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.
Photo by Kenji - research by EJ
Below is some information I found on the following website about Mesa Verde:http://www.nps.gov/archive/meve/cliff_dwellings/cliff_dwellings_home.htm
We visted Mesa Verde during our last expedition.
Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling (Cliff Palace and Long House are larger), was constructed between AD 1211 and 1278 by the ancestors of the Puebloan peoples of the Southwest. The dwelling contains about 130 rooms and 8 kivas (kee-vahs), or ceremonial chambers, built into a natural cave measuring 216 feet (66 meters) at greatest width and 89 feet (27 meters) at its greatest depth. It is thought to have been home for about 80 people. Spruce Tree House was opened for visitation following excavation by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes of the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Fewkes removed the debris of fallen walls and roofs and stabilized the remaining walls. Due to the protection of the overhanging cliff, Spruce Tree House had deteriorated very little through the years and has required little supportive maintenance. The cliff dwelling was first discovered in 1888, when two local ranchers chanced upon it while searching for stray cattle. A large tree, which they identified as a Douglas Spruce, was found growing from the front of the dwelling to the mesa top. It is said that the men first entered the dwelling by climbing down this tree, which was later cut down by another early explorer.
Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling (Cliff Palace and Long House are larger), was constructed between AD 1211 and 1278 by the ancestors of the Puebloan peoples of the Southwest. The dwelling contains about 130 rooms and 8 kivas (kee-vahs), or ceremonial chambers, built into a natural cave measuring 216 feet (66 meters) at greatest width and 89 feet (27 meters) at its greatest depth. It is thought to have been home for about 80 people. Spruce Tree House was opened for visitation following excavation by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes of the Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Fewkes removed the debris of fallen walls and roofs and stabilized the remaining walls. Due to the protection of the overhanging cliff, Spruce Tree House had deteriorated very little through the years and has required little supportive maintenance. The cliff dwelling was first discovered in 1888, when two local ranchers chanced upon it while searching for stray cattle. A large tree, which they identified as a Douglas Spruce, was found growing from the front of the dwelling to the mesa top. It is said that the men first entered the dwelling by climbing down this tree, which was later cut down by another early explorer.
Strengths Finder
Strengths Finder
Psychologist Dr. Donald O. Clifton (1924-2003), in partnership with the Gallup Organization, worked together for decades to study, quantify and survey the unique strengths of individuals. Through careful examination, 34 themes emerged. The creators of Strengths Finder believe that gaining an awareness of personal strengths and working in an environment that celebrates and fosters further development of the strengths of employees generates improved productivity and job satisfaction.
All employees of SOAR, including semester staff, have taken the Strengths Finder questionnaire and consciously integrate their strengths into professional pursuits. In addition to SOAR's full time staff, all semester course students complete the questionnaire. Strengths Finder plays an integral role in our overall goal of increasing student self-awareness.
Below are each team member’s Top 5 Strengths:
Spencer:
Adaptability
Strategic
Ideation
Input
Restorative
A.C.:
Adaptability
Command
Maximizer
Strategic
Woo
Mitchell:
Harmony
Activator
Individualization
Communication
Arranger
Charlie:
Context
Consistency
Empathy
Futuristic
Learner
EJ
Strategic
Input
Achiever
Communication
Activator
Below is what each student wrote about their discoveries:
EJ:
What strengths I would like my peers to see in me
I am an achiever so that means that I like to have a set plan of attack with all of my goals in life; I always go 110% with everything I’m doing. I’m the kind of person who never likes to be in one place for very long - I like to get up and go (kind of like the energizer bunny). Ever since I was a child I’ve always had a drive that makes me want to be the best at everything I’m doing at that time.
I’m an extremely athletic person and I have been a part of numerous sports teams throughout my life (football, crew and basketball) and I’ve always pushed myself to my physical limits whether or not I think I can continue. Being a semester student at SOAR has shown me an interesting perspective about where my untapped skills lie and areas where I could perform better.
I like that SOAR has a different style of conditioning its students physically than traditional school systems. I understand that sometimes being an achiever means that I must, like everyone, do certain things that I don’t always want to do (such taking the SAT), but like everyone learns in life: you’ve got to take the good with the bad sometimes. I’m proud to say that I have been achieving my goals while being a semester student at SOAR; I’m maintaining an A average in most of my classes and I’m having a great time while doing it.
