Author: Laila

IRJE# 4 Divergent – Laila

Divergent by Veronica Roth is a book set in a dystopian future where society is divided into five factions, each representing a different virtue; Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peace), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). The story follows Beatrice “Tris” Prior, is a sixteen year old girl who discovers that she is “Divergent,” meaning she does not fit into any specific one faction. Being Divergent is considered a treat to the societal order. Tris chooses Dauntless, the faction dedicated to bravery, and begins a very difficult initiation process. As Tris navigates the challenges of her new life, she uncovers dark secrets about the society and begins to question the system that controls them all.

“We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another, becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.”

This quotation is said by Four a divergent leader, who later in the story becomes close with Tris teaching her all his ways, this quote suggests that real courage isn’t about getting rid of fear, but about managing and controlling it as well as  using it to empower yourself to take action towards better good.

IRJE #3- The Unteachables

The Unteachables by Gordon Korman, is a humorous and sweet novel that follows a group of middle school misfits and their unconventional teacher. The story follows the students of room 117, a class of students that have been named “unteachable” by their school. Each student is dealing with struggles or behavioral issues, from an obsessions with video games to bad attitudes or academic struggles. The class is led by Mr. Korman, a teacher who hates his life has been assigned to teach room 117 as his last job before retirement. The class calls him “Mr. Kermit” just like the frog. As the story goes on, Mr. Korman starts to connect with the students, discovering their unique talents and personalities.

“Justice and fairness aren’t, and never will be apart of the social studies curriculum; you know their building blocks of our entire society. Just because you’ve got anger management problems doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to be ticked off about. Let me tell you about spirit.” (p. 42)

This quotation said by Mr. Korman, to the class after the principal came to tell the class they cant go on the field trip, because of their behavior. Mr. Korman is acknowledging that while concepts like justice and fairness may not always be taught, they are essential principles for society to function.

 

 

PW# 4 – Why I like Friday’s

Fridays are probably one of my favorite days of the week, from it being the last day of school to the motivative feeling I get when I wake up in the morning. Its weird only on Fridays I fell super motivated to do my work. Around 99% of the time after school on Fridays I meet up with my cousin Kiyanah in the lobby, then we walk to Pilgrims Coffee. I always get a unsweetened matcha and she gets a chai latte. After that we walk to the cemetery and pass through a little short cut to the top of a hill. I enjoy talking with her, we talk about everything. We end up around the shell gas station, and keep walking up until we reach my grandmas house. When we get there my grandmas dog is aways really exited to see us. We usually try to do homework until 7:00, but almost every time get distracted by laughing or doing tik tok dances. When the rest of my family shows up for ” Family dinner” which we do every Friday! I get to see my family and eat my grandparent food!! This is why I like Friday.

Our Town personal response – Laila

Our Town Thornton Wilder, I think this book was alright, the very beginning was good then towards a quarter way through the play it was starting to get a bit boring. I did enjoy How the play was presented, it was interesting how the actors used no props. The acting on the other hand was…. fine, sometimes I felt they used the wrong emotion; at the end Emily was way to happy when she just had died along with her little brother, Mrs. Gibbs, and lots of other people she knew, and watched her family stare at her with grief. The costumes were very well put together during the time period. Speaking of time period I like being able to read and understand what the people were saying, personally “I” is better than “thy”. I also found the conflict between Emily and George captivating. My favorite part of the book was the wedding, I found it funny  and realistic on how nervous everyone was. Getting to the end when half the people died was sad, rushed, and a little confusing (In my opinion) In conclusion I found this play pretty good, I liked the concept and how it was layered out. I would give this book an 7-7.5 out of 10. I would could I would probably read it again.

IRJE #2 – Star Girl Laila

Star Girl, Is a novel by Jerry Spinelli. The book is structured at the boring life of Leo Brolock a high school student in Mica Arizona, who falls in love with a very interesting new student named Stargirl Caraway. At first Stargirl was a sensation of excitement, but she then faces challenges as her unconventional behavior, kindness, and clash with the desire for acceptance and popularity. The novel Explores the different of themes of identity, true love, and the authentically of connecting with others.

“She was elusive She was today. She was tomorrow. She was the faintest scent of a cactus flower, the flitting shadow of an elf owl. We did not know what to make of her. In our minds we tried to pin her to a corkboard like a butterfly, nut the pin merely went through and away she flew.” (p.130)

This quotation is given by the narrator giving the sweet and light description of Stargirl herself. How she cares for others, and doesn’t care what the world thinks of her. Star girl is a monumental example of a good person.

PW #3 Why I am exited for the Pro-D day!

As a grade 9 student, the excitement for the Pro-D days is palpable. Its not just another day off from school; its an opportunity to recharge, reflect, and do whatever I want!

Primarily, Pro-D Day means a break from the usual routine of classes. No tests, no teachers, and no uniforms. First off, the freedom of not having to follow the schedule is incredibly liberating. No rushing between classes, no homework to stress over, and no tests waiting for me. Instead, I get to focus on things I am genuinely interested in. This Pro-D Day, I am having a party with some of my close friends, its going to be fun!!!!!

