Reflection #10

In Hero, the coach tells Thom that he can no longer be on the team because of his illness. I think it was a hard decision for him to make, but he made it in order to cover himself. If my coach were to break this type of news to me I would feel absolutely shut down. It would be hard to give up a sport you love because of an illness or injury. I kind of fall into a similar situation, but the only difference is that I was able to return. The summer before my senior year I went to a basketball camp with my team. I was doing a layup when a girl literally took me out of the air and I tore my ACL. It was hard to for me to hear the news that my ACL was torn and I immediately thought my sports career was over. I did end up missing my entire volleyball season but I worked really hard to get back for basketball. A typical ACL injury takes 4-6 months to heal and I was released at exactly 4 months on the day of my first basketball. I worked really hard to make sure I didn’t miss anything. While Thom was no longer able to play he still gave it everything he could and played as hard as he could against Goran. As for my parents, if I were in this situation they would probably murder my coach. My family has always been heavily involved in sports and I think it would be equally hard for them to accept that I couldn’t play sports anymore.

                Ruth is telling Thom that he needs to live life in the moment and not just wait for things to happen. Thom is waiting for the perfect opportunity and it almost inhibits him from doing the things he needs to. It is like he is living in an alternate reality, like he is waiting for Uberman to sweep him off of his feet and something glorious to happen. When I think about Thom and the League it makes me think of my career opportunities. Often times I hear people’s success stories about how they talked to so and so and then got a job. Or they did some shadowing and meet this person who gave them an opportunity. Or they tried something out and absolutely hated it and went on to something else and it was meant for them. I feel as if I have always been waiting for my opportunity. I find that I am worried about what my future and I constantly wonder when my magic opportunity is going to present itself. With that being said, I ended up talking to Stephanie Kinkaid in the Wackerle Center about how I was changing my careers and she worked really hard to get me an internship this summer working for Student Affairs. Once she told me the news I thought maybe this is the opportunity that I am looking for. But as long as you can find the things in life that make you happy then you shouldn’t be constantly waiting. I believe that everyone is truly in charge of their happiness. It is all about your frame of mind and how you go about things. If you wake up in the morning and think that it is going to be a shitty day then it probably will be. It is up to you find enjoyment in the little things in life. I am also an optimist so that could be a reason that I am always happy, but at the same time life is too short to not be happy.

                While I do think this happens for most people, I think it is up to them to create the opportunities for themselves. In order to achieve something like this you have to work really hard but at the same time you need to be reputable. I believe that this may have already happened to me. Like I said previously when I tore my ACL, I couldn’t play volleyball. It was a tough time when it was my senior game and I couldn’t play, not to mention I was the only senior on the team. Well, for volleyball after you score a point or get an ace we usually say some sort of dumb cheer. Well at one point in time the girls started saying my last name after each point. This was something that deeply moved me. Then, the crowd caught on and started cheering with them. At the end of the game as I was once again honored the entire crowd stood and chanted my name. Then after that they all came over and either patted me on the back or gave me a hug. It was really nice to know that my school cared about me and there to support me. I don’t think that I have ever been so moved or felt so well respected. I am pretty sure I cried for over an hour. It was absolutely amazing. I think I gained a lot from this moment. It taught me to love and sport my teammates. It showed me that if you are hardworking and something bad happens people will still be there for you no matter what. I think it also taught me to appreciate the small things and all my friends and family. It was a great moment in my life.

                Since I am one of the biggest suckers for romance I do believe that there is a perfect first kiss. I don’t think that it feels magical or like seeing fireworks, I think it just feels right. I don’t think sparks fly because you are too caught up in the moment to even think about what is going on. I think the perfect kiss leaves you struck and in awe. It makes you craving more as the butterflies rush into your stomach. I think it is a moment of total elation. And yes, like Thom I have had crushes on famous figures. Mine would have to be Tom Cruise in Top Gun. First off that movie is freaking amazing and he is absolutely gorgeous. I think it is the character that they embody that we are attracted to and since they are playing it we crush on them. I think it is perfectly natural, as long as it doesn’t turn into an obsession.

