Have you ever heard of a book called Stargirl?
I can't seem to remember the name of the author, being I read it 3 or 4 years ago.
It was my favorite book for the longest time... I seemed to relate to Stargirl quite strongly for some reason. Perhaps because she was kind of a misfit, which I would consider myself.
I've found that Stargirl may be just a PG version of The Perks of Being a Wallflower... I'm not sure why.
That was random, but I had to get it out of my head.
♥ Love Khrystina ♥
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sophomore Year
Hi.
So, if you didn't know, I'm a sophomore in high school, which means I'm in 10th grade. I just wanted to update you on what my sophomore year has been like so far.
I think this year has been the hardest year for me ever. Academically, I'm doing pretty good. I'm in all honors classes, so I have double the workload, basically. Yay. I'll tell you my grades if you're wondering.
Quarter 1:
AP Language and Composition: 91
Honors Chemistry: 83 (YIKES)
Spanish III: 94
Honors Global Studies 10: 91
Algebra II/Trigonometry: 93
Quarter 2 (as of right now):
AP Language and Composition: 82 (oops)
Honors Chemistry: 87
Spanish III: 98
Honors Global Studies 10: 96
Algebra II/Trigonometry: 91
Okay, maybe not that good... But, the English grade is because we only have one grade in the book... It was a quiz. Oh, well. At least I'm doing better in Chem; I HATE Chem. It's obnoxious.
Other than academics, this year has been pretty good, so far. I had a solo for chorus at the winter concert. We sang Seasons Of Love from RENT; I got the girls' solo (obviously). I think I did fantastic. I had