Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Class Summary 12.18.12

As we continue looking at the events following the succession of the lower south. Yesterday, we used technology, and our legs! And went on a scavenger hunt throughout the school looking for QR codes that held facts to important civil war battles. Today, we looked at Habeas Corpus and president Lincoln's decision to suspend the right during the war in order to imprison or charge those who were against the war effort. I find the argument whether it is okay to limits people's freedoms in order to do the right thing. And also, find Lincoln's idea that those who are willing to take freedoms away from others do not deserve it for themselves. I have found to be a big believe and advocate for that ideal.

Class Summary 12.14.12

Today, we went to the computer lab to make a Google docs presentation. We split into three groups and focused on finding the economic balance between the north and the south. Each person was responsible for looking at different parts of industry. There was: wealth, manufacturing, agricultural production, cotton production, railroads,slaves, and immigrants. After finding and understanding the differences between the north and the south's industries, it became apparent this would not be an easy fight.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Class Summary 12.11.12

As we move on from our slavery unit, we are looking further into the actions and words of Abraham Lincoln and also the succession of the Lower South. Yesterday we started by looking at a section of the Declaration of Independence and Lincolns reference and reliance on this document to support his beliefs on the slavery issue. Next we studied Lincoln's "Fragment on the Constitution and Union," and got an overall view of his perspective and thoughts on the issue. Also displayed here is his reasoning behind his thoughts, such as the foundation of our country: "Liberty to all." Today, we focused on the succession of the Lower South and their reasoning behind their separation. First we read excerpts from South Carolina's Secession Declaration. They establish their idea on the base that all states are free and independent, and have the right to abolish a government when it becomes destructive. Also, the fundamental support for their argument is the idea that, by the law of compact, that when the United States government failed to fulfill their obligations (at least in their opinion), or started to ignore part of their agreement, the fugitive slave law, the contract is nullified or rendered void.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Class Summary 12.4.12

As we are moving through our slavery unit and approaching the 1860's, we have been taking a look at what was occurring on the political front. After the "Bleeding Kansas" debacle and the 1858 Illinois election between Stephen Douglass a democrat who whole-heartedly believes in popular sovereignty; against Abraham Lincoln, a republican who wanted to halt the expansion of slavery. This was followed by the raid at Harpers Ferry in Virginia. These events accumulated to the election of 1860 for president. A race between four candidates each representing vastly differing parties.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Class Summary 11.28.12

Yesterday, we continued to divulge further into the topic of slavery, taking a look at the Dred Scott versus Sandford case. I found it surprising how compliant or non-volatile the north quickly became about slavery. I would have thought as more information surfaced, the abolitionists would have been empowered and continued their work, but it appeared that people had become wary and support was waning.

Today, we watched a you tube video from an old movie displaying the debate between Steven Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, as the two were running against one another in the 1858 Illinois election for US Senate. Douglass, a democrat, had developed the idea of popular sovereignty through the Kansas & Nebraska Act. Lincoln, a republican, was against the expansion of slavery. And like the rest of the world at the time, the debate and the election was centered around the issue of slavery.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Class Summary 11.26.12

Last week, we continued our discussions on the topic of slavery. Reading Uncle Tom's Cabin and a part of Fredrick Douglass's speech, along with some other documents we began to receive a broad and multi-sided view of the issue.

Today, we learned about the Kansas Nebraska Act (1854) and the rising tensions throughout the country. This act repealed the Missouri compromise and divided the Nebraska Territory be divided into two territories, Kansas and Nebraska; and settlers living in each territory would decide the issue of slavery by popular sovereignty. Due to the new territories being surrounded by slaves states, both states became slave states. The unrest from this conflict multiplied as proslavery and anti-slavery forces sent settlers pouring into Kansas to physically fight for the territory. Two rival governments sprang up, creating havoc throughout Kansas. The state quickly became known as "Bleeding Kansas." Tensions came to a head when Andrew Bulter from South Carolina beat Charles Sumner, an abolitionist Senator from Massachusetts with a cane. Slavery was vastly becoming an extremely volatile issue.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Class Summary 11.19.12

Last Friday, we dug further into the topic of slavery, while focusing on the new Fugitive Slave law that was passed in 1850. We read an except from Harriet Beecher Stowe's, "Uncle Tom's Cabin." This was a revolutionary piece, that revamped abolitionism in the north.