Reflection #6 Friendships and Emotions

As I think about the various levels of my friendships, I have to say that I think majority of them fall under pleasure. Pleasure is defined as the level in which there is a mutual enjoyment. As a friend my role is to be supportive, protective, and also entertaining. I really enjoy talking to my friends and also hearing about their problems. Not only do I feel good about helping them, but they find comfort in taking to me. This is a mutual benefit for the both of us. I decided to pick pleasure over utility because in utility while both friends benefit it states they also must be equal. My friends and I are similar in many different aspects but we do not need to be equal to be friends. To take the next step up to virtue, it would require a lot of work. The biggest part of this for me would be trust. And if you have to work hard for someone to gain your trust or work hard to give trust then it doesn’t seem like a true friendship. A friendship should be natural and almost effortless. Often times I feel that I go out of my way for my friends. I find happiness in doing other things for people even if I do not benefit from this. I do this without expecting anything in return. And not to say that my friends are selfless or not caring, but they don’t act as often as I do. There is only one friendship that I have in which I can say it is of true virtue. It is a special relationship and I don’t think it could be ruined even if we tried. I think this is possible because we started from the ground up, and have never regressed since the beginning.

This next question is very deep and one moment in particular sticks out in my mind. One time there was a small family feud. Typically, I am one who keeps my mouth shut, observes what is going on, and then devises a plan on what to do. In this particular moment, I felt as if I lost all of my inhibitions. I know that in this situation it came purely from emotion because it was something I have never done before. I opened my mouth and proceeded to tell a family member off. All my life I have been taught to respect my elders and I had never even had the guts to back talk my parents when given an order or something I didn’t like. However, in this instance I opened my mouth and stood up for what I believed in. At the same time it was hard to choke out the words because I was so upset that I was crying. Another reason I know this was purely emotion is because my family had never seen me do something like this. And to this day, I think I am still shocked that I acted out in this manner. You don’t think about the consequences because you are caught up in the moment and you think about what is the right decision to make for the moment. I know it was the right decision because I needed to speak my mind and force my family to see what was really going on. While it was hard, I believe I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes in life you need to do what is right, even if it is going to hurt someone else. Because maybe by speaking your mind it forces others to think about their own actions.

Reflective Essay #5-Creativity

I like to think that I am a very creative person but as I sit here and think about it I am not sure if I am or not. But then again I think it is just because I am thinking about it. There are many times in life in which we can think of a million examples of something and then once you are put on the spot you cannot remember at all. I am currently having that problem. However, I do vaguely remember a few things from my childhood where I was able to use creativity. Growing up, I lived on a farm. We had all kinds of animals: dogs, cats, cows, horses, and chickens. (Lots of work) Since I lived on a farm, we were located out in the country. Now, I still had neighbors but none them had young children. So, instead of playing games with my friends I was forced to (attempt to) get along with my siblings and play games with them. A large part of living on a farm is a lot of work. We have a huge hay field in front of our house and every summer it needed cut and baled. At the very young age of 8 I learned what hard work was all about. I also learned how to drive a tractor and diesel pickup truck. Our job as kids was to drive the truck around to each of the bales, stop and pick it up, stack it, and then take it all to the barn and stack it there. In order to cope with the fact that I hated lifting so much hay, I used to pretend that they were people who were hurt and they needed to go to the hospital. Then it kind of turned into a race to see how fast we could pick up the hay. Crazy right? Well it might be but it got my siblings and I through the work. Another way I used creativity as a child was making games out of the stacked hay in the barn. Our stacks used to be as high as the ceiling. As we started to feed to horses the hay, it would slowly clear out levels. Perfect for climbing! So we would pretend it was a mountain and had races to get to the top. For some odd reason my siblings and I also had a snow board. Why? I have no idea, but we took a hose a tied it to one of the top beams and used it as a small swing. We held onto that and would proceed to ‘snowboard’ down the hay. It is amazing the things you can think of as a child. I guess it was a great way to pass the time!

At this current point in time I cannot think of a time where I used creativity to get me out of a problem. Maybe if I think of one I can come back and comment but at the moment I am blank. As for a creative scene with the Superheroes, I think the one I remember the most was from a scene in the Captain America movie. As he was charging into the forest he was riding a motorcycle and had many people trying to come after him. He then devised various plans to get them off his tail. This included some sort of rope that strangled them, fire, and other mechanisms. I thought this was a creative way to get away from the enemy. If I were a superhero I am not sure I would be able to think that quickly on my feet.

