1. Pretend that you are talking to a blind man and have to describe for him what "red" is. You should use narrative and descriptive writing techniques.

“Red is the apple that you bite into every day. Red is the rose garden that we walk by on our way to church on Sundays. Red is the feeling you feel when you hear your wife’s voice. Red is the anger the fills you when you hear vulgar words coming out from your niece’s mouth. Red is the pain you feel on your knee on cold days. Red is the color you turn when the lady from the bakery compliments your different hats. Red is the treetops during autumn days. Red is your cane and the bracelet you wear. Red is the passion for jazz that fills your heart. Red is the medicine you force me to take when I am sick. Red is love. Red is anger. Red is frustration. Red is embarrassment. Red is passion. Red is life and the strongest emotions that one feels.”

2. How does competition function in our society? To what extent is it healthy/unhealthy?

Competition is found in every part of society, in schools, jobs, streets and even homes. Since the earliest of times competition has played a part in every person’s life. It is something that naturally happens between people, even animals. From having the best car to having the best Christmas light setup in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, while competition can sometimes be fun to have, it can also be unwanted for it can bring conflict. Some competitors are unable to admit they have lost and so that is when fights and conflicts begin to break out.. Sports would be a great example of such, especially football. During a game, everybody is excited and cheering on for their team or working their hardest to score a touchdown. However, when it comes to the end of the game, one team is bound to lose and so somebody is going to be upset for sure, especially if it were near the championship game. That person will then put down all whom went for the winning team and maybe even say a couple of insulting things. In return, a conflict is created and everybody is now upset. This is when competition can be unhealthy for feelings will be hurt and things left unsaid. Therefore, competition is only healthy when the competitors are mature enough to admit when they have lost. Otherwise, conflicts will arise and make the competition nothing but a burden.

3. How have you taken something that you have learned in the classroom and integrated it into your academic life?

Everything that I have learned in Theory of Knowledge this is year has been extremely useful in my daily life now. It not only helps me leave people speechless when they attempt starting an ethical argument with me but it also gives me facts to support my statements. TOK has opened my eyes in a way that no other class has for it makes the students think tremendously about problems that seem so simple. It has expanded my awareness on many global issues and has encouraged me to find solutions to them. I now volunteer at community cleanups, middle schools and events in order to raise my awareness even more and help the community out in the simplest of ways.

4. If you could go back in time and be someone in history, who would you choose to be? Why?

If I could go back in time and be someone in history, I would choose to be Margaret Tobin Brown. Margaret was a Titanic survivor whom was determined to break the rules that bound those of “high society.” I would choose to be her in order to be able to experience the feelings that all those unfortunate people felt as their boat collapsed. Also because, just like me, she chose to break the standards that forced her to dress and act a certain way, so, I would like to see the reactions that she got when she decided to break those rules. Although the dresses the women used to wear back then seem a bit painful and a burden to have on, I would still like to see how it felt to actually have one on. Due to the fact that she survived the collapse, I can just imagine the attention that she received once she was rescued. I just find Brown’s life to be a bit interesting and so I would love to be able to experience it firsthand.

5. If you had the responsibility to decide where $1 million should be soent to improve conditions somewhere in the world, what project(s) would you choose?

With $1 million, I would start my own organization that would give our senior citizens the time of their life. It would consist of planning road trips and events that would both take them back to their own time and expose them to new adventures. On the last day of their week of adventures, friends, family and volunteers would all join them on a Bingo Ball in which dinner, dancing and bingo would all take place in one night. Not only would the senior citizens be able eat, dance and play but they would also have quality time with those whom they love and those whom they just met. The whole idea would be based on giving back to our senior citizens and showing them that we still and have always cared for them. The reason as to why I would choose to spend the $1 million this way is because a couple of months ago, I volunteered at a retirement home and hosted Bingo Night with the Christian club at school. The whole experience was an eye opener me because all of the senior citizens showed great appreciation of our presence. Some even had tears in their eyes as they saw how so many teenagers cared and were willing to help them run their weekly Bingo night.  So, in order to continue showing them that the community cares, I would spend the $1 million on an organization that is dedicated towards making our senior citizens joyful.

