I've had to grind through junior year. It's been a lot of fun, but I wouldn't do it over again. Physics, this year, was much worse than I thought it was going to be and the workload in APUSH was suffocating at times. At the beginning of the year I made it my goal to become more involved outside of school in extra-curriculars and in the community. One of my best experiences from this past year was coaching a youth basketball team at the YMCA. I'm not sure we won any games, but I was proud of how the kids grew as players and how I grew as a leader and a coach. It wasn't easy to come up with lesson plans every practice and coach the kids in games in when they were down by 20. But it was very exciting and I can't wait to do it next year.
The future is bright for Matthew Telfer. Not only will I be doing my mentoring project at the University of Kentucky this summer at the College of Medicine, but I will also be working as a tennis instructor at Shilito Park. It's going to be a lot of work but I am definitely up for the challenge. I'm also traveling to Paris this summer at the end of July and attending a Coldplay concert at Lincoln Financial Field in August.
I want more of the same for my senior year. I enjoyed the way junior year went and I hope for much of the same in my senior year. I'm looking forward to applying for colleges in the fall and finishing up my mentoring project. It will also be my last year of high school tennis so I hope it will end in a State Championship for the team. It's been real junior year, but it's time for me to move on.
I actually feel net positively about this year of school,
which is not something I think I would have anticipated at the beginning.
Everyone always claims junior year is the hardest because it’s when you do the things
that will get you into college. But for me, even with my APs, and apps,
looming, I actually feel like this was the first year I didn’t have to majorly
struggle to reach my goals despite the fact that my workload definitely increased
and I had to balance more. Maybe I just excel when I have more stuff going on
but probably not. Probably, I just am better friends with all my normal
friends, plus with other people I wasn’t really friends with before.
As for
next year, it’s probably going to be my most stressful one as I’m going to go
live in Peru. Since, as of now, I’m planning on having a scary busy summer
(finishing my college apps, doing mentoring, working, taking 2 classes online, etc.)
hopefully my academic year won’t be stressful, but overall it's definitely going to be
hard. Choosing to go to Peru was a super difficult decision to make and I can safely say I’m
kinda terrified and totally bummed to miss hanging out with people I want to hanging out with. But I also know that I really want to be fluent in another
language and its so dang cool that I can’t pass up that kind of opportunity especially
at this point in my life. So well see how that works out but if it’s anything
like this last year, I’m going to be pretty happy. Plus, I get an extra summer
so, ya know, hell yeah.
AH. Junior year. What a crazy, wonderful year. This school year was full of do-able amounts of stress and a whole bunch of other things.
It was pretty successful to say the least. And there weren't many failures, but the small failures in my life aren't even worth mentioning. Positivity is key here. I learned a bunch, not only in school, but in life. Every day I've learned to find the silver linings. There's so much to be thankful for and so many lovely people that keep me sane. School is difficult at times, but this life is so good. I've learned to appreciate teachers, love my peers, and find joy in simple things.
Some pretty great successful happenings are these:
My grades this year have been, well, pretty alright, especially considering my lack of motivation!
Dance team made it to nationals again. HC dance represent yo. We competed and did really well, but more importantly had SO much fun.
Also, I finally decided what I almost might want to do with my life. I think I've decided to pursue Nursing. This makes me so excited for multiple reasons. First, I love people, so getting to pursue something in which I can help & love other people makes my heart so full. Also, I could use this as an opportunity to work overseas and minister in other ways to people that need not only medical attention, but the Gospel. So hopefully, this is carried out in the near future.
Lastly, this year, I've been accepted to go on a mission trip and return to Africa this summer. I get to travel to Port Shepstone, South Africa for a month, and I could not be more thrilled. I'm looking forward to this because I'll be back serving in a place that has my heart, meeting and loving on people who need Jesus. I also get to work at a camp for 4 weeks! There's so much joy in working with younger kids. Flower crowns & mud faces & tree climbing galore.
This life is so abundant and every day I'm reminded of that.
Looking back on my junior year, I'm incredibly proud of myself. Academically, this year has been tough, but I've (almost) made it through it all. Up until this year, all I ever cared about was my grades and what score I got on each test, but I've learned that high school can be so much more than just grades and test scores. It took a lot for me to let loose, have some fun, and make some new friends. I've also rekindled friendships from middle and elementary school, and it's those friendships that have gotten me through the year. So thanks guys for your support, you all rock :)
I can't think of any other year that I've been so happy. I've faced my fair share of challenges, just as everyone else has, but I've realized that the sun will come up tomorrow and in the long run, it'll all work out. I've also taken some pretty extreme steps on the field. I've been given two incredible opportunities to play with teams from other countries and states, and I have learned so much from it. I have gained my confidence back on the field and I've recently been getting that feeling that I used to get when I was younger; like I belong there. Its a safe haven for me; a place where I can excel, and this year, I'm excelling with some of my best friends.