Today, we once again looked at Stowe's piece and discussed what was happening in the scene and also, how the new law was effecting the whites. The slave catcher's job was to capture the slave in a way that would still allow them to work. On the opposite side of things, the new law made indirect assistance to slaves illegal and punishable by jail time and heavy fines.The whites were instilled with fear which in turn made them turn their backs on the slaves. It was a heavy time of conflict, but Stowe's novel helped re-energize the campaign to abolish slavery.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Class Summary 11.15.12

Sadly, I missed history class, due to a field trip in Environmental Science. However, in my depravity of history, we stumbled upon the cabin that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin, on our walk. A major coincidence as Stowe was my historic figure featured in my VoiceThread. Goes to show, history is all around us!

 Today, after reviewing the Missouri Compromise, we focused on the tensions that rose after the Mexican War and the dispute over what would happen to the land they had gained from Mexico. There were many options and many opinions. I sided with the group that thought that the land should be returned back to Mexico. Since no agreement could be made nothing was done and the festering issue of slavery was left to worsen, and a country even more divided. In 1850, the country faced a crisis. California wanted to become a free state but that would upset the balance in congress, thus the Compromise of 1850 was presented. Once again no conclusion could be reached, but later on each of the provisions were passed as separate bills. 

I am back to my previous dilemma of possessing large amounts of positivity towards others and their abilities but straining to find the same for myself.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Class Summary 11.13.12

Last Friday, we spent the class discussing the Underground Railroad. We started by reading segments of different newspaper articles discussing the topic. Overall, the Underground Railroad was said to have been less successful then it is portrayed to be. A common definition for the Underground Railroad, is that it was organized by abolitionists and it was a series of safe houses and stations that aided runaway slaves in their escape from the south to the north (usually Canada). Conductors were mostly black, but some were white. Harriet Tubman was frequently highlighted as one of the main "conductors" of the railroad. In conclusion, it was described as a somewhat effective method, that aided runaway slaves escape to the north. Today, we went to the lab in the library and worked on the computers to form a basis knowledge base of the Missouri compromise and the nullification process. In regards to my 30-day challenge, I have recently squired my own positivity coach, Tritons own, Camille Milhalikic. I am finding that positivity does go a long way but is challenge to break my ways.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Class Summary 11.7.12

Continuing our work in our Slavery Unit, yesterday we spent the class looking at the Constitution and debating whether or not it was a document supportign slavery, or against it. In the worksheet we had to display the cases for both for and against, then adding your opinion. Overall, majority rules and I believe that the Constitution was in support of slavery. We also did an in school election, with our results imitating those of the real presidential election; GO OBAMA! Today we took notes from a powerpoint displaying an overviw of slavery in early America. This was followed by the reading of documents and then a partner sharing of our findings. I am continuing my quest for positivity but I am finding it isnt easy. However, I remain hopeful and will not relent!

Monday, November 5, 2012

Class Summary 11.5.12

Second quarter is now upon us! With the new quarter comes a new unit, slavery. I find this topic very intriguing and enjoy learning more about it. For the past two classes, we have read two accounts of children claves, and spent the class today comparing the two. We reached the concensis that, after many slaves were writing about similiar accounts of abuse and mistreatment from their masters, we can form a general idea that these acts are occuring everywhere, and must hold ruth it multiple people are accounting them. Also, Fredrick Douglass is shaping to be a very inspiring and heart wrenching auto-biography. Positivity is still in check, in regards to my 30-day challenge.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Intriguing updates about my challenge

