Journal

Sept. 16
1) What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
It was confirmed that bad things happen to good people, but somehow, the scoreboard is always evened out. I already knew to stand up for what I believe in; to voice my opinions and not be afraid of confrontation. Question peoples motives, and prevent those few from taking advantage of others.
2) What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is courage; because everyday I am given strength to try new things and put myself on the line, with little fear of being put down.
3) What surprised you in your learning today?
I was surprised at how untruthful and conniving people can be, that the "real world" is filled with people only looking out for themselves.
4) What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
This isn't a "change" but as I grow older I am going to make sure that I never become someone only looking out for herself, that I watch out for others being wronged, and stay true to my roots.
5) What connections have you made to your own life?
That the decisions I make now shape me into the person I will become later on in life. There may not necessarily be right and wrong choices to make, just different ones, all leading in various directions. 
6) What questions are you left with? 
a) Can a decision I have made now be reversed later in life?
b) Why does everything revolve around the Internet?
c) Is there anything you can't do on the Internet?

Sept. 21
1) What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
That I need to work on my stress factor and not let my anxiety ruin my day, as it did today. I already knew that I get nervous when performing in front of people.. And I wonder why I picked drama as my major if this is such a large issue.. Hmm..
2) What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is meltdown, because I was on the verge of having one all day. I see now that it was not entirely the audition that was the cause of the stress, but suddenly realizing that this is the last year I will have the chance to do it, plus all of my school work on top of that. But I constantly have to remind myself that it always works out in the end.
3) What surprised you in your learning today?
I was surprised at how much better I felt after finishing my audition, like a big weight was lifted off of my shoulders. Even though I dislike monologues, they are never as bad as I expect them to be.
4) What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
I am going to keep in mind to not psych myself out quite as much as today, and to stay calm, because I just end up feeling silly for being so nervous in the first place. And to try and have fun with whatever I am doing, because it will be over before I know it.
5) What connections have you made to your own life?
That each time I step onto the stage, and perform, I learn something new about my acting that helps to improve myself, and I am reminded why I love to perform.
6) What questions are you left with?
a) What can I do next time in order to keep my nerves from ruining my day?
b) Is there a reason why I get so nervous before I perform while others remain unfazed?
c) What will the outcome be of the auditions?

Sept. 27
1) What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
It was confirmed that our generation is guilty of mass consumerism. We live in a world that revolves around money, where we are always wanting new things, always buying new things. But what we buy is just stuff, and after a significant amount of time, it holds no meaning to us anymore and becomes clutter that we push to the very edges of our minds and our closets. I already knew this to an extent, but today was the first time I really thought about it and what kinds of people we are growing up to be because of it.
2) What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is fittingly consumption because that's all I find myself doing lately, and is what our generation is leading to. The World State in Brave New World could very much be where our society is leading to. Obviously those in the book are the most drastic of measures but the goal of the book is to consume to no ends and for people to be happy, and I believe without knowledge of what we are doing, that is possibly where we are headed.
3) What surprised you in your learning today?
I am surprised at the lengths people will go to to prevent unhappiness. I don't actually think people are thoroughly unhappy when they don't get what they want, but we are all so used to having the things we want almost immediately that it is unusual when we have to wait for things. And some people don't like change. I don't particularly like change, but I know its good for me.
4) What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
I am going to pay more attention to not getting upset when I don't get the things I want and I will hopefully have more respect for the things I do get, when I eventually get them. Also, I am going to try and embrace change for all of the good things it represents. I don't like change because it represents the unknown, and I guess that scares me, but it is better than getting myself into a rut.
5) What connections have you made to your own life?
I think I have noticed how much I receive without really working for it. Like food and clothing, basics to me, when people all across the world are working 8-9 hours a day for these very things that we take advantage of everyday. That is why I really want to travel to Africa after I graduate, because it will make me appreciate everything I have given to me, and let me understand the way people live and what they have to work for. Also, it will show me the true necessities of life, like water and somewhere to sleep. Not a Starbucks coffee and a queen size bed.
6) What questions am I left with?
a) Will our society actually turn into the one described in Brave New World?
b) Why do some people think that being unhappy is the worst thing in the world?
c) Will I ever go to Africa? And will it change me as much as I imagine it will? Or more?

Oct. 2
1.What was confirmed for you?  What did you already know?
It was confirmed that I have so many beautiful people in my life that have helped me in so many different ways, some I am still getting to know, and some who have been with me for years.
2. What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is relax because that is all I have done today.
3. What surprised you in your learning today?
I was happily surprised at how many great people have come into my life and I am very excited about what the future will bring.
4. What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
I am going to embrace things as they come to me make the best out of every situation, and enjoy this time of my life, because I feel like I am in a good place.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
I am starting to realize what people mean when they say this is one of the best years of our lives. Finally groups are blending together and I am ready to fully embrace grade 12!
6. What questions am I left with?
a) How different will this year be from last year?
b) Are the friendships I make now going to be life-lasting?
c) Can I take a gap year before starting university?