As fun as this year has been, I'm ready for summer. I'm ready to stop stressing over tests and grades, and just relax. I'm hoping to either get a head start on my senior project or complete an internship on molecular genetics (crossing my fingers I get it). I'm also going to take the summer to get back into shape, work on my touch, and hopefully guest play at another showcase in Iowa with a Minnesota team.
For my senior year, I just want to enjoy the time I have left with everyone. It took me so long to finally come out of my shell and now that I have, I don't want to waste anymore time. I hope to keep my grades where they are now, get my college applications in early, and enjoy my last season as a Blue Devil. I was never really sentinmental until I started writing this, but I just hope I can make the most of senior year like I have junior year.
Wow I can't believe that my junior year is almost over. I'm going to be a senior that's insane. I think I have accomplished a lot this year through getting a part time job, taking the ACT, making new friends a lot has happened some for the better and others not so much. This summer I plan to start my internship with Studio 34 productions as my senior mentoring project. I'm also planning on volunteering at UK health care for their teen volunteer program again. And I plan to keep working my job through the summer. For my senior year I want to have fun. I'm taking some harder classes but I want to be able to still live my life. This year I haven't had that many oppurtunities to be social and hang out with friends but next year I want to make those memories with friends and be able to make my own mistakes and learn from them. I also hope to decide what college I want to attend. right now my plan is University of Kentucky but who knows where I'll end up. By staying focused but not patronizing myself for making mistakes, I think I can have a successful last year of high school.
The future... Something I'm not really looking forward to. Well, I sort of am. I'm excited to be my own person and have the choice to be alone 24/7 because that's what I prefer anyway. But I'm also scared of what's to come. Unlike my friends, I'm not necessarily ready for complete independence. I am not looking forward to college, I'm not looking forward to driving everywhere, I'm not looking forward to having responsibilities! Obviously I'll have to suck it up. But regardless, those are my feelings.
My goal right now is to live. Not survive, but live. Everyone spends so much time planning for their future... when they're not even guaranteed one. I'm sick of playing it safe. I am slowly being driven to insanity through the repetition of my daily routine. That's why I get up at 2 am every day now because it's just something different.I can't keep living in the same broken record.
I hope to find something in the future that will make me want to wake up in the mornings. Something that will make me thankful that my eyes opened to the sun again. I don't know what I'll do if that doesn't happen.
p.s. none of the songs from my Perfect Playlist are on your Spotify Playlist :(
Junior year… has definitely been the worst year of my life. Academically, it was the about the same as all my other years in school. I've put all my energy into school, and as always, it's paid off. So to remain stagnant in that sense is a good thing. However, I have suffered so much loss in my personal life. Stressors have shown up all throughout the year, each one more devastating than the last. And even as hard as it has been for me, some good comes out of it. I realized that even when I go through rough patches, I am still able to shake those problems off long enough to focus on what really matters for me, which right now is doing well in school. And its success like that that outweighs all my failures.
With that being said, I'm ready for a long summer vacation. Although I've already had some time for me, I'm already craving more. That's why a little over a month ago, I decided I wanted to take about a month long vacation at the beach, as my grandparents spend half of their summer in Gulf Shores, Alabama. That's a whole month away from this city where all my problems are. A whole month in one of the most beautiful places in this country. Relaxation is something I desperately need at this point, and I can't think of a better way to reach that bliss.
My goals for senior year all involve a better year. One without so much stress. One with a little more happiness, in and out of school. So academically, my goals are the same. I want to continue working hard and doing my best. And that hard work will (hopefully) get me into a good college somewhere. As far as my personal life goes, I can only hope that things will get better. Many of the bad things that happened to me this year were out of my control, so the only thing I can do is put a better faith in my hands, and hope for a better year. And I will deal with these and future difficulties the best I can…
I won't lie: Junior year was tough, and I wouldn't care to do it again. Obviously, it wasn't the fault of my teachers, I've really enjoyed most (you know who you are) of them. The issue was that there was never a time where I wasn't completely swamped with homework and extracurricular activities, and there was certainly never a second where I didn't feel any stress.
I worked at most days after school, led the newspaper as the editor-in-chief, received a two chapter positions and a state Junior Classical League position, went to NAIMUN LII, and did a staggering 619 APUSH Key Terms. I became better friends with several people, but we never actually hang out because no one has time for that. Junior year would certainly have been great if not for the crippling and constant flood of work that I had to keep from drowning in.