I’ve always been the type of person who loves going to school for my friends and playing sports, not so much for the work itself. While I was a good student I put more effort into sports and that ultimately affected my academic success. I now know that I can have my cake and eat it, too!
SOAR has taught me how to maintain being an excellent athlete while being an excellent student. I’m happy that I have had the chance to experience such an amazing program that has taught me many life lessons that I know will stay with me long after my graduation.
By EJ KORNHAUSER
___
Spencer:
I have always been a strategic thinker and I have known this early on. However, there are some ups and downs to being a strategic thinker. For instance, I might come off as being a know it all.
Although my processing and strategic thinking can be viewed as a kind of know it all behavior when I say what I processed, I do not intend it to come across that way.
The positive aspect of this type of thinking is that I am able to process and assess things at a high level.
I have another strength I would like for people to recognize and remember me by which is ideation. Ideation means what it sounds lik - I have a lot of creative and good ideas. The downside to having this ability is that it can make others jealous or think that I’m trying to be better than them.
This is so because I love to share my ideas. When my ideas are practical people love them use them. Sometimes people use my ideas and forget about others' ideas, which sometimes causes conflict. This gives the impression that I want to take the focus away from them, which is not what I want to do.
But the good side is that I am great at creative projects and artistic things such as cooking and music.
If you know me then you probably know all of this. If you don’t then it is a good thing to know about me.
We all have different strengths and these are some of mine. They are good to know if you want to understand me better.
Spencer Malecki
___
Mitchell
I discoverd that these are my strengths by doing the strengths finder test:
Harmony
Activator
Individualization
Communication
Arranger
Although I know this about myself, this test confirmed that I'm a good communicator. I talk a lot which can be a good thing. I know how to ask teachers questions when I don't understand something and that helps me with school.
I try to be polite when I talk which makes me a good communicator.
I also learned that I like harmony. In this context it means that "I look for areas of agreement."
We discussed all of our strengths in class and realized we all have different strengths to add to the group.
___
This is the Strengths that I found by A.C. Berry
1 Adaptability
2. Command
3. Maximize
4. Strategic
5 .Woo
The most interesting thing that I discovered was that I have strength in being Strategic. This means that I am an outsider when it comes to work. That means I think a lot differently then others. I do not argue about everything that people say.
The Woo Strength means I can go and meet new people without getting scared. Also it means I am a good talker when it comes to important things.
The Command strength means that I’m in control. I agree because I am often very commanding when I am playing sports.
However, I am not such a commanding person when I’m not playing sports.
Adaptability means that I can adapt well to a new group of people. It also means going I’m easy going.
All of these strengths describe me well.
Psychologist Dr. Donald O. Clifton (1924-2003), in partnership with the Gallup Organization, worked together for decades to study, quantify and survey the unique strengths of individuals. Through careful examination, 34 themes emerged. The creators of Strengths Finder believe that gaining an awareness of personal strengths and working in an environment that celebrates and fosters further development of the strengths of employees generates improved productivity and job satisfaction.
All employees of SOAR, including semester staff, have taken the Strengths Finder questionnaire and consciously integrate their strengths into professional pursuits. In addition to SOAR's full time staff, all semester course students complete the questionnaire. Strengths Finder plays an integral role in our overall goal of increasing student self-awareness.
Below are each team member’s Top 5 Strengths:
Spencer:
Adaptability
Strategic
Ideation
Input
Restorative
A.C.:
Adaptability
Command
Maximizer
Strategic
Woo
Mitchell:
Harmony
Activator
Individualization
Communication
Arranger
Charlie:
Context
Consistency
Empathy
Futuristic
Learner
EJ
Strategic
Input
Achiever
Communication
Activator
Below is what each student wrote about their discoveries:
EJ:
What strengths I would like my peers to see in me
I am an achiever so that means that I like to have a set plan of attack with all of my goals in life; I always go 110% with everything I’m doing. I’m the kind of person who never likes to be in one place for very long - I like to get up and go (kind of like the energizer bunny). Ever since I was a child I’ve always had a drive that makes me want to be the best at everything I’m doing at that time.
I’m an extremely athletic person and I have been a part of numerous sports teams throughout my life (football, crew and basketball) and I’ve always pushed myself to my physical limits whether or not I think I can continue. Being a semester student at SOAR has shown me an interesting perspective about where my untapped skills lie and areas where I could perform better.
