Live in the Moment, Not in the Past
3/2/21 Up until about a year ago, dwelling on the past was consuming just about all of my time. I wasn’t able to live in the moment because I was constantly stuck in the past. I would stress and worry about everything. My mom would have to remind me that life goes on, and there’s no way of moving back in time to change something. After lots of realization and advice from my mom, I have finally learned to appreciate the present and to spend less time overthinking the past.
I will say, sometimes I still catch myself thinking about what I could have done differently in a situation from the past. When that happens, I allow myself to reflect and feel that emotion, but I don’t let it take over my whole life. I remind myself that until time machines are invented, there is no way that I can go back and change what already happened. This brings me to another point. If I had a time machine, would I go back and change the choices I made? I would have to say no because I believe that everything in my life is happening for a reason. I know that every mistake that I make is an opportunity for me to learn and grow. I feel like I am learning from every obstacle that life throws at me. I try my absolute best to focus on the present each and every day. I look out for the little things in life the most. I hold memories in my mind and my heart from the past, but I don’t spend my time dwelling. If I wasted my time doing so, I wouldn’t be able to make memories. I wouldn’t be able to appreciate every moment, as I try to do. Now, I’m just living my life to the fullest, while still taking each day at a time. I focus on what’s truly important in my life. By doing that, I don’t feel so stuck in the past. Ultimately, the truth is, life goes on even during the times when you might feel like it shouldn’t. You have to be willing to change and move on, or else life will pass you by. Live in the moment, Blue Jays! -Anna The Importance of Family
12/9/20 Family is one of the most important things to me. As I’m writing this, the holidays are right around the corner, and I’ve decided to reflect on something that I’m grateful for. The #1 thing that I am grateful for every year, and especially this strange year, is my family.
I am always extremely thankful for the family that I have, but this year has shown me just how important it really is to have people you love by your side. This year has thrown so many challenges towards everyone and it has pulled many people apart, but I’m lucky to say that it has helped my family and I grow closer together. Now, let me tell you a little bit about this family of mine. My Dad is one of the hardest workers I know. I aspire to be like my parents every day because of their work ethic. He has taught me to be strong and confident. He never fails to make me laugh. My Mom is one of the most selfless people that I know. She would drop everything to be there for me. She is also a super hard worker. My mom is always the one reminding me that everything is going to be okay. She’s the one that boosts my confidence whenever I need it most. We could laugh for hours together. My Sister is not only the best big sister I could ask for, but also my absolute best friend for life. She’s a hard worker at work and in school. When she sets her mind to something, she gets it accomplished. My sister is the best role model. She makes me proud, and I am just so thankful for her. I could go on and on about my family and the great significance that they have in my life. This is just my immediate family, but I have so many more relatives that I am thankful to have. The influence that my family has on me every day is strong, and the unconditional love that I have for my family is irreplaceable. Family is a support system that is crucial to have throughout life. Everybody has their own meaning for the word family and different people that make up their family. Whoever you may consider your family, make sure to keep them close to you and always let them know just how much you love them. My BJJTV Experience!
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From the inspiring guest speakers to winning the golden buckle on the first night, to having dance parties and drum circles, TRACTION 2019 was definitely unforgettable. Sure, it was only a three-day trip, but it left me with so many great memories.
We learned a lot about safe driving and preventing traffic crashes while at TRACTION. We also got to listen to speakers share their personal stories, and had the opportunity to watch a very realistic docudrama. Our goal at the conference was to, as a group, take what we learned about preventing traffic crashes and combine it with what we already knew about our school to make an action plan. I think that our little group of seven people worked really well together, and came up with a great and effective action plan that we are already putting into action at our school. TRACTION was for sure a mix of seriousness and fun. To help us bond as a team, there was the TRACTION Olympics, which included food relays. We didn't win anything in the Olympics, but it’s the thought that counts. Another cool thing we did there was a drum circle. You might be thinking that’s kind of odd, but it was actually a pretty relaxing activity to connect with each other. Also, we worked together as a team and built a life-sized whale, and we learned some new dance moves during the dance party. We did do some pretty amazing things at TRACTION, but one of my favorite parts was forming new friendships with each member of our group. There were only seven BJJTV staff members in our group, and I think that after this trip, I became closer to all of them. I have great memories of each person there. From Cierstyn and Emma quoting TikToks the entire trip to Grace hitting the woah, and Jocelyn jamming out to One Direction. There was also Allison and Ms.Turner’s “arguing” (which really just means they love each other) that we all got a good laugh out of, and Megan and I's love for dessert at every meal. The experience would not have been the same without each of them. Our team had so much fun working together and everywhere we went, we were either dancing or cheering, but usually both! |
I personally think that TRACTION was a great learning experience and a great way for me to become closer to some our new BJJTV staff members. TRACTION was something I never would’ve seen myself doing just because it’s a little bit out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad I got the opportunity to go this year!
I would encourage you all to try something new, even if it might involve going out of your own comfort zone. You might end up having a great experience and making some new memories! Until next time Blue Jays, Anna |
Hopes and Fears for the New School Year
8/10/19
8/10/19
It’s that time of year once again. The beginning of the school year is here and there is no denying it. Even if you are feeling reluctant about heading back to school, it is still important to keep a positive attitude about what the year will bring.
All of us have our own hopes and fears for the upcoming school year whether we are A+ students, dedicated athletes, club volunteers, or just running through the everyday motions of high school.
I can admit this fact: the fears that I have as a soon-to-be sophomore are much different than the fears I had as an incoming freshman. This year, I am no longer worried about being able to find my locker or figuring out how to unlock it. I am not anxious over getting lost in the shuffle of upperclassmen, and I feel confident in my ability to find all of my classes on the first day of school.