This summer, though it is impossible to escape the looming shadow of my final year of high school, I will attempt to relax and prepare for college apps, driving myself places (oof), and stay excited about my awesome schedule next year. During my senior year, though, I'm not going to take it easy. I'm going to work as hard as I have this year, no matter how much I don't want to. I will also try not to burn myself out as badly as I have this year, but I'm not sure that will be possible.
Forest Whitaker- Bad Books
My playlist is the perfect mix of somber and upbeat, and "Forest Whitaker" is no exception. The song has an upbeat tune and depressing lyrics, which makes for an interesting and unique take on a bad relationship. Since many of the other songs on the list follow a similar trend, it was best to start off with this one. Also, it's one of my favorite songs ever.
Midnight City- M83
On the lighter side of the playlist, "Midnight City" is a dance track, pop hit, and upbeat followup to the more somber "Forest Whitaker." Like the other songs, the song is a mix of major and minor, holding the balance between the two to a T.
Don't Stop (Color the Walls)- Foster the People
Like the previous song, "Don't Stop" is upbeat. It makes you want to dance, but it isn't formulaic enough to be basic and boring. Each song on the playlist is a good song for all occasions, and this one is no exception.
When Did Your Heart Go Missing?- Rooney
The simplest track in the playlist, "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" brings the mood back down from the previous song but keeps the energy going. It is exciting enough to dance and karaoke to, but slow enough to do homework and tap your foot to.
My Type- Saint Motel
The conclusion to the Perfect Playlist, "My Type" is the most upbeat overall, and has some very entertaining lyrics. It ends the playlist by bringing each song full circle; "My Type" is right in the middle of the up/down spectrum and fits all moods and circumstances. It ends the playlist very well considering the length, but I like my 130-song version of this playlist better.
Personally, I'm so incredibly happy that junior year is almost over. This year has been super tough, but overall I think the successes outweighed the failures.
Some of my successes were being able to maintain a 4.0 GPA all year (so far) and go up four points on the ACT (after numerous tests ending in the EXACT SAME SCORE, very frustrating). I've worked really hard to obtain both of those, and I'm really glad that I could do it! Some areas where I could've done better this year are maybe planning ahead and not procrastinating. I've been able to finish all my assignments on time this year, but sometimes unfortunately, because of my terrible procrastination, that meant staying up until 4:00 in the morning. Also, I really wish I could've done a lot better in cross country this season, making it the third year in a row for me missing state by a few seconds.
This summer I hope to be planning for college, working a little to get money for college (just got hired yay!) and working on my Senior Project with On The Move Art Studio, which I have already started, and it is super fun! My senior year I hope to maintain my grades, get some sort of scholarship to help me in college, and stress a little less than I have been this year. I'm really looking forward to the future!
5.The
Girl Is Mine by Michael Jackson featuring Paul McCartney
These are a few of my favorite throwbacks. They are each catchy
and energetic. Every time I hear one of them, it puts me in a good mood. If you
know them you can’t help but sing along. I chose these songs off a larger playlist I created,
the five selected add a unique tune and energy to the playlist. They are not in a special order because I had
trouble choosing a #1 and narrowing it down to just these five, they’re all
favorites. These songs all go well together, having similar sounds and upbeat,
happy energy makes them cohesive.
If
I could be any fictional character, I would be Sherlock Holmes. Starting with
the classics by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock continued into hundreds of different
versions, but remained the same respectable, clever and witty character. If I had
to choose to be a character, those three qualities aren’t too shabby to have. Having the skills of a genius, solving the
toughest criminal cases, and being the first real modern hero, sounds pretty
cool. Another reason I would like to be Sherlock Holmes is because of his
wardrobe. The tweed suit, or long trench coat, a cap, and a pipe is not a look
you can pull off too often nowadays, but he does it well. I’ve always liked
being a trendsetter. Another reason, he has an awesome sidekick, Dr. Watson. Having
a doctor as a best friend, or my only friend could come in handy.
At
this very moment, somewhere in the universe there is an old man with
large, square glasses that make his eyes buggy because of the strong prescription,
and grey, balding hair that sticks out on the sides, crazy looking, like Einstein,
wearing a blue and white striped button down shirt, like pajamas, and matching
pants, that also match the striped slippers that are too small for his long,
cracked and dry feet, his heels hang off the back, his eyes hang as well, they
are surrounded by deep, dark wrinkles making his brown eyes look purple and droopy, and
his hands, his hands are old, veiny, you can see the age in his fingers when he twists the ring that rests on his left index, that is worn and fading, like his
leather watch that is a minute and two seconds too slow. It is 2 AM. He is at Waffle
House eating pancakes.
You're done! - well almost
Your Junior year (nearly) OVER.
Tell us about it.
