My Experiences This Semester

Coming into Reading 104, I didn't know what to expect. Although I am a very good reader, reading wasn't my favorite subject growing up. I think used to think reading was so boring and that it had nothing to do with my anything in my future. That is where I was wrong. Reading is my future. I can't pursue my dream if I don't like reading. I used to skip over words and ignore major parts. As I got comfortable with different strategies, such as annotating notes, defining words and picturing images in my head, I realized it wasn't so bad. I was more comfortable participating in class, having group discussions and voicing my opinions. I missed a few days of class, which caused me to distract myself from a few assignments so I had to learn the hard way that attendance plays a very important part in success. I started making sure I came everyday and got to know a few other students along the way. This class has been a great experience to me. I came in not knowing anything and having a dislike for reading to know everything and reading now being one of my favorite subjects. All this is because of you Stephanie. Your one of the best instructors I've had. You taught me that reading is not only something I need in the future, but that it can be fun. It just takes hard work. I want to thank you for turning me into a good reader into a GREAT one. This course is an unforgettable one. Not only will I take what I've learned in this class to when I transfer to a University, but further beyond. I thank you so much for the opportunity and it was pleasure to meet you. Thank you for everything. You are amazing :) . 

My Letter To: Katniss Everdeen

Dear Katniss,
                      I think you are an amazing and brave sixteen year old. As I read and get to know more about your role in the book "The Hunger Games", I realized you remind me of myself in a lot of ways. I like how you stay strong for your family. You had a huge responsibility on your shoulder and most teenagers cannot handle that. The Capitol is very harsh because they make teenagers around your age(boys and girls) fight one another until one of them is completely dead. That is a very scary situation and I don't know how I will handle myself in that conflict. From what I know from the story, you have been close to death yourself so I give you the full respect that you deserve. It's not too many people who would put their life at risk for others, but that's why you stand out because your courage. The reason I say you remind me a lot of myself is because I put my family before myself. I have a brother and a sister and if the decision was left up to me, I would've done the same thing you did. That takes a lot of strength. I think it's a possibility your going to fall in love and that's one of the best feelings ever. I grew up in a tough environment so I can relate to the novel in so many ways. It's not so bad as killing one another, but physical fighting does take place. Your mom is also strong to be raising two girls on her own. My mom is always the same way. The book makes you think a lot. I have visions of exactly what is going on in the book floating in my head. I just try to visualize the scene so I can get a better view. This book is one of a kind. So far, it has been one of the best books I've read and I strongly recommend it to others. To get through life, you need those around that you love and I'm glad you had a few friends along the way. You didn't really talk to too many people. They say I'm anti-social so I can only imagine how it's like. I will definitely give this book a thumbs up. I hope to learn more about you as a person because your character in the novel is good enough for me. In my eyes, you are truly a hero and I hope I get the chance to meet you soon. I am a huge fan. You are an inspiration and someone who I have nothing, but love and respect for. Best book ever. 
                                                                                                Sincerely, 
                                                                                                Dominique C. 

SUMMARY on the book: The Hunger Games

I haven't read that much about the book since I just started to read it. All I know is about the main character Katniss that's sixteen years old who lives in the Capitol, which is a harsh place because they have fights between boys and girls the ages twelve to eighteen to interact in a fight known as the novel, The Hunger Games. The fight is brutal because it's a fight that you actually sit down and watch on national television. Katniss has a sister, Prim that's name after Buttercup and her mother, who they once said used to be beautiful. They live along with a cat that's Prim. When Katniss was younger, she used to scare her mother to death about the things she would blurt out about District 12. Katniss has a friend name Gale that I also get the privilege to recognize. So far, the book has been good. Just reading the summary told me that already. The Hunger Games is known as a dangerous fight and only the strongest survives. As I read on, I come to my sense that Katniss's sister Prim is involved in the hunger game and Katniss steps before her to fight her match. Later, I will better understand what exactly is going on in the novel. It has been one of the best books I've read so far. Katniss just want to get away from all the violence and wishes she can escape, but it's not that easy. She has a few friends along the way. Gale is a handsome guy who I think Katniss will soon fall for. I also go a chance to know a little more about her friend Effie Trinket, who is fresh from the Capitol and the mayor's daughter Madge, who isn't so bad as Katniss thinks. I think Katniss will win the battle she is up against, but will have to face major consequences later on. As I read more, I will get a better understanding of the novel. So far, so good. I love this book. One of the best books I read so far. I can relate to it in many ways and also get a clear view picture in my head. This book is definitely a thumbs up.