I am a big advocate for going green and appreciating nature, so on this brisk Sunday morning my mother and I found ourselves at the Newburyport farmers market, (I recommend it, it's awesome!) continuing our Sunday rituals. One of the vendors we met previously and always make a stop at, is Amy Sophiella's jewelry company, Journey Gems. Here is an excerpt from her bio on her website, "There is a story of creation behind Journey Gems based in healing, growth, expansion, teaching, balance, love and so much more!  From a desire to heal my own space and my own life, I rediscovered my love for crystals and their healing powers. Since childhood, I have been picking up stones and playing with rocks. With perfect synchronicity, I discovered my natural affinity for playing with fire and all sorts of tools to birth my beautiful metal creations!  Marrying the two together brings me such joy and I am so lucky to be able to share my creativity, love of all things holistic and interest in energy and the way it plays in the world through my artisan creations to truly empower my journey and yours!" (see, there's that positivity!) I was immediately struck by the positive engery she emanates, and while browsing through her items I came upon red selenite. Which is known as the master cleanser crystal. It is very calming, and a loving stabilizer of erratic emotions, often installing a sense of deep peace. In addition to bringing clarity of mind, selenite facilitates draining of physical and emotional stress and tension from the body. It also transmits lower vibrating energies such as fear, anger and NEGATIVITY into higher vibration, along with many other things. Although I am not totally convinced about crystal healing, I believe fully in the power of nature, so I'm willing to take a chance and see how it goes. In fact I, very hopeful about it's success. The positivity is taking some steps out of the shadows!

November 30-Day Challenge

In class on Friday, we watched a snippet of a Ted Talks video about 30 day challenges, and Mr.Boyle gave up the assignment of establishing and fulfilling our own challenge. Later that day I had a long conversation with Mr.Boyle in which we addressed that one of my weaknesses is self confidence and a lack of positivity. However, the negavivity is focused more on myself, whereas I have ample amounts of support and positivity for others. So, with the help of the best (a.k.a. Mr.Boyle and Ms.Scott) I have made my 30-day challenge all about me, in the most unconcieted way, of corse. I made decided to try and embrace positivity and begin each day by looking in the mirror and exclaiming, "I will be the best person I can be today." And to conclude each day I will gaze upon my reflection and say, "you were the best person you could be today." Hand in hand in that, is accepting that perfection is an unachievable ideal, and acknowledging that our flaws are what make us, us. So here it goes, and may the odds be ever in my favor!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Class Summary 10.25.12

Yesterday, we spent the class watching the jont presentation between Mr. Boyle and Ms. Verrette. We learned about revolutionary artists and their works depicting events and emotions of the Revolutionary time period. It was a mind broading experience, as it offered us a different view into the conflict. Today, we had a short quiz on our memorization of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a quick recap of the major battles and events of the revolution to prepare for our quest tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Civic Value Voice Thread

Class Summary 10.23.12

Yesterday we spent the class period reviewing more events of the Revolutionary War. After the announcement of the Declaration of Independence, life was great for the colonists. However, times quickly changed when the British army returned through New York with a vengence. Today in small groups, we spent the period romaing the halls on the first floor searching for QR codes. Upon scanning them, we were faced with facts about a key battle you then had to name and supply the date of. A very effective review for the battles if you ask me!

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Class Summary 10.18.12

Yesterday October 17, 2012, we began the class by breaking into small groups and discussing the six parts of the Declaration of Independence that we had summarized the previous class. We followed this with a class discussion about Brutus from Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," along with other characteristics that leaders/governments require. Today, October 18, 2012, we read Thomas Paine's "The Crisis" and wrote a response on whether or not we believed that man today still are facing times that try men's souls. I came to the conclusion that we are still in fact facing times that test our souls, similar to our founding fathers and citizens that won us the freedoms that we till hold today. However, the question is whether the people today possess the traits to meet and act upon the challenges we face in order to create a more peaceful world for future generations.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Class Summary 10.12.12

On October 11, 2012, after previously learning about the rides of Paul Revere and others to warn the colonists of a British attack, we looked at an online simulization of the days that followed and the methods/routes of attack. On April 19th, 1775, 77 militia versed 700 British soldiers at Lexington. At the end of the day, there was 300 British casualties compared to 100 colonial casualties between the Battles of Lexington and Concord. On June 17, 17775, at the Battle of Bunker Hill, there was 450 colonial casualties compared to 1,054 British casualties. IN numbers the colonists took the lead but the British won the battle as they held the land. The day after, October 12th, 2012, we spilt into three groups each reading a signoficant document to the time period each representing a different side. The Olive Branch Petition was looking for compromise, or a reasonable resolution to the fighting with the king. They propsed that they would night fight the Britsh and remain faithful to them if they were provided representation. The Phamphlet "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine was in favor of the colonists and proposed that their relationship with Britian was forced and unnatural. Lastly, The Plain Truth, written by James Chalmers was a rebuttle to Common Sense and was totally loyalist.