Successes? Failures? Lessons Learned? Risks taken? Mistakes made? What will you do in the Summer? What do you want for your Senior year? How do you plan to reach your goals?
Minimum of 150 words - due on Sunday, April 17th at 11:59 pm
(Last day to submit blogs 24 - 26 will be May 22nd)
Right now, somewhere in the universe, at this very moment, there are people exploring the world. Nature holds many wonders within its aura, and sometimes to find these pieces of Eden we should embark on a the journey the world eggs us on to take. Exploration has been an innate behavior of man since his evolution, as the man is depicted scouting out lands and such. To this day, people are traveling the globe, uncovering marvels that they had no idea existed. This is the real beauty behind exploring, is taking into account the wonderful things you will see once you reach that goal behind your exploration.
Father stretch my hands pt 1 (Kanye)- I have chosen this song because there is something about Kanye's ego that just stuns me. Also, the beat on this track really heats things up!!
With that (Young Thug) - While I can't truly understand what he says in the song, it sounds pretty decent on its own. But to mention, the song is very well produced and is aux-cord worthy.
Marvins Room (Drake) - I've specifically included this song because this sits on the throne of "feels music." Drake does a good job ecxpressing his feelings for his ex and all, and the lyrcism within the song is overall pretty deep.
Rambo (Bryson Tiller)- I picked this song because I have recently become a Bryson Tiller fan, who has risen from being an underground artist in Louisville to one embarking on tours across the nation. I mean, if your not supporting your fellow kentuckians then what are you doing?
Forever (Drake)- This used to be my favorite song upon its release a few years ago, and it featured the Titans of the industry during the time. It mixes good lyrics with a sort of 90's style beat, representing a high quality song in my opinion.
Situation: Youre driving towards a dreadful day at work, and you need a pick me up..... hmmm, what better that a "Hype" playlist to get you going.
1) Migrane, 21 Pilots
First of all, great song by a great band. This fast tempo, yet meaningful lyriced song will definitely pump you up, especially if you know all the words and can sing along.
2) The Death of a Bachelor, Panic at the Disco!
A great song from a classic band, this song is also upbeat but smooth, so why itll hype you up, it can help keep the anxiety down.
3) Cross our Bones, Crown the Empire
Not one of their heavier songs, but still a good song from CTE to help break the inbetween school and work sloth like mood.
4) (wasn't planning on repeating bands but another one of my favorites right now) This is Gospel, Panic at the Disco1
Another great song, and a prequel to Emperors new clothes, also and amazing song by the band, this song is also a more tamed song, so you don't get too hype pre-work.
5) (Courtesy of Bae) Jeykll and Hyde, Five finger Death Punch
"When you really don't like any of your co-workers and you wanna beat them all up, but you goota keep your composure to get that paycheck."
If someone asked me, whos your favorite fictional character, my immediate answer would be Jack Napier, AKA the Joker. When I saw this prompt though, I began to question my choice though because I thought, "i could have any super power in the world," but these are the reason I would choose the joker.
1) He is Classic.
Everyone knows of the Joker, and with all of the renditions of him over the years, everyone has a favorite.
2) Great Style.
Although some of his colors might clash, the Joker is one of very few supervillains, and even fewer super heroes, who has A+ fashion.
3) He actually is a jokester.
In the original reditions of the joker, he was much less of a killer than he is portrayed as today. Although Heath Ledgers rendition of the Joker was legendary, and by far one of my favorite, the original Joker was much more about the Jokes, and his goal was to make people smile.
and although there is much more, the final point I will leave you on about the joker...
Somewhere in the universe right now, a small dog named Gionni is waiting for me and brooke to return and adopt him.
WE INTERUPT THIS PROGRAM TO BRING YOU GIONNI THE COWARDLY-ish DOG SHOW
Abandoned as a pup, he was found by Brooke, who lived in the middle of the suburbs with her girlfriend Maggie, creepy stuff happens in the suburbs. ITS UP TO GIONNI TO SAVE HIS NEW HOME! (10 points to whoever can name the reference.) (QUE DRAMATIC MUSIC AND INTRO SCENE)
As Gionni sleeps in his doggy bed, he hears a strange noise. He waits for the humans to decend down the stairs, but there is no sign of his moms. Just then, the basement door flings open, and out comes the evil basement ghost appears, moaning and scratching at the walls as he lurks towards the pup. Just as the ghost reaches his cage, the he makes a sharp turn towards the stairs and begins to creep up towards Gionnis parents room. Gionni knows he must do something, so he uses his superbark to open his cage door and run up after the ghost. He burst in the room to find the ghost standing over his moms. Gionni grabs a paper bag from the recycling bin and puts it over the ghosts head, and throws him down the stairs, where the terrified ghost runs away. Gionnis parents are so proud of their pup that they feed him peanut butter and let him sleep with them.
