When I first saw my program card on that fateful September morning my only thoughts were who my teachers were going to be for my favorite subjects. English and Social Studies have always been my best and most exciting subjects. It was in these classes that I made some of my best friends as well as learn valuable lessons that has and probably always will help me through my life. As soon as I received my program card I moved off to the side of the line and analyzed each class one by one.
First period? Blank.
Second period. Money and Banking with Mr. Pallisco. This was no surprise to me because I am a senior and a member of the Finance Academy here at Jamaica. Plus the fact that I was told about the subject, teacher and period before summer vacation threw off the whole element of surprise.
Third period. Music appreciation with a Mr. Crosland. Hey this had to happen sometime after all I have about 10 elective class credits, yet, none of them are the ones needed to graduate.
Fourth period. YES! I have Participation in Government a.k.a. H7 and it's honors with one of the best teachers in the entire Social Studies Department! Mr. Eterno has been my teacher for 2 of the 6 history classes I ever had and has been nothing less than wonderful. That's one down and one to go... What will my english fate be?
Fifth period. Gym with Mr. Trupiano. Good old Trup'.. well this should be interesting. What is it they say? Oh that's right... The third time's a charm!
Sixth period. Spanish 7 with someone named Stern. Only time will tell the outcome of this one!
Seventh period. Pre-cal with a Madonick. Unknown territory ... who knows what can happen.
Eighth period. I saw that long awaited code... EL7H. Subject... Women's Literature. Teacher... JACKPOT! Mrs. Lori Mayo!!! I was in her class before for College Now! English 101 but that was before she got her computer room. Who knows what adventures await?!
On the first day of class we learned that the whole Women's Lit. theme was to be thrown out the window. Normally, I would be upset since it was a topic I was intrested in learning more about, however, the topic it was replaced with was much more intresting and hands on. I loved it!
Social Justice
At first when I heard about it I thought Mrs. Mayo had really lost it. It not exactly like we don't drive her crazy every minute of every hour of every day.
Our first order of business was to set up our own web pages. Niza's Homepage is the title of my homepage. There we link all of our work so that it can both be graded and seen by everyone in the world. But no pressure...right?! I have never done anything like this before and learning that even the littlest details can make or break a a page really makes me appreciate any good web page I find on the net.
Like a normal English class we must read books. The first book we read was Always Running by Luis Rodriguez. The book was an autobiography of the time Luis Rodriguez spent on the street heavily involved in gang life.
We also read articles about various injustices around the world. Class Lessons: The Education Of A High School Boy. This article was written by Lincoln-Schnur Fishman as sort of an expose on the reality of urban schools. Despite the drugs and violence as well as a few inept teachers coupled with rapidly deteriorating working conditions, there are many students who are highly motivated and committed to education, just if we could only give them the opportunity.
Mrs. Mayo has also given us th opportunity to post our own stories. The Enigma That Is And Shall Always Be... is my autobiogrophy. It's really nothing special just the short story of me.
Since the topic of our class is social justice, we formed social action groups. These groups picked topics that they are intrested in and focus their attentions on solutions. My group goes by the AIM which stands for Ageism In The Millenium. We believe that everyone deserves equal treatment despite their age.
Life Lessons is a collection of short stories that, I believe will make an impact on anyone who reads them. They all have a special moral which, if understood and followed, will lead to a better future for us all.
Words of Wisdom & A Few Good Laughs is another collection, this time consisting of various quotes and saying. No false advertising here it is exactly what it says...Words of Wisdom & A Few Good Laughs!
A Little Laughter Never Hurt! is just a collection of dumbstuff. Here's an example from a list called Fun Things to do in a Mall.
I think you get the idea!