Itzbaileyable

“We are innovation, we are spontaneous.”

2015-11-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

This post is an adaptation of my Dreaming in the Clouds poem, instead it tells about my mother and her experiences. Happy Birthday Mom.

“We are innovation, we are spontaneous.”

“I am innovation, I am spontaneous.”

I am a middle child with one older sister and two younger brothers. Though, I felt like the oldest. I was a rock, I supported my younger brothers when things were rough, and I wasn’t afraid to through the first punch. I was my sister best friend now, and I still am today.

“I wonder what will happen as my future unfolds…”

I went on from Redford High School to graduate from Lawrence Technological University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Architecture and later on a Master’s of Science in Construction Management from Eastern Michigan University.

“I hear snow prance with gentle footsteps across my bedroom floor”

I am the mother of a seventeen year old daughter. She’s vibrant, intelligent and beautiful.

As a young girl she would prance across my bedroom singing songs and telling stories of her miraculous and imaginative dreams.

“I see buildings and remnants of what once were…”

I was born in Mississippi but moved to Detroit at a very young age. My mother and father owned a farm in Mississippi, where they lived near the reservations of our ancestors.

“I want love and a reason to believe”

I have love, and a reason to believe. I love my daughter and I believe in her and her bright future.

“I am innovation, I am spontaneous.”

I am 46 years young, young at heart and I have a youthful appearance. I am spontaneous and full of spunk. I am innovative and always thinking of something new and problem-solving.

“I touch clouds full of dreams, I worry that someday I will no longer dream “

I lived through the election of President Barack Obama, which has shown me that hard work does pay off and that timing is everything.

“I try to imagine the worlds I see in the clouds full of dreams…”

The biggest change in the way people live their everyday lives is how social media has taken control over how we communicate and express ideas.

The best years of my life so far are the past seventeen years of raising my daughter.

“I cry when I look at my reflections and no longer see… me.”

Today, I see a change in youth morals and elderly respect is not common. I advise my younger reflections to take advantage of all the opportunities that are available. Attentiveness in school and developing skills to be a critical thinker are skills that make life easier and successful.

“I understand what it means to live.”

Do not be afraid to succeed and that it is okay to stand out and be different. I have experienced discrimination, but I have learned from the mistakes of others and make myself stronger.

Become innovation, Stay spontaneous.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! I LOVE YOU.

My Senior Artist Statement

2015-06-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

I make art because it makes me feel complete. I aspire to be an Industrial Designer. When deciding what to do with a piece, I try to think about what will allow me to express myself or my idea best. I taught myself to draw and be creative growing from crayons and coloring books to pencils and sketchbooks. Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies helped me further my skills and understand the design process. My work embodies what makes me happy, and represents my broad interest within the arts. Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies also opened up a plethora of opportunities to be involved in various programs with the College for Creative Studies and other organizations.

Night Of The Arts

2015-06-03T20:05:00.003-07:00

Come support my friends and I at Night of the Arts! As a senior, this will be my last year participating in NOTA.

Hamlet Literary Essay

2015-05-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hamlet Literary Essay

The tragedy, Hamlet, by Shakespeare is a dramatic tale of murder, jealousy and revenge. Hamlet takes place in the late 1500’s in a castle of Denmark when the protagonist, Hamlet, discovers that his father, the king of Denmark, was murdered by his uncle. Hamlet creates an elaborate plot for revenge that quickly turns sour. Hamlet’s plot for revenge leads to his traumatic downfall because everyone who he had no intention of hurting dies, and so does he. Shakespeare’s intent is to show Hamlet’s dynamic character development in which Hamlet transforms from a sarcastic, mournful, and confused boy, to an arrogant, angry and paranoid man because of revenge. Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation captures Shakespeare’s intent best because of how he displays Hamlet’s traits of arrogance, paranoia, and anger all of which bloomed from revenge. Branagh shows this in the Mousetrap Scene, Spy Scene, and the Bedroom Scene best through setting action, language and tone.