This is the perfect playlist for a ride through the mountains on a warm summer day with the windows down! (I was just in the mountains on spring break, so I was thinking about this prompt.)
1. Cigarette Daydreams- Cage The Elephant
This song is pretty chill, and Mogie (Morgan Lakofka) and I can play it on our ukuleles and sing to it pretty nicely. It's become one of my favorite songs in general, and it's catchy and fun to sing along to! Also it's my favorite song by this band.
2. Holding On To You- Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots is my favorite band; they're pretty much my entire Spotify, and I know pretty much every word to most of their songs. This is one of my favorites by this band, and I just like how it's very upbeat and fun to listen to. Most of their songs are very different sounding, so you should definitely go listen to them to hear some different music.
3. My Doorbell- The White Stripes
My sister and I always dance around to this song. It's just a great, happy sounding, upbeat song! Also very good song to sing to. By far my favorite song by The White Stripes.
4. Jubel (Original Mix)- Klingande
This is probably one of the chillest songs you'll ever hear. It has very few words, so it's also good to listen to while doing homework (I always end up writing down song lyrics on my homework when I listen to music). The first time I heard this song was when I was watching Alexis Ren and Jay Alvarrez's new video on YouTube because they live in Hawaii so I just love stalking them. So it also reminds me of the beach which makes me super happy.
5. Always Alright- Alabama Shakes
I heard this song for the first time in the movie "The Silverlinings Playbook," which is in my top favorite movies, so it reminds me of that wonderful movie. I actually don't like many of this band's other songs, but this one just makes me happy for no reason.
I had a very hard time narrowing this list down to five of my favorites from my "rad tunes" playlist that I listened to through the mountains this week, but I tried to make them all by different bands (and not all Twenty One Pilot songs :) ). So enjoy!
I've just spent the past week in a remote community in Talamanca, Costa Rica and with that came 4 flights, 2 layovers, one unexpected 7 hour delay, and a 12 hour bus ride beginning in the city and ending in the jungle. Needless to say I've had ample time to listen and consume myself in music. I am a huge fan of music. I am constantly finding and sifting through all genres and all styles trying to become fluent in the language that is music. So, without further to do this is my must have perfect travel playlist.
1. Float on- Modest Mouse
The infamous hit featuring Isaac Brock's iconic screams and upbeat tempo is beloved by many and with good reason. My brother, Cooper, was my first exposure to modest mouse and immediately following my first taste of what then was nothing I had ever heard before I began researching them and was struck by the sheer scale and range of their music. However, as it's clear from the title float on remained one of the most joyful and passionate songs they had produced. Thus, remaining one of my all time favorites as well.
2. Future People- Alabama Shakes
2015 was an incredible year for the music industry. It consisted of releases that sparked controversy and questioning contrasting with others that were purely aw inspiring. Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes was among these. Brittany Howard's deep soulful voice mixed with her unconventional approach to each song broke through in every detail of every song on this album. And, for me Future People exemplifies all of these pieces perfectly. So, when fearing for my life in the jungle of Costa Rica it's never a song I skip because I instantly feel calm and, well, aw inspired.
3. Where the Streets Have No Name- U2
Cruising through the twisting canyons of Nevada and Utah with none other than my 7th grade science teacher, Mr. J, and my closest school friends we reached a point where Mr. J quickly changed the song as we rounded a corner revealing the gorgeous mountains just ahead. We were glued to the seemingly perfect rock formations when we heard it. The quiet rifts that slowly swelled into what still is one of the most sentimental and important songs to me. The lyrics resonate with anyone traveling and searching for an escape from the mundane quotidian routine of life. This song is probably the most fitting for the playlist as well, seeing as not only are there not street names in Talamanca there
aren't even any streets.
4. White Winter Hymnal- Fleet Foxes
At first listen the song sounds true to it's name. It's a short beautiful piece that is addictive from the get go. Regardless, even closer listens reveal the violent nature of the lyrics. Why this is on my travel playlist I don't know. But, I do know that it's one of my go tos for trying to block out turbulence because it's soothing but intricate all in the same stroke of a brush.
5. Dance Yrself Clean- LCD Soundsystem
Listening to the live version of LCD's last concert in MSG affectionately known as the long goodbye even for the 6th dozen time I feel the emotion. This song in particular opens the show and you can practically hear the built up anticipation leaping out of the artist's throats. It's upbeat and danceable and when faced with a 12 hour car ride it not only gets everyone attention but people can't help but start vibin' to it. Therefore, here it sits on the last but still equally deserved position on this playlist.
