Become Unbroken

Many times in my life I have faced disappointment. Whether in myself, or in other people. When things don't go the way I want them to, I want to breakdown and cry. I know I'm not the only one. These things happen and it can bring out the worst in people.

In the past, I felt the need to seek approval from others. I constantly imitated others because I wasn't sure what I wanted for myself, neither did I know who I was or who I wanted to become. I started to come to a realization that I needed to accept where I am and take myself to where I want to go.

I would say failure is my greatest fear. I hate to fail at something, especially if it is something I'm really good at. Fear can stop you from doing the things that you love the most. Over time I have learned to trust in something far greater than myself and that has helped me stay motivated in what the future may hold. So listen up people: 

Know that you're in control, don't let things destroy you and stand up for yourself. Live your life and work at everything with your all. I know things are easier said than done, but that shouldn't stop you. Give it a shot and see where it takes you.

I love being inspired and watching this video made me feel motivated to live my life to the full. Hope it motivated you to do the same!

"Let what you love, be what you do." -Rumi

-Alexandra Dimas
ENG 112

Why Africa?

                                       

The world came into the existence the same day according to Christian belief, and God declared that all things were perfect, but what do we see today? While some parts of the world are progressing in life, other parts are retrogressing. The Africa continent happens to be the first point of attack when calamity strikes. Do we always blame nature for every woes that Africans are going through, or bad leaders? Comparing Africa to the rest of the universe shows clearly that Africa has no future in the sense that the young ones we proud ourselves of are wasting due to child labor and street children menace.  Young and school going children have abandoned their education, and moved into inhumane ventures. It is sad to see children cracking stones to earn one square meal. They move on the streets like sheep without shepherd. They are under the mercies of all the harsh weather conditions.

At times it difficult for one to comprehend why these children are been going through such condition in the full glare of the politicians we have entrusted our destiny to. It is only Africa that a politician can be still at post when those under his care are struggling to earn a living. At times I ask myself “Why Mama Africa?” This question has remained unanswered for years, yet we have greedy politician who are in-charge. It sad to hear that some countries in Africa have a whole ministry for children affairs, yet children are going through these inhumane conditions. Is there any sense in creating a ministry, which does not serve the purpose of, which it was created? Africa is loosing its productive youth as voluntary slaves to the West, and those left home are been going through hell because of greedy politicians. Looking at this documentary shows that Africa is far from development. How can the government allow these little children go into such deadly venture without any good measures to deal with this menace?. Is governance system working at all in Africa? We were made to believe that government seeks the needs of all people, but it is not in Africa. In Africa, government is for the rich. The politicians paint Africa as a continent with bright future, but I bet to differ because of increased street children and child labor. I will take this medium to plead with all politicians on the continent of Africa to wake up, and be responsible for once to save Mama Africa.

Victor 

ENG112 009A

Positivity

Everyone is raised differently but something that we all learned growing up is "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything all." As a college student, you can have a lot going on so all you want to hear from others is "you can do it" or  "you're so awesome." Being a new college student trying to get use to the school and work, you can get very stressed. Any person you interact with can makes you feel a certain way but its up to you to stay positive. You can do anything you put your mind to and more, if you say nice things to others. If you respect others, others will respect you and you'll feel a lot better about yourself which will help you persevere in anything you do.

Macarena V.

SMOKING ON NOVA CAMPUS IS NOT COOL

Everyone in America reserves the right do whatever he or she prefers, so far as it does not hurt others. Smoking cigarette is something people do in public all the time because they consider it as not hurtful to others. This has gone viral in the American society and it is happening on school campuses. I am considering NOVA because that is where I have experienced it so far. A school is supposed to be an institution where people learn new things and advance their knowledge. We do not only go to school to study books but to become better individuals in our respective communities. Despite this, campus is where people take things for granted and do unnecessary stuff. The outer part of the cafeteria is always a place where I like to sit and relax for the time between my classes. Sitting at the place gets horrible sometimes. Fellow students just sit there and smoke unstoppably. Some even come and sit beside you to do it. They only think about the silly pleasure they get from smoking but not the health of themselves and the people around them. These smokers do not consider the fact that people may be asthmatic patients and smoking around them will cause a rise in their disease. It is just too bad and annoying to watch them do this. The gibberish part of it is that posters are there saying "NO SMOKING." It looks like they can not read despite the fact that they are students. I am not against their smoking but I am against it on the school campus because it affects our health and infringe on our comfort. The law enforcement within the school has to make sure the "No Smoking" policy is ensured because school is not meant for that.

Clement Aboagye Boateng
English 111 Section 034A

Almost to the Finish Line

My first semester is almost done and it has been going very well for the most part. However, the end of the semester is coming so fast and I feel like I'm half falling out of a tree and hanging on to a branch with both hands. I just hope I can complete my final three assignments before time's up at the end of the semester. I know I'm not the only one who feels like he or she is running out of time, but I feel like I am. Let us hope for the best until we reach the finish line.

Collin Marquis
Eng 111-034

Life Doesn't Wait

I just watched this video by one of my favorite youtubers, Connor Franta, and it made me think. It made me think about life, my life. I agree with what he said in the video about life not waiting for anyone. About how if you want something, you have to go after it. About doing something that you love instead of being stuck doing something you hate because you think it will benefit you in the long run. You never know if you're going to get a tomorrow, so you have to make the most of today. I feel like this really makes you stop and reflect on whether you're actually living the life you want to live, and if not, then you should start. I've always been pretty scared to think that deeply about my life and the future, but no matter how much that scares me, sometimes I feel like I have to. I feel like we all have to. I'm glad and thankful that Connor made this video because he's speaking a message that we all need to hear.

Isabel U-D.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8paaQxzUMY

English, I hope.

I was just suddenly inspired to post the following and, therefore, I will endeavor to make it brief.

It astounds me on a daily basis to hear most people make the same English linguistic mistakes, both written and spoken. While I am over-the-moon for colloquial expressions and totally cool with slang, I do not appreciate the intellectual degradation of the American general population. Over the course of time, each generation appears less educated in so many regards, not the least of which being their comprehension of proper, formal English.
One fine example of a lack of English comprehension is the misuse of certain words and phrases; such as affect in the place of effect or vice versa, lie in the place of lay or vice versa, and "for all intensive purposes" rather than "for all intents and purposes." The misused word that has most recently driven me nuts is hopefully. I hope that the misuse of hopefully will diminish in magnitude.
The main reason this one makes me so bleepin' mad, is that through sheer repetition of exterior influence, that is, me hearing it over and over in its common and incorrect usage, has caused me to continuously make the same mistake. Even though I damn well know better, I constantly find myself making this mistake orally. I worry that these brain farts may bleed into my writing. I HOPE not.
Well, waddayagunnado?

Sincerely,

P.J. Wordsmith