Jillianenglishblog

Prompt: When you are in a mood that you do not like, what are some strategies that you use to change your mood?   Prompt Response:   When I am in a mood I do not like, I try to change it by working out. Exercise helps me release stress and think about something else. I might also listen to music or take a short break from my phone so I can calm down and feel better. Sometimes I go outside for fresh air, which helps clear my mind. These small actions make it easier for me to shift into a better mood. Summary: I like finding quotes today in our assignment. It was a good filler since you were absent. Reflection: I am super tired and ready for friday.

Prompt: Write about something you’ve outgrown but still miss. Prompt Response:  I used to think that my best friend and I would grow old together. For years we were inseparable sleepovers every weekend, inside jokes no one else understood, and long phone calls about everything and nothing. We knew each other’s secrets, and it felt like nothing could ever break that bond. But as we got older, we slowly drifted apart. It wasn’t one big dramatic ending. It was different schools, new interests, and new people. Texts turned from long conversations to short answers, and eventually to silence. I started to realize that the version of myself who fit perfectly with that friendship wasn’t the same person I was becoming. I’ve outgrown that friendship in the sense that I’ve changed. I see the world differently now, and I’ve found new friends who understand who I am today, not just who I was back then. Still, I miss it. I miss the comfort of knowing there was one person who always picked up the...

Prompt:    Reflect on a time when you or someone you know had to choose between fitting in and staying true to their identity; what was gained or lost in that experience? Prompt Response:  Every single day I have to go through the mess of people wanting to be like others or if they want real friends and to be themselves. It was the worst in 7th to 8th grade and then basically exploded in my face in 9th grade. I even moved schools because of how mean and cruel the people were. I used to try to fit in through my 7th to 9th grade years because It felt like people saw me in an amazing spot. I thought when people looked at me they saw someone cool but I realized that it actually made my life a lot worse. Now from my 10th grade to 12th grade years I have cut of people that were actually making my life worse, when I thought my life was fun and looked cool.  Summary: I am glad I am going to college because I really need a fresh start and I want to find my true real friends. ...

Prompt:   Much of this section focuses on Cheryl’s physical exhaustion and discomfort. Describe a moment when your body limited what you could do, and explain what that experience taught you about your mental strength. Prompt Response:  When I was younger I did running for a long time. I have always enjoyed games with running and I also liked that I was fast and could easily catch people. In middle school, sixth grade, I decided to join track. I definitely enjoyed it but I had way less free will than I had playing games or running for fun. I pushed my self super hard to get better but then I would chug water. I would keep and keep doing this and eventually throw up, which was bad and did not help my running. But I think it was definitely the most physical exhaustion I ever had.  Summary: It is Tuesday but I am excited to see what we read today in class. My throat hurts and I did not get good sleep but I am trying to hang on so I do not have as many absences.  Reflect...

Prompt:  Write about a time you didn’t feel like yourself. Prompt Response:  When I found out one of my childhood best friends was trying to hurt herself and was overusing drugs, I felt confused within myself. I thought maybe I could help her but I was 12 so I really could not help her. She was two years older than me, and it had not even been a year since my 12 birthday when she started getting worse and worse and way worse. I decided to still hang out with her, but I was going to make sure she was safe. One time she drank rubbing alcohal and she was throwing up a lot so I called her grandparents, (her parents were abusive so she did not live with them anymore), then they rushed over and called 911. That night she was so mad at me but she was 2 years older than me so I did not understand how what I did was a bad thing. Later that night she ran way and police knocked on my door at 4 in the morning. She did not come back for a few days but they eventually found her. A couple mo...

Prompt: Describe a place where you feel the most at peace and explain why Prompt Response:  I feel most at peace when I am in my room with my four cats. They always comfort me and make me feel amazing. They lay with me and pur next to me which calms me down after a long school day. I love my cats and they also smell really good. I always have a better attitude when they are cuddling and comforting me.  Summary: I really enjoyed today's assignment It was fun because we got to do it in groups, which made things less boring. Reflection:  I am excited for the next pages of this book. 

Prompt: Reflect on a time when you had to rely on someone else. How did it feel? Prompt Response:  When I first got my car, I left my keys in it, and it got stolen. It was super scary, but in the end, I learned my lesson. It was hard to rely on the police when I knew it was just out there somewhere. Luckily, they found my car, and everything was fine. But it was definitely super scary.  Summary: I enjoyed the conversation today in class. I think it really made everyone think deeper about the story. Reflection:  I hope the book gets even better than it is now. It's already super good and shows what a lot of people can go through. 

Prompt:  In  Wild , Cheryl Strayed writes about the difference between deciding to do something and actually committing to it:  “There was the first, flip decision to do it, followed by the second, more serious decision to actually do it.”  Reflect on a time in your own life when you made a quick or casual decision that later required a deeper commitment. Describe what changed between the first decision and the moment you realized you truly had to follow through. What fears, challenges, or responsibilities became real once the decision was no longer just an idea? Prompt Response:   When I first decided to get a kitten, it seemed like a fun idea because I wanted a cute pet. I didn’t really think about how much daily care it would need. It became real when I bought supplies and took it to the vet, and I saw it depended on me. Then I started worrying about its health, messes, and having enough time. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just an idea it was a serious respons...

Prompt: Write about a moment when you had to step out of your comfort zone. Prompt Response:   I used to be really scared of rollercoasters. Just looking at the huge drops and fast speeds made me nervous. One day, I finally decided to be brave and try one. As soon as the ride started, I realized it was actually exciting and fun. Now I love rollercoasters and want to ride every single one I see. Summary: I enjoyed class and I think this book will be really interesting and inspiring. Reflection:  I am excited to see what this book holds inside of it  

Prompt: Describe a hike, long walk, or outdoor experience you have had and explain what it was like physically and mentally. If you have never been on a hike, describe a time when you were outside your comfort zone or had to rely on yourself in a challenging situation. Explain what you learned from the experience. Summary: I ’m not really a big fan of hiking. I’ve only ever been to Stone Mountain, and while it was an interesting experience, it didn’t really make me want to do more hikes. I usually prefer other activities over walking long trails or climbing, so hiking just isn’t something I do very often. Reflection: I liked learning about what we are doing for the rest of the month, and the story sounds interesting and enticing. 

Prompt: In 2–3 well-developed sentences, reflect on how you spent your Holiday Break. Then, identify four personal you would like to achieve this year and briefly explain why each goal is important to you   Summary: I had a fun break, but I was sick for a little bit at the beginning. Then my mom got sick, and she was throwing up, so she could not do Christmas with us. But then she got better, so we went to Boone, North Carolina, for skiing, which was super fun. Then we came back, and I relaxed a lot with my friends and boyfriend until New Year's Eve. On New Year's Eve, I went to two parties and lit some fireworks.  Reflection:  Overall, I had a good brea,k and I am ready for the semester to fly by.  The first goal I want to achieve this year is working out on a weekly basis. This Goal is important to me because working out increases my mood and makes me feel better about my body.  To ensure I accomplish this goal, I am going to work out every Tuesday and Th...