Blog Post 12- Do you think that advertisers have a moral duty to avoid stereotyping people? Why or Why not ?

As we all know and have spotted already, media nowadays produce commercials to grab a wider audience. Advertisers are the people who are responsible for what is present on media, meaning that some of these commercials/advertisements do in fact present the stereotypical. Every couple generations, people are becoming more sensitive, meaning that what companies present on media, they might find offensive. Discrimination, racism, and prejudice are the foundations that form stereotypes. I believe that all advertisers should be presenting their product through advertisements without being stereotypical towards the specific audience. For example, gender stereotypes. Woman are displayed as a "skewed" description of a standard female. Like in the commercial in class, men are shown to advertise cars, specific male roles as a police officer and with cigarettes. Companies who are trying to promote their product use the stereotypical views to grab the audience who are likely to agree with the stereotypical actions. I feel that its ok for companies to promote their product using stereotypical statements to grab their audience. I believe that because there are a considerable amount of people who are sensitive towards specific areas, companies are noticing. But not all companies portray the stereotypes intentionally. Overall, it can be concluded that advertisements produce a reaction towards their product, or either they offend someone not intentionally. This means that people should be able to communicate without having to present a negative response of which are be prevented. I believe that because of people being so sensitive for a long duration of time, I think that companies should consider promoting their product to their specific audience without causing any racism, discrimination, etc. This should be their main priority as it shouldn't be that difficult to grab your audience to buy your product. If your product was successful, then you don't have to grab the audience using stereotypical actions that aren't necessary.

Blog Post 11- Her Future Begins on Two Wheels

This advertisement was published by Child Fund International, where it exhibits various focal concepts within social, historical and cultural context. The purpose of the ad is to inform the target audience (those who are willing to donate money to young girls aged 10-18 who have to travel long distances to school in less economically developed countries) in regards to the families being affected by poverty. This advertisement promotes and assures to the more economically developed countries (MEDC) to willingly donate money to allow the Child Fund International to provide the needs of the children. As this ad. presents a story about a little girl who has to travel long distances to get the education that she needs to fulfill her dream of attending a university, it evokes emotion and appeal to nurture and guidance. In regards to nurture, the colour scheme that was used throughout the advertisement presents the emotion of satisfaction. Economically, people in MEDC don't visualize and realize that poverty in countries like India is genuinely true. As an individual who lives in an MEDC, I believe that humans only see what they want to see. Meaning that we don't realize that the gap between the wealthy and the poor is substantially higher than what we imagine it to be. Although the ad. is implying to the audience that the MEDC have an obligation to support the LEDC like India displayed in this advertisement.

This advertisement is delivering generalized information based on the countries population specifically those living in poverty. Meaning that the ad is portraying India economic status is somewhat low as there is a lack of transportation as more important less education (displayed as the girl has to travel long distances to learn). MEDC will understand that the ad is implying that LEDC is in need of further essentials, like a bike.
By looking at this advertisement, the Child Fund has defied the odds of the stereotypical. Normally in less economically developed countries, specifically in India, men are seen as those to support their families. They are the ones going to work and bringing home the essentials. Although the Child Fund has presented to the audience a female, it conveys that children no matter what gender are willing to break the barrier. Regarding woman, in LEDC they are 'stay at home mothers' where they cook and clean, however, in this advertisement, the viewers can see that woman can receive education, and fulfilling their desire to go to university no matter the distance.

Blog Post 10- Pitch Reflection Blog Post

I believe that the bandwagon appeal would be the most effective out of the appeals that were presented because it promotes the product in a way that allows the intended audience to feel like they are missing out. In other words, the bandwagon would be used to display what they have (traditional camping= cold/damp) to what they could have (glamping= warm, cozy). The families who frequently/nonfrequent go camping can now enjoy and great memorable visions without the memories of the horrible and sleepless nights. 

