Senior Project Kickoff

We had a Senior Project kickoff meeting on Wednesday that allowed parents, mentors, and sponsors to become more familiar with the program. At the meeting, a bunch of us students spoke about ourselves briefly. In this mini speech, we introduced our family, our mentors, and pour sponsors, if they managed to make the meeting. After introducing who we were with, each of us gave our topic, or thesis, we would care to study during Senior Project and a possible product we may produce.

When I spoke, which I was the very first person, I introduced my mom, her boyfriend, my mentor, Mrs. Hansbury, and my sponsor, Charles Chettloti. I then decided what career field I would like to study, which is civil engineering. Afterwards, I discussed the product I would like to produce. I said I would like to redesign the school, but that didn't seem like a crowd pleaser so I added a second option which was designing a simple sewer system to bounce back. Once everyone spoke, we took pictures for the website and we all were able to leave.

Midterms

My midterms are severely difficult. My Calculus midterm didn't seem difficult at first, but there is another section that I have to finish because there was not enough time to complete during the allotted time. My chemistry midterm, however, was the most difficult midterm I have ever taken. The actual midterm was a lab, that I barely finished, and a few free response questions. I actually could not even finish the questions because, low and behold, I ran out of time. So I think I failed that midterm big time. In addition, I ran out of time during my drafting midterm, but my teacher allowed extra time since no one was close to finishing, except me.

Tomorrow I have my English and History midterms, which I know will be difficult. They both are subjects I excel in, but the people I know who have already taken the midterm have informed me that neither of them are easy. Friday my Spanish midterm project is due, but that is already done except for one final detail that has yet to be completed. Other than midterms, my week has going well, except for some minor setbacks.

Difficult Decision

Recently, I have come to a difficult decision that determines my activities over the summer. One option is to apply for an internship, which I will most likely be hired, and work the whole summer or spend the summer with family and friends, having fun. I'm perplexed on how each weighs because one benefits my career and the other tones and shapes my emotional persona. i have taken this dilemma to several of my friends and a few family members and I still have yet to reach a decision. I want to do what is best for me, but both contribute to that philosophy in their own way.

I hope to reach a decision soon. I may possibly reach a census by confronting my parents about it. They both care about me and respect my choice, so their input can possibly settle my inner conflict. All my parents want is to see me happy and make my own choices because I'm becoming an adult, and this is a part of growing up that will make me a stronger person.

The benefits of applying for the internship are, pay, experience with new technologies, a possible job once I finish college, and a productive summer that I hope it to be. The cons, however, consist of lack of family and friend time, not having the option to vacation in various exotic locations, and a break from working. The main con that affects my decision the most is that I will not spend a lot of time with my family and friends. The majority of this problem weighs on how much I want to spend time with my family and friends and the craving for more experience.

Video of the Week

This video of the week focues on a genuine love song by my favorite reggaeton artists, Wisin y Yandel. Yo Te Quiero means I want you/ I love you, and in this video it plays both meanings. I chose this video because it shows how one man will do anything he can inorder to be with the woman he loves the most even though she left him. This video reflects how I would act in this situation because love makes people do crazy things. Besides the fact this is a love song, the duo express pure and true words about the problem.

Lyrics
(Wisin)
(Hace un año que no se de ella)
(Hace un año que cambie mis amistades)
(Que amigos es un peso en el bolsillo por sus comentarios perdi a la mujer que amo)
(Hace un año que no como lo mismo)
(Y da la casulidad que... chico)
(Both)
Ayer la ví(Loco por ir donde ella),
solita...Y me desespero (oye bebe), señorita...Tu sabes que por ti me muero (los Vaqueros)Déjame hablarte(dejame hablarte ma'), deja orientarte (chica)
Que desde aquella noche que lo hicimos,Siento que te quiero

Yo te quiero, (oye bebe)
Tú me quieres, (si yo te quiero)
Entonces porque ya no viene, (vuelve)
Si sabes que por ti me muero.(como)

Yo te quiero,
Tú me quieres, (oye bebe)
Entonces porque ya no viene,
Si sabes que por ti me muero.
(Wisin)
Ya ni como ni vacilo con el combo,Te propongo del problema llegar al fondo,Tu amor en mi llego muy hondo,Mami vuelve pronto en la situacion yo fui un tonto,Y sigo aquí comiéndome un cable,Como si fuera vulnerable,Lo nuestro es inevitable,Las ganas de comernos son palpables,Intocable estar contigo es algo saludable.
(Oye mami)

Yo te quiero, (tu sabes)
Tú me quieres,
Entonces porque ya no viene,
Si sabes que por ti me muero.

