Milada Horáková is someone you will all love after reading this letter she wrote to her 16 year old daughter before her death. In it she talks about life lessons. Read this letter. Then make a list of 10 things you have learned from people you associate with Elk County Catholic High School. These people can be friends, enemies, teachers, coaches, staff, people you met at events who are not even associated from the school, anyone really. Tell us who the person is and what you learned from this person. Next, list three things that you taught others.
http://www.lettersofnote.com/search?q=+graduation
By the way, this is one of my favorite websites. I can get lost for hours reading all kinds of letters on here. Add this to your list of sites to visit when you have the time. There are so many beautiful things on here!
ReplyDeleteOh. My. Gosh. That is what I have to say after reading the letter for this week's blog. I have the same feeling I did when we read the letters from our parents and family at our senior retreat. The love and connection between this mother and her daughter is incredible and very heart felt. Because of this, I would like to start my ten things off with mentioning the mother like figure at school. Mrs. Messineo, even though she was only there for my last two years of high school, has been more of a mother figure than anyone else. She has taught me that it is important to be myself and just try my hardest no matter what I do because as long as I did that, the results from the outcome really didn't matter. For this, I would like to thank her for always being my shoulder to cry on when I broke down and my forever support system when I felt like I couldn't do it.
ReplyDeleteThe second thing I learned was from Mrs. Anderson: time management. I'm sure we have all been caught pulling close to an all nighter because of school work or other things. Mrs. A, during HAP, gave a lot of busy work. This taught me that if I wanted even some sleep, I had to just get down to it and do the work. I am a horrible procrastinator with most things in life, but Mrs. A taught me the importance of getting things done because the stress isn't worth it. Another lesson I learned was that stress is inevitable. The only way to survive it is to talk it out with a friend. My friend group had taught me this. Going back through high school, or even life, without my friends by my side would be horrible. Letting out stress by spending time with them is critical to surviving and keeping your sanity.
Something I learned about half way through high school, from several people who I am not going to mention the names because I don't want to start anything, is that not everyone is going to be your friend. People separate and they grow apart. The lesson is to let people go tha don't accept you or are holding you back. Taking a step away, my band friends I have met through IU9 and other groups similar to it have taught me the importance of needing and escape. Although music has drifted away from being my escape, I know I need to have one and I do because of them.
Not just the people at Elk County Catholic are important. I know I complain about it, but the morals and such are essential to who I am now. The whole raising the bar thing has only been there to push me to do my best, to strive harder. This is going to benefit me and college and has taught me something that I can carry with me throughout my life. Speaking of throughout my life, Mrs. Meyer taught me to love my body and to value it because it's important. Father Ross taught me that it's okay to question your faith as long as you remember that Jesus died for our sins and for us.
DeleteAnn Ordiway, who I love hated, has taught me to stop talking things so seriously. She walks around singing songs from the musical and laughing at everything. She always talks about how life is precious and I want to thank her for teaching me to take life less seriously. Mr. Lallman has taught me, through not even knowing it, that life is something to enjoy. It is important to laugh at the little things because they'll end up being the big things. Lastly, I would like to talk about my AP Lang and AP Literature family. I say family because they really are a family to me. They taught me that we're all in this together. That we all argue and debate things, but that we all struggle together and have the same difficulties. I don't think i could have gotten through these past two years of AP English without them.
I hope that I would have taught others that it's okay to cry. I have had a few rough patches in my high school career. I have always told people that sometimes you just need to cry things out in order to feel better. The second thing is that procrastination is not your friend. I spent way to many nights up until all hours trying to finish homework only to go to school and tell everyone all about it. The last thing is that it's okay to act silly. I like to have fun and joke around and I hope this portrayed well to other's around me. Life is taken too seriously for no one getting out alive anyway. I would like to thank everyone who helped me and taught me things as well as say I hope I left mark on ECC and it's people.
