Thursday, April 23, 2009
challenges, successes and favorite memories
This week we took time out to write about our challenges, successes and favorite memories of the semester. The following words sum it up:
Challenges and Successes at SOAR
By EJ Kornhauser
I can’t believe it; the semester is coming to a close. Summer is creeping up on us at an astonishing rate. The sun is shining and the weather is fantastic, people are in great spirits and I’m going to be a high school graduate in less than two weeks.
Over the past semester SOAR has given me the reality check I desperately needed to get my life together. It’s been a living metaphor of how messed up and irresponsible I had been the year before coming to this enlightening “Outdoor Learning Center” - counselors and teachers alike have been saviors academically and morally. My most gratifying success here at SOAR has most definitely been the ability to focus on my academics without prompting from teachers, friends or even coaches. I’ve learned that I’m a talented writer and have a passion for that field that I’m considering pursuing upon my enrollment in college.
However, my patience has often been tested while living a lifestyle that most people in society never get the chance to experience. In the beginning of my senior year at SOAR I was spiteful, cynical and even had some moments where I felt overwhelming amounts of grief and sorrow. In my first few weeks being here I glorified the aspects of my enrollment at public school and I had looked down on my teammates who had recently come out of private schools and other programs that aren’t the traditional way of learning. Over time, I had pushed aside my pompous views and accepted my new teammates and friends for who they really were: normal human beings.
I must say, SOAR has been a challenging experience for me, but there has been academic and personal growth to come from this culture shock. It’s been a pleasure to have been a semester student at SOAR for my senior year; I’ve met some interesting people, taken a look at my life form another perspective and had a lot of fun within the journey. Whenever I look back on these days in the future I won’t help but be able to smile knowing that I had traversed the southwest all throughout my senior year!
__________________
Success!
By and about Mitchell Wilkinson-Harrison
My biggest success this semester at SOAR was getting through all of my school work. It feels good that I was able to get all of it done and that my teachers, Rachel and Karla, and my trip leaders, Beth and Kenji, were there to help me when I needed it. I’m a lot better at asking for help. I remember when I first came to SOAR for school last fall, I would just do the work and not ask for help—even when I needed it.
Skiing in Wyoming was really hard for me. I have never been skiing before. When I was trying to get up, my ski was close to Kenji’s head, and I almost kicked him in the head! It was hard to keep my balance on the skis, especially going downhill. They always went sideways instead of straight ahead. Even though it was very challenging, skiing was one of my favorite activities of the semester.
One of my favorite memories is of surfing during the California expedition. I’ve never been surfing before, so it was a great new activity. Even wiping out was fun! I went under the wave a couple of times, and got flipped over too. I was able to get up on my knees a few times, but I couldn’t stand up on the board. Being in the Pacific Ocean around big waves and playing with my group made it an awesome memory.
_________________________________________
By and about Spencer Malecki
SOAR had a lot of challenges for me.
One of the first challenges that I remember was a 16 mile round-trip hike into the Havasupai Native American reservation. It was one of the toughest physical challenges in my life but I overcame it.
One of the other most memorable challenges was a hike we took in Utah when I was sick. I persevered both coming in and out of the hike. There were also some memories I hope I never forget. One such moment is the time we were on a ferry to go to the Channel Islands. I was ship surfing (standing up in the boat during choppy waves) through a storm and somepeople were watching me. Then came the biggest wave during the wholeride and it hit the side of the boat which threw me into the air! It was definitely one of the funniest things that happened to me.
SOAR is a type of place you will never forget as long as you live because you have so many memories from there you can’t forget it!
_______________________________________________
Success at Soar
By A.C. Berry
Some challenges I experienced at SOAR happened to be in the rock-climbing field. Before I came to SOAR I would go into downtown Asheville and climb at an artificial rock wall gym. I never envisioned myself actually climbing on real walls in places like Sinks Canyon, Wyoming and Red Rocks in Arizona. On our group’s first expedition in Arizona, I had trouble climbing any of the sites do to my fear of heights, reality had set in and I knew in my heart that I could not reach my personal goal for the day. My assumptions had been correct because I didn’t even make it off the ground, which was a major disappointment not only for me but for my teammates as well. The next day I finally managed (with a little coaching from Jeremy), to ascend a 5-7-rock face, which had boosted my confidence in volumes.
