Devin's+Page

Through my life, I believe that there are many things that have shaped who I am, and who I am becoming. My mom took huge part in this. Always being a good role model and encouraging me in all I do, its become inspiring to me. She made me realize what I need to do to be a good person. My faith has also taken a great part in who I've become. It has made me a better person and I turned my life around as a result of it. My friends are also influential in my life. They encourage me through my struggles, and celebrate my victories with me. I have been to India several times, which has shown me compassion, my future, and opened my eyes to things beyond my own little world. Not to fall into the typical high school cliche of dating, but my ex's and heart breaks have taught me to look before I fall and to stick to my guns. My dad taught me to be strong and tough, even when life gives you lemons, make the best of it. My younger sister has made me more motherly and protective than I ever was before, and has taught me that I need to really care for others. My grandparents are constantly putting me before themselves, and it has taught me to do the same. Through volunteering a lot, I have learned to see the world in many different perspectives. Finally, My ex friends have taught me as much as my current friends. Watch who you keep as company and true friends stick it out. Many things have shaped the young lady I've become, and I'm pleased to say that I am personally proud, of just how far I've come.

__Book Entry #1__ Thus far, my novel has been about a Hindu man in India following his culture. He arranges a marriage for his daughter, who runs off to the USA and marrys a doctor. She soon has a baby and has minimal contact with her father due to everything that happens. This section of my book is talking about the hardships that he is forced to overcome due to the situations he lives in and for the way he has grown up. He is an opinioned man, that is constantly writing letters to the editor to state his opinion publically about anything from weddings to city changes. I think this part of the book speaks volumes about the character. While I do think some of it is very far fetched, overall I think it is an interesting read. Some of it I also find very relatable. For instance, when he talks about the filthy, poor living conditions, and about the controlling government, I could picture it in my head. Having been to India several times now and knowing the very slums he is referring to, I can definitely see where certain elements come in to play. However I find the fact that he collects ball point pens and writes letters to the editor is very unlikely. This opinion is based soley on what I saw and experienced during my time there, but to me it is still very unreal. This book is applying to the essential question in the way that there culture is very fixed and set in its ways. The fact that he has no relationship with his daughter is a shining example of this. The Hindu culture is strictly arranged marriages and anything else is foolish. It is unfathomable to think that a girl would not only go against her culture, but also her fathers wishes. It is very few people that would do this, especially if in the same circumstsance.

__Book Entry #2__ In this section of my reading, the Hindu mans life is totally diminished. He and his wife recieve a phone call saying that their daughter and her husband have been killed in a car accident. This news sends a flood of mixed emotions. Not only is he sad that his daughter died, but he is also remorseful that he wasn't closer with her and that he didnt know her as well as he would have liked to. Another key element to think about is his daughters baby. He has never met the child, and has just become its sole guardian. He must rise to the occasion and accept this child into his home, while opening his mind to accept a huge life changing responsibility that has just fallen into his lap. I thoroughly enjoyed this section of my book. I enjoyed how it brought out a new side to this cold, strict character. I enjoyed seeing his reactions to his rapidly changing life, and seeing how he handles everything. His opinions and viewpoints that were running through his mind were also quite interesting. I think this section applies to the essential question because it also deeply ties into the culture aspect. His inital opinion is one of deep emotions, because he is now going to raise his grandchild that belongs to his now deceased daughter. However he is confused culturally and must make the decision as to how he is going to react, and what he will become for this child. I believe he will rise to the occasion and be a wonderful guardian, if he is willing to remove the heavily placed wool from his eyes and take a new perspective.

