When struck the clock upon an hour so early in the day,
My mind set to work upon thoughts weighing heavily.
Soon it turned to thoughts of infatuation and possibility,
Causing me to wonder, and to wonder, and to wonder.
It was upon this wondering of infatuation and possibility
That the concept of flowers began to form within my head.
True it is that many people like many different flowers,
But none is quite so preferred as the beautiful, perfect rose.
But from this rose, more and more lines were drawn,
Leading me to more and more, deeper and deeper thoughts.
When should one give a rose and to whom should he give it?
Better yet, which rose should he give and when?
A white rose is pure as snow and elegant as royalty.
It radiates a feeling of hope, a symbolism emblazoned in my mind.
It is in the beginning that one has only hope for how it all will go,
And at that time, white roses would show her just that: Hope.
A yellow rose coveys the warmth of the sun and happiness of spring.
Its color throws upon us feelings of joy and of happiness, the excitement!
These feelings slowly replace most hope when security has been reached,
And at that time, yellow roses would show her just that: Happiness.
A red rose, in its color, most resembles our life-giving blood and pumping heart.
These things within us are a physical need, much as most view the emotional need of love.
This feeling, the strongest perhaps of any other, becomes the central focus before long,
And at that time, red roses would show her just that: Love.
Each color has its own time, its own place unique to it and it alone,
A time and place when it is used to show her his feelings.
One for hope, one for happiness and one for love, each special, none without meaning.
The three act as individuals, but there is indeed much more to it.
For what happens after she receives the red rose? Is that the end?
Not so. Her bouquets should always have all three, for that holds the truth of the love.
White roses to show her the Hope to be with her always and forever thereafter,
Yellow roses to show her the Happiness she always provides and should receive, and
Red roses to show her the Love the two share, then and always, as long as it is to be.
Three colors, three feelings, two people, two hearts, one flower, and one love twixt them.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Curtain Call: Semester One
So, first off, I'm going to introduce all of my Arabian friends with MIT nomenclature!
So, for classes, the number BEFORE the decimal indicates the department (major).
The number AFTER the decimal indicates the course itself.
The number AFTER the decimal AFTER the decimal indicates the section.
So, in my first semester, I took these classes (I'll give each an explanation):
5.111 - Principles of Chemical Science. This is a Course 5 class (Chemistry) that is one of the three intro classes that will fulfill the chemistry General Institute Requirement (GIR).
8.01 - Physics I. This is a Course 8 class (Physics) that is one of three classes that fulfill the Classical Mechanics GIR.
10.A13 - Chemical Accidents. This is a Course 10 class (Chemical Engineering) that serves as a Freshman Advising Seminar. Most classes are 12 units (12 hours of work per week, 4 credit hours), but the advising seminars are all six units.
18.01A - Single Variable Calculus Accelerated. This is a Course 18 class (Mathematics) that fulfills the first calculus GIR. It begins halfway through the course and lasts six weeks, covering any topics that weren't covered in AP Calculus AB and Mrs. Haynes's Calculus class.
18.02A - Multiple Variable Calculus Accelerated. This class fulfills the second calculus GIR and starts six weeks into the term (when 18.01A finishes). It can be finished in either January, which we call Independent Activities Period (IAP) or in the first half of the spring semester.
21W.732.03 - Introduction to Scientific and Technical Writing. This is a Course 21W Class (Writing) that fulfills part of the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) GIR. In addition to counting towards my eight required HASS classes, it counts as my required CI-HW class, which is a communication intensive humanities writing class. The .03 indicates my section, which was Writing About The Environment.
So those were my classes. One of the most awesome parts of MIT is that all first semester freshmen are on pass/no record. I'm proud to say I passed all of my classes, with the exception of 18.02A because I still have to finish it in IAP.
I, like many other freshmen, also had a very close call with 8.01. Many, many students fail this class, and the early reports are that I have passed the class. For some perspective, I made an 87 on the final... Out of 192. The average was 104. So we failed on average, pretty well I'd say. But I get to move on to my next semester, without losing any units, yay!
For those of my uninformed fellow Arabians, I pledged and am now a brother in the Sigma Nu fraternity. Those of you seniors about to go off to college:
PARTICIPATE IN RUSH!
You don't have to pledge anywhere, but you need to at least go through it. It was sooo much more fun than our orientation program.
Now to give you what's going on next semester.
3.094 - Materials in the Human Experience. This is a Course 3 class (Materials Science and Engineering) that fulfills part of the HASS requirement. It is basically two hours of lecture each week where we will learn how different cultures used different materials with a three hour lab where we will actually use those same materials. This is also a 9-unit class.
5.12 - Organic Chemistry I. This is not a GIR class, but it is a requirement for both majors I'm considering (more on that a little later).
7.013 - Introductory Biology. This is a Course 7 class (Biology) that fulfills the biology GIR. That's basically it. Ha ha.
8.02 - Physics II. This is one of two classes that fulfills the Electricity and Magnetism GIR.
18.03 - Differential Equations. This class fulfills a Restricted Elective in Science and Technology (REST) requirement for both majors I'm looking at. After this class, I have no other required math classes in my undergraduate years.
Unless otherwise stated, all classes are 12 units.
Here's a brief overview of my plans:
I want to declare my major as Course 5 at the end of the spring semester, but after about a year of study, provided I have a 4.0 (MIT uses the 5.0 scale: A 5, B 4, C 3, D 2), I want to declare a double major, also doing Course 10. To review, 5 is chemistry and 10 is chemical engineering.
I want to apply to Harvard grad school and get my Master's of Education.
Okay, I'd say that's a fair amount.
If you have any questions, you can leave them in comments, but leave an email address so I can get back to you if I need to.
Sincerely,
Drew
So, for classes, the number BEFORE the decimal indicates the department (major).
The number AFTER the decimal indicates the course itself.
The number AFTER the decimal AFTER the decimal indicates the section.
So, in my first semester, I took these classes (I'll give each an explanation):
5.111 - Principles of Chemical Science. This is a Course 5 class (Chemistry) that is one of the three intro classes that will fulfill the chemistry General Institute Requirement (GIR).
8.01 - Physics I. This is a Course 8 class (Physics) that is one of three classes that fulfill the Classical Mechanics GIR.
10.A13 - Chemical Accidents. This is a Course 10 class (Chemical Engineering) that serves as a Freshman Advising Seminar. Most classes are 12 units (12 hours of work per week, 4 credit hours), but the advising seminars are all six units.
18.01A - Single Variable Calculus Accelerated. This is a Course 18 class (Mathematics) that fulfills the first calculus GIR. It begins halfway through the course and lasts six weeks, covering any topics that weren't covered in AP Calculus AB and Mrs. Haynes's Calculus class.
18.02A - Multiple Variable Calculus Accelerated. This class fulfills the second calculus GIR and starts six weeks into the term (when 18.01A finishes). It can be finished in either January, which we call Independent Activities Period (IAP) or in the first half of the spring semester.
21W.732.03 - Introduction to Scientific and Technical Writing. This is a Course 21W Class (Writing) that fulfills part of the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) GIR. In addition to counting towards my eight required HASS classes, it counts as my required CI-HW class, which is a communication intensive humanities writing class. The .03 indicates my section, which was Writing About The Environment.
So those were my classes. One of the most awesome parts of MIT is that all first semester freshmen are on pass/no record. I'm proud to say I passed all of my classes, with the exception of 18.02A because I still have to finish it in IAP.
I, like many other freshmen, also had a very close call with 8.01. Many, many students fail this class, and the early reports are that I have passed the class. For some perspective, I made an 87 on the final... Out of 192. The average was 104. So we failed on average, pretty well I'd say. But I get to move on to my next semester, without losing any units, yay!
For those of my uninformed fellow Arabians, I pledged and am now a brother in the Sigma Nu fraternity. Those of you seniors about to go off to college:
PARTICIPATE IN RUSH!
You don't have to pledge anywhere, but you need to at least go through it. It was sooo much more fun than our orientation program.
Now to give you what's going on next semester.
3.094 - Materials in the Human Experience. This is a Course 3 class (Materials Science and Engineering) that fulfills part of the HASS requirement. It is basically two hours of lecture each week where we will learn how different cultures used different materials with a three hour lab where we will actually use those same materials. This is also a 9-unit class.
5.12 - Organic Chemistry I. This is not a GIR class, but it is a requirement for both majors I'm considering (more on that a little later).
7.013 - Introductory Biology. This is a Course 7 class (Biology) that fulfills the biology GIR. That's basically it. Ha ha.
8.02 - Physics II. This is one of two classes that fulfills the Electricity and Magnetism GIR.
18.03 - Differential Equations. This class fulfills a Restricted Elective in Science and Technology (REST) requirement for both majors I'm looking at. After this class, I have no other required math classes in my undergraduate years.
