The Road Less Traveled

How important is it to you that you find a career that you are passionate about? Read the article ""Why Dream Jobs Don't Come True" and watch Paul Potts' performance on "Britain Has Talent" (he was the original Susan Boyle). I am no fan of opera but the message is pretty clear: don't settle for a job that doesn't make you happy, especially if you have interests or talents that lie somewhere else. How can you NOT cheer for this guy? I read a quote one time (couldn't tell you who wrote it), and it said: "Do What You Love, The Rest Comes". Imagine yourself spending eight hours a day, for 30-40 years of your life doing something that you aren't interested in, or even worse...that makes you miserable. One thing I did notice in the newspaper article though, is that two main reasons why people don't end up in their dream job are lack of job availability, and lack of education. The truth is, if you want a job that inspires you and gives you the lifestyle that you want, you just might have to work your butt off a little to get yourself qualified! Think about some of the careers that you want (and the daily life that you want), and then start taking the steps to get yourself there. Don't back down because it might require a lot of education or training. It is worth it to invest in a career path that you will love.

On a side note: My first choices in career were: Vancouver Canucks player (age 2), Firefighter (age 4).

So here is your task for your very last blog post (!!!!)

1) Do you believe it is important to be passionate about your job? Think about adults you know well, and how they feel about their jobs. 

2) What are you going to do with the rest of your life (career wise) and how are you going to get there? (Yes, it is certainly ok if you don't have concrete plans, but at least write about a possible path you could take).

Cyberspace Debates

Your blog topic today is to argue your position on a controversial issue. Your opinion counts, but you must back it up with logical, researched arguments. Begin by stating your position and briefly summarizing your main supporting points. Then, expand your ideas and give more specific references. Creativity and expression are always appreciated. Once you have posted your blog, surf around through the other student blogs and find one that discusses your topic. Post a comment on another blog that includes some of your own points. As always...agree to disagree respectfully.

Here are your choices for topics:

The legal age for driving should be raised to 19, and more restrictions (driving lessons, extended "L" time period) should be enforced.

The drinking age in Canada should be lowered to 16.

The Olympic Winter Games will benefit B.C.

Affirmative action is a positive policy for all businesses and post-secondary institutions in B.C.

Abortion should be illegal in B.C.

Anyone who hosts a party where alcohol is consumed becomes legally responsible for all guests.

Marijuana should be decriminalized.

English 12 should have verbal options for all assignments.

55 Fiction #2

School Daze

"Do your homework," Ms. Searcy says.

"But this is stupid-I'll never need this in life," Max says,
defiantly.

Ms. Searcy smiles at Max sadly. "You might be surprised."

Years pass. One day Ms. Searcy sees Max at lunch.

"It's good to see you Max."

"You too", Ms. Searcy. "Would you like fries with that?"

55 Fiction

The Relentless Follower

Two pirates shuffled down the leafy sidewalk, followed by a tall man wearing a suit. The man waited in the shadows whenever the pirates raided a house, demanding candy, but he was always nearby.

"Your dad's starting to give me the creeps," Eric whispered at last.

"Wait," said Pete. "I thought he was your dad."

Creative Pursuits

You have a choice of two tasks for today's blog:

Your first option is to work on descriptive writing, specifically using as much imagery as possible. First, you must find a picture on the internet. Find something that you can translate into words (something with movement or colour or emotion) and then describe it in AS MUCH DETAIL as you can. Don't just describe what you see. Fill in the gaps and add tastes, sounds, and textures. Imagine that the reader does not have the picture in front of them, and yet you must make them feel as if they are in that photo. When you are finished, please look at at least 2 other classmates' blogs, and comment on them. See the link in the sidebar for an example of an excellent blog post on this topic.

Your second option is to create a random piece of creative writing. In the sidebar are links to two websites with hundreds of creative writing prompts. Choose one of them, and start writing. Of course, if this is too restrictive, you may write on a topic of your choice.

Novel Synthesis

Your assignment today is to write a synthesis piece that combines your novel and a secondary text. You need to find a common idea between the two and discuss how EACH piece of text reflects that issue. You only need to give direct quotes from the 2nd text, but you must make specific references to your novel. Your opening sentences will outline the connection that you are focusing on.

To find the secondary piece of text for your novel, you need to go to the English 12 webpage, and click on "Lit Circles" and then on your novel title.

Blog Choice

Please check out the link to the "Top 20 Blog Posts" Web page (in the sidebar). The site provides 20 different types of blogs that you can create. You may choose one of the types of blogs and discuss any topic you wish. The main criteria for this blog is that it must be completed by the end of this class. It is an impromptu piece of writing (in preparation for the provincial exam). Please be as creative, or informative as possible. Use the highest level of vocabulary, and written expression that you can.