A big challenge for me at Soar when I first came here was anger management; even though I’ve made some process throughout the semester, I still have a long way to go learning about communicating properly and coping skills for my almost daily outbursts. While I was a student at Hargrave other cadets had given me issues relating to my height differences. I was the smallest member of my company so others didn’t understand the amount of stress I went through every day. One education so I could go to college in two years. Number two is the staff to help me with my anger as with myself helping with my anger. Some challenges here at soars that have made me mad have been not having the ability to go and see our friends/girl friends. At soar they have this thing that is called a proposal system where you have to earn the right to talk to friends or see them. Often when I used to get mad I would go and hit stuff, but know I think I have the ability to control of my anger to the point where I can say “hey guys I need some time, or, “please stop what you guys are doing”.
One of the biggest Memories for me was going surfing. That was cool to do because I have done it once before but it was when I was a child. That was cool because it brought back child hood memories.
____________________________________
Challenges and Successes at SOAR
By EJ Kornhauser
I can’t believe it; the semester is coming to a close. Summer is creeping up on us at an astonishing rate. The sun is shining and the weather is fantastic, people are in great spirits and I’m going to be a high school graduate in less than two weeks.
Over the past semester SOAR has given me the reality check I desperately needed to get my life together. It’s been a living metaphor of how messed up and irresponsible I had been the year before coming to this enlightening “Outdoor Learning Center” - counselors and teachers alike have been saviors academically and morally. My most gratifying success here at SOAR has most definitely been the ability to focus on my academics without prompting from teachers, friends or even coaches. I’ve learned that I’m a talented writer and have a passion for that field that I’m considering pursuing upon my enrollment in college.
However, my patience has often been tested while living a lifestyle that most people in society never get the chance to experience. In the beginning of my senior year at SOAR I was spiteful, cynical and even had some moments where I felt overwhelming amounts of grief and sorrow. In my first few weeks being here I glorified the aspects of my enrollment at public school and I had looked down on my teammates who had recently come out of private schools and other programs that aren’t the traditional way of learning. Over time, I had pushed aside my pompous views and accepted my new teammates and friends for who they really were: normal human beings.
I must say, SOAR has been a challenging experience for me, but there has been academic and personal growth to come from this culture shock. It’s been a pleasure to have been a semester student at SOAR for my senior year; I’ve met some interesting people, taken a look at my life form another perspective and had a lot of fun within the journey. Whenever I look back on these days in the future I won’t help but be able to smile knowing that I had traversed the southwest all throughout my senior year!
__________________
Success!
By and about Mitchell Wilkinson-Harrison
My biggest success this semester at SOAR was getting through all of my school work. It feels good that I was able to get all of it done and that my teachers, Rachel and Karla, and my trip leaders, Beth and Kenji, were there to help me when I needed it. I’m a lot better at asking for help. I remember when I first came to SOAR for school last fall, I would just do the work and not ask for help—even when I needed it.
Skiing in Wyoming was really hard for me. I have never been skiing before. When I was trying to get up, my ski was close to Kenji’s head, and I almost kicked him in the head! It was hard to keep my balance on the skis, especially going downhill. They always went sideways instead of straight ahead. Even though it was very challenging, skiing was one of my favorite activities of the semester.
One of my favorite memories is of surfing during the California expedition. I’ve never been surfing before, so it was a great new activity. Even wiping out was fun! I went under the wave a couple of times, and got flipped over too. I was able to get up on my knees a few times, but I couldn’t stand up on the board. Being in the Pacific Ocean around big waves and playing with my group made it an awesome memory.
_________________________________________
By and about Spencer Malecki
SOAR had a lot of challenges for me.
One of the first challenges that I remember was a 16 mile round-trip hike into the Havasupai Native American reservation. It was one of the toughest physical challenges in my life but I overcame it.
One of the other most memorable challenges was a hike we took in Utah when I was sick. I persevered both coming in and out of the hike. There were also some memories I hope I never forget. One such moment is the time we were on a ferry to go to the Channel Islands. I was ship surfing (standing up in the boat during choppy waves) through a storm and somepeople were watching me. Then came the biggest wave during the wholeride and it hit the side of the boat which threw me into the air! It was definitely one of the funniest things that happened to me.
SOAR is a type of place you will never forget as long as you live because you have so many memories from there you can’t forget it!
