PCP Full Draft

Marks of Strength

Tattoos; a permanent mark on the skin, but a permanent reminder of a certain something or someone in the minds, hearts, and souls of those who choose to wear them.  Tattoos are often worn to further explain or define a significant milestone or moment within a persons life.  They help give an individual meaning to their life and allow them to express themselves in a beautiful way. 

The end of summer is nearing; I am 18 years old, a graduated senior in high school, about to move forward in life and become a freshman in college.  I have decided to get a tattoo.  It was only less than a month ago that my dad was assaulted in his business office late at night during his usual Thursday night visit in order to do the last minute payroll.  He walked in on his office being robbed by two very large men and was attacked in the process of trying to get out as fast as he could.  He fought off one man, but quickly realized after that there was another one, as he collided with the second man right before exiting the back door.  At this point, my father's head and shoulder had both gone through newly installed drywall and he was ripped from his jacket, as well as taken from his shoes.  The only way out, the only light he could see, was through the front window.  If he hadn't had jumped through, hurting himself even more, but saving his life in the process, he probably wouldn't be here with me and my family today.  After receiving the call during the middle of the incident, I was both terrified and in shock.  My first instinct was to call for more help, but he is my father and I was the closest to his location at the time.  By the time I had arrived on the scene, it was too late.  But an ambulance was there.  Seeing my dad beat up, broken down, torn apart, ripped from clothing and shoes, shaking as he struggled to catch a breath was the most difficult thing I have ever seen with my own two eyes.  Today, my father and entire family as a whole are stronger than we have ever been before.  It's not until after the fact that I had realized no human-being can make it through any tragic accident like that and continue to live life normally forever.  Yes, he suffers from head trauma and memory issues here and there, and he has scars from the glass up his forearms and on his hands, but it continues to remind me that my father's heart, mind, and body are the strongest of any father's I have ever known.  This is the main reason, the main story behind my first tattoo. 

My tattoo reads "Philippians 4:13".  It means, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  This truly represents my dad and my family in every way.  No matter what the struggle is, no matter how high, how long, how large the obstacle may be, we will always be able to get through it together, forever.  This however is not the only meaning behind my tattoo.  The word, strength, has always been a word that I look to every day of my life.  Growing up, playing soccer since I was 4 years of age, I have always looked for strength; from the very first whistle to the last when the game is blown dead.  I have always looked for strength to help me succeed in the classroom, no matter what the subject was.  At 3 years old, I was blessed with the talent an ability to play the piano.  My mom has played since her early childhood years and it was quickly passed to me only a couple years of my life in this world.  So often times, I search for strength to move my fingers and play the piano to the best of my ability using my God given talents, every day. 

Getting my tattoo was not the most painful thing I have ever felt, but it certainly didn't tickle.  It is placed on my left ribs which people say is one of, if not the most painful place to get one.  It is 4pm, July 29th; I'm sitting in the tattoo parlor waiting to get marked for life.  The chills running up my arms were unbearable and the nerves within my body were like never before, but I knew deep within that it was something I wanted to do.  I remember it all like it was yesterday.  My artist sat me down and laid the stencil on my rib.  This was my last chance to run out the door; but I stayed put and with stood the pain because I knew it would all be worth it.  The first needle hit and it was all just fine, until I found out that he barely made a mark.  I clenched a fist and put my headphones because I knew I had a long hour and a half ahead of me.  Keep in mind, my family had no idea that I was doing this at all.  My younger brother was by my side for support, but I think mainly to see his older brother be put through some pain for a little.  Laying on the table half way through my tattoo all I could think was, mom and dad are going to disown me.  But somehow my parents found out about 4 weeks later.  They didn't really care as much as I thought they would.  They cared because I was the first to ever have one in our family and they weren't sure of the specific meaning behind it all, until I told them.  This was the moment they realized I was marked for a purpose, with a significant meaning behind it all. 

