Category: Junior Literary

This category features the works of junior literary students at Mississippi School of the Arts.

Yep, definitley not a Literary

At MSA, students are given the opportunity to take classes outside of their chosen discipline. This was one of the most appealing things about MSA to me when I was first applying to go, as I enjoy writing, acting, and filmmaking, but couldn’t be a Literary, Theatre, and Media. It’s definitely a great option to have for a school of kids who are multitalented!

But you may be wondering “But what is it actually like to take a class outside of your discipline?”

I (a Media) have been taking a Literary Playwriting/Intermediate Fiction as apart of my second-semester classes at MSA and after experiencing as much as I could (pre-Coronavirus), I have learned a lot that I’d like to share.

Firstly, I’m definitely not a Literary. I auditioned for Literary because I do enjoy writing, but after experiencing a Literary class for myself, I do think that becoming Media was the right option for me.

Writing is a very isolated thing. It’s not a group project, it’s something you have to do on your own. That’s is no way a bad thing, but it’s just not for me. I’m not necessarily an outgoing person, but I do enjoy working with other people. This is why my favorite part of the class was the workshop! I’ve never gotten feedback on my writing like I did during workshops. Everyone’s unique perspectives and options helped me to see my work in a whole new light. It’s forever changed not only how I view my work, but also how I ask other people to view my work when editing.

I’ve also enjoyed blogging a lot more than I thought I would. When writing a play or a short story, you have to have characters, a well-structured plot, a setting, etc. It’s a lot to keep up with and can become stressful at times. But with blogging, it’s just me and my thought, which is a lot easier to write. I honestly find blogging very enjoyable and even relaxing!

So overall, I think that everyone at MSA should try at least one class outside of their discipline if they can. It’s a great way to access your strengths in another field, and if you’re like me, it’s a good way of also assuring that the discipline you chose was in fact the right one for you. You can also end up gaining an appreciation for other disciplines and the people in them!

Let’s Talk, Candidly.

Hey guys,

I’ll be honest— it’s 8am, and I am frantically typing this blog post, as we make the long drive home, but instead of a post about chapbooks, I’m going to just talk about what’s been going on in my life recently.

Most of you all know that a tornado came through late Sunday night and destroyed most of our little town. Now, we are in the process of cleaning up and trying to rebuild, but also in the process of healing.

Just last week we were social distancing and trying to find toilet paper and hand sanitizer, but now, I can’t tell you how many people I’ve hugged and how many tears I’ve shed. It’s surreal to me because quarantine seems like a distant memory, but how are people supposed to isolate themselves when they’ve lost everything?

Our community, with no hesitation, has come together to heal and rebuild, and it’s inspiring, but also, quite concerning. I mean, on top of everything, people can’t afford to contract a deadly virus because they weren’t taking proper safety precautions, and my family and I are no exception. However, we’ve all been told to stay home for the last few months, but how can you stay home when you no longer have a home? It’s a dilemma that I’d never thought I’d have to question, and it’s almost if natural disaster and destruction have taken precedence over the pandemic.

Priorities and level-headedness have gone out the window— taken away by trauma and tragedy. So, where do we go from here?

Personally, I was fortunate enough to only have some minor roof damage to my house and no power for a week. However, we lost the roof and ceiling of our family business; consequently, causing us to lose most everything inside the building too. It’s been quite emotional for me, especially because I was raised there, took my first steps there, learned how to read and write there; it’s not just a place or a source of income for us. It’s a part of us. It’s home, and to see your home and childhood memories in ruins is devastating.

However, what’s more devastating is that the damage depicted in those photos are so minuscule in comparison to others’ damage. There are entire houses that were blown away, as if there was nothing there to begin with. It’s incredible, and all we can do is pray.

Usually, I’m not one to talk about things like this, especially on a public platform because I never want to relay the message that I am seeking attention and/or pity, but I think that in the time we’re in, things like this need to be talked about. It has really put things into perspective, especially during quarantine when most of us have been complaining about staying home and being bored. And, I’ll admit, at first I was resentful because this all felt like a big punishment, as if cancelling school and all events weren’t already bad enough, but my perspective has changed. If this had happened at a normal time, things would be tremendously harder. I mean, I would still be in school, worried about being at home, not being able to focus. Business would be bad because we would’ve had to shut down abruptly, but since it’s happened in the middle of all this, business was already pretty slow and we were only doing take-out. So, in a way, it’s kind of a blessing. It’s a fresh start and a new beginning.

I planned on posting about chapbooks for National Poetry Month this week, but since I am currently working on my second one for my Mixed Media final, I thought I’d just share that next week. Thank you all for being patient with me during this transition. <3

Political Perspectives

Normally, ’tis Maleigh that does the interviews and the “journalistic” types of blog posts. But, an assignment that Mrs. Sibley gave us this week has really had me thinking. “Beings that everyone comes from completely different backgrounds, what do other people think about this whole thing called Politics?” So, I talked to 5 people, 2 seniors,  2 juniors, and a Boomer, and asked them all the same series of questions. 

Brianna Cox

What would you say your political affiliation is? Why?
– I don’t really have one. I just believe in human rights for everyone because I agree with both parties and I disagree with both. I also don’t know enough to really have an opinion.

What do you think about the generational divide between Boomers and Gen. Z?
– I think that times have changed and there is still a lot of boomers stuck in their ways and refuse to accept the way things are now.

Do you think that our perspective on the world reflects on our person? Why?
– Yes; I think if you’re an optimistic person, the world will seem like a better place, but if you’re a pessimistic person, it won’t. I’ve noticed that people who try to keep an optimistic view tend to be happier.

What is your opinion on the state of the world right now?
– I think that if everyone showed kindness, it would be a lot better. But right now, there are  too many people that are just hateful.