6. How have you tried to effect change in relation to an issue of personal, local, or national significance?

In order to effect change in our community, I have attended events that support the GLBT (Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transsexual) community. The reason to such is because many people tend to put down those whom are part of this specific community and even organize hate crimes against them. I find it extremely unjust and repulsive that people would even think of terrorizing others due to their sexuality. My cousin, whom defined himself as homosexual, was beaten and harassed at school for months before he was driven to committing suicide. The whole situation was devastating and frustrating due to the fact that the ones who beat him were not brought to justice. The detective called the bullying as “harmless” and stated that my cousin was in need of psychological help and is the reason why he killed himself. This angered my family tremendously and now when I hear someone is being picked on for their sexuality, I immediately jump in to defend them. The people who form the GLBT community are no different than those whom are “straight.” They have feelings, families and aspirations just like everyone else. Therefore, they deserve to be treated with respect and equality. In order to raise awareness about this concern, my family has been trying to form an organization that supports the GLBT community and seeks for peace within them and the “straight” community. In the meantime, I volunteer at events that raise awareness for this issue and think of new ways of building a bridge between the GLBT and straight community.

7. If you could introduce one new idea or material thing to a primitive culture, what would it be?

 Primitive cultures sometimes have little or no access to warm blankets due to their low income level. They tend to have to endure harsh, cold weather and are consequently exposed to having hypothermia. Therefore, if I had the ability to introduce a material thing to a primitive culture, I would choose to introduce the snuggie. A snuggie is a sleeved blanket that allows one to move around easily while still having the warmth of a blanket embracing you.  With the help of the snuggie, all who are part of the primitive culture would still be able to work or play in the cold weather while being enveloped by the warmth of a snuggie. In addition, people in primitive cultures tend to have no access to antibiotics which adds to the risk of possibly dying of illnesses. With a snuggie in their possession, they would no longer be in danger of having hypothermia or any other illness such as the flu for they will be sheltered from the cold. As simple as the concept may be, the distribution of a snuggie will lay a great impact on a primitive culture who many times suffers through cold weather and illnesses caused by it.

8. If you were to describe yourself using a quotation, what would it be?

 “Give light and people will find the way.” –Ella Baker

 The quote above describes me in the way that I enjoy helping people. I dislike seeing people suffer or having problems making decisions. Therefore, I tend to give them as much advice and help as I can without expecting something in return other than a smile. I enjoy helping people due to the fact that I know I can make them feel better with a caring gesture or friendly advice. Also because I know that I would very much appreciate it if someone were to give me a helping hand in my own time of need. Even when I have no idea that one is dwelling with a problem, they tend to come to me since they know that I will embrace and care for them. I enjoy being sought for, for it not only makes me feel wanted but also because it makes me feel like I have a purpose in life…and that is to help others in every possible way that I can. I enjoy giving light and helping people find their way, it brings me some sort of inner peace knowing that I made someone “turn that frown upside down.”

9. Given the authority to establish a holiday, what would you choose to commemorate? Why? What would the celebration look like?

 If I had the ability to establish a holiday, I would choose to establish an Adopt a Pet/ Find Shelter for an Animal Day. The reason to such is due to the fact that there are many animals in need of a loving home. Day by day there are little, furry creatures in need of a home or ones seeking help to get out of one due to the cruel hearts that the owners may have. Many animals, such as homeless or lost dogs, are roaming the streets, hungry and dehydrated. Just like us, human beings, animals have emotions that can be easily. The sadness can be seen in their eyes as one passes by their cages in an animal shelter. Although they have food and water given to them, they need more than that, they need love. So, with that being said, Adopt a Pet/Find Shelter for an Animal Day would be celebrated by having the communities group together and find animals roaming around the neighborhoods in need of shelter. It would also consist of animal shelters and pet shops uniting in a park or town square in which all the animals in need of a home would be put up for adoption. Towards the end of the day, when most pets have been adopted and found, there would be a sort of huge festival commemorating the new owners of pets and the pets themselves. There would be games for both owners and pets and food for both as well. Bands would be playing and prizes would be given as well. The whole day would be full of fun and games and love for animals.

10. What is the best advice you have ever received?

Whenever I feel down and cannot help but frown all day, someone simply says, “Smile,” and I cannot help but feel better instantaneously. So, “smile” is probably the best advice I have ever received, as simply as it may be. Once someone says such to me, I begin to reflect on how much worse someone else in the world may have it. Much like somebody whom has just lost a loved one or somebody whom has to worry about if they are going to be eating that day. I also remind myself how beautiful the day outside is or just how beautiful life is in general when I hear that word. I then, figure that there really is no reason to frown. A simple word can make anyone reflect on everything and “smile” is one of those words. So, that’s why whenever I feel a bit gloomy and there is no one around me… I just remind myself to smile :).

12. Your life is a movie. Describe the first 15 minutes.

 If my life were a movie it would start something like this…

 A young woman wearing an elegant dress and the ring that her love just proposed to her with..she is looking at her degrees hanging on the wall and reflecting on all she has accomplished and how perfect life seems. Then, a flashback begins with the woman as a teenager riding a skateboard home from a day at the park with her friends. As the movie progresses on further, one sees the girl’s parents fighting in the livingroom and the girl trying to shut them out by putting her music on full blast. The fifteen minutes end with her father banging on the door and the girl looking up with a tear rolling down her cheek, wiping it and continuing to do her homework.