Jess,
DeleteAll of the lessons you mentioned were spot on. It is so weird to think about all of the lessons each teacher has taught us and in what manner. Mrs. A's is crucial to surviving anything. I also suffer from the disease called procrastination, and it can be fatal. I hate to admit it, but I have really been procrastinating these last two quarters and I regret it big time. I also really loved the lesson you said you learned from Fr. Ross. He makes so many good comments about life and religion during class, but I end up not even noticing them because he goes off onto a tangent shortly after. He is so smart. I absolutely love what you said about Mrs. Messineo. She has played so many different roles in our lives, and these last two years with her have been spectacular. We are indeed a family, and I hope we can all meet again someday in like 10 or 15 years and just talk. I want to see everyone doing something that they love and enjoy, and I have a feeling that Mrs. Messineo has influenced us all to find our true passions. Great blog!
Wow, the feels right now. This letter made me realize how much my mom loves me and how much I appreciate everything she does for me even when I wish she wouldn't. I kind of want to make sure I write a letter like this to my daughter(s) someday in the future.
ReplyDeleteI did not think that writing a list of things I learned from ECC would be all that difficult but I actually had to sit here for a little while to develop some concrete ideas.
1.) My tennis coaches, especially Pete Meier, have all taught me to believe in my abilities. I tend to have a lot of self-doubt and a lack of confidence, especially on the court, but this amazing group of people helped me overcome it. This confidence made me a better tennis player and a better person.
2.) Mr. Lallman has taught me that it is okay to not do my homework because my card never gets selected. Just kidding! But seriously, he never picks my card. Also, I (almost) always do my stats homework.
3.) AP Language and AP Literature taught me to express my opinion and that there is never a wrong way to be creative, even though I'm really bad at bringing out my creative side. I feel like I have been given the chance to grow as a person because of these two classes and the people suffered through them with me. Mrs. Messineo always encourages us to go beyond what our minds imagine, and I cannot thank her enough for that. Also, I like to think of our AP Lit class as a cute little family. We've been through a lot this year, but we stick together.
4.) Mr. Hanes taught me how to use a drill during set deconstruction for the play. And boy do I plan on using this skill to impress people with sexist views towards building and stuff. Although, I'm still not sure how to change bits, but I am working on it. He also taught me that we can have an early dismissal after eighth period everyday.
5.) My friends have taught me that being yourself is much better than trying to be something you clearly are not. Embrace the weird and awkwardness. I think I found my true friends during high school, and I cannot wait see where we all go in life.
6.) Mrs. A has taught me to offer it up. She has also managed to make me more aware of the environment and how little actions can make big differences. I would also like to take this time to thank her for the Friday rule. You da real MVP, Mrs. A. Also, she cleared things up about baghouse filters for me and Ann, which are not tools to kidnap children in case you were wondering.
7.) Mrs. Evans taught me how I learn the best. I cannot remember anything that I study at night, and die to her suggestion of studying in them morning, I can now memorize information for any class the period before. I consider it a talent.
8.) Dale and Ralph, two of the custodians, have not really taught me anything directly, but I have learned to always smile and say hello because you never know what kind of day they have had. The same goes for the volunteers in the cafeteria.
9.) Meaghan Coppolo taught me to "go with the flow" during art class. I still struggle with this, but who wouldn't when you have her sitting next to you painting a spectacular watercolor in a matter of like ten minutes. It's not fair I tell you. It just isn't.
10.) Lastly, the entire senior class has taught me that after years of groups/cliches, we can come together to enjoy these last few weeks of high school. I was amazed at how we acted on the senior retreat, and I cannot wait for the class trip [even though not everyone is going :( ] and our second retreat. It's been a good (insert number of years together because I am too tired to count) years with this class. I'm kind of sad to know that it is almost over.
DeleteAlright, here's the hard part. Three things that I have taught others. Well, I like to think that I have taught my friends that it is better to let loose at dances rather than just stand around like a piece of furniture. Sometimes I think they listen to me, but who really knows. I believe that I have also taught my girls on the tennis team that losing doesn't mean that you did not play well. Sometimes the other player just has a better day or is just a better athlete overall. I hope they all have learned from me that you need to let things go in order to improve. Finally, I like to hope that I managed to teach others to be kind. I know this sounds silly, but I like to think that by being kind to others I have influenced them to have this same attitude towards other people.
I hope everyone had as much fun as I did at prom yesterday. It was honestly the best way to kickstart the rest of our senior activities. High school has been a unique experience, but I wouldn't change a single thing about it.
