IT WAS...IT WILL

IT WAS a wild ride…. I have had many experiences in the past four years: many good, many bad, and many still confusing. Even though some of the decisions I made might not have been the best, if I had the chance I would still not go back and change them. I am a strong believer in the concept that everything happens for a reason, and that in the end you will be doing what you were created to do; whatever that is. I also know that these experiences shaped the person I am today and have given me opportunities that I didn’t know were reachable.

With that being said, these years have consisted of multiple relationships and friends that have either blossomed or wilted as time passed. Some of my closest friends my freshman and sophomore years are not the same as the ones I have today. That may sound depressing to lose some friends, however, the people in my life today and I have made more memories than I could have ever expected.. Without them I am not sure who I would be today – would I really be happy? I’m not exactly sure about the answer but I do know how blessed I am to have friends and family to have completed my journey in high school with me. In attempting to balance my academic, athletic, social, and personal health with them was not easy. However, I know I couldn’t even come close in balancing these things by myself. The care and love I have received at Millbrook could not be reciprocated elsewhere. Even though I did struggle at times and will admit it was sometimes my own choice to struggle, especially in school, my friends seemed to always be there for me whenever I needed them. No matter how close I was with them I always felt at least one person cared for me, and that was enough to get me through whatever I was dealing with. Hopefully in the future I still have these great friends that I have today and will continue to make new ones.

Even though I did have these great friends, I understand today that the opportunities I have are because of my own accomplishments. Among many other things, I have earned an opportunity to attend Appalachian State in the Fall, NC State in the Spring, and receive an offer to play college soccer at Belmont Abbey. The latter is something I had a goal of earning since 7^th grade – an opportunity to play collegiate soccer. This goal of playing college soccer was something I have worked extremely hard for. I have never been very fast, strong, or the most talented soccer player on the field. However, I knew if I could out work the man next to me, whether that was on the soccer field or peppering a coach enough for him to finally come to a game of mine; I always stood at least I chance. This drive payed off my junior and senior years as I could clearly see myself making strides to my end goal. After multiple visits to different schools and impressing my number one College coach, I received something I had worked to achieve since middle school.  However, even though I had finally accomplished my goal since I was in 7^th grade, I understood my future did not consist of college soccer.  

This was one of the hardest realizations I had to come to in High School; even though it was a choice I had made by myself and through my own intentions. The amount of work I had put in to achieve this goal just to turn it down was not something my past self would understand. But, the hard work and passion, in academics, that I have seen myself develop throughout high school has allowed for opportunities that I did know were possible. The excitement of becoming a Mountaineer in the Spring and a member of the Wolfpack in the fall is so much greater than playing soccer for four more years. A surprising realization and situation that encompasses my whole high school experience, one that I do owe a little to the IB Programme (sadly). My future is one that was not earlier anticipated and one that is pretty confusing in its self. However, I would not have it any other way and know that my future WILL BE a wild ride…   

 Harambe died for my high school years?

Signing out-

Connor Finnegan

Whitty Whitman

The Whit of Whitman

Task 1:
Some of the words/phrases I noticed in the audio:
- Young or Old
- Strong
- Enduring
- Capable
- Mute
- Love
- Freedom

Throughout this audio I noticed words that were similar but many that also had contrast. Whitman's audio consisted of a central theme of love in America, which he begun the audio with. He then continued with a word choice that varied; touching on multiple perspectives of what love in America consists of. Some examples of the contrast I noticed was: young or old and mute and freedom. However, many of the words consisted in the same encouraging tone: strong, endurance, and capable. This contrast when discussing love is what the audio focuses on. Whitman uses differing word choices to analyze what love means to people in America. For some people love may be mute, or others it may be strong, or even a sense of freedom. Through this short audio Whitman is able to communicate a message to his audience that love is for everyone, even athough it may cause different feeling and contrasting perspectives. For me, I know I have the capability to love whether I am young or old and it also has a concept of freedom that allows for strong feelings. I have not yet experienced a love that is mute, and hope that I do not have to go through that perspective. However, I do understand that many people have experienced a "mute" love and suffer because of it. It is a sad consequence to something that can be so beneficial and great in life. This reveals that Whitman is aware of what love means to different people and that he is also aware of the differences each individual has. This is then translated to his poems and how he analyzes concepts through multiple perspectives.