What part do you think race plays in our society?
– For some people, it doesn’t play a part at all. But for other, it decides whether they like a person or not. There’s so much prejudice against poc (people of color). They get little to no justice no matter where they are. White people have privilege regardless of whether they accept it or not. The faster we accept that, the faster we can use it to help everyone.

What part do you think gender plays in our society?
– Oh, women get stomped all over whether people realize it or not. Men make rules regarding women’s bodies. The wage gap between men and women is huge, women making 79 cents for every man’s dollar. Men can get vasectomies whenever, while women have to have to meet all sorts of criteria in order for them to get their tubes tied. Almost everything negatively affects women.

Stephyne Weathersby

What would you say your political affiliation is? Why?
– My political affiliation is a democrat because I believe that the government should provide assistance to those who need it. The world is hard and sometimes people need a helping hand.

What do you think about the generational divide between Boomers and Gen. Z?
– I understand that we are going to have different opinions. I mean that’s expected. However, I do not support when people wish death on the Boomers. I do feel like that [is] extreme and you shouldn’t wish death on anyone. But I do understand certain things the boomers say are problematic but [they] aren’t all like that. For instance my grandmother is a part of the boomer generation and me and her have intellectual conversations all the time. No we don’t agree with each other all the time but that doesn’t mean I stop talking to her. People love to exile someone who believe the same thing as them instead of trying to learn why they believe that way. We don’t have to agree with what they believe but we can come to a mutual understanding to say, “Hey, I don’t support that, but I do understand that is your opinion.” I think that if we talk more about things, we can close the gate on hate.

Do you think that our perspective on the world reflects on our person? Why?
– Yes because how you view the world reflects your opinions on the world. Also, it affects your choices as well. For instance, if you believe that the health of the world isn’t important, then you have no problem with littering. So [how] you view the world is really important and it mirrors who you are as a person.

What is your opinion on the state of the world right now?
– I think that the world is lost and it has been for a very long time now. We are lost and we need to learn new ways to function so we can have [a] better, accepting society. After quarantine, the world is never going to be the same, and I hope it’s for the better. I do believe that if everyone actively plays a positive part in helping the world and people, that it could be for the better. We need to use COVID-19 as a sign to become a better, united world.

What part do you think race plays in our society?
– Unfortunately, because [of] how this world was developed, race plays in every part in our society. Often, people think that it’s not racism to not acknowledge race and to “not see color” but that’s only doing more damage. To just ignore race would be to ignore someone’s culture, someone’s struggle of life. Because how someone was raised and who that person is has to do with their race, we have to pay attention to race in this society because if we don’t, we are accepting to ignore the racial issues in this world. We have to talk about it and discuss race and not be afraid.

What part do you think gender plays in our society?
– Gender plays whatever part and how much you allow it to play in our society. I believe that a woman can do anything a man can do. I believe certain people let their gender limit them because society tells them that they can’t. But if you believe that you can do something that you can do it regardless of your gender, race, anything.

Kathy Nguyen

What would you say your political affiliation is? Why?
-I don’t have one. I care more for the qualities in that candidate. I am not a democrat or a republican or anything really. I care more for policies and honesty. So basically I’m not affiliated with anything. I keep my options open.

What do you think about the generational divide between Boomers and Gen. Z?
-I think there needs to be a safe space where we can find common ground. Our values are way different because of the time. This always applies to the political parties because democrats no weren’t considered democrats back then. Like, they had different beliefs.

Do you think that our perspective on the world reflects on our person? Why?
– I think it reflects on how we react to situations. You can have many perspective on things, but really how you use that to affect your actions reflect on you as a person

What is your opinion on the state of the world right now?
– People are very scared right now. When you’re scared, you get paranoid and do stupid things. Right now, it really shows who we are as a society. Our actions now are reflecting on our society. I feel like there are so many negatives but we forget the good things are going on. We are also distracted because of this virus.

What part do you think race plays in our society?
– Bro, yes. I think it’s good that have different groups of people. Because we have diversity, we can come together. This time has made me more sympathetic towards other ethnic groups. I am now thinking more of other minorities when bad situations blow up and how they were alienated. Because I’m not the only [one] going through this.

What part do you think gender plays in our society?
– Gender identity is very empowering for a lot of people. It’s something that can make us confident and give us comfort. There is a divide in genders, but everyday the line is just being blurred. People just need to be respectful. There’s so much confusion about gender identity, but if you take the time to understand then things would go more smoothly. I see a lot of inferior feelings between men and women, and this goes both ways. People forget that feminism is about equality. No gender is superior [over] another.

Dion Ruiz

What would you say your political affiliation is? Why?
– I would say for the most part I’m pretty liberal, but I wouldn’t call myself a Democrat. The Democratic Politicians like to dangle change in the face of black people without really delivering, so I can’t really prescribe to them. The Republican Party strictly serves the interest of cis, straight, white males. Therefore, I have no business on that side of the fence either. So, all in all, I would describe myself as a intermediate liberal.

What do you think about the generational divide between Boomers and Gen. Z?
– I feel an inability to progress mentally causes it. The human brain matures at 25. So, relatively speaking, at that age, political, social, and economical standpoints are solidified inside a persons mind for the most part. Ever hear the phrase, “Can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” That little saying really summarizes why the generational divide is inevitable. It’s a hard pill to swallow when everything you’ve thought to be right is proven to be wrong. However, this is the reality of evolutionary thought. I think of myself as fairly progressive or “woke” in my thinkings, but I’m pretty sure my standpoints will be proven, through sensible reasoning, to be wrong. While I seem to have a good grasp on that reality, I’m sure I will struggle with it just as the “Boomers” are. It’s never easy being told your wrong.

