The Driving Force Behind the Black Lives Matter Movement: Gen Z
Holmdel Journal Facebook, June 11, 2020
Celebrating the Class of 2020
Holmdel Journal, June 2020 p.41
Review of "Killing Dinner" by Gabrielle Hamilton
In my AP Literature class, we often read various works of writing to analyze an author's style and voice. I was especially fascinated by Gabrielle Hamilton's piece, "Killing Dinner," in The New Yorker as it took me by surprise and provided a gruesome perspective into a process most people choose to overlook. I decided to study her work in more detail, noting her choice of diction and description.
Gabrielle Hamilton somehow makes it even more blood-chilling. By capturing every gory detail, Hamilton is able to paint a picture of her experience killing a chicken and explains her fluctuating emotions as a result of the horrific actions that take place. Instead of simply butchering animals for the purpose of consumption, she takes it to the next level with gruesome, visceral diction: “carved tongues,” “fastened baby lambs,” “dislodge its warm guts,” etc. Although we all understand the process that allows us to eat meat, we choose to look the other way and blindly accept it. Hamilton, however, forces readers to face the atrocity of slaughter head-on and truly see it for what it is. While this undoubtedly leaves a nauseating effect on the reader, it also provides an intricate and explicit description of the actions that took place. But despite the fact that Hamilton becomes responsible for an innocent chicken’s death and suffering, her humanity shines through and leaves readers in a state of sympathy and understanding. For a 17-year-old girl to be faced with such a task is a difficult feat - both emotionally and physically. Not only does she have to deal with the ethical struggle of killing a living thing, she also has to cook it, eat it, and withstand her father’s disappointment and criticism. In the midst of such a gruesome story, it is a relief to see the killer’s humanity.
My Interview with Learn To Skate USA
It was such an honor to work with Learn to Skate USA again! I had alot of fun being on the other side of the camera as this time, I was the one getting interviewed and photographed. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for future collaborations with Learn to Skate USA to continue sharing my knowledge and experiences.
Learn To Skate USA Magazine, Jan 2020 issue
Winter Activities in Monmouth County
As everyone heads home for the holidays, I wanted to share some local winter festivities that can be enjoyed with family and friends. Despite the cold, there is plenty to do outside. Whether you seek high activity or tranquil bonding time, there truly is something for everyone!
A Present Well Spent: Out-of-the-Box Gift Ideas
As someone who loves the holiday spirit but struggles to think of unique gift ideas, I wanted to help others who experience the same dilemma. Thanks to my creative friends and family, I had an abundance of great gift ideas that I couldn’t wait to share with my local community. These ideas were published in my town’s special holiday section of the November issue and are sure to make your loved ones smile while preventing your wallet from suffering!
Holmdel Journal, November 2019 issue
"The Crossing" by Cormac McCarthy
My AP Literature class studied an excerpt from Cormac McCarthy’s The Crossing. I was inspired to further analyze the various rhetorical techniques used to convey the impact of the experience on the main character.
The excerpt from The Crossing, by Cormac McCarthy, details a touching story about a man and a dead wolf. While the third person narrator initially focuses on the actions of the burial, the protagonist’s anguish and emotional distress are later revealed. Through McCarthy’s unique use of various rhetorical devices, it is clear that a strong connection exists between the man and the wolf.
The first two paragraphs immediately dive into the man’s actions as he prepares to bury the wolf. With the repetition of “he” at the start of each sentence, readers become aware of the man’s precise and mechanical nature. While the beginning lines are short and simple, McCarthy’s also employs varied syntax. The 10-line run-on sentence lacking any punctuation at the beginning of the second paragraph demonstrates the man’s intense focus and close attention to detail. This risky device allows McCarthy to successfully convey the physical impact of the experience on the man.
The third paragraph shifts to reveal the man’s emotional side with more descriptive diction. By “cradling” the wolf, stroking her “bloodied forehead,” and reminiscing on her “delight,” the man’s emotional attachment to the wolf becomes evident. Not only does he bury the wolf, he mourns her and thinks of her adoringly. Similes and metaphors also contribute by furthering the emotional aspect of the experience. These devices serve to depict the burial as a somber and painful moment for the main character.
McCarthy also switches to first person and uses a collective “we” to draw readers in and invite them into the narrative. This technique allows readers to become part of the experience and fully understand the unifying connection between the man and the wolf. The religious and philosophical references further express the profound impact on the man. This impact is so significant that it goes beyond the story itself as McCarthy concludes by referencing nature and addressing the world as a whole.