In Act 3.2, the Mousetrap Scene, Shakespeare shows Hamlet’s traits of arrogance, paranoia, and anger through language and tone. For example, when Hamlet says to Ophelia, “It would cost you a groaning to take off mine edge,” this shows Hamlet’s signs of paranoia and arrogance because he openly admits that he is on edge and arrogantly asks Ophelia for sex. Another instance of Hamlet’s anger and arrogance is in Hamlet’s aside when he has his first opportunity to kill his Claudius, he says “When he is fit and seasoned for package… when he is drunk, asleep or in range or in th’ incestuous pleasure of his bed.” This shows arrogance because he wants this murder of Claudius to be grand, and therefore Hamlet ignores this opportunity reflecting paranoia because he was hesitant. Additionally, Hamlet shows anger and paranoia when he says, “as woman’s love” in response to Ophelia saying “tis short,” this reflects his anger at the situation at the situation of his mother marrying his uncle, but it also shows paranoia as it does not seem directed at Ophelia in their conversation, it is said more to the air.

Similarly, in Branagh’s film adaptation Hamlet is shown as a paranoid, angry, arrogant man, during the Mousetrap Scene using tone, action, language and setting. The first example occurs when hamlet arrogantly flirts with Ophelia, asking to put his head in her lap. Branagh shows Hamlets arrogance when he portrays Hamlet narrating the play as well as climbing over the seats to speak to

What seems like the entire audience. Hamlet also shows anger with his tone and language when he talks back with Gertrude and Claudius with rude remarks. This all shows how Branagh uses language, tone, setting and action to show Hamlet’s arrogance, paranoia, and anger.

Moreover, in Act 3.1, during the Spy Scene, Shakespeare continues to show Hamlet’s traits of arrogance, paranoia, and anger through language and tone. For example when Hamlet says, “Ha, ha, are you honest?” to Ophelia this shows anger and arrogance because he knows of Ophelia’s deceit and is aware that he is being spied on so he arrogantly says this is his language and shows anger in its tone. Later within the spy scene Hamlet openly says “I am very proud, revengeful, and ambitious with more offences at my beck than I have thoughts to put them in”, this also shows anger, arrogance, and paranoia because Hamlet is arrogantly admitting his traits all of which are expressed in an angry tone. The quote continues with hamlet saying “What should such fellow as I do crawling between earth and heaven?” this shows paranoia because Hamlet is questioning the value of his life by comparing its value to that of a criminal, furthermore he is alluding to Claudius criminal acts, which in return ignites his traits of anger and arrogance as well.

In analogous to Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation he also displays Hamlet’s traits of arrogance, paranoia, and anger throughout the Spy Scene using language, action, tone, and setting. This first happens when watching how Hamlet gracefully walks towards Ophelia, in a longing passion, he kisses her showing his passion while still aware of the fact that he is being watched by Claudius and Polonius. This continues in Hamlet’s tone in how he speaks to Ophelia, his words turn from loving to condescending, as he questions Ophelia’s honesty, much like the text when Hamlet says to Ophelia, “Are you honest… are you fair?” Hamlet also shows his when he arrogance anger and paranoia, in his tone when he confesses his once pure love for Ophelia; this is emphasized by Branagh’s music selection because it is sad and conveys a feeling of sympathy for Hamlet, almost justifying his emotions. This all shows how Branagh uses language, tone, setting and action to show Hamlet’s arrogance, paranoia, and anger.

Shakespeare really emphasizes Hamlet’s arrogance, paranoia and anger through language and tone in the Bedroom Scene, Act 3.4. The first time this occurs is when Hamlet says to Gertrude, “come, come and sit you down. You shall not budge. You go not till I set you up a glass where you may see the inmost part of you” this shows Hamlet’s arrogance as he speaks to Gertrude in a condescending matter. This is followed by more erratic language and the tone set by Shakespeare’s chose of words, Hamlet begins to scold Gertrude when he says, “What devil was’t? That thus hath cozened you at hoodman-blind? Eyes without feeling, feeling without sight, Ears without hands or eyes, smelling sans all, or but a sickly part of one true sense. Could not so mope. O shame, where is thy blush?” Hamlet is confronting Gertrude out of all the anger and arrogance in his heart, and when he ask in an angry manner “…where is thy blush?” Hamlet is asking why Gertrude isn’t embarrassed or ashamed of what she has done. Hamlet continues in a short monologue, “Not this, by no means, that I bid you do—Let the bloat king tempt you again to bed, Pinch wanton on your cheek, call you his mouse, And let him, for a pair of reechy kisses Or paddling in your neck with his damned fingers, Make you to ravel all this matter out: That I essentially am not in madness But mad in craft.’Twere good you let him know, For who that’s but a queen, fair, sober, wise, Would from a paddock, from a bat, a gib,Such dear concernings hide? Who would do so? No, in despite of sense and secrecy, unpeg the basket on the house’s top. Let the birds fly, and like the famous ape, to try conclusions, in the basket creep and break your own neck down.” Hamlet says this out of arrogance thinking that he can control his mother’s actions or as if he knows what is best for her, as well as he shows anger through the language and paranoia at the fact that he feels that she needs to be controlled, especially after he murders Polonius.

