Getahun’s English Blog

If I had to write a poem about my life right now, it would be about managing the everyday tasks of life and the little things that make a big impact. To me, it feels like everything in life is a balancing act, and you can't put too much weight on one side every, or the other side will come tumbling down. I feel like I could metaphorically represent this in a poem. Also, in my poem I would include details about appreciating the smaller things I often overlook and take for granted, such as friends, family, nature, education, etc. Summary: Today we took notes in class about how to write a good thesis statement for an essay. We also utilized the umbrella method to construct a thesis statement. Reflection: I learned that a thesis statement must be defensible in an argument, and cannot just be a factual statement. 

To: Future Me In the case you eventually look back and actually read this letter, I hope everything took a turn for the best. A lot can happen from 17 to 27 years of age, so I hope that I will have accomplished important steps in my life. I hope I am alive and well and able to take of my parents as they get older, as well as my siblings. A piece of advice I think I should stick by throughout life is that no matter how hard you fell, you must always get up. It sounds somewhat cliche, but it's very important to remember because not everything will go smoothly, and I, as well as others will face obstacles, that challenge the course of our lives. It's never over until you believe its over. Best Regards,  From self in 1/29/25 Summary: Today we read letters 66-70 of "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, and answered 5 questions regarding the information in the letters. Reflection: I learned that Corinne's actions and reactions reveal that Corrine is possessive and somewha...

Prompt: My favorite part of watching the Super Bowl is usually the half-time show. This is the case with most people as viewership during the show skyrockets. My favorite part of big events like this are the performances because it's a grand spectacle or art and showmanship that everyone can enjoy. Additionally, it gets viewers excited again and amped to watch the second half of the game. My favorite part after the halftime show would be the actual game, then the commercials after that. Summary: Today, we chose a prompt to write an essay about regarding "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker. Afterwards, we worked on step 1 of the essay making process by brainstorming. We looked at an example of how to brainstorm our essay, with the teacher detailing the process regarding a prompt about changes in gender roles. Reflection: I learned that it's easier and usually more efficient to write the body paragraphs of you essay first, and the introduction afterwards because the hook...

I can't recall a specific time I didn't feel like myself, but certain things can definitely make me lose sight of who I am and my worth. Most commonly, when I compare myself to others or my situations to others, which is almost always detrimental. People like to compare themselves to others to see how much better or how much worse they are doing than others, but almost never take into account the varying backgrounds and circumstances we have that can lead to certain situations. This was my case comparing things like economic status, grades, social life, etc. Like the old saying goes, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Focusing too much on how I was doing compared to others made me feel like I wasn't good enough and was somewhat demotivating. This ended up making me feel not true to myself as I was becoming less focused on myself and trying to change myself to "catch up." Although, with time, I realized that comparing myself too much is nonsensical as ever...

The most challenging part of writing an essay for me is organizing my ideas to create a strong argument or narrative. When tasked with a prompt, I can brainstorm ideas relatively quickly and gain a rough idea for the direction I will take my essay in, but making a detailed outline and structure with my brainstormed ideas is the most difficult part, and usually takes the most time. I plan on overcoming this challenge by working my argument backwards. What I mean by this is instead of using various ideas and arguments to create one strong supported claim, I will do it in reverse by finding a strong, defensible thesis, and building around it with evidence and support. This way, I can be sure of the direction of my essay, without having to go back and change things or even change my claim, making the process more efficient. Absent this day.

A time when I took a hiatus from something important was when I had skipped church for a couple weeks in a row around freshmen year. I did this because I honestly did not feel like going and it had felt like a chore up to that point, and felt like it was wasting my Sundays. I'd usually go with my dad and we would wake up early, usually around 5:30-6 in the morning. I already didn't like waking up early, so doing the same on the weekends, if not earlier, was upsetting. Also, we'd be there until 2-3pm, so around a total of 8 hours. After a while of refusing to go, I started to notice that I felt a void in me, as if a part of me was missing. I understood quickly that it was because I had been missing church, but I didn't want to believe it. It was such an integral part of who I am, and I'd been going all my life, so missing it would definitely impact me. Additionally, I also missed people I'd see there. Eventually, I got back to going to church and if I had felt ti...