Natalie,
DeleteI don't know if we have to do two responses this week but I'm gonna do them anyway because your blog pretty much reduced me to tears! Through four years of tennis and basketball I have watched you grow and I have grown beside you. I don't know what impact our friendship had on either of us, but you have been such a positive force in my life. Never stop being joyful, considerate, and firm in your beliefs! And if you want to wear shorts, I say wear them! Anyway, the lessons you talked about were so good because you acknowledged the goods and the bads of high school while showing how it has managed to bring out the best in you. I can't remember what we were like as freshman, but being co-captain and stat buddy with you has been an honor because your are dedicated and positive, two things I could definitely work on! I'm gonna miss you so much! That's all :) good blog this week!
Natalie,
DeleteLet me start off by saying that I really liked how you included others that are not typically considered. Good job with that! Second of all, I agree with you 100% about trying to come up with some solid ideas. You would think that 10+ years of education in the system and it wouldn’t be so difficult. Ahh, Mr. Lallman. I feel you with the whole card thing. The one day I don’t do it though… You’re not creative? I have to disagree. You’re creative writing and literary specialist project are amazing! Where’s that confidence in yourself you mentioned Pete taught you? Senora Evans, how I miss her, however it is very interesting how she taught us to obtain information. I learned so much from that woman. Dale and Ralph have taught you the most important lesson. I am so glad you pointed that out because I never would have thought about it. It’s hard to believe that our time together as a class is almost over. I am like you though and so happy that we can all come together for these last couple weeks. Good job this week! Ohh and you looked incredible last night!
Oh Natalie,
DeleteEvery time I read something of yours it just makes me want to hug you so tight and say "You are awesome and don't you forget it!" So imagine that right now because I'm send that to you through this blog. Let me just say thank your for including the custodians in your blog. I really want Dale to see this because I had the opportunity to speak with him one day and he was telling me how happy he was that he had been involved in our project because no one ever remembers them. Well look at that Dale! A bunch of us have learned excellent life lessons from you! I just think it is so cool how we all have gotten different things from high school. I must say you are definitely right about helping people loosen up at dances. I didn't really need any encouraging, but I know that whenever I saw you, you were tearing it up out there and could not have cared who was watching. It was actually pretty great to see. And plenty of other people were drawn in by your infectious dancing and I think you helped a lot of people feel more comfortable with dancing. I'm gonna miss all of you guys next year, and I think that these are going to be something that I remember for a while because we have all taught each other so much and learned so much from one another that we will never be the same.
This letter made me want to cry. It reminded me of the letters our parents gave us on our retreat. Anyways, I have learned a lot from ECCHS even if I don't want to admit it all the time. After twelve years in this school system, I have learned details about myself and others. It's amazing how much I've grown up.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest thing I've learned is to hold my tongue. I used to say my opinion whenever I felt like it and it got me into a lot of drama. I think my friends really helped with that because I also learned how to observe people. Mr. Breindel may think it's his psych class, but I'm telling you that I know people better from watching them. I pick upon how they're feeling and try to conform to them. It just makes life easier.
I've learned to do is be civil with people no matter how painful it may be. In the end, those people aren't friends and I will look like the better person. Plus, karma is the "b" word. Speaking of karma, I've learned to control my feelings because people suck. Haha. Just kidding. But really, they do. I shouldn't lose control over someone who doesn't mean a lot to me. Sometimes they do mean a lot to me, but I have to let them make their own decisions. It's life, and karma will come back to bite me if I don't choose things wisely.
Mrs. Knight taught me CPR sophomore year! "Baby, baby, are you okay?" I can save liiiiiives. Not to be a suck up or anything, but I never really knew how creative I could be until creative writing class. Everyone always comments on dance being creative, but once something becomes a part of your life for so long it become desensitized. That's life, I guess. I never realized that almost being eighteen that I don't feel old at all. I feel like a baby! I always looked up to the older kids thinking they were so amazing, and honestly I don't feel like that. It's so weird!