American Revolution - Abigail Adams Voice Thread

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Class Summary 10.9.12

Last Friday, October 5,2012, we did a quick review of the events that led up to or inspired the Revolutionary War such as the Townshend Acts/ Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Intolerable Acts. After that we learned about the actual events of Paul Reveres ride, and found out that he was not the sole rider. The famous "one if by land, two if by sea," lanterns were hung in the steeple of the church and Paul Revere and his companions set out to notify the towns of the British invasions. Today, October 9,2012, we watched a "TED talks" video on the premise of the accuracy or the credibility of  primary sources. After the video, in groups we read a primary source document from a person experiencing the Battle at Lexington and extracted key parts and important information. We then separated and gathered information from other groups on other primary source documents. This led into a discussion of who fired the first shot? And in response to that, who's to blame?

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Class Summary 10.4.12

Yesterday, October 3,2012, we went to the media lab (YAY! more technology!) to construct a shared presentation in Google with our group members on our Ed Cafe topic. My group had the Stamp Act of 1763, and we divvied up the sub topics and each created two slides. I had "The Burden of Taxes" and "Quest for Revenue." I quickly found that the British Parliament was desperate to raise revenue to pay off war and defense debts. The solution they decided, was to raise taxes on sugar and stamps. This is in addition of the newly enforced Navigation Acts and the Royal Proclamation of 1763. After the British beat the French they faced more war costs and also new expenses to protect the colonists. The colonists decided to rebel, attacking British officials and Stamp Masters. In response to the widespread protest , Parliament repealed the tax in 1766. Today, the Ed Cafe discussions were a success once again. We learned about events such as the Townshend Acts/Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Intolerable Acts and lastly the first Continental Congress.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Class Summary 10.2.12

Yesterday, October 1,2012, we began to look at the British colonies in America and the similarities and differences between them. We learned that the New England colonies consisted of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, They are also known as the religious colonies because they were established by puritans seeking religious freedom. The Middle colonies, otherwise known as the proprietary colonies, as they were established on land given to friends of the king; these colonies consisted if Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. The Southern colonies: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia were business colonies established to make a profit for investors back in England. We then discussed how New England had the most urbanized of colonies and the Middle colonies had the most diverse nationalities and religions. However, there was English citizens in all colonies and most colonists had a common language of English. Today, October 2, 2012, we took a look at George Washington's origins and his rise to power. He started out as a commander of a small group of Virginian militia, send to discuss land negotiations with the French. After meeting resistance, him and his team defeated a small french force and immediately established Camp Necessity, preparing for a counter attack. The attack did come and they were defeated as they faced a much large force, and were pushed back all the way to Virginia. However, these were the first shots fired in what would become a world war between french and English colonies all around the world. Although he was defeated, Washington's name was becoming known especially for his account of the Governonrs Council. The British eventually won the French and Indian war, gaining land west of the Appalachian Mountains and east of the Mississippi River. Until the Royal Proclamation of 1763, prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains. This led to the colonist's feeling extremely disrespected in regaurds to their efforts in winning the war, and fueled Washington's mission.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Class Summary 9.27.12

Yesterday, September 26, 2012, we had our first Ed Cafe! There were 5 groups, each assigned one part of the first amendment; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, right to peacefully assemble, and freedom to petition. The members of each group then dispersed and joined with one student from each of the other groups. Depending on which freedom is being discussed, the person with that right leads an eight minute discussion on that topic. I found it to be a very educational experience as I consider peer discussion of of the most valuable learning tools. Throughout the discussion countries like China, Japan, and North Korea, and ones in the Middle East played a major role as they give us an example of the opposite end of the spectrum as their rights severely differ from ours. We got into many great discussions about how important these freedoms are to us and what life would be like without them, if that would even be possible for your country. Overall it was a very educational experience and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Class Summary 9.25.12

