When you’re reading a book, and something absolutely amazing happens, and you need to take a breather to let the information sink in.
via sodamnrelatable
(Source: assbuttdarren)
So you like chemistry puns…
LOLOLOLOLOL! Why do I find this so funny why?!
Failure is Beautiful
It’s hard to say what really happened this year. It to my surprise, went by much faster than I had anticipated. It almost feels like just yesterday I was entering a new school year, filled with new classes, new teachers and a hope for a new start. Now, the year is done and summer is just around the corner.
If I told you this year was easy, that’d be a lie. By far, this was one of the most challenging years I’ve had of school. Entering journalism especially came as a challenge as it was something I’ve never experienced before nor was able to judge how hard it’d truly be based off others comments and experiences from people.
Not only was I challenged as a student, but my character as a person had been tested to its fullest. I faced people who I thought I’d never have to deal with and confronted friends, which nobody ever wants to do.
At certain points in this year, I felt like throwing in the towel, like giving up. I simply thought school, friends, family, wasn’t worth all my blood, sweat and tears. But everything happens for a reason right? And if there’s anything I’ve learned from all of this, it’s that sometimes it’s okay to fail. Sometimes, it’s okay to show others your weakness because by being transparent they can help you grow both as a student and as a person.
Growing up, my mom always taught me how to be independent. She drilled it in my thick skull that I had to learn how to do things on my own and to not depend on others. I think she did a good job at that if I don’t say so myself. I’ve been a great self directed learner for as long as I can remember. I was raised like most people to think that success was a good thing. That making goals and reaching them was awesome. Yes, I was told sometimes I’d fail but it’s different actually accepting that fact.
I always felt that I had to show people I was strong. That there was nothing that bothered me and I was just fine. When I put up fronts that portrayed myself as “just fine” nobody would ever bother to stop and ask how I was really doing. Nobody would even question it because on the outside I looked and seemed happy.
But underneath it all, underneath that layer of “just fine” and underneath all the pretending to be okay, I really wasn’t. All my life, whether influenced from my mother or from what I picked up on my own, I thought I had to do things on my own, that I could do things on my own. The fact of the matter is that I can’t. Sometimes, I need the help of others. Sometimes I can’t do things and I have no other option but to ask someone for their assistance. And yes, sometimes I will fail.
I can recall so many times this year alone where I’ve failed. For one of my story assignments this year I had set up an interview with a teacher. That however fell through on more than one occasions and with my deadline coming up, it left for a pretty frantic April. In terms of friendships, I had managed for one of my closet friend and I to slowly drift apart. For what reason, I don’t know but it happened and it was one of my lowest points this year.
But by becoming a part of journalism I became part of a team, a family and I was able to realize that there are people there to support me. When troubles arose, all I needed to do was ask for help and it’d be there. When that teacher didn’t meet me for that interview, I told one of my editors and we were able to set up another interviewee within the next 24 hours. Even through my toughest obstacles this year, they were all there for me. I can recall the countless talks we’ve had giving relationship advice to someone or what someone should do in a certain situation. When I had my friend issues, they encouraged me to confront that person and I did. Now were friends again. I really was able to see what I’ve known all along, in action.
Quentin Compson from the Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner, was someone who sought to accomplish changing the views of the Northern people and enforce Southern traditions but was unfortunately met with failure. Not just once but time and time again.This had such a profound affect on him that he literally decided to just give up on life. Quentin chose to let failure get the best of him. He let failure determine his actions and ultimately led him to his decision of suicide. The thing is, I don’t want to be like Quentin. I don’t want failure to define who I am. I want to make something of myself and if I fail, hey, that’s part of life.
So in reality, sometimes you will set yourself up for success and you will fail. And sometimes it’s beyond your control. But it’s okay. Failing I’ve learned to see is a beautiful thing. It takes what seems to be bad and turns it into a learning experience which results in character development and in the end, a better person. Of course, only if you let it be.
I’m really going to miss this place when I leave. Even more, I’m going to miss the people 😭 #Pittsburgh #isef I (Taken with instagram)
A Birthday Spacetacle!
by Corrine CuetoOn my 7th birthday, I both wanted Space and Underwater Adventure as themes for my birthday but I could only choose one. So, I chose the Cowboy theme.
But oh golly it would have been spacetacular to have Space and Underwater at the same time! Wouldn’t it?
Today
Was our last layout week for the year, and definitely one of our harder ones. I’m glad to say I was a part of newswritting staff and can’t wait to be a part of it next year! Yes, people have called me numerous forms of crazy and it creates much stress in my life, but seeing the end result and working with such amazing people is worth it all in the end. Although I’m going to miss the staff this year as it was my first, I’m looking forward to the awesome things that’ll happen with next year’s staff :)
Watch out Kamehameha because Trojan Times will be back next year better than ever!
Nights
When you can’t sleep because you took a hour and a half nap when you got home and you’re not tired. You don’t feel like doing homework and you have a lot on your mind… Today would be one of those nights.
Just to name a few @ashleinicoleee #leah @xtrina @amandalaroccaaa #noelito #reagan ❤ them! #bestfriends (Taken with instagram)