Throughout the presentation, we tried to deliver rhetorical questions to keep the reader engaged with the product. This is because the rhetorical questions leave the audience to question. " Do you really want to sleep on the floor, in a small, tight and cold tent? ". I believe that this technique was one of the most effective techniques used in the presentation because the audience can imagine and relate their experiences with the description, leading to the idea/question if they would want to experience that again. Diction was also displayed throughout the presentation although it was linked and presented with the rhetorical questions. For example, diction would be used such as "Just image.. think again.. Oh yes!! " to allow the audience to feel some excitement within the product, which would further enhance their interest. The more you deliver an excitement yet a pleasing product, you make the audience relive their experience and compare those to what they could be having, then more the intended audience would be interested in the product. 

Being aware of who the intended audience and the context influenced our overall approach towards the activity as both gave the group a creative direction yet empowering and influential of the products viewers. I believe that knowing that the target audience was in fact, families allowed the group to come up with ideas in the way we can promote the product. Although, I felt like we needed to portray the context more throughout the presentation. I felt that the campsite (Oregon) was only stated in the introduction and not through each appeal. When regarding Oregon, we chose to use the appropriate text type; a commercial video that would link to the website. We thought that this would have been most effective due to how full the internet can be, therefore having a greater chance of grabbing a wider audience (not only families). This could be extended to travelers, families, school trips for experience, etc. 

If I were to complete this presentation again, I would try to be more specific in regards to the appeals because I felt that they were not discussed in full detail asIwould have like to; and communication with the group. This is because there were areas where there was a miscommunication, specifically when discussing the appeals. I chose to present the bandwagon appeal to the audience although I was cut short by one of our teammates because there was minimal communication with the group. Regarding the preparation, as a group, we should have been more organized because I felt like we could have performed a more effective presentation if we practiced and understood our appeal.

Blog Post 9- Rhetorical Analysis Blog Post- Advertisement

The intended audience for the Emirates Airline Advertisement are travelers specifically those heading to any destination around the world. In general, nowadays a majority of the human population traveling around the world to many destinations.

Regarding ethos, Emirates Airlines has introduced their audience with the actress Jennifer Aniston to convince the intended audience through persuasion. In the advertisement, Jennifer Aniston has been taken around the new A380 by an unexpected sweet little boy who wandered off and found himself in her seat. She persuades her intended audience through using/showing the facilities throughout her journey to take the young boy back to his parents. She states at the end of the ad. "this thing has so many games and so many movies, it's crazy!" as well as "it's so nice up here" reveals to the audience to believe her judgment as well as her work ethic that she is trustworthy. She provides different views of the classes and how sophisticated yet relaxing each class is. This portrays that the airline is designed to have a private setting producing a wealthy scenery throughout first and business class.

Pathos is also introduced in this advertisement when Jennifer Aniston travels into each class; the first class where she used the shower facilities; the business class where she asks for carrot juice for herself and the way; and economy class where has experienced the"many games" and "many movie" choices. She also helps the young boy find his parents, by being his "co-pilot" on their journey. Where she stops off at the counter to collect two cups of carrot juice. This displays an appeal to emotion towards the little boy as she is trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot as "having good eyesight is very important". On the other hand, this can also be considered logos as there is an appeal to reason.

Blog Post 8- Letter to the Editor

(657-675-2305)

West London, London NP35 5AB, UK

lauraclark@dailymail.co.uk

15th October 2016

To: Laura Clark

Daily Mail Senior Editor

NP35 5AB

West London, London, UK

Dear Ms. Clark,

         I am writing to inquire about the article that was written on the 24th of Match 2014. The article "Twtr? It's majorly bad! Leading headteacher condemns 'text speak' for eroding schoolchildren's language skills" explaining how protecting Standard English from the influence of text speak and social media slang, being one of the most challenging areas teachers and headmistresses have to correct. If children were to continue using social media as well as text messaging in their free time, they are more likely in "danger growing up with limited vocabularies".