In cohesion with Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation he also displays Hamlet’s traits of arrogance, paranoia, and anger throughout the Bedroom Scene using language, action, tone, and setting. This first happens when Hamlet angrily storms into the bedroom speaking to Gertrude in a dramatic tone that is powerful but not overbearing. When Hamlet realizes that he has just murdered Polonius, he shows a sadness or regret that he acted so furiously but this is immediately followed by a change in tone and language as he no longer feels remorse but anger once more, maybe at the fact that he did not just kill Claudius, but that Polonius actually deserved this death. Hamlet then continues to throw his mother forcefully on the bed, continues to speak at her in a lecturing manner, angry and paranoid because his mother is unaware of her actions and paranoid because he just killed someone outside of his goal for revenge. These all show how Branagh uses language, tone, setting and action to show Hamlet’s arrogance, paranoia, and anger.

Some may say that Branagh did not do the best job of showing Hamlet’s dynamic character transformation from a sarcastic, mournful, and confused boy to an arrogant, angry and paranoid man through setting, action, language and tone but that Franco Zeffernelli more accurately depicts Shakespeare’s intent best. This adaptation does in fact; display the theme of Hamlet visually beautiful. This adds to the medieval theme of Denmark, and sets the mood for Hamlet well. Hal Himson from the Washington Post argues that “as a director, Zeffernelli is better with furniture than after the camera.” Throughout Zeffernelli’s film he eloquently recreates the depiction of Hamlet in the text through the film through setting and set design, where as Branagh’s art direction overly exaggerates the setting. However Branagh’s adaptation is still best because Zeffernelli leaves out the subplots throughout the film which loses the depth of the play. Zeffernelli attempts to make up for the loss depth in the story, to recover through immediacy and action however the film feels bare and the actors and actresses hold the film up rather than the direction of Franco Zeffernelli.

Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation portrayed Hamlet best in accordance to how Shakespeare originally intended so. Branagh successfully captures Hamlet’s anger, paranoia, and arrogance develops from mourning, confusion, and sarcasm because of revenge through language, setting, action, setting, and tone on film. Other adaptations fail to show Hamlet’s dynamic character development, portraying as irrational and in experienced. At the beginning of the play, however, I viewed Hamlet’s action and motives as it being justified. However, towards the end of the play, I started to realize that while Hamlet’s original intentions for revenge were not horrible, in context to what happened to him, what ends up happening at the end of the play is worse than anything that Hamlet expected. This tragedy shows the importance at looking at the whole picture before reacting, and that revenge is definitely not the best solution.

Short Essay: The Congress of Racial Equality

2015-05-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

The Congress of Racial Equality had a great idea, to liberate African Americans during the times of heavy segregation in Chicago and eventually throughout the south. The main people involved in the Congress of Racial Equality were; Floyd McKissick, and Roy Innis, who wasn’t the most positive leader for the group.

The Congress of Racial Equality pioneered direct nonviolent action in the 1940s before playing a major part in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. CORE was founded by an interracial group of pacifists at the University of Chicago in 1942. The Chicago Chapter of CORE had success integrating races in several Chicago public accommodations and recreational areas, including the White City Roller Rink in 1946. It also mounted campaigns against the Chicago Board of Education to protest the installation of mobile classrooms as a solution for overcrowded African American schools and demand the full integration of public schools. The Chicago Chapter of CORE Archives at the Chicago Public Library, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature contains the papers of Chicago CORE, its Southside chapter, Metropolitan CORE, and National CORE.

They used nonviolent tactics to challenge segregation in Northern cities during the 1940s. Civil rights activists from other organizations used CORE’s nonviolent tactics during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, but CORE did not establish a presence in the South until 1957. The next year CORE volunteers participated in Freedom Summer, a project that brought white Northerners to Mississippi to register black voters. With the help of local police, Ku Klux Klansmen in Philadelphia, Mississippi killed three CORE volunteers at the beginning of the summer. The horror of Southern violence and the radicalization of other groups led many CORE members to move away from principles of nonviolence. In 1966 the CORE chose a new leader, Floyd McKissick. With McKissick leading the group they began to start short lived programs to end poverty. Two years later CORE removed whites from membership and chose Roy Innis as its national director. Roy was all for black leadership, but his misuse of the organization’s funds make the group fall. During the Reagan and Bush administrations, Innis became less active with the community. He moved CORE out of the mainstream of civil rights organizations, opposing busing and supporting welfare reform in other words he drove CORE in to the ground.