I like that SOAR has a different style of conditioning its students physically than traditional school systems. I understand that sometimes being an achiever means that I must, like everyone, do certain things that I don’t always want to do (such taking the SAT), but like everyone learns in life: you’ve got to take the good with the bad sometimes. I’m proud to say that I have been achieving my goals while being a semester student at SOAR; I’m maintaining an A average in most of my classes and I’m having a great time while doing it.
I’ve always been the type of person who loves going to school for my friends and playing sports, not so much for the work itself. While I was a good student I put more effort into sports and that ultimately affected my academic success. I now know that I can have my cake and eat it, too!
SOAR has taught me how to maintain being an excellent athlete while being an excellent student. I’m happy that I have had the chance to experience such an amazing program that has taught me many life lessons that I know will stay with me long after my graduation.
By EJ KORNHAUSER
___
Spencer:
I have always been a strategic thinker and I have known this early on. However, there are some ups and downs to being a strategic thinker. For instance, I might come off as being a know it all.
Although my processing and strategic thinking can be viewed as a kind of know it all behavior when I say what I processed, I do not intend it to come across that way.
The positive aspect of this type of thinking is that I am able to process and assess things at a high level.
I have another strength I would like for people to recognize and remember me by which is ideation. Ideation means what it sounds lik - I have a lot of creative and good ideas. The downside to having this ability is that it can make others jealous or think that I’m trying to be better than them.
This is so because I love to share my ideas. When my ideas are practical people love them use them. Sometimes people use my ideas and forget about others' ideas, which sometimes causes conflict. This gives the impression that I want to take the focus away from them, which is not what I want to do.
But the good side is that I am great at creative projects and artistic things such as cooking and music.
If you know me then you probably know all of this. If you don’t then it is a good thing to know about me.
We all have different strengths and these are some of mine. They are good to know if you want to understand me better.
Spencer Malecki
___
Mitchell
I discoverd that these are my strengths by doing the strengths finder test:
Harmony
Activator
Individualization
Communication
Arranger
Although I know this about myself, this test confirmed that I'm a good communicator. I talk a lot which can be a good thing. I know how to ask teachers questions when I don't understand something and that helps me with school.
I try to be polite when I talk which makes me a good communicator.
I also learned that I like harmony. In this context it means that "I look for areas of agreement."
We discussed all of our strengths in class and realized we all have different strengths to add to the group.
___
This is the Strengths that I found by A.C. Berry
1 Adaptability
2. Command
3. Maximize
4. Strategic
5 .Woo
The most interesting thing that I discovered was that I have strength in being Strategic. This means that I am an outsider when it comes to work. That means I think a lot differently then others. I do not argue about everything that people say.
The Woo Strength means I can go and meet new people without getting scared. Also it means I am a good talker when it comes to important things.
The Command strength means that I’m in control. I agree because I am often very commanding when I am playing sports.
However, I am not such a commanding person when I’m not playing sports.
Adaptability means that I can adapt well to a new group of people. It also means going I’m easy going.
All of these strengths describe me well.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Cherokee Indian Project
This week we worked on our project about the Cherokee Indians with both groups. You can see some photos and writings here:
http://digitalheritageproject.blogspot.com/
http://digitalheritageproject.blogspot.com/
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Note from our teacher, Karla Held
* This semester we've worked on journalistic writing. I have a background in journalism and enjoy seeing my students get published.
We covered a wrestling match one Saturday and EJ's article was good enough to get published in the Waynseville paper, the Mountaineer.
You can click on this link to see the article:
http://www.themountaineer.com/cms/display/Sports/pageDisplay.php?page2display=1233730800*4-The%20Den%20was%20full.php
Karla Held
SOAR Language Arts Teacher
2008-2009
You can read some of my published articles here:
http://www.karlaheld.com/portfolio.html
We covered a wrestling match one Saturday and EJ's article was good enough to get published in the Waynseville paper, the Mountaineer.
You can click on this link to see the article:
http://www.themountaineer.com/cms/display/Sports/pageDisplay.php?page2display=1233730800*4-The%20Den%20was%20full.php
Karla Held
SOAR Language Arts Teacher
2008-2009
You can read some of my published articles here:
http://www.karlaheld.com/portfolio.html
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
EJ's report on SPARTA for history class
SPARTA
By E.J Kornhauser
The ancient Greeks generally referred to Sparta as Lakedaimonia; these are the names commonly used in the works of Homer and the Athenian historians Herodotus and Thucydides.