Although I have learned a few valuable lessons about navigating high school during my first year at WHS, I still have fears for what the new school year might toss at me. This year, I will be taking many more challenging classes like AP Rocket Science and College Credit Brain Surgery. Okay, my classes might not be THAT intense, but they will definitely feel more foreign to me than my previous classes felt. Luckily, I know with hard work and ample amounts of study time, I should be able to pass my classes without stressing out too much.
While I am taking some more challenging classes, I am also taking some new classes that I am really looking forward to. Such as this class; Blue Jay Journal TV. I want to use BJJTV not only to learn more about broadcasting and journalism but also to use this as an opportunity to venture out and to become more involved with our school.
I hope we can all take comfort in knowing that we are all in the same boat. We will all have our anticipations and what-ifs about the 2019-2020 school year, so let’s make the most of it by meeting new people, being ourselves, and supporting each other through the good, the great, and the very best times.
Take it easy Blue Jays,
Anna
All of us have our own hopes and fears for the upcoming school year whether we are A+ students, dedicated athletes, club volunteers, or just running through the everyday motions of high school.
I can admit this fact: the fears that I have as a soon-to-be sophomore are much different than the fears I had as an incoming freshman. This year, I am no longer worried about being able to find my locker or figuring out how to unlock it. I am not anxious over getting lost in the shuffle of upperclassmen, and I feel confident in my ability to find all of my classes on the first day of school.
Although I have learned a few valuable lessons about navigating high school during my first year at WHS, I still have fears for what the new school year might toss at me. This year, I will be taking many more challenging classes like AP Rocket Science and College Credit Brain Surgery. Okay, my classes might not be THAT intense, but they will definitely feel more foreign to me than my previous classes felt. Luckily, I know with hard work and ample amounts of study time, I should be able to pass my classes without stressing out too much.
While I am taking some more challenging classes, I am also taking some new classes that I am really looking forward to. Such as this class; Blue Jay Journal TV. I want to use BJJTV not only to learn more about broadcasting and journalism but also to use this as an opportunity to venture out and to become more involved with our school.
I hope we can all take comfort in knowing that we are all in the same boat. We will all have our anticipations and what-ifs about the 2019-2020 school year, so let’s make the most of it by meeting new people, being ourselves, and supporting each other through the good, the great, and the very best times.
Take it easy Blue Jays,
Anna
An Open Letter to Mrs. Stahl
6/29/19
Dear Mrs. Stahl,
If it wasn’t for you, I would still be looking for my fourth-hour class on the first day of school. More importantly, you made my year so much more enjoyable. I want to thank you for everything you taught me about being a good student, friend, and future teacher.
6/29/19
Dear Mrs. Stahl,
If it wasn’t for you, I would still be looking for my fourth-hour class on the first day of school. More importantly, you made my year so much more enjoyable. I want to thank you for everything you taught me about being a good student, friend, and future teacher.
Thank you for helping me become a better reader and writer and for shaping me into the person I am today. You put so much effort into your job and into making sure all of your students know you care about them. I know everyone greatly appreciates that, including myself.
Your teaching has influenced me to go into a teaching career in the future; I strive to be a teacher like you someday.
Thank you for always knowing how to wake up our sleepy, second-hour class by making us laugh with your jokes and funny stories. Thank you for always making my day by simply waving at me in the hallway or by taking the time to stop and chat with me about how our days were going. Thank you for encouraging me to persevere on tasks that I wasn't sure I could take on.
Thank you for leaving a tremendous, positive impact on me and for making my freshman year so much more enjoyable. I would always look forward to going to your class because I knew I could count on you to brighten up a gloomy day.
Thank you for always being there for us, whether it was by giving us extra homework help or extra positive affirmations to boost our confidence. You taught us that there is no reason to be bored. There is always something to do, not only in the classroom, but in life as a whole. You taught us to stay positive even when things got difficult. You taught us to embrace who we are.
Most of all, thank you for teaching me to have an optimistic outlook on the future. Without you, I would still be just as scared as I was on the first day of school searching for my class. You have taught me to set goals for the future and to follow my passions.
Thank you for welcoming me to high school and for giving me a positive start to my experience here. It was a joy being in your class, and I am so grateful I had the chance to have you as my teacher!
Sincerely,
Anna McFarland
Your teaching has influenced me to go into a teaching career in the future; I strive to be a teacher like you someday.
Thank you for always knowing how to wake up our sleepy, second-hour class by making us laugh with your jokes and funny stories. Thank you for always making my day by simply waving at me in the hallway or by taking the time to stop and chat with me about how our days were going. Thank you for encouraging me to persevere on tasks that I wasn't sure I could take on.
Thank you for leaving a tremendous, positive impact on me and for making my freshman year so much more enjoyable. I would always look forward to going to your class because I knew I could count on you to brighten up a gloomy day.
Thank you for always being there for us, whether it was by giving us extra homework help or extra positive affirmations to boost our confidence. You taught us that there is no reason to be bored. There is always something to do, not only in the classroom, but in life as a whole. You taught us to stay positive even when things got difficult. You taught us to embrace who we are.
Most of all, thank you for teaching me to have an optimistic outlook on the future. Without you, I would still be just as scared as I was on the first day of school searching for my class. You have taught me to set goals for the future and to follow my passions.
Thank you for welcoming me to high school and for giving me a positive start to my experience here. It was a joy being in your class, and I am so grateful I had the chance to have you as my teacher!
Sincerely,
Anna McFarland
Junior.
Crazy cat lady.
Certified shopaholic.
I'm happiest when I'm somewhere on the beach.
Crazy cat lady.
Certified shopaholic.
I'm happiest when I'm somewhere on the beach.