My Passions

Here's a list of some of my passions:

Softball
Germany/Traveling
World War II/ The Holocaust
Bob's Burgers
Game of Thrones
American Horror Story
Horror movies
Helping others
Eating
Making money
Turning up
MY PUPPY

Dat Feedback

I found the feedback to be very helpful. It wasn't sugar coated and it was constructive. The specific grammatical errors help a lot and she also told me what I was doing well. She pointed out a major problem in my essay, the fact that she wasn't sure where it was taking place and now I know I need to fix that.

What I Need to Work on

I already know I forgot to put a title on the rough draft. I also forgot to use MLA style and number the pages. I probably could use more elaboration and explain how this event influenced me. I feel like I used strong words, and plenty of dialogue.

Out of My Element

One time I felt out of my element was when I was at handball practice in Germany. I had no friends, as it was the beginning of my time there, and I wasn't sure how the game was played. Not to toot my own horn but when I was younger, I was used to being one of the best on the team, and now that I was the newbie and wasn't great at the sport, I felt lost. It didn't help that none of my teammates were friendly enough to help me understand the rules of the game and that my coach was fired for inappropriate language and actions. I felt like a total loser when it came time to run through drills. You see, handball is a complex and very physical game which one must practice over years. Being an amazing handball player that my host mom was, she explained that I wasn't going to be good until I had practiced for awhile.


Now I know it sounds like poor me, but I'm used to learning fast and things working, but this sport just wasn't working. I would fake being sick, to get out of practice and pretend like I had other things to do on game days. Eventually, it had broken me down so much that I told my host parents that I wanted to quit. Fearing that they would be disappointed or mad in me, it took me awhile to bring it up. I finally did, and they were just fine with it and I found a different sport to fit in to.

The Influence of Technology

Technology has had a positive and negative influence on my life.
Negatively, it has made me crawl back into my introvert shell that I am so used to. It is much easier to comment on something on Facebook because of the visual barrier. No one can see my red face if I get embarrassed or angry, or any other facial expressions that one may not desire. It also has given way to a new cyber-bullying. There are a lot more hurtful things said on Facebook because more people have the courage to write something, rather than to say it. Facebook has also become an addiction. I remember when I was in Germany, I made a pledge that I wouldn't go on Facebook for a week. I succeeded, but it was the longest week of my life.
Similarly, my iPhone has been an addiction. I had never had a cell phone (which I am paying for on my own), until  I came to college and now that I have it, it gets tough to put down. My dad also gets frustrated when we are sitting in the living room on our phones. He is old-school and doesn't understand how writing something on a screen is more appealing than intimate, eye-to-eye conversation. I agree with him 100% and wish so badly that I could just set my phone down for a day and not think about it.


Positively, technology makes it easier for me to stay in touch with my host family and friends over seas. I couldn't imagine staying in such good contact if it weren't for Facebook or iMessage. I know other people who haven't been over seas can relate, because there are foreign exchange students over here that have to go back home sometimes and technology makes it easy to keep in contact.
Generally, technology is the fastest way to send and receive information. Sometimes that can be life saving. Just like the advanced technology in hospitals and clinic have saved lives. I think technology is good for saving lives, but it can be detrimental to the next generation's social and behavioral skills.

Toughest decision

The toughest decision I ever made was deciding to tell my mom that I was sexually abused. I was afraid that it was my fault and she would see it that way. I was also afraid that she would treat me differently and maybe even not let me do certain things. I hate being treated differently after telling someone something personal. Being babied is not what I intend to happen after telling someone something.


My mom was very sad it happened but she is also my biggest supporter and I truly believe that I got through it so well because she was there for me the whole way. I am fine now and I am glad I told my mom.


I have yet to tell my dad, but I don't think that will happen.


It was one of the toughest decisions because I was afraid how others would perceive it.

Character

I'm pretty sure most people act differently around different people. I rarely swear around my family but I am a potty mouth around friends. I like to think of myself as an honorable person, trying to do what is right and ethical but sometimes it's tough to uphold such high standards for myself. I'm very hard on myself and I always am trying to improve myself. I'm a competitive person and am always trying to be the best person I can be. I am also quite funny I have been told. I live to make people laugh. I love seeing people smile and genuinely laugh. I also tend to focus more on others than myself. I try and moderate fights and end up getting thrown under the bus. I am always trying to help someone. I am also an impulsive person and have quite a temper. I am good at controlling my temper but if you piss me off, you will regret it. Basically, I am that person people go to when they need a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen.


I have had a good childhood and have a loving family which I believe has contributed to my ideals and character. Both of my parents are kind-hearted and very honorable. They are understanding and very nice. I believe that a lot of that has rubbed off on me.


I have not ever had a lot of money, my parents struggle frequently, which has taught me the value of money. It also has given me the incentive to get a job and make my own money. It always feels better having your own money and not having to ask your struggling parents for money.


I also spent a year in Germany which has shaped my character. Before, I was very introverted and a homebody. I am still introverted and a homebody but I don't have as hard a time socializing and going out now. That year, everything was new and I was forced to be open and flexible which I still am today.