__Book Entry #3__ In this section of my reading, Stipathi is dealing with Nandana. Ever since her parents died, she refuses to speak to anyone. This makes Stipathi try even harder to become closer to her. He feels immense guilt for not loving her better, as well as for not speaking to Nandana. Not much else happened, just Nandana refusing to speak to anyone and Stipathi trying to cope with his secret guilt. This part of the book was somewhat boring to me. I became annoyed with the character Stipathi. He is not being very understanding towards Nandana. Instead of sympathizing with the fact that both her parents died so she now as to leave her friends, country, and all that she know to live in a foreign country with family members that are strangers to her, he only thinks about his own guilt and frustration. This annoys me also becuase he should be putting her first. I understand it a tad awkward at the moment, but he needs to man up and get over it. She needs him, whether she wants to admit it or not. This book applies to the essential question because guilt has spanned time. Ever since ancient Roman times, guilt has been inflicted upon society by gods, other people, and mistakes that we make. In my book Stipathi feels this same guilt, and has to learn to deal with it. He has yet to do so.

__Book Entry #4__ In this section of the book, Nandana shows more of her perspective on things. She is only seven, but can easily see through the fascade's that her family puts up. She sees her distraught grandparents, her idealistic but lazy uncle, her bitter, wretched great-grandmother and her sad, love-starved spinster aunt. However, her family is grieving still. Nandana is the shadow of her mother, Maya. Her family is so reminded of Nandana when they are with Maya that it scares them. It also makes them miss Nandana even more. Finally, in this section it shows how Nandana brings her western culture to the small and very set in their ways town. They do not know how to react to all that she is, and it is a great frustration for her. I think this reading selection was very interesting. It shows the clashing of cultures that I experienced first hand, so I was able to relate on a different level. I know how different the cultures are, and I realize just how strange some of their beliefs look in our eyes; as well as visa versa. I enjoy watching Stipathi grow and evolve as a character when he interacts with Nandana. I like the challenge the author presented him with, and I like watching him relate to some things and learn from others. This reading relates to our constant theme of watching vertain characteristics span time. In this section, acceptance is the thing that best spans time as well as culture. Ever since the beginning of time, people have had to accept certain things; such as situations and people. Without acceptance, society would linger in a raging war inside itself, and have a catastrophic result. In the book, Nandana's family has to accept her, as well as the responibility bestowed upon them by their long lost daughters tragic death. Besides the girl herself being their responsibility, they also have to take on the new culture that was just thrust upon them.

__Book Entry #5__ In the final pages of the book, the family is freed; both metaphorically and physically. The old house that confined the family in its crumbling ruins, but after a catastrophic event, they are free. After the house was deemed unlivable, the family moves away. This move sparks a new page. No longer are they living in the past with all their regrets, sadness, and fascade's. Walls are broken down and a fresh start floods in. The story concluded with a bit of a cliff hanger, because all though everyone was doing better, the author didn't tell us if the story continued in the same way. It is led to believe that they stayed strong, because even though a close family friend died, the family remained together. My opinion of this section was a bit of relief. I was hoping that the family would begin meshing, and they did not disappoint. I was relieved to see that much of the awkward tenison was broken, and was overjoyed to see that Nandana was finally feeling like part of the family. The young girl had already been through so much, I'm glad she prevailed. In general, I really enjoyed the book and think it speaks voulmes about acceptance of other people, cultures, and opinions. This section showed prevailing. It showed the family prevailing over every obstacle that life threw their way. This is also something that has spanned time and culture. People have always managed to prevail over everything thrown at them, eventually. If they hadn't, nothing would be the way it is today. In conclusion, prevailing obstacles is relavant in this book, in life today, and in history.

