I wrote an essay explaining why I believe Odysseus is not a hero. In my essay, I argue that while some may view him as a heroic figure because he completes his journey and overcomes challenges, his actions prove otherwise. I highlight how his selfishness, lack of consideration for others, and reckless decision-making often put his men in danger. Through examples from The Odyssey, such as his dishonesty about the bag of winds and his poor choices in the Cyclops’ cave, I demonstrate that Odysseus prioritizes his own desires over the well-being of others, making him unfit for the title of a true hero.
In this essay, I explore the qualities that make Sundiata a true hero, highlighting his selflessness, determination, and devotion. I compare him to Beowulf and Odysseus, explaining why Sundiata stands out as the most heroic figure based on his actions and character
I wrote a letter to President Biden expressing my concerns about the use of nuclear products in scientific research. In the letter, I discussed the potential risks and long-term environmental consequences associated with nuclear materials. I emphasized the importance of exploring alternative, safer methods for conducting scientific experiments and urged the government to invest in research for sustainable, non-nuclear technologies. My aim was to raise awareness about the ethical and health implications of nuclear products while advocating for more responsible scientific practices
Science
I created a poster to visually represent the timeline of Dmitri Mendeleev’s discoveries, highlighting the key moments in his scientific journey. The poster showcases his groundbreaking work in organizing the periodic table, along with other significant contributions he made to the field of chemistry, helping to illustrate the progression of his ideas and their lasting impact on science.
I created a Google Slide presentation that explains Newton’s Laws of Motion in a simple and fun way, using engaging visuals and clear examples. The slide breaks down each law into easy-to-understand concepts, helping my classmates grasp the principles of motion while making learning enjoyable and interactive. My goal was to make the topic approachable and memorable for everyone.
Digital Tech Assignment
I created an escape room entirely using Google Slides and Google Drawings, inspired by my favorite show at the time, Quantico. The interactive game was designed with puzzles and clues that reflected the thrilling, high-stakes environment of the show, allowing participants to engage in a series of challenges and tests. By incorporating elements from Quantico, such as solving mysteries and using deductive reasoning, I aimed to make the experience exciting and immersive for everyone involved.
I created a storyboard outlining my superhero’s origin story, detailing the events that shaped their journey from an ordinary individual to a powerful hero. The storyboard includes key moments such as their discovery of unique abilities, the challenges they faced, and the motivations that drove them to fight for justice. Each scene is visually represented to bring the story to life, helping to capture the essence of the character’s transformation and the obstacles they overcame to become the hero they are today.
For my digital tech class, I was tasked with learning something new, and my two friends and I chose to learn American Sign Language (ASL). We decided to challenge ourselves by learning how to sign the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Through this experience, we not only gained new skills in ASL but also connected with the song in a unique way, discovering the beauty of communicating through sign language. It was a fun and rewarding way to expand our knowledge and express creativity!
Art
I created a drawing that illustrates Beowulf’s story, capturing key moments from the epic tale, such as his heroic battles against Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon.
AP Human Geography
I created a map that explores various celebrations associated with different coming-of-age rituals across cultures. It highlights how different societies mark the transition from childhood to adulthood with unique traditions, ceremonies, and symbolic events. Each ritual reflects cultural values, religious beliefs, and historical significance, shaping how individuals step into their new roles in society.
I wrote a paragraph about the true origin of Thanksgiving and whether Americans should still celebrate it. While many think of the first Thanksgiving as a peaceful feast between Pilgrims and Native Americans, the reality is more complicated. Some people believe that celebrating Thanksgiving ignores the history of colonization and the impact it had on Native communities. As a result, there are different opinions on whether the holiday should still be celebrated in the same way.
In this class, we watched Food, Inc. on YouTube, a documentary that explores the food industry’s impact on health, the environment, and workers. During the film, we filled in blanks with important information to help us better understand the practices of large corporations, the issues surrounding factory farming, and how consumers are often unaware of where their food comes from. The documentary gave us a deeper look at the hidden side of the food industry and how it affects our daily lives.
I analyzed the menus of McDonald’s around the world to explore how the fast food giant adapts its offerings to different cultures and tastes. I noticed that the company tailors its food choices to local preferences and traditions by looking at various McDonald's menus. For example, in India, McDonald’s offers vegetarian options like the McAloo Tikki, while in Japan, you’ll find items like the Teriyaki McBurger. This analysis highlighted how McDonald’s blends global branding with regional customization to appeal to diverse markets.