Obviously I listen to more than those 5 songs, and if I put together a true playlist it would be over 200 songs (this isn't hyperbolic I speak from experience) but, regardless there are some honorable mentions that just didn't squeeze into the top 5 but I LOVE these five and if they can get me to Talamanca, a place not even on most maps, they are sure to carry you wherever your travels may take you.
If I were to ever go to war, this would be the playlist I want:
Daft Punk-Alive
I want this one because it's the song I associate most with kinetic energy, it's deep attacking sound was originally intended for people going to a club strung out on amphetimines so it has to have some smash value to it.
Richard Wagner-Flight of The Valkyries
It's the classic, you can't even mention this song without images of helicopters careening over the Nung River delta, it's notes trigger the smell of napalm in the morning, smells like... Victory
Led Zeppelin-A Whole Lotta Love
This song gives me chills whenever I hear the silent act in the middle; the violin bow on guitar strings sounds like some panther crouched in the dark waiting to snap an unsuspecting neck. This on loud speaker would brown shorts of any enemy.
Black Sabbath-War Pigs
This one just sounds great and is an anti-war song, so the irony doubles its value.
Peter Gabriel-Heroes
This song will serve to remind me of home, so if I'm ever near the point of section 8 or worse I will remember why I fight, not for honor, nor country, but the other people fighting
The Perfect Playlist for Going Through an Unwanted Change
I'm sure you all have seen from my previous blogs that I am not a fan of change. But right now, I'm experiencing unwanted change from all sides. It's very overwhelming, so I have to use music as an outlet for all my pent up stress. The songs I have chosen for this playlist are not the happiest of songs. They serve as a reminder that I'm not the only one going through something. I like it when I can relate to a song and attach myself to its meaning. So here's the perfect playlist for living my life aka going through unwanted change.
1. "Lost" by Katy Perry
Of course KP has to be on any of my playlists. Although she's known for her much more upbeat songs, this somewhat sad one comes from her first popular album called One of the Boys. It tells the story (through amazing and sometimes raw vocals) of someone who appears to have it all together, but really is hurting as they find themselves in their new environment. They just want to go home and go back to how things were before, as she sings "Another night waiting for someone to take me home." It's a song that perfectly describes how I feel when I go through change, making it the first song on the playlist.
2. "Cave In" by Owl City
I discovered this next song when I was in 8th grade and I went through a bit of an emo phase, when I thought I had soooo many issues when in reality nothing was going on. Owl City, who is well known in the electronic music world, tells the story of running away in this song. Running away from one's issues and escaping into a world of pure beauty. Like me, they lack a strong backbone and they find security in just escaping. And that's exactly what I want to do when I'm going through change. I want to hideaway in a different world. So this song describes how to cope with the change.
3. "Million Years Ago" by Adele
Adele's absolute perfection in this song also describes a way to cope with change, which is reminiscing on the past. The song reminisces on how one's life started, but also brings awareness to the changes that have occurred. And happiness was only found "a million years ago." Sometimes change is so brutal for me that I feel all my happiness is forever trapped in the past, which makes reminiscing a hard thing to do. But for the most part, reminiscing serves as a healing mechanism for bad change. Thinking of better times tends to make you feel better.
4. "Me, Myself, and I" by G-Eazy
I heard this song on the radio coming home from school one day and I instantly fell in love with it. Even though I couldn't relate to it at the time, I can't think of any other song I relate to more now. This song serves to help you pick up the pieces after bad change. As the lyrics say, you "don't need anything to get [you] through the night, except the beat that's in [your] heart, that it's keeping [you] alive." No matter how bad the change is, it's not the end of the world. The Earth will keep on spinning. And if the Earth is still spinning, your world can exist. So if your world is destroyed by this change, you can rebuild.
5. "Wide Awake" by Katy Perry
If I start with KP, I have to end with KP. For Katy personally, the song centers around her divorce (an unwanted change), which devastated her. But the song tells what happened after the change. Although it was devastating, she lets her audience know that life must go on for the better. As she sings, we'll all reach a point where were "not losing any sleep, [we've] picked up every piece, [and we] need nothing to complete [ourselves]." If you give it time, it's bound to get better. And for this playlist, this song serves to help you realize that life gets better after unwanted change. It just needs time.
During my junior year, I have come to realize something about myself. I am an outsider, and proud of it. I strive to be different. From my fashion to my mindset to even starting each day at 3 am, I will do nearly anything to just be out of the ordinary. Who wakes up and says, "I want to be average today!" Why, when you see normality everywhere you turn? Here's my countdown for the Perfect Playlist for Being an Outsider.
10. Alive by One Direction. Ever feel like your wants and needs are a little beyond the norm? Well hey, it's alright, if it makes you feel alive. This track from the planet's biggest band showcases the idea that whatever makes you happiest in the world is something you should never give up on. "Don't look back, live your life."