Pro-D Day allows for some much-needed time to reflect. With the first few months of school year behind me, it is a perfect time to think about my goals and what I want to achieve moving forward. I plan to set aside some time to consider how I can improve in my studies and what steps I can take to make the rest of the year even better.

In conclusion, I am overly excited for Pro-D Day on Friday because it offers a break from routine and a chance to dive into my interests, connect with friends, and explore new opportunities!

PW # 2 -Why I love October

October is probably one of the best seasons ever! (In my opinion) the weather gets so nice and cool, which means it’s finally time to wear sweaters and have pumpkin spice everything. The leaves change to all those pretty colours, and it just feels so cozy outside. Plus, there’s Halloween! Which is super fun with all the spooky decorations and dressing up in costumes. I also love October because it’s my birthday! I was supposed to be born on November 15th, but I decided I wanted to be born on October 31st which is also coincidentally my mom’s favorite day of the year. I get to celebrate with my friends and family, have a party, and dress up. I never really go tricker treating. Yes, I could but I would rather spend time with my family. Unpopular opinion I don’t really like candy, so it works out for me. October is the perfect mix of fall vibes and birthday excitement!

IRJE #1 -The Light Pirate

“The Light Pirate” written by Lily Brookes-Dalton is a captivating novel set in a near future world grappling with climate change. The story follows the life of a young girl named Wanda, who grows up in a Florida that is increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and severe weather. As she navigates her childhood and adolescence. The novel explores themes of resilience, family, and the bond between humans and nature. It delves into the emotional landscapes of its character, highlighting their hope and fears in a world where survival becomes uncertain.

“The passage of years could be assigned a number, but in this place, time has a different measure. its progression is marked by the smoothness of water where ruins once broke the surface. The thickening of a young grove’s canopy. The collapse of an old utility pole. It is marked by the end of one species or the beginning of another. Here, time sprawls and curls. The land returns to the way it was; it becomes something brand new.” (p. 315).

This quote captures the theme of resilience and renewal, emphasizing how, even amid loss, there is always the potential for new beginnings and the continuous transformations of the world around us.

PW# 1 Hollow Creek

On a chilly Halloween night in the small town of Hollow Creek, a group of friends, Sam, Mia, Jake, and Lila, had decided to explore the abandoned Thompson house. Old stories say in the 60’s a man and his wife “The Thompson’s”  lived there, and one night Mrs. Thompson just died. Some people say that Mr. Thompson killed her and others believe she killed her self. The moon hung high as they approached the crumbling structure, its windows dark like hollow eyes.

“Are you sure about this?” Mia asked, her voice quivering slightly. The others laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “It’s just an old house, Jake said, pushing open the creaky front door.

Inside, the air was stale, thick with dust. Cobwebs draped across the corners like ghostly veils. Lila led the way, holding her dad’s big flashlight, illuminating faded portraits of the Thompson family that hung on the wall. Their expressions seemed to follow the teens as the moved, sending shivers down their spines.

“Lets check the basement”, Sam suggested, trying to sound brave. Reluctantly, the group decided to take the rickety stairs. The air grew colder, and and the beam from Lila’s flashlight couldn’t stop flickering as they walked down the stairs.

As they reached the bottom, a sudden chill pushed through them. The walls were lined with shelves of old jars, filled with unidentifiable contents. “This is gross,” Mia whispered, feeling a creeping dread inside. Just then, the door above them slammed shut, plugging them into darkness.

“Guys? Was that you?” Jake’s voice trembled. Panic set in as Lila’s flashlight died, leaving them in pitch black. “Stay calm,” Sam whispered, though his heart raced. They huddled together, listening to the sounds of the house. It’s creaks, whispers, and a fait chilling giggle echoed through the darkness.

Suddenly a cold breeze swept past them, and they heard footsteps approaching. “We need to get out of here!” Mia screamed. They scrambled toward the stair, the door creaking open as if inviting them back.

Bursting outside, they couldn’t stop running unit they reached the safety of the street light. Breathless, they looked back at the Thompson House. A shadowy figure stood in the window, watching them. Halloween night in Hollow Creek had turned from a thrill to a nightmare, forever etched in their memories.

 

 

My personal opinion on “Master and Man”

I found the overall book was a little more on the boring side, only till the end it got interesting. In fact, the end was the only part about the book I enjoyed. Though the book had a sad ending, it was good. I did not enjoy how most of the book was set in one place, I wish more would have happened. I found some parts of the book quite confusing; from what what happening to where the setting was. I did enjoy learning about the characters, from what there job is to what life a home looks like. I was taught few lessons on life in general, I even found my self grateful for what I have in life. I think if the book was written in a more common era I would have enjoyed it more. If I could read the book again I probably wouldn’t.

Self Introduction

Hi everyone, my name is Laila, and I am fourteen years old. I am from Victoria, but my dad is from Iran so, I am also half Persian. I used to go to a school called Artscalibre Academy. My mom was the art teacher there. It was great, but Brookes is better. Some of my interests include; music, art, food, being active, , nature, and reading books. In the future I hope to study Biology, animal sciences, or a related field, and maybe become a veterinary doctor.