       Have you ever considered the fact that the children already understand that they shouldn't use text speak in their assessments? Even though they do use text speak, it is only 10% of their written messages that use abbreviations. Yes, these abbreviations may occur in the assessments although the children do understand themselves not to use it in their assessments as "[they'll] get less marks"(David Crystel) I do agree with the fact that children do spend most of their free time on social media although I disagree with the statement that "GSCE and A-level... students.. are becoming careless in their use of it." as I believe that as stated before many of the students understand that consequences of using text speak in their assessments. Meaning that when abbreviations like "innit" or "gr8" are used when they use social media or texting as a way to communicate quickly or to be 'cool', they are not intentionally using them throughout their school work. But we both know that it is unintentionally used in assessments, and it does not mean that they are limited to vocabularies. Yes, many children these days use their free time on social media and text messaging others but you don't think that we do the same? Not all children spend their time on social media, there are in fact some children who enjoy reading and use their free time to read an interesting book.

      "Facts are facts"[1] yes, children in many schools do occasionally miswrite words in abbreviations but you have to consider that fact that these children do know that these abbreviations are not meant to be used in GSCE's or any assessments. We have to keep into consideration that this generation is not the only generation that is using text speak, adults are also using text speak when communicating. You also know that text speak wouldn't be used within the standard English in newsletters or formal emails etc. It just so happens that unfortunately, they do occasionally use their text speak in essays but that displays that the children are not proofreading their essays before handing them in.

Sincerely,

Jessica Hilu

Work Cited Page:

[1] "Letter to the Editor." YALE ALUMNI MAGAZINE. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2016

"Letter to the Editor Examples." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Oct. 2016.

Blog Post 6 - Practical Consolidation of Language and Identity

 Jessica H

City, State 12345

Jessica H, City, State 12345

Student

City State 12345

October 1st,  2016

To the parents of Harriette Moore,

Let me begin by saying that your daughter has been accepted as part of the Grade 11 community here at Raha. I am writing to inform you that Harriette will contribute to a diverse community with many students from different cultures that speak different languages. Some students are multilingual or bilingual although there is no reason for Harriette to be concerned or nervous. We have heard that you are concerned with the diversity of culture and language, as Harriette has been brought up in a homogenous monolingual community. I am happy to say that there is need to worry as there are many students within her grade level who have gone through the same phase as Harriette and are looking forward to making Harriette fit right into the community with ease.

As for your own comfort, I would like to give you an insight of what your daughter will be apart of throughout her days here at Raha. As you may know already, Language is the centre of a culture, of which defines one's identity, and Harriette is one of many students who has been brought up in a homogeneous monolingual setting. It may be a different environment than what she has been settled in, in the past although Harriette will be able to express her cultural identity with others and even vice-versa. As Raha has over 75 different nationalities, there are many students even in her grade level that she may have a cultural bond with, meaning that she will feel more comfortable and have a sense of belonging in her own cultural environment.

Language, culture, and identity have an important relationship with each other as "Language is fundamental to cultural identity"(1). Without a language, one's culture isn't fully expressed and cannot be transmitted down from generation to generation. On the other hand without culture, a language cannot be presented. Meaning that the relationship between culture and language is that they rely on each other to fully function as one setting. Language builds up culture, Culture builds up a language. Cultural and Linguistic systems do in fact shape an individual as in this case, Harriette was brought up in a cultural and linguistic setting that evolved her to be the woman she is today. She may have personal traits of her own that may have been influenced by her culture and where she was brought up. This is what makes her unique in a way and specifically, it allows her to be a representation of her cultural heritage.  Same for many students, they are all brought up in their own cultural heritage and are always sharing their background and what makes them different, what similarities they may have. This may not just mean their personalities but it can mean the language they speak, what their cultures have in common. I believe that this will allow Harriette to express herself to the community and enhance her confidence to speak out and settle in into her new setting.

I hope that this has given you more awareness of what Harriette will look forward to in her new environment. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to email me.

