateful.

 

1/9/15

Yoga: A
Eating Haagan Dazs: A
Organizing: A
Punctuality: A
Ballet Technique: A
The Basics of Fashion: A
Judging Selfies: A
Independence: A
Smart Eating: A
Practicing Violin: A

1/8/15

Change is constant and inevitable. The only permanent, definite law of life is change. Today's generation has grown up in a world of privilege and raised under parents who yearn to provide happiness. However, people lack the understanding that happiness comes from within. Happiness is a choice and because the world is constantly in motion, the reliance on happiness from outside will only provide disappointment. Instead of scolding this generation, scold the generation before them who raised them in the way they did.  Parents want to protect their child from the world when instead, they should be bracing their kid(s) for what's to come and the meaning of their existence. I am the generation in which the judge wrote to and am saddened by my own behavior up until the point I became aware; I learned why I exist, and that is to grow and to help those around me grow. So to the parents-- Be honest. Be authentic. Be true to your children and give them the space to grow as an individual. Let them learn from their mistakes without labeling it as failure. Be loving instead of fearful and treat them as adults, if you want them to act like adults.