I've really learned how to show my peers who I really am through the musicals. I don't talk much to anyone, and I walk down the hall with a mean face but I'm honestly just focusing! I think that's something they have learned about me, too. I've learned to write poetry, something I used to shy away from! I love poetry now. I used to hate it. I used to hate literature actually. I didn't understand how a tree could be personified. I think I was stupid because I just didn't get anything! I'm so happy I can understand and respect stories and poems that mean something and can change my life. I love it!
Two other things I think I've taught people is that life doesn't always give you the easy route, therefore everyone has to go through heartbreak and pain for your life to be happy. That may mean you lose some people, but it's not their fault. Also, I love that
my friends can trust me. Trust is something I've also learned in high school, and I think my friends have learned that too. It makes life so much better!
Kaitlin,
DeleteI really enjoyed your blog because for the longest time I think I was afraid of you. But once we were in creative writing together junior year I realized that we're actually kind of similar. I've come to really treasure our friendship because we view things and create things so differently in the same context that you have helped me to see knew levels in all of my singing and writing experiences. You also kind of inspired me to follow my dreams because I believe that if anyone can make it from St. Marys to Broadway or the Rockettes or anywhere they want it will be you. So why shouldn't I try to follow my dreams, too? I hope that you keep writing and singing forever because the world deserves to experience you the way I have experienced you - unrestrained and incredible. Anyway, excellent job with you blog! These are all just making me so mushy about graduating and all that jazz!
Kaitlin,
DeleteThe whole part about dance eventually becoming desensitizing is so true. I could not have found a better way to express it myself. As for holding your tongue, I am glad you mentioned that. I feel as if there are a lot of adults who have still not learned that lesson. Maybe they should spend some time at ECC haha. As for Mrs. Knight and health class sophomore year, I don’t know about you, but I don’t remember a lot of what we did. I remember the basics, but other than that, I think it would be huge for me to actually save a life by CPR. I really enjoyed your blog and would like to thank you for the many things, even those not listed, that you have taught me as well as others around us. Good job!
Kaitlin, in regards to your opening paragraph, isn't that so weird considering we were all just talking about the letters from our parents the other day!? Talk about timing. I love what you said about Karma especially in your blog! I don't know if i necessarily believe in karma or agree with it or whatever it would be, but I have always thought that people always viewed it in a double standard way. No one ever really considers Karma coming back for them, so I loved how you mentioned that part of it! Your last paragraph is on fleek. Haha, I really do trust you with everything and you're absolutely someone I know I can go to anything with. P.S. thanks for being an awesome friend, and congratulations on writing an awesome blog this weekend!
DeleteThat letter was so beautiful, especially on Mother’s Day when we not only recognize how much we love our mothers but how much they also love us. To answer the blog! 1.) Mrs. Messineo has had the greatest impact on me of any teacher in the whole school system. Even though I was only under her instruction for a year and a half she helped me to develop confidence in both my serious and creative writing and fed my love of literature until it became something that is not only part of me but that defines me. 2.) My friends. I’ve sat at the same lunch table for four years and even though people have come and gone I have always had Hannah, Meaghan, Ellie, and Jess. These four have taught me that friendship isn’t about being compatible or seeing eye to eye. We argue endlessly and can’t stand some of each other’s quirks, but I wouldn’t trade them for the world because within our dysfunctionality we have discovered a balance only achieved through acceptance. 3.) Father Ross. We fight…a lot, and quite ferociously sometimes, but my debates with Father have led me to the realization that I must always stand up for what I believe in no matter who my adversary is. He has also inadvertently shown me that all of the ideas I have in my head about science and literature and religion are interwoven and that, when viewed simultaneously, they offer me a clearer view of my own opinions and the world. 4.) Mr. Knight. He suffered through my lack of dedication to the band for nine years and never gave up on me. He taught me to read and memorize music, but to also immerse myself in the experience of making music because music played without feeling is really nothing at all. 5.) Ellie Pearson. She always smiles. Always. Even though I’m a pleasant person there is a side of me that takes life a little too seriously and Ellie has helped to wear away at my rough façade so that when people encounter me they see more of the real me than the shield I put up when I am nervous. 