Aliyah's AP Blog

   The value of exploring the unknown is the learning experiences. When exploring the unknown one experiences heartbreaks. In Anne Morrow Lindbergh 's quote she speaks on choosing the disappointments the come from the unknown. When experiencing heartbreak, one learns to cope with when gaining and losing an individual in life. Also they learn how to take their loss and use it at motivation to put towards things they aspire to achieve such as a project they want start or working on getting their dream job. Another experience that comes from the unknown is reaching one's goals. When an individual reaches a goal, whether long term or short term, they learn to be humble, yet proud of their determination. Doing this can also strengthen one's ability to never doubt themselves when it come to intense obstacles. All in all whether good or bad the unknown is in people's lives to better themselves as an individual through learning experiences.

The purpose of meal times within the American community is to serve as a therapy or relief system. Meal or dinner time serves as therapy by allowing one to address their problems within the family. This serves as a relief system in the family, hence why this would be a purpose of therapy during dinner time. For example, if there is a sister who got into an argument with her brother, the problem can be resolved over dinner where both parents will be present. It also creates a stronger bond. Meal time also serves as an outlet for everyone to talk about problems that they have individually. For instance, if someone having problems at school or work they can talk about at dinner and everyone can come together to help that family member with their situation. This open up a space for the family to know their family will be there for them no matter what. Meal time essentially serves as a time for families to end strengthened.

Chapter 9 This chapter made me reflect on moments where I was in denial about situations that happened in life. Jefferson seems to go against Miss Emma because he is reminded of home by the food she brought for him to eat. On one side it made me think is Jefferson suffering internally because he is guilty of something he did and didn't admit or his he just feeling that the process is tedious because he is waiting for the day they call him to finish his sentence. Jefferson comes off in aggressive way making Miss Emma feel like she vexing Jefferson. Chapter 10 This chapter dealt with Miss Emma and Tante Lou telling Grant he has to go visit Jefferson alone at the jail because Miss Emma is sick. Grant explains he feels it is out of his field to be doing these things especially alone. He even questions if Miss Emma is actually sick. With this being said it was ironic to me that he thought Miss Emma was faking, yet he was about to go back and lie about Jefferson's actions. I also...

The superintendent acted as if he had a vendetta out for Grant's classroom. Of course you could assume he was racist. He was very strict with things such as hygiene. I would feel offended if an individual tried to tell me how he thinks everything should go. For the most part this chapter made me reflect on how rude and inconsiderate higher powers were to blacks at this time.

 Chapter 6 helped me understand how much hope was placed in peoples spirits. Sheriff Sam's statement made me feel as if everyone could care less about Jefferson. Nobody did not even care that he did not have a fair trial. Sam cares to some extent, warning Grant that if he violates Jefferson's visiting rights he could lose them.

   This chapter made me reflect on the fact that teachers are not allowed to teach religion in school. Not just Christianity. It also made me feel like that was Grant's last hope as well as the student's. The author also shows that Grant really takes his job seriously when he hit the boy. I also inferred that he is connected with his students. Which today teachers do. So this chapter made me compare and contrast how schools were then and now.

I was surprised when I read about Grant and Vivian. Finding that Grant had some type of romantic relations with a legally married women surprised me. I could understand that Vivian was going though a divorce though, it just was not finalized. When Grant proposed that he wanted her to run away with her it made me wonder what he was really running away from. Was it the problem his race was facing at the time or the task at hand. Which was teaching Jefferson to be a man. I love the fact that Vivian stayed true to her calling or "commitment"; teaching the black children. Proving this was devoted to what she was doing and willing to do whatever it takes for her people to come on top.