Unless otherwise stated, all classes are 12 units.
Here's a brief overview of my plans:
I want to declare my major as Course 5 at the end of the spring semester, but after about a year of study, provided I have a 4.0 (MIT uses the 5.0 scale: A 5, B 4, C 3, D 2), I want to declare a double major, also doing Course 10. To review, 5 is chemistry and 10 is chemical engineering.
I want to apply to Harvard grad school and get my Master's of Education.
Okay, I'd say that's a fair amount.
If you have any questions, you can leave them in comments, but leave an email address so I can get back to you if I need to.
Sincerely,
Drew
Monday, December 15, 2008
"Class of 2009"
To my dearest friends of the Class of 2009,
I wish you joy, blessings and strength.
I know how you feel.
I used to be you.
Anxiously watching the clock tick the days away.
I was invincible. Nothing could stop me.
Don't be like me.
April will hit you like a rock.
It did me.
I've never been so scared.
I've never been so depressed.
My life was put into perspective.
I didn't like what I saw.
Why am I telling you this?
I want you to be happier than I was.
These words are not meant to frighten,
But frighten they may.
The sooner you realize the truth,
The longer you have to overcome it.
I did.
The journey was not easy.
But no one ever said life would be.
Cherish this time.
Do not wish it away.
Yesterday's history.
Tomorrow's a mystery, as it is said.
Live for today.
Don't regret chances not taken.
Keep your friends close now.
You'll want to keep them tomorrow.
So, to you, my friends:
Please, don't wish it away.
Whatever you do.
It will be your greatest mistake.
Instead,
Cherish it.
It will be your greatest happiness.
I wish you joy, blessings and strength.
I know how you feel.
I used to be you.
Anxiously watching the clock tick the days away.
I was invincible. Nothing could stop me.
Don't be like me.
April will hit you like a rock.
It did me.
I've never been so scared.
I've never been so depressed.
My life was put into perspective.
I didn't like what I saw.
Why am I telling you this?
I want you to be happier than I was.
These words are not meant to frighten,
But frighten they may.
The sooner you realize the truth,
The longer you have to overcome it.
I did.
The journey was not easy.
But no one ever said life would be.
Cherish this time.
Do not wish it away.
Yesterday's history.
Tomorrow's a mystery, as it is said.
Live for today.
Don't regret chances not taken.
Keep your friends close now.
You'll want to keep them tomorrow.
So, to you, my friends:
Please, don't wish it away.
Whatever you do.
It will be your greatest mistake.
Instead,
Cherish it.
It will be your greatest happiness.
My Goals: A Revisitation [Original post: October 1, 2008]
Greetings one and all!
So, do many of you remember this posting from about 15-16 months ago? Don't stop though, there's more after the original post.
[OLD NEWS STARTS HERE]
This past week I've made some decisions for how I want my education and career to go. I want to put them on here just so that I will not forget (I tend to do that).
1) Become class president
Yes, I realize I will need much help from some of the most important to me, my friends.
2) Become valedictorian.
It's time to lock in and keep my grades up, no time for senioritis.
3) Get accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
That's a hurdle, yes. But, if I'm going to do this right, I'm going all out.
4) Be able to pay for college.
With a $40,000 per year price tag, this could get pretty expensive.
5) Earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
Just so that all my hard work will count for something.
6) Become a Harry S Truman scholar.
Graduate school will be expensive.
7) Get accepted to Harvard Law School.
Once again, to do it right, I'm going all out.
8) Earn my law degree.
Why else go to law school?
9) Pass the Alabama Bar Exam.
Yes, that's right. I'm going to come home after school.
10) Become certified to teach.
It's always been a passion of mine, and it's nice to have another fall-back.
11) When eligible, become elected to the Alabama House of Representavies or the Alabama Senate.
We have a good state, there's just a few things holding us back (and, no, I am not referring to the *ahem* incident).
There you have it, my goals for education and one for my career. Until I'm old enough to complete number 11, I'll probably rotate between engineering, practicing law, and teaching. If you have any input, I'd be happy to hear it, good or bad. Well, that's all for now, byes!
[END OLD NEWS HERE]
All right. So, I just wanted to release my revised list.
[COMPLETED GOALS]
1) Become class president [Check]
Thanks to everyone who helped! It was a task!
2) Become valedictorian. [Check]
I hope you guys enjoyed my speech!
3) Get accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. [Check]
March 15, 2008 baby! It roxxored my soxxors.
4) Be able to pay for college. [Check]
MIT Financial Aid = <3
[THINGS TO COME]
5) Earn a double major in chemical engineering/chemistry
I want the ChemE, but I'll need the chemistry. You'll see.
6) Get accepted to the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
If I want to teach something, it has to be my major (hence chemistry).
7) Pay for graduate school.
Nuff said.
8) Earn my Master's in Education.
Finish up the one year program at Hahvahd.
9) Become certified to teach.
The perfect way to pause an academic pursuit.
10) Get a job at Arab High School.
I want to be there. That's where I belong.
So there you have it, Drew's Revised List of Goals! I did four within a year, but the next five will take at least five years. The last one may take longer.
Hope you enjoyed exploring my mind.
Peace, all!
So, do many of you remember this posting from about 15-16 months ago? Don't stop though, there's more after the original post.
[OLD NEWS STARTS HERE]
This past week I've made some decisions for how I want my education and career to go. I want to put them on here just so that I will not forget (I tend to do that).
1) Become class president
Yes, I realize I will need much help from some of the most important to me, my friends.
2) Become valedictorian.
It's time to lock in and keep my grades up, no time for senioritis.
3) Get accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
That's a hurdle, yes. But, if I'm going to do this right, I'm going all out.
4) Be able to pay for college.
With a $40,000 per year price tag, this could get pretty expensive.
5) Earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
Just so that all my hard work will count for something.
6) Become a Harry S Truman scholar.
Graduate school will be expensive.
7) Get accepted to Harvard Law School.
Once again, to do it right, I'm going all out.
8) Earn my law degree.
Why else go to law school?
9) Pass the Alabama Bar Exam.
Yes, that's right. I'm going to come home after school.
10) Become certified to teach.
It's always been a passion of mine, and it's nice to have another fall-back.
11) When eligible, become elected to the Alabama House of Representavies or the Alabama Senate.
We have a good state, there's just a few things holding us back (and, no, I am not referring to the *ahem* incident).
There you have it, my goals for education and one for my career. Until I'm old enough to complete number 11, I'll probably rotate between engineering, practicing law, and teaching. If you have any input, I'd be happy to hear it, good or bad. Well, that's all for now, byes!
[END OLD NEWS HERE]
All right. So, I just wanted to release my revised list.
[COMPLETED GOALS]
1) Become class president [Check]
Thanks to everyone who helped! It was a task!
2) Become valedictorian. [Check]
I hope you guys enjoyed my speech!
3) Get accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. [Check]
March 15, 2008 baby! It roxxored my soxxors.
4) Be able to pay for college. [Check]
MIT Financial Aid = <3
[THINGS TO COME]
5) Earn a double major in chemical engineering/chemistry
I want the ChemE, but I'll need the chemistry. You'll see.
6) Get accepted to the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
If I want to teach something, it has to be my major (hence chemistry).
7) Pay for graduate school.
Nuff said.
8) Earn my Master's in Education.
Finish up the one year program at Hahvahd.
9) Become certified to teach.
The perfect way to pause an academic pursuit.
10) Get a job at Arab High School.
I want to be there. That's where I belong.
So there you have it, Drew's Revised List of Goals! I did four within a year, but the next five will take at least five years. The last one may take longer.
Hope you enjoyed exploring my mind.
Peace, all!
Boston/Cambridge/MIT [Original post: August 19, 2008]
Aight guys. Here goes.
Well, I've been here since Sunday, and there's an epic story.
Flight leaves at 6:35. Well, I get there and they tell me there's a quicker flight so I switch over.
I arrive at Charlotte, NC, about 8:50 or 9:00 EDT. I rush over, across the airport, to get on my flight for Logan International Airport.
I arrive in Boston, MA, about noon. No one seems to know ANYTHING about a shuttle to MIT. So, I pay $2 and hop the Silver Line bus over to South Station, where I grab the metro (red line subway) over to Kendall Square/MIT.
Well, there are like no maps anywhere. I spent the following two hours navigating my way through MIT, terribly, to find MacGregor, my dorm building.
I spent the following 30 or so minutes trying to find my room itself. The room is much easier to get to with my MIT ID.
So now here I am. I've been doing stuff with the First-year Academic and Multicultural Enrichment program over the past day or so. It's been pretty cool and all. Some of us walked around Boston for a couple of hours tonight.