Yesterday, September 24, 2012, we dissected and interpreted the Bill of Rights. This document was constructed in response to the state's demands after the Constitution was sent out for ratification. They were the sole reason states like Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia agreed to the ratification of the document. Its purpose is to protect the people from the power of the national government, and also to limit the power of the new national government. Then in small groups we investigated a hypothetical case regarding citizens rights in order to more familiarize ourselves with the ten amendments and be able to understand our rights more clearly. Today, September 25, 2012, we learned about the first party system of the United States. On one hand, there was the Federalists founded by Alexander Hamilton started in the early 1790's. Members were primarily wealthy businessmen, and wanted a physically and militarily strong nation in order to support their careers, mainly trading. They had no interest in State rights, but focused greatly on a strong, central, national government. Viewed as aristocrats and unsympathetic, by some they got the nickname, "loose constructionists" as they believed in laws not established in the constitution, such as the "elastic clause." On the other side of the isle is the Democratic - Republicans founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; it was the dominant political party in the country starting in 1800. They firmly believed that the people should have the power through the government which is closest to them, meaning the states. They were known as the "strict constructionists," as they did not believe in anything that was not outlined in the Constitution. It was very fitting as most members were farmers and landowners who had no need for a strong, national government.

Constitution Timeline

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Letter to the Legislature




Rachel Williamson
1 Southern Blvd
Newbury, Massachusetts 01951

September 20, 2012

Congressman John Tierney
Massachusetts Congressman
17 Peabody Square
Peabody, Massachusetts 01960

Dear Congressman Tierney:

I write this letter to you on behave of the citizens of this state and the entire country. Come December, if a decision isn’t made in regards to the budget, hundreds of government-funded programs will go without funding. This upset is commonly referred to as the “Fiscal cliff,” The dilemma the government faces is the choice to either increase taxes and introduce spending cuts that could possibly further effect the economy or cancel some of the scheduled tax increases and spending cuts which could further ass to the county’s massive deficit. The problem arises in government officials’ inability to reach a consensus. Lawmakers have been dealing with this issue since 2009, but do to disagreements between the two parties few resolutions have been made. Republicans stand for spending cuts and avoidance of tax increases while Democrats believe the solution comes from a combination between spending cuts and tax increases. However a decision will be even harder to accomplish during this election season. If congress is unable to reach agreement on this issue the effects on our economy could be drastic. With the Democratic strategy, the national deficit could be reduced by approximately $560 billion; however a higher unemployment rate is predicted to go hand in hand with that.  However, indecision on the issue could bring on similar effects on the economy even before 2013.

I believe the solution to this grave issue can come from looking back to this country’s political history. In the year 1787, the country faced many decisions regarding the type of government that should be established to best serve the country. Representatives were facing the choice between Uni- and Bicameral Legislatures, voting done by the people or the states, and proportional or equal representation. Nevertheless, on July 16th, 1787 delegates agreed to the Gerry Committee report, otherwise known as the Connecticut Compromise. Delegates put their differences in opinions aside and came together in the spirit of compromise to determine the best foundation for this country, and provided us with the basis of your government today. As our great president, Abraham Lincoln once said, “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.” A successful world is built upon compromise, and it is exactly what our country needs at the moment.

Our government is facing extremely important issues that could determine the path our country is on for years to come. I fully believe that the government, especially congress is fully equipped to make the right decisions. However compromise must be the focus. Without it, nothing will be resolved, and we will find ourselves in an even worse situation a couple years down the road. We will find success in quick action and compromise, and I ask that you can do all that you can to make implement these ideals.