__Book Entry #1__ So far in my book, I believe it to be a fantasic story. The book is a true story, based on the travels of a man named Greg Mortenson. So far in my book, he is an inspirational man that is working at a hospital emergency room. He decides that like his dead father and sister, he wants to make an impact. He gets the idea to take on the project of building a school for Pakastani children that otherwise, would have no schooling. However, there is great difficulty raising the money. Desprate, he begins writing letters to all kinds of people begging them for funding. After dumping his own saving into the fund, he is stuck living in a crappy, rundown, cheap place. The story goes on to show that a funder has shown interest, but I do not yet know if Greg will be able to put his dreams into motion. I love this book so far, because I find Greg Mortenson to be an inspirational person. I love that he is willing to step out of his comfort zone and do something for someone else. I think that his cause is worthy and vast, but he is open to the challenge and thus far, has rose to the occasion. I also really like hwat he is doing because it is something I could see myself do. When I grow up, I would like to be a youth pastor and missionary.I love helping people, as well as making a difference. In my poinion, everyone should do something to help others. We all see the sad commercials with the starving kids in a different country. However, instead of feeling guilty and changing the channel, if we all did something to help them it would be so much more productive! I guess what I'm getting at is that I love how Greg is actually doing something. Not only that, but something on this scale and magnitude is breathtaking. He is well on his way to giving thousands of children a home to live in. This concept spans time and culture, because doing something for someone else has spanned them. All through time, whenever there was any kind of need, others came to assist. In the time of the Romans, people joined together to help out and win, during hurricane Katrina, people from all over went to help, and will continue to do so. Even with all the negativity in the world, there is still a great deal of good. People do things to help others, much like Greg does; and though the job will never be completed, we can always make strides to complete it.

__Book Entry #2__ In this section of my reading, the plot thickens as Greg Mortenson continues to build. Along the way, he falls in love with another doctor that seems to share his views and passion of helping others. However, she leaves him randomly leaving him alone and broken hearted. He travels back to Pakistan to continue building, and in the process, decides to build a bridge! this bridge will not only help him get more supplies to the build site, but also make it more accessible to more people. He also takes on the challenge of building more schools. This is another insiration to those around him. He stumbles upon another young woman, and marriers her! He then takes her back to Pakastan and continues his work, with her at his side. They face many obstacles, such as the path to the town being unsafe, but they get through. However, when Greg goes into town to get his supplies for the bridge. While in town, he is taken "hostage" and brought to a man! Greg is afraid and confused, but things turn out for the better. It turns out that the man is good, and is actually trying to assist Greg in his efforts. Though he goes about it in the wrong way, his intentions are good and very much appreciated. In all, this section shows love, loss, and new beginnings. I still love this book and the message it sends. The message of hope and giving to others is not only powerful and inspirational, but it also gives a sense of hope. I continue to be inspired by Greg Mortenson for his determination, and faith. He always seems to get out of bad situations, and always has others best interest at heart.This idea of having other peoples best interest at heart, has spanned time and culture. There have always been those that put others first. The people that are willing to put their lives on the line for either what is right, or what is going to best benifit others. Ever since long ago, there have been stories of compassion, and love for others that have inspired people to do good in the world. This book is another shining example of such, that everyone should look up to.

__Book Entry #3__ In this section, I finished the book! He fully completes the bridge and the Koshe school! The town is overwhelmed with gratitude and thanks to Greg and all that he has done for his community. He is brought into their homes and while they are chatting (Greg and the villagers) when he is offered a third cup of tea. He is told that the first cup of tea, is a polite welcome. The second cup of tea, is for a friend. The third cup of tea, is for family. Greg is offered the third cup of tea and the book comes to an end. In the synopsis of the book, it goes on to say that he has since built 78 more schools! I think this is awesome, inspiring, and wonderful. However, during some research, I stumbled upon the book being false. After doing some research on the matter, I'm dissapointed to say the accusations are true. Some of the vital stories in his book such as him being kidnapped, were proven to be false. This is both frustrating, and pathetic on Greg Mortensons part. Either way, the book is fantastic. It is a beautiful story that is still inspirational and uplifting, however, it is also a lie. The book has now, for me, become a book of oximoron meanings. On one hand, to me, it means that there is still good in the world, and people do indeed do good things for the benigit of others, but now, it also represents that although people do good, they cancel it out with their own selfishness. I know that these things contradict each other, but they also remain true. This new aspect of the book does indeed span time and culture. People have always done things for their own self interest. They break the rules of modern times and the unspoken rules of society, and instead make it about them, to see how much personal gain they can get from it. My mother always taught me that a good deed is not truly a good deed unless no one advertises it. I guess this remains true, as well as evident, in this book.