So far, things to be going fairly smoothly. I'm still getting a feel for where everything is, though.
However, Thanksgiving Break is going to rock my socks OFF! I'll be home and we are gonna rock Arab.
Have a great year everyone!
Well, I've been here since Sunday, and there's an epic story.
Flight leaves at 6:35. Well, I get there and they tell me there's a quicker flight so I switch over.
I arrive at Charlotte, NC, about 8:50 or 9:00 EDT. I rush over, across the airport, to get on my flight for Logan International Airport.
I arrive in Boston, MA, about noon. No one seems to know ANYTHING about a shuttle to MIT. So, I pay $2 and hop the Silver Line bus over to South Station, where I grab the metro (red line subway) over to Kendall Square/MIT.
Well, there are like no maps anywhere. I spent the following two hours navigating my way through MIT, terribly, to find MacGregor, my dorm building.
I spent the following 30 or so minutes trying to find my room itself. The room is much easier to get to with my MIT ID.
So now here I am. I've been doing stuff with the First-year Academic and Multicultural Enrichment program over the past day or so. It's been pretty cool and all. Some of us walked around Boston for a couple of hours tonight.
So far, things to be going fairly smoothly. I'm still getting a feel for where everything is, though.
However, Thanksgiving Break is going to rock my socks OFF! I'll be home and we are gonna rock Arab.
Have a great year everyone!
College Bound [Original post: July 16, 2008]
Well, it's been a good bit since graduation. Gee, was THAT memorable. Haha. I wonder if any of our future classmates will talk about it... Anywho.
All eyes of the Class of 2008 are on August for one reason (or more):
It's not the same old August.
We're not in high school anymore. However, many of us are off to college this fall. Jeff, Josh, Justin, Justin, Kris and several others are off to good old UAH. Which means for all you underclassmen, they're just a quick drive from a visit to hang out. Same goes for Michael and the others at Snead and Wallace. Michael, Rachel, Evan and a few others are at metropolitan UAB. Have fun visiting them. Bleh to traffic. Bleg to gas. While in Birmingham, swing by Samford to chill with Lindsey and Luke! Maybe head around Jefferson and stop at Montevallo to see Shannon and the others. Visit the plains and there will be Josh, Lauren and other friends at AU. Swing towards Mississippi but don't miss UA for Emily and our other Arabians. Amos, Tyler, Cody and Reianna will say hey (okay, maybe not Amos) if you stop at MSU in Starkville.
Everyone's so close to one another, it'll be kinda like high school... A little.
Well. Not for all of us.
I'll be away. :(
With no near Arabians besides Steven at Harvard, I'll be at MIT.
-sigh-
I'm gonna miss you guys.
That's all I really wanted to say.
So, once again,
I AM FOR SERIOUSLY GONNA MISS YOU GUYS!
All eyes of the Class of 2008 are on August for one reason (or more):
It's not the same old August.
We're not in high school anymore. However, many of us are off to college this fall. Jeff, Josh, Justin, Justin, Kris and several others are off to good old UAH. Which means for all you underclassmen, they're just a quick drive from a visit to hang out. Same goes for Michael and the others at Snead and Wallace. Michael, Rachel, Evan and a few others are at metropolitan UAB. Have fun visiting them. Bleh to traffic. Bleg to gas. While in Birmingham, swing by Samford to chill with Lindsey and Luke! Maybe head around Jefferson and stop at Montevallo to see Shannon and the others. Visit the plains and there will be Josh, Lauren and other friends at AU. Swing towards Mississippi but don't miss UA for Emily and our other Arabians. Amos, Tyler, Cody and Reianna will say hey (okay, maybe not Amos) if you stop at MSU in Starkville.
Everyone's so close to one another, it'll be kinda like high school... A little.
Well. Not for all of us.
I'll be away. :(
With no near Arabians besides Steven at Harvard, I'll be at MIT.
-sigh-
I'm gonna miss you guys.
That's all I really wanted to say.
So, once again,
I AM FOR SERIOUSLY GONNA MISS YOU GUYS!
Poems [Original post: June 9, 2008]
I was just going through my documents the other day, and I found a lot of poems that I may or may not have previously posted. Here ya go.
Battling within myself at the start of my senior year.
As though I'm on the very edge of the universe itself,
Hoping, thinking, planning each step, lest I should fall,
Here I teeter, to the left, to the right, no choices clear.
My thoughts are clouded with battling viewpoints.
My brain pours out piece after piece of meaningless logic,
Calling me foolish, idiotic, and downright insane.
And, truly, who really knows? It may be correct.
But even if that is true, does it make me wrong?
Telling me this is right, telling me to persevere.
With each rhythmic lub-dub comes another burst of glee,
Echoing through every fiber of my being.
Thus is the eternal struggle within each of us.
Do we do what makes perfect sense and follow our minds?
Or do we do what makes none at all and follow our hearts?
Still, could there be some method to the madness of the heart?
As humans, we see it logical to do that which benefits us, true.
We say the heart is illogical because it speaks without reason.
We fear to act upon it because it can make a wise man a fool.
Perhaps that's why "only fools fall in love…"
However, acts from the heart, truly from the heart,
Can have a profound effect on a person,
They can change him, or her, for the best,
And, therefore, become logical to carry out.
But who am I to speak?
I'm a simple person, who has not scratched the surface of existence,
Simply torn between my brain and my heart,
Longing to hold on to what we have forever,
Knowing that, if nurtured, it could be so much more,
And standing here on the universe's edge.
"Never Before"
Revelation to myself the summer after my junior year.
Never have I been fond of spirals and loop-de-loops,
But my heart seems to have developed a liking for them.
Never before has it had me in such a whirl of chaos,
Making me question my whole outlook on life.
Constantly I wonder, and wonder, and wonder, and wonder,
Only one question, ultimately, seems to be on my mind.
I ask myself repeatedly, "Do I dare? Do I dare? Do I dare?"
Always is my answer one of confusion and uncertainty.
For long, I took to decrypting the signals sent to my mind,
From my heart they originated, that confounded muscle!
Of my feelings, I am now completely certain, leaving no doubt,
However, her feelings…they evade my knowledge so.
And so, I seek refuge in the written word, as poets passed,
My words do not confuse me. My words do not question me.
They convey me, convey my thoughts and emotions to the world,
All in the desperate attempt to express my inexpressible self.
If I could, I would. Oh, how I would, if I could,
Express myself to her, lifting these clouds of mystery.
My nature confines me, sadly, to my words and poems,
Through them alone may I cryptically release my tale.
Though with several before have I connected,
But in so few have I seen a possibility.
The odds are stacked, as often they are, against my favor,
Solely because I lack the experience and courage.
Shall I be confined to admire from afar forever?
Or shall I find away to make it known, to muster the courage?
They say time is miraculous, healing all wounds eventually,
Unfortunately, it is limiting for me, dwindling with every word.
All I can do now is hope that my words shall influence her,
But, sadly, never before have my words caused the needed stir.
"So Many Days"
Ponderings at the close of my junior year.
A brief one hundred eighty days are gone in a flash.
Here we stand, waiting for the remainder to dwindle,
But as we pause, we are reminded of things gone by.
So many days behind us, so many days to come.
August was a time for longing, wishing for a return to May
We wished the year would push on, leaving the beginning behind.
September opened our eyes to the reality we would endure
The ease of the beginning had passed and now was the time to work.
October brought the delight of the end of the first quarter
A delight to those in their final year, an achievement to those in their first.
November was a time of relative calm, the turmoil of December still on the way
With it came Thanksgiving, a time of travel, family, and food.
December came, and it was as it is now, exam preparations abound!
It seemed that after a blink, the year was half done.
With the first half behind us, we stopped to breathe, waiting for what was to come.
The second half of the task was set to begin shortly after the holidays.
With it would come spring, a time of love, rebirth, and many, many excursions.
So many days behind us, just as many to come.
January was slow and humdrum, reminding us vaguely of August.
We returned, it's true, but our work was slow to catch-up.
February brought the end of a season of building, ending a six-week task.
Midmonth, however, brought a day of love and infatuation.
March began the marathon of trips! Here and there and everywhere!
Arab to
April continued the trips, but we soon realized the year was nearly done.
Those in the final year rejoiced while us below mourned their soon departure.
May is now upon us and its final days draw to a close, putting us in a whirl of frenzy.
It is true, we are relieved, but many friendships must endure a separation, perhaps brief.
Now we stand at a crossroads, not knowing what is to come in the next year.
Three years of us remain, one year has left, but another year is to come.
To some farewell, to some others welcome, and to the rest, here we go again…
So many days behind us, so few to come.
"The Sunrise"
Revisitation to previous feelings in the spring of my junior year.