The CORE was significant to not only life for African Americans then but today as well. Most people believe that nonviolent actions against segregation came strictly from black-southern leaders much like well-known Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Contrary to those ideas CORE in a way paved the nonviolent approach for activism against segregation in the 40’s and 60’s. The unfortunate fall of the group set the movement back a bit, of course. However because the acts caught on it was easily continued leading to segregation being illegal today. In conclusion, to my short essay The Congress of Racial Equality was positive because it started the snowball effect for nonviolent actions to rebel against segregation in the 40’s and 60’s.

Short Essay: What does the National Honor Society Mean to Me

2015-04-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

The National Honor Society is an organization known nationwide, it’s an opportunity for individuals to connect share and explore different cultures. I recognize this opportunity and I will put forth all my effort to be a successful and contributing member of the Nation Honor Society.

The essay question asks me what scholarship, leadership, service, and character means to me; the thing is, these four traits are not something that a person is simply born with. It is something that person develops over time due to experiences and just living life. Scholarship is important to me, it’s a characteristic that can define and create a person. When I think of scholarship I think of academics, extra circulars, being a successful adult, and school in general. Scholarship is important to me because even though my grades don’t define me, they definitely make a difference in the long run

. Leadership is also important to me, and my future. They say people are not born leaders, they become them; I agree. I was never born a leader in fact I was never “born” with any of the four traits a National Honor Society Member would possess. It took time, influence, and experience for me to become who I am today. Leaders inspire individuals to achieve greatness and to improve on greatness. Leaders have to possess strong and positive beliefs, good morals and values, ethics, knowledge, and a calm level headed mindset. When in group assignments I often take lead leading my group members and making sure that everything is being accomplished, everyone is on task, and most of all we’re all having fun doing it. Service is yet another trait that someone in the National Honor Society should possess.

To serve and be of service is strongly synced with volunteering and helping the community and people around it. I am involved in many things to help my community, I am in D.N.A.W. (Detroit Neighborhood Arts Workshop), a program affiliated with the C.A.P. (Community Arts Partnership); The 10^th Grade Board; and Mustang Ambassadors, a group within the school who connects to help local organizations like Walk for Wishes, Adopt a Child, Gleaners, American Heart Association, R.E.A.D. and Bully Week. I strongly believe in giving back to my community because that is what shapes our future leaders and scholars of today.

Character wraps all the traits in one. Character is what makes you, you; what people think of you, how you define yourself. Character and integrity go hand and hand; it’s what you do when no one is around to see. Having good morals and a great definition of who you are, what you are, and who you want to become keeps you on the right track to being a successful young adult and someone with good character. Character is what sets me aside from the rest, I believe that being different expressive and having individuality makes me a great asset to being a member of the National Honor Society.

Reflection on My Pre-College Experiences!

2015-04-24T11:13:00.000-07:00

The CCS Precollege Summer Experience is a big opportunity not just for me but for all students with an interest in art. I was one of the students from the summer of 2011 I was lucky enough to be a part of this life changing experience. Not only did I learn to appreciate and learn the fundamentals of Graphic Design. I met friends whom have changed my whole outlook and perspective of life. When the program first began I thought to myself this is such a long time, how am I going to last? Building friendships with people as fa This experience is about, learning the tricks of the trades, meeting new friends, and connecting with instructors, mentors and staff that simply would not have been possible in a school year. 2012 is definitely the year for me to be here. I have always been intrigued with how chairs, light fixtures, and bottles look I’ve always wanted to use simple shapes to create unfamiliar designs. I am happy to learn that this year the program has expanded to include Product Design as a major. I hope to gain the opportunity of learning the basics of Product Design, utilizing these resources to the best of my ability, finally dipping my toes in what I love and wish to pursue! Last summer at CCS I realized that I wanted to be an Industrial Product Designer.

r out as Zealand Michigan, Miami, and even Nice France. But I ended up creating bonds that can’t be broken; I fondly remember staying up late with my roommate until 5am trying to get prepared for a critique that began at 9am sharp. I remember having bonfires; water balloon fights on the rooftops, and going bowling at the local bowling alley.