Yours Sincerely,

Jessica Hilu

Work Cited Page:

1) "Racismnoway." The Importance of Culture, Language and Identity. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2016.

2) "Exploring the Relationship between Language, Culture and Identity." Academia.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Oct. 2016.

3) https://images.template.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/07045642/Format-of-Formal-Letter-to-the-Comany-Word-Download.jpg

Blog Post 5 - Mother Tongue

In "Mother Tongue", Amy Tan discusses the importance of a person's home language. Many people often speak the most common language used around. In our case, at Raha, lessons are in fact taught in English (excluding the language subjects), so many students tend to use the English language to communicate. Do many of you do the same ? Do you speak English or the common language used throughout the school more often than your mother tongue language? Over at our school, that is usually the case. I have many friends in our school community who speak their mother tongue language at home in their own environment. Unfortunately for myself, I only speak, write and can read fluently in one language, English.

I believe that Tan expresses her opinions in "Mother Tongue" as she believes that even though you don't look like someone who would know how to speak English, people assume that you don't know how to speak the language. Although, being able to speak or not English as a language doesn't make you less intelligent than anyone else who speaks, who has been brought up to know English as their mother tongue language. People technically 'label' you as someone who wouldn't know or speak "Broken" or "Fractured" English. I agree with her opinion as people see people for the first time who look or seem to be multicultural. These people who would be considered bilingual, you would first interpret that they wouldn't know how to speak English. Although I believe that people should, in fact, give people the chance of being able to use their second language (can be English) to further develop it in their everyday life when they need to communicate with people around them.
Before I get too carried away, let's talk about the purpose of this blog post, which is the Importance of a person's home language. In my opinion, the importance of a person's mother tongue language can be interpreted in different perspectives.
The include:
Personal: When a child is born into a family that speaks their own language, it is essential that that language is carried on throughout their childhood as it develops his or her identity. Preserving the language would assist in the child's cultural and heritage values.
Social: When the families traditional language (mother tongue) does not follow the child through life, it would reduce the links to the family and different communities would be lost. In my opinion, because Ii had the opportunity to have been brought up in a bilingual community. Although, may families around the world who are learning or enhancing their mother tongue language or a second language, they would send their children to a country that speaks the language. Then the children would be welcomed by another family, who would take care of you. The only issue is that they only speak either own mother tongue, the language that you are trying to enhance. I believe that this allows you to gain knowledge of the language as you have the opportunity to pick up the language when you are forced to use the language to communicate.
don't speak two languages fluently, I wish
Intellectual: I believe that people need to not be interrupted when they are developing a language. When a person who is not fluent in a language should just use only that language. Like stated in Social, because then "you are forced to use the language to communicate" which would further enhance your knowledge. When children are speaking their mother tongue language at home with their parents, their parents are more likely will correct them in pronunciation and errors as they know best, meaning that both parents and children are communicating at the same intellectual maturity. If they were to be interrupted, they tend to work intellectually a lot younger than their age.
Educational: Students specifically in Raha, learn and are being educated in the English language. Because Raha has 75 or more nationalities, many students would either be bilingual or multilingual. If those students keep up and maintain their mother tongue language, they have a higher chance academically to be successful than those who have to reduce and are limiting their knowledge of their mother tongue language.
Economic: When it comes to Economics and employments, many businesses want someone on the job who can speak a variety of language depending on the career path you wish to go through. For example, people who want to go through marketing, you would need to speak at least two or more  languages to open up the audience you wish present your product to.
Overall, I believe that there is an importance to maintaining a person's home language because there are many advantages of having more than one language. You can communicate to a larger audience, talk to family members and other communities, being able to successfully use your mother tongue language to pursue your career path.

Work Cited Page

"IDRA." IDRA. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2016.

"Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue": The Purpose And Power Of Language - EssayJudge." Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue": The Purpose And Power Of Language - EssayJudge. N.p., 17 Feb. 2016. Web. 25 Sept. 2016. 