I gazed upon the distant horizon and the rising Sun,
As it rose, the sky was flooded with a sea of purple and red,
The more I viewed, the more inclined I felt to reflect,
I remembered back, thoughtfully, recalling our past,
By Summer's end, we two were happy and Tomorrow seemed well,
Like children were we, amused at one's slightest confusion,
I fondly recall making a fool of myself in front of you,
It was then that Fall brought a cold wind of change to us,
I did not, do not, and will not ever enjoy the news I received,
Alone, I lamented, but I then confessed my feelings to you,
Your response gave me a shimmer of Hope, and things were well,
Mistakenly, I eased away, giving you space to contemplate,
When I was too far, you kept your decision and repeated the news,
But as far as I could tell, it was for certain and forever,
As Time marched on, the gap widened, yet I did nothing to close it,
Still, Winter came and brought a wind of change…for the better,
Again we spoke, the gap narrowed, but your feelings remained the same,
My feelings for you grew stronger, but your behavior confused me so,
One day you would act as though you felt as I do, but not the next,
My mind is stuck in a vortex, never have I been so confused,
And, at times, I contemplate just giving up entirely, but I cannot,
Now, as Spring begins to blossom forth, I watch the Sun in the sky,
Its overwhelming beauty reminds me only of you, and I can only ponder,
"My feelings for you never changed. Do you feel for me as I do for you?"
Graduation II [Original post: May 30, 2008]
For anyone who wants it, here's my speech from graduation. I hope you like it and Class of 2008!!! WOOHOO!
Good evening graduates, teachers, administrators, family and friends. We graduates before you have been working to reach this night for 2,285 days, and in those days we have achieved so much. In the Class of 2008, we had more students to score a 30 or better on the ACT than any other class to come through Arab High School; we have thirteen honor graduates, about seven percent of the class; and everyone in our class has successfully completed the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. As you can see, our class is pretty much awesome. But joking aside, my purpose tonight is not to give you a recap of the last thirteen years of our lives. I want to give you a little insight into our futures.
As Mr. Reed passes out the day's chemistry or physics test, he tries to chase away students' fears by proclaiming, "It's fair and easy." Though few students would ever admit it, Mr. Reed's words ring with a melody of truth. While the test may seem difficult, every bit of the material was, at one point or another, covered and explained. Unfortunately, life is not fair, and life is not easy. There is no page, no chapter and no textbook to tell us what to do and what is going to be on our "test." The dishonest and deceitful may prosper while the virtuous may struggle. All too often we hear tales of the downtrodden and miserable, just trying to make it from day to day. Sadly, things may get much worse before they ever get better, unless someone steps in to make it better. Mark Twain tells us, "Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest." I believe this class will do just that.
Over the past several years of our lives, our families have been there for us in some way or another. Speaking of family, it is unique to me that we are graduating today because today is my little sister's tenth birthday, and here I am stealing her spotlight. Sorry, Brooke and happy birthday. Some may say, "There will be other birthdays, but you only graduate once!" Well, that is no excuse when it comes to family, because someday, we will be the ones on those bleachers, watching our children walk across the field, completing their thirteen year journey, realizing we helped them in every way we could. Some of us will go on to have families of our own, some of us will not, and some of us just have no idea. No matter which course we choose, though, we have to thank and appreciate what our families do for us today because we may very well be in the same position they are in tomorrow. In the words of Alexander Pope, "We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow. Our wiser sons, no doubt will think us so." We can laugh now, but one day the tables will be turned.
Important to us and second to family are our friends. They have been with us through the good, the bad and anything between the two. You know, failing a "fair and easy" test, getting dumped by your "soul mate," rolling that yard, or even just skipping, I mean missing school because you were "sick." Leaving Arab, though, we will make new friends. But we risk leaving behind the friends here completely. I transferred to Arab in the fifth grade and met my best friend Jeff the next year. Sadly, though, I lost touch with many friends in my previous school. We must not lose the friends we have now as we meet our futures. It is as the old rhyme goes:
"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
We are leaving. Never again will we stroll those halls, with or without the all-mighty orange card, and never again will we sit in the lunchroom on Thursdays to enjoy our pizza and corn. Whether we are as far away as Boston or as close as Huntsville, we are all graduates of the Arab High School Class of 2008. We have accomplished much in a brief thirteen years, but I believe we have so much more to show you. As we begin our lives away from home and each other, we can only ask, "Who will we be, what will we do and who will be there for us?" Check back with us in ten years or so.
Good evening graduates, teachers, administrators, family and friends. We graduates before you have been working to reach this night for 2,285 days, and in those days we have achieved so much. In the Class of 2008, we had more students to score a 30 or better on the ACT than any other class to come through Arab High School; we have thirteen honor graduates, about seven percent of the class; and everyone in our class has successfully completed the Alabama High School Graduation Exam. As you can see, our class is pretty much awesome. But joking aside, my purpose tonight is not to give you a recap of the last thirteen years of our lives. I want to give you a little insight into our futures.
As Mr. Reed passes out the day's chemistry or physics test, he tries to chase away students' fears by proclaiming, "It's fair and easy." Though few students would ever admit it, Mr. Reed's words ring with a melody of truth. While the test may seem difficult, every bit of the material was, at one point or another, covered and explained. Unfortunately, life is not fair, and life is not easy. There is no page, no chapter and no textbook to tell us what to do and what is going to be on our "test." The dishonest and deceitful may prosper while the virtuous may struggle. All too often we hear tales of the downtrodden and miserable, just trying to make it from day to day. Sadly, things may get much worse before they ever get better, unless someone steps in to make it better. Mark Twain tells us, "Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest." I believe this class will do just that.
Over the past several years of our lives, our families have been there for us in some way or another. Speaking of family, it is unique to me that we are graduating today because today is my little sister's tenth birthday, and here I am stealing her spotlight. Sorry, Brooke and happy birthday. Some may say, "There will be other birthdays, but you only graduate once!" Well, that is no excuse when it comes to family, because someday, we will be the ones on those bleachers, watching our children walk across the field, completing their thirteen year journey, realizing we helped them in every way we could. Some of us will go on to have families of our own, some of us will not, and some of us just have no idea. No matter which course we choose, though, we have to thank and appreciate what our families do for us today because we may very well be in the same position they are in tomorrow. In the words of Alexander Pope, "We think our fathers fools, so wise we grow. Our wiser sons, no doubt will think us so." We can laugh now, but one day the tables will be turned.
Important to us and second to family are our friends. They have been with us through the good, the bad and anything between the two. You know, failing a "fair and easy" test, getting dumped by your "soul mate," rolling that yard, or even just skipping, I mean missing school because you were "sick." Leaving Arab, though, we will make new friends. But we risk leaving behind the friends here completely. I transferred to Arab in the fifth grade and met my best friend Jeff the next year. Sadly, though, I lost touch with many friends in my previous school. We must not lose the friends we have now as we meet our futures. It is as the old rhyme goes:
"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
We are leaving. Never again will we stroll those halls, with or without the all-mighty orange card, and never again will we sit in the lunchroom on Thursdays to enjoy our pizza and corn. Whether we are as far away as Boston or as close as Huntsville, we are all graduates of the Arab High School Class of 2008. We have accomplished much in a brief thirteen years, but I believe we have so much more to show you. As we begin our lives away from home and each other, we can only ask, "Who will we be, what will we do and who will be there for us?" Check back with us in ten years or so.
"Graduation"
Graduation quickly approaches.
We know how those before us felt.
We know how those after us will feel.
Hard to think we have just a week.
We once were freshman...
Thank God that's over.
We laugh at the ones we have now,
Always remembering how we once were.
We once were sophomores...
But no one could spell it!
We make fun of them for not being able to,
Always remembering how we once were.
We once were juniors...
How awesome that was!
We remind them they are not as cool as us,
Always remembering how we once were.
We now are seniors...
But not for long...
Our parents have raised us,
Our teachers have taught us,
Our friends have helped us,
And here we are.
With the moving of a tassel,
Part of our lives ends.
With the handing of a page,
Part of our lives begins.
We will hear administrators,
We will hear other students,
But in the end, all that matters,
Is what we hear in our hearts.
These words are meant for all,
The ones who have,
The ones who are,
And the ones who will.
From the Class of 2008:
The Class of 2009.
You soon will be in our place.
Set the right example, have fun,
But be careful.
The Class of 2010.
You're not quite there yet.
This is the year to build youself up,
But don't get knocked down.
The Class of 2011.
You've finally made it.
You're no longer the freshman.
Make sure the Class of 2012 knows that.
The Class of 2012.
Welcome to high school. Sorry we're not there.
Prepare for four years of memories.
You're the bottom for a year. Enjoy.
Words for all to come,
Words for all to read.
Just remember one thing:
CLASS OF 2008 WAS HERE!
We know how those before us felt.
