For this week, the blog is taking a turn towards the creative. Write your own "how to" paragraph, explaining to the reader how to do something. Try to focus on issues of identity and/or relationships. For instance, you could write a paragraph on "how to appear like you come from a family with money," or "how to break up and stay friends."
It will probably be helpful to have experience with the issue about which you're writing, but this isn't completely necessary. You can write about whatever moves you, and your work can be completely fictional.
Below your "how to" paragraph, explain in another paragraph why someone would need the advice, why it's worth writing about, and/or what relevance your "how to" paragraph bears to some larger issue.
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“How to get over a loss…”
ReplyDeleteAt some point in your life you will loose someone who you were very close to. It may be cancer, another type of disease, or an accident. A lot of the time this is a sudden event. For me, I lost my favorite person in the entire world, my Nana. Up until three weeks before she passed away I was under the impression that she was completely fine. But then I found out that she had cancer. Three weeks after learning about her being sick she was on life support in the ICU, this was Thanksgiving Day. The next day she passed away. Going into this I wish there was a how to that could help me easily get over loosing her, but there isn’t. When it comes to loosing someone you have to go about it in your own way. You may cry, you may be angry, and you may just be in complete denial. Also when you loose someone you may feel comforted by all of your family and friends or you may just want to be left alone. In my case, I cried…a lot. But it helped to have all of my family around to make me laugh and remember the good times we had with my Nana. Overall, when you loose someone, you never really get over it. But slowly you start to get used to not having the person around to talk to on the phone and go visit. It is really hard to loose someone, but you will always have the memories to look back on and smile about.
"How to be yourself"
ReplyDeleteToo many people do not act themselves because of their peers. People need to act the way they truly are, and not care what others think of them. People are always trying to live up to their friends' expectations when they should be worrying about theirs. There is always going to be that group of people that you hang out with that are doing things you do not want to partake in, but you go along with it anyway because you want to fit in. This is a normal thing to do because everyone wants to feel accepted. Someone should take a stand if they do not want to do something, and not feel obliged to do something because their friends are.
I think being yourself and not giving into peer pressure is good advice because everyone has dealt with it before. People feel that they have to do whatever their peers are doing, but no one realizes that it is cool to be youself and you are going to find those group of friends that you truly can be whoever you are in front of. It is a great feeling to realize when you finally found those friends that truly love you for who you really are.
'How to know when to give up.'
ReplyDeleteWell it’s not what it sounds, I would never give advice to someone telling them to give up when the going gets rough (colloquial) but more focusing on your sanity. I was given a half scholarship to run cross country at lock haven university in pa. It was cool at first then the coach took us to a camp where he was not supposed to and I ended up getting really sick from the place and was in the hospital for days at a time. He tried hiding this from the athletic director, but when she found out he got into a lot of trouble, and he wanted me to lie and say I got the disease from somewhere else, and I did not. Him along with all of my teammates gave me such a hard time, they said many mean things to me, and actually left me to walk home from the hospital (4 miles away) at 3 am. They made my life a living hell. So I had to get out of there.
I would tell the person who is in a bad situation, that its not quitting, its doing the right thing. No one needs to be put in a bad situation and its not ‘giving up’ by quitting its doing what’s best for you. I think this is important because people are afraid of transferring, (I was) because you may feel like you gave up, but theres nothing wrong with it at all, whatever makes you succeed is what matters. I’ll stop here, I already wrote 271 words. I apologize.
"How to let someone in"
ReplyDeleteLetting someone in is important because when time get rough you always need someone there that you can tell literally anything too. Someone that will listen to you cry or just listen about your day. When I left for college I lost one of my closest friends who was the one person I let in to every aspect of my life. Finding someone else that you can build that bond with is not common and it takes a lot of trust. Having a person like this makes going through life a little bit more fun and tough times a little easier. Letting someone in can be difficult my people who have been hurt in the past because your making yourself vulnerable to being hurt again. You do this by telling someone everything and letting them be that crutch you rely on. I found that this person is someone that in the most random times when push comes to shove there who you want to talk too.
This how to is important because its a how to that is somewhat selfish. It is someone for you and someone that could help you better yourself. Letting someone in isn't always the easiest thing but in the end its makes life that much better.