9. U Can't Touch This by MC Hammer. No matter what the occasion, you can guarantee that Hammer will get you pumped. This classic 90's hit will always give you a confidence boost. So when you look at yourself and wonder if you're going a little overboard with your style, just remember, in the wise words of Mr. Hammer, "Either work hard or you might as well quit."
8. Tell Tale Heart by Alvarez Kings. The lyrics for this song are so broad, you can pretty much apply them to anything. For me, I used them to relate to my experience of being out of the ordinary. Believe it or not, I still feel insecure at times. While I do like my aura to be a surprise experience to the people around me, it can be unnerving on occasion.
7. Space Oddity by David Bowie. Sit outside under a tree in the summertime watch the clouds roll by, and listen to this song. I already knew I felt sort of unearthly when it came to my presence in life, but this song takes me, quite literally, out of this world. I feel like I am Major Tom, floating in the most peculiar way into infinity. No, I can no longer hear Ground Control.
6. Shining Star by Earth, Wind, and Fire. If you know me, you'll know that funk is in my veins. It's what I grew up listening to, and I know it inside and out, from its telling seventh and ninth chords syncopated into an upbeat rhythm, to the artists that made it so legendary. It was basically a requirement that I put some funk on this countdown. This reminds me that I can do whatever I please with my life, and no matter who I am, I'm a shining star. Plus, this genre was so shortly lived, I feel like even more of an outcast by being a millennial teen listening to it. It's euphoric, ethereal, so enigmatic. God I love me some funk (rant over).
5. Adult Education by Hall and Oates. What songs today actually have a plot based around school? You know, that aren't about breaking the rules and flunking out. I JAM OUT to this song because, 1, it's got minor undertones and I LIVE for that in music, and 2, because it preaches what so few of my peers seem to understand about their social lives right now. There is life after high school. I've always been told that I'm an old soul, and this song really brings me into that.
4. Kill Everybody by Skrillex. This song in particular is an acquired taste. If you have a weak stomach, or are easily influenced, this song is not for you. I, for one, LOVE horror. The more gore and blood, the better. I listen to "Creepy Doll Music" and "Creepy Carnival Music" going to sleep every night. It's lovely. Kill Everybody is an upbeat track that has been given an injection of insanity and a small dose of horror. I love it (please don't send me to the counselor's office for this, I promise I'm not crazy, I just like the song).
3. Cry Baby by Melanie Martinez (Explicit). God do I love this song. Trust me, if you are an over-emotional person, this song is 100% for you. Actually, her entire album (titled Cry Baby) is for you. I have always had my brain replaced with my heart. I take things so hard, then I fall apart. But, you know what, I don't care. That's just another thing that makes me different from everyone else, and while it hurts sometimes, I laugh through my tears.
2. Hair by Lady Gaga. For me, this Born This Way song really hits home. As y'all can probably tell, fashion is my biggest outlet of who I am. My hair expresses a lot of this. While you can dress kind of strange on a day-to-day basis, it's not complete without a split-dyed head of hair to top it off. Whether you want racoon or red highlights, your friends will think you're dynamite.
1. Mad Hatter by Melanie Martinez. This song comforts me in times that I feel like my weirdness is a bad thing (which I usually know that it's not). My favorite lines are "I'm peeling the skin off my face, cuz I really hate being safe" and "So what if I'm crazy, the best people are." It can help anyone feel more at ease with themselves, and is my #1 song in my Perfect Playlist for Being an Outsider. Enjoy!
It seems like everyone is coming up with perfect playlists nowadays. It's almost as if whole classes have been assigned to describe their perfect take, so I've decided to join in on this playlist craze, but I've also decided to change things up a bit and make an angry song set. This is a playlist best heard when you're tired of the world's crap swelling up around you and you're ready to escape it.
1. Wu Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta F@#% Wit by Wu-Tang Clan
As you can probably tell by the title alone, this song evokes rage. It is anger incarnate, the embodiment of power, the amalgamation of hatred. Through conceptual geniuses RZA, Method Man, and Inspectah Deck, this song delivers an outrageous punch filled with expletives, overlaying the unconventional but nonetheless spectacular beat meant to enrage the audience.
2. Hellz Wind Staff by Wu-Tang Clan
Another song by the infamous Clan, Hellz Wind Staff expresses and envelopes power and skill as the various clan members, along with special guest Streetlife, quickly jump on the beat with plasma lyrics surrounded by an inflamed instrumental intrinsically designed to drive you to an irate state of mind.