We know how those after us will feel.
Hard to think we have just a week.
We once were freshman...
Thank God that's over.
We laugh at the ones we have now,
Always remembering how we once were.
We once were sophomores...
But no one could spell it!
We make fun of them for not being able to,
Always remembering how we once were.
We once were juniors...
How awesome that was!
We remind them they are not as cool as us,
Always remembering how we once were.
We now are seniors...
But not for long...
Our parents have raised us,
Our teachers have taught us,
Our friends have helped us,
And here we are.
With the moving of a tassel,
Part of our lives ends.
With the handing of a page,
Part of our lives begins.
We will hear administrators,
We will hear other students,
But in the end, all that matters,
Is what we hear in our hearts.
These words are meant for all,
The ones who have,
The ones who are,
And the ones who will.
From the Class of 2008:
The Class of 2009.
You soon will be in our place.
Set the right example, have fun,
But be careful.
The Class of 2010.
You're not quite there yet.
This is the year to build youself up,
But don't get knocked down.
The Class of 2011.
You've finally made it.
You're no longer the freshman.
Make sure the Class of 2012 knows that.
The Class of 2012.
Welcome to high school. Sorry we're not there.
Prepare for four years of memories.
You're the bottom for a year. Enjoy.
Words for all to come,
Words for all to read.
Just remember one thing:
CLASS OF 2008 WAS HERE!
"Who Am I?"
You may ask who I am.
Simply put, I am Drew.
I am Larry to some.
I am Andy to one.
I like math.
There, I said it.
I like helping people.
I fear being alone.
I try to be social.
I know how it works.
I am timid.
I am afraid.
I am uncertain.
I want another with me.
I hang on to my friends.
I wait for the one to appear.
I am not crazy.
I am eccentric.
I don’t think too much.
I think about the same thing too long.
Who am I?
I am Drew.
I go to Arab High School.
I am a senior.
I am going to change the world.
Simply put, I am Drew.
I am Larry to some.
I am Andy to one.
I like math.
There, I said it.
I like helping people.
I fear being alone.
I try to be social.
I know how it works.
I am timid.
I am afraid.
I am uncertain.
I want another with me.
I hang on to my friends.
I wait for the one to appear.
I am not crazy.
I am eccentric.
I don’t think too much.
I think about the same thing too long.
Who am I?
I am Drew.
I go to Arab High School.
I am a senior.
I am going to change the world.
Doing Well So Far [Original post: March 19, 2008]
I realized earlier today that I have done something. I remembered a blog I posted almost 3/4s of a year ago that was essentially a list of my goals. The first goal was to become class president. Miraculously, I pulled that one off, thanks to the help of a LOT of people =]. What made me remember my list was the third goal I had listed, to be accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which just so happens to be the second goal on the list I achieved. When I made that list, I don’t know how serious I was being. I wanted something to do at the time, but I also wanted something to try for. Looking back, I don’t know if I actually believed I could do those things. For even more good news, Arab High School Beta Club swept through the state convention and picked up several state titles! What I do know is that I’m in high school for about two and a half more months. That’s it. Will I complete that list? Well, that’s anyone’s guess. For now, I’m just content being me, president or not, accepted or not, state champ or not, but always Drew.
To Whom It May Concern [Original post: December 2, 2007]
I have lost myself. Never before have I hated myself as much as I do now. I don't know where I became what I am, but I hate it. The person I see in me does not deserve any form of social contact with any human being lest he make them subhuman. Yes, I believe myself to be subhuman. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm not. All I know is that no one should be like this. This is a fate that I would wish on my worst enemy. Because it affects those around me rather than myself. It hurts them. It makes them hate to be around me. And I hate that. I would sooner sever all lines of contact with someone rather than have them suffer the punishment of who I am. I push them away and probably hurt them. I won't let myself do anything else. The only other option is for me to run, to distance myself. I know I've changed. I thought it was for the better at first. Ha, shows anyone who has said I'm always right. Who I am is who I've become, not who I was. Who I was tried his best to bring joy to everyone. Who I am has just made hate. But, that hate gives reason to avoid contact with me. In an odd way, making people hate me allows me to keep them from me. I hate me, too. But I can't get away from me. I'm stuck with me. You, the reader, can get away. I advise you to do so, unless you know what you're in for. I would like nothing more than to be who I was.
Who I was...
I'm afraid that Drew is dead.
Perhaps not.
If he is, maybe I can become yet another new Drew. We'll see.
I do know this: I never wanted to be who I am.
Who I was...
I'm afraid that Drew is dead.
Perhaps not.
If he is, maybe I can become yet another new Drew. We'll see.
I do know this: I never wanted to be who I am.
Life... Sort Of [Original post: November 9, 2007]
You ever stop and just wonder?
For example, why do we express such a complex and varied concept as life with such a short word and then have the first assistant to the third director of the board under the direction of the fifth chairman of the seventh assembly to the third vice-president in charge of fonts in our bureaucratic systems? This, however, is of little import.
What I have truly been pondering is myself... And I've discovered that I'm not who I thought I was.
I once thought that I was content working with thoughts, facts, figures, and ideas. In a few short months, I've come to realize that I need people. Sure, I've had my friends and we have fun whenever we go to restaurants or to the movies or even just to school, but I never truly realized what that meant.
Some say that their lives are full, that they cannot have anymore friends. I used to be content with how I was. I had the friends I had and I was somewhat against the idea of making new friends.
Recently, within the past year, more accurately, I've found this to be less and less the case, not only around those I have known, but not actually known, but even around those who I didn't even know existed!
Want to know how to figure someone out?
Play a game of cards with them. Particularly, Egyptian Rat Screw, ERS, Slap, or whatever you call it. Upon first glance at someone, he or she may seem introverted, shy, quiet, anything of that matter. But when the slapping begins, the true colors show, usually to a pleasant surprise.
Also, as a side note, I realize that I'm idea-hopping. Get used to it. That's how I roll.
Ah, music.
Until recently, I'd taken it for granted. I would hear a song, like it, get it, be done. Now... I hear a song, like it, look it up, find a deeper meaning, research the artist, find other songs by the artist, find artists similar to that artist. Some music is relaxing, some is heart-pumping, some is thought provoking, and some just tug at our emotions by evoking memories with each note and lyric.
What of ourselves?
Yes, we like to be around those with similar likes, dislikes, interests, and whatnot to us, but what of those who do what we cannot? Of those who cannot do what we can?
The more I think, the more I am convinced that I admire, if not love platonically, those qualities and abilities in others that I, myself, lack.
One thing weighing heavily on the minds of many seniors is graduation. On one hand, it will be a new beginning. It will be the end-all of K-12. On the other, it is what I said, the end. Yes, we want to leave and prepare to start our own lives.
But... What will we leave behind?
Sure, the closer you stay, the easier it may be on you. But can one truly manage to remain sane without seeing those who mean the most to you on a regular basis? It scares me to think that the very friends who I play cards with at school will not always be at that table with me, ready to deal and, if necessarily, brutally slam my hand.
While I'm spilling, let's discuss love, shall we? Well, you really don't have much of a say in the matter, now do you?
The fact of the matter is that there are no facts. This can be quite upsetting to one set in his or her mind on using facts, much as I was. When I began considering this concept we call love, I realized that I would have to detact myself from, well, myself. The old Drew would have spent hours trying to make dollars out of pesos. Sure, you'll get some rough equivalent to what you want, if you're lucky, but you'll never quite get what it is that you're trying to get... Instead, take logic out. Throw caution to the wind. The mind cannot comprehend what the heart cannot convey in a sensible manner, but that does not make it wrong.
If you've read this far... Thank you. I like having someone look inside my mind... It makes me feel more like a person and less like a machine...
I've heard many things from many people about many things. Some are good...Other...Erm...Not so much. Rarely have I been insulted to my face, but I do not find solace in that. It's the insulting behind my back that gets to me. To know that I am causing someone a grief, for one of my biggest fears is letting people down because, to me, that makes me a failure to them and to myself, does not even compare to not knowing why.
Why?
Why?
Why?
We hear that question a lot. What we rarely hear is the answer...
I pose to you this challenge. Do something different. Don't be someone else, but you don't exactly have to be yourself. Do something out of the ordinary. Be spontaneous! But what if someone asks you why you did it... "Why would you do that? Where is the logic? What were you thinking? Why? Why? Why!?"
Well, there is only one answer.
To close...And to answer...
Well... Why not?
For example, why do we express such a complex and varied concept as life with such a short word and then have the first assistant to the third director of the board under the direction of the fifth chairman of the seventh assembly to the third vice-president in charge of fonts in our bureaucratic systems? This, however, is of little import.
What I have truly been pondering is myself... And I've discovered that I'm not who I thought I was.
