Davyon’s English Blog

 One of the most important things that I have enjoyed about Accelerated American Literature is the teacher. You have an excellent, engaging, and well organized class Mr. Rease. An assignment in AAL that I found to be the most engaging was the Poetry Mask Project, where we had to create a mask that included all of the things that are part of our identity. As we move into this new year, one area that I would like to improve is my vocabulary. While my dialect isn’t extremely simplistic, I would like to better communicate, develop, and describe the things I say.

 A holiday tradition that is still very important in my family today is the food. Not only is it delicious, but it also brings us together. Friends and family members alike come together and make food for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The food is also a great excuse for some specific family members (me) to engage and speak with friends and family for the holidays. It’s not only just a holiday tradition, it is also a family tradition.

  Prompt Response:  One thing I’ve outgrown but still miss is playing video games. When I was younger, particularly between the ages of 9 and 15, video games were my absolute favorite. They were the highlight of my day, the only thing I eagerly anticipated besides occasional school holidays. However, as I’ve grown older and now 16, my love for video games has significantly diminished. I no longer find the same joy in completing challenging levels or defeating final bosses. While I still occasionally play video games, I quickly lose interest and move on to something else. Summary: In today's class, we completed a vocabulary test for lessons one through five. Reflection: Reflecting on this, I still have a deep love for playing video games. They have profoundly influenced my life and shaped who I am today.

  Prompt Response:  One thing that constantly occupies my thoughts is love. I’m currently 16, and all my acquaintances either have or are currently in significant relationships. While I wouldn’t label myself as desperate or constantly yearning for a relationship, the topic occasionally crosses my mind. As I advance in my studies and become an even more skilled mechanical engineer, my work will become increasingly demanding, and I worry that I won’t have the time for romance or significant relationships. It’s a bit disheartening to contemplate, and sometimes I genuinely feel as if the possibility of being in a relationship is slim. But that’s a topic for another time. Summary: In today’s class, we completed any unfinished work we had and worked on our blog post. Reflection: Reflecting on this, I’ve developed a dangerous habit of worrying about things beyond my control. As a mere human, I’m uncertain about the future of my life.

  Reflection: Reflecting on this, I must admit that I was completely clueless about how to begin my poetry mask, even with the very clear instructions provided. Each element of my mask was crafted with deep personal significance, and it was also intended to be appreciated by others, transforming it into a piece of art. It serves as a reflection of my life.

  Prompt Response:  The best gift I ever received was my very first 3-D printer, the Fokoos Odin-5 F3. My mother had bought it for me in 2022, and since then, I’ve embarked on an exciting journey into the world of 3-D printing. This incredible device not only deepened my passion for mechanical engineering but also opened up a whole new realm of creativity. With it, I could transform my thoughts and ideas into tangible reality, making it easier than ever before to bring my imagination to life. I've received many great gifts throughout my life and this one is no exception. Summary: In today's class, we continued working on our poetry mask assignment. Reflection: I now have three very useful 3-D printers. Unfortunately however, the  Fokoos Odin-5 F3 is incapable of making anything. 

  Prompt Response:  After watching the short film “Identity,” the scene that left the most impact on me was the girl observing the group of red-masked individuals. This scene resonated with Langston Hughes’s poem “I, Too,” which celebrates self-worth and advocates for equality. When the girl sits alone, it mirrors how Langston Hughes was instructed to eat in the kitchen while other white people enjoyed themselves at the dinner table. Despite their isolation during their meal, both characters eventually recognize the significance of embracing their unique identities. Similarly, in my cultural identity mask, I intend to reveal the distinctiveness that defines me. Summary: Today, we read the poem “I, Too” and began an assignment based on its themes. Reflection:  Reflecting on this being you in today’s modern age is frowned upon and considered unusual or weird. However, it’s important to recognize that no two people I’ve made are exactly alike.

  Prompt Response:  The aspect of my cultural identity that I am most proud of is simply being African-American. It fills me with joy to know that I am part of generations of growth. Through my family and various black historical figures, I can confidently say that I have been a part of something truly remarkable. African-Americans are incredibly resilient individuals with a remarkable intellect and a rich character. While the same qualities can be found in others, no one embodies them quite like we do. Summary: In today's class we completed our "We Real Cool" poem assignment. Reflection: Reflecting on this, this world is filled with incredibly unique individuals, each one more distinct than the last. While we may come from diverse backgrounds, financial situations, and households, I can confidently assert that our uniqueness runs through our veins.

  Prompt Response:  When I was younger, I had a great time playing Pokémon with my friends. We all had a diverse collection of unique and powerful cards. Although I wasn’t any different, I noticed that my deck lacked sufficient cards. So, inspired by my friends, I decided to trade my cards for better ones. While Pokémon is primarily a trading card game, I didn’t stop there. I also engaged in trading toys with other students. Some toys were incredibly fun to play with, while others simply fell apart in my hands. I traded various items with my friends and even gave away things that held sentimental value back then, all because I wanted to be cool and have fun like they did. Summary: In today’s class, we read a poem titled “We Real Cool” and completed an assignment based on its themes. Reflection: Reflecting on this, this was one of the rare instances when I followed a crowd solely because I wanted to emulate them. After elementary school and progressing through the years, I made...

  Prompt Response:  During my Thanksgiving break, I have been most thankful for my family. My mother, my father, my brother, my god sister, my grandmother, and my grandmother's friend all attended for Thanksgiving. We all had a wonderful time speaking and enjoying each other's company during Thanksgiving. But the icing on this cake of memories was the food. We had ham, turkey wings, pork ribs, pork shoulder, collard greens, candy yams, mac & cheese, cornbread, and a wide variety of sodas and desserts.  Summary: In today’s class, we revisited our latest vocabulary lesson and completed an assignment using the new words we’ve learned. Reflection: Reflecting on this Thanksgiving, it’s a wonderful time to gather with family and friends. However, what truly makes Thanksgiving memorable is the people and, of course, the food.