Do you think that our perspective on the world reflects on our person? Why?
– Forgive me if I’m misunderstanding the question, but I feel it’s backwards. I think our person reflects our perspective of the world. Take the confederate flag, for example. A lot of Caucasians can’t fathom why a piece of fabric could hold so much negative meaning. That’s because people who look like them were not targeted by people flying that flag. However, they can and will detest the swastika as a negative sign because people who looked like them were targeted by people wearing that symbol. It’s the fact that your quality of life is completely indicative on how you look that makes me believe this statement to be true. If I live out my entire life eating nothing but broccoli, a person who has never tasted broccoli could never tell me what it is to eat it. Therefore, I will have a view that is not shared by them. We will have completely different outlooks on food or “life”.

What is your opinion on the state of the world right now?
– That’s probably the hardest you’ve asked me so far. To be honest, I don’t really have an opinion. I haven’t really taken the time to form an opinion on the world because it’s depressing when you think about it. If I had to give an opinion, I would just say “bad”.  The world is going downhill at a rapid pace, and the people with the power to do anything about [it] won’t be alive long enough to deal with their lack of problem solving. So, yeah, I would just say “bad”.

What part do you think race plays in our society?
– Every part. From the day I was born to the day I die, I will be an “African American”.  That is a box that was already checked for me when I was born. A box I have to check when I’m in school, when applying for jobs, when getting any piece of identification for myself given by the state. It would be ludicrous to suggest that race doesn’t play a part in every aspect of life because if that were so, I wouldn’t have to constantly disclose mine. And I say that as if you couldn’t tell with one look that I was black. Everything, to the way you’re treated in a store, at school, in the legal system, etc. is based off your race. The only people that would disagree as a majority would be white people. What do you call white person? I’m “African American” and that Asian girl is “Asian American” and that Cherokee boy is “Native American”. The fact that they don’t have to be hyphenated to be identified shows you why they’d disagree. Race is present in every aspect of life.

What part do you think gender plays in our society?
– At a risk of sounding repetitive, every part. Based off your sex, you are assigned a gender (which is not derivative of your reproductive organs, or at least shouldn’t be). The gender you are perceived as has many expectations tied to it. Being a man, you are expected to prescribe to masculinity, in all its toxicity. Being a woman, however, you are expected to prescribe to the standards of femininity, but you have no say in said standard. Society favors men in many ways. In my opinion, one of the most important ways they are favored is when it comes to being heard. A man’s place is defined by men, and a woman’s place is ALSO defined by men. Due to this, women have to fight much harder to push pass boundaries. Being a man, I have little knowledge on the experience of being treated differently based of my gender, however the difference is most definitely present. I just can’t go into as much detail as I would like because I can’t describe disadvantages that I don’t experience.

Now, I thought it completely unfair that I only spoke to teenagers around my age. So, I interviewed the most home-grown boomer I know: My Dad. 

Tim Sullivan

(I will not be including a picture for familial reasons)

What would you say your political affiliation is? Why?
-I’m a Conservative, because I believe in smaller government and more individual freedom.

What do you think about the generational divide between Boomers and Gen. Z?
-Most of Generation Z are being raised without traditional values of respect, working for your income, and self-sufficiency.

Do you think that our perspective on the world reflects on our person? Why?
-Yeah, because I think your outlook on the world determines how you interact with other people.

What is your opinion on the state of the world right now?
-The world is unsettled, unstable, and there is a lot of distrust among people. And as a result, if you can’t trust people, it makes it hard to get alone with people.

What part do you think race plays in our society?
-People of all different races have predetermined opinions about other people of other races.

What part do you think gender plays in our society?
-I think there’ll always be a different way that men and women approach problems. They generally will solve problems different ways. Men tend to be more logical, women tend to be more emotional. It’s not true across the board, but it is a tendency.

There it is. I hope you enjoyed reading this and that you can agree with at least a few things that were said. Now, I know that some of the topics brought up could be considered controversial, but if you found something different from your own personal views, please don’t respond with animosity. Instead, I ask that you try to understand where they are coming from. It never hurts to listen. 

Well, I apologize if this post was way too long, but I hope you have an amazing rest of your week. See you soon. 🙂

recap of favorite poems from this year

Hey everyone, hope you guys are keeping safe during the coronavirus. I know it can be a hard time and all. Well, today I would like to share some of my favorite poems that I wrote this year. It’s been a big time of growth for me, and I am so thankful for that. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

The Colors of Our Soul

 

Grey spills into our throats.

We gargle, spitting it out,

but the taste prolongs.

It’s plain salt, moldy bread,

to our creaking bones.

 

Liquid orange is what we dream.

It’s what we want trickling 

down the vines of our veins.

It’s what we want to engulf.

 

Yellow mornings spill into our

guts, only occasionally

conversing sloppily with grey. 

Making yellow decay in our lungs.

 

Our heart is filled with pink

azaleas smelling of sweets. 

The pink sparkling brightly, 

and making sunsets with orange.

 

Still, grey washes out the colors,

it introduces black absence

who shakes our bodies into a pool

of nothingness.

 

We want yellow, we want orange, but

we have been given black and grey.

And so, we will sit, our breaths

coming out in small coughs of death.

Waiting for the brightness to spill

back into our breadbasket.

Natural Remedies

 

Maple syrup and tea spill

down into my esophagus.

I give a swallow, but recoil

in the disgust of it all.

 

It makes me think of the brittle

bark on the beauty outside of here.

Perhaps, this was her stripped into

a syrupy piece of nothingness.

 

She’s been laid out for all to see

ooey, gooey, taken advantage of. 

No one asking if she would be okay

after being left completely empty.

 

I float to the depths of her trunk, 

thanking her for the gifts she has

bestowed upon humans like us, 

who just take and take and take.

 

She smiles down upon me,

placing warmth into my body.

Wiping away my sorrowful tears,

with the unfilled roots of her maple.