6.) Natalie Reichard. It was quite by accident that she became a basketball statistician with me, but the time that she, Jolene, Abbey, and I spent together was priceless for me. Natalie and I were also co-captains for the tennis team which didn’t mean too much but led us to bond further over an awkward incident where we had to ask a football team for water. She has shown me the importance of laughter and getting to know people because I would have never believed that the girl I met freshman year would become one of my best friends. 7.) Mr. Winklebauer. He has shown more faith in my artwork than anyone, and when I came to him this year with my crazy idea for the senior wall project he did not see it as strange or over ambitious, he helped me to create an installation that I am beyond proud of. His confidence in me has helped me to finally appreciate my own work. 8.) Mrs. A. I am awful in her class – I never turn in my work, I’m talking all the time, how can she stand me? But somehow she always reminds me of how good I am despite my downfalls and encourages me to put my best effort in even when I am in a class that means nothing to me because I owe myself the good grades. 9.) Mr. Hanes. He is one of the most dedicated people I have ever met. Although he is kind of shrouded in mystery he has motivate me throughout my four high school musicals and shown me how important it is that every person, even the lowliest chorus member, put their all into the production. 10.) The creative writing class of 2013-2014. This class, which I was in my junior year, was perfection. They were inspiring and beautiful in every way. I not only learned to share my own work through them but I learned to listen to and enjoy the work of others. The pieces and memories that were made throughout that class will stay with me forever as will the people that helped my writing take flight. Reflecting on that class, I do wonder what happened to the creepy cloud of witnesses thing we hung from the ceiling. Anyone know?
ReplyDeleteI don’t know what I have taught other people. I hope that I have inspired confidence in others because I always try to lift people up. I hope that I have imparted my love of reading on some people or at least an interest in those who had none before. And I hope that maybe I’ll leave behind a legacy of what you can get away with in high school because there is a fine line between having fun and doing well and causing havoc and struggling because of that - I like to think I’ve walked that line pretty well since high school was wonderful for me but I feel confident that I have learned the lessons I need to know to move on thanks to the people who helped shape me through Elk County Catholic.
DeleteAnn,
DeleteThis weekend's blog just makes me feel happy and sad that senior year is coming to a close. See what I did there haha?! Anyway, I am quite honored to have made it onto your list! Basketball truly paved the path for us to become best friends and I am so thankful for that. The feels right now are real. I also loved each and every number on your list. The one about Mrs. A made me laugh because I honestly don't know how she puts up with anyone, especially you haha!
Let me tell you something though Ann. You have taught us here at ECC way more than what you wrote. You've taught us how everyone can intertwine in one way or another. You have encouraged confidence, inspiration, and creativity in me and in everyone you meet. You sometimes don't give yourself enough credit, but you are honestly one of the best human beings I have ever encountered. Never lose your spark, Ann.
Ann,
DeleteI have no clue of how to even comment on these so here it goes. I fully agree with you on Mr. Winklbauer, and our creative writing class. Mr. Winklbauer has inspired everyone I think, but that's my personal opinion. He has taught me to appreciate what I can make with my hands. Our Creative writing class was one and a million. Plus we each took something away from that class, serious or funny. We will always have the memories of the random stories or poems that happened. Hmm, now that you speak of it I wonder wear the cloud of witnesses went too. A mystery we will never be able to solve.
Ann,
DeleteThese were all perfect picks. I absolutely love how you included Mr. Knight, and how he never gave up on you in your musical studies. I know that all of my musical instructors have felt that way with me because music for me was something I did to relieve stress, not because I had this immense passion for music and learning it. On our group of friends. I mean seriously we are so dysfunctional we're like a car with square wheels, windows by our feet, and a sunroof on the floor. But despite all of our differences and wackiness, we work. I think it's because over the years after all of our fights we've kind of learned that it's not important whose important is really the right one. We've come to respect each other if we think that each other's ideas are ludicrous. But I would never want a different group of friends. Great blog Ann!
My mind has been officially blown. Milada Horáková was a amazing mother to say the least and I could reread that letter hundreds of times, and I can guarantee it would have the same impact every single time. Plus this was more than appropriate for today, and helped me with my own letter to my mother.