Yo te quiero, (si yo te quiero)
Tú me quieres, (tu me quieres)
Entonces porque ya no viene,
Si sabes que por ti me muero. (tu sabe, tu sabe)
(Wisin)
Como chayane, tu pirata soy yo',
So', nadie te besa como lo hago yo,
Duro sensación como chambear una loa',
En la rookie yo soy pro,Y yo quiero resolver el asunto,Y estar juntos,
Entre tu y yo no hay nada oculto,Ganemos los tumultos,Dejemos los insultos,Dejemos que el asunto, nos tenga juntos.
(Yandel)
Quiero hacerte mía, besarte to'a,Sentir tu cuerpo,
tu movimiento,Hacerte mía, besarte to'a,Sin sufrimiento, hacerlo lento,
Quiero hacerte mía, besarte to'a,Sentir tu cuerpo, tu movimiento,Hacerte mía, besarte to'a,Sin sufrimiento, hacerlo lento,

Yo te quiero,
Tú me quieres,
Entonces porque ya no viene,
Si sabes que por ti me muero.(Oye princesa),

Yo te quiero, (tu sabes),
Tú me quiere, (quien soy yo),
Entonces porque ya no viene,
Si sabes que por ti me muero.
Si yo te quiero,Tú me quieres,
Entonces porque ya no viene,
Si sabes que por ti me muero.

Si sabes que por ti me muero bebe,Tu lo sabes,W con yandel el duo de la historia,Sobrepasando limites musicales,Nestyyyyy...Víctor El Nazi...El verdadero dream team y unico dream team,Aqui no pueden inventar,Oye bebe,Shhhhhh,Tranquila,Que yo te quiero,Tu lo sabes,Si yo te quiero,Si sabes que por ti me muerooooooo

My Genes

Recently, I have thought about my grandfather and my father. While analyzing their character and their abilities, I realized that some of their extraordinary talents I did not inherit. For example, my grandfather is a really good singer, even though he's old he can still carry a tune. In addition, he's an excellent dancer who has years of practice and experience.

Fortunate for my father, he inherited my grandfather's excellent dance skills. When I watch my father dance, I can see myself gliding around the dance floor showcasing my skills. However, I didn't inherit his amazing dance skills, but I did inherit a natural rhythm and other helpful qualities from my father.

I still wish I had the ability to sing. It's a rare talent for a man to have and it's a interesting quality to have and perfect. But I can only dream about singing. In the mean time, I can practice my dance skills so I can show them off the next time an opportunity arises.

A Quote from President Obama's Inaugural Address

"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less."



Throughout President Obama's address, this is the one quote that stuck out to me. The first line which describes the old saying, "greatness is not given, but must be earned", intrigues me because I fight for any and everything. I want to achieve the level of success Obama has achieved and I am willing and able to meet those standards, no matter the cost. One day I'll achieve that level of success, and then I'll reflect on everything I did in order to reach the pinnacle of triumph and happiness.

The second line to this excerpt, defines me as a person. I never really used any kind of excuse or method to cheat myself out of work. I always stay true to my word instead of using cheats and shortcuts to get ahead. Everything that I have done in my life so far had been done so I can have a legit advantage when I enter the working world. Actually understanding and explaining ideas and facts work much better than memorizing them for an interview just to show some intelligence. Shortcuts never work in the real world because whoever uses them always gets caught and always suffers the consequences.

Inauguration of President Obama

The inauguration of President Barack Obama was a historic moment in history. His address filled me with goosebumps after every cheer of the crowd. His words flowed and meshed together like a river emptying into a ocean. Barack Obama's use of metaphors and imagery painted a perfect picture of the changes he will make. In addition, his incorporation of the nation's history within his address was but all inspiring. Incorporating the events that set in motion that led up to his moment was nothing short of genius.

After Obama completed his speech, I called my sister to discuss the speech. She told me that she was crying because she thought this moment would never happen. Besides the fact Obama is black, he is also a minority, the feeling I get from watching a minority succeed fills me with inspiration. I believe that the change Obama promised will happen, its only a matter of time before he revitalizes our nation to its former glory and prosperity.