The imagery that I create in mind throughout this audio is a calming image. I think of an image of a lake with endless grass and a mountain range behind it. The sun is setting and a red-orange color is lighting the sky. There I understand the life that I live and the love that God has for me and the rest of the world. This is a peaceful image that represents my perspective I have for love. That love is positive and easy. Not complicated or stressful, not mute, but a sense of freedom in society.



Step 2

In Whitman's notebook his writing consisted of his thoughts on America and the politics surrounding America. It should be noted that many of his notes were taken during the time of his life that may be categorized as a "mid-life crisis". Whitman was very opinionated on many presidents and elections throughout his life. He analyzed many in his thoughts throughout the notebook. This alters my viewpoint of the audio to a more reflective tone of the government of the United States at the time. Whitman is documented to be democratic and his audio may offer his opinions on the leadership during the time in the US and Lain America. By using this viewpoint the word choice of "freedom" as well as "strong", "capable" "mute" and "enduring" can be noted to describe the government. Through this word choice his viewpoint on the confusing nature of the government is explained. Whitman understands the importance of the government and does recognize it as strong. However, in some cases he may believe that it can be mute and not reflect the freedom of the United States that it should consist of. This relates to how he uses the word "capable" to describe the government. The use of "capable" offers an understanding that the government is acceptable but not necessarily doing the best of jobs that it could. Through understanding that his notebook analyzes his thoughts on American government, it is useful to notice the effect it has on his poems. I can now contemplate that maybe his poems revolve more around a central theme of politics and government in America rather than love. This then creates a differing tone for the poems, a more realistic tone referring to politics than a romantic tone when referring to love.

RIP Harambe,
Connor Finnegan

Remembering the American Dream

The American Dream

The American Dream, I believe, is a concept that varies significantly from person to person. Just like dreams that happen when people fall asleep, the American Dream is unique. It is unique in the fact that some people follow it and others do not, however, I believe that each person has some sort of American Dream. Weather they admit to this dream, or not, it resides in each and every individual in the world. The American Dream might be perceived by the American public as the idea to gain power, and to become successful through monetary value. Even though that may be true for some people, I do not agree that this is the theme that the American Dream consist of. Rather, it is success that is unique to each individual. Success in relationships, living a happy life, having a career that they are proud of, or having fun in every aspect of life; these are only some examples of what the American Dream may consist of.

Personally, the concept of the American Dream consisting solely in monetary wealth is not what I interpret it as. Wealth, in my eyes, is defined as any value that one consists of in a large quantity or quality. This value is not limited to money; wealth can be associated with a multitude of things. In my own life I do categorize myself as being wealthy in money, however, I hold greater value in the wealth I have in great relationships, family, religion, and overall life that I live everyday. I do understand the privilege I have as a white upper-middle class citizen.The concept of people living without food on a daily basis and living in constant fear is extremely troublesome. Especially since I see such a high level of ignorance within the United States when it comes to poverty and a lack of wealth. Rather than lifting up children and individuals from poverty I notice that citizens and government officials continue to neglect those that are not as privileged as some Americans. America holds a fascination and will for the rich to continue to become richer, as the poor continues to become more poor. The concept of becoming rich is popularized by the American media and is what I have seen become the central idea of the American Dream. However, I do not believe wealth only relates to money; I do believe money can bring people to more wealth in relationships, living a life of happiness, and fun among many other concepts. However, that does not necessarily mean that money is needed to bring these concepts. I am not arguing that it can be helpful to bring happiness, I am arguing that the concept that money is happiness is a misconception in the American Dream.

It is disappointing that I do not have a resolution to poverty, however, I believe the American Dream can be reached no matter the social class of an individual. The American Dream is something that can be simple or extravagant, some may not ultimately reach their dream, but in the end I believe that everything happens for a reason. I understand this saying is cliché, but it is important to keep faith in everything that we do. In the end, each person impacts life in a specific way for a certain purpose, and I think finding that specific purpose does revolve around The American Dream. Whether we like it or not life on earth is not eternal, and being completely negative about having a purpose in life will not help us in having a life full of success and happiness. This relates to my American Dream in which I aim live a life that is of happiness and that I can be proud of. I dream of having an impact on many individuals in the sporting industry, my everyday life, through my faith, and many other avenues that I have not yet discovered. I understand this will not be perfect but I do believe that I will impact people along my life and will reach my American Dream of happiness. With that being said I believe I am already in the middle of my American Dream and that my life goes through this dream everyday.