ReplyDeleteTo think of only ten people would be an almost impossible task for me, because I feel like I have learned so much from everyone at ECC that I have known. Although sometimes it wasn't so good, I still learned a little something. Number one, at the top of my list is Mrs. Messineo, of course. Mrs. Messineo has taught me so much not only academically but also about myself. A few of things off the top of my head are not to be afraid to speak my mind, aim for the highest point, and to love literature once again. Before I came into her creative writing class honestly I was just going through high school not caring at all, and trying to hide in amongst the crowds. Since then she has convinced me to take AP Lit, the Literature exam, and stand out from the crowds. Number two, is Dr. Pam. Dr. Pam has taught me that the real world has expectations that needed to be met, and done with precision. Although my next two are not related to me I really could not have made it through high school without my swim coaches Mark DeMuro and Eric Wonderling. They pushed me to my breaking point and kept me going through my rough patches in the year. Whenever I was depressed or upset they always talked to me and got me out of my funk whatever the situation. Lastly, I'm not going to mention his name because if I do I might go off on a seven page rant. He taught me that no matter where you go in the world there will be an a$$**** there to tear you down, ruin your day, and just harass everyone insight.
I hope that I have left somewhat of an imprint on this school that it is okay to be a individualistic. I swear whenever the uniforms come on in that school it makes it feel like more of a prison than an actual school. One thing I can definitely say is that I really hope that more kids will step out of their comfort zones, and "don't stick the status quo." Although I know it is unlikely I hope people have realized that there are more student extracurricular activities out there to go watch than football, basketball, and baseball; such as gymnastics, the musicals, track and field, and swimming. This might be just my view, but it's an idea that I hope people will soon embrace.
Lastly, since we are graduating here in a few short weeks I must say that it has been an honor and a pleasure to be apart of this AP Literature class, especially as the only guy. Thank you to you all for opening my eyes to Literature when I didn't comprehend it, or when I was confused on anything. I wouldn't have wanted this year any other way, except maybe having Mrs. Messineo around all year.
Devyn,
DeleteI also hope that people respect others extra curricular activities more. People don't understand how much those activities and hobbies have changed us and molded us into he people we are today. I am also guilty of this disrespect; we all are. We don't want to acknowledge that others are interested in eccentric or mainstream things. It's really selfish of us. But then again we are only human. Great blog this week. I too lacked in literature until creative writing. Things just never made sense in books to me, but I'm now able to see life how I see books. How things foreshadow without realizing and that everything we do effects where we are now. Like me writing this two hours too late. Great job!
His letter was really poignant, and in my sleep deprived state it really gave me some good emotions today. I just love the connection that this mother daughter duo has. I know that I have learned a multitude of things from my mother, and many of them I never really appreciated, and there are more that I probably will never even recognize. But, I know that even though I have learned a ton from my family, I have learned just as much from the outside community, certainly from school.
ReplyDeleteThe first person that I would like to remember, and the lesson they taught me was Mrs. Robinson. She was my preschool teacher, and I learned from her that kids should always be allowed to use their imaginations, no matter what. I was always a pretty stubborn kid with a big imagination and she would never squash my ideas, instead she nurtured them into better ideas and eventually plans which I carried out on my own.
Secondly, I would like to thank Mrs. Fehrenbach who, through my nine years of knowing her has taught me that it doesn't matter how old you are, puzzles and experiments that might blow up and create a huge mess are still appropriate for everyone. I'll forever keep exploring because of you.
Third, I would like to thank my soccer team, from the seniors who I played with my freshman year to the freshman I played with my senior year. You girls have taught me so much about teamwork, respect, confidence, and loyalty that I will find each of you to be close friends for a long time. Soccer has really taught me how to avoid drama and just play my game in the midst of other trouble.
Fourth, I would like to thank Coach Cecchetti who has taught me that effort really does pay off, and so does respect. He let me go to Kane to vault with his team every Tuesday during the summer even though one of his girl's is a fierce competitor of mine. He always said that if I was willing to drive up there in my piece of crap truck he would never tell me no. I didn't appreciate his opinion of my truck, but I learned that his opinion of me was more important than anything else.
Sixth, I would like to thank Dale, one of the nicest men I have ever met. Dale taught me to see everyone as equals and as an opportunity to do something good for those you might not suspect would be going through a hard time. During Easter when we cracked good luck eggs over certain people's heads, I chose Dale because he is very rarely included in anything. After I told him the purpose he nearly reared up because he informed me that he was having a heart procedure the next day. I learned from him to not over look people due to their jobs and personalities.