New Years Resolution

I always found that creating a New Years Resolution was such a tedious task for people because no one ever follows their resolution, but I’ve come to realize that they seem much more helpful than they appear. I personally have made several New Years Resolutions over the past few years, but I gave up on them before I even got started. However, I realize now the standards I made I could never achieve. This year that is all going to change. My resolutions for self improvement focus on my health, family and friend appreciation, and the impact I can make on my community. Although I’ve made several mistakes about setting a New Years Resolution, this year I will be able to make up for lost time by improving my life and the lives of other around me. My first resolution, which I began last year, dealt with acquiring a healthy diet. Over the past year only half of that goal has become a reality. Eating healthy foods spliced itself into my lifestyle, but exercise has whittled its way out. I plan to exercise much more this year. In addition, I plan to assist my mom because she to also wants to get in shape. By exercising I will gain more energy, feel good about myself, and act less lazy when I’m around other people. My second resolution concerns my family and my friends. As this is my senior year it will be the last time I see some of my friends. In addition, I may not see some of my relatives in Puerto Rico over the summer due to an internship that I may acquire. Even though some of my family is visiting soon, I want to treasure their time here with many memories. Likewise with my friends, I want to share many fond memories in the time we have before we go our separate ways. I want to show my family and friends how much I appreciate them in the time left to tell and show them. My third resolution addresses my generosity towards my community. Lately I have done community work for the National Honor Society, and I felt proud of myself for donating my time to help others. I want to dedicate more of my time to aiding my community in any way possible. In December, I volunteered at my church to make food baskets, acted as a greeter, and I collected offerings during mass. These deeds seem to put a smile on my face and I want to continue to do that. New Year Resolutions seem impossible to follow, depending on their difficulty, but if easy resolutions are achievable. Exercise is the number one important thing this country needs and I intend to get in shape and I won’t be doing it alone. Friends and family are important, so I want to treasure the time I have with them in order to reflect on the experience and memories later on in life. Community service does the heart well and nothing can improve someone’s character by helping out the community.

Seven Pounds Movie Review

If you haven't seen the movie, I advise you not to continue reading.



At the beginning of the movie, I felt lost and confused due to how the movie opened. As the movie continued more and more information about Will Smith's character arose. The overall story is basically how Smith's character attempts to repent for his irresponsible actions causing a car accident that killed seven people, including his wife. Throughout the course of the movie, Smith's character visits several individuals and tries to uncover how they truly act, because he has the power to drastically change their lives. This, however, can only be given if those individuals truly deserve it. In the end, Smith commits suicide in order to complete his plan to save the life of a newly found love and to give life to another by donating his eyes.

I believe this movie is inspirational because of the fact that helping others can make a difference. For example, in the movie Smith's character donated bone marrow so a little boy could walk again. A donation like that may be asking to much, but donating blood is easier can can save a life as well. Movies such as this inspire many people to help others in need in anyway possible. This movie can inspire the uninspirable.

A Letter from the Future

Imagine that you are twenty-eight years old, and you're writing to a cherished teacher whom you haven't heard from in ten years. Tell him/her about your professional life. What do you do for a living and how did you get there? Consider the following: What schools did you attend? What special training and degrees do you have? Where do you work and what is the name of your company? What do your coworkers and boss think of you? What professional successes and awards have you enjoyed since graduating from high school.

Dear Mr. Smith


It has been a long since we have spoken. A lot has changed in my life. I am the head Civil Engineer at WP Projects down in Miami, Florida. I'm a Drexel University Alumni with a Bachelors Degree and I have finished my Master's thanks to my company's financial assistance. I went to Graduate school at Princeton University as soon as I was ensured my position at WP Projects. Through the help of Drexel's coop program, I was able to work with WP Projects and they told me that they would hire me as soon as I graduated. I really do not have a boss, but I do have superiors that I must consult with on every project our company undertakes. My coworkers are respectable and dependable because I need them to be besides the fact that I manage them like money. Soon after I achieved my position, I received a letter of acceptance from the Society of Hispanic Engineers. In addition, I was nominated for Civil Engineer of the Year. So far I couldn't ask for a better life.