Short Essay: Venezuelan Art

2015-04-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is a short essay about Venezuelan Art for a Spanish Course I took my junior year.

Venezuelan art is rich in color, for my project I decided to draw and design my own festival face paint. My art was inspired by Venezuelan artist Jesus Rafael Soto and Carlos Cruz Diez. Soto’s art uses color and space. He often plays with perception and size; many of his works are installations. Diez’s work is more two-dimensional; however he also plays with color and perception. I took the common traits from their work, the color patterns and shapes.

In Venezuela celebration is important to their culture, traditions, and heritage. Color is vital during these celebrations. During these celebrations the cities are lit up, with beautiful decorations and clothing. Festivals in Venezuela are like big holidays to the United States, (It is similar to Christmas) where family and friends gather together to have a great time.

I specifically chose “Carnival in Venezuela” which is an annual event. The Carnival happens in February and usually goes on for 40 days before Easter Sunday. Water balloons are thrown to celebrate. In 1853, a town called El Callao was founded by British, French and Americans in search of gold; they brought Africans to slave and do most of the labor. The Carnival began as a way to abandon their differences for a few days and celebrate in unity. People dress up in colorful clothes, paint their faces, dance, and play music. The common color scheme are bright colors like reds, yellow, oranges, and whites to give a warm cheery festive feel.

Elevated Cultures

2015-04-17T09:08:00.000-07:00

This is a creative writing piece for a sociology class I took my sophomore year of high school.

The culture is located the western hemisphere this is a place embodied in multiculturalism. They are known as the Phoenix. They are born at aurora. They get primped and proper to attend Alma Mater.

Some peregrinate by lengthy jalopies, some by average jalopies and some may carriage back and forth. They check their repository before they arrive in their pigeonhole. They memorize the common art and trade of others, but specifically their own.

Even if the art and trade is non-applicable to their future they continue to memorize it periodically. Then they dine with one another thoughtlessly. In this land, time is non-existent as it’s already time for them to gather once more. Eventually they are released.

They check their repository one last time. When released they sprint and the numbers flourish in frantic herds. Then afresh, they jaunt in their lengthy jalopies, they ride their average jalopies and some may like to carriage.

Back where they were born they practice that same repetition, die into ash and they are born once more in aurora. As some may have begun to realize antediluvian... the day to day ritual reiterates. And the Phoenix rises once more.

Hamlet Act 5: My Alternate Ending

2015-04-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

_{When
dealing with the ending of a story there should be a lasting impact that helps
to emphasize the overarching theme of the story. Shakespeare Act 5 follows
Aristotle’s theory that is will end in a catastrophe, and that the protagonist
will be worst off now than they were at the beginning. At the end of Act 5 of
Hamlet, Claudius and Laertes plan to kill Hamlet fails and in return everyone
dies, including Hamlet. This makes Hamlet’s plot of revenge embarrassing. My
alternative ending is that Hamlet lives, and ultimately watches the others die,
including Horatio. My ending is better because, it allows Hamlet a chance to
see what comes out of revenge.}

_{Furthermore, the reason Hamlet ended in a collection
of deaths was merely because the play was written to be a tragedy. According to
Aristotle, “a dramatic tragedy ends with a catastrophe; in which the
protagonist is worse off than they are at the beginning of the narrative,” this
confirms why Shakespeare ended Hamlet in a series of deaths alongside the death
of the protagonist, both to create a catastrophe and show that Hamlet is worse
off at the end. Shakespeare chose a series of deaths because this was a
dramatic example of Aristotle’s theory; this supported the idea that a tragedy
has to be dramatic as well a catastrophic.}

_{My alternative ending for the play Hamlet, is for the
protagonist to live after the end of Act 5, and for Horatio to die as well. If
Hamlet were to live, he would see everything that his attempted acts of revenge
did. I think that if Hamlet lived to witness all the death he caused he would
suffer more, following Aristotle’s theory that, “a dramatic tragedy ends with a
catastrophe; in which the protagonist is worse off than they are at the
beginning of the narrative.” Hamlet would live to wallow in his guilt as well
as feel embarrassed at the fact that his plot could have happened in Act 3, if
he had not hesitated. This is also emphasized by Horatio’s death because he was
Hamlet’s best friend who throughout the entire story only served to help
Hamlet.}

_{My ending to the tragedy, Hamlet, is better because
it just as Shakespeare’s ending aligns with Aristotle’s theory of Act 5, but my
ending highlights the concept of living with the consequences of your actions,
specifically acts of revenge. My ending leaves Hamlet alone, without a kingdom
to call his own, full of regret, remorse and guilt. I think that my ending is
far more tragic than Shakespeare’s because death, while still tragic has no consequence
to the ones who are already dead.}

Check out dailyquotes.co

2015-04-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

http://dailyquotes.co is the best site evar.