A Friend For Life

Reflective Essay #4, Part 2

When Professor Harrison told us that we needed to pick one person to tell them how much we appreciated them, there was immediately one person who popped into my mind. While I have only known her for three years, I truly consider her as one of my best friends. It is amazing how the events in our lives lead us to each other. My friend and I met here at Monmouth College and we were both on the basketball team. Ironically enough, we hated each other in the beginning. Well, not that I really hated her but I was definitely picked on for some time. When our basketball season started everything was instantly dropped and we became close. I bet you are wondering how you can go from hating someone to being close to them? I guess it is the magic of team work and running suicides. When you depend on your teammates, you really have no choice but to get along. We have truly been best friends ever since. I can honestly say that I have NEVER said anything about her behind her back. Surprising right? With society these days there aren't many people who actually do that. With her, I feel I can tell her anything. She never judges and she always finds a way to make it better. She is one of the most considerate people I have ever met. For example, last year our track outdoor conference meet was held here at Monmouth. Since she no longer goes here, she had to drive a good distance just to watch the meet. That day it was pretty cold and rainy, so she stuck it out for Allie and I (The three of us are really close). We had gotten done throwing and we were waiting for the running events to get over with. She then went to her car and brought out a sack. She had made two different sandwiches, had two different types of chips, two bottles of water, and a dessert. She knew exactly what we liked and took the time to make it for us. So while you are thinking this is no big deal, I thought it was pretty awesome. Who actually goes out of their way for one of their friends? Makes their sandwich exactly how they like it and even peels off the crust for them? I can’t think of too many people besides her. This is just one of the many things that she has done for me. She is so considerate that the list is endless.

I am thankful for this assignment because if I wouldn’t have been forced to do it, I probably wouldn’t have told her how much I appreciate her. She isn’t someone I take for granted but I never tell her thank you enough. Since she doesn’t go to school here anymore, I had to settle for typing out a nice long text message. . . oh technology. She immediately called me and in return thanked me for what I had said. I felt that I needed to elaborate a little more on the situation and since I am a ginormous baby I began to cry. I definitely feel that it brought us closer and now I am much more appreciative. I think I would like to try and make a mental note to tell everyone how much they mean to me every now and then. I don’t want to live with the regret of waiting until it is too late or not getting the chance to; especially if it is someone who means so much to me.  Do it now, because you may never get the chance later.

Fiction Suit-Peter Parker

Reflective Essay #4, Part 1

Peter Parker: Man, if only college was easy. Shooting webs is cool and all but I really wish I had magical powers. Then I would “magically” appear in class and my homework would do itself.

Ben the dog: Peter, what are you complaining about?

Peter: Did you really just talk?! I can’t believe this! Stay away from me!

Ben: You produce a spider web that allows you to swing from building to building and yet you are having trouble listening to me talk?

Peter: How did you know that?

Ben: I know a lot of things kid. It’s best that you just take my advice.

Peter: Well. . . umm. . . what do you want?

Ben: I want you to stop moping and complaining. You are getting too “caught up” and “tangled” in life right now.

Peter: It’s hard for me. I have been so busy here lately. Aunt May and my professors are worried because I can’t get to class. I’m worried because I can’t get a decent pay check. And the city is worried that Spiderman is going to disappear.

Ben: Are you telling me you want to give everything up? Do you want to just quit right now?

Peter: No, I don’t what to do that. I just want it to be easier.

Ben: Peter, nothing in life is ever easy; especially if it is worthwhile. Tell me, how does it make you feel when you save Mary Jane from the robbers? Or stop the evil Dr. Drosophilia? Does it not reward you?

Peter: Yes, it does. . but.

Ben: No, buts. You have got to see the light and know that you are the one to make a difference. Stop taking everything for granted and accept all the talents you have been given.

Peter: That is pretty deep for a dog to say.

Ben: I am not just you average dog. I know more than you may think.

Peter: What do you mean?

Ben: All I am going to tell you is that YOU have been given the POWER to help people. YOU are RESPONSIBLE. It is up to YOU to make a difference. If YOU don’t, who will?

Peter: I. . .I. . .(Sniffs) Uncle Ben? Is that you?

Reflective Essay #3

For our third reflective essay, I found a paragraph from Morrison that I really liked.

“Superhero science has taught me this: Entire universes fit comfortably inside our skulls. Not just one or two but endless universes can be packed into that dark, wet, and bony hollow without breaking it open from the inside. The space in our heads will stretch to accommodate them all.”

                I really liked this segment for a few reasons, and I find it somewhat amusing how they are all interrelated. As a biopsychology major, you are constantly thinking why people think the way they do and what causes them to do various things. You begin to learn that neurotransmitters in the brain play a large role. (This has a point, I promise). In my Children’s Theatre class, professor West discusses how they don’t have the chemicals developed like we do. Therefor this leads to their creative imaginations. Majority of comic book artists designed their stories around the minds of young children. When you have someone such as Superman fighting crime, it gives them something to believe in. I think many times children play cops and robbers, or cowboys and Indians, or even just good guys and bad guys. The comics were a great way to get lost in an imaginative world and picture yourself next to your favorite superhero.  In gave them the ability to create their own story as well as inspire them.