Dreaming about Haramabe,

Connor Finengan

Lost in Translation like I got Lost at UNC on Friday

Translation 1:

1)      Diction:

-          “uneasy” – makes the dreams seem as they were not very pleasant but not to the extent of nightmares

-          “transformed” – represents a state of not being able to return to human state

-          “gigantic” – a definitive word to describe how big the bug actually was

-          “insect” – is not very descriptive and opens it up for interpretation of what it looks like

2)      Syntax:

-          Fluid sentence which lacks commas and ends in a period instead of an exclamation point. This represents a lack of excitement and represents a natural tone that lacks attention to a specific part in the sentence.

3)      Imagery:

-          When it said, “he transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect” it creates a vision in my mind of a large praying mantis in my own bed.

4)      Structure:

-          Begins with the statement of the “uneasy dreams” and how it continued to the discovery of him becoming a “gigantic bug” the climax of the sentence.

5)      Style:

-           

Translation 2:

1)      Diction:

-          “Uneasy” – once again describes the dreams as a little upsetting rather than of terror

-          “Changed” – a more casual word choice and can be seen as a temporary state

-          “bug” – open up to interpretation, less descriptive than insect in my opinion

-          “giant” – very large, draws comparisons to a “giant” in the literal sense

-          “Gregory” – a more English interpretation on his name

2)      Syntax:

-          Fluid, short sentence, does not have any commas and has a period to end. This represents a more casual tone to the sentence.

3)      Imagery:

-          Makes me think of myself waking up as a bug, but more or a bug in the sense of a ladybug rather than an insect like a praying mantis.

4)      Structure:

-          Began with his name and ended with him becoming a bug, does not have many details and is very straight forward.

5)      Style:

-          The style of the sentence seems to be in the most literal sense of interpretation and a very ordinary, English, interpretation of the sentence.

Translation 3:

1)      Diction:

-          “transformed” – represents a state of not being able to return to human state

-          “enormous” – another descriptive word to describe how large the bug is

-          “troubled” – explains how the dreams were of more worry and contemplation rather than a nightmare

-          “Bug”- open up to interpretation, less descriptive than insect in my opinion

2)      Syntax:

-          Still a fluid sentence without separation in commas or other grammar techniques

3)      Imagery:

-          I can physically notice an “enormous bug” in a sense that is similar to that of the second translation.

4)      Structure:

-          Reflects upon how this event happened in the past and is chronological in its description

5)      Style:

-          A more complicated description of the event and is less straight forward than that of the second translation.

Translation 4:

1)      Diction:

-          “agitated” – description of the dreams in a sense of discomfort and pissed off  

-          “upon awakening” – a more structured use of words and is not a casual or natural word choice

-          “monstrous” – describes the “vermin” negatively and scary, rather than describing the size of the creature

-          “vermin” -  a more problematic description in how this creature is parasitic (negative connotation)

2)      Syntax:

-          Use of multiple commas to separate the sentence and draw attention to each specific section of the sentence. This draws significance to the event.

3)      Imagery:

-          Makes me imagine a creature more so than a bug or insect in a bed. Through this imagery I can see a fearful tension in Gregor’s discovery.

4)      Structure:

-          The structure begins with the awakening of Gregor and continues to his discovery of becoming a “vermin”

5)      Style:

-          The sentence is meticulous in its nature to represent the event in a way that does not seem to care about the literal translation of the original sentence.

In analyzing the differing translations in the novella “Metamorhpis”, I was able to understand the complications of translating a sentence from one language to another. Through these differing translations, I cannot clearly understand the intent of the author in his selective sentence. This sentence seems to be significant in explaining how Gregor Samsa discovered he was now some sort of insect or bug. However, because of the contrast in the translations I cannot clearly depict if Gregor was turned into a bug, insect or vermin. This is only one example of the alteration in diction between the sentences. This then effects my own interpretation and how I imagine what this creature looks like. Also, the variation in the sentences continues in how each sentence differs in the use of syntax. When I began comparing translation 4 to translation 2; I realized translation 4 uses a syntax that includes multiple commas that separate the sentence. However, in translation 2 it is straight forward and does not use any commas to separate the sentence. In my opinion, sentences that use commas help draw attention to the reader and determines which parts of the sentence are significant.