This is “Lovely…”

13. Write a letter to your future college roommate introducing yourself and your background.

 Dear Liliana,

     My name is Ana Castillo and as you may know by now, I will be your roommate for the next 2 semesters at UCSD. I’m so excited! Well, to start off I come from a Hispanic background with a somewhat family oriented background. As a little kid I lived in Tijuana but still came to school in the city of National City. It was until I was in 2^nd grade when I began to live in a small mobile home near the Mile of Cars. A couple years later, my family was fortunate enough to buy a decent home in the city of Chula Vista and so that’s where my journey as a Castle Park student began. So far, I have been recognized as top of my class and I can tell you now… it has been a pain in the rear to keep that title. You see, I am a perfectionist and everything simply has to be done perfectly if not… I shut down. Other than that, I tend to be pretty outgoing and full of life. I think about others before myself and care about them a bit too much sometimes. I adore shopping, it is somewhat like my escape from reality. I also love listening to music and helping out those in need. I like all kinds of foods except anything that has egg in it. I generally like having my place clean and presentable. i can be a slob sometimes though. I am more of a night person than a morning one (but when I have to I can play the role of a morning person). I love pets, so if you plan on hiding one in our dorm.. I am totally fine with that! Anyways, I’m really outgoing and by the letter you previously sent me, I bet we are going to be really close :).

Your future roommate,

Ana Castillo

 

14. Please describe your reactions/ideas to the following quote: "He does not possess wealth, it possesses him."

The quote, “He does not possess wealth, it possesses him,” produces a mental image of a sweet, humble guy transformed into a snobby, greedy one once he finds a pot of gold. This is a story that is very common when wealth presents itself in one’s life. The wealthiest people are sometimes the most cold-hearted people as well. The wealth causes them to morph into some sort of greedy monster with the heart the size of a peanut. It is rare to hear of a wealthy person whom is genuinely fond of people in need of some sort of help. Wealth also produces a strong obsession over materials and maybe even gambling. Such obsessions eventually lead to bankruptcy which is far worse than anything for it would be hard for one to adapt to living in a humble manner after having everything. This same kind of scenario can be seen in a five year old whom is given a shiny new toy or a shiny coin. They suddenly turn into this annoying little kid with the word “mine” integrated into their vocabulary from then on. Therefore, I’m glad I have just enough wealth to fulfill my basic needs and a couple of luxuries and still be able to have a humble heart.

15. What is the most valuable contribution you could make to a college campus?

The most valuable contribution that I would make to a college campus is that of a cultural center. This would allow students of all cultures to share their culture and learn of others. The cultural center would be full of color and full of life with tremendous amounts of educational value. It would not only increase the students’ social life but also increase the amount of appeal that the campus has towards people. The cultural center would also make it easier for foreign exchange students to adapt to their new social environment for a bit of their culture will be displayed at the center by other students of the same background. Therefore, a cultural center is the contribution that I would make to a college campus without asking for some sort of reward in return. The joy brought by the cultural center is more than what I could ask for.

16. Explain a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilema you have faced and its importance to you.

One of the most memorable achievements that I have faced is that of facing my fear of clowns. For years I had this terrible fear of clowns with no known reason as to why it was so terrible. I asked my mom if I had ever had a traumatizing event involving a clown or something having to do with a clown and she said that I had always just been scared of clowns. I always found it intriguing as to why I was so scared but never really investigated any further than an interview with my mom. However, a couple of years back I was forced to watch the movie called “IT.” The movie had a clown (whom happened to be a relentless murderer) as the main character. I had always been afraid to watch it but once I was sat down by my friend, I found it to be pretty lame, except for the parts where the creepy clown’s face would pop up of course, but other than that, it was not that bad. Later on, I attended “Fright Fest” at Six Flags Mountain and was surrounded by tall, hideous clowns that just made me scream my head off at the moment. I was even in the brink of tears but afterwards I felt pretty idiotic for I let people dressed as clowns ruin my night. So, this year I went back and faced them once again and this time, I came out a bit more victorious than last time. Until this day I still have a slight fear of clowns but I can at least get near them now. This is probably one of the achievements I am most proud of for before I was close to urinating in my pants at the sight of one.

17. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national or international concern and its importance to you.