"How To Let Someone Go"
ReplyDeleteLetting someone go isn't always the easiest thing to do. It's not a good feeling being told "We're over" or "I don't want to date you anymore" But, that seems to be out of our control. When someone dumps you, you have no choice but to move on. You don't have to move on right that second, but it's inevitable. When you let go of someone, you're letting go of a part of yourself, a lot of memories and intimate moments. But, it is possible to move on. You have to reassure yourself that you don't need someone else to make you happy, and before you were in a relationship you were fine on your own. In my past experiences, when I've let go of past boyfriends, I found surrounding myself with my friends and family was the best way to heal. I was always doing something, so I had little to no time to think about them. Letting go is something we do every day, it's a sucky feeling, but sometimes things just end. When you let someone go, it's not necessarily just getting dumped, but it could be flipped. When you end a relationship, you're letting go too. It's hard to do, it may not always be something you want to do, but it's something you have to do. You find yourself realizing you're better off without that person. In my life, I've let go of a lot of people, a lot of friends. It's just something that as you grow up, you realize you don't need certain people in your life, cause they are only holding you back. No matter what way you look at it, letting go is saying goodbye. It's hard, but life moves on.
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ReplyDelete"How to be a good friend"
ReplyDeleteBeing a good friend is easier if your friends do the same to you. To be a good friend you have to always be there for the person and give the good advice they need. The most important key to being a good friend is Trust. In order to be a good friend you need to be able to trust one another and if you cant do that then you are not a good friend. Other ways to be a good friend is being able to have fun together and talk about anything. Throughout High School, I have experienced many people who are not good friends. They may talk behind your back, are not loyal, are untrustworthy, or cannot be themselves around you. You know that you found a good friend when you can be a truly good friend back. If someone is not a good friend to you, your not going to make the effort and try to be a good friend to someone that doesn't deserve it. You know when you found a good friend when you can completely be yourself, always treat people the way you want to be treated, and ultimately this will make you a good friend.
"How to dress for a date"
ReplyDeleteEveryone at some point in their life will go out on a date with someone that they really like and most of the time people struggle with knowing what to wear. This information will help you with the next time your getting ready for an important date. Fist shower, no one likes to have a date who smells like he/she has been rolling around in a pig pen. What if you showered one that day, shower a second time. Cleanliness is next to Godlyness. Clean cloths are a must and don't try to pull he/she didn't see mean wearing this yesterday I'll just wear, wrong it wont work. What you wore yesterday may not fit with the place you are going on your date. Evaluate where you are going next. If its nice out and there is a picnic planed wear something that you can move comfortably. Girls not "Daisy Dooks" shorts and guys stay away from shirts that have logos on it. Girls sensible shoes your walking on grass, flats, flip flops, are exceptionable. No heals they will sink into the grass. Now stepping it up a bit there is dinner and a movie planed. Fist try to pick a movie thats a comedy you both want to be entertained. Not one person scared or one person board by a scary movie or a chick flick. Guys for the dinner and the movie dress presentable, no ripped jeans or baggy shirts. Keep what you wear when your around home or with your boys for them. Brake out a nice pair of jeans and a button down shirt or a polo. Bring a jacket guy if the girl doesnt have one, she may get cold while eating or in the movie. Offer it to her you be seen as a gentleman. I'm not too worried about the girls they tend to have a better since on how to dress then the guys. Now lets up the date bar now lets say you have been dating a while and now its the to meet the parents. Do not dress like your at a park or movie and dinner. These are her parents you want to show them that their daughter didn't pick a bum to date. Now you dont want to over do it and look like your trying to impress so no need for a full out tux. Brake out thoes dust kaki pants, yes your mother must of bought them for you and you thought you had no reason for them, well heres the time. A nice button down shirt, no need for a tie, and if its cold out a nice out door jacket or even a sweter. Dress shoes are a must you will look like fool if you just wearing sneakers and dressed up. Pretty much dress in your Sunday best when your meeting her parents.
"How to live not live in the past"
ReplyDeleteIt's really hard to not live in the past. Everyone gets nostalgic at one point or another. We all dwell on the "what could have beens" It's tough not to. I found that whenever I start feeling that way, I have to distract myself. Whenever nostalgia sets in, go do something like color, write, play a video game or anything to take your mind off of it. If that doesn't work and you can't help but dwell at the moment, then the best thing to do is talk it our with a friend. I don't know about other people, but dwelling makes me mopey and talking it out with someone I trust makes me feel better. If no one is around, then write it out. Put everything you are dwelling on a few sheets of paper. Often, I find myself writing through a period of nostalgia and by the time I'm done, I've written myself out of it.
Someone would need this advice because it's not good to live in the past. It prevents you from moving on. You get stuck in the past instead of looking what's in front of you and often times, you miss out on a lot of good opportunities.
"How to be a good person"
ReplyDeleteI feel that this is important to write about because everywhere you go people will expect you to act a certain way, to be a "good person". Everyone has expectations of people that they never do quite reach. Sometimes it's very frustrating to be the person who no matter how hard you try your just not good enough. For all of my life I have been expected, by other's, to be a "good person" because I was raised in the church, went to private schools and have been a coach for special olympics for the past 5 years. My whole life has felt like I have been under a microscope and it's frustrating knowing that, as hard as I try, those who are close to me always expect the best out of me. But doesn't everybody make mistakes?
