Scholarships Importance

Scholarships are important for many Americans to go to college. I think that scholarships are of large importance for students not only for financial purposes, but also to motivate students to achieve better grades and be better students overall.

College Admissions

I still have a couple of things left to do before I will be able to submit my application for college. The first thing on my list is to submit my FASFA. I have already filled it out but I just need to get on my computer at home and submit it. The second thing I need to do is get my transcript from the office. After I have all that done, I will be ready to apply to Navarro College for this fall. Academically I think I am exactly where I should be. The college I have decided on going to is Navarro Junior College. I believe that I have chose an appropriate college to attend this fall because the requirements do not exceed my academic qualifications. I am really anxious to see what opportunities college has in store for me.

U.S. Student Opportunities vs. Japanese

When comparing the opportunities of US students to those available to students in Japan, they vary greatly. Students in the US are given greater opportunities as far as participation in any given class is concerned. American students are actively involved in discussions, interactions and presentations, where the opposite is expected from students in Japan. American students are expected to interact, ask questions and participate in lectures. In Japan, however; students are pretty much expected to pay attention, take notes, answer questions only when asked and clarify any additional questions on their own time. As far as success is concerned, although the US spends more money per student than the Japanese do, students in Japan have out-scored American students across the board. The success that Japanese students have in Math and Science scores is possibly attributed to the cookie cutter curriculum that is taught in Japanese schools. I feel that the opportunities for learning to be a successful test taker in Japan are greater than in America, but US students have a greater opportunity to develop their individuality. Overall, I would say that the American school system offers greater opportunities than the Japanese.

Importance of a College Degree in the U.S.

I believe that (in most cases) a college degree is worth the money, time, and effort it takes to acquire one. There are clearly a ton of advantages to having a college degree in the United States today. A college degree not only opens up a multitude of opportunities in the workplace, but it also provides a level of confidence in ones self and from others. In turn, a degree should eventually pay for itself and prove to be a profitable investment. I think everyone should obtain a college degree.

Spring Break

Over the break I took it easy and majorly enjoyed myself. I was able to figure out where I'm going to live after graduation and how long it'll be until I'm in a position to do so. My fiancé and I made a final decision on the wedding date and nailed it down. We also took care of a few of the things for the wedding. My mom and I went on a road trip to Bowie, TX and visited a pretty nifty flea market and bought a few fun decorations for the big day. I slept in almost every day, it was amazing! I got to see my fiancé's beautiful baby nephew for the first time at the hospital. Then, we got to spend even more time with him after his parents brought him home. This spring break was much needed and very recuperative!

Dead Poets Society Questions

1. God has been the most influential leader in my life. He guides and directs my paths and has my best interest in His plans for my life. 
2. I think this means that no matter what life pursuits we decide to take on, poetry can always have a purpose in our lives as well because it helps us recognize beauty and love. Yes, I do agree with Mr. Keating's statement. I agree because I believe that it is always important to recognize beauty, romance and love; which all have a purpose in our lives. I think we read poetry to gain insight into life and a special part of ourselves.
3. Yes, I agree with the quote. I have often found that it is helpful when interacting with others to consider their point of view.
4. I hope the lasting impression that I leave behind is one of selfless love and compassion for others.

Dead Poets Society Theme

One of the main themes of The Dead Poets Society is Individuality vs. Conformity. Students at Welton Academy are encouraged to be conformists. The influential leaders in the school all promote mindless following of tradition without any individual thought process. Mr. Keating, however, encouraged the students for the first time ever to think independently. Throughout the film, this theme of individuality is evident as Mr. Keating repeatedly pushes the students to look deep within them and discover their own inner voice. The different characters in the film throughout the story are all faced with the same pressing choice of whether to conform or rebel. Mr. Keating rebels against the authority of Mr. Nolan. Mr. Nolan presses Mr. Keating to conform to the traditional ideologies present within the school, but Mr. Keating goes against the pressure put upon him to conform and stays true to his own personal beliefs and practices. Likewise, the students learned from Mr. Keating’s example the importance of being true to one’s self. Through the process that they undergo, they truly discover themselves and the importance of their own individuality. I feel that these are the most prominent themes within the film. Through the process of figuring out their stance on this conflict, the students in Mr. Keating’s poetry class at Welton Academy were able realize their full potential and passions in life.