Davyon’s English Blog

Prompt Response: When I was younger, I wasn’t a good kid. I would procrastinate, be lazy, and play around way too much. Because of this, my parents received calls saying I was either failing or sleeping in class. Even though these incidents happened many years ago, memories of my past still haunt me. I remember overhearing the teachers say about me and what my parents would say to me. Even now, as I’ve gotten older, I find myself procrastinating, but I always make it a priority to correct my mistakes.  Summary: Today in class, we worked on creating supporting an opposing claims to specific topics. Reflection: When it comes to my academics, I made a silent vow to myself to never repeat my past mistakes and failures, so I don’t become a failure myself. However, I’m gradually breaking free from the cycle of laziness I’ve created for myself.

  Prompt Response:  When I was younger, I was extremely afraid of the dark. So much so that I often had to sleep near or in my parents’ bed. Looking back, it was foolish of me to be so scared of the dark. As I got older, that fear remained with me, but I overcame it by listening to music. Soon after, I didn’t even need to listen to music to overcome my fear anymore; I had become accustomed to the dark. Summary: Today in class, we did an assignment where we had to identify specific claims and create a counterargument to them. Reflection:   Overcoming my fear of the dark showed me how much I’ve grown and changed over time. It also taught me that with patience and small steps, fears can eventually be left behind.

Prompt Response: An  issue people will often have to stand up and debate is fairness. Whether it’s about money, opportunities, or responsibilities, people usually see fairness in different ways. Friends might argue about equal effort in a group project, while families may debate over chores or privileges. In society, fairness shows up in discussions about justice, rights, and equality. No matter the setting, it is a topic that always sparks strong opinions.   Summary: Today in class, we went deeper into writing an argumentative essay, specifically ethos, logos, pathos and claims. Reflection:  I think fairness is debated so often because everyone has their own idea of what is equal or just. These debates can be challenging, but they also push people to see different perspectives.  

  Prompt Response:  One truth people are often afraid to accept is that change is unavoidable. No matter how much we want things to stay the same, life is always moving forward. Friendships, opportunities, and even personal goals can shift in unexpected ways. Accepting this truth can feel uncomfortable because it challenges our sense of control. However, learning to embrace change can lead to growth and new possibilities.   Summary: Today in class, we kept reviewing over how to structure and argumentative essay. Reflection:  I think this truth is powerful because it reminds us that nothing in life stays the same forever. Accepting change can be difficult, but it can also help us grow stronger and discover new paths.   

  Prompt Response:   I was unfairly judged based on my appearance and behavior. People made quick, rude opinions about me simply because they didn’t like how I spoke. These occurrences often hurt my feelings. As humans, we have no right to judge others. I acknowledge that I still judge, but I’m actively working on it to avoid hurting others with my words or body language. No two people are the same. Summary: Today we worked on how to structure and argumentative essay. Reflection: In short,  the pain that comes from being judged unfairly can have long lasting impacts on how we view ourselves and how we act towards others. However, It also reminds us to be mindful of our own actions so we don’t cause the same hurt to others.

Prompt Response:   If I were learning about Hispanic/Latino heritage for the first time, I would be curious to know how different countries celebrate their traditions. I would want to learn about the unique foods they cook and how those recipes are passed down through families. I would also like to explore the music, since it seems to play such an important role in bringing people together. The celebrations, like Día de los Muertos or Carnaval, would interest me because of their colors and meanings. Overall, I would be excited to understand how these traditions shape family and community life. Summary: Today in class, we continued reviewing over structuring thesis statements. Reflection: In short,  I think learning about Hispanic/Latino heritage would be very exciting because of the variety of traditions, foods, and celebrations. It would help me understand how culture brings people together and keeps history alive.

  Prompt Response:   The thing I enjoyed most about my classmates’ poems was the uniqueness of each of them. While someone did focus on the same themes like dreams or escapism, each poem was very well crafted. Some poems used more images than others, and some poems felt more real than others. I was able to relate to some of the poems my fellow students have read. I may not be able to understand all of them to their degree of understanding, but they were great pieces of work. Summary: Today we presented our poem posters in class. Reflection: Simply put,  I enjoyed how each poem reflected a unique voice, even when exploring similar themes. Some were more relatable to me than others, but all showed creativity and depth.

  Prompt Response:   When I was younger, I was a curious child who often intruded into conversations that had nothing to do with me. However, on this particular day, I overheard my parents discussing something that caught my attention. Without a second thought, I jumped into the conversation as if it were my own. All I can recall from that incident is me crying. From that day forward, I made a silent vow to myself to never Interlop on a conversation ever again. Summary: Today in class, we read and completed the assignment, ''The interlopers'' in Commonlit Reflection:  This experience taught me the importance of knowing when to listen rather than insert myself into situations that don’t involve me. It also helped me understand that respecting boundaries is way more important than satisfying curiosity.

