May 28

African Union Day

A few weeks ago we started a unit on the continent of Africa. We researched and wrote papers about chosen African countries. But the most exhilarating part of this unit, at least for me, was African Union day. A day where we created a model African Union and discussed the situation in Burundi. The resolution that my country was a sponsor of believed that we should let Burundi run it’s course, that we should distribute money and resources accordingly to the amount of refugees occupying their country, and more. But the resolution Isn’t the focus of this article. I’ve learned a loaf the last few weeks, but by far the most impactful thing I learned was how to compromise. Not that I had no experience, but seeing compromises for better in politics was a good experience, and i enjoyed it a lot. I really don’t have very many complaints about the whole ordeal, but I wish that I could’ve had some more time to course a plan of action with my fellow representative. But over-all it was a wonderful experience and I hope that the seventh graders of next year get the same (or a better) experience!

Thanks,

Jacob H.

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May 5

Invictus : Movie Relfection

I find it very awesome how the Pienaars and Mary changed throughout the movie. I remember an early scene where Mr. Pienaar was complaining about a black president. At that time, Mary was (in contrast to the end) their servant. She was respected, but she wasn’t their friend. But, after a meeting with Mandela, Francois comes home with four tickets. Not three. One for Mr. Pienaar, One for Mrs. Pienaar, One for Nerine… Also.. One for Mary, who just went from servant, to friend. I saw that Mrs. Pienaar and Mary were chatting it up, as friends, at the world cup. The tension was gone. Their relationship described South Africa post-apartheid.

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March 18

( I’M BACK! ) European Union. ( Soc. Stud. )

Yesterday we did something very unique. We “traveled” through the European Union. By “traveled” i mean that, we set up a mini map of the countries in the fifth grade commons, and pretended to travel amongst them. Currency exchange, border police, and market sellers. By no means was it the real deal, but it was pretty fun. The experience was great, but obviously not like the real deal. I really enjoyed doing a thorough investigation on my friend Spencer. 🙂 To be honest, security was a pain, but it had its benefits. Drug dealers. Consider yourself caught. Having a good year? You can keep your goods to yourself. Other people having a bad year? Also, if there are many countries to chose from to attack, you are less likely of a victim. But what if they unify themselves? Multiplying their good, so they can save for their famines. Multiplying their traveling leisure. Multiplying their defense against evil. Wouldn’t that be smart?

Yes, thats the end.

Jacob H.

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January 27

Who’s Right?

Seems that many groups are fighting over the Amazon Rainforest. They’re really going at it too! They’re all sure its their rainforest. But who’s right? I believe that the environmentalists’ purpose for the rainforest is the best.  Why? They’re protecting the earths lungs. I think that this quote says it well.

“If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us.”

Though this quote comes from Mr. big bucks (David Suzuki). He makes a good point, and I’d like to add on to it. We don’t know how long our ancestors will inherit the earth. At least, I don’t! Lets keep the one earth we get safe. Maybe unlike other people who support environmentalists, I’m ok with he rubber tappers, they don’t really do any harm, and I feel that the Brazilian economy needs support from them. I’m not okay with rubber tappers trashing the rainforest, they claim they won’t, and I trust them, and hold them accountable.

So in conclusion, keep the rainforest, but support the economy without harming the rainforest.

Thank You,

Jacob H.

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