Furthermore, in discussing the differences of the translations, the overall importance in contrast is because of the message that each portray. Based on the contrasts in diction, syntax, punctuation, and imagery the message differs in each translation. By using different literary techniques, the sentence then determines its own message. This is because the overall mood of the sentences differs based on the elements in each, this also contributes to the effectiveness of the translations. In my opinion, the fourth translation was the most effective and the best representation of the original sentence. This is because of the overall development and use of literary devices throughout the sentence. The imagery that I was able to see was more vivid and exciting than that of the other translations. This imagery was effective based on the use of diction in the words “monstrous”, “agitated” and “vermin”. Through this word choice I was clearly able to see a developed image in comparison to that of the word choice in the other translations, like “giant”, “uneasy” and “bug”, among others. However, in reading these translations I could see the difficulty in understanding which translation fits best in the author’s overall purpose. Each translation presents a mood that is original, which is another reason why I enjoy the fourth translation the most. The tone presented is of a more serious and tense nature than that of the others. I was able to determine this through the contrast in the use of commas, as stated in the comparison of the second and fourth translations. In all, these translations determine their own unique interpretation of the original sentence in “Metamorphis” effecting the overall conclusion the reader is able to determine.

Haramabe's death is lost in translation from the language of the gorillas, 

Connor Finnegan

IOC Practice

Shared my IOC Practice through Google Drive


Harambe died for this sweet IOC

I've Got you Covered

Freebie - I feel awful and can't concentrate !!!

The Musuem of Four in the Morning Vlog

A vlog post is different than a blog post because it is a video

The ted talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/rives_a_museum_of_4_o_clock_in_the_morning#t-34154


My Vlog post:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOVw1xV6mIs




Things in my video:
1) I understand it is very awkward
2) I do not say Symborska right
3) I do say Four In the Morning as many times as possible
4) I say pathos wrong
5) I say video cassette type instead of an "ancient mixtape"  and I forget to explain how his lover got in touch with him (through a tweet directed to Rives)
6) I also forget to talk about why it connects to past units (perception vs reality) - if he actually sees four in the morning (reality) or if he is making this up in his mind (perception)
7) I tried

Harambe died for this blog post I guess,
Connor Finnegan

CHILL out Mr. Hyde there is sNOw reason be like that!!!

In the discussion of good vs evil, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one that delivers a satisfying contrast between the two to the audience. By presenting the two differing qualities in language that is of a stark contrast to each other, showcases the differences between good and evil. Mr. Hyde is "displeasing" and "detestable", in chapter 2, an utter disgusting image to the naked eye. Something that is expressed with such prominence and confidence is also expressed in the characterization of Dr. Jekyll. Jekyll, is "every mark of capacity and kindness" and "handsome", in chapter 3, the language is comforting and positive. A stark difference to the harsh language used to explain the image that of Mr. Hyde. Their appearance reflects upon the actions of the individuals. Mr. Hyde is a murderer, a savage, and vulture-like creature. When Dr. Jekyll is delicate, pleasing, and warm to be around. Their actions reflecting upon their image of displeasing vs pleasing. Mr. Utterson explains them in this way to develop a differing characterization between the two, a "good-guy vs bad-guy" theme. The good-guy -(handsome and nice) Dr. Jekyll vs. the bad-guy - (disgusting and terrible) Mr. Hyde. Mr. Utterson represents the majority in this situation, showcasing the idea that people become "uglier" by their actions. Mr. Hyde, for example, is seen as a creature more than a human. This is not specifically based on looks, rather, because of his murderous actions his physical appearance is then compromised significantly. Thus, developing the differences between the two characters in the discussion and battle between good vs. evil.

This poem has the intention to display the contrast between the uplifting personality of Dr. Jekyll, versus, the negative and pessimistic personality of Mr. Hyde. By alluding to the murderous tendencies of Mr. Hyde the poem represents how wicked and psychotic the character is. This differs from the positivity and love presented by Mr. Hyde. Showcasing, the purpose of reflecting upon the stark differences between the two characterizations in the novella.

Dr. Jekyll
Mr. Hyde
Both


Life is to be loved without worry
                                                                                        But life can be taken in a hurry
Compassion and kindness results in peace
                                                                                        Though your life shall eventually cease
Friend rather than foe to be made
                                                                                         I send you to your grave to be laid
Forever live without fear
                                                                                        However, you must know I am near
As life is worth the risk for the reward
                                                                                        But soon you will be calling for your lord
Treating this world as you would like to be treated
                                                                                        Until you lay on the floor dead and defeated
For one day to feel of great success
                                                                                         And to feel of great distress
                                                       
                                                    When the end of your world draws near.....


Harambe did not die for this pitiful snowstorm that occurred
this story is giving me some CHILLS though,
Connor Finnegan