  Prompt Response:   The three vocabulary words I intend to use most frequently in both speaking and writing are amoral, altruism, and affinity. I plan to use the word amoral more often because the advanced texts we will explore often present complex ethical dilemmas where actions cannot be strictly categorized as right or wrong. Additionally, I anticipate using the word altruism more frequently since higher-level works delve into human motivations, selflessness, and moral philosophy. Lastly, I will use the word affinity more often to describe profound, often abstract connections between characters, ideas, or themes. These words enable the expression of more nuanced concepts that simpler vocabulary cannot capture.   Summary:  Today, we reviewed over fifteen vocabulary words for an upcoming test. Reflection:  Using these three words will help me think and write with more depth when analyzing advanced texts. They will also allow me to express complex ideas in a c...

  Prompt Response: The most unique aspect of being a part of the Lakeside community is the variety of events they organize, such as pep rallies. Personally, I don’t display school spirit; I simply fulfill my responsibilities. As for my favorite homecoming tradition, I don’t have one. This year, I did attend homecoming. Summary: Today in class, we went in depth on our Poem Posters. Reflection: Although I don’t feel a strong connection to school spirit, the school’s promotion of fun events like the pep rally demonstrates its care for its students. These experiences remind me that participation is be meaningful, even without personal traditions.

  Prompt Response: The learning method I prefer the most is hands-on activities. Hands-on activities allow me to directly apply what I learn, making concepts easier to understand. Hands-on activities are known to engage multiple senses that improve memory and retention compared to reading or listening. Unlike worksheets or discussions, hands-on learning keeps me active and focused while also reducing boredom. With all of that in mind, hands-on activities connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences, making learning more practical and memorable.  Summary: Today in class, we continued working on our digital poems. Reflection: Reflecting on this,  hands-on activities are the most effective way for me to learn because they make lessons more engaging and practical. They help me stay focused while also giving me real-world experiences that I can remember and actually apply later.  

  Prompt Response:  The one aspect of creating a poem I enjoy the most is the message. A strong message allows a writer to express emotions, ideas, and experiences in a way that connects with others. Without a clear message, the words might sound nice but lack depth or impact. The message is what stays with the reader after the poem is finished, making it memorable and powerful. In the end, the message transforms a simple arrangement of words into something meaningful and lasting. Summary: Today, in class, we began working on our poems. Reflection:  Reflecting on this, a message is what makes poetry truly powerful and personal. It allows both writers and the readers to share a deeper connection through words.

  Prompt Response:  When I was one years old, I drank an entire cup of coffee. This was a very absurd situation. My parents were having a gathering with many family members whom I do not remember. And neither my mother or my father had a cup of coffee on the table because of my young age I was naturally curious so when no one was looking, I snatched up the cup and drank the coffee. Summary: Today in class, we covered  Lawrence Ferlinghetti's poem "Constantly Risking Absurdity,"    Reflection: Both of my parents still remember that day when I had my very 1st cup of coffee. And while they were concerned, I ended up being completely fine in the end. 

  Prompt Response:   The song I would choose to describe my life would be Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness. The reason I chose this song is because of its message of determination and positivity in difficult times. It reminds me to keep moving forward even when challenges feel overwhelming. The lyrics encourage me to look for the light in every situation. Overall, it reflects the mindset I strive to live by every day. Summary: Today, in class, we began working on a soundtrack for Emily Dickinson’s poems and did an assessment related to her works. Reflection:  Listening to Optimistic inspires me to stay strong and keep a positive outlook no matter what challenges I face. With that in mind, it serves as a reminder that with determination and hope, we can overcome obstacles and continue moving toward our goals.

  Prompt Response:  If I were to compose a poem about a single aspect of my life, it would be my greatest strengths—my 3D-printing skills, intelligence, and creativity. While my poem would primarily focus on these qualities, it would revolve around the idea of using our gifts to achieve specific goals. It would emphasize that while the journey may be challenging, we must never lose hope or give up on our dreams. Ultimately, my message would be to work hard towards our dreams, and we will achieve success. Summary:  Today in class, we continued going over Emily Dickinson's poems. And we continued our Heart assignment. Reflection: Life is like a massive mountain. We must utilize our skills and expertise to reach our dream of successfully making it to the top. 

  Prompt Response:  Literature class has been going quite well so far. The work, the class structure, and the teacher have all been satisfactory. Considering that it’s been 4.5 weeks into the school year, I wouldn’t expect anything more. Currently, I can’t think of any changes that need to be made. The class has been adequate. Summary: Today in class, we touched more on Emily Dickinson's poems. Reflection: Class has been very up to par. And has become everything I would expect from a literature class.