This I Believe (FINAL)

"Being bad isn't that bad." I told myself this ever since I was preschool. I would be the good girl of the class. I would do all of my work, be nice to everyone, and never cause trouble. Although, it got to the point where my friends always told me about how awesome it feels to do whatever you want without getting caught. They would tell me how they went off campus to get food, how they skipped class and not get busted for it. I ended up getting sucked into this bad way of living when I was only 2nd grade. Me and my friends would make trouble in class and we wouldn't pay attention. These bad habits got worse when I started middle school however. 
  
  With the attitude and personality I had, it wasn't hard making new friends in 7th grade because I knew most of the people there because of church. But, for the ones who I didn't know or the one's I've never seen before, it was hard to get them to like me because they teased me, bullied me. I would've let it go and not care but I ended up doing the same thing back, ten times worse. Some cried and told the teachers, and others got hurt, physically and mentally. 

  A year later, I was a Moanalua Middle Mustang in 8th grade. It wasn't hard making friends as well because I met most of them in summer school and others approached me first and started hanging out with me. Although, I've got myself situated with the bad crowd of my grade. We would cheat on tests, get into fights, and steal from other people. An event that affected me greatly in my 8th grade year was when I ended up getting suspended. I took advantage of this one girl who was a friend of my best friend. She owed me $8 because of a bet we made, and it may not seem like a big deal but it really was at the time. I found out that she was trying to hide from me so that I wouldn't have to ask her about the money, although I found her the day she supposed to give me the money and started asking her about it in a nice way. But, she decided to give me attitude and say "I don't have your @#&$^! money. So back off @!*$&" and she walked away. That built so much anger in me that I grabbed the top of her bag and pulled her to the ground. "Listen @!*$&, you better get my money and don't you ever talk to me like that"! An hour later, I get called into the office and ended up getting suspended, that suspension made me realize that I need to stop my bad habits.

  The beginning of my freshmen year, I thought I would change and be a better person. I thought wrong, I ended up getting used to my bad habits again. Although, this time, I've gotten involved with things that I am not able to mention. From freshman year till now, I always hang out with the bad crowd in school and outside of school because of who I am now. By bad crowd, I mean druggies, graffiti artists and alcoholics. Being bad has benefits and is a good thing as well. There were times where my friends would get beat up so I would jump in and fight whoever I could. I'm a sophomore now and I still believe that being bad isn't bad even though there would eventually be consequences.

  I'm not proud of the bad things I've done, but I don't regret it either. Things do happen for a reason and I've gotten a lot of benefits from being bad, although, karma or consequences follow up right after my bad actions. I have a different perspective of 'being bad'. That means that my kind of bad is good in ways that others may not understand. But, theres no one I would rather be than me. Therefore, I will always believe that being bad isn't that bad.

This I Believe (RD)

  "Being bad isn't that bad." I told myself this ever since I was preschool. I would be the good girl of the class. I would do all of my work, be nice to everyone, and never cause trouble. Although, it got to the point where my friends always told me about how awesome it feels to do whatever you want without getting caught. They would tell me how they went off campus to get food, how they skipped class and not get busted for it. I ended up getting sucked into this bad way of living when I was only 2nd grade. Me and my friends would make trouble in class and we wouldn't pay attention. These bad habits got worse when I started middle school however. 
  
  With the attitude and personality I had, it wasn't hard making new friends in 7th grade because I knew most of the people there because of church. But, for the ones who I didn't know or the one's I've never seen before, it was hard to get them to like me because they teased me, bullied me. I would've let it go and not care but I ended up doing the same thing back, ten times worse. Some cried and told the teachers, and others got hurt, physically and mentally. 

  A year later, I was a Moanalua Middle Mustang in 8th grade. It wasn't hard making friends as well because I met most of them in summer school and others approached me first and started hanging out with me. Although, I've got myself situated with the bad crowd of my grade. We would cheat on tests, get into fights, and steal from other people. An event that affected me greatly in my 8th grade year was when I ended up getting suspended. I took advantage of this one girl who was a friend of my best friend. She owed me $8 because of a bet we made, and it may not seem like a big deal but it really was at the time. I found out that she was trying to hide from me so that I wouldn't have to ask her about the money, although I found her the day she supposed to give me the money and started asking her about it in a nice way. But, she decided to give me attitude and say "I don't have your @#&$^! money. So back off @!*$&" and she walked away. That built so much anger in me that I grabbed the top of her bag and pulled her to the ground. "Listen @!*$&, you better get my money and don't you ever talk to me like that"! An hour later, I get called into the office and ended up getting suspended, that suspension made me realize that I need to stop my bad habits. 