I once thought that I was content working with thoughts, facts, figures, and ideas. In a few short months, I've come to realize that I need people. Sure, I've had my friends and we have fun whenever we go to restaurants or to the movies or even just to school, but I never truly realized what that meant.
Some say that their lives are full, that they cannot have anymore friends. I used to be content with how I was. I had the friends I had and I was somewhat against the idea of making new friends.
Recently, within the past year, more accurately, I've found this to be less and less the case, not only around those I have known, but not actually known, but even around those who I didn't even know existed!
Want to know how to figure someone out?
Play a game of cards with them. Particularly, Egyptian Rat Screw, ERS, Slap, or whatever you call it. Upon first glance at someone, he or she may seem introverted, shy, quiet, anything of that matter. But when the slapping begins, the true colors show, usually to a pleasant surprise.
Also, as a side note, I realize that I'm idea-hopping. Get used to it. That's how I roll.
Ah, music.
Until recently, I'd taken it for granted. I would hear a song, like it, get it, be done. Now... I hear a song, like it, look it up, find a deeper meaning, research the artist, find other songs by the artist, find artists similar to that artist. Some music is relaxing, some is heart-pumping, some is thought provoking, and some just tug at our emotions by evoking memories with each note and lyric.
What of ourselves?
Yes, we like to be around those with similar likes, dislikes, interests, and whatnot to us, but what of those who do what we cannot? Of those who cannot do what we can?
The more I think, the more I am convinced that I admire, if not love platonically, those qualities and abilities in others that I, myself, lack.
One thing weighing heavily on the minds of many seniors is graduation. On one hand, it will be a new beginning. It will be the end-all of K-12. On the other, it is what I said, the end. Yes, we want to leave and prepare to start our own lives.
But... What will we leave behind?
Sure, the closer you stay, the easier it may be on you. But can one truly manage to remain sane without seeing those who mean the most to you on a regular basis? It scares me to think that the very friends who I play cards with at school will not always be at that table with me, ready to deal and, if necessarily, brutally slam my hand.
While I'm spilling, let's discuss love, shall we? Well, you really don't have much of a say in the matter, now do you?
The fact of the matter is that there are no facts. This can be quite upsetting to one set in his or her mind on using facts, much as I was. When I began considering this concept we call love, I realized that I would have to detact myself from, well, myself. The old Drew would have spent hours trying to make dollars out of pesos. Sure, you'll get some rough equivalent to what you want, if you're lucky, but you'll never quite get what it is that you're trying to get... Instead, take logic out. Throw caution to the wind. The mind cannot comprehend what the heart cannot convey in a sensible manner, but that does not make it wrong.
If you've read this far... Thank you. I like having someone look inside my mind... It makes me feel more like a person and less like a machine...
I've heard many things from many people about many things. Some are good...Other...Erm...Not so much. Rarely have I been insulted to my face, but I do not find solace in that. It's the insulting behind my back that gets to me. To know that I am causing someone a grief, for one of my biggest fears is letting people down because, to me, that makes me a failure to them and to myself, does not even compare to not knowing why.
Why?
Why?
Why?
We hear that question a lot. What we rarely hear is the answer...
I pose to you this challenge. Do something different. Don't be someone else, but you don't exactly have to be yourself. Do something out of the ordinary. Be spontaneous! But what if someone asks you why you did it... "Why would you do that? Where is the logic? What were you thinking? Why? Why? Why!?"
Well, there is only one answer.
To close...And to answer...
Well... Why not?
"Hope: What and Why?"
When all hope is gone, just open your mind
You'll soon realize that it never left
You kept it all the while, just waiting
Wait, wait, wait... That's all you do
But what is hope? Why is hope?
Some would call it optimism
Others may say ignorance
I, on the other hand, must disagree
Hope is somewhat of a longing feeling
When you've been consumed by one thing
When you can't imagine being without it
When it keeps you up late at night
When you spend every waking moment wanting it to remain
Whether "it" be a place of happiness
Whether "it" be a thing or animal
Or whether "it," especially, be another person
Hope is the longing to keep it close
Why do we hope?
It gives us some sense of control
Because, as we're told, if we can imagine it, we can do it
As long as we think we can do it, we are complacent
Without hope, we may turn to despair
Without hope, we may turn to vice
People need hope. Without it, there is nothing
And nothing makes us empty
So as long as you can hope
As long as you can keep it alive
You will be able to keep the nothingness away
You will not be empty inside, though you may fell that way
As long as hope remains, a path to happiness remains, as well.
You'll soon realize that it never left
You kept it all the while, just waiting
Wait, wait, wait... That's all you do
But what is hope? Why is hope?
Some would call it optimism
Others may say ignorance
I, on the other hand, must disagree
Hope is somewhat of a longing feeling
When you've been consumed by one thing
When you can't imagine being without it
When it keeps you up late at night
When you spend every waking moment wanting it to remain
Whether "it" be a place of happiness
Whether "it" be a thing or animal
Or whether "it," especially, be another person
Hope is the longing to keep it close
Why do we hope?
It gives us some sense of control
Because, as we're told, if we can imagine it, we can do it
As long as we think we can do it, we are complacent
Without hope, we may turn to despair
Without hope, we may turn to vice
People need hope. Without it, there is nothing
And nothing makes us empty
So as long as you can hope
As long as you can keep it alive
You will be able to keep the nothingness away
You will not be empty inside, though you may fell that way
As long as hope remains, a path to happiness remains, as well.
Thank You!!! [Original post: September 15, 2007]
Geez, where do I start? Well, first off, thanks to everyone who voted for me, I really couldn't have done it without you. I'd like to thank the band as a group and as individuals because I know you guys (and girls) have been some of my biggest supporters. I'd also like to thank my best friends, particularly Jeff, Steven, and Emily (along with the rest of Team Drew!)...And that's just the senior class. I know Rachel and Amber and Justin and Chris many other juniors were behind me in this so I want to thank all of you as well. And to the handfulls of sophomores and freshmen, a thank you as well. I'd like to congratulate all of my opponents, and those defeated in other offices, on very well run campaigns. To Lindsey, Mallory, and Kaci, congratulations on winning! Now, let's try to make this the best year ever! If I didn't mention you, I'm sorry! I did my best but I'm on a little medicine right now!
Decision: 2007? [Original post: September 3, 2007]
Part of this came from a bulletin post I made. I didn't want the message lost because it's an important one. To start off, it's that time of year again.
Yes, the time when the hallways become covered in a mess of fliers and posters advocating this candidate and that, when we get out of class to hear the officer speeches, and when we just get to vote on who, if you're a freshman or sophomore, will do nothing other than design t-shirts and the Homecoming float. If you're a junior, your officers get to do that AND plan prom not for you, oh no, for the seniors. Ah, the seniors. Our officers don't plan the prom...They plan the reunions...All of them...For life. The senior class officers, once elected, are officers for LIFE. Well, I'm running for president this year and I'd just like to know what all of you think as far as, well, anything. And this isn't just directed towards the seniors, it's for everyone. Because, though our officers lead the senior class, does not the rest of the school look to the seniors for guidance? Well, like I said, I'm running and I'd like to hear some opinions. Advice is also greatly appreciated.
Drew.
I wrote that as a message to you all. Not as a speech idea, but just a simple message. Yes, the freshman and sophomore officers are important, but not as much as the junior officers (by the way, juniors, vote for Rachel for president and Amber for VP). I mean, after all, they plan the prom. But as important as they are, the senior officers are more important still. Don't call me biased, I've got a reason or two for it. For one, like I mentioned, the officers the seniors elect will be the officers for the next year, and the next, and the next, and the next, until death! While prom has a decorative(artsy people can decorate better, trust me), party-like atmosphere, the senior officers must plan the reunions. Not just plan them, oh no, they have to find every last member of the Class of -insert year here-. Now, I may have repeated myself on a few details. If I did, that just means there's extra importance attached to it.
Once again, I, along with Michael Hang and Angela Henderson, am running for senior class president. There is no doubt in my mind that any one of us would do an excellent job, but I would greatly appreciate your votes. Not only that, if you're willing, I'd like help spreading my voice to the other students in our class that I don't get to see each day. I'd love to get some feedback from anyone, preferably seniors but any member of any class because the other classes look to us. So, tell me your ideas, what you want, and any advice you may have.
Until election day,
Drew
Yes, the time when the hallways become covered in a mess of fliers and posters advocating this candidate and that, when we get out of class to hear the officer speeches, and when we just get to vote on who, if you're a freshman or sophomore, will do nothing other than design t-shirts and the Homecoming float. If you're a junior, your officers get to do that AND plan prom not for you, oh no, for the seniors. Ah, the seniors. Our officers don't plan the prom...They plan the reunions...All of them...For life. The senior class officers, once elected, are officers for LIFE. Well, I'm running for president this year and I'd just like to know what all of you think as far as, well, anything. And this isn't just directed towards the seniors, it's for everyone. Because, though our officers lead the senior class, does not the rest of the school look to the seniors for guidance? Well, like I said, I'm running and I'd like to hear some opinions. Advice is also greatly appreciated.
