Josiah’s English Blog

Prompt Response:  When I experience strong emotions, I usually keep them to myself or tell my sister. I do this because I know how I feel the best but she understands me. I don't really rely on other people to help me figure out my emotions but when I talk to her about them, I always feel better afterwards. She acts as the outside perspective that gives the blunt truth and snaps me back to reality. Summary: Today, we did vocabulary then read and analyzed chapter twelve of "Into the Wild". Reflection:  I enjoyed the discussion we had because it really made me think about being in Chris's mindset.

Prompt Response:  The visual version of Chris's journey make his choices seem more reckless. In the beginning of the book, we're introduced to him with a quick overview of his life and how he died. Alternatively, in the movie, we get a better look into his past and a bit more of his personality. The movie really puts the danger and vastness of the Alaskan wilderness into perspective as it opens showing the scenery. Summary: Today, we watched the first forty minutes of the "Into the Wild" movie. Reflection:  I like how the movie started and so far it's given more insight than the beginning of the book. With the book, we have to visualize everything and make inferences to things that we couldn't see but, with the movie, all of that is shown. Furthermore, we can see how Chris interacts with the people he meets on his journey.

Prompt Response:  As I grew older, I realized that you don't always have to like your family, and sometimes you can't rely on them. It made me less connected to my family and somewhat distant. As for Chris, he realized that his dad isn't the man that he idolized and thought highly of. He realized that nobody is perfect and nothing is truly as it seems.  Summary: Today, we went over fifteen new vocabulary words Reflection:  It was a run-of-the-mill vocabulary Monday. I knew some words, and others were new.

Prompt Response: For me, the latter half of chapter eight and chapter nine stood out to me. It was interesting how Krakauer compared McCandless's story to others who have gone on similar journeys. The story of Everett Ruess intrigued me the most because nobody knows where he went or what happened to him. He disappeared with the only trace being the Latin word for no one, "Nemo" carved into the wall of a cave.  Summary: Today, we took the test for chapters 1-10 of "Into the Wild". Reflection:  The test was pretty easy and I believe I got an A.

Prompt Response:  Currently, success means keeping my grades up, finding colleges I want to apply to, finding a source of income, and working towards starting my hobby of blacksmithing. I want to keep my grades up not only to get into a nice college but because I want to do better than before. Prior to sophomore year, I was doing average in school but I realized that average isn't what I want. Additionally, I want to find a college that has what I want so I don't end up going to a college because of other people. Furthermore, I want to find a source on income now so I have the ability to spend money when and where I need and want to.  Right now, I can't get a job because I have to "focus on school" but with my current standing, I think I could handle both. Having to rely on my parents for money is okay for a while but now, I want to be somewhat independent financially. Lastly, I want to start practicing as a blacksmith because it is something I've always been ...

Prompt Response:   There was a time when I chose to handle something completely on my own instead of relying on anyone else. I had a lot going on: school, responsibilities, and things I didn’t feel like explaining to other people. Instead of asking for help, I just decided to deal with it myself. At first, it felt good. I liked the control, and it made me feel independent, like I didn’t need anyone else to get things done. But after a while, it got overwhelming. Trying to carry everything alone made things harder than they needed to be, and I started to realize that pushing people away didn’t actually make me stronger; it just made things more stressful. I still got through it, but it took more time and energy than it probably would have if I had let someone help. Looking back, I don’t think I’d make the exact same choice again. I still value being independent, but I’ve learned there’s a difference between being independent and isolating yourself. Sometimes relying on others isn’t ...

Prompt Response:   I connect with the word "timorous" because there have been times when I held myself back, not because I couldn’t do something, but because I wasn’t sure if I should. For example, there have been moments in school where I knew the answer to a question but didn’t raise my hand. Not because I didn’t understand, but because I didn’t want to be wrong or draw attention to myself. I’ve also felt this way when trying something new. Whether it was starting a new activity, speaking to new people, or even sharing my ideas, there’s always been a small voice in the back of my mind telling me to stay quiet or play it safe.  Summary: Today was a regular vocabulary Monday. Reflection:  A lot of these words are familiar to me, which makes me question if the book is a low-level book or if my vocabulary is just slightly larger.

Prompt Response:  A musician that has influenced the way I look at everything is "Lil Darkie". He is a very controversial rapper who gets a lot of hate but even with all of it, he still has fans. He makes music because he likes to and ignores what people say about him. I've learned to stay in my own world and not care about others negative opinions from listening to his music. Summary: Today, we read chapter 5 of "Into the Wild". Reflection:  Im still enjoying the book and seeing McCandless's journey progress is interesting.

Prompt Response:  If I had to simplify my life, I would keep my favorite hoodie because it's gotten me through a lot, my PVC sword because it's one of, if not my favorite, things I've built, and my Digivice because it's something that reminds me of my childhood. There's more I would keep, but they don't come to mind right now. The hardest thing to leave behind would be my phone because it's something I use every day, and I'm so used to having it within arm's reach, so not having it would feel alien. Summary: Today, we read chapter one of "Into the Wild." Reflection:  I think we're in for an interesting narrative, and props to John Krakauer for putting together a story from bits and pieces of evidence. Also, I think McCandless was very immature for accepting the man's help.

  Prompt Response:  A few weeks ago, my family and I went to my uncle's house for a memorial to my aunt's mother. It was really just a small get-together with some food, though. While my uncle and aunt cooked, I decided to sit in the kids' room while they all ran around. I just sat and watched my phone till the food was done. After eating, the kids decided to come and bother me. I entertained them for a few minutes, but when they kept going, I got tired. So, I got up and sat in the living room with the adults. I was okay for a few minutes, but then they started talking and laughing a lot, and I just couldn't sit comfortably. I decided to take a stroll through the apartments. It was late and somewhat dark, but I turned my music on and kept walking. While I was walking, my best friend called me. I told her what happened, we talked about it, then we started goofing around. After we got off the phone, I realized family is great and all, but friends choose to be with you. Fo...

Prompt Response:  We weren't able to start chapter one today, but from what we reviewed about the story, I think Christopher McCandless knew what he was getting into and possibly wanted the outcome. Finding your identity is something different for everyone, so maybe this is how McCandless found himself. Summary: Today, we were introduced to the story "Into the Wild." Reflection:  From what I've heard, it sounds interesting, and I can imagine a horror movie about it. Although it's obvious he's going to die in the end, I wish it were more ambiguous instead of just thrown out there.

Prompt Response:  The vocabulary word that was the easiest  for me to understand was 'Bumpkin'. Even though it is a word that's not used often Summary: Today, we worked on digital vocabulary cards Reflection:  The words were easy, as usual, and getting this done should be easy. Im surprised we're working on our Chromebooks for vocabulary because we usually do it on paper, but having access to Google should make this go quicker.