What Was I?

I was insignificant. At least, that's how I saw myself. I was always quiet and never spoke my mind. I kept to myself. I was basically the definition of self-conscious. If you were really close friends with me then (here's to Chloe and Dawson), then you probably remember that I could talk around those I knew, but I just couldn't talk to other people. 

Now, things are different. A lot different. Yes, I can still be quiet at times and I still don't like to speak my mind, but I've gotten over my insecurities and I'm a very confident person now. I crack my stupid jokes, because I know that at least one person appreciates them (looking at you, AC). I actually comment in class discussions... sometimes. I feel more like myself and how I have always wanted to feel. I feel happy. I feel content. I feel surrounded by people that love me. I don't think I can call everyone out, but there are a couple people I want to especially thank. 

First off, to all of my teachers. I am so thankful for all that you have taught me, both in academic knowledge and in life lessons. Some of you I have known for many years, some I have know for only one, but in both situations I have learned so much. I do plan to come back and visit some time, so be expecting that!

Now, to all of the friends I have gained in IB. Out of everything I have gotten from IB, I am so thankful for my friends. The friends I have now are friends that I will have for life. Dawson- Thank you so much for being my rock, both in IB and in tech. Nick- You're hilarious and thanks for being there for me. AC- I'm so so glad we've gotten so close these past two years. You're so sweet and I love you! Abby- You are always there for me to talk to and thank you for that. Allie- You always have so much energy and I admire that. Brandon- We've gotten close and I'm glad you trust me. Kelsey- 5th grade was sweet, but you're sweeter. But really, I'm glad we have sleepovers at Katie's where we argue over hopeless toasters. And Chloe- Oh Chloe, you've been one of my closest friends for four years now and I really don't know what I would've done without you. If I didn't call you out, don't worry, I still love you. I am thankful to everyone that has given me the courage to be myself. 

College is going to be hard to start, simply because I won't have my IB friends there to support me. I wish everyone luck in college and I know all of you will go far. I'm glad for the time I've had with all of you! Here's to the end of IB!

 

 

Have you see Walt's W(h)it? Man, it's impressive

Before I actually attempted to read Whitman's handwriting, I simply scrolled through and glanced at all of the pages. The first thing I noticed was the stamp that appears on quite a few pages. Sometimes it appears on a page with only writing, and sometimes on a page with only drawing. Once I zoomed in, I noticed that it was the stamp of The Library of Congress and wasn't actually from Whitman. The next thing I noticed was the variety in the notebook. There's a combination of both writing and drawing within the notebook. Many of the drawings seem to be of a man in a hat, varying in height. My first thought is that this could be Walt Whitman drawing different versions of himself. This could be self reflection by him. This may be because I have bad handwriting, but I can make out a lot of what Whitman is writing. One page talks about "lessons for a president elect". This was supposed to be a brochure, according to his heading. There is one section several pages long that seems to be a poem in itself about ships that I find incredibly interesting. 

After looking at the transcription and reasoning of Whitman's writing, I realize the amount of significance given to the Civil War. The usage of the word "Libertad" and the reasons given for that are very interesting and I believe they truly show Whitman's thoughts. The inclusion of everyone was a major theme in Whitman's writing and was something that he firmly believed in. The use of a different language would show that he is being inclusive of those foreign to what he knows. The poem about a ship that I had mentioned is a part of this "Libertad" section! In terms of the drawings at the end of the notebook, I was correct that they were of Whitman, however, I was under the impression that they had been drawn by Whitman, as well. This in incorrect because it is stated that he never drew or doodled. The increasing goofiness of the drawings is explained as being a result of people drinking at the bar. I can say that this was not the explanation i was expecting.