Parallels of Walter Kirn's "Little Brother is Watching" with George Orwell's "1984"
Walter Kirn’s example of intrusion in his “Little Brother is Watching” essay resonated with me in terms of parallels to Orwell’s world.
In his essay, “Little Brother is Watching,” Walter Kirn points out that the intrusion readers find so abhorrent in 1984 is actually not too different than modern society. Kirn creates a “Big Brother/Little Brother” analogy to depict this parallel, comparing the dictatorial government of Orwell’s world with today’s prying, technologically-dependent population. Glued to our phones and instinctively reaching for the camera, we constantly invade the privacy of others without ever thinking twice. Just as Big Brother used telescreens to conduct constant surveillance, we use our cell phones, cameras, and social media to snoop and scrutinize. Viral videos, for instance, can launch people to fame in a matter of minutes, however they also have the power to wreak havoc on one’s life. Tyler Clementi was unfortunately victim to the latter, resorting to suicide after an intimate act circulated the internet. Little Brother’s impact was therefore so detrimental that it not only ruined his life, it ended it. Likewise, Big Brother’s intrusion of Winston Smith’s private thoughts and opinions resulted in his torture and mental desolation. While the context of each situation was drastically different, the severe outcomes are strikingly similar. This frightening parallel therefore exposes the oppressiveness of our so-called democratic society and our natural tendency to conform to it. As someone growing up in the technological world, the example of the viral video and its connection to 1984 deeply resonated with me, allowing me to see beyond the surface of such a familiar topic. While Orwell obviously did not predict the future, his idea of conformity and intrusion did - in a way - come true.
Grown In Monmouth County Restaurant Week
I’m continually enjoying my job as a staff reporter for my monthly local town magazine, the Journals NJ. This past month’s assignment on my county’s first-ever Grown in Monmouth Restaurant Week event was my all-time favorite especially since I’m such a foodie! I was excited to interview restaurant owners and local growers and learn about the many featured delicious dishes containing local farmed ingredients grown in the county.
September 2019 Holmdel issue, p 64 https://www.thejournalnj.com/publications-monmouth-county/holmdel-journal/holmdel-current-issue/
It's Never Too Late To Skate
Leslie and Charles are my new friends who skate at the Codey Arena rink in West Orange, NJ where I also train. I was so impressed with their earnest desire and unequivocal commitment to figure skating and wanted others to learn about their story. I approached them late spring and asked to interview them for an article about their skating interests and pursuits. I was so honored to write about them and couldn’t wait to get started learning more about their interesting lives. Leslie and Charles are an two inspiring individuals who we all can admire - they follow their passions and show us that age isn’t a limit.
Don’t be afraid to try new things as it’s never too late to start living a more healthy & active lifestyle.
https://medium.com/learn-to-skate-usa/its-never-too-late-to-skate-5b9a8aab26e9
Exploring the Past in Pasture
MY ARTICLE MADE THE COVER STORY & THE COVER PHOTO!!!
I was so surprised and excited to see my article and photograph featured on the July cover of my community news magazine. I recently pursued an internship with The Journal NJ to learn more about journalism by shadowing the staff, sitting in on weekly sales meetings, and working with the Managing Editor on layout and design. For one of my assignments, I chose to visit and research my town’s Longstreet Farm, a 19th century living historical farm, to increase community awareness and promote appreciation for the past. As this was one of my first assignments as an intern, I was shocked that the editors chose my work for the cover.
https://www.thejournalnj.com/publications-monmouth-county/holmdel-journal/holmdel-current-issue/ (page 20)
23 Local Girl Scouts Receive Gold Award
I had the honor of attending the 2019 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Gold Award Ceremony. Not only did I get to witness the many talented Girl Scouts receive their awards, I also had the opportunity to serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. I loved being able to share my experiences as a Girl Scout with the audience to inspire the future generation of leaders. As an intern for The Journal NJ, I was also asked to cover this event. I explained the purpose and function of the Gold Award, interviewed the hosts and guest speakers, and focused on the four Girl Scouts from Monmouth County. My article appears in the July issue of The Journal and highlights the girls’ outstanding achievements.
Sanctuary Yet Sacrifice
This poem discusses the paradox of skating. While physically and mentally challenging, the sport will forever be a vital part of my life.