Drew.
I wrote that as a message to you all. Not as a speech idea, but just a simple message. Yes, the freshman and sophomore officers are important, but not as much as the junior officers (by the way, juniors, vote for Rachel for president and Amber for VP). I mean, after all, they plan the prom. But as important as they are, the senior officers are more important still. Don't call me biased, I've got a reason or two for it. For one, like I mentioned, the officers the seniors elect will be the officers for the next year, and the next, and the next, and the next, until death! While prom has a decorative(artsy people can decorate better, trust me), party-like atmosphere, the senior officers must plan the reunions. Not just plan them, oh no, they have to find every last member of the Class of -insert year here-. Now, I may have repeated myself on a few details. If I did, that just means there's extra importance attached to it.
Once again, I, along with Michael Hang and Angela Henderson, am running for senior class president. There is no doubt in my mind that any one of us would do an excellent job, but I would greatly appreciate your votes. Not only that, if you're willing, I'd like help spreading my voice to the other students in our class that I don't get to see each day. I'd love to get some feedback from anyone, preferably seniors but any member of any class because the other classes look to us. So, tell me your ideas, what you want, and any advice you may have.
Until election day,
Drew
"The Conflict"
As though I'm on the very edge of the universe itself,
Hoping, thinking, planning each step, lest I should fall,
Here I teeter, to the left, to the right, no choices clear.
My thoughts are clouded with battling viewpoints.
My brain pours out piece after piece of meaningless logic,
Calling me foolish, idiotic, and downright insane.
And, truly, who really knows? It may be correct.
But even if that is true, does it make me wrong?
Conversely, my heart speaks calmly to me,
Telling me this is right, telling me to persevere.
With each rhythmic lub-dub comes another burst of glee,
Echoing through every fiber of my being.
Thus is the eternal struggle within each of us.
Do we do what makes perfect sense and follow our minds?
Or do we do what makes none at all and follow our hearts?
Still, could there be some method to the madness of the heart?
As humans, we see it logical to do that which benefits us, true.
We say the heart is illogical because it speaks without reason.
We fear to act upon it because it can make a wise man a fool.
Perhaps that's why "only fools fall in love…"
However, acts from the heart, truly from the heart,
Can have a profound effect on a person,
They can change him, or her, for the best,
And, therefore, become logical to carry out.
But who am I to speak?
I'm a simple person, who has not scratched the surface of existence,
Simply torn between my brain and my heart,
Longing to hold on to what we have forever,
Knowing that, if nurtured, it could be so much more,
And standing here on the universe's edge.
I Need To Rant [Original post: July 24, 2007]
I'm getting reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally tired of being at my grandparents' house,
but for just one reason: my grandmother refuses to accept that I have my own
beliefs and opinions. Not only that, she waits until it's me, her, my little brother
(who always acts perfect around her), and two of my younger cousins (aged 12
and 8). So, for example, recently, she asked me how I felt about evolution. For
starters, that's not something to talk about in front of an eight year old. Anyway, I
told her that I thought it made sense. I could tell right away that's not what she
wanted to hear, but it was what she expected. While trying to back up my
argument, the exact thing I expected to happen happened. All of the kids joined
her side. I decided to stop trying when she told me I was bound for Hell, backed
into a corner from which God could not save me. Her jaw about dropped when
she asked me how I felt about gay marriage and got the reply, "It doesn't really
affect me. I really don't care." Apparently I should've responded, "Homosexuality
is an abomination of the highest degree, and we should burn them at the stake."
Needless to say, she wasn't thrilled with my support of Obama; that just fanned
the fire. Finally, the very first instance: a passion play at our church. I'm just a lost
cause because it did not move me to tears. After I told her that it did not move me
to tears, that I already knew the story, and that I knew it was actually a happy
ending for us, she had the nerve to tell me that I'm "just a lost cause." Now, that
could be a reasonable reaction if I said I was an atheist, which I did not claim, nor
am I an atheist. However, because my scientific and religious views conflict with
hers, I'm now going to Hell. -sigh- Now I feel better. If you don't agree with me,
please don't tell me I'm going to Hell, please, I get enough of that as it is.
but for just one reason: my grandmother refuses to accept that I have my own
beliefs and opinions. Not only that, she waits until it's me, her, my little brother
(who always acts perfect around her), and two of my younger cousins (aged 12
and 8). So, for example, recently, she asked me how I felt about evolution. For
starters, that's not something to talk about in front of an eight year old. Anyway, I
told her that I thought it made sense. I could tell right away that's not what she
wanted to hear, but it was what she expected. While trying to back up my
argument, the exact thing I expected to happen happened. All of the kids joined
her side. I decided to stop trying when she told me I was bound for Hell, backed
into a corner from which God could not save me. Her jaw about dropped when
she asked me how I felt about gay marriage and got the reply, "It doesn't really
affect me. I really don't care." Apparently I should've responded, "Homosexuality
is an abomination of the highest degree, and we should burn them at the stake."
Needless to say, she wasn't thrilled with my support of Obama; that just fanned
the fire. Finally, the very first instance: a passion play at our church. I'm just a lost
cause because it did not move me to tears. After I told her that it did not move me
to tears, that I already knew the story, and that I knew it was actually a happy
ending for us, she had the nerve to tell me that I'm "just a lost cause." Now, that
could be a reasonable reaction if I said I was an atheist, which I did not claim, nor
am I an atheist. However, because my scientific and religious views conflict with
hers, I'm now going to Hell. -sigh- Now I feel better. If you don't agree with me,
please don't tell me I'm going to Hell, please, I get enough of that as it is.
My Goals [Original post: June 19, 2007]
This past week I've made some decisions for how I want my education and career to go. I want to put them on here just so that I will not forget (I tend to do that).
1) Become class president
Yes, I realize I will need much help from some of the most important to me, my friends.
2) Become valedictorian.
It's time to lock in and keep my grades up, no time for senioritis.
3) Get accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
That's a hurdle, yes. But, if I'm going to do this right, I'm going all out.
4) Be able to pay for college.
With a $40,000 per year price tag, this could get pretty expensive.
5) Earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
Just so that all my hard work will count for something.
6) Become a Harry S Truman scholar.
Graduate school will be expensive.
7) Get accepted to Harvard Law School.
Once again, to do it right, I'm going all out.
8) Earn my law degree.
Why else go to law school?
9) Pass the Alabama Bar Exam.
Yes, that's right. I'm going to come home after school.
10) Become certified to teach.
It's always been a passion of mine, and it's nice to have another fall-back.
11) When eligible, become elected to the Alabama House of Representavies or the Alabama Senate.
We have a good state, there's just a few things holding us back (and, no, I am not referring to the *ahem* incident).
There you have it, my goals for education and one for my career. Until I'm old enough to complete number 11, I'll probably rotate between engineering, practicing law, and teaching. If you have any input, I'd be happy to hear it, good or bad. Well, that's all for now, byes!
1) Become class president
Yes, I realize I will need much help from some of the most important to me, my friends.
2) Become valedictorian.
It's time to lock in and keep my grades up, no time for senioritis.
3) Get accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
That's a hurdle, yes. But, if I'm going to do this right, I'm going all out.
4) Be able to pay for college.
With a $40,000 per year price tag, this could get pretty expensive.
5) Earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
Just so that all my hard work will count for something.
6) Become a Harry S Truman scholar.
Graduate school will be expensive.
7) Get accepted to Harvard Law School.
Once again, to do it right, I'm going all out.
8) Earn my law degree.
Why else go to law school?
9) Pass the Alabama Bar Exam.
Yes, that's right. I'm going to come home after school.
10) Become certified to teach.
It's always been a passion of mine, and it's nice to have another fall-back.
11) When eligible, become elected to the Alabama House of Representavies or the Alabama Senate.
We have a good state, there's just a few things holding us back (and, no, I am not referring to the *ahem* incident).
There you have it, my goals for education and one for my career. Until I'm old enough to complete number 11, I'll probably rotate between engineering, practicing law, and teaching. If you have any input, I'd be happy to hear it, good or bad. Well, that's all for now, byes!
"Never Before"
Never have I been fond of spirals and loop-de-loops,
But my heart seems to have developed a liking for them.
Never before has it had me in such a whirl of chaos,
Making me question my whole outlook on life.
Constantly I wonder, and wonder, and wonder, and wonder,
Only one question, ultimately, seems to be on my mind.