Sincerely,

Rachel Williamson

The Three Branches of Government: Roles of Each


Spreaker: Civic Values

Class Summary 9.20.12

Today, September 20, 2012, the class was divided into Federalists and Anti-federalists. Paring up with someone on the same side of the argument we worked together to determine the leaders of the group, the biggest argument for that side and analyzed quotes from the key players. On the Federalist side; Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay declared the key factors in the ratification of the Constitution consisted of:
1.without a strong national government, anarchy would triumph.
2.only strong national government could protect the new nation from enemies abroad and solve the countries problems.
3.Bill of Rights is unnecessary since 8 states already had such bills
4. United States needs a strong central government to survive.
On the Anti-Federalist side, Patrick Henry and Brutus established the key arguments against the ratification of the Constitution:
1.Constitution lacks a Bill of Rights
2. Strong national government might take away human rights won in the revolution
3.Strong, central government have been debilitating to other countries.

Class Summary 9.18.12



Yesterday, September 17, 2012, we discussed the issue of one president or multiple members of the executive branch. In small groups we read over segments of The Virginia Plan, The New Jersey Plan, and The Hamilton Plan, and created a graphic organizer displaying the basics of each plan. Within the graphic organizer, there was a side by side comparison between the different plans and the conflicting arguments of both sides. Each plan discusses the pros and cons of each side and ended with the compromise that is the basis of the executive branch today; with one president who is elected by the people and serves for a four year term, eligible for re-election and is impeachable by congress. Today, September 18, 2012 we learned about the system of checks and balances’ our current government functions within. Within the 3 branches, each branch has certain responsibilities or requirements that they must report to, or are controlled by another branch. The reason our government is one of the most successful in the world is due to the balance that is maintained by the three branches and the mutual respect and responsibility they each uphold.  

Friday, September 14, 2012

Class Summary 9.14.12

Yesterday, we spent the class period discussing the main issues the founding fathers debated while forming the Constitution. After conversing in small groups about topics such as Uni vs. Bicameral, Voting by People or state, and Proportional vs. Equal representation; we complied our ideas as a class. In conclusion, we advocated for both sides and concurred with an understanding of why our government is the way it is. we have a Bicameral legislature, two houses, which are made up by the Senate and the House of Representatives. In the Senate, originally senators were elected by state legislatures but in 1912, that was changed to election by the people in an equal form regardless of state size, thanks to the New Jersey, or the Small States plans. Representatives from the House of Rep. have always been elected by the people, but are based on population due to the Virginia or Large State Plans. All of this was decided through the Connecticut Compromise, something our current government could use a lot more of these days. Today we took a slight break from history and sorted through the syllabus and assignments as we are all finding this transition to technology to be a bit challenging. However it shows great insight on the process schools would have to go through in order to modernize and integrate technology fully and thoroughly.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Class Summary 9.12.12

Over the past couple days, we have been looking into the start of the government we know today. Yesterday, we started with the Constitutional Congress in May of 1787, where delegates met in Philadelphia with the focus to amend the Articles of Confederation. From there we moved to the Constitution itself, but more importantly the preamble of the significant document. We dissected each phrase and disputed how that ideal is working or not working in society today. This afternoon we analyzed the founding of our government and the debate between election by the people or state legislatures, from the views of the most significant men of the time period. From the facts we know at the moment there will be many struggles ahead in regards to the founding of the perfect government for the United states of America.
Civic Values - Rewindy

http://private.rewindy.com/story/uCZNo94N/view/1

Friday, September 7, 2012

As an archeaologist covered in dust from the ruins of a time long past, they find the site of my burial. Along with my body, lies three artifacts forever symbolizing my being:

Artifact #1: the book, "A Long Way Gone." - As an avid reader this compelling memoir represents my love of literature. Also reflected is my need to obtain knowledge and my feeling of importance towards learning. Even more so is what the book is about and it's correspondence with my dedication to humanitarian work.

  

Artifact #2: a jar of ocean water - From birth I have lived on the beach and fallen asleep to the crash of the waves. Also, I was in the water with my father since I was 6 months old. The jar of ocean water is my LOVE for water and the connection I feel with the sea; almost as if it is apart of me. Also symbolized is my love for nature, out environment and our planet. These two are some of my most prized possesions. 

Artifact #3: my passport - From family vacations all over the central America to the summer of a lifetime I just experienced traveling to the Dominican Republi, Greece, Italy, and France, there is next to nothing that I love more than traveling. It also reflects my adventurous spirit and my desire to connect with people from all over the world. There is so much to see and experience in our world and we must take advantage of all we can see.