 

I nuzzle up to her wooden bosom,

feeling the greatest sense of comfort,

but salty water clouds my sight once again,

for I know my love will be taken advantage of

over and over again.

Bipolar Disorder: more than a stigma

 

Grey liquid seeps from my soul.

Pupils dilating to see what’s behind.

Never getting any answers, but 

seeing the damage that has been done.

Grasping at the black void of my mind.

Searching for answers no one can find.

 

My body clenching under the weight,

getting so tense that I feel nothing but,

an endless fiery abyss of rage building.

Not being able to build the dam fast enough,

Screaming, cursing, ruining relationships.

Thinking that this is all I am now. 

 

Trapped between the highs and lows that

never let up for me to finally breathe.

Choking on the fumes of long gone dopamine.

Wondering who I am underneath all of

the waves that I am forced to ride out.

Being a prisoner in the body that is me.

 

Finding out that the negative assumptions

the majority have about my ‘annoying habits’

are not what defines who I am as a person.

Taking the steps to find who I am underneath

the trauma, the imbalances, and internal hate.

Finally finding joy in the beauty that is me.

 

-Maple 

 

 

 

 

What I’ll miss most about junior year

 

This past year has taught me countless life and personal lessons and has helped me shape and abundance of fond memories. As corona has *officially* ended my junior year, I would like to take the time and reflect on what I’ll miss most about it.

1. The first one is definitely a no-brainer for me: The seniors. At MSA, you’re around everyone so frequently that you truly come to know everyone for them and who they are, and you come to love them no matter what. The seniors this year were the first people that really went out of their way to make me feel welcome and at home at MSA. If any seniors are reading this, I hope you know how much I love you. I never thought I could respect and look up to a group of people that I haven’t even known for a whole year. The seniors had such an impact on me and my junior year and really helped me to come out of my shell and be more open minded to everything this school has to offer. The hardest part about all the set backs and  effects of the  Coronavirus for me is coming to accept the fact that I won’t get to spend the last couple months of my junior year with them. It makes so sad to think about next year without them, but I can’t help but be happy for them for starting a new chapter in their life:)

2. Another thing that I find myself thinking commonly about is missing out on New Student Day. I remember how exhilarating it was for me to see where I would be spending the next year of my life and who I would be spending it with, and I wanted to be a part of that for the new juniors coming up to this school. I remember how much my seniors helped me with looking forward to my new year and calming my nerves about being away from home and starting something so different and I hoped to do that for the new students. When someone helps you in a confusing and hard time, it makes you appreciate them so much more and it helps them be a better person by wanting to provide the same kindness you showed them. However, I just have to remind myself it isn’t too late to be there for the juniors as they embark on this new journey. It just makes me look forward to next year even more so I can meet them all!

On another note: I have never been a very patient person, but the Coronavirus has taught me a lot about waiting for the good things in life. With such trying times, it’s difficult to maintain positivity throughout presented trials, but there stands many reasons to keep pressing on. I hope you all have a wonderful week and I look forward to nothing more than seeing your faces next school year<3 And as always, thank you for reading:)

Dear Incoming MSA Juniors

Thank you for stopping by. (:

My name is Callie Matthews, and I am a literary from the class of 2021. If you are reading this, I hope you are an incoming MSA junior. If not, I appreciate you for visiting my blog, as I love readers.

Although everyone has a different experience at MSA, I wanted to provide a bit of support based upon what I know. Being a student at a such a school demands a significant adjustment, and even though I attended the summer camp one summer, I definitely had a lot to learn. In fact, I always have more to learn at MSA…It is an amazing environment to cultivate growth within yourself. Anyway, I have looked forward to this post since the fall, so I hope it amounts to something. Thank you all for reading, and I hope that perhaps a few juniors will find this helpful. (:

First of all, pat yourselves on the back! You are going to an advanced place of learning, and you are all talented and special.

First of All…Enjoy Your Summer

I (almost) completely wasted my summer before junior year. I spent the entirety of June daydreaming about MSA and my dorm. Newsflash: my year went completely different than expected, and my dorm compared nothing to my thoughts (I constantly use the excuse that I am a minimalist…if you understand what I mean).

Yes, daydream about MSA, please. Spend an hour or so planning your dorm room’s decor. Talk to other MSA students and make cards for your roommate. But do not waste your summer wandering in the uncertainty of the future. Use this abundance of time to tackle awaited projects. And please, please, organize yourself and prepare…I can not stress that enough. Once the school year starts, you will be strapped into a seat on a roller coaster going more than 20 mph.

Personally, I recommend starting a journal. Set goals for yourself. Capture your thoughts. State expectations, and look back to see your growth. And if a journal is not your cup of tea, maybe create to-do lists, a page of reminders, etc.

You will be excited, but trust me…You will immediately wish you would have lived in the present during the summer.

Do Not be Afraid (:

It is all in the title…Please do not be afraid! I had so much fear within me while I anticipated the year. I was going alone. I did not know my roommate. I was terrified of the seniors…which is kind of ironic (the seniors are the best…remember that). I remember overthinking everything, wow.

Going to MSA is definitely an overwhelming experience. Some people already have their roommates selected and ten thousand seniors on speed dial. Others only know the names and faces of a few people…or none. Whoever you are, you definitely deserve to be afraid. You will live in a building with strangers for days on end. But keep in mind that even the seniors are clueless, and the other juniors are definitely one hundred percent as disoriented as you. Do not be afraid to ask questions. The seniors do not hate you or perceive you as stupid, and neither do the staff.

I had a million questions. I wanted to know the locations of my classes, I wanted to know the details of various procedures (even checking out), and I had no idea how to talk to my roommate. I could have asked someone, but I did not. And I felt an unnecessary amount of fear.

“What the Heck Do I Bring?”

This was one of my biggest questions. Since I had no contact with my roommate, I was confused about cleaning supplies. Plus, I had never lived in a dorm before. You have to learn what you need; everyone is different.