I want to end with a quote by Rikki Rogers, that has also stuck with me since a very young age.  It is not religious based like my tattoo, but it does have to deal with strength and every day life.  "Strength does not come from what you can do.  It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't."

Reflection #1

It is now my fifth week of college intensive writing (WIFYS) and I have made many goals for myself
as an active reader and critical thinker.  Just in the past five weeks, this class has taught me a lot more than what I thought it would.  At first, I figured it would just be a "sit down and write this" kind of
class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but I have actually come to find out that this WIFYS
class has much more to it than just writing papers and posting articles in my blog.  The very first day
of class we were asked to make goals as students and strive to achieve those goals throughout the
semester.  The very first goal I made, the number one thing on my list, the "must achieve or else
nothing is accomplished goal" was to become both a better writer and speaker.  I have never had a
fear of speaking in front of others; I have been doing it all my life.  But the one problem for me is
trying to organize and put together what I am to be talking about, especially under pressure, if I'm
called on in class.  To me, being an active reader/critical thinker means exactly what it says; actively
reading, not just the prompts given for a journal or reflection writing but the passages and key details
within a text.  And the same goes for critical thinking; analyzing and thinking about the reading and
possible response that is put together for that certain task at hand.  Also, this may include reflecting
on ones own work and correcting mistakes that were made, but learning from them at the same time. 
I will continue to strive to meet my goals as a student writer every day, not just in the classroom, but
outside as well.  If I don't understand something or I need an opinion, I will go find one and/or ask
my peers and teachers.  So far within the past five weeks, I have been able to meet all the required
goals of this class.  I have posted all of the journals and reflections on time.  I have used
media/pictures within my writing to allow the students to see where I truly come from and to provide
a visual aide in order for others to truly have an understanding of my writing.  One thing I could work
on is the length of my blogs.  I'm not saying they are short, but for me and I'm sure as well for others,
some topics are easier to write about than others.  I have learned that writing isn't just something we
have to do, but it is something we all should do, even when it's not required for a certain class. 
Writing allows one to express their thoughts without having to speak allowed about them.  Also, it
allows people to form well developed opinions towards a specific topic.  Writing allows everyone to
think critically and meaningfully about a variety of issues and ideas.  Looking back on the blogs I
have written so far, my favorite is a tie between the "I'm From" poem and the "Tattoo" blog.  Both of
these posts have significant meaning to me.  The "I'm From" poem allowed me to express my
physical, mental, social, and emotional background of where I came from, as well as who I am.  It
was such an interesting piece of writing and it brought back many memories that I hadn't thought
about in quite some time.  As for the "Tattoo" response, it meant so much to me to be able to talk
about my significant/permanent mark.  It allowed me to express myself and sort of give the definition
and true meaning of my life to others.  I loved reading about other students blogs because I truly
related to some of them and it was interesting seeing where other people came from and what their
interests are.  After reviewing the course syllabus and the grading for participation, if there was such
a choice, I would give myself an A- or a B+.  I have hit most of the goals and requirements in order to
earn an A, but there were one or two that I could use some work on as well.  I try to extend myself
above a B because I feel as if I have done more and have accomplished more within those certain
requirements for that letter grade.  No matter what grade I receive, I will always reflect upon it and
look back to see what I did wrong as well as right, and learn from my mistakes.  I can't wait to see
what is in store for me the rest of the semester.  I look forward to writing more and expressing myself
a little more every day, as well as striving to reach my goals daily within this WIFYS class.

Journal #5

 

"Philippians 4:13"

 

the meaning behind it all...

 

-STRENGTH-

...on the soccer field (under the lights from the first whistle to the last)

...in the classroom (strength/courage to do nothing but my best no matter the subject)

...family (times when strength was prayed for and when it was already there holing us all together)

...religion (he who helps me get through every day life in the greatest times and the worst)

...music/piano (one of my God-given talents handed down by my mom)

 

(other quotes)

 

- getting the tattoo done and how my family first reacted as to how they feel now..