Blog Post 4 - A Good Name

As you may know already, my name is Jessica May Hilu, yet people call me Jess or Jessie rarely Jessica but I am normally called Jessica IF I have misbehaved  :) (WHICH IS NOT VERY OFTEN). Historically, the name Jessica was a part of Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice' that was presented in 1596. The name Jessica was the first introduced in this play, where the name was given to the daughter of Shylock. Historians believe that William Shakespeare used the name which was initially based in the bible as ISCAH, of which was also spelt Jescha during the Shakespearian time. Yet, on the other hand, the name itself was not commonly used until the 1950's.
If I was to be completely honest with you guys, there is somewhat of a personal significance to my name SOMEWHAT. But because I am 1/4 Lebanese shocker right ? In their culture, Arabic names from grandparents, parents etc. should be passed down from generation to generation.
For example,  Traditionally the oldest son takes the grandfather's name and then their dad's name (as their middle/second name)
My grandfather's name is Nassim Jabra Hilu who had two sons of which were twins.. but my uncle was the oldest by 2 minutes so he traditionally gets the name. Sorry dad. My uncle's name (oldest son) is Gabriel Nassim Hilu. You can see that his grandfather's name is slightly different to his father's name. Jabra is the original name, although Gabriel is the English version of which is pronounced Jabrel in Arabic. It is quite confusing when I heard it myself although it's pretty simple one you really think about it. Grandfather's name is Jabra, Father's name is Nassim and the last name is Hilu.
Sadly in our family, the tradition has not followed all the way through completely, yet there are some traces of these traditions that can be found within someone's full name.
For example, Callum Nassim Hilu should, in fact, be Nassim Daniel Hilu if the tradition was followed.
My brother has a British name although he does have his grandfather's name within his full name.  This tradition would be considered as a master identity because the names are passed down from generation to generation which has rarely been changed.
When it comes to my name, there isn't any cultural or personal significance, unfortunately.. but I found it quite interesting to know where the name originated from. As my name doesn't stick or has a tradition within our family, I would have a personal identity because there hasn't been the name Jessica that has been passed down through our family.

Work Cited Page

"Meaning, Origin and History of the Name Jessica." Behind The Name. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.

Blog Post 3 - Cultural Markers

Welsh Cultural Marker - Love spoons

Have you ever heard of a love spoon? I wouldn't expect you to, it's quite common that people don't know where or know about Wales. Love spoons are one of many symbolic representations of the Welsh Culture. It is believed that the first welsh lovespoon dates right back to the 17th century. In the Welsh tradition, men would carve lovespoons out of wood and give them to their lovers as many men didn't know how to write or read, so this was a way of conveying their love. This would be an effective communication through this cultural marker as it was another way to express their feelings as they didn't have the knowledge to read or write. The wood carvers have been using timber (traditional wood) for the love spoons. The earliest dated love spoon was found that was dated to be made in 1667 that is now kept at St. Fagans Museum of Welsh Life, although the tradition has been apart of the welsh culture before this time. It is an important symbol that represents our culture because it has been apart of our heritage for many centuries.

What exactly is a welsh love spoon? A love spoon is a carved piece of wood that is presents with meaningful designs, of which have special meanings. These special symbols and meanings can be found within of engraves on the spoon. During the 17th century, many people did not know how to read of write so to illustrate their love and affection to their lovers, they would carve out a love spoon. 

Carved with Diamond, Heart and Ball in Cage

The History of the Love spoon

Like stated above, traditionally, love spoons were normally made by younger men throughout long winter nights or even young men who were travelling long journeys. They carved spoons to express what they wanted in their relationships as well as their intentions towards the sweetheart. Why a spoon? A spoon was symbolic to the need to support or to "feed" his lover with the symbols that were carved on the spoon. In other words, he would give the spoon to his lover to show what he desired and wish to have in the relationship. The spoon wouldn't be used, it would be used as a ornamental gift. The love spoons were practiced right through the 17th, 18th and 19th century although the making of the love spoon started to fade by the end of the 19th century. BUT !! it was revived and is still in the process for more than 40 years.