I recommend bringing (besides obvious stuff)…

  • a trash can
    • +Walmart bags
  • paper towels
  • toilet paper
  • Clorox wipes ****
  • Kleenexes
  • cleaning supplies
    • a broom
    • something close to a mop if not one
    • something to clean the shower with
    • toilet brush + cleaning supplies
    • something to clean the mirror
    • etc.
  • anything for school
    • I would wait to buy tons of binders (see what teachers need first), but please bring paper, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, whatever. And bring a backpack! I mean, everyone is different, but backpacks are lovely.
  • a (taco) shower curtain
  • a bath mat

If you are a person who is extremely particular, I would recommend buying ninety percent of this (nowhere comprehensive) list. But I also recommend talking to roommates and suitemates and taking turns buying cleaning supplies and items such as shower curtains, bath mats, etc. You should probably wait to buy some of these…For instance, some people may not want to shower behind a curtain with tacos on it.

I also recommend bringing…

  • blankets
  • an umbrella (please)
  • records & a record player
  • a diffuser
  • at least one plant (:
  • a gallon of water
    • save plastic by filling up a gallon of water instead of going through individual bottles…I keep a jug in my room for my coffee maker, etc.
  • and snacks ****
    • Brings snacks, please…they will save your life. I can not tell you how many times chips and salsa provided me comfort during ten p.m. essay struggles.

Obviously, bring a lot more than this. This list is missing a lot. But keep in mind that, at MSA, you are not stranded. You have opportunities to buy necessities, and you are surrounded by people. Dorms are learning experiences, so see whatever works for you over time. For instance, I needed an extra desk lamp because I use every inch of my desk, and I like a lot of light. I also always have a good amount of plants to add life. And I had a taco piñata just for the heck of it.

Also, do not forget your phone (or your hair brush). I left my phone and hair brush at home once…It sucked (I was away from both for almost a week). In the beginning, it helps to have a list of items to pack for MSA and for home. But soon you will be a professional packer. (:

Move-In Day

Oh, move-in day…brings back so many memories. That day was intense. I had no idea how to handle the influx of information, new people, and change. However, I spent so much time worrying for no reason. The day definitely presented a myriad of emotion, but I had the easiest transition to a new school than ever before. I expected the seniors to see me as a clueless idiot, but I hardly saw them; they mainly gave advice, anyway. And a few days of orientation existed between then and the first day of school, so I felt a million times more relaxed when I had to navigate my schedule. All in all, although I had to meet my roommate, eat in an unfamiliar cafeteria, and leave everything I knew for many days, I never once felt extremely uncomfortable or lost.

Be strategic when packing but not too strategic. Find a way to contact your roommate in advance, but do not panic if you can not (I met my roommate on move-in day). Try not to feel too embarrassed or anxious; no one thinks you are weird or stupid, believe me (I have done so many stupid things…). Do not be afraid to ask questions or walk around. Missing your family will get easier, also. And do not feel discouraged if you do not make friends the first day…I made my first friend outside of my discipline in September. You will have a hundred questions, but know that you are not alone in your worries. Ask for help (if I am there, ask me for help, heck), and have hope! You are starting a two-year journey. Believe me when I say that you can not predict your journey.

Seniors:

Like I have said a million times, do not be afraid of the seniors. They have only been at MSA for one year, and most of them do not care how many bags you bring on move-in day, etc. I wanted to stay as far away from the seniors as possible because I thought they would treat us like reject freshmen. But, in actuality, I learned a lot from my seniors. They added a lot of life, and I will miss laughing at them. They also gave me hope during the first weeks; I felt discouraged, like I would never have any friends, but I saw how close they all were (especially the literaries). All in all, the seniors were one of my favorite aspects of my junior year. I actually ended up interacting with them more than expected, and I became friends with a few of them. In fact, my closest friend was a senior.

Please talk to the seniors. Yes, they will leave and make you sad, but your conversations with them will be worth it, without a doubt. Not only that, but they are great resources. If I did not talk to any seniors, I would have stupidly believed that walking outside was off-limits, and I would have been blind to the awesomeness of occasional ice cream.

Roommates & Suitemates…

If you know your roommate, awesome…same with suitemates. I knew neither…I am still alive, so have hope if you do not.

I had kind of a rare experience with roommates and suitemates. I had no suitemates for the first few weeks (rare), but then two people moved in from elsewhere. I knew one from the MSA summer camp, so I was happy about that. Then my roommate left, and then the other suitemate left. I ended up having my room all to myself and sharing a bathroom with only my summer camp friend. Needless to say…I had the best time ever.

You will most likely experience something entirely different.

Do not be afraid of your dorm people, though. I was terrified of them first, but living around so many people is manageable (even if you are an introvert). Do not hesitate to set boundaries; you will need them. And please make adjustments to accommodate each other. Do not be rude and turn all of the lights off at six p.m., please, if your roommate is studying. And do not invite people to your dorm when your roommate is sleeping. Be considerate (although not too amiable). All in all, do not be afraid of roommates or the people who share a bathroom with you. I promise everything will be okay, really (says the person who only had a roommate for two months…but seriously).

Confidence

MSA helped me break out of my shell (but not too much…I am still the same person) and gain more confidence. I actually had ask questions and talk to people. I was plagued with stress at first, but it helped me in the end.

Have hope. It will get easier; the campus will no longer feel so large and mysterious, and the people will no longer seem like strangers. Also, realize that you are not alone. I learned that it is okay to ask for help (thank you, everyone who walked with me to get something signed).

The First Few Weeks

I was afraid to speak in class, and I struggled to talk to my discipline. I wondered how I would ever share any of my writing with them (I had never done so with anyone before). I sat by myself for awhile and read. I never went anywhere. I went straight to my room after dinner and sat at my desk for hours, stressing over everything.

