Monday, March 30, 2020

This I Believe Comments

Alexis Butler- I agree, it is very easy to take things for granted. I often find my self not appreciating things as much as I should.  I am glad that everything turned out okay. I cannot imagine going through that.

Tiffany Fulcher- Family is a special thing. I agree that we should value them. I am sorry that you have gone through that.

Makayla Norvell- I agree entirely with your point of view. Money does not make you happy. We are not the most wealthy family either, but we are happy and have a great homelife. 

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Grace Powell Post and Comments

Throughout my years of life, I’ve struggled. I haven’t always been the prettiest, the nicest, the funniest, or even the smartest person in the room. That’s perfectly okay though, sometimes you don’t have to be the best of the best. I personally thank Riverside High School for teaching me that. I have had most things handed to me throughout my life.

I have been taught to work and learn, but I’ve never been forced to do these things. I have two very great parents, and they struggle, I’ve seen it first hand and I know they aren’t the only ones.

Currently, my papa is dying. He’s planning his funeral and writing down everything he wants to take place in the ongoing situation. He’s going through things and giving all his grandchildren things to remember him by. He’s giving me his pistol, and while that may not seem much to anyone else. I will forever be grateful for that pistol, because he chose me to take care of it for him. Even when he’s struggling for the next breath, he is thinking of us.

 We all struggle sometimes, and it’s very natural. Some things are harder to some, and easy for others. I believe that God never gives you something you can’t handle. Sure, he might throw a curveball your way and you may think your world is falling apart, but he knows you’re capable of overcoming it. You struggle, and that’s okay, take it as a challenge and beat it.

 Three Comments:

Lexi Hall- I couldn’t agree more with what you said. My parent’s stepped out of their comfort zone a few years back and changed our family forever. My parent’s used to be very stuck up, lazy(when not at work), never wanted to try new things or go places. However that all changed and it has taught me to adventure, and experience. You only get this life once, live it with all you got.

 Kaitlyn Reed- I agree with what you said. I think putting yourself out there is what everyone should do. I hate when people are like “why do you like her so much, she doesn’t seem that fun.” but that’s only from their point of view. You don’t always see a part of a person as someone else does.

 Brittany Fulcher- I couldn’t agree more. I believe in second chances too, I believe that everyone has good in their heart. I wish that were true, but sometimes it’s not and that’s okay. You have to be yourself, and if that means leaving others behind for your happiness, so be it. You can’t live your life to please others, don’t hold back any anger, just let it go and be you!

This I Believe - Carmen Campbell

Its not every day you miss half a school year. But this isn't just any school year. This was our senior year, the year we was supposed to make so many unforgettable memories, make amends with broken friendships before parting ways in the real world, and being apart of more than just a class. I've cried several times just thinking about not being able to do just those things, but I realized that in a world full of hate and chaos maybe this is what we need. Time. Time to realize that God didn't put use in this world to be selfish. He put us here to spread His word; and now is the time to do so. Weather I get to mend those broken friendships, make more memories, or be apart of such a special class, I'll always carry the Lord with me. One bible verse that always stick with me and hopefully will lighten the hearts of some of my fellow seniors is Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Saturday, March 21, 2020

A Message from Mrs. Larkin

I believe you all are one of the most talented, spirited, and loving bunch of students I've had the pleasure of teaching. 

We've all been together for three years now, and it's been an awesome ride. You have challenged me as a teacher, a parent, and an adult, but I'm better for it. Thank you.

This assignment was to be your last before the MSA. I wanted you to write it in class and think very hard about your personal beliefs before going out into the real, adult world. It's so important to have a firm foundation of core beliefs at your age. 

You're writing this from home, which, I think, turned out to be a blessing. Maybe this week has helped you slow down and ponder what's important and learn what your classmates have to share as well. I have read every post and comment so far, and I am so proud to know every one of you. You've got such great thoughts and ideas and you show wonderful support for each other with your comments. This has been my favorite assignment so far. I will make this essay the last assignment for seniors every year from now on.

Keep your classmates and teachers in your thoughts and prayers. Maybe we will get one more of everything before you graduate, but if we don't, you'll be just fine. I believe it.

This I Believe--Lexi Hall

Our everyday life can become a routine if we allow it. Every day, we tend to go through the motions. We get up, get ready, leave for school or work, come back home, and repeat the process the next day. Something that I have realized is the need to add new things to my life. It is easy to become complacent when we are not trying new things. Old gets boring quickly and no one wants their life to become stagnant. This is why I find it important to try something I have never done before as often as possible. 

During this week out of school it has been hard to remain at home as much as possible because I would rather be hanging out with friends or going on road trips to places I have never been before. I enjoy traveling to new places and trying new things. Hiking is something I have never done much of in the past, but this year I have realized it is something that I enjoy doing. I have tried to make it something I do now as often as I can. Not only does hiking give me exercise, but it gives me a change of scenery. I get to see the beauty of waterfalls, mountains, sunsets, and everything else in nature. It also allows me to travel to new places, which opens the door for me to seek new adventures. If I would have never tried something new I would have never found the love for hiking that I have grown to have.

Trying out new things is fun and it keeps life interesting. Life is too precious to not make the most of what we have of it. We need to get up and do something that we have never done before. Go on that hike, buy that plane ticket, train for a 5k, attend a major league baseball game, or whatever it may look like for your life. Not only will it bring joy to your day, but it will also create memories that you will never forget.

Makayla's comments

Reply to Eli: I agree with you wholeheartedly. The senior class needs determination right now, we are in a tough time and need a reminder that we have a reason to keep going, were so close to the end and can’t give it up now. Even though we are struggling now, it will all turn out well in the end.

 Reply to Briley: Everyone has struggles in their life, and I believe fear is a key part of growing up. We find things that could change how we are living now and it scares us, but it’s healthy to face change. Life IS short and instead of letting fear stop you, let it push you forward. Its a healthy life lesson we all need to learn.

 Reply to Lexi B: I really feel like we can all relate to this. We all get frustrated with our parents sometimes and can be so awful sometimes. I worry that I don’t tell my mother that I love her often enough, and I know she knows, but sometimes it’s better to hear it. I want to be more open but I never seem to find the right time. Maybe I should just make the time myself.

This I Believe Makayla Norvell

      When you’re young you have no concept of finances or simple things like money. All you know is the small world around you, your toys and your home. As you get older your world changes though, you are pushed into school and see that not everyone lives like you. Someone has nicer shoes, new toys, a big house, and you find yourself asking your parents for things that they cannot provide. In this modern-day material, things seem like they show what your quality of life, so if you are poor, surely you must be suffering. This isn’t true.
      I was born in raised in a poor household, and while we aren’t always up to date on brand new tech and clothes, we were content and happy with what we had. Moving into school we didn’t really see any change since most children are dressed like gremlins anyway, but middle school was where I started noticing the change. It never changed how I felt about life but I was more concerned that I appeared that My life was bad. But as I finish school I realized that being poor does NOT mean that I’m depressed or that my life is bad. It taught me that happiness comes from experience and not from items. Some people see items as being a representation of happiness, love, or friendship; and I feel bad for these people, who cant look past the price tag. You don’t need money to be happy. And I’m better off having lived most of my life not being focused on it.