Favorite Poem

Have you ever read a poem that you really enjoyed? When I answer this question, I think of Graduation Notes by Sonia Sanchez. First of all, the poem has images that capture the reader’s imagination. Another reason I chose Graduation Notes is that it has a positive message that everyone should hear, especially graduates. Thirdly, I can relate to this poem because it reminds me of my rapidly approaching 12th Grade graduation.

To start off with, this poem has images that grab the reader's attention. One example from the poem is “ A dance of summer rain. A ceremony of thunder waking up the human monuments”. Reading this, I picture seniors starting a new chapter of their life. I envision walking up on stage to receive their diplomas. Everyone who reads this poem can close his or her eyes and picture the scene the poet set. Her images dare the reader to finish the poem.

An additional reason I chose this poem is it relates to me a big way. Being a sophomore, I am excited about my graduation 2 years from now. Sanchez perfectly sums up my emotions with this quote “ so much of growing up is an unbearable waiting”. The poem also reminds me of my past experiences. It reminds me of my 8th Grade Graduation.

Lastly, Graduation Notes is my favorite we read because it has a positive message. Poet Sonia Sanchez makes you understand graduation is only a stepping off point. She gives the readers hope that they will do great things even after their education. The author helps you understand with this quote “at this moment your skins living your eighteen years suspend all noises. Your days still half opened, crackle like the fires to come”.

In conclusion, Graduation Notes contains elements every good poem should have. The poem has images that capture your attention and help you picture what’s happening. Next, it has a message that gives graduates hope that they will move on to great things. Lastly, Sanchez provides me with a deep text to self connection, because it reminds me of my 8th Grade Graduation and my 12th Grade Graduation in 2 years. Read this poem, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

NHD Reflection 2009

This years theme for NHD was "Individual In History". I chose to do former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. I chose her because I believe that she contributed to the Civil Rights and Women's Rights. I chose to write a paper. My project did not make it to the Citywide Competition. However, I believe I did a good job.

I conducted a lot of research on her. At first I looked her up on the internet. Then I went to the library and got some books. I read her autobiography, which helped me out with my project .I also found the column that she wrote called My Day.

Writing the paper when I had all my sources was actually pretty simple. Looking through all my sources, I came up with my thesis. My thesis was that Eleanor was one of the most important women of the 20th Century and changed the role of First Lady . I found some evidence and came up with my body paragraphs. I thought I had really good quotes in my paper. I'm glad it's mandatory to do NHD, because you learn so much from it.

Preview:Taking Notes

Frederick Douglass thinks that the 4th of july is a fake and that to slaves it is more unjust than any other day because it is a day that represents the supposed justice Americans have "To him, your celebration is a sham, your boasted liberty a unholy license"

New NHD Sources

Roosevelt , Eleanor . "Exhibit:Eleanor Roosevelt Letter ." National Archives and Record Administration . March 1996 . National Archives and Records Administration. 26 Nov 2008

This source is a website that has a letter that was written by Eleanor Roosevelt. In the letter she sends a resignation to The Daughters of the American Revolution. She resigned because the group made a rule excluding African American Artists, such as the famous Marian Anderson

Roosevelt , Eleanor . "The American Experience Eleanor Roosevelt My Day:Women and Employment." My Day -Women's Issues. 29 Jul 1939. PBS. 26 Nov 2008 .

This site has an article written by ER discussing her feelings about a law that kept 2 government position. It is an important source because it shows how she spoke out about issues that hit close to home for her

Revisised Thesis Statement and Introduction

I believe that Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most influential women of the 20th century. Roosevelt was very active in politics As the wife of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, she had a huge amount of influence on his polices, such as the New Deal. She aalso coordinated the leglislate program for the League of Women Voters. She was also an important member of the Women's Trade Union League. She continued her legacy long after her husband's death. After FDR's death, she was appointed as a delegate of the United Nations.

New source

"Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill." Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill. .

This website gives me a lot of information about Eleanor Roosevelt family life was like. The family held picnics and leased their house to friends. Today the house is a National Historic Site. The website also has a lot of information about things that she has done. The website provides a time line of important events in her life.It also has quotes on her expieriences during these time. The website also has pictures of family

New Source

Clark, Electra. Leading Ladies.An Affectionate Look at American Women of the Twentieth Century New York: Stein and Day, 1976.

I found alot of information in this source. This source discusses Eleanor Roosevelt's experience as a first lady. It also talks about people's impressions of the first lady. It talks a lot about her approach to being a first lady. It also talks about how she ran the White House. It talks bout how she invited lots of distinguished guests to her house.It also talks about her compassion for other people. It talks about how she waited in line at a soup kitchen with others during the Dust Bowl. The book also talks about her political involvement.It talks about how she always took criticism cheerfully, while FDR couldn't always bring himself to do this.