You may find yourself alone at first. You may wonder how you will ever make friends or share your art with your discipline. You may feel discouraged and stressed and overwhelmed.

But know this: Your discipline will become almost like a family. I am so grateful for my discipline, and I never thought that I would have seven friends given to me. Granted, we have our own friend groups, but there is no other group that I would rather share my work with. They are supportive and accepting, and they help you better your work (and your day).

Also know that this will all change! My year changed drastically after the first month. I went from reading a book during meals to having memorable conversations. The friend groups at MSA are not rigid, and you will not end up alone your entire year unless you choose to be.

Open your mind to possibilities. Resist being discouraged. And treat your beginning like any other but know that you are in a welcoming place.

Dorms

Living in a dorm is an experience like any other. I loved my dorm. At first, I had hardly any decorations, but I slowly made it my own. Next Wednesday, I have to move out all of my belongings, so I feel a little nostalgic. 

I recommend bringing at least one small plant. Plants add life and color to the room, and they helped me when I was adjusting to the atmosphere of MSA. I also recommend taco piñatas…they add a nice flavor of decor.

Keep your room neat, please, it will save you. Sweep it regularly, and I also recommend that you wipe down desks, knobs, and light switches every week to prevent the spread of germs.

MSA is a residential school, so you are surrounded by people more than usual. Your dorm should be a relaxing place where you feel comfortable, so I recommend you dedicate some focus to maintaining your dorm and keeping it a peaceful place.

Clubs

Yes, MSA has clubs. You can sign up for many, but make sure you will actually attend meetings (but once you join a club, do not worry—you can leave). You never know how your schedule will look for the rest of the year. But I will say that, for me, I felt stressed and mega booked at the beginning of the year; I almost did not join any clubs. Please do not join every club you see, but I highly recommend that you consider ones that interest you.

I signed up for a club that attended a animal shelter, and it helped me gain a few community service hours (plus, I was surrounded by kittens). I also signed up for an ensemble club and Artoberfest. Artoberfest is basically a haunted house put together by MSA. I am so glad that I joined because I had a lot of fun despite the work (and I earned a ton of hours). And my favorite club I joined was the second ensemble club, in which MSA kids with instruments can play music together. This club kept my interest in music alive (I am a previous school band member…flute and mallet player…and soon to be synthesizer artist, hah), and this club also gave me a lot of laughs and happiness. I have no idea if this means anything, but as far as I know, I will be co-captain of MSA’s third ensemble (2021-2022) which is awesome.

I almost joined zero clubs, but the ones I joined brought me a lot of fun and helped me find great friends, especially in the beginning when I barely left my dorm room.

Balance

When I started my junior year at MSA, I struggled with balance (despite being used to having busy schedules booked with practices, etc.). I felt like I had so much homework and would never have free time. But I ended up gaining some awesome time management skills. I learned how to study better and balance work with leisure.

Do not stress. You will learn balance. But until you do, I recommend prioritizing assignments. I promise that you will have time to talk to friends, especially on the weekend.

Go Outside

For some reason, I was unsure if going outside was allowed. Newsflash…it is. Please go outside. I did not during the first month, and I felt constricted. I love to eat meals outside, and it is so much more peaceful than the cafeteria. Going on walks are nice too, and so is ice cream beneath the sky. I did not stay many weekends, but whenever I did, I drank my morning coffee somewhere outside on campus. Play frisbee or your guitar, or have a picnic (and make flower bouquets). Take a phone call outside, pick flowers, cloud-watch, or stomp on leaves. I spent a lot of time outside during my junior year, and I always had a blast.

In conclusion, yes, go outside. It will help restore your sanity, and it is nice when you want to be alone or have (mostly) uninterrupted conversations. Occasionally I would write or work on assignments outside, and I also would spend some breaks eating oranges on a random bench.

Stay Organized

The title speaks for itself. This is so important. Try your best to keep your room clean, and make sure your schedule is balanced. Try to prepare yourself during the summer, weekends, and breaks. Go to bed early, try to wake up on time, and be on time to class. Keep your work organized and your plans, too (and brain).

Growth & Goals

Go into your year with an open mind, but have a discernible desire to grow. You never know what will happen, all of the time. You may randomly decide to play ukulele and start a knitting club. You may make friends for life and shave your eyebrows. Whatever happens, you will grow. It is your choice in what way and to what length. Seek to overcome every obstacle. Learn greater resiliency. Become more understanding. Strive to be a person not half-empty. Care about your work and the art you create. It is up to you.

Final Words

Dear incoming MSA juniors,

Believe in yourselves. Be humbled but also aware of your talents and ability. MSA is unquestionably a journey to remember, and you will grow so much. Do not be afraid, no matter what. Do not be afraid to go home on the weekends, but stay at least once; you will not regret it. Be open to possibilities, and accept some offers to hang out with people. The work may seem stressful at times, but you actually have more time than you think. Try to resist irritation and negative energies, and learn that this is a place where you do not have to wear a mask. Do not be afraid to tell people good morning and smile. And do not be afraid to tell people that you want to be alone. Never stop growing and believing in yourself.

MSA, by far, has been the best school that I have ever attended. I have had so many laughs, and, despite some moments, I have felt a lot of yellow emotions. I have met so many amazing people that I may or may not see again, and I have met people that I would gladly procrastinate essays for. MSA is the kind of place that makes you grow as a person and an artist, also; it has already helped me believe in my art so much more, and I now I have a greater passion for writing. Plus, Mrs. Sibley is an amazing teacher. I have learned so much from her, and I am gladly awaiting more. I began my first year at MSA confused and aimless, thinking of writing as a hopeless dream or a dramaticized hobby. Now that person feels so different.

How will you grow? What will you do? How will you react to adversity, and how will you encounter peace?