Special Meanings:

Bell - symbol that symbolises weddings or anniversaries

Balls - are kept in a cage that symbolises the number of children. The cage hold the wooden balls that are carved to represent the number of children he would like to have. 

Cross - religious symbol that represents faith

Diamond - as you would expect, it represents good fortune and wealth. Love spoons that have a diamond shape in the spoon would give hope of wealth.

Love Spoons

Heart - common symbol of which symbolises Love. This symbol would be given to his lover to say that he was giving her his heart. The heart can also be found with a chain, this symbolises that they are 'linking' together, living their lives together.

Horseshoe - Luck, symbolises that the lover wishes and hopes for good luck within their relationship.

Key/Keyhole- Security + home. The key illustrates that he is giving the key to his heart and the key hole meanings that he is allowing her to know that they can live together.

Knot/Celtic knot work- This symbol would be carved into the love spoon to represent that he wishes that their love would last forever. 

Love spoons today are still very popular not only to lover but to family, friends and even to those who are visiting the country. They are also presented in special occasions such as weddings, births, christenings and even retirement.

Work Cited Page

"Welsh Love Spoons." Welsh Love Spoon Symbols. N.p., 17 Oct. 2012. Web. 17 Sept. 2016.

"Lovespoons." Wales. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2016.

"History of Welsh Love Spoons." History of Welsh Lovespoons. N.p., 17 Oct. 2012. Web. 17 Sept. 2016.

Ltd, A5 Multimeida. "The Welsh Lovespoons Centre." Welsh Lovespoons with Free Engraving Available on Our Hand Carved Love Spoons from Our Online Shop. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2016.

Blog Post 2 - Language Barriers

As I am an IB student, you are surround by many people from different countries with different nationalities around the world of which have their own language. You don't really realise how much Language plays an important role in our lives, for me, I definitely believe that it plays an important role in my life specifically because Language itself allows you to express yourself through different ways and most importantly it allows you to communicate with others from different countries with different mother tongues. I never thought about it until I moved from a British curriculum to an IB curriculum, and in fact, I feel that it is a great way to discover different languages through the people you meet around your school campus. You could, in fact, use it to understand how people communicate using their language and you could even pick up the language.

In my opinion, I feel that it is important to study Language because languages can give a different feeling than others. In other words, when you read a book, the book is written in English although in a book the author could have a section where one of the characters brings out his mother tongue language because the specific saying that was stated by that character had a more powerful meaning that it would be in a different language. Even though you may not know what the statement means, you can still be presented with the feeling and emotion that the character is presenting, which is pretty impressive how language can present such feeling.

Doesn't everyone have that one friend that speaks a completely different language ? Well, I certainly have been excluded due to language barriers. As I only speak one language, of which is English, I tend to be stuck behind this language barrier even though I have a mother tongue language. Although I can't speak it due to the fact that I haven't lived in the UK I wasn't able to be brought up in an environment that speaks Welsh. We have people that have been brought up in an environment where they use their mother tongue. Being a young adult, I find it difficult to pick up a new language at the age I am currently than when comparing to younger children. The younger you are, less of a challenge it is to pick up and evolve a language. Another situation would be during school as there are a variety of people with different nationalities where they speak more than one language, this tends to be difficult for me because speaking only one language limits communicating to those who only know how to speak multiple languages. Because we are part of a diverse school, this seems to be the norm. as not everyone speaks the common language (English or Arabic) used in the school. Yes, we're taught the language so we can communicate with others that are fluent in the language but we are still limited when communicating as we only know the bare minimum.

