Orlando's English Blog

 Prompt: During the summer me and my friends used to play all night long on the PS4 and be in a call party as well. It was late at night when the most funniest thing happened. It was around 2-3 in the morning and my friend used to stream us playing on his Twitch channel. Well this one time my friend decided to go the bathroom and our other friend still had his microphone on. It was dead silent when all of sudden I hear the clearest and loudest fart come from this man’s headset. At first I was in shock and then the laughter started to kick in. I was laughing so hard my eyes started getting teary and I couldn’t breathe. I was trying to be so quiet because it was the middle of the night and my parents were asleep. But I just couldn’t hold it in and neither could my friend. Unfortunately that recording was not saved but it was definitely one of the most funniest moments ever. Summary: Today in class we worked on our one pager. Reflection: The one pager was a struggle for me to start on...

 Prompt: My cousin and I have been very close since forever. Growing up she used to be a menace and would do the most outlandish things. She would get into fights with her mother, disrespect her little brother and anyone that would try to help her. It really brought anger and distance to our relationship with her. But overtime she found God and began to follow Jesus. Seeing her shift and change from a disobedient little one to a much more caring and gentle person, really made see how there is good in this world that God has given us to follow and part take in.  Summary: Today in class we read “The Lamb” and “The Tiger”. Reflection: I never thought I would ever read something so connected and alluding to God at school. Many previous courses have had allusions to the Bible or to God but a whole poem alluding to God has never been brought up until now.

 Prompt: I was a big ole baby when I was born. According to my mom I took around a whole day to be born. She was in labor from early afternoon all the way to 10-11pm. I was so big that the doctors told her to get into all types of positions to push me out. She literally had to pop a squat! After a while of trying and trying, little me decided to come out. Also my grandma was there supporting my mom while my dad was rushing his way to the hospital. After I was born my aunt and her ex partner went to visit my mom and wanted to see me. They apparently went to look for a big ole dark brown baby but I came out white like Casper the ghost. Needless to say I gave my mom a rough labor while I was coming to this world. Summary: Today in class we read “Infant Sorrow and Infant Joy. Reflection: I have never read or heard of a poem from a baby’s perspective. It makes sense to what I baby would think as they’re being born and brought into a world they know nothing about.

Prompt Response: During Fall Break I went to work and hung out with some family. I went to work majority of the time and got my good hours in. While I was with my family we went to Spirit Halloween. Going in was very chaotic since there were a ton of people in there as well. And one of the kids was so scared before we even went inside they cried the whole time. It was pretty funny especially seeing how other little kids weren't scared at all. We definitely got some looks but it was pretty funny.  Summary: Today in class we read a poem called "A Poison Tree" by William Blake. Reflection: The poem showed how lacking in communication and holding on to anger can lead to doing something evil. Poor communication leads to misunderstanding and confusion.

Prompt: when I have a lot going on and need a break away from the stress I take a nap, start cleaning, or call up my friends. Taking a nap usually works and it gives me some rest after a long day. I read somewhere that in a clean environment one doesn’t stress as much so I usually like to clean around. When I call up my friends we laugh and make jokes. It brings me happiness and laughter every time I call them. Getting stressed out is very much a problem especially when preparing for college and post high school opportunities. Summary: today in class we took a test on Fences.   Reflection: The test wasn’t hard but some of the wording did confuse me and had me thinking if I got some answers right or wrong. I’m confident I got a passing grade on it though.

 Prompt Response: During a reception at a church for a wedding, the pastor mentioned that you and your partner should never sleep apart. He mentioned that separation always starts off with the little things. Someone gets mad and they sleep on the couch or they go out and sleep over at a friends house. He encouraged forgiveness to one another and that every day is a new day to try again. The reason that stuck with me was because I've seen many relationships in my family never last long or end up terribly. I don't ever want that to happen to me in the future with my wife.  Summary: Today in class we presented our posters.  Reflection: I liked our poster for Rose except for one thing. For the most part I liked everything but next time I’ll get a card to read off of better.