It is up to you now. This is your moment. And never, ever, forget where you came from.

Welcome. (:

Staying Positive

During quarantine, your mind can wander to dark places. I know because I have found myself there countless times. The feeling of not caring about anything. The feeling of insecurity. The feeling of sadness and feeling like you are losing your mind. It is easy to fall into these despondent phases, but I just want you all to stay strong and positive.

People often say, “It’s better said than done,” but with staying on a positive mindset it takes speaking it into existence and action. Set goals for yourself whether they be long term or short. It could literally be going on a walk every day. Repeat to yourself in the mirror if you have to, “I will take a walk every day.” Once you say it out loud it’s spoken in the universe. Then put it into action. Hype yourself up to go on that walk. I know how easy it is to be lazy. But why would you spend your days doing nothing productive? It is a blessing to wake up every day and you should take it for granted. If it’s one thing I learned from living is that to never take anything for granted because it can be taken away from at any moment. So, live every day doing something you love.

Recently, I have been taking this time to do things that I enjoy. Instead of focusing all my energy into my school work as I did before this pandemic. I have been writing, researching, photographing, and even drawing. I have just been trying to find myself and who I am as a creative. Ironically, I feel like a lost that side of me this school year. I was focused on getting straight A’s and comparing myself to others that I completely forgot to take care of myself and, as a consequence, I spiraled emotionally. I let what others had to say about me affect me and became anxious about the smallest things.

Allowing other people’s opinions to affect me was my biggest mistake. Growing up, I have always been picked on. If it wasn’t because of my skin color, it was because I was tall. If it wasn’t because I was tall, it was because of my big eyes. If it wasn’t because of my big eyes, it was because of acne.

The moral of the story is it was always something, and I learned to become immune to what others had to say. However, when I made a change in my life and encountered different people, they would aim at a different flaw.

My speech impediment. When people started to pick on me because of the way I spoke, I started to look down on myself. I never wanted to speak in public. I even became self- conscious when I spoke among people. It got to a point where I hated myself because it was something I couldn’t control. I also developed a fear of speaking. Then my grandmother reminded me that I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.

So, I forced myself to get outside my comfort zone. To speak in front of crowds of people. I was only holding myself back  by keeping my mouth shut. Never let someone take your voice away. So I accepted my speech impediment and started to work on myself because that is the only person who was going to help me. When I did that, I started to become more comfortable with speaking out loud and I regained the confidence I had once again. Thankfully, I realize that I was allowing those people to win if I thought negative things about the way I talked. Those people who said negative things have insecurities within themselves that they have to heal. They feed off of hurting others. So, I no longer allow them or anyone else makes me feel bad about myself because I know who I am and my flaws.

It is important to accept all parts of you and work on the parts they need healing. I am not perfect and I still have parts of myself that I need to heal. But I choose to accept that and remain positive about it. Because with a positive mindset you can achieve anything.

Here are a couple of  Ted Talks that I’ve watched recently. Maybe they can help you the way they helped me!

 

Sunflowers, Strawberries, and You

I wrote this flash fiction piece for an assignment. The prompt was to write a 500 word flash fiction piece about a flower and a food. I chose Sunflowers and Strawberries. Here’s how it turned out:

     I have always had a strange obsession with sunflowers. The way they face the sun when the light is shining on them and the ground is warming up their roots. I found a strange sense of comfort in the bright colors bouncing off of their petals and stems. I love the happiness that they represent.

     I have always felt this way about strawberries as well. There is nothing better than sitting in a field of sunflowers with a basket of strawberries. Sometimes I will bring a book, but on this special day, I brought a canvas and watercolor paints. That’s how I met you. I was painting the sunset with strawberry juices dripping down my arms and sunflowers surrounding me. You were always such a curious woman. You told me that you also came out here to watch the sunset. You were sitting under a tree, a glass of sweet tea in hand, when you looked over and saw me. I hadn’t even noticed you until you were standing above me, watching me paint. But I’m glad you saw me. So, so glad.

     That’s where it all began. In a field of sunflowers. All my life, I have been reading books about finding love in a cafe. But I think our love story is so much better. My dress fluttering in the wind with your voice dancing through my hair. You were so beautiful. I can still hear your thick country accent and your melodious laugh. God, you were so beautiful. Every sunset in the world could never compare to your brown eyes and your freckles and your smile. I’ve never met someone as kind and caring as you. 

     Do you remember the first thing you ever said to me? I do. You asked me if I was okay. I thought that was so strange of you to ask. You were the one wandering around barefoot in a field with flowers in your hair and a jar full of watered down tea. But you were concerned for me. That never changed. Our love story was short but it was beautiful. I’ve never fallen in love with someone as fast as I fell in love with you. We moved in together that winter. It was nearly twenty degrees out but you still had flowers in your hair and an iced sweet tea. You brought me strawberries and sunflowers every Wednesday night because you thought that the weekend romance was cliche. You were so interesting in everything you did. 

     I wish you would’ve told me you were sick sooner. I wish I would’ve held you tighter and kissed you longer. I wish I had spent more time memorizing every crook and crevice of you. Everyone told me that this would be the hardest day yet. But they’re wrong. Every day is going to be the hardest day. I promise to never forget you. I’m really not sure I’ll be able to move on from an epic love like yours. The hardest thing I will ever have to do is wake up everyday knowing that your hair is not tangled with mine. I will have to roll over in my bed and know that you won’t be there to grab my hand and place it over you. I will never stop loving you. I had gotten so used to our routine and your company that I forgot that it would one day end. I never thought it would be this soon, though. I just wish I could have one more Wednesday night filled with your smile, sunflowers, and strawberries.  Rest in peace, my love. 

Imagination is Dangerous

I just know you all are looking at the title and going, “whhhhaaaatttt?!?!?! Morgan didn’t say that!!!” Well, yes you are correct, I didn’t say that… but the man in the film did.