My Biography on ANGELA BASSETT

Born August 16, 1958, in New York City, actress Angela Bassett was raised with her sister, D'nette, in St. Petersburg, Florida by her single mother, Betty, a social worker. On a high school trip, she became inspired to act after seeing a Kennedy Center production of Of Mice and Men, starring James Earl Jones.Encouraged by a teacher, Bassett went on to study at Yale on scholarship, earning a B.A. in Afro-American Studies and an M.F.A. in drama. While there, she studied under the renowned stage director Lloyd Richards who cast her in the Broadway productions of two August Wilson plays, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Joe Turner's Come and Gone.Despite her early success on stage, Bassett had to work hard to break through the stereotypical roles usually assigned to African American women on screen. Her first role was a bit part in the cult favorite, F/X  in 1986. In 1991, she had a key role in the seminal anti-gang film, Boyz 'N the Hood. A year later, she landed the role of Katherine Jackson, mother of the Jackson Five singing group, in The Jacksons: An American Dream in 1992. Bassett continued her stream of strong female roles by portraying Betty Shabazz in Spike Lee's Malcolm X in 1992 with Denzel Washington in the title role. She turned in an outstanding performance in her breakthrough role as Tina Turner in What's Love Got To Do With It? in 1993, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Bassett married Vance on October 12, 1997. The couple's son and daughter were born by surrogate in 2006. Still today, Angela Bassett is considered my favorite actress and a positive role model.

I Gotta Pull Through

I really don’t want to 

be feeling this way 

not listening at all 

pushing people away 

what they just don't realize 

is I’m crying out for help 

I need somebody, anybody 

but what I'm feeling I can't tell 

I know how much I'd hurt you 

but I’m choked so I can't breathe 

I know I don't belong here 

I think I better leave 

all I ever wanted was someone 

who told me I was special 

deserved so much more than all this pain 

cause my heart isn't made of metal 

it took all the strength I have ever had 

to pull myself right through 

but all I knew within my heart 

is it's what I had to do 

I see that girl I used to be 

that just could not escape 

the friendly smile, happy face 

the way she was portrayed 

no one knew deep down inside 

that her life was just a fast joyride 

she knew that it would end in tears 

but there was no way to ease her fears 

I’m looking back on who I was 

before I found a way 

to talk, express the way I feel 

that’s why I’m here today 

I know it may seem that there’s no way out 

but there is, I know without a doubt 

I don't want to see you hurt like me 

honey, I have to make you see 

you're worth so much more 

than having to listen 

to hurtful words 

cause you know you can glisten 

you deserve to just smile 

without having to fake 

all the walls that surround you 

you'll find ways to break .

By: Dominique C. 

My Love For You

From the very day we met

It seems I never could forget.

The wonders of your loving heart

And the feeling I get that well never part.

I think about you all the time.

And can’t believe you’re actually mine.

The love I have for you is real.

And as I say this I start to kneel.

I take your hand and squeeze it tight

And look into your loving eyes.

Now I have figured out

That you are my greatest prize.

I want to say I love you

But really don't know how

The only time I've felt this way

Is right here and now.

Now the time has come at last

I hope it doesn't go by too fast

You have filled the void in my heart

And I really don't know where to start.

I guess I'll just have to come out and say

That I love you more each night and day

You're love for me is all I need

And more than I can stand

I hope that you will take my hand

As I slip on your finger, this little band

It has no beginning, and it has no end

Just like my love for you, my very best friend

Now I have to take a chance

And tell you after all this romance

Whose lips I can't ignore

You are my life, my world, my love

You're all that I adore.

      

By: Dominique C.

My Biography on Aaliyah .