As a woman, I find it extremely hard to arrive upon what the definition of “beauty” is. In modern society (especially in magazines and television) the ideal woman has colored eyes, fair skin and no fat on her body whatsoever. However, when one looks at society, it is extremely hard to find a woman who fits the same criteria that is set by fashion gurus like those on America’s Next Top Model (ANTM). ANTM is a show that sets standards on how a woman or a model should look like. The judges have even stated that a woman, whom is considerably skinny, is too chubby to be a model or they characterize her as a “plus size” model. Once they find the women that do fit their height and weight standards, they then change the contestants’ complexion even more for the blonde hair on the natural blonde just does not look good on her, so, they dye it brown or red. Such critiques tend to confuse the audience for the women that are obviously naturally beautiful are just not beautiful enough. This then leads them to the conclusion that their natural hair color and weight are not acceptable and that they must make changes to them. In addition, a sort of shift on their original thoughts is made for, for years they have been drawn to thinking that their curves and their complexion in general is beautiful  due to the compliments that their friends and family members have told them. Personally, I tend to dwell on such standards for my cultural background says that “Meat on a woman’s body is far more pleasing than a bag of bones,” “Curves are sexy, embrace them.” In contrast, the society that I live in frowns upon such statements. This is probably one of the biggest concerns that I have for I am positive that I am not the only woman that is confused on this subject and has thought of resorting to eating disorders or mental distortions or even both.

18. If you could choose two things to change about our high school campus, what would the change be and why?

 Two things that I would change about the high school campus are; the food given out to students for breakfast and lunch, as well as the “tardy” policies. For one, the food given to students is not nutritious, is not appealing to one’s stomach and is definitely not delicious. Students need the intake of nutritious food in order to maintain not only a full stomach but also a clear mind. They also need nutritious food to maintain a decent diet that would then lead to a decent yet healthy weight. If the school is honestly reaching for such goals for its students, then more fruits, vegetables, healthy grains and meats should be integrated into their meals. For example, a toast, oatmeal and strawberries, would be an acceptable breakfast. For lunch, maybe a grilled chicken breast with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and a fruit salad would be an extremely healthy and delicious choice. Second, the “tardy” policy is something that I would definitely change for I find it ridiculous. Five tardies should not determine one’s citizenship grade. To me a citizenship grade is how a student behaves in class towards their fellow peers and teacher. If one is tardy, it is most likely, not their fault. In my case, my brother is my own transportation to school and he works the graveyard shift as a security guard which not only forces him to be home until 6:45 but also forces him to be tired and grouchy. In return, making it extremely hard for me to be in my seat for zero period by 6:55. I am or have been a “straight-A” student for 5 years now and frankly, an “F” in citizenship practically diminishes the astonishment the my scholarship grades usually bring. Therefore, the “5 tardies= an “F” in citizenship” policy is something I would happily destroy from the campus’s policies.

19. Should school attendance be mandatory? In your answer, be sure to explore what the function of education is and what our nation would look like if the masses were less educated.

School attendance should be mandatory under all circumstances. One’s level of education is what determines the way of life that one receives. With no sort of schooling highlighting one’s background, no real career can be acquired. A professional, well-paying career, whether it may be one of a hairstylist, a teacher, a CEO of a great company or an astronaut, an educational background and years of practice in the field are required to be successful in it. If a large amount of the nation’s population were not educated, our economy, ecology and safety would be in great danger. The nation would still be using medieval methods, such as, leeches to cure illness rather than antibiotics. The environment would become hazardous for there would most likely be no sort of organized waste disposal or knowledge on global warming.  Therefore, education is an important attribute in the path to success and awareness. One day of school that one misses, one opportunity at attaining knowledge that one misses. Thus, giving more reason for school attendance to be mandatory.

20. If you had the ability to talk to an animal, which animal would you choose and why?

Cats possess a vast amount of characteristics that are very well respected in society. Cats display grace in their every movement for they have astonishing agility and flexibility. They show pride through the way they walk with their head up high and their eyes locked straight ahead. Cleverness is also found in cats through their form of tricking one to get what they wish for with those mesmerizing eyes and silent, yet adorable movements. Ferocity is another characteristic cats display while they fight for what is theirs and for what they wish to call theirs. They also possess intuition as they avoid cars passing by and heartless beings. Care, when they snuggle up to their owner whom seems to have had a rough day. Adventurous, as they seek new places to explore in their home and curiosity, as they attempt to figure out a mirror and the furry, little creature looking back at them, doing the exact movements they are. In other words, cats are highly interesting creatures. Therefore, I would choose to speak to a cat if I had the ability to speak to any animal. I would just love to know how it feels to land on one’s feet when facing a fall, to never have to fall and have a rough time getting back up. To know how it feels to come from a long line of magnificent felines, such as a lion. How it feels to fight with tremendous passion for something they own and wish to own. How it feels to be pampered by loving owners or neglected by beings that have a cruel heart when it comes to animals.  If only I did have the ability to speak to a cat.