- my story, my definition

- the meaning behind it all

- placement of the tattoo and why I chose to put it where I did

- other tattoos I consider getting

- where I had it done/price

- different opinions I have heard about not just my tattoo but others in general

- the slight pain that was to me worth it all in the end afterwards

 

 

 

 

Journal #4

Our body is a part of our identity because the art that is portrayed on it tells a different, personal story about each individual.  A tattoo is not just ink; its not just a symbol, but a definition to a person's life. 

I love the quote in the CNN article, "The lesson I hope to teach others through my life is that it's important to see past appearances."  Some people automatically think that because a person has a tattoo or a certain piercing that they are lesser of a person.  They make assumptions and question whether that individual is on drugs or an alcoholic.  People start to wonder and assume that individuals with tattoos have many problems in their lives; none of which are true.  Another quote that really caught my attention is the one that states "I will not blend in with the crowd. I will be noticed, for better or worse."  I am my own person.  Everyone is their own person.  Whether or not we have tattoos should not affect the way others view us. 

The second article was interesting and I thought it was pretty cool how it said "in 2006, 40% of all Americans between the ages of 26 and 40 are tattooed."  The technique used back in the days to give tattoos sound like it would be very difficult to do precise, detailed work.  Also, I feel as if it wouldn't be safe or sanitary at all to give tattoos back in the day like they did, but I guess they didn't know of any other way at the time.

As it goes for the 25 most ridiculous tattoos, well they are pretty ridiculous.  I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what man or woman in their right mind would get a tattoo like any of those.  To me, those are pointless tattoos because I don't see a true meaning revolving from them. 

Everyone's physical appearance tells a story about them; what they have been through throughout their life, maybe their favorite things, remembrance of a lost loved one, even cultural/religious beliefs.  I just recently got a tattoo on July 29th.  I am the first person in my entire family (grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins included) to have a tattoo so it was tough for my family to grasp the true meaning and story behind it all.  After a couple of weeks, they all quickly realized that the tattoo did not affect who I am as a human being, but rather express myself from the inside, out, telling part of my life story.  My tattoo reads "Philippians 4:13".  It means "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  This is a saying I have lived by throughout my entire life, even when I was a child.  I was taught this saying at a young age and it has helped form who I am as a person today. 

Journal #3

Your name helps define who you are as a person and possibly where you and/or your ancestors are from, along with many other reasons such as religion, ethnicity/race, and culture.  My name helps define my own personality and my characteristics.  Depending on how people look at it, our names have certain distinctive meanings, but throughout life we have many opportunities to define our name ourselves and find our own meaning.  Also, names separate people from one another.  Rarely will people find another person with the same name as them, but I find that when I do, it's pretty cool.  I would never change my name because it is the same name as my dads.  Although I am not a junior, sharing the same first and last name with my father means more than people actually think.  There are many meanings to the name Daniel, but I never really looked them up.  Throughout our childhood and still today, my dad and I are often referred to as Danny, a shortened version of Daniel. 

"How could our parents have ever imagined that someday we would end up in a country where monosyllabic names reign supreme, a land where "William" is shortened to "Bill," where "Susan" becomes "Sue," and "Richard" somehow evolves into "Dick"?"

I agree with the authors decision to change her name to an "American" name.  If I was at a young age with a name as difficult to pronounce as Firoozeh Dumas and I had just recently moved to the US from Iran, I would absolutely change my name to something easier for Americans to say, as well as something that wasn't going to get myself made fun of every day.  For cultural reasons I would probably keep part of my Iranian name, but I would not choose to be called that name in America.

Stereotyping and discrimination absolutely still occur based on a person's name; not just here, but in other countries as well.  I see it every day on campus and I know it still occurs every where that people are.  People assume that because someone doesn't have a name that they are familiar with that that person is lesser than them or less popular; that that individual isn't as important of a human being and that they shouldn't be treated as equal as them.  It's not right at all.  People should respect others for who they are as individuals because everyone comes from a different place and their names help make them who they are.