  The beginning of my freshmen year, I thought I would change and be a better person. I thought wrong, I ended up getting used to my bad habits again. Although, this time, I've gotten involved with things that I am not able to mention. From freshman year till now, I always hang out with the bad crowd in school and outside of school because of who I am now. By bad crowd, I mean druggies, graffiti artists and alcoholics. Being bad has benefits and is a good thing as well. There were times where my friends would get beat up so I would jump in and fight whoever I could. I'm a sophomore now and I still believe that being bad isn't bad even though there would eventually be consequences. 
  
  As you can see, I've done a lot of bad things back then till now. I'm not proud of it, but I don't regret it either. Things do happen for a reason and I've gotten a lot of benefits from being bad, although, karma or consequences follow up right after my bad actions. However, I will always believe that being bad isn't that bad. 

Occupy Moanalua : AC

Due to the humid weather conditions in Hawaii. We always rely on AC's to keep us cool in school. But, we have a small amount of AC's in classrooms in MOHS. Therefore, we are here to protest that there should be more AC's in classrooms so that students will be able to have a positive attitude and be able to work fluently. 

Hunger Games District Graphic

SOG Timeline

 

  I learned that I haven't been following the right path by making a lot of wrong decisions. I plan to change that by making more good choices that will get me to places. Although, it will take time to change all of my habits. Therefore, I'm determined to work as hard as I can to stop making decisions that will eventually ruin my life.

FINAL GRAPHIC.

Allusion Graphic (DRAFT)

Allusion Poem (FINAL)

Fitting into this world is so difficult.
You must look a certain way
And act a certain way.
But, I do the total opposite.

Hanging out with the guys,
Dressing up like a guy,
Doing the things guys do.
I find this normal, others do not.

I fight for what I think is right.
Individuality is what it is.
I shall do what I need to do
To get what I want, 
which is gaining respect from those who doubted me.

This is who I am,
Perfectly imperfect.

Allusion Poem Draft (Repost)

Fitting into this world is so difficult.
You must look a certain way
And act a certain way.
But, I do the total opposite.

Hanging out with the guys.
Dressing up like a guy.
Doing the things guys do.
I find this normal, others do not.

I fight for what is right.
No matter the consequences.
I must do what I need to do.
I need to gain respect for my family.

This is who I am,
Perfectly imperfect.

S1 Portfolio

This is my Semester 1 Writing Standards Portfolio. Enjoy :)
http://tairaguzman808.wix.com/wss1p

1. What piece of writing did you like best in my portfolio and why?
2. What did you like about my portfolio and sharing and what would you like to see me improve on?
3. Which of the writing traits (ideas, organization, voice, word choice) do you feel was most successful for me?
4. Which of the traits of writing would you like me to improve on in the coming semester?

Movie Review: American Meth

  I think this meth documentary was fairly good because of the real-life stories told from former meth addicts. I also rated this documentary "fairly good" because it would get boring at some parts of the film because at some points it would catch my attention, then lose it, then catch it again. This movie was in a way disturbing as well because of the image shown in the film, which was an unpleasant site. 
  
  American Meth took place in 2008 in New Mexico, Montana, Portland and Wyoming. Justin Hunt was the Director/Producer of this documentary, and people who starred in this video was Justin Hunt, Val Kilmer, workers from Rock Springs, WY, Director of the Montana Meth Project, a family who lived a devastating life, and more. Director Justin Hunt focused on these people to show the world their knowledge of the effects meth has on a person.

  This documentary is basically about former meth addicts telling their story about how meth made them feel good at first, but brought sadness and depression afterwards. This movie is also about what police officers and meth project directors try to do to stop this drug of destruction.

  All in all, if I were to rate this movie out of 10, I would rate it about 5-6 because the stories provided throughout this movie were really touching. However, most interviews got boring and wasn't capable of being watched.

English Letter RD

Taira Guzman
(My Address)
November 13, 2012

Costco Wholesale 

94-1231 Ka Uka Blvd
Honolulu, Hawaii 96797

Dear Costco Administration,

My family and I have been satisfied customers for many years. You have reasonable prices for each item, you have enough employees to give great customer service.

