"Hourglass": A response to Victor's essay

After reading Victor's essay, I immediately thought of a hour glass as I'm sure other did too considering the story is written in that shape. I chose this picture of an hour glass to represent more than just the fact that his essay is written in this creative style, but also to represent the fact that in this time, the time of the hourglass, Victor is trying to find who it is he wants to be. But the beauty with an hourglass is that you can continue to flip it over and over again in order to give you more and more time. I don't think time is up. Though I liked the creativity of the hourglass, I thought it was slightly confusing when you shifted topics. Overall, good story!

"New Experiences": A response to Kevin's paper

After reading Kevin’s essay, I thought this picture could somewhat exemplify his risk taking personality. Kevin never was scared to try something new, which is often not the case for many people. He was interested in the world and interested in experiencing everything he could. I liked this essay, it was inspiring. I also could relate to his experience in Honduras because I too travelled alone. Though it was scary at first, it was the best experience of my life. Keep taking chances!

"The norm": An response to Sarah's essay

After reading Sarah’s essay, I thought of a staircase. She talks about the norm, and how people are supposed to follow it but then there are also people who stray away instead of conforming. I think with this master staircase it is obvious that at the beginning there is only one "right" path to take, which is equal to the norms one is supposed to follow, growing up, going to college etc. There are people who stray from that, but does that mean they fall off of the staircase? Then at the end, after college, people start to be accepted when they stray from the norm and with this staircase there are multiple ways you can go after you get to the top. Well written and interesting story!

"The Middle": a response to Justin's essay

I feel I can relate to Justin's essay. I am also the middle child and know the title of "the middle child" comes with many assumptions of how we should be: clouded by both our older and younger siblings, and washed away in the crowd. We then are the rebels who are in search of attention. But I agree that this known definition of a middle child does not apply to me. I chose this song, half because it is called "The Middle" and half because I felt the lyrics could apply to Justin's essay. In the first section, it says, "It's only in your head you feel left out, or looked down on." Middle child syndrome is something that is in your head and you can either stick to the definition of a middle child or break free of it. I think it would be cool to possibly relate all of your topics together and add more visual language!

"Priorities": A response to Carlie's essay

Carlie’s article was about straightening out priorities, but I also believe it was about finding your true identity. When she was younger, she allowed others ideas to cloud her own. She would rather follow the trend than go after what she really loved. I chose this song to represent Carlie’s collage because it talks about losing yourself. At a young age, before you have priorities straight you follow those around you, “Washing what you know out to sea, you can see your life out the window.” It is as if the things you want and belief are washing away. But with time, you find yourself and are comfortable being who you are. I thought this was a very interesting paper. I would like to see it come more full circle, maybe tying in school supplies at some point in the end. Also, I think if you are trying to show priorities in each section, a few were unclear. Overall, good job! 

"Change": A Response to Victoria's essay

I chose the song “secrets” by One Republic to represent Victoria’s essay. The chorus of this song starts out by saying “Tell me what you want to hear,” which reminded me of Victoria because she was scared to leave her comfort zone, she was scared to be different. She didn’t want to be judged and therefore held back. Then it goes on to say, “Sick of all the insincere so I’m gonna give all my secrets away. This time don’t need another perfect line, don’t care if critics ever jump in line, I’m gonna give all my secrets away.” This part symbolizes Victoria throwing away her insecurities, giving her secrets away, and finally being who she wants to be and doing what she wants to do. 

"Night vs. Day": A response to Lauren's essay

I chose this song called “Night/Day” by Mae. It discusses how he misses out by sleeping in, and how he will no longer sleep the day. I really like Lauren’s experiment and actually would love to try it! In this song it says, “’Cause I’ve convinced myself that my best can only come in the moonlight, and I keep sleeping in, and missing something.” I understand the point about having the same amount of hours to get work done, it is just different times of the day. I am really curious which you enjoyed better, which was more productive, which you see yourself continuing to do. Overall, well written!