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.