Seventh, I'd have to admit that one of the people that I've learned the most from over all of my time in school and especially in high school is Alan Brennen. He and I might not get along, but dealing with him has taught me how to deal with people who I don't clash with well. Because of him I am now able to deal with people in a much more compassionate and calm way than before.
,
Eighth, I'd like to recognize Mr. MacDonald for the silly things that he does and all that he has taught me. I learned that it's ok to not be the smartest individual in the room and to not need to know every single fact about things or to need to prove my intelligence. If people are going to recognize my intelligence it should be by how I carry myself not by how I talk about things that I know or by spouting opinions.
DeleteNinth is Amy Popielski who taught me how to be a confident, strong, independent woman who doesn't need anyone to back up her opinions or require validation. She is strong on her own and can handle herself in the engineering world where it is mostly run by alpha males.
Finally, I would like to mention the friendships that I have formed at ECC. It doesn't matter who they are, all the teachers, students, faculty, parents and everyone else with whom I have formed connections with, I would like to thank all of you for teaching me to be myself. I used to hide behind facades of being who people wanted me to be, but now I see that being myself is acceptable.
Three things that I've taught other people. One would definitely be to walk on the correct wide of the hallway which I have taught many underclass men who have walked through the incorrect and have been hit by it due to me going through the opposite way. Next, I think I have taught some people that you might not need to like a teacher to appreciate the work that they do for you. And finally, I think that I have taught people to appreciate others despite differences, but also to be firm in your beliefs. I really enjoyed this blog and I hope you guys did too.
Hannah,
DeleteI hate to say this but Alan is a very influential part of everyone's life at ECC. Ugh I feel gross after saying that. Alan made everyone gain an extreme amount of patience since he makes a point of antagonizing us till we snap. He has made me realize that I actually have a breaking point, which as you all know it is hard to make me angry. I generally am very laid back, but I just loose my temper. You have definitely taught me one thing and that is not to cross you ;). Okay, so in reality you have tight me not to shy away from my opinion. You are always so outspoken, and not afraid to speak on your mind. I can see it now you will go far in the business field, with your determination and out spoken view on several topics. Il est un honneur de vous appeler ami, et je vous souhaite la meilleure des chances dans l'avenir. (Might be a tad rough because I couldn't find the correct accent marks.)
Hannah, first of all I would like to comment on the way you had written your blog. I love how you wrote it. It was written somewhere along the lines of a thank you/acceptance speech and I really liked it. You approached the blog in a way different from the rest of the class and it was very creative! I also agree with your opening comment. I got emotional during this assignment too, the sleep deprivation definitely played its part in that! I also like how you recognized your family without "formally" recognizing them as to stick with the theme of the prompt. I enjoyed your post, although I must admit that while reading your blog and Devyn's comment, I felt kind of sad. Alan may antagonize at some points, but don't we all? I don't know, I just feel like if I was him I would feel awful reading this. Beside that, I am so happy that you got something good out of your rocky-relationship with him. Otherwise, I loved your blog and it was beautifully written regardless. Nice work, and I hope you had a lovely prom. You looked gorgeous!
DeleteFe, that is a good point I should not have singled Alan our like that. Lord knows we all antagonize each other and it was rude and insensitive of me to do so. See I'm still learning from you:) thanks!!
DeleteWell, the blog this weekend is quite sentimental. The letter written was truly beautiful in the most painful way possible, heart-warming and heart-breaking both at the same time. Not only that, but there are also some really good life tips in there!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of life-tips and focusing on the topic of our blog, high school and the people I have encountered in high school have taught me a lot. I have been through so much in the past two years alone, and it is within these two years that the majority of my experiences came from.
1.) Mrs. Messineo is the most influential teacher I have ever had. She came to ECC at the perfect time for me and probably doesn’t even realize how much she has helped me become who I am now. Through AP Lit, AP Lang, and Creative Writing, Mrs. Messineo has helped me so much in developing confidence and even, as cheesy or corny as it may sound, helping me become a better Catholic in regards to trusting in Gods plan for me. She also reminded me of how important it to keep yourself busy, and busy in beneficial things.