Oct. 6
1. What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
That I should start seriously thinking about what I want to do next year. I already have an idea about what career I may want to do, but I still have to decide whether I want to take a gap year or not.
2. What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is prioritizing because  I have a lot of work on my plate at the moment and with university applications and scholarships to think about, I don't want to get behind.
3. What surprised you in your learning today?
I was surprised at how quickly time is flying by, with this being my last year I want to enjoy, remember, and appreciate each and every day, but it is easy to get caught up in school work and friends and not fully appreciate the weeks and moments that fly by.
4. What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
Try to remember to stop and smell the roses a bit more often..
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
I find that I rush through my days too quickly, and tend to get in a rut of doing the same things everyday, so I must try to challenge myself to mix things up and not come home everyday to have a nap on my couch.... Although I do love naps..
6. What questions am I left with?
a) Is there a deadline for when I must make up my decision about universities?
b) Where will I go if I decide to take a gap year?
c) Is it possible to slow down this year? And take everything in worth remembering?

Oct. 11
1. What was confirmed for you today? What did you already know?
It was confirmed that I am a very lucky person to be living in Canada, and have A LOT to be thankful for, and this I already knew.
2. What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is family, because I spent my entire day spending my entire day with my family and it was great. Also, family is one of the most important things I am thankful for because they are all such a great support system and mean soo much to me. 
3. What surprised you in your learning today? 
I was surprised at how well I drove home from Thanksgiving dinner in Richmond to Fort Langley with my family. It was a really great experience and a confidence booster and was my first time driving on the highway, day or night.
4. What changes will you make as a result of what you have learned?
Now that I have driven on the highway at night, I will be more confident whenever I drive after dark, and use that experience for all of my highway driving. It was not as bad as I expected it to be.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
I used to be afraid of highway driving because it was unfamiliar and scary to me, but now I know that just like anything in life, once you do it, and step out of your comfort zone, you realize it was just fear itself you were afraid of.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) Will I continue to feel nervous about highway driving?
b) Will this experience increase my enjoyment for driving?
c) Will I be ready to take my "N" test by my birthday? (in 16 days)
d) Will I continue to be the designated driver every thanksgiving until I am 19?

Oct. 15
1. What was confirmed for you today? What did you already know?
It was confirmed that I really need to get a good nights sleep, or else I will not be able to function the next day. I already knew that sleep relates very closely with your mood and energy levels.
2. What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is sleep because that is what I am missing.
3. What surprised you in your learning?
I was surprised at how many times I used to deal with a conflict wrong and blow it way out of proportion. And how much drama I used to have in my life. I'm so glad I'm through with that.
4. What changes will you make as a result of what you have learned?
Now that I know some good strategies for solving problems, I will use them towards my own life, and teach others how to solve problems correctly and efficiently. Also, I will remember to always do the best I can to get a goods night sleep, because it is so important to how I act the next day.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
I will always try to remember how there is always two sides to every story, and to not jump to conclusions, when dealing with a conflict.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) Will I be able to handle the next conflict I am faced with?
b) Will I be less stressed next week, and able to get full 8 hour sleeps all of the nights of the week?
c) What should I be for Halloween?

Oct. 21
1. What was confirmed for you today? What did you already know?
That sometimes all you need is a good laugh. I already knew that I love long weekends.
2. What was the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is fun because this is exactly what I needed, and I had a very fun weekend.
3. What surprised you in your learning?
I was surprised at how I can find the stupidest things funny sometimes and it is very likely that every now and then we all need to have a good laugh!
4. What changes did you make as a result of what you learned?
I will try and stop to smell the roses more, and just enjoy each day and not get so caught up with schoolwork. I enjoy my days so much more when I am not worrying about anything.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
I have noticed that the things that I am faced with go so much smoother when I choose a way to enjoy them somehow. If I am doing homework just to get it done, I don't learn as much and usually don't do as well on it.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) Will I feel different when I am a year older.. (in 6 days)
b) Will I ever finish the Brave New World questions?
c) Can Halloween weekend come any slower???

Oct. 27
1. What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
I forgot how much fun birthdays are! (mine) It is a nice feeling to know you are loved.  
2. What was the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
My 5 words of the day are: surprises, laughs, joy, friendship, and gratitude! These all tie into how I felt today. It was a fantastic day!
3. What surprised you in your learning?
I was surprised at how the long the small intestines are... Its a little ironic.
4. What changes did you make as a result of what you learned?
I was grossed out watching a baby pig being dissected, but since then I have learned that since I handled it well, maybe I will be successful as I hopefully go on though the sciences and perhaps carry on to med school.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
The dissection made me think about my plans for next year and if I can handle looking at the insides of bodies. I still get grossed out, but I also find it interesting, so we will see where this takes me.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) Will I have to dissect my own pig this year???
b) Will I manage to scramble and find a costume for the dance tomorrow?
c) Why am I always scrambling to find a costume for Halloween at the last minute?