_______________________________________________
Success at Soar
By A.C. Berry
Some challenges I experienced at SOAR happened to be in the rock-climbing field. Before I came to SOAR I would go into downtown Asheville and climb at an artificial rock wall gym. I never envisioned myself actually climbing on real walls in places like Sinks Canyon, Wyoming and Red Rocks in Arizona. On our group’s first expedition in Arizona, I had trouble climbing any of the sites do to my fear of heights, reality had set in and I knew in my heart that I could not reach my personal goal for the day. My assumptions had been correct because I didn’t even make it off the ground, which was a major disappointment not only for me but for my teammates as well. The next day I finally managed (with a little coaching from Jeremy), to ascend a 5-7-rock face, which had boosted my confidence in volumes.
A big challenge for me at Soar when I first came here was anger management; even though I’ve made some process throughout the semester, I still have a long way to go learning about communicating properly and coping skills for my almost daily outbursts. While I was a student at Hargrave other cadets had given me issues relating to my height differences. I was the smallest member of my company so others didn’t understand the amount of stress I went through every day. One education so I could go to college in two years. Number two is the staff to help me with my anger as with myself helping with my anger. Some challenges here at soars that have made me mad have been not having the ability to go and see our friends/girl friends. At soar they have this thing that is called a proposal system where you have to earn the right to talk to friends or see them. Often when I used to get mad I would go and hit stuff, but know I think I have the ability to control of my anger to the point where I can say “hey guys I need some time, or, “please stop what you guys are doing”.
One of the biggest Memories for me was going surfing. That was cool to do because I have done it once before but it was when I was a child. That was cool because it brought back child hood memories.
____________________________________
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
California, Texas and Arizona
This week we worked on comparing and contrasting the different states the students have visited this semester. This is what we discovered:
Compare and Contrast essay:
California and Texas
There’s a lot to be said in comparison with California and Texas. First of all, they’re both legendary states that have abundant and rich histories that date back to the early 1800s. It was interesting to learn that California’s name came from the Spanish folktale of the Amazonian Queen, Califia. Texas does not have as quirky of a history but it does have character.
Both states have amazing sports teams - football and basketball. I’m proud to say that I am a loyal fan of the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Cowboys. California is a liberal state which means they’re more relaxed about certain laws and rights to the people; Texas on the other hand is ultra conservative and has a strict government with bans on gay marriage. I love both states dearly, but, I wish my group had come for a visit in the summer months simply because of the fact that both states had bitter cold spells which made it very uncomfortable for me and my group.
Being a Georgia native did not make it any easier; I have grown accustomed to warm weather practically year around. Visiting both states has, however, shown me how the other side lives and how some people can be almost immune to the cold. The media seems to portray Las Angeles to be half glamour and half ghetto; I myself have seen in movies and on TV how it is assumed that a person could get shot just walking down the street in East LA. If that were true, wouldn’t all the citizens and tourists be dead or in critical condition? It’s up to one’s judgment to decide how they act on these assumptions and where “They” will go from there.
Even so, California is not my number one choice of residence simply from my own personal experience; the populace seems to have a smug air about it. I have always tried to avoid people who have an unwarranted godly persona - it just doesn’t make me like you as a person.
Even though they are both diverse in many ways, both California and Texas have one thing in common: mixed population. California has the highest minority rate in the entire U.S.! They have some 550,000 Jews living in or outside of the LA area! For the third largest U.S. state, that’s really impressive. Both states are all for equal opportunity and people’s rights but show it in different ways.
In conclusion, Texas and California were great states to visit, I feel as if I would not be able to find a place to rest in either of those places. Atlanta is, and always will be my home. Eventually, I’ll move to another state. Perhaps when the time for college is evident I’ll find Florida or maybe even Arizona calling my name. Until that time arrives, nothing will ever come to having as much of an impact on me as my home city.
By EJ Kornhauser
_______________________
California and Arizona – comparing activities
Out of the many places we’ve visited Arizona and California are the most noticeably different. The way I will compare and contrast the two states will be based upon the enjoyment level of the activities.
Arizona was a very important expedition in my opinion because it was the first of the semester.In Arizona we did a few fun things such as going through the Vegas Strip. We even went rock climbing and I even climbed to the top. We also saw Havasu Falls which was spectacular.
Even though there were positives the negatives for me were a greater impact on my enjoyment.A good example would be the 16 mile round trip backpacking hike we took to Havasupai. Another negative would be when we went to the Grand Canyon and the weather was wet and cold, and there was snow everywhere.