Typography

2015-04-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH, THIS TYPOGRAPHY IS TO DIE FOR!

Then..

2015-04-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

#DivergentQuote

2015-03-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

Secrets..

2015-03-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

That typography though.

Fangirling

2015-03-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, the movies were quite horrid, but the books were amazing and Theo James looks amazing... all the time.

Photo Quotes 2015 Reboot!

2015-03-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Breaking Away: I Love My City

2015-03-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Detroit is a city of innovative pioneers, booming creativity, and plenty of funky personalities. I decided early on as a child that I wanted to be among them. But first, I decided what I did not want to be and that was the stereotype of what many others think of when they see a teenager from Detroit. I did not want to be seen as uneducated, uncultured and poor. I knew that I wanted to do more, to become more. When I was younger I aspired to be an attorney, a singer, a writer or some sort of designer. By the time I was thirteen, I had taken courses in fashion design at the College for Creative Studies, community art programs and summer jobs with Community Arts Partnership, and ceramic classes at Pewabic Pottery. I was doing all of this because I knew that I wanted to achieve more than what was expected of me.

In 2011, I took a three week credited course in Graphic Design at the College for Creative Studies. For my final project I was asked to choose a phrase and give it an emotion that could be viewed in the form of posters and postcards. The phrase I chose was “break away”; I chose it as a reflection of my childhood and who I ultimately want to be. I challenged my instructor and myself when I created my own adaptation of the assignment. Prior to this experience I did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to be, I did not know how or that I could break away to define, redefine and create new beliefs for myself. During the course it became clear to me that my instructor was encouraging me to develop an interest in graphic design, maybe even that I become a graphic designer.

However, graphic design is not my passion. I came to realize that what others think or want for me, even if something positive, like being a graphic designer, does not mean that it is what I should want for myself. I realized that sometimes the “right answer” is not what is “right” for me. There was this doubt within me, doubt of my value, my city, and whether my final project would be good enough. The day before my final critique I took a risk and recreated my entire project from scratch. While everyone else sat around the bonfire roasting marshmallows I stayed in the twenty-four hour lab fumbling with Photoshop, a program I barely knew how to use. When I went to pin my final design on the board the class went silent, but they nodded in agreement and acceptance as I defined what it meant to me and why I chose the phrase “break away.” Choosing to push against what has been expected of me as a student from Detroit has not been easy. It also was not easy to do something different from what my graphic design instructor wanted for me. But I would make the same decisions a dozen times over. I learned that when creating a piece it is important that it represents me and what I want to stand for entirely. I want to be successful, honest, and influential, and I can break away to define and redefine what I want to be.

Today's My Birthday!!!

2015-03-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's Friday the thirteenth. There's not much to this post, but Happy 18th Birthday to me!

Be Brave: A Gates Millennium Essay Entry

2015-03-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

This is one of my Gates Millennium Essay entries.

The most significant challenge that society faces today is the acceptance of people, cultures and places. Society needs to look past our preconceived notions and embrace cultural differences as a learning experience. Personally, I have experienced discrimination from being a woman and a young person.

I have become familiar with the stereotypes that come with being a woman, particularly being a black woman. I have noticed that when I am with my male friends I am often overshadowed by their dominance and the overall fact that they are men. These experiences have influenced me to become more assertive and outspoken. However, I have also learned that there is a thin line for women in relation to being assertive and being bossy.

As a black woman when I am confident and assertive there are constant stereotypical comments that compare a black woman’s femininity to being masculine in a negative way. As a woman, I want to be taken seriously. Therefore, I had to step up and not be overshadowed by men, who work with me competitively. I am no longer afraid of being seen as bossy, I go for what I want.

I have experienced being discriminated against because of my age. In 2011, I had an opportunity to attend a screening for the film, “Race to Nowhere”. The film talks about the education system; focusing on the idea that high schools are pushing student to learn recall skills and not how to evaluate, analyze and synthesize.