3. Rich Man's World (1%) by Immortal Technique
An underrated lyrical assault by the equally underrated underground mastermind known as Immortal Technique, Rich Man's World paints a picture of poverty but through the view of the powerful. The normally liberal Technique reverses his usual role and speaks from the perspective of a business mogul and satirizes the wealthy lifestyle and its effects on the poor. This song, with its upbeat tempo and provocative vocabulary, invites an emotional outburst filled with anger and resentment.
4. Chonkyfire by Outkast
A slightly less lyrical display of emotion is seen in Outkast's Chonkyfire which instead relies on an incredible guitar rhythm and dope beat to lead any hype-desiring listener to the promised land. Both Andre 3000 and Big Boi coincide well with the rhythm, simultaneously using their own southern slang, effectively differentiating themselves from other rappers heard in this song as well as many others.
5. 4th Chamber by GZA
To help ease back into reality, we look forward to GZA, fitting as he is one of the notable Wu-Tang members. He, along with fellow lyricists RZA, Ghostface Killah, and Killah Priest, establish an onslaught and begin to compete for lyrical mastery. The song's introduction about a boy and a ball help further create the atmosphere while the constant and simple beat also demonstrate just why the Wu-Tang Clan is one of the greatest musical groups ever, rap or otherwise.
So I listen to music all day, every day. If I can listen to
music then I Am. And it’s not just one kind of music either, I listen to just about
everything except for rap and country and several other things here and there. So
I mean I guess a playlist that most applies to me would be the perfect playlist
for in the car.
1. Down with the Sickness (Disturbed) – So I picked this
song first because if I had someone in the car that I didn’t want there (say a
sibling or someone) it would change their mind about me taking them places
pretty quickly. Also it’s just a really good song.
2. Message Man (Twenty One Pilots) – I chose this song
because I love TOP and I just had to have one of their songs on this playlist
and I’m pretty sure this is their only song I know all of the words to and I kind
of sing in the car… a lot. So yeah.
3. The Sound of Silence (Disturbed) – This song is on here
because (I also know the words to it) and because it’s just such a great song. It
was amazing in its original form by Simon and Garfunkel but with Disturbed’s cover
of it, his voice and the differing tempo just makes it so much better.
4. Welcome to the Black Parade (My Chemical Romance) – I couldn’t
make a short playlist like this without the first song I ever heard that
basically introduced me to the more alternative musics. That would just be
wrong. And also I know all the words to this too and ya know the whole singing
thing…
5. Polaroid (Imagine Dragons) – So last but certainly not
least because, of course, I know all of the words to this too (SURPRISE!) and
its just so much fun to sing.
Even though I just made a short playlist of songs that are
great for the car, if I had no restriction to the number of songs I could have
there would without a doubt be hundreds more.
Since I am leaving for New York on Tuesday night at 11:59, I thought it would be fitting to make a New York City playlist.
1. Welcome To New York - Taylor Swift - 1989
You have finally arrived to the place you have been dreaming about for you whole life, New York. It is a beautiful place and you will have a marvelous time. Welcome to New York, it's been waiting for you.
2. Where Are U Now - Justin Bieber - Purpose
Once you've arrive in New York, you most likely have to find some sort of transportation, unless you want to walk to your hotel. It is also likely that you will have to look for this transportation, where is it? Who knows.
3. Never Enough - One Direction - Made in the AM
When you are in New York, you will mostly likely want to do a ton of things, eat a lot of foods, and buy a lot of souvenirs. Also likely, your bank account will never have enough to afford all of that. Never enough.
4. Defying Gravity - Kristin Chenoweth & Idina Menzel - Wicked
At some point in your visit, you must attend one of the many Broadway shows available at the time. While Wicked may not be an option at the time, you always have the soundtrack right?
5. Agony - Chris Pine & Billy Magnussen - Into the Woods
It is now time to leave the wonderful city of New York, and along with your departure comes the agony of your everyday responsibilities.
This prompt leads me to think in two different directions. The first is what character has the life or setting that I most want, the second is which character has the qualities I would most like to posses. Unsurprisingly, I found the perfect combination of these two ideas in one of the many minor characters included in the Lord of the Rings series. Tom Bombadil is essentially a magic nature spirit/hermit who just hangs out in the forest and sings all the time. Seriously. He's really happy (repeatedly described as jolly) and usually speaks in rhymes, just because he can. He has immense power, and has been variously interpreted by scholars as an angel, nature spirit, minor god, Odin, or a personification of the nature of middle earth itself. His story is largely unknown, and he is therefore seen as an anomaly in the highly detailed Lord of the Rings Series. Although Bombadil has immense power and abilities (because nature), he refuses to take an active role in human affairs. In the ongoing war between good and evil, he takes the difficult path of a pacifist. So to sum it up, he is a magical pacifist hermit who lives in the Lord of the Rings universe. Ultimate life goals.