When going to an interview, remember to smile. Be kind and courteous and you may get the job. If you get the job remember, always smile. When a customer is rude, smile anyways. Go out of your way to help someone in need. When being asked to do something, do more than what is asked of you.
When going on a date always be on time. Remember, always smile. If you do not have a good time on the date, politely end the evening.
Never raise your voice, that is not what "good people" do. Do not use foul language; you were not raised by sailers. Always keep things tidy; you do not live on a farm. If someone is to wrong you, turn the other cheek, "good people" don't retaliate or talk back. Be nice to everyone, even those you cannot stand.
When going out in public, always be properly dressed. Never leave the house without your teeth brush, hair combed, and manners. If someone holds the door open for you, say thank you. If they do not, open it yourself and hold it for those after you. Always wash your hands; "good people" are always hygenic. Do not dwell with those whom partake in bad things, even if you do not take part in them, you are bad by association. Always give change to those on the streets who do not have a dime even if you know they'll just spend it on beer. Remember, they may be worse off then you. Alway's be patient when waiting in line at a store, "good people" do not hoot or holler if they have to wait for a long time. If someone cuts you in line, kindly step back so that the have space. Never point out they cut infront of you. And remember, "good people" always smile!
"How to look like you have it all together when you don't"
ReplyDeleteAt some point in your young life you will come to time that you have no control in your life. Relationships you worked for feel as if they no longer mean nothing. People who you thought were friends are not truely your friends. Your significant other of three years up and leaves after it took so long for you to prove your family he was true. You only talk of good things in your life. Today I got an A on a paper! Today I bought a new shirt! But nothing of real significance And so, you wake up in the morning and slather make up on your face so you look presentable. Cover those bags under your eyes from lack of sleep. You walk into school or work with a smile on your face.to your life. You work on homework, infact you fill your life with work it is just easier that way. You eat dinner with your family and have a smile upon your face. You finish your homework because that iso the only control you have in your life. Then you shower but you do not look in the mirror after because you are trying to trick yourself that you have it all together and those bags under your eyes will break the spell. You go to bed at 9 because you have nothing better to do. Of course you don't sleep, but you don't let anybody knowt that. The alarm goes off and you crawl out of bed. And so, you wake up in the morning and slather make up on your face so you look presentable. Cover those bags under your eyes from lack of sleep and once again, walk into school or work with a smile on your face. You have it all together and everybody see's it.
The advice I give in "How to look like you have it all together when you don't" is kind of a backwards way of showing that if you don't have it all together that just covering it up doesn't solve anything. The character in the story is going through the motions in life and isnt truely happy. By showing the un happiness its almost a backwards way of saying "what not to do.."
-Laura Conroy
ReplyDelete'How to Forgive'
The 'how to' phrase of 'how to forgive' means more to me than just three words. During the course of my high school career I had many friends and often saw many of them on the weekends. By chance, sophomore year, I fell in love with boy out of my 2009 graduating class. To this day, I still am dating him 3 and half years later. To put the story short, my girl friends felt like I had started neglecting them for a different person whom they thought was ''just a phase''. I began to become angry and confused and thought " I thought these girls would be my best friends forever".
The best advice I can give is learning to love yourself for who you have become. Even though some may disapprove of your decisions, stick with your heart. Act like nothing bothers you, be the bigger person. Accept that that was the past, this is NOW. Forgive them for putting judgments on your life. Tell yourself they don’t have to put judgments on your life anymore because you are happy now. Realize happiness in life is what you make it. Don’t ever live your life to satisfy others. Trust yourself, you’re smarter than what you give yourself credit for. Learn to love new people. I have learned to love my boyfriend’s family like I love my own. And those are the people that matter most to me now. Choose your friends carefully. Trust your own judgment. Surround yourself with who makes YOU happy, not others.
The advice I give in "How to forgive" has to come through your own mind. These sentences were the things I learned, as I got older. Although forgiving is not the easiest, life is too short to hold a grudge forever. I learned to forgive, but never rekindled that bond with those girls I had at one point, and that's O.K. I am more than happy for the person I have become and the people that I have chosen to surround myself with. And when other's find themselves between the decision of forgiving and not, think of what is important in life.