Nov. 1
1. What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
It was confirmed that I have been taking our school, particularly the theatre, for granted and if one good thing can come out of the fire, it will be to appreciate the fortunate things we are given in life because they can be taken away from us at any moment.
2. What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day is appreciation because when the theatre is finally restored, I'm sure everyone will appreciate every opportunity we are given to use it.
3.What surprised you in your learning?
I was horribly surprised how the idiotic actions of a few individuals can cause so much damage and so much time and money to repair. It is so unfortunate that we are left to pick up the pieces when we have done nothing to diverse it.
4. What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
Even though I have said this already, this event has changed my mindset and has taught me that we have been so blessed with a beautiful theatre that we should embrace and be thankful for everyday. Also we are very lucky that the extent of the damage stopped at just 11 seats and not the entire theatre or the sych or our set for nightmare.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
This is making me appreciate all of the things we are given in life that we haven't necessarily done anything to deserve. Also, when a misfortune like this happens, it is always very interesting to see all of the people who reach out to help when we are in our time of need.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) Will Nightmare be cancelled altogether or just postponed?
b) How can this awful event be avoided? Is something being done to protect this from reoccurring, like installing cameras?
c)Will the arsonists be caught? Or will they just get away with it ?

Nov. 4
1. What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
The realization that we need to be the change that we want to see in the world. People cannot wait for change to happen, but must work to make it happen. I already knew this but today it became much clearer to me.
2. What was the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day would be change because that is one of the things PKSS is about, working together to make changes in the world, and that is why I decided to attend the PKSS fundraiser concert.
3. What surprised you in your learning?
Nothing really surprised me.. I know that I need to do more to help our planet and the people suffering all over the world, and this day reminded me of that, and I will work to change my lifestyle in order to do this.
4. what changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
I need to try and remember that every little bit helps and even though you may think how can one person change the world, if enough people do their part by changing certain elements in their lives to accommodate the changes in the earth, we can make this a better place.
5. what connections have you made to your own life?
I will make a conscious effort to adjust my lifestyle to fit the changing world around us. With global warming, I want to do my part to live a sustainable life through recycling, carpooling or walking more and conserving energy.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) What will our planet look like in 10 years?
b) Can we reverse the effects of global warming or is it too late?

Nov. 11
1. What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
I already knew to appreciate the men and women who have died fighting for our country, but this significant day really forced me to think of the hell they must be living everyday. I am so grateful for them and my heart is with the families of the ones who have fallen.  
2. What was the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the day would have to be remembering because that is what the day has been devoted to; remembering and acknowledging the people who have/are risking their lives everyday.
3. What surprised you in your learning?
I guess I was surprised at how much more this day meant to me that it has in previous years. Perhaps it is because as I grow older, I understand the meaning of this day more, but also I think that  each year as I am maturing, I am putting more thought into the circumstances of these peoples deaths, about the families they have left behind, and about the ones still fighting everyday. It has given me a new appreciation and utter respect for the ones who continue to fight, and for the ones who have fallen.
4. What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
I appreciate my family being in good health, and am very thankful that I don't no many people that have gone to war. For the few I do know that are in Afghanistan at the moment, I wish them a safe return soon.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
How fortunate I am for my family to live in health and prosperity. I am reminded that I have a pretty easy life compared to children who live with war, survive through poverty, and from abusive homes. I am a very fortunate teen to be living in Canada.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) Will our troops really be completely out of Afghanistan in 3 years?
b) How many more causalities will our army have to withstand?
c) Once we are out of Afghanistan, will we be out for good? Will that be the last war we take part in?

Dec. 13
1. What was confirmed for you? What did you already know?
 After my weekend at Chehalis, it was confirmed that I love meeting new people and learning new things, and just getting away for the weekend to relax and learn about myself. I already knew that Restorative Justice is a very important skill, but it was reinforced this weekend because I learned so much that will effect the rest of my life. It was a trip I will never forget.
2. What is the word of the day? Why did you choose this word?
The word of the weekend is restoration because I learned so much about it and about solving problems for myself and for other people. This weekend changed my life because I saw first hand how forgiveness can change a persons life and how keeping emotions bottled up inside helps nobody.
3. What surprised you in your learning?
I was surprised at how lucky I am to have avoided many deaths of loved ones in my life, and I realized how much I take my family, and my life in general, for granted. I also learned how powerful the act of forgiveness is, and though it is not easy to do, it can change lives.
4. What changes are you going to make as a result of what you have learned?
I am going to appreciate my family more, and try not to take them for granted. Also I will remember the story about forgiveness that we were told, and think about how important it is to forgive someone else because it is not healthy to hold grudges. With this being said, I do believe that you can't forgive someone before your ready, and that forgiveness means something different to every person, and for some it will take longer to forgive than for others.
5. What connections have you made to your own life?
Listening to Heather's story about her family, it really made me appreciate my own family, and to become aware of some of the horrific things people are dealing with everyday. Heather's story has inspired me so much because of how strong she is now, and how brave she has been over the past 10 years, and she is a role model for me that when things get tough in my life, I can think of her and hopefully gain some strength from all of hers.
6. What questions are you left with?
a) Will I get the chance to mediate a conflict now that I have the knowledge to lead it?
b) How will my life be affected long term by this trip?