During the Corinthian war Sparta faced a coalition of the leading Greek states: Thebes, Athens, Corinth and Argos. The alliance was initially backed by Persia, whose lands in Anatolia had been invaded by Sparta and which feared further Spartan expansion to Asia. The helots were originally free Greeks from the area of Messenia and Lakonia whom the Spartans had defeated in battle and enslaved. In other Greek city-states, free citizens were part-time soldiers who, when not at war, carried on other trades. Since Spartan men were full-time soldiers, they were not available to carry out manual labor. Helots were used as unskilled serfs, tilling Spartan land. Helot women were often used as wet nurses. Helots did not have any voting rights, although compared to non-Greek chattel slaves in other parts of Greece they were relatively privileged. Relations between helots and their Spartan masters were hostile. Each year when Euphors took office they routinely declared war on the helots, thereby allowing Spartans to kill them without the risk of ritual pollution. This seems to have been done by Kryptes, graduates of the Agoge who took part in the mysterious institution known as the Krypteria. Around 421 BC, the Spartans murdered 2,000 helots in a carefully staged event.
Spartan citizens were debarred by law from trade or manufacture, which consequently rested in the hands of the Perioki, and were forbidden to posses either gold or silver. Spartan currency consisted of iron bars, thus making thievery and foreign commerce very difficult and discouraging the accumulation of riches. Wealth was, in theory at least, derived entirely from landed property and ground allotted to the Spartan citizens. But this attempt to equalize property proved a failure. Full citizens, released from any economic activity, were given a piece of land that was cultivated and run by the helots. As time went on, greater portions of land were concentrated in the hands of large landholders, but the number of full citizens declined. Citizens had numbered by 10,000 at the beginning of the 5th century BC but had decreased by Aristotle’s day (384-322 BC) to less than 1,000 and had further decreased to 700 at the accession of Agis IV in 244 BC.
When male Spartans began military training at age seven, they would enter the Agoge system. The Agoge was designed to encourage discipline and physical toughness and to emphasize the importance of the Spartan state. Boys lived in communal messes and were deliberately underfed, to encourage them to master the skill of stealing food. Besides physical and weapons training, boys studied reading, writing, music and dating. Special punishments were imposed if boys failed to answer questions sufficiently. At the age of 12, the Agoge obliged Spartan boys to take on an older male mentor, usually an unmarried young man. The older man acted as a substitute father and role model to his junior partner; however, it is certain that they also had sexual relations. At the age of 18, Spartan boys became reserve members of the Spartan army. On leaving the Agoge they would be sorted into groups, where some were sent into the countryside with only a knife and forced to survive on their skills and cunning. This was called the Krypteria, and the immediate object of it was to seek out and kill any helots as part of their larger program of terrorizing and intimidating the helot population. Sparta is the only city-state in Greece to have given women any sort of formal education.
Many women played a significant role in the history of Sparta. Queen Gorgo, heiress to the throne and the wife of Leonidas I, was an influential and well-documented figure. Herodotus records as a small girl she advised her father Clemones to resist a bribe. She was later said to be responsible for decoding a warning that the Persian forces were about to invade Greece; after Spartan generals could not decode a wooden tablet covered in wax, she ordered them to clear the wax revealing the warning. Women, being more independent than in other Greek societies, were able to negotiate with their husbands and bring their lovers home. Men both allowed and encouraged their wives to bear the children of other men, because of the general communal ethos which made it more important to bear many progeny for the good of the city, than to be jealously concerned with one’s own family unit.
Native Americans in Big Bend
The Native Americans in the places we visited were very interesting mainly because the majority were warrior tribes. One of these tribes were the Apache. The Apache lived in Big Bend which is the national park in Texas we explored. We also visited Huecco Tanks that has housed many different tribes over the last few millennia.
Huecco Tanks is a unique place in the dessert because of its ‘hueccos’ or water pools in the rocks. I have learned a lot on this trip and hopefully I will continue to learn as I explore new areas. Next expedition we’re going to Utah and I’m looking forward to it.