"How to be a good roommate"
ReplyDeleteIn order to be a good college roommate there are certain things that you need to do. One of the most important things is being respectful. If you don't respect your roommate, why would they want to respect you? Having a roommate is a give and take relationship. You need to treat your roommates the way you would want to be treated,in return they should treat you equally. It's good to find a balance. There will obviously be certain things that just won't be acceptable in certain situations but you need to be able to move past them. When some of these things really need to be dealt with it's important to be calm and relaxed when approaching the issue. If you start screaming and yelling nothing is going to be accomplished and more problems could arise between you and your roommate. Another important thing is respecting space. If your roommate doesn't want you to go through their desk, or move their stuff around, respect their wishes. Don't assume that your roommate will be okay with everything you do in the room. people can be very picky when it comes to their living spaces. At the start of living together agreements should be made, such as what time to have the room quiet by, when the lights or television should be off and who cleans what part of the room. Living with roomates can be difficult or fun but rules must be set in place first.
It is important to be able to live with other people because all through our lives we are going to be faced with sharing our space with other people. We must learn to be respectful to others needs while taking care of our own.
“How to let things go”
ReplyDeleteEveryone faces times in their life where thing don’t work out according to plan. The universe works in mysterious ways and the majority of things that happen in life are usually out of one’s control. There are two basic ways to deal with situations like this, which are, to let it take over life, or just let it go. I believe that letting this go is the best way to deal with any situation. When you hold on to negative emotions, hardships, and grudges, the only person suffering is yourself. The best way to let things go is to focus your energy on positive aspects of your life and live your life to the fullest no matter how bad things may seem at the time. It is important to have this advice because things that are out of your control will happen constantly throughout your life and if you hold onto them and never accept the fact that you can’t change them you will be miserable and miss out on all the good things that are also happening.
"How to have a 'good break up'"
ReplyDeleteAt one point or another you will be in a relationship of some sort that will end in a break up. The majority of break ups end badly and two people who were at one point very close end up hating each other. The good break up is basically people ending a physical relationship and maintaining a strong friendship. The hardest part of this is not the actual break up but the communication afterwards. The break up will be hard and awkward at first but that is unavoidable. Try to word the break up as wanting to just remain friends or I see us better as friends than a couple. However it is worded make it sound positive not angry and do it in person. This way the chance for exponential anger from your significant other towards you will be significantly reduced. The next step is stopping communication for a short while. This may sound strange but by stopping communication for about a week helps people calm from the initial break up. With some anger gone, they will be more willing and excited to talk to you. The final part of having a good break up is keeping good communication with your ex. Talk every day and continue to hang out on occasion, just make sure it is clear that dating is no longer an option.
My how to paragraph is important and I think it is fairly ignored. Despite how a relationship ends, most people forget that your significant other was most likely one of your best friends. There is no point in loosing a lover AND a best friend. Being lonely is no fun for anybody, so it is incredibly important to maintain as many friends who are important to you as possible.
-John Choquette
"how to avoid procrastination your first semester of college"
ReplyDeleteKeeping up with your school work during the first semester can sometimes be hard for freshman. The drastic change from living at home to living on your own with a lot less rules and a lot more freedom can cause problems with your academic success. Sometimes people get too excited with the amount of freedom they now have and start to ignore their responsibilities as a student. For me, college was a blessing because my parents had always been strict on me since i was the only child. Being at college and away from my parents gave me a lot more freedom that i never had. I could do a lot more things like stay out as long as i want and party more with no limits. The only thing was i knew to have all my school work completed before going out so i wouldnt be stuck doing it when i got back.
I've learned from past experiences not to procrastinate with my school work because then it will all pile up before you realize it. The you will have so much more work to do in a shorter period of time when you could have been doing something fun like hanging out with friends. My recomendations for this not to occur is to be on top of your homework and always write it down somewhere. When something is assigned try to complete it as soon as you recieve it so you will not forget about the assignment. Also try doing your homework or studying early in the day at the library so you can relax later and have nothing to worry about.
"How to shine black boots"
ReplyDeleteAt some point in life it is going to be important to have a shiny pair of boots.Find a brush, paricularly one with tough bristles. Start off by using the brush in a vigorous motion to remove any dirt or dust. Remember, it is important to start off with the left boot. Keep brushing until the boot is free of dirt and now you are ready to apply the kiwi shoe polish. Here comes the important trick. Take a lighter and apply the flame directly on the kiwi polish. Once you have a nice black liquid, take a rag or ripped t-shirt and dip it into the kiwi. Next, take the rag and wipe onto the boot surface in a wax-on wax-off motion. Repeat this all over the surface of the boot until a nice even finish is reached. The next step is crucial. Use the brush and vigorously brush the kiwi on the boot. Once you have finished this task you are ready for the spit shine. Work up a nice wad of saliva and spit onto the boot. Use a rag and rub the saliva into the kiwi polish. Apply as much as needed and that boot will be looking like glass in no time.
I feel that shiny boots are becoming a thing of the past. This paragraph is important because i feel that shining boots is a lost art. It shows that a person cares about their appearance and takes pride in their posessions. Those shiny boots may take you farther than a few steps.
-Scott Van Winter