On the other hand, California was the most highly anticipated expedition of the group. We took part in a lot of fun activities like riding a ferry to the Channel Islands. One of the cool things about the ferry ride was the boat sold snacks onboard and Beth and Kenji let the group buy some. The day after we arrived at the islands we went sea kayaking. During the awesome sea kayaking session we had the chance to see a good amount of marine wild life.
Another activity we did was swimming and surfing. Though it was technically a surf day I had a great time napping. One of the other great things about California was the gorgeous scenery. The most remarkable time we had to drink in the beauty were when we drove along the coastline for six hours. We also visited the Lake Shrine and a Redwood park.
Overall, California was exponentially better than Arizona. California was more enjoyable and it was less tiring mentally and physically.
Spencer
____________________________________
Arizona and California
There are various similarities and differences between California and Arizona.
California has twice the population than Texas. Also, Arizona is drier than Texas.
Northern California is generally cooler than Texas. California has the famous Hollywood and infamous beaches. California also has better surfing waves. In certain rural areas of California, all you can see on one side of the road is desert and then on the other, houses are lined up neatly like toy soldiers.
Both states have famous things in their states. Arizona has the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is famous because of how it was formed by the earth. California has Yosemite and the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge was handmade back in the 1920’s. The other famous thing in California is the Hippie Trait in San Francisco, where the Hippies would come and gather to protest back in the cold war.
California has been my favorite expedition simply because I’m a relaxed person in nature and I like being around people who make me feel good about myself.
by A.C. Berry
__________________________
California and Texas
I will be comparing the activities and weather in California and Texas. I like California because you can go surfing and lay on the beaches. I think California is better than Texas because you can go surfing in California. You can go bouldering in both California and Texas.
I went surfing in California during my last expedition and it was my first time going surfing. It was so fun to go surfing. My favorite activities in California were surfing and sea kayaking. My favorite things that I did in Texas were bouldering and hiking through some parks and hiking up to the highest point of Texas - Guadalupe Mountain.
When we were in Texas it was windy and raining and I wish that we had more time on our backpacking trip. When we went sea kayaking in California and we got to go into some cool caves. In Texas we went to a star party that taught about the stars and space.
I like California better than Texas because in California there are a lot of beaches and you can go swimming in the ocean and you can see different animals on the beach. I didn’t like Texas as much as it’s too dry there for my tastes. If it gets too hot and dry in California you can jump into the ocean. You can look for sea shells on the beaches California and not in Texas.
By Mitchell Wilkinson -Harrison
Compare and Contrast essay:
California and Texas
There’s a lot to be said in comparison with California and Texas. First of all, they’re both legendary states that have abundant and rich histories that date back to the early 1800s. It was interesting to learn that California’s name came from the Spanish folktale of the Amazonian Queen, Califia. Texas does not have as quirky of a history but it does have character.
Both states have amazing sports teams - football and basketball. I’m proud to say that I am a loyal fan of the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Cowboys. California is a liberal state which means they’re more relaxed about certain laws and rights to the people; Texas on the other hand is ultra conservative and has a strict government with bans on gay marriage. I love both states dearly, but, I wish my group had come for a visit in the summer months simply because of the fact that both states had bitter cold spells which made it very uncomfortable for me and my group.
Being a Georgia native did not make it any easier; I have grown accustomed to warm weather practically year around. Visiting both states has, however, shown me how the other side lives and how some people can be almost immune to the cold. The media seems to portray Las Angeles to be half glamour and half ghetto; I myself have seen in movies and on TV how it is assumed that a person could get shot just walking down the street in East LA. If that were true, wouldn’t all the citizens and tourists be dead or in critical condition? It’s up to one’s judgment to decide how they act on these assumptions and where “They” will go from there.
Even so, California is not my number one choice of residence simply from my own personal experience; the populace seems to have a smug air about it. I have always tried to avoid people who have an unwarranted godly persona - it just doesn’t make me like you as a person.
Even though they are both diverse in many ways, both California and Texas have one thing in common: mixed population. California has the highest minority rate in the entire U.S.! They have some 550,000 Jews living in or outside of the LA area! For the third largest U.S. state, that’s really impressive. Both states are all for equal opportunity and people’s rights but show it in different ways.