Something I heard that I wish I could unhear was the final score in the 2017 NFL Super Bowl. The words, "The New England Patriots are your 2017 Super Bowl Champions" still haunt me. This day was one of the biggest letdowns for anyone in Atlanta, and for me as well. Part of the reason why it is such a painful memory is the fact that the Falcons had held a giant lead of 28-3 midway through the third quarter. Everyone watching was sure that the Falcons had secured the win, but somehow it didn't happen. I, myself and others were already thinking about going to the celebration parade. In short I wish I could unhear and unsee this, as a matter of fact, I wish it was removed from my memory altogether. Summary: Today we did a semester check of everything we haven't and have turned in. Reflection: I learned that a group of crows is called a murder.

A time when I had to speak in front of an audience was at my 6th grade award ceremony. I had the opening and welcoming words to everyone there. I felt like I had a lot to be worried of; stumbling over my own words, a shaky voice, incorrect posture, etc. I rehearsed repeatedly to make sure everything went right when it was time to present. I handled my fears by trying to keep cool through drinking water and controlled breathing, remembering to not read too fast, and to stand straight. When I finally presented everything went smoothly and I got a round of applause, although my voice was a little shaky. Some advice for those struggling with stage fright is to remember that no one cares about you as much as you do, and that at some point in time everyone eventually presents in front of an audience. Summary: Today we took notes on the differences and similarities between formal and informal language and writing. We also noted the key aspects of each and looked at examples, some of which we ...

The biggest difference in the year 2050 from now will not be the appearance of everything, but the way of life for everyone. Despite not looking much different, everything will look a somewhat upgraded. Additionally, engineers and planners will have created better planned cities and hubs with more efficient use of space and transportation. The way of life globally will have become much more easy and efficient. AI and robots can pull off almost any task a human can, such as cleaning, sending emails, driving, coding, manufacturing, etc. Consequently, they have become ingrained in human lives, even in third-world countries. Society will continue to become more interconnected, but certain cultures and languages will die out as a result of this. As an effort from nations worldwide, strides in environmental protection will be present such as, the air will be cleaner, and renewable energy sources will become more dominant. The next two and a half decades from now, will see unprecedented econo...

A time I had to rely on someone else was when I had fractured my leg playing basketball. This was the first time I had had an injury of this level, and I didn't know how to react. All I know is that I was in pain and needed help. My friends around me were trying to do what they could. They kept me still and called my mom to let her know what happened, and she was immediately alerted and drove my way. While I was being treated at the hospital, I begun to reflect. I reflected on this memory as a time I had to rely on my mom to take me to the hospital, get me medical treatment, and to pay for that treatment, none of which would have been possible without her. It felt worrying but also comforting to know I will always have someone to rely on.  

A moment when I felt I had the power to make a difference in someone else's life was when I was helping tutor elementary and middle school kids. I was in the 10th grade, and I was helping kids with their math and reading homework twice a week at the Georgia State University campus in Clarkston. It was also a good time for me to study with other peers. During the tutoring, I felt like I had the power to make a difference in their life, by just adding a little extra practice. I was doing this through trying to make certain things click that weren't clicking. A small difference can go a long way, and it was also a learning process for me as well. I better got to understand how to learn things myself, and to help others learn things.

Prompt Response: When I work on a project, the first thing I do is try to understand the goal / end result of the project, and then review the rubric to see what is required and will give you a good grade. Secondly, I start to brainstorm different ideas. Afterwards, I figure out how to assemble the project, including what steps I will take as well as what materials to get. Lastly, I will put in the physical work and put everything together. Also, to be sure I will double check everything before submission. A project I created that I am most proud of is a 3d model brain project I created for AP Psychology. I followed the steps I listed above, and was able to create a realistic looking brain model with labels and description, and I got an A on the project. Summary: Today, we worked on a bubble graph, where we chose a character from "The Color Purple" and identified different things they sacrificed, surrendered, or forfeited on, and then write details to show details of what the...