By Spencer
Huecco Tanks is a unique place in the dessert because of its ‘hueccos’ or water pools in the rocks. I have learned a lot on this trip and hopefully I will continue to learn as I explore new areas. Next expedition we’re going to Utah and I’m looking forward to it.
By Spencer
Mitchell and AC
Essay on Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan was one of the best basketball players in his time. Here are some reasons: When Michael Jordan was in high school he did not play because of his height. He was five foot six freshmen year. But he never gave up - he practiced with his dad and brother every day.
When he hit a growth spurt in his junior year of high school he got to play. He practiced everyday and never gave up. He also grew eight inches in two years. When Michael graduated from high school he went to play at U.N.C. (University of North Carolina) where coach Dean Smith had an eye on Michael ever since his junior year of high school. Dean Smith was the head coach of the Tar Heels when Michael played and Roy Williams was the assistant coach.
In college Michael learned teamwork and that dedication could get you anywhere. In the late second season Michael was offered to go to the N.B.A. (National Basketball Association) but he did not go until he finished college. After he went pro Michael loved playing against Magic Johnson and others. But the main thing he knew was he was loved Chicago Stadium.
When he retired Michael said, “There is no more challenge for me in the N.B.A. I love spending time with the family and not waking up with ice packs on my knees and back.”In conclusion, I would like to say briefly what I thought of Michael Jordan. I feel that Michael was the best back then. Perhaps now there is a new generation of Michael like Kobe or Lebron. But Michael Jordan inspired me to become a basketball player. So I think he is and will be the best player ever because he took the game to heart.
He did not give up although he could not play in high school – he was persistent and he practiced and practiced. For that, I think he’s the best!
By Ashton Clayton Berry
_________________________
Getting Ready for A Career as a Video Game Designer
Book report by Mitchell
The book that I’m reading is called Getting Ready for A Career as a Video Game Designer. The book is important because it talks about how to be a video game designer and how you can create new games every year. It is cool to be a video game designer because you can make a lot of games and you can get paid a lot of money per year. My first job that I get is going to be a video game designer because they can make 5 billion dollars on video games and also because I like to play a lot of video games.
Some of my favorite games to play are:
1.Gear of war 2
2 halo 3
3 drivers 3
There are some things I've learned from the book that I didn't know before:
1. Who made the video game?
Steve Russell
2. When?
1962
3. What was he doing at the time? He was a college student
4.What percentage of families own video game systems? 45% of families.
5. What is a video game? A video game is an electronic or computerized game.
6. What do video game designers do? Video game designers think of new ideas plan new game.
7.How many people made Donkey Kong Country? Twenty- Eight people.
By Mitchell
Michael Jordan was one of the best basketball players in his time. Here are some reasons: When Michael Jordan was in high school he did not play because of his height. He was five foot six freshmen year. But he never gave up - he practiced with his dad and brother every day.
When he hit a growth spurt in his junior year of high school he got to play. He practiced everyday and never gave up. He also grew eight inches in two years. When Michael graduated from high school he went to play at U.N.C. (University of North Carolina) where coach Dean Smith had an eye on Michael ever since his junior year of high school. Dean Smith was the head coach of the Tar Heels when Michael played and Roy Williams was the assistant coach.
In college Michael learned teamwork and that dedication could get you anywhere. In the late second season Michael was offered to go to the N.B.A. (National Basketball Association) but he did not go until he finished college. After he went pro Michael loved playing against Magic Johnson and others. But the main thing he knew was he was loved Chicago Stadium.
When he retired Michael said, “There is no more challenge for me in the N.B.A. I love spending time with the family and not waking up with ice packs on my knees and back.”In conclusion, I would like to say briefly what I thought of Michael Jordan. I feel that Michael was the best back then. Perhaps now there is a new generation of Michael like Kobe or Lebron. But Michael Jordan inspired me to become a basketball player. So I think he is and will be the best player ever because he took the game to heart.
He did not give up although he could not play in high school – he was persistent and he practiced and practiced. For that, I think he’s the best!
By Ashton Clayton Berry
_________________________
Getting Ready for A Career as a Video Game Designer
Book report by Mitchell
The book that I’m reading is called Getting Ready for A Career as a Video Game Designer. The book is important because it talks about how to be a video game designer and how you can create new games every year. It is cool to be a video game designer because you can make a lot of games and you can get paid a lot of money per year. My first job that I get is going to be a video game designer because they can make 5 billion dollars on video games and also because I like to play a lot of video games.