I ask myself repeatedly, "Do I dare? Do I dare? Do I dare?"
Always is my answer one of confusion and uncertainty.
For long, I took to decrypting the signals sent to my mind,
From my heart they originated, that confounded muscle!
Of my feelings, I am now completely certain, leaving no doubt,
However, her feelings…they evade my knowledge so.
And so, I seek refuge in the written word, as poets passed,
My words do not confuse me. My words do not question me.
They convey me, convey my thoughts and emotions to the world,
All in the desperate attempt to express my inexpressible self.
If I could, I would. Oh, how I would, if I could,
Express myself to her, lifting these clouds of mystery.
My nature confines me, sadly, to my words and poems,
Through them alone may I cryptically release my tale.
Though with several before have I connected,
But in so few have I seen a possibility.
The odds are stacked, as often they are, against my favor,
Solely because I lack the experience and courage.
Shall I be confined to admire from afar forever?
Or shall I find a way to make it known, to muster the courage?
They say time is miraculous, healing all wounds eventually,
Unfortunately, it is limiting for me, dwindling with every word.
All I can do now is hope that my words shall influence her,
But, sadly, never before have my words caused the needed stir.
Wow... Did I just become a senior? [Original post: May 28, 2007]
First off, I'm having to retype this because I had a stupid moment and accidentally clicked cancel (grrrr me).
I remember moving to Arab in fifth grade...and knowing NO ONE. I tried to keep to myself, but a unique group of people just wouldn't let me do that. I call these people my friends and classmates. Of course, this did make for at least one good moment. It was ninth grade, and we were in Mrs. Shipp's class. I don't remember what we were talking about, but Mallory made the comment that she had known me since kindergarten. Not missing a beat, Steven pipes up with a "just one problem: he hasn't been here that long!"
Sixth grade sent us to a new school, the second in two years for me. Lockers and having different people in each class...it was something.
Seventh grade was even better, we got to choose our classes, to some extent.
Oh, and eighth grade was tops. We ruled the school then.
Then came high school. Freshman year was as is to be expected. We were on the bottom, but that didn't stop us from having fun. Post-its all over Mrs. Wiggins's chair for one.
I remember how relieved we were to no longer be freshmen at the start of our sophomore year. It brought even more fun, like post-its all over Mrs. Brazelton's board.
Now we come to this past year, our junior year. Next to the seniors, we were at the top. I remember when Josh covered Mrs. Brazelton's room with...post-its...Wow...I think I'm seeing a pattern.
Nothing tops our junior year like lunchtime. No, it wasn't the food or the not being in class...it was our table. Me, Amos, Tyler, Josh, Jeff, Ashton, Justin...it was great. Everytime the freshman girls would scoot down a few seats, we were furious. Thus began a long series of push-wars which, as I recall, resulted in a victory for us.
Now we stand at the doorway of our senior year. That's it. One year. Ten months. 36 weeks. 180 days. After that, we may not see each other for ten years...maybe more.
For those of you who have been following my poems, you know who you are, I know I recently posted a poem that summed up this past year. I plan on penning another poem, much more comprehensive of my years in Arab. I think I'll omit my K-4th grade years from it because I've lost touch with all those people. My only true friends, now, are my Arabian ones.
I'll end with a few messages:
To the freshmen: I know you've probably heard this already, but you are on the bottom now. Don't worry too much because we've all been there. You'll be fine as long as you listen to the more seasoned classmen.
To the sophomores: Yes, that IS how you spell it. Learn it. We will make fun of you if you don't. It'll be like being a freshman all over again. Other than that, don't sweat it.
To the juniors: You're where we were last year. You've got some pretty big shoes to fill, you better get started. Don't do anything we wouldn't do. Otherwise, go for it!
To...well...us: Here we are. This is it. Our last year. Let's make it count. Let's go out with a bang!
*AMENDMENT* And to the newly graduated: I'm gonna miss you guys!
Drew, Drew-san, Drew-chan, Drewbie, Drewie, Larry, Lawri, Will, and whatever else you may choose to call me
P.S. If I forgot something, comment about it.
"So Many Days"
A brief one hundred eighty days are gone in a flash
Here we stand, waiting for the remainder to dwindle
But as we pause, we are reminded of things gone by
So many days behind us, so many days to come
August was a time for longing, wishing for a return to May
We wished the year would push on, leaving the beginning behind
September opened our eyes to the reality we would endure
The ease of the beginning had passed and now was the time to work
October brought the delight of the end of the first quarter
A delight to those in their final year, an achievement to those in their first
November was a time of relative calm, the turmoil of December still on the way
With it came Thanksgiving, a time of travel, family, and food
December came, and it was as it is now, exam preparations abound!
It seemed that after a blink, the year was half done
With the first half behind us, we stopped to breathe, waiting for what was to come
The second half of the task was set to begin shortly after the holidays
With it would come spring, a time of love, rebirth, and many, many excursions
So many days behind us, just as many to come
January was slow and humdrum, reminding us vaguely of August
We returned, it's true, but our work was slow to catch-up
February brought the end of a season of building, ending a six-week task
Midmonth, however, brought a day of love and infatuation
March began the marathon of trips! Here and there and everywhere!
Arab to
April continued the trips, but we soon realized the year was nearly done
Those in the final year rejoiced while us below mourned their soon departure
May is now upon us and its final days draw to a close, putting us in a whirl of frenzy
It is true, we are relieved, but many friendships must endure a separation, perhaps brief
Now we stand at a crossroads, not knowing what is to come in the next year
Three years of us remain, one year has left, but another year is to come
To some farewell, to some others welcome, and to the rest, here we go again…
So many days behind us, so few to come
"Things Change"
I knew, or at least I thought I did,
But things can change without a notice
What people feel and know one day
Can and will be different the next
Granted, it's for the good…sometimes
When a particular evil, for example,
Recedes and exists no more
But this is only one of few instances
"The more things change the more the stay the same,"
They say. I cannot say that I agree with this opinion.
Now it seems so different, not at all the same.
But what is there to do when this turn is made?
One can only hope tomorrow will bring a better change,
Change that will, at least for a moment, rid any sorrow."Yet Familiar"
Fields of cotton extend for miles, interrupted only by patches of corn.
For a time, they are all the eye can see.
Our path continues, and we follow along it,
Passing, all the while, places that seem strange...yet familiar...
Along the path, further down, is a heavenly body on Earth.
A stranger to her name? There is not one in this land.
In her kindness, life seems to burst forth from her!
Yet, in her fury, an army could be decimated in a moment...
Cotton is cotton, and water is water, no matter the place,
Whether it be my home or her neighboring sisters.
At first, her sisters land seems so strange and foreign,
Yet, her warm, humid breath suggests quite the opposite...
I turn my gaze to the horizon. Ah! I see her! Quickly, we approach.
In my home, she has a sister, only half as majestic as she, however.
Her size! O how Big she is! How aptly she be called Muddy!
As she fades, a new feeling passes over me, a familiar one...yet it is also strange...
Upon this side of her is yet another sister land.
Here, the squirrels frolic and play. I think, Just like home.
And the birds! They sing just as sweetly and as beautifully as those of my home.
In an instant I realize she is the same as her previous sister: strange...yet familiar...
Cotton fields extend along the path to here.
Cotton is cotton, and, because of the lack thereof, I turn my gaze upon this side of her.
All the while, I am mystified by these lands so different from my own.
Yet, I cannot help but think that they are somehow...familiar...
Drew Whisenant
12 July 2006
For a time, they are all the eye can see.
Our path continues, and we follow along it,
Passing, all the while, places that seem strange...yet familiar...
Along the path, further down, is a heavenly body on Earth.
A stranger to her name? There is not one in this land.
In her kindness, life seems to burst forth from her!
Yet, in her fury, an army could be decimated in a moment...
Cotton is cotton, and water is water, no matter the place,
Whether it be my home or her neighboring sisters.
At first, her sisters land seems so strange and foreign,
Yet, her warm, humid breath suggests quite the opposite...
I turn my gaze to the horizon. Ah! I see her! Quickly, we approach.
In my home, she has a sister, only half as majestic as she, however.
Her size! O how Big she is! How aptly she be called Muddy!
As she fades, a new feeling passes over me, a familiar one...yet it is also strange...
Upon this side of her is yet another sister land.
Here, the squirrels frolic and play. I think, Just like home.
And the birds! They sing just as sweetly and as beautifully as those of my home.
In an instant I realize she is the same as her previous sister: strange...yet familiar...
Cotton fields extend along the path to here.
Cotton is cotton, and, because of the lack thereof, I turn my gaze upon this side of her.
All the while, I am mystified by these lands so different from my own.
Yet, I cannot help but think that they are somehow...familiar...
Drew Whisenant
12 July 2006
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