In conclusion, Texas and California were great states to visit, I feel as if I would not be able to find a place to rest in either of those places. Atlanta is, and always will be my home. Eventually, I’ll move to another state. Perhaps when the time for college is evident I’ll find Florida or maybe even Arizona calling my name. Until that time arrives, nothing will ever come to having as much of an impact on me as my home city.
By EJ Kornhauser
_______________________
California and Arizona – comparing activities
Out of the many places we’ve visited Arizona and California are the most noticeably different. The way I will compare and contrast the two states will be based upon the enjoyment level of the activities.
Arizona was a very important expedition in my opinion because it was the first of the semester.In Arizona we did a few fun things such as going through the Vegas Strip. We even went rock climbing and I even climbed to the top. We also saw Havasu Falls which was spectacular.
Even though there were positives the negatives for me were a greater impact on my enjoyment.A good example would be the 16 mile round trip backpacking hike we took to Havasupai. Another negative would be when we went to the Grand Canyon and the weather was wet and cold, and there was snow everywhere.
On the other hand, California was the most highly anticipated expedition of the group. We took part in a lot of fun activities like riding a ferry to the Channel Islands. One of the cool things about the ferry ride was the boat sold snacks onboard and Beth and Kenji let the group buy some. The day after we arrived at the islands we went sea kayaking. During the awesome sea kayaking session we had the chance to see a good amount of marine wild life.
Another activity we did was swimming and surfing. Though it was technically a surf day I had a great time napping. One of the other great things about California was the gorgeous scenery. The most remarkable time we had to drink in the beauty were when we drove along the coastline for six hours. We also visited the Lake Shrine and a Redwood park.
Overall, California was exponentially better than Arizona. California was more enjoyable and it was less tiring mentally and physically.
Spencer
____________________________________
Arizona and California
There are various similarities and differences between California and Arizona.
California has twice the population than Texas. Also, Arizona is drier than Texas.
Northern California is generally cooler than Texas. California has the famous Hollywood and infamous beaches. California also has better surfing waves. In certain rural areas of California, all you can see on one side of the road is desert and then on the other, houses are lined up neatly like toy soldiers.
Both states have famous things in their states. Arizona has the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is famous because of how it was formed by the earth. California has Yosemite and the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge was handmade back in the 1920’s. The other famous thing in California is the Hippie Trait in San Francisco, where the Hippies would come and gather to protest back in the cold war.
California has been my favorite expedition simply because I’m a relaxed person in nature and I like being around people who make me feel good about myself.
by A.C. Berry
__________________________
California and Texas
I will be comparing the activities and weather in California and Texas. I like California because you can go surfing and lay on the beaches. I think California is better than Texas because you can go surfing in California. You can go bouldering in both California and Texas.
I went surfing in California during my last expedition and it was my first time going surfing. It was so fun to go surfing. My favorite activities in California were surfing and sea kayaking. My favorite things that I did in Texas were bouldering and hiking through some parks and hiking up to the highest point of Texas - Guadalupe Mountain.
When we were in Texas it was windy and raining and I wish that we had more time on our backpacking trip. When we went sea kayaking in California and we got to go into some cool caves. In Texas we went to a star party that taught about the stars and space.
I like California better than Texas because in California there are a lot of beaches and you can go swimming in the ocean and you can see different animals on the beach. I didn’t like Texas as much as it’s too dry there for my tastes. If it gets too hot and dry in California you can jump into the ocean. You can look for sea shells on the beaches California and not in Texas.
By Mitchell Wilkinson -Harrison
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
By Charlie Sweeney
I am taking a digital media class at SOAR. This week I researched the war photographer James Nachtwey. You can see some of his work here:
http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
I noticed his photos were mainly about war scenes and all the people were in pain.. He also had photos of prisons and fighting. The cities were destroyed. His photos were of places that were having problems.
I’ve posted my favorite photos by him.
Charlie Sweeney
http://www.jamesnachtwey.com/
I noticed his photos were mainly about war scenes and all the people were in pain.. He also had photos of prisons and fighting. The cities were destroyed. His photos were of places that were having problems.
I’ve posted my favorite photos by him.
Charlie Sweeney
Friday, March 13, 2009
By Mitchell Wilkinson-Harrsion
This photo was taken last expediton At Mesa Verde. I learned that the people living in Mesa Verde are call Pueblo people.Photo by Mitchell Wilkinson-Harrison
This photo was taken by Mitchell at Mesa Verde during his most recent expedition out West.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