Some of my favorite games to play are:
1.Gear of war 2
2 halo 3
3 drivers 3
There are some things I've learned from the book that I didn't know before:
1. Who made the video game?
Steve Russell
2. When?
1962
3. What was he doing at the time? He was a college student
4.What percentage of families own video game systems? 45% of families.
5. What is a video game? A video game is an electronic or computerized game.
6. What do video game designers do? Video game designers think of new ideas plan new game.
7.How many people made Donkey Kong Country? Twenty- Eight people.
By Mitchell
Charlie's letter home
Each week we write letters home. Charlie wrote an outstanding letter home this week and wanted to publish it:
Dear Mom and Dad,
How are you doing?
I am having fun and seeing new places. The group is having problems. They are working on their problems.
We saw some deer, boar and a roadrunner. I’m learning new things. I found out what I want to do in my life: I want to travel around the world and be a photojournalist.
I want to go back and graduate from Breham and be able to get a job. I messed up and I admit that. I sometimes take what people say the wrong way.
I’ve learned that to be mature you must chose your own battles.. I’ve also learned that if you push your self and keep trying, you feel better about yourself. If you push yourself far enough you can do anything you want.
My father says that if you put yourself in other people’s shoes and you look at things from all different angles, you have a better perspective on what you did wrong, and how you can do better the next time.
If you imagine the world without any school, what would it be? I think no one would be as smart as they could be - no one would have computers and they wouldn’t know how to do math.
Learn and see how the world changes! See that to be successful in life you need to go to school. Yet, there are other ways to get an education. Know how the laws work and how to read. Math and reading are used every day. Look at history, science and health to see how life works. The number one thing in life is getting a great education. Doing your best in school is also important.
Show the world your best by getting an education in school and show that you can do anything you dream you can do. If you have a dream, do it!
Thank you for coming down for my birthday!
Love,
Charlie
Dear Mom and Dad,
How are you doing?
I am having fun and seeing new places. The group is having problems. They are working on their problems.
We saw some deer, boar and a roadrunner. I’m learning new things. I found out what I want to do in my life: I want to travel around the world and be a photojournalist.
I want to go back and graduate from Breham and be able to get a job. I messed up and I admit that. I sometimes take what people say the wrong way.
I’ve learned that to be mature you must chose your own battles.. I’ve also learned that if you push your self and keep trying, you feel better about yourself. If you push yourself far enough you can do anything you want.
My father says that if you put yourself in other people’s shoes and you look at things from all different angles, you have a better perspective on what you did wrong, and how you can do better the next time.
If you imagine the world without any school, what would it be? I think no one would be as smart as they could be - no one would have computers and they wouldn’t know how to do math.
Learn and see how the world changes! See that to be successful in life you need to go to school. Yet, there are other ways to get an education. Know how the laws work and how to read. Math and reading are used every day. Look at history, science and health to see how life works. The number one thing in life is getting a great education. Doing your best in school is also important.
Show the world your best by getting an education in school and show that you can do anything you dream you can do. If you have a dream, do it!
Thank you for coming down for my birthday!
Love,
Charlie
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Cherokee Government By EJ Kornhauser
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Government is unique because of its status as a Federal Trust Indian Reservation. For over 100 years the Eastern Band was recognized as a unit of government separate from the larger group of Cherokee people known as the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Although a trust relationship is maintained with the Federal Government, the Tribal Government has more self-governing authority and is extremely conscious of developing and maintaining their powers, which at one point were at risk.
The Tribal Government works in the way in which they rely heavily on revenues such as: A levy tax on all items sold on the Reservation, federal grant programs, contracts and Tribal Enterprises. The Eastern Band’s Gaming Industry first began in 1988 with bingo - a casino then opened in 1997. Profits from the casino are divided 50/50 between the Tribal Government and its enrolled members. Payments to children are held in a trust fund. If they complete high school, they receive payment when then turn 18 years of age.
Gaming is monitored through a pact between the tribe and the Governor of North Carolina. The Tribal Government consists of a Tribal Council (legislative branch), Principle Chief, Vice Chief, and Executive Advisor (executive branch), a Chief Justice and Magistrates (judicial branch.) The Principle Chief and the Vice Chief are elected at large for four-year terms. Federal crimes committed on tribal land fall under the jurisdiction of U.S Marshals, and cases are tried in federal court in Bryson City.