Blog Post 1 - About Me

Who am I ? My name is Jessica Hilu Aka. Jessie or Jess, quite a few nicknames to choose from I would say. I have been living in the Middle East my entire life even though my nationality is British. I sure have a strange and wonderful family as we were all brought up in different countries in Europe and Asia. The funny thing is that I haven't lived or have been educated in the U.K like my parents were brought up. You could say that I have many nationalities like Welsh, Lebanese, a little Irish, and a little German. Well to be honest its quite confusing as both of my parents are Welsh, yet their parents are Irish, German, Welsh and Lebanese.

I LOVE SPORTS !! My interests would be every to do with sports, just sports, sports and more sports. Is there a sport that i haven't played before ? well I don't know that answer myself but I have played a variety of sports from water sports, land sports and even sports played on ice. Well, I still working on that last one. I enjoy and consider netball my main sport and my main interest. It's a passion of mine and it has been passed down from generation to generation. My only question that I have about this sport is Why isn't Netball a sport that no one has heard of before? And when people ask me What is Netball ? I literally just state: " It's like Basketball, but its even more challenging" You can't move with the ball in your hand, there is no backboard like in basketball, and the hoop that you shoot into is smaller than a basketball hoop. In other words "It's 'similar' to basketball"

Its a long story to how I started netball, but I can tell you how I began to take an interest. I can remember looking at my mother's school photo's and stumbled upon this one image. This image was my mother in the Netball team playing as GA (Goal Attack), sitting on the first row, on the left hand corner in her red and navy blue uniform when she was 14 years old. From that moment, like all daughters/sons, I wanted to be like my mother. When I liked in Dubai, I moved to Uptown Primary School and participated in a variety of sports teams, including swimming, netball and even football. Although netball was different, I didn't have anyone from my grade level on the team as there was a netball team for my age. I ended up trying out and joining the Under 13 Netball team when I was only in 7. I only stayed in Uptown for a year before I came to Raha International School. In Grade 5 through till grade 11 I have and currently participated on the Raha U14 and U16 teams. Throughout my journey, I have proudly been achieved with an MVP (most valuable player) and have been captain for the U16 netball team for two years running.

It's quite surprising that as an IB student, you tend to have some free time. When we have the opportunity to have time to ourselves we tend to complain about how we don't have or have enough time to ourselves. But I consider playing a sport as my stress reliever when I don't have a lot of time to myself. I definitely wouldn't consider myself a reader even though on the occasional day I also enjoy reading in my free time, although the only issue when it comes to reading books is that not a lot of books interest me, and this is why I only read occasionally. When I do decide to read, the only books that I tend to hook onto would be fictional books that have a storyline that would/could happen in reality. Other fictional books that are about adventure that tend to hook other readers, I can't seem to stay interested when I read them. You can say that I am very picky when it comes to reading.. 

To me, the question " what things do you care about?" was a challenging question to answer because there are a lot of things that I care about including the people around me (Family and Friends), school and my education as well as my own health. These three things are something that you normally don't think about, you just know that you care about them as you see your family and friends everyday, you work as hard as you can during school and I take care of my own health by participating in a sports activity or going cycling around YAS Track. I consider this as my everyday routine. Family and friends are one of the things I care about because they are the people that keep my motivated throughout everything I do. I also care about my schooling and my education because it's a major priority when it comes to being successful in the future. As I can hopefully achieve the IB Diploma points that I need to go to the University that I have always wanted to go to and to become the person I wanted to be "when I grow up..." I am motivated to follow my dreams to go into the medical field. I also care about my health because it is good for you to be fit and exercise on occasions to keep yourself healthy.

Making goals for myself was a lot to think about as there can be a lot of things to consider. Although I thought that it would be best to stick with the goals that I will personally need to allow myself to become and achieve academically as well as socially the more motivated to achieve more in life. These would include:

> Be successful in my academics, specifically trying to achieve at least a 34 overall in the I.B system.

> Challenge myself, trying to push myself and challenge myself into doing things that i wouldn't normally do.

> In the future, my goal would be not to think things twice when it comes to activity challenges and be a risk-taker, "Just do it.".