 Prompt Response: A time I had to  step out of my comfort zone was during my freshmen year open house. Going to an unfamiliar school mixed with kids my age and older was very different for me. Since I didn't know where anything was in the building I had to get out of my comfort zone and speak up to ask for directions. Once I did go ask for help I realized it wasn't that bad and I was overreacting. Nowadays I don't get nervous when asking for help. I'm way more confident in my talking skills than I was 3 years ago.  Summary: Today in class we finished working on our character trait poster.  Reflection: Finishing the poster went by quick. It was pretty much just coloring and practicing my analyst over and over again. 

 Prompt Response:  I once had a dream that I was living in a lavish home. The inside was massive and had a giant white fluffy couch. I was sitting next to someone while on the couch and something was playing in front of us like a TV. I felt comfortable and relaxed but it was a different type of relaxed. I felt at peace. That dream lasted what felt like forever but it was so calm and peaceful. It was one of those dreams where once you wake you try going back to sleep to have that dream again.   Summary: Today in class we finished reading Fences.  Reflection: Finishing the book off with Troy's death was and wasn't expected. I thought Troy would at least have a few last words and possibly reunite with Cory but no. The book ended with Troy's family going to his funeral. 

 Prompt:  I would tell my friend to tell their partner. Although it would break their partner’s heart like it did Rose it’s better to tell the truth than to keep a secret and potentially risk it being revealed by someone else. I would mainly do what Bono did and hint that what they’re doing is no good and risk something like a breakup but I would encourage them more to tell their partner the truth upfront. If my friend were to follow my advice their relationship would most likely end and I might even lose a friend. Like in the play Bono and Troy stopped visiting each other as often and even had awkward tension between them. Perhaps it was of what happened with Troy and Rose or just because of their new work positions and schedule. Losing a friend and causing a breakup is highly possible.   Summary: Today in class we worked a bit more on our poster worksheet. Reflection: Thinking of what piece of evidence for our STEAL worksheet wasn’t hard. What was hard was trying to fin...

 Prompt Response:  Something I believed as a child was that everyone would be nice. Growing up I’ve seen that not everyone is nice to others and some people feel entitled to everything. Working in fast food has also shown how difficult some people are even if you greet them with friendliness. I’ve come to realize there are some people that don’t treat others kindly and in some cases those people are just going through things others don’t know about.   Summary:Today in class we read a poem. Reflection: The poem was about dreams and how they can either be accomplished or never be fulfilled. Doing the worksheet afterwards laid out an idea of what my dream was and how I’m planning on making sure my dream is accomplished.

Prompt:  A conversation that changed me was when one of my closest family members had been going through personal struggles. They explained to me how much they had on their plate especially now that they had adult responsibilities. Their struggles were new challenges that many young adults have to overcome like paying the bills, work life balance, and preparing for the future ahead. It changed me in a way of knowing of the challenges that come now that I’m exiting teenage years. I know now that having a plan in place is better than just try to wing it like my cousin did. Summary: Today in class we got to the part of Troy’s affair.  Reflection: Troy telling Rose straight up about his affair was pretty shocking. Many wouldn’t even consider telling their partner or even own up to their affair but Troy did which made it shocking.

 Prompt:  I’ve always been curious about historical and government corruption. I think this curiosity stems from world history and political history but it sure is something I think about every now and then. Currently many people believe for example that the U.S is falling into corruption. Our current president has caused many to retaliate his actions and administration. But it’s not just the U.S that has government corruption other countries in Africa also have major corruption issues. My main curiosity is to find or know where it all started and who is responsible for it (historically wise). Many say it’s the “Deep State” others say it’s the “Illuminati” who ever or what ever it is I’d like to know.     Summary: Today in class we finished our characterization poster.  Reflection: Finishing the poster wasn’t too difficult. I did struggle a bit on the analysis of Rose’s role in the play.