                I liked how it mentions that the universe can fit inside our skulls. This line really stood out to me because we have the power to create whatever we want. It is a fantasy world and anything can happen. If you want a super hero to have a power you can give it to them. If you want them to have a severe weakness you can create that as well. And not to cross genres here but it is “To infinity and beyond”! There are no limits with the imagination and we can make a story unfold however we want it to.

Reflective Essay#2

I think the biggest responsibility for a superhero is concealing their identity. On a daily basis, we all tend to act in various ways around different types of people. If you live the life as a night time crime fighter and an average Joe during the day, then keeping your identity hidden is imperative. In the case of Clark Kent, if Louis was to find out that he was Superman, she would be constantly worrying about his safety and forbid him to go fight crime. It would prevent him from upholding his duties and protecting the city. Another point that Grant Morrison pointed out was when he was discussing the thought of marriage to Louis Lane. As a married couple, Kent would feel obligated to tell her the truth. Lin marriage, Louis would carry out various roles such as making sure he is home in time for dinner. While it may be an act of love, it seems to me that it can be quite destructive. Another reason why it is important to have a secret identity is because it can protect the ones you love. When you are fighting some of the world’s strongest super villains, you don’t want them holding your family and friends for ransom and putting their life into danger.

                The rise of the superhero is all based on the society they came from. As a comic book artist the hardest problem is to create an appealing story that is going to sell. By implementing current events in the stories, it provided young readers with not only insight but imagination as well. Wars played a large role in the creation of comics. When you have a recession and life is focused on war efforts, it is hard to simply ignore the topics. I also think this pertained to young readers because they were not old enough for the draft. The superheroes on the front lines of battle gave them something to believe in and make them feel as if they were a part of it. With the comic code being put into play as well, artists were limited on what they could write about. With these types of restrictions it was the events in society that shaped the superheroes.

                Comparing these insights to my own life is rather difficult. When I think of concealing your identity it would be hard to do tremendous tasks and not receive the credit for them. Keeping a large secret to myself would be beyond difficult and every day I would probably wish that I could confide in someone. But even then, I don’t think there is anyone that you could fully trust to keep that secret. At the same time I also believe that you should be yourself all the time and your behavior should not change depending on who you are around. Superheroes have huge duties and many responsibilities. They are inspiring and motivational, but I don’t think I could ever fill that big of shoes.

My Favorite Superhero-Reflective Essay #1

My Favorite Superhero

            As I have attended class these last few days, I have come to realize I am not acquainted with the various Superheroes like I thought I was. I have a lot to learn. For the sake of this essay, I need to pick the one I know most about and that is Spider-Man. While many of my memories come from the recent films with Tobey Maguire, I think they are pretty justifiable.  I think Spider-Man is my favorite because he is somewhat the most relatable and he is always there in the nick of time. He always strives to do what is right while at the same time avenging his Uncle’s Death and protecting his Aunt.

            I think Spider-Man is my favorite solely because he is Peter Parker. He is inspiring because he keeps his alias hidden while he goes through some tough times in life. There are many times in which he could have told his friends or peers that he was the amazing Spider-Man, but he remains humble about it. I can relate to him because at first he is that awkward kid who is always picked on. No matter how hard he tries, he can never get ahead in work or at school, or receive any sort of recognition. As a viewer, you are relieved when he finally gets noticed at work. While most Superheroes never do anything in the benefit of themselves, Peter Parker is able to set up cameras and capture himself and turn it in to the newspaper. Spider-Man is the type of hero you can always rely on. You see him down and you are constantly thinking “Come on, get up! You can do it”! And just when you think he can’t he is back again with more determination and motivation than ever. This reminds me that no matter how hard things in life may seem, you can always get up when you get knocked down. Although he may have a spidey sense and powers, he still does what is right and protects those in need. He is a symbol of hope and achievement and helps one realize to strive to your full potential no matter what.

            While I have no childhood memory to associate with Spider-Man, I think he is highly relatable.  There are many times in life that I can ask “What would Spider-Man do?” There are many times in life when we choose to focus on ourselves and other times we focus on other people. Since I typically go out of my way, I always try to help others out when I can. When I am faced with a dilemma, I usually choose to help others than doing what is right for me. If I was to get stabbed and my friend was to get shot I would face the problem of helping them then and there or going to get help. When asking, “What would Spider-Man do?” I have found that he would always be willing to help someone in need, even if it was jeopardizing to himself. If you have the ability or even the opportunity to help someone in need, then you should always do it. While you may put yourself in a bind, there is the gratification of knowing you helped someone. I think is the main drive for many superheroes. It is what makes them excel and stand out from everyone else. However, we cannot forget the wonderful costumes.