By right, sovereign governments define who its citizen-members are. In the United States, Native American tribes, as sovereign nations, set their own requirements and parameters for membership. In a sense, many Native Americans possess something akin to dual citizenship. They are citizens of the United States, a sovereign nation, and also members of their respective tribes, also sovereign nations. Much like American citizens, Cherokees run an efficient and sturdy government, which thrives, on the economy to support their small community.
For more information see: Native Americans - Cherokee
Sources of information included Readings from Cherokee Lesson Plans made by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian of Cherokee, North Carolina.
http://www.cherokeemuseum.org/
and http://www.nativeamericans.com/Cherokee.htm ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
*During expedition the students write journal entries. This is Spencer's journal entry about vocabulary words.
A profound collection of thoughts by Spencer Malecki.
Thought 1.
The benefits of having a larger vocabulary are that you sound more intelligent. You can also impress people such as your employer, boss, friends, coworkers and potential dates and have more impact on people in a conversation with words that have more syllables!
Here are some of my favorite words:
I like these simple words because they show expression of emotion:
Gnarly
Sweet
Radical
These words show comfort:
Chillaxe
Kick Back
Here is the vocabulary we learned this week:
Amputate
Aptitude
Beneficiary
Boon
Commiserate
Garner
Gratis
Incapacitate
Inception
Magnanimous
Myriad
Practicable
Remunerate
Solicit
Trite
Thought 2.
There are a lot of slang or street words that I know, but most are not appropriate for school, SOAR or authority figures in general. Though I am learning not to say them there are some occasions I will say them around peers.
I’ve realized that language is dynamic; language is always changing, as are slang words.
Thought 3.
Last excursion we visited the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Some Native Americans still preserve their own language. We did not hear them speak their native tongue. This question has been asked numerous times:
“Do you think people (Native Americans or foreigners) should keep their original language and learn English?” I say let them learn both. If I could learn another language it would be Japanese or French. I simply like the sound of those languages. I am interested in both of those countries’ culture as well.
Some words from Japanese to English: Kakashi- scarecrow. Byoki desu I’m sick. Sumi masen- excuse me. Anata wa eigo o hanashimasu ka- do you speak English? Hai- yes
This concludes my journal entry on vocabulary.
_____________
*Our class is working on a project in conjunction with the Digital Heritage Project to do a project on the Cherokee Indians. The Cherokees of North Carolina live in the Qualla Boundry, about 30 miles from Balsam.
See
http://www.digitalheritage.org/
for more information
The following is a result of Mitchell’s research:
“Cherokee speakers have a different way of carrying themselves” notes one immersion teacher. To address this the Kituwah preservation and education program is developing Cherokee language courses and a certification program. The language of the Cherokee may yet prove as resilient as those who have kept it alive.
Here is a list of Cherokee words
1.hello- O si yo ˜
2. how are you- To hi tsu
3. fine- Os da
4. and you? – NI hi na
5. okay- Ho wa
6. thank you- WA do
7. yes- VV ii
8. NO- Thla9. I don’t know – Thla ya gwan ta
Mitchell Harrison
_____________________________________________________
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Government is unique because of its status as a Federal Trust Indian Reservation. For over 100 years the Eastern Band was recognized as a unit of government separate from the larger group of Cherokee people known as the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. Although a trust relationship is maintained with the Federal Government, the Tribal Government has more self-governing authority and is extremely conscious of developing and maintaining their powers, which at one point were at risk.
The Tribal Government works in the way in which they rely heavily on revenues such as: A levy tax on all items sold on the Reservation, federal grant programs, contracts and Tribal Enterprises. The Eastern Band’s Gaming Industry first began in 1988 with bingo - a casino then opened in 1997. Profits from the casino are divided 50/50 between the Tribal Government and its enrolled members. Payments to children are held in a trust fund. If they complete high school, they receive payment when then turn 18 years of age.
Gaming is monitored through a pact between the tribe and the Governor of North Carolina. The Tribal Government consists of a Tribal Council (legislative branch), Principle Chief, Vice Chief, and Executive Advisor (executive branch), a Chief Justice and Magistrates (judicial branch.) The Principle Chief and the Vice Chief are elected at large for four-year terms. Federal crimes committed on tribal land fall under the jurisdiction of U.S Marshals, and cases are tried in federal court in Bryson City.
