Aliyah's AP Blog

In today's class, we discussed out definition of happiness and analyzed the poem Still I Rise by Maya Angelou. This poem inspired me to never be afraid to be proud. A lot of times I feel I cannot celebrate my accomplishments because it will come off as arrogant. Also, we were assigned an task where we have to choose a song by Angelou and analyze it. In addition, we must bring the poem to life through performing. I can't wait!

   Today in class we were asked multiple questions, they were pretty deep. The questions were based on fear. I loved today's conversation because I got to learn more about my peers. I also opened up about things that I fear and am uncomfortable talking about, such as depression. A lot of times, people see depression as a joke or just someone being over dramatic. In actuality, it is real. It effects everyone differently. I do not talk about to anyone much about it because of how they may perceive me or the situation I am going through. I just want everyone that is going through something to know they are not alone, other people are hurting too. It's okay to hurt, the best thing to do is strive for that light at the end of the tunnel, even if it seems to not be there.

Today in class we read more of Maya Angelou's work. I am astounded at her work. I know you may be thinking "She's never read Angelou?". I have not. Her poems made me relate to my childhood. We read a poem The Mothering Blackness . It was short, but fantastic! This poem explained to me that it is okay to run to someone because you have troubles. A lot of times I feel I cannot go to anyone because they may not understand. This poem helped me see that regardless of the matter, the nurturer in your life will always be there. I cannot wait to read more of her work.

   Today in class, we discussed the topic of black culture. My school is predominantly black, so this topic had a lot of passion. We watched a video about an african american senior, who was told he would not be able to come back to school and even graduate unless he cuts his dreadlocks. I was really infuriated when I saw this. If we face the facts, the people on the outside are only afraid of our culture because they do not understand it. Yes, we come in different shapes and shades. We are innovators, we find new way to express ourselves. We do not a confine ourselves to fit in, we have no problem being different or stepping outside of society's box. The people on the outside, only see what makes us "bad"to make themselves feel superior. How come we are never shown in the light? Why are we protrayed as a bad influence. We are no different than any other race. There are times when we do rebel violently. For some its out of anger, others that is all they know. Honestly, ev...

Today was a productive day! We went and checked our books from the library for our senior project as well as practice multiple choice. Even though I did make a C on the quiz, I was still happy with the fact that I see improvement. Not so much with the grade, but how smoothly the test went. It seemed easier as I navigated through the test. I was not so tensed and afraid of putting the wrong answer. I am more confident in my testing skills! It can only get better from here!

   Today in class, we were asked to make a list of 10 songs that held a moment of my life. One of the songs I chose the song was Funny by Tori Kelly. A couple of years ago, I went through a very tough time with moving to a new state and feeling isolated. This song helped me get clarity on life, it made me not feel so alone. It was as if, like Mr. Rease said, the song chose me. If you listen to the whole album, it kind of takes you through the stages of young adulthood and realization. I felt like making the list would take much longer and I still fell like my list still needs a little more thought. We also read a poem Cruising with the Beach Boys.  It was about a man on a buisness trip who heard a song, and it brought back lovesick memories from he teenage years. This made me wonder about a song that would remind me of a time where I had a crush or even a relationship. It amazed me at how music or any other sentimental thing could bring back so many vivid memories.