On January 16th 1979, the world was blessed with the birth of Aaliyah "Dana" Haughton in Brooklyn, New York. Aaliyah was raised by her father, mother and brother Rashad Haughton in Detroit. At age 9 she appeared on "Star Search" (1983), the TV program and sang "My Funny Valentine", a song which her mother had sung years earlier. At age 11, she sang with Gradys Knight in a five-night stint in Las Vegas. In 1992, she began to work on her debut album with the help of singer R.Kelly. The album, "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number" was released in 1994 and received heavy praise. In 1995, she began to work on her 2nd album, alongside Jermaine Dupri, Tim Mosley, Slick Rick and Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott'. The album, titled 'One In A Million' was released on August 27th 1996. In 1998 she released the single, 'Are you that somebody?' from the Doctor Dolittle (1998) soundtrack. On 25th August, filming was completed and her and eight of her crew members including her hair stylist and bodyguard boarded a small plane. Shortly after take off, the plane crashed and exploded, Aaliyah and all on board, perished. Aaliyah's funeral was held on Friday August 31st in New York, and 22 white doves were flown to celebrate each year of her life. Soon after her death, the hit singles 'More Than a woman' and 'Rock The Boat' were released from her third album. In 2002, the film "Queen of the Damn" (2002) was released in which Aaliyah played the lead, Queen Akasha. She was nominated for best Villain at the MTV movie award 2002. Looking back at her biography, it's no wonder her name means 'Highest, most exhalted one; the best', she had achieved so much in her short life of 22 years. I wrote this because that was my favorite singing. She was a true legend with a beautiful personality, voice and spirit .

A Recommended Novel

Ten years after their home was almost torn apart by infidelity, Mona and Shawn Black are just getting back to normal … or so it seems. Both Shawn and Mona are still keeping secrets from each other and their immediate family. Lies and betrayal seem to take over in this novel. An old friend seems to escape from prison. Much older, but wiser is out the picture. He is out for revenge and will do anything to destroy a happy family. Will Mona & Shawn continue to keep the secrets from one another or will they come clean about everything? I would recommend this book to others to read because it will have you in shock and think about a lot of situations that are similar to the same thing happening in this book. Although it’s adult entertainment, it would be great to read. You would be in more shock as you continue to discover the secrets that are hidden without lies. I don’t think it’s nothing I will change about this novel because it appears to be the best novel I have read this far. There are other series that come along with this book so you have to read the first novel to understand what is going on. Surprises are a good thing when your reading something so deep and dramatic. I don’t recommend this novel to anyone specifically, but to everyone who loves to read. Never judge a book by its cover because they come in many surprises and this one is most definitely a recommended one.

Novel Review

Usually low budget, soaperish Novels aren't written in the best format. Instead of being imaginitive, many of its writer's choose to go with what is expected. Girl finds boy, Girl falls in love, and then BANG! Someone dies.

I can't say that much is different for new comer M.T. Pope's "Both Sides Of The Fence 2: Gate Wide Open", Sequel to his series debut "Both Sides Of The Fence". I went into the Novel not expecting much, and I can't say I was wrong.

When James, a devious scorned lover is released from prison, he preys havoc on any & every enemy from his past. Paying special attention on The Black family, hell breaks loose for all. In the end sex, lies, and money will either ruin or awake James victims.

I must say M.T. writes in away that fulfills all of your guilty pleasures. There were twist and turns all over the place. While none of them were extraordinarily a reach, they were still shocking enough to keep you interested. I was left satisfied, though I don't think this one is for everybody.  If you love every thing that is trashy this is a  must read, but if you don't stay very far away from this book.

Liar By: Justine Larbalestier

When I first seen the cover of "Liar" and seen that the class agreed to read this novel, I started having second thoughts about it. The cover didn't seem that interesting. As Stephanie started to read through the book, it started to make more sense. I got a feel for what and who the book is about. So far, I just know it's about a girl who lies about mostly everything. I started examining the book to get more details relating to the title. The back of the book is filled with sentences stating that the girl will not lie anymore. I'm guessing she had to write sentences at school since it's not the first time she lied. It also talked about the murder of her boyfriend so I’m thinking there is going to be a lot of surprises. It's giving me a better understanding about the novel. I believe the author wants to give the readers the idea that the girl is a liar, but doesn't really want to explain what she has lied about and her reasons behind it. I think the author chose Liar for the title because that's what it's about: Lies. The picture has nothing to do with the title so I'm guessing the author put a twist to it. I read the inside of the book to get a better description to what the book is about. I just know the main character is a liar, but it's a reason behind all these lies that we're going to find out. After a little readings and judging the cover, I think this book is going to be the best book I ever read.

Introducing Myself

My name is Dominique Clements. I am 20 years old & I graduated from Peoria High School last year. I’m attending ICC to major in Social Work. I enjoy helping others. I am a dancer. In my spare time, I like to hang out with my family and friends. I have 7 sisters and 6 brothers. Also, I like to read Harry Potter books. English is my favorite subject. My favorite food is hot wings. I just love to enjoy life.