By right, sovereign governments define who its citizen-members are. In the United States, Native American tribes, as sovereign nations, set their own requirements and parameters for membership. In a sense, many Native Americans possess something akin to dual citizenship. They are citizens of the United States, a sovereign nation, and also members of their respective tribes, also sovereign nations. Much like American citizens, Cherokees run an efficient and sturdy government, which thrives, on the economy to support their small community.
For more information see: Native Americans - Cherokee
Sources of information included Readings from Cherokee Lesson Plans made by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian of Cherokee, North Carolina.
http://www.cherokeemuseum.org/
and http://www.nativeamericans.com/Cherokee.htm ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
*During expedition the students write journal entries. This is Spencer's journal entry about vocabulary words.
A profound collection of thoughts by Spencer Malecki.
Thought 1.
The benefits of having a larger vocabulary are that you sound more intelligent. You can also impress people such as your employer, boss, friends, coworkers and potential dates and have more impact on people in a conversation with words that have more syllables!
Here are some of my favorite words:
I like these simple words because they show expression of emotion:
Gnarly
Sweet
Radical
These words show comfort:
Chillaxe
Kick Back
Here is the vocabulary we learned this week:
Amputate
Aptitude
Beneficiary
Boon
Commiserate
Garner
Gratis
Incapacitate
Inception
Magnanimous
Myriad
Practicable
Remunerate
Solicit
Trite
Thought 2.
There are a lot of slang or street words that I know, but most are not appropriate for school, SOAR or authority figures in general. Though I am learning not to say them there are some occasions I will say them around peers.
I’ve realized that language is dynamic; language is always changing, as are slang words.
Thought 3.
Last excursion we visited the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Some Native Americans still preserve their own language. We did not hear them speak their native tongue. This question has been asked numerous times:
“Do you think people (Native Americans or foreigners) should keep their original language and learn English?” I say let them learn both. If I could learn another language it would be Japanese or French. I simply like the sound of those languages. I am interested in both of those countries’ culture as well.
Some words from Japanese to English: Kakashi- scarecrow. Byoki desu I’m sick. Sumi masen- excuse me. Anata wa eigo o hanashimasu ka- do you speak English? Hai- yes
This concludes my journal entry on vocabulary.
_____________
*Our class is working on a project in conjunction with the Digital Heritage Project to do a project on the Cherokee Indians. The Cherokees of North Carolina live in the Qualla Boundry, about 30 miles from Balsam.
See
http://www.digitalheritage.org/
for more information
The following is a result of Mitchell’s research:
“Cherokee speakers have a different way of carrying themselves” notes one immersion teacher. To address this the Kituwah preservation and education program is developing Cherokee language courses and a certification program. The language of the Cherokee may yet prove as resilient as those who have kept it alive.
Here is a list of Cherokee words
1.hello- O si yo ˜
2. how are you- To hi tsu
3. fine- Os da
4. and you? – NI hi na
5. okay- Ho wa
6. thank you- WA do
7. yes- VV ii
8. NO- Thla9. I don’t know – Thla ya gwan ta
Mitchell Harrison
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Monday, January 26, 2009
The Grand Canyon!January, 2009
Arizona
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Comparing the Havusapai and Cherokees
by A.C. Berry
The Cherokee and the Havasupai are both Native American Indian tribes. Both populations still exist today.
The Havasupais live on the bottom of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Approximately 400 people live in the desert village. The Havasupai have four ways to get food: by air (via helicopter), walking up the canyon to buy food, buying food from small café or a buying food from a small food mart.
The Havasupai today do not live in tee-pees, nor do they have a village chief.
The Cherokees live in the same land that they had 100s of years ago.
An interesting fact is that Cherokees have a casino in the village.
The region of the Havasupai has amazing waterfalls. The Cherokees of North Carolina have hotels and casinos so that makes the Cherokee Reservation different from the Havasupai Reservation.
Click here for more information about the Havasupai and Cherokee Casino:
Www.havasupaitribe.com/
To see photos from the reservation see here:
More from www.reznetnews.org
[ More from www.desertusa.com
More from flickr.com
To see a video click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYs5zyM9zk8
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