2.) Mr. Winklebauer. I had known this man just about my entire life, I’ve been taking art classes forever, way before high school even started! And yet, all these years had gone by and we never knew that we were born on the same day. May, 22 in case you were wondering. Mr. Winklebauer had always been there for me, asking about how me, my brothers, mom and dad were doing and offering his prayers and best wishes to each of us.
3.) Mr. Hanes is one of my favorite people. He’s so sarcastic and I’m so sarcastic and its just so funny. I honestly think that Mr. Hanes is extremely good at what he does and is a good authority figure. He taught me a lot about finding the balance between authority figure and “friendly” figure I guess you could say, I don’t know the official word. He is just such an approachable person and is always kind, but he knows how and when to be serious and I have a lot of respect for him for that.
He also taught me where the gym was, and the difference between the gym and the foyer and the senior hallway.
4.) Fr. Ross is SO smart and it honestly upsets me that a lot of people don’t realize this. I get that he gives us weird assignments, but they're not really that weird! He has told us so many times that he is all about like finding yourself and personal discovery and opinions and debates. I really just think that he is trying to help us learn more about ourselves through the projects we do, I know I always learn something through them. Fr. Ross taught me that you get out what you put in. And thats not even including all of the things he taught me about theology and about myself.
5.) So most people know that I am a one year participant of the SMA gymnastics team. haha. P.S. Mrs. Messineo influenced that choice! On the team I met and eventually became really good friends with all of the girls from dutch and I got really close with some of the girls from ECC who I otherwise would probably have never talked to. My new friends as well as the three coaches taught me the importance of not letting one mistake get the best of you, and they taught me how to take my talents and use them to the best of my ability, and a little bit further.
6.) Sister John Paul is such an awesome woman. While I have heard she goes too far sometimes, she doesn't take anyones crap and I love her for that! No way will she ever let anyone take advantage of her. The main thing that SJP taught me is a bit personal however, so I’m just going to say that she taught me that Im the only one who can help myself. That might sound rude just reading it like that, but from the position im in it was such a beneficial thing and honestly it was exactly what I needed to hear.
7.) “Ask and you shall receive.” Ruth Ann pretty much taught me this. Really, all you need to do is politely ask her and she will do whatever she can to help you. One time my lips were really really badly chapped. Like, visibly. I forgot my chapstick in my car, so I asked Ruth Ann if there was an unopened extra one in the nurses I could have. There wasn’t, but she did offer to let me go out to my car to get mine and she always lets me out to my car to bring in my art projects.
ReplyDelete8.) Tom the Janitor. I know that he is not at the school anymore, but he told me which water fountain in the school runs fastest and coldest. Its a secret though, so don’t ask.
9.) The students taught me so much, mainly about how we all effect each other and about how different we all are from one another but how easily we all come together. While our grade isn't very diverse, I like to believe that they taught me how to interact with different people.
10.) My friends and family all taught me so much. This is the ultimate cliche, but they didn't just teach me about myself but they taught me about life as well and I am so blessed to have all of them in my life.
This is a lot longer than I meant for it to be, so I am going to make these last three things very quick. Recently, I have been teaching Tally and Izzy tips on how to annoy their new baby brother (no babies will be harmed I swear!). And I sure hope I taught you guys a lot about Sylvia Plath! I tried to be sentimental with what I taught others, but i’m really just too sarcastic and awkward for that. but thats okay, so I guess I hope I taught you all that everything doesn’t have to be sentimental in order to be deemed worth remembering, because honestly its the little things that matter. (so cliche but so true)
Felicia,
Delete(So I know I'm commenting really late. I'm a rebel.) I loved your blog and how you named people. I couldn't do that in mine because 1.) I'm too offensive and 2.) I'm too stupid to do that. So great job! MR. HANES WON'T EVER LET US FORGET WHERE THE GYM IS. OMG. I pooped my pants when I read that! Dude. I'm gonna miss you so much. We've become so close and I feel like your my sister that I never fight with. We hate and love the same people. It's amazing, and makes a relationship ten times better. You keep doing you, girl. Werk.