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Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change.  Confucius  media type="custom" key="12012487" align="center"

Grace Scherwenka English 12 – 7 – 11 Opinion Piece: Smoking

I think producers should be able to use smoking. Since when is realism bad? That doesn’t mean that I approve of smoking on any level, in itself. “There is enough evidence out there (which lots of people believe) which suggests that smoking is bad for your health…” – [|www.plugin.com/smoking-is-good-for-you] It’s just what happens in real life. The first result for ‘smoking is good’ gives us a little snippet of why – “…Nicotine does enhance our ability to think, perform and take tests. Thanks to new research, scientists now know that it increases our memory function, too.” It is also used in some culture. I don’t think smoking sends out a good message though. Some people are portrayed badly because they smoke. The producers have the right to use smoking. [|www.guardian.co.uk] explains that “Smokers are at least doing their part for the runaway obesity epidemic that is sweeping through the Western world…” Some people believe that there is a chemical in cigarettes that burn calories and slow appetite. It also depends on the movie or show. If the picture were for adults, then I’d understand the smoking. If it’s for children under the age of ten, then I would think that show was inappropriate. It’ll depend on the time the movie/show was created too. If it’s an old 50’s movie we’re talking about, I wouldn’t be surprised if it included smoking. I don’t think many films use smoking anymore because the producers know it’s bad for you and take it into consideration. [|www.medicalnewstoday.com] explains – “Smoking is responsible for several diseases, such as long-term (chronic) respitory diseases, and heart disease, as well as premature death.” It might not affect as many people, though. Some people are good at not worrying about smoking or drugs and never get into them. [|www.tendringdc.com] says – “Tobacco is a dangerous drug. It is legal and widely used.” But it’s a great idea to make things appropriate for all ages. [|www.kidshealth.org] says – “Smoking is a hard habit to break because tobacco contains nicotine, which is highly addictive.” I advise that if you ever become a movie producer, you should keep the smoking to a minimum. Grace Scherwenka 11 – 29 – 11 Maryknoll Essay Contest

Some people think they’re bullies. Some people think they’re victims. Some people think they’re bystanders… I’m not sure if this is the right thing to think because all of those people I mentioned above all played a role in a situation. Why bullies, bystanders, and victims? Why not just people who were there? But if you really think deeply about it, these categories are very appropriate. The only one I have a problem with is bully. That word is used so absentmindedly. I’m not going to rant about bullies though. I think I’ll tell you about a bystander. Back in fifth grade, Alari had just run the mile in PE. One of her classmates and herself were splashing their faces with cold water and trying to cool down. After a couple minutes of talking and laughing, the classmate lifted her head and beamed as if she’d thought of the funniest thing. She then made a derogatory comment on a boy in our class and suggested a new name for a type of sweat. She’d named it after the boy. Alari chuckled softly, feeling uncomfortable, and turned just in time to see that very student rushing away from the drinking fountain. The fountain happened to be right next to the girls’ bathroom. Alari remembers not seeing him for the rest of the day. The girl who’d made the comment didn’t feel guilty, from the look on her face when she left the restroom. Maybe the girl had taken her anger with herself out on another person. Maybe she was being plain cruel. But what would Jesus do if he were Alari? For one, I think we would have tried to ask the “bully” (yuck) if she really meant what she was saying. He seems to bring things out of people like nobody else. I’m sure we would have brought it out of her. After he’d talked to the girl, he would’ve caught up to the boy and given some sort of apology. I think it would go like this: “Hey, Larry! I heard what that girl said about you. I’m sorry. I talked to Raina about what she meant, and she thought it was funny. She didn’t mean to hurt you.” It might sound casual. It is. But I’d imagine that he wouldn’t get down on his knee and sob for forgiveness. Based on the Bible and the Christian religion, Jesus believes in second chances and forgiveness. “Raina” made a mistake and hurt “Larry’s” feelings. They can make up and be friends again. Alari could’ve stepped in and help reform trust, too. Looking back, I wish someone like Jesus would’ve stepped into one of the situations that I’ve witnessed or been brought into. We’re all human, and it’s nearly impossible for a kid in middle school to have not been “bullied” at some time in their life. I can give a list of names of people who have been picked on or made fun of their whole school life for certain characteristics, habits, or even things they like about themselves that nobody knows about until that moment. It’s really disturbing and discouraging. I know we’re people. We make mistakes. But it causes deaths! Please, help more kids have a happy life.

Be like Jesus. What would he do? Grace Scherwenka 1-20-12     Reflection and Goals

This school year, I’ve had goals based on my Quarter One performance. As I merge into the 2nd semester, looking back at Quarter Two creates new goals. One of the most important aspects of school is my classes. This semester, I want to be able to talk more and share my work more frequently in all of the classrooms. I feel like I had a better time with that this quarter than the first one this year. Next semester, I will do my best to let my thoughts be shared in whatever way that I can. Another important part of my life is my extra curricular activities. I am registered in Y Volleyball, which helps me balance out school and exercise. It also pushes me to get my work done before the practice time and it helps me remember the information. Mainly, it helps me stay fit. This semester, I’d like to try and enjoy it more than I did last semester. I feel like it’s an extra burden sometimes, but it’s for my health. A huge part of school, which is my social life, has gone extremely well this semester. I’m proud of how it’s gone, despite the warnings my relatives give me about middle school issues. I felt like I should have expanded my horizons a little, and I have. I don’t feel like this could get much better next semester. In conclusion, this semester has been better than a lot of others. I’m preparing myself for the next semester, and I’m really excited. The goals, however, will help me get through it much better, and I feel that I can live up to the higher expectations in the home stretch of the year.