Feet frigid and fingers frail
head and heart hammering
eyes watering in the wind
bruised body on the brink of blowout.
As my blades slice through the slippery surface
my coach’s disappointed face fills my vision
and the taste of defeat fills my mouth.
Everyday I ask why I do this
why I put myself through the struggle
why I devote my life to the sport.
Yet everyday I’m back
doing it all over again.
Painful to the body yet vital to the soul
the lure of the ice never leaves.
Because the reward of success is like no other;
years of pain are nothing compared
to one day of victory.
Fragile Souls
A found poem is created by flipping through a book and selecting random lines to create a cohesive poem. Here is my found poem based on the book, The River Reader by Joseph F. Trimmer.
Beneath the fat lies
deeper still
a series of moral puzzles
endless worrying about the rules
high anxiety of the competition
manipulation and control.
No matter how much we twist and turn
no system will protect us.
Do you believe you must always lie?
There is no easy answer to this question.
But we are such fragile souls
so we must be very careful.
Oh, there is risk everywhere
each decision, large or small
may be crucial to
this style of living.
Silver Skates
Leslie and Charles are my newfound friends who skate at the Codey Arena rink in West Orange, NJ where I also train. I am so incredibly impressed with their earnest desire and unequivocal commitment to learn to skate, and wanted others to learn about their story. So one day, I approached them and asked if I could interview and write an article about their skating interests and pursuits. I was so honored to have them agree and I couldn’t wait to get started to learning more about their interesting lives. Leslie and Charles is an inspiring couple who we all can admire - they follow their passions and show us that age isn’t a limit.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and it’s never too late to start living a more healthy & active lifestyle.
Pushy Parenting Doesn’t Pay
Lost and Alone
Careful to only move one muscle at a time and make as little sound as possible, I began to inch my way out of the dark confines of the cave. I placed a shaky paw onto the grass and pushed my body into the sunlight, exposing myself to a vast expanse of unfamiliar territory.
On high alert, I followed my nose to the distinct aroma of fresh water. I made sure to stay hidden beneath the foliage, bristling in fear at every unknown sound and smell. But once I caught sight of a small stretch of water, thirst overcame me and I bounded full speed to the sparkling surface.
I dove into the lake, purring in satisfaction from the delicious taste after suffering from days of thirst. But despite the revitalization I received, I could not shake the loneliness that remained. I racked my brain, desperate to recall anything of my life before I was abandoned in the cave, but I felt nothing but emptiness.
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the snap of a twig and I found myself face to face with a small hairless creature. I bared my teeth and hissed in intimidation, but before I could pounce, a larger creature appeared and released a horrid blood curdling scream. I darted off in time to see the large creature whisk the smaller one away, retreating as fast as its two legs could carry it.
I realized in surprise that they were running from me. Power surged through my veins as I realized my ability to inflict fear on these strange creatures. I scoffed at their stupidity. Arrogance replaced my loneliness and I set forth to find the creatures to terrorize them.
I followed their trail and reached a clearing filled with rows of cave-like dwellings. I watched in confusion as dozens of creatures came in and out of the dwellings, communicating with odd gestures and unusual sounds. This must be where they live, I concluded.
Teen Angst
While listening to the song “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes, I was inspired to express my low spirits in a poem, incorporating the lyrics (in italics).
All the feelings built up inside
Hard to express, yet hard to hide.
Laying on the bathroom floor, feeling nothing
Overwhelmed and insecure, the tears start gushing.
As waves of sadness come crashing down
You get lost in a sea of emotions and drown.
No medicine, no cure
Nothing to relieve the pain you endure.
No one can see the angst consuming your heart
Alone is where you fall apart.
Are Humans Primarily Driven by Self-Interest?
I will be competing in a new debate forum at my first speech and debate tournament of the new year. ‘Big Questions Debate’ is a new format which presents students with a complex worldwide question and each student is required to debate both sides of the resolution. Big Questions Debate will not only help advance my knowledge and promote interest in learning more about a subject matter but it will also enhance my debate experience by encouraging and challenging me to engage in life discussions that may not align with my previously held beliefs and values.
The Big Question Debate for this weekend’s tournament is Resolved: Humans are primarily driven by self-interest, and here are my arguments for both sides…which side do you agree with?
I. AFFIRMATIVE SPEECH
Psychological egoism, the idea that humans are motivated by self-interest and selfishness, is highly prevalent in society. Despite having good morals or values, at the end of the day, the most important person to you is yourself.