After viewing the film I noticed a lot of similarities with my school. I shared the film with friends and I eventually ended up presenting the concept to the principal at the time. She heard us out, but it was obvious from the beginning of the meeting that her mind was made up and because of our age we were not taken seriously. I did not know then that this was an instance of Adultism. Adultism is the unjust treatment of someone due to experience or age.

Prior to these experiences, I had not been in a lot of situations where I felt treated unfairly. While my principal was not receptive, I spoke to others about the film and my experience with the principal. This sparked more opportunities, one in which I was able to travel and speak on a panel about the film and my presentation with the principal. I was able to inspire and educate other about adultism.

I did not let these experiences hinder me. Instead, I used these experiences as opportunities to better myself. All of these encounters with discrimination have shaped me into the woman I am now.

Dreaming in the Clouds...

2015-03-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Dreaming In the Clouds

By: Bailey Morgan

I am innovation, I am spontaneous
I wonder what will happen as my future unfolds
I hear snow prance with gentle footsteps across my bedroom floor
I see buildings and remnants of what once were…
I want love and a reason to believe
I am innovation, I am spontaneous.

I pretend to happy and a proud
I feel snow prance gently across my bedroom floor.
I touch clouds full of dreams
I worry that someday I will no longer dream
I cry when I look at my reflections and no longer see… me.
I am innovation, I am spontaneous.

I understand what it means to live.
I say “Pure is Impure, and Impure is Pure”
I dream about distant planets
I try to imagine the worlds I see in the clouds full of dreams
I hope to visit a place where beauty runs free
I am innovation, I am spontaneous.

New Favorite Book Series: The Divergent Trilogy!

2015-03-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

“For some of us books are important as almost anything else on earth. What a miracle it is that of these small, flat, rigid square of paper unfolds world after world, worlds that sing to you comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are, and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean, they show us how to live and die” says Anne Lamott in Bird by Bird. Before I read the Divergent series I would’ve probably picked a simpler quote, one that was a bit more universal. I’d pick a quote explaining how important it is to read, or how reading is life. However the Divergent series taught me balance and understanding, my identity as a reader has changed my view on life and how the world functions.

While reading the Divergent series I noticed a constant motif of a “lack of balance”. Many of the main characters throughout the series identify with one or two of the factions, the use the faction identity to determine who they are and what choices the will make for the rest of their lives. There is a constant backstory of Tris and her feeling misplaced in Abnegation sector with all the conflicting emotions and identities in Tris, guided by the fact that she is a “divergent”, she is often confused with finding balance within her world and herself. In a post-apocalyptic Chicago, their society struggles with balance and acceptance of one another.

The Divergent Series Checks and Balances changed my perspective of balance within oneself. Reading the text proved how balance is essential to human development, and without checks and balancing there would be chaos. The text also changed my perspective of myself as a reader. The text taught me to define myself in many ways, much like a Divergent. I thought I was always more of a nonfiction reader but Veronica Roth takes me to post-apocalyptic Chicago inside and out. Anne Lamott said “For some of us, books are important as almost anything on earth. What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us to understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to love and die”. I know this to be true. Reading about Tris’ adventures and how the factions struggle with balance of power helped me understand my struggles of balance and identity.

What are your Strenghts and Weaknessess?

2015-02-27T11:55:00.000-08:00

“What Defines Me”

September 11, 2013

Everyone has a series of traits that’s defines who they are. These traits can be both positive and negative, but I believe such things can build a person to be stronger. It’s funny how weaknesses are viewed as something one should be ashamed of and try their best to hide, however if you ask me it’s something that should be embraced, taken then used to your advantage. Use that advantage to help redefine your positive traits and make them even stronger.

What makes me unique is my interesting set of skills. My personal set of strengths includes art and design knowledge, presentation skills, and being observant and cultivated. Whereas my weaknesses include how I tend to judge myself and others, my tendency to procrastinate when doing assignments of any difficulty, and stacking high expectations amongst others and lastly piling loads of it on myself.

Art and Design has become something that really defines me as a person, it’s an escape from the pressures of society as a high school student. Designing is like problem solving, I can express myself while meeting the needs as others. I use art and design to my advantage every day. I’ve been involved in various programs to heighten these skills (College for Creative Studies’ Pre-College Summer Experience; The American Institute of Graphic Arts’ SHOUT Program; and CE City, an advertising competitive program funded by the Campbell Ewald Ad Agency and CCS)

Coupled with possessing the skills of art and design, the real world requires presenting a product or an idea to an audience, it all has to do with the quality and how it is presented. Additionally it’s something I really enjoy. I love the idea of selling, marketing, and campaigning my designing to a consumer audience. At Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies, giving presentations is an inevitable process. I’ve learned to embrace this since day one and it quickly became something I deeply enjoy.