Ahhhh another short film. Who are we? Beginning of junior year Morgan? I don’t know but I am excited to share with you all the short film for today’s blog! This short film is actually in line with the last review I did. *Go read the review if you haven’t!* This film is set in the same time period and town of that of the last film. I actually think it may be a series, but I would have to check under the director’s name on YouTube. Nonetheless, this film was just as great as the last. This particular film was focused on toys.

In the beginning of the film, a TV commentator can be heard talking about toys. While doing his spill on imagination, the words, “It’s a dangerous thing…imagination…but an amazing thing.” This line stuck with me the entire film. I’ve never heard anybody describe imagination this way. Dangerous isn’t a word associated to imagination. It isn’t even close! This just confirmed that the society in the film is very unlike the society I live in. Imagination is encouraged, not discouraged. For this, I am thankful.

The film is a cool 8/10 for me. I enjoyed the aesthetic the most. Like the other film, it featured a 50’s black and white theme and gave off really creepy, dystopian vibes—which, I think, was the entire purpose of it all. The music fit well with the film. It helped elevate the level of creepiness in the film a lot. Again, I think I mentioned it in the last review, but the masks that the parents have to wear is top tier creepiness. Masks with smiley faces on them are just so…scary.

While searching through the comments, I read that the only color in the world of the film is the red of blood. This made me rewatch the entire film just to see for myself. When the robot had the blood on its…whatever body part that was…it was the only color out the entire film, other than the black and white atleast. I thought this detail was pretty interesting. There are other small, recurring details in the film that I also noticed in the last one. I think the director has a thing for throwing in small details like that.

Overall, this was a pretty good film. I am interested in hearing your thoughts on the monologue at the beginning on imagination. Was there some truth behind it? Do you agree? Do you disagree? let me know! I feel as if this film and the last one are good discussion starters because there is just so much to unpack from these films.

 

 

Classic Disney Channel shows according to someone who never watched them (until now)

I don’t know what I would do without technology at a time like this. These days, all I’m doing to watching TV. I’ve watched and rewatched shows across Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. So with the extra time I have to watch things, and having already blogged about older Nickelodeon shows (Drake and Josh and Victorious), I decided that now would be a great time watch some of the most well-known Disney Channel shows that I never watched growing up.

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody premiered on Disney Channel in early 2005 and ended in 2007. I was only around the ages 2-4, so I never watched it while it was on TV. In fact, I don’t think I even started watching Disney Channel until about halfway through The Suite Life on Deck (2008-2011), which I actually did watch occasionally.

Season 2, Episode 13 – Bowling

I know the basic premise of these show. It’s about twins living in a hotel. Other than that, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. I’m more familiar with the Sprouse twins as they are now as opposed to them during their Disney days, but I can safely say that young Cole and Dylan were great child actors. The cold open for the episode is just the twins arguing with each other, and then Zack pushes Cody out into the hallway wearing nothing but a towel and locks him out of their room. It’s great! Honestly, the best points in the episode were when the twins were interacting with each other. And the theme song was pretty good too!

I also enjoyed their mother, Carey. She was one of the only other characters in the show that didn’t seem to be overexaggerated just for the sake of comedy. I might just be being overly critical (it is a show for kids, after all), but it really wasn’t that funny. A lot of the jokes don’t exactly make sense and a lot of the show’s comedy comes from it’s overly exaggerated characters, such as London and Esteban. London is supposed to be extremely dumb and Esteban is supposed to be extremely Peruvian, I think. And they’re supposed to be funny, according to the show’s laugh track. But I found them more annoying than anything.

Mr. Moseby and Ashely Tisdale’s characters were just okay. I could have sworn, before this episode,  that Arwin was Zack and Cody’s dad. Turns out that he just has a weird thing for their mom, but everyone in the show seems to be okay with that once Arwin wins a bowling tournament for them.

The episode revolves around a bowling tournament between the rival hotels. For some reason, the rival hotel team is aggressively German. I don’t know exactly what it was supposed to add, but it was kind of funny at times. Zack is the hotel team’s star player until his mother grounds him for locking his brother in the hallway while he is naked. Zack then recruits Arwin to take his place, as Arwin is a champion bowler. He leads the team to victory.

Overally, it wasn’t bad. I can definitely see the appeal and understand why it was so popular.

3/5

That’s So Raven

I barely had any idea what this show was about. It was on Disney Channel from 2003 to 2007, which is way before I even started watching Disney Channel, so I never saw any of it. It wasn’t until sometime in the past year or two that somebody told me that Raven could see the future. I had no idea!

Season 3, Episode 5 – Five Finger Discount

Okay… so it was really good. It was genuinely funny with fun characters and a great message. I’m a little surprised with how much I liked it.

In the episode, Raven’s younger brother, Cory, is pressured into shoplifting. After facing the intense guilt of his actions, Cory decides to return what he stole and stands up the kids who peer pressured him. I don’t know if all of the episodes of this series carry important messages, but from what I’ve seen and heard on social media, That’s So Raven has dabbled in the topics of body positivity and racism. Maybe its just the particular episodes I’ve watched, but I have seen much along these lines in any other kids show that came out around the same time. It’s a nice change of pace.

The comedy was genuinely really good. Raven and Cory’s interactions were amazing. I laughed out loud at several points. Raven is a really fun main character. I love the sweet and supportive relationships in her family. Cory is adorable. Her friends, Eddie and Chelsea, were barely in the episode, but they were still okay. I didn’t like the kids that pressured Cory into stealing. I know I wasn’t supposed to like them, but their lines and dialogue in general was just genuinely annoying. I also didn’t like the theme song as much as I thought I might.

Overall, I really liked it. It’s a fun premise and I definitely would watch more of it.

5/5