The "fall out" from Challenge I know some people were disappointed by it but I think it is only fair to admit we saw this coming. And I think everyone handled it well and I think the assembly was an incredible event. We witnessed people from the school, not only those that participated in Challenge Day but other too being completely engaged and giving the love symbol. It was amazing to see! :)
Friday, November 25, 2011
#24. Challenge Day & Week - Final Thoughts
Final thoughts? Holy crap. Holy crap awesome! Holy crap weird. Holy crap crazy. Challenge Day was an amazing experience for me. It really solidified for me that we need to understand that everyone has something going on in their lives and most of what you see is just a front they put up. To quote the song, "Everybody's got a story that could break your heart". This is so true! Everyone has things going on in their lives that tear them apart, but they are forced to keep it all together for the sake of the fact that live carries on. What was incredible for me at Challenge Day is that you don't realize how you are NOT alone with the things going on in your life. Someone hugged me simply because they said "I saw you crossed the line a lot, and I really want to give you a hug." That was one of the most important moments I took from the day. It was an amazing gesture of just the fact that they cared for me. Now when I see this person we don't just pass each other, we stop and say hello, or make sure we smile at each other.
#23. Penn State Scandal
When I first heard the story of the Penn State Scandal I was confused and unsure, because I didn't have all the facts so I didn't understand what the big deal was. After reading and doing more research on the story I can confidently say that what I feel is sadness, and disappointment. Sadness for the families and children who had to experience the assault and confusion, sadness for the students who watched the horror unfold of their beloved school and faculty. I feel disappointment in the adults. Respected adults, who as teaches and coaches have a responsibility to protect the students. These are role models who are shaping the lives of people in their community. They are supposed to set an example...and DO THE RIGHT THING. The right thing was to go to the police. Not stop at the top of the faculty so the accused could receive a slap on the wrist. A full investigation should have been made NINE years ago! Instead of reporting an assault that would have made sure no other children had to suffer, the people at the school did their best to protect their school programs, and their football team. And now they're being forced into embarrassing defeat. One thing that is greater than losing a football game? Losing the respect of people who once looked up to you.
#22. ToUcH DoWn
Such a good story! If was refreshing to see a team doing something strictly for the happiness of another athlete. It reminds me of the story of the ball player who's opponents carried her around the bases after she hit a home run but was unable to complete her "run" around the bases due to an injury. This people represent honorable leadership qualities, mainly that of putting others before self.
#21. Harassment Articles
Harassment happens everyday. Whether it's at school, or online it has become a regular part of everyday life in society. Is it bad? Obviously. Is it slowly becoming more excepted? Yes. People refuse to stand up against harassment because they are worried about the fall out. It also scares people because it will cause them to have to examine themselves. It forces people to look at their lives and think, "Gee, maybe I do that sometimes." So instead of forcing themselves into the grueling self evaluation they simply choose to ignore it. The internet and social media has become the bully's safe haven. It's a perfect tool for them. They can be cruel, mean, whatever they choose...and more often than not, they can do it anonymously.
Society has become sickeningly accepting of disrespectful behaviour. Instead of pushing blame on schools, technology, media...we need to take a look in the mirror and practice what we preach. It's called, BEING NICE PEOPLE. Sure, sometimes we get upset. We get frustrated that the lady in front of us in line is taking too long. The man in the blue car just cut us off. But going out of your way to make someone else's life miserable... just ridiculous.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
#20. Challenge Week
My idea for Challenge Week is similar to one event that is run at my cousin's school. After a simulated car accident first thing in the morning, throughout the day student's are randomly selected to leave classes. This causes some curiosity among students, and at the end of the day a statistic is revealed of "x number of students killed due to (drunk driving, driving while texting, under the influence, etc)". I thought we could shape this into a challenge week event. Instead of the car accident, during a certain period (maybe period 4? so we could have the announcement right before the home-bell), students are randomly escorted from class. I think having the people taking students from class dressed in all black would add kind of a creepy reality to the event. At the end of the day we could say something like "x number of students commit suicide per year in Canada, the students taken from class were to represent this statistic" (obviously something a little better worded) but it gets the point across.
#19. United Way Stair Climb
WHOSE HOUSE? OUR HOUSE! Yay! Champs for 8 years in a row! :) The United Way Stair Climb this year was excellent! I'm very proud of the Blue Bombers for pulling up their socks once again and raising just over $8700. Now unfortunately I have a beef with part of how the event is run. 1) If you want everyone to be pumped and spirited, don't ask everyone to be quiet and settled down like a minute later. 2) GET A MICROPHONE SYSTEM. They must have a PA system that they use to announce hockey games! It is really frustrating when we can't hear the announcers during the events; welcoming us and while our schools participate in the challenges. Other than that, job well done!
#18. From A Student's Point of View
I know the right thing to say is that suicide can be stopped with the help of the school board. But I don't know if I necessarily believe that. The scary thing about teens being suicidal is that friends feel trapped when they think their friend may be suicidal. I think they get scared to speak out, because they don't want to be another person that ends up letting down their friend by confronting them about being suicidal, because it's a very serious issue. I don't really know if that makes sense, but that's what I think. Teen suicide is a tragedy. Nobody should ever have to experience a feeling where they feel so alone that they have no other choice but to take their lives. I think the school boards DO need to continue to make sure students are aware that there are resources available and safe places. Students need to know they don't need to be afraid.
#17. Steve Jobs Commencement Speech
There are a couple things that I will take from Steve Job's speech. I think it is important for young people to be given reminders that life is short, our time is limited so we need to live it to the fullest. And not as someone else, but as OURSELVES. People seem to forget that life is fragile, so it is important for us to keep this in mind. Lots of times we get so busy with "life" (friends, work, school) that we forget about what's really important like our family, spending time with loved ones, doing what you love, staying healthy. I also really like his end remarks and will continue to use them as an inspirational quote... stay hungry. Stay foolish.
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