Overtime, I’ve noticed as a child I would always be the quiet one in the corner who would observe the students, teacher, and environment in action. Being exposed to other cultures helps to develop intelligence and an open minded state of being. I’m always involved in activities going on in my city, traveling and networking with people from different cultural backgrounds as well. Staying observant and cultivated is very beneficial to the development of a person.

Moreover, I’ve always been a nitpicker when it comes to reputation, always thinking with my future in mind. I’ve noticed that I tend to unintentionally look down on people who don’t have the same standards, as far as taking education seriously, and self-image and reputation. In a city where statistics show that the illiteracy rate is 47%, meaning on average one out of two people that you meet amongst the city streets are functionally illiterate, I’m highly surprise that I feel that I’m one of few trying to squash such a negative statistic.

Unfortunately, procrastination is yet a common trait that fazes a large number of youth today. Whilst, technology is very beneficial in today’s new day and age it can also be very distracting as well. Although waiting until the last minute is a negative habit when one being successful. I view it as a strength disguised as a weakness. Sometimes doing things last minute allows me to stay on my toes. I’m able to quickly come up with solutions in real time situations, I’m able to brainstorm new ideas and concepts and present them in a timely fashion.

Furthermore, I’ve always wanted to achieve greatness. This ideal is something that was drilled into my mind from the very start. I dreamed of attending Ivy League colleges and universities and going to conferences around the world. Keeping in mind the amount of hard work that would go into achieving these goals I knew that pushing myself would keep me on the right track. This may not seem like a weakness, but in reality I had been stacking responsibilities upon responsibilities, and overall drowning myself in expectations that were simply unrealistic for the day and age. This is something that constantly bothers me as I feel like I missed out on the exciting memories and opportunities others experienced in their childhood.

For the most part, my weaknesses and strengths balance one another and make them stronger. For example, when presenting a design ideas they should be articulated quickly but thoroughly, having high expectations of myself and others will make sure that what I’m saying makes sense, and procrastination allows me to come up with ideas on the fly. Although I can be judgmental of others and myself at times, being cultivated and observant allows me to overlook the flaws of another and focus on how their differences can educates me.

In conclusion, I’d say that way someone views their strengths and weaknesses can build or cripple them. I believe that it is simply about how you use what you have to your advantage, just like in life. On many occasions I’ve learned that the person with the better idea isn’t always the most successful when trying to persuade or gather the attention of an audience, but when you can synthesize the strengths and weaknesses together and use the weaknesses to define your strengths and make them stronger that what you originally thought they were, you bring to the table, a confidence that inspires others to have an interest in who you are and what you have to say.

My Junior Year: Internship Journal Entry 11

2015-02-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

College for Creative Studies: Product Design Department

Week #11

4/21 – 4/30

This week was exciting on the last Friday session I met with Mr. Schock yet again at the Warrior Studio. I put together 7 foot presentation boards using cordless drill. It was fun but took a lot of work and accuracy to make sure all the boards stayed equally crafted and balanced.

I put together the foam core pedestals that we prepped last session. And helped students set up their art work. It was a catered event, the food was great. I was able to meet the CEO of Warrior and a handful of their chief designers.

It was cool to see the students give their presentations. It gave me a feeling that, I can actually do this for a living. A lot of the student presentations were nice, and the craftsmanship was beautiful. It was difficult to pick a favorite, and I could tell that quite a few of these students would be receiving some type of internship or job with Warrior. I am excited that the class is over but a little sad that I couldn’t attend more sessions. However, this means that I have to pull through to complete my final project.

My Junior Year: Internship Journal Entry 10

2015-02-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

College for Creative Studies: Product Design Department

Week #10

4/14 - 4/20

This week is the last school week before spring break starts and there was once again no school on Friday I went to CCS and sat in on the Warrior studio class. I got to speak with students and ask about their designs and what it’s like to be in the field.

I worked with Mr. Schock this time helping to prep for the final show coming up next Friday. I cut loads of foam core which we later used for making pedestals and talking with students about their work and process. I met a few students who I would like to meet again in the future, so I got there contact information.

I worked in the office collecting materials checked out the woodshop and laser cutting machine. I ran into an old friend of mine and he showed me around the freshman product design session. This week was very exciting and I’m excited for next session!