Culture Mix - Class Related Response

We finally did something that I actually enjoyed in Ms. Hegeman’s class. The AP English class completed action projects in which we had to identify an issue or problem and find a creative way to address it. Many of us tackled our problems by simply spreading awareness. Completing the project helped me open my eyes on an issue that I have never looked into so closely before. My issue was cultural appropriation. The text book definition of cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one culture by members of a different cultural group, especially if the adoption is of an oppressed people's cultural elements by members of the dominant culture. In lay men’s terms cultural appropriation is using and abusing a culture for profit  or comedy. Cultural appropriation can also be done by someone who is not intentionally trying to cause harm. Many celebrities appropriate cultures to popularize a certain look or style. A lot of commoners also appropriate Native American, and Indian culture. If you've ever wore a headdress, or wore a bindi ( the red dot that many woman wear) And you’re not Native American or Indian, you have appropriated that culture. And while you may not have caused any harm, many people who identify with those cultures find it very disrespectful. Both Headdresses and Bindis are simple of honor and pride, not the latest fashion statement. Some people argue that cultural appropriation a big deal, cultures should blend anyway. Others believe that cultures will never be able to blend, because some are less accepted and underrepresented.

What the 12th grade Has Taught Me

The final year of high school was the ground breaking year for me. My senior year felt like 4 whole separate years of high school. Some times have been tough, while have been more bearable. I still remember my very first day in my first AP senior class. I was nervous and excited at the same time. Looking back, I can honestly say that I have changed and I am pretty proud of myself for it.  Here are the lessons I've learned in my last year of high school:

Academic Lessons

1. Appreciate what your teachers do for you

I remember all of my teachers saying that senior year they will not be accepting any late work, and of course they did. There were also times when my teachers allowed be to make up work months later. The fact is, they care. They don't want to see any of us fail no matter how much we believe that is true.

2. Stay consistent and focused
I started out my senior year pretty good. I earned my good grades, my mother was proud - everything was good. The n I started slacking off and everything went downhill. I started handing work in late which made everything even worse! I lost focus because I was involved in so many activities and I couldn't handle the pressure. when I look back on all of the things I've done , I think "damn I was crazy!" In college, I know I will definitely take a chill pill!

Life Lessons

1. Be patient, your time will come

My mother is very strict, as many of my close friends now. There have been weekends where I would sit in my room watching Netflix waiting for my friends to post snap chats of the amazing time they had while I was home. And while I admit, it sucked I am thankful that I was forced to stay in some nights. It showed me that I don't always have to be up under my friends at every event. I don't always have to go out and do something crazy. Around second semester my mom started to "loosen up the chain" and I was able to hang out late nights- that's when i realized that I wasn't missing out on much in the first place.

2. Have fun 

I over think way too much. It was not until a couple of months ago that I started to let go and let things happen. Once you start to do that, everything in your life will start to flow naturally, so have fun and say yes more often.

3. Have a support group

My friends and I have had it rough last year. We went through so over so many bumps on the road that we chose to take but at the end of the day we will always be there for each other - hopefully. But really I don't doubt that happening because we have a weird bond, we don't hang out as much as we used to but we live each other dearly. We have all been shoulders to lean on to one another, and friend to laugh at and with. While I don't plan on replacing my best friends, having a core group has taught me that I should have a core group of college friends. People who I can trust and bond with similar to how I bonded with my friends in high school.

4. Family is Everything

Thinking about leaving my family for four years has been difficult. I've spent a lot of time worrying about myself and my friends and my schoolwork and not enough time thinking about the people who have been supporting me every step of the way. I need to spend more time with my mother and sister before I leave because I will miss them dearly, so spend time with your family , you will never know when the next time you will see them will be.