Sincerely,
Iván Alejandro Piñeiro

Commenting fellow Classmates' Blogs

By reading and commenting my fellow classmates' blogs, I have been able to understand them and know them a bit better. For example, I had no idea my closest friend, Enrique, and my neighbor Aliccia both are bungee jumping lunatics. On the other hand, Brionna wrote about how the ties of love can make or break a person. I feel the same way in the matters of the heart experiencing some heartbreak already. On a more professional level, I share the same stress with Des. We both seem to stress about school and what we are doing for our future. Moving on, I never knew the unique style and creativity Turk thinks about and she exhibits it. Lastly, I read Sam's latest post. I felt a connection with her post because she wrote about how much family, especially her mother, means to her. In addition, her enthusiasm about traveling the world can only rival my own, however I already have a head start. I now realize that reading and commenting on other blog posts can build a deeper connection and a closer friendship with everyone in the class.

Weekend Grab Bag

Today I have a lot going for me that I set in stone to secure my future. I already have my acceptance letter to Drexel University, acquired some scholarship money, and received news of a summer internship that I am currently applying for. However, I still have a lot of work to do. There are several scholarships that I still need to apply for, some of which provide a hefty sum of money. Free money is out there, I just have to find it.

In other news, my cousin, my uncle and my grandfather are visiting my family and I at the end of the month. This of course is exciting because I usually do not see them until the summer. In contrast, if I am accepted into the summer internship I applied for, I won't be able to see my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. There is so many things happening in my life I feel at times overwhelmed, however, the aid from family and friends helps me fight on.

Personal Improvement Excerpt

The excerpt I took from my self-improvement book came from Chapter 1. It concerned how sale representatives try their hardest to persuade consumers to purchase items that have no use for shoppers. This excerpt is a metaphor on how the tactics a sale rep uses can result in a hard life without money for day to day survival.

"It is far better to paddle your own raft over rapids than to give up the oars to a stranger, sit down in the bottom of the boat, close your eyes, cross your fingers, and hope for a happy landing."

I would rather trust my own knowledge and instinct rather than to be persuaded by a sneaky sales person. Following my own instinct and trusting my own knowledge will keep my mind focused and my money in my pocket.

Project Exploration

I've always had an interest in music. Listening to music allows me to express myself in whatever mood I'm in. At times i feel a deep connection with the lyrics of gospel and R&B and other instance to just dance to Hip Hop. But my true connection to music comes from my roots, Puerto Rico. The music native to the island flows through me everyday. Salsa, Merengue, and of course Reggaeton forms who I am; it's forever edged into my soul and my heart. My research paper will consist of how the evolution of classical music formed what I know today as Salsa music.

I've always listened to salsa music when I was little. My parents played it whenever we had company. The flow of the music excited me and always seemed to grasp my attention, especially when people began to dance to the music. as soon as I saw people dance I immediately had the urge to do the same, but I didn't know how to. Now I know how to dance salsa somewhat and I love dancing to the music.

Salsa music developed from classical music. This transition occurred in several steps. In the beginning, the classical music soon gained a new rhythm by using the beats of African drums which produced the fierce dance, the Tango. However, the true start of Latin dance all started in Cuba with the Son. Later on the North American Son was renamed Salsa and as for the music, newer and newer musical instruments were added like trumpets and guitars.

How to Grade the Journal

I think the blogs should be graded on grammar and length. The quality of grammar and the grammar mistakes made will count towards the majority of the grade. The length, however, will also count as a portion of the grade but not as much. The minimum written in the journal should be at least five to seven sentences, a paragraph minimum. I believe that the quality and grammar used in writing is more of a priority than the amount written because the amount written may make no sense at all. The Journal should include any knowledge gained, emotions, relationships, opinions, or thoughts the writer may think of. Nothing should be off limits in the Journal, but not everything needs to be written in it too.

The number of journal entries should be based off of the amount of time a student spends with his or her sponsor in order to be fair. People who do write a lot should be rewarded with extra credit, but extra credit should also be earned by class presentations of what someone has learned or by bringing in a guest speaker. Since everyone in the class know on another, setting up a network should not be a problem to create. By commenting and providing suggestions towards one another will allow everyone to stay connected and to consistently grow as a person through one anothers help.

Learning About Blogger

I started my new blog a I'm still learning features about the software. I find that having and maintaining a blog seems fun and easy, but I'm still learning and adapting in order to make my blog more appealing and more unique.