The name Daniel (Danny) means "God is my judge" or "God is my guide".





  

Journal #2

"We are not a divided nation.  We are a cafeteria nation."  This quote caught my attention because of how true it is.  I know many other students can relate to this because we were all in high school at one point in time and we know how the little cliques work.  For example, like the article stated, there are the nerds, the jocks, the punks, bikers, and techies.  The cliques are all still around today everywhere.  We often time assume we know everything about everyone in these little cliques, but usually that case isn't true.  We don't really know anything about anyone in the cliques unless we are a part of them.  So therefore, "We are not a divided nation.  We are a cafeteria nation", made up of many cliques running, trying to find their way.  Also another quote that caught my attention was the very last sentence of the article.  "There may be cracks, but there is no chasm.  Rather, there is a common love for this nation-one-nation in the end."


Red:  churches, guns, farms, trucks, closer family ties, self-disciplined and patriotic, more racist

Blue:  uses motors, cities, modern, secular, self-expressive

(Red sail, Blue powerboat, Red cross-country ski, Blue snowmobile, Red hike, Blue ATV, Red have vineyard tours, Blue have tractor pulls, when it comes to yard work, Red have illegal aliens, Blue have riding mowers)

What does where you're from say about who you are?

Where you are from plays a big role and has a big impact as to who you are and what other people think of you.  The places you grew up, the people you hung out with, the schools you previously attended, etc.  Your culture and practices help define who you are, too as a person.  Your upbringing from previous generations and how your family reacts to certain things all contribute to who you are.  All struggles and past experiences define who you are. 

I agree and disagree with the author.  I find some of his points spot on and I can relate to them, but others are more difficult to get a clear understanding of.  I recognize these places and where he is coming from in his article.  The author makes many distinctive assumptions about people who live in these "Red" and "Blue" places and he has his own opinions on them.  Many people probably have a number of different views and opinions as to the differences between the people living in the "Red" and "Blue" societies. 

Poem Brainstorming

I'm From

 

I am from the red brick house
 whose inner walls are covered with mom's pictures.
I am from the back deck full of family and friends
 by the crackling wood burning fire pit roasting gooey marshmallows
 for s'mores.
I am from big old oak trees in the front yard
 whose almost dead branches hang by threads.
I am from the crystal chandelier inside the front door
 by the Steinway grand piano in the bay window.

 

 

 

 

 I'm from warm chocolate chip waffles covered in whipped cream,

 the hot plate of scrambled eggs, and the heaping pile of bacon
 early Saturday morning.
I'm from my wet puppy after a troublesome, long-dreaded bath on a hot summer day.
I'm from homemade dinners mom always cooked after a long day at work and the many warm, homemade
 pies and cookies smelling up the house for dessert.
I'm from campfires in the late, fall evenings and the pollen seeping through the
 open windows of the house on the weekend.

 

 

 

I'm from church bells singing as the car rolled into the parking lot across the street
 from the Cathedral Sunday morning.
I'm from many beautiful sounds of the grand piano late in the evening before bed.
I'm from laughter every where family was.
I'm from many neighborhood dogs barking early in the morning and little kids splashing
 in the pool out back.
I'm from music coming from the radio and the TV that was always on even if nobody
 was sitting and watching it.

 

  I am from long hours on planes flying to Ireland, Italy, and 42 of the 50 states.

I am from the soccer field since birth with bleachers full of fans under the stadium lights.

I am from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates.
I am from Penn State football on Saturday afternoons.
I am from pizza every Friday night at the same little Italian shop (Dottavio's).
I am from pain is only temporary, and if you let it, it will help form who you are
 in the future.
I am from strength doesn't come from what you can do, but yet overcoming the things
 you once thought you couldn't.