However, we have noticed some issues between some workers and customers. About a month ago, my family and I went to Costco to load up our pantries. Me and my siblings yearned for the succulent, scrumptious and appetizing samples. But, when I took about 4 cups of samples, the lady scolded me and said, "you are not allowed to come back and take more".  Not only did I get taken aback by her actions, other families that were around me were surprised on how she acted. As an employee at Costco Wholesale, you should let customers take as much samples that satisfies them. I understand that the employees want everyone else to get a chance to eat/drink the sample. Although, I haven't seen a sign nor heard of a policy stating how much samples a customer can take.

In addition to "sample problems", Aidells Sausage Company was at Costco giving out samples. But, one of the workers said, "you need to bring your parent in order to get a sample". Her words affected me slightly because I do not look like a 5 year old and if I was allergic to any ingredients in the sausages, I wouldn't be there in the first place. I understand that Aidells needs to keep an eye on the customers and follow any rules that needed to be followed. However, Aidells and other vendors should post signs so that children won't get lost while looking for their parents, or teens like me don't have to pull our parents away from doing what they need to do.

Even though most of the employees were very kind and polite. Some employees were rude and obnoxious about "sample situations". With all the hard-working employees need to do to insure a good trip to the store for their customers, my parents truly understands that the workers should be more lenient towards customers since they've been working at Costco for about 15 years. 

I have nothing against how you run your company since there are decent prices for the products you sale but I feel that you should do a better job in advertising which sample booth needs parent approval.

Sincerely,

Taira Guzman

Risky Business RD

  The amount of meth users have decreased but, is still a big problem in our society. 

  Statistics show that meth use has decreased during 2007-08’, so most people start to avoid the problem. However, indicators of meth use in local meth labs, admissions to emergency rooms and treatment centers show that meth use has incresed in 2009-10’. According to citizens, majority think that meth is not an important topic because of the lack of news about the substance.

  On the other hand, our society is still in danger of the substance. Gangs have increased about 40-65% since the 1990s according to the Caldwell School District. Since gangs have increased to an enormous amount throughout the states/countries, kids or teens will have more access to the drug. Gangs have influenced about 24% of teens under the age of 18 to use the drug, according to a survey done in 2000.

  In addition, methamphetamine is still a big problem in our society according to 'The Meth Project". Teens think meth is a substance that can fix their insecurities or problems. In 1007, NBC news states that one in four teens say their are benefits to using meth, 24% say it makes you feel very happy and 22% said it will help you lose weight. The Portland Police Bureau states that athletes and students sometimes begin using meth because of the initial heightened physical and mental performance the drug produces.

  Although, statistics show that  meth users have decreased, meth is still a well known problem to our society. 

Vocab Brainy Pix

College Essay Draft

  The years my life has been at it's worst, the school years I want to forget about, my elementary years. I was starting my preschool year and I was put into a special preschool class because my speech wasn't good. I was always bullied because of my speech disorder, I wasn't affected by it until second grade came. That was the year when my bad habits started to begin. I barely did my work, played around during class, put my feet up on the desk and eat, I would hear people talking about me in negative ways and I would walk right up to them and confront them, I would end up getting in trouble by my teacher or some other staff member however. 

  Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months turned into years, and it was my last day of elementary and I was very enthusiastic and ecstatic that I wouldn't have to deal with such ignorant people. But, I spoke to soon, in the year 2011, I attended Word Of Life Academy, for my seventh grade year. I thought 'Hey, I don't have to worry about any bullys. This is a christian school, what could go wrong?' The first few weeks of school passed and I already had names like 'Bunny  Girl' or 'Beaver'. As soon as I thought the name calling will end, it became worse every minute of the day. The only option I thought i had was to defend myself by putting up a 'bad' attitude. I kept that attitude all through my 8th grade year at Moanalua as well. I was able to choose some good people to hang out with and make the right decisions. However, I still managed to chose the wrong people to hang out with and the wrong decisions.

  But, the year 2011-2012 was came and I was 'Fresh-Meat'. Although, before I started the school year, I had to change my attitude towards people because I knew that if I stayed the same, I would get into a lot of trouble. So, my freshmen year started and it was going good until the second week of school, my best friend was having drama and I always had to get involved in it. First and second quarter passed, me and a group of my friends were sick and tired of dealing with her unnecessary drama, and she was my best friend for about 2 years but, she doesn't know how to be respectful, or keep her mouth shut. I moved on and i felt drama free for the first time of my life! She tried to try get us back into her little 'clique' but we always denied her requests in an instant.

  Her I am, at the age of 14 going on 15, Sophomore at Moanalua High School. I've changed so much and I'm proud of that. I take care of my own problems, I don't get into any of my friends drama. Sometimes, I go to Waikiki or Ala Moana beach and I would preach the word of God to some of the homeless people out there and they may not accept it but, it was always worth a shot. I was able to save some families who were homeless. For example, my friends and I were on our way to Waikiki beach until I seen a homeless couple and the lady was 6 months pregnant. I decided to be strong and go up to the couple and ask them if I could pray for them and surprisingly they went on their knees and begged. So, I prayed for the lady to give birth safely and to have a happy and healthy family relationship. After I finished, they thanked me so much and they both had tears of joy. One month later, I go to Waikiki for a paddling race and I witness the same couple but, with a baby in their arms, walking the strip with new, clean clothes, and shopping bags. There are no words I can use to describe how I was feeling at that unforgettable moment.

 Overall, my childhood had some positive and negative events. But, I've managed to become a better person towards others and I'm more responsible for my actions and I take on new challenges that come my way.

Word Choice Assignment

The middle aged woman struggles to hit the tennis ball across the court. She takes one big leap to swing the ball back.

College Topics/Links

Q: What obstacles have you overcome?

CSUN (California State University Northridge) - http://www.csun.edu/

UCI (University of California Irvine) - http://www.uci.edu/index.php

UW (University of Washington) - http://www.washington.edu/

COA Graphic (Rough Draft)

I will add more when doing the final just to let you know. . . .

Rough Draft (COA)

  There I was in the corner of the classroom in 2003, while all the other first graders talked to each other, laughing and smiling. Me, Taira Guzman out of all people was a very very shy person. I didn't like to converse with other people. I would always go to class by myself, eat lunch by myself, and did group projects alone. I always had a mind set that no one liked me but, I wasn't for sure why. With that in mind, I distanced myself from people and sometimes teachers as well. The year 2007, was the year that everything changed.

  I arrived bright and early for the first day of school. It was humid yet windy. As soon as I walked around the corner, a small mob of people came towards me and I panicked. My head went blank and I felt as if I was trapped in a block of ice. They crashed into me and hugged me like there was no tomorrow. "Taira I missed you!" "How was your summer?! I missed you soo much!" "Wow, you changed a lot!" I could hear them yelling all these words as if I was a celebrity. Although, I stood there as if no one was there but me.

  The bell rang and everyone ran to class yet, I was still standing there like a statue. That was until the principal shook me and asked me if everything was okay and to get to class. "RING. . RING!! OK, class we are going to do a..." *The metal door slams wide open and everyone turns around to look at the door* There I stood with wide eyes and a red face. "Sorry I'm late! I just got caught up with some stuff" I said. As I sat down in my seat, one of my classmates from my first grade year spoke to me and said, "It's okay Taira. Everyone has their moments". From that point on, I became more social with people.

  The year 2009, my 7th grade year I attended a private school called Word Of Life Academy (WOLA). I talked to anyone and everyone that was either in my class or friends with my sister. I was able to be comfortable with being myself around people, well my friends for that matter. 

  Now that I'm 14 going on 15, I've grown up and realized that it's good to step out of your comfort zone so that you can experience new things. Just like how I became more sociable with other people. I've also realized that when your in a world of loneliness, you don't have that friend to comfort you through your agonizing pain.

  

Position Statement

  Due to the similar, numerous deaths. The state should be held responsible for all of them. There is a lack of signs at tourist attractions. The death of 29-year-old Paula Ramirez and 35-year-old Elizabeth Brem at Opaekaa Falls that occurred in 2006 was one of the deaths that was caused because no sign was posted. One reason why the state is held liable for this is because they did not place a sign that addressed the right side of the trail and did not warn them of other signage on right side. The state only placed a sign on the left side of the trail advising people to keep out.

  In 2002, 18-year-old Daniel Dick from Sylmar, California died when he straddled the explosive water spout at the Halon Blowhole. He was lifted three to five feet into the air and dropped head first on a rocky crevice. This accident is the states fault as well because the only warning sign that was posted was located at the blowhole parking lot. However, Dick had walked to the blowhole site along the shoreline from Sandy Beach, which was not equipped with signage. 

  In Hawaii, we have a lot of beautiful sites that tourist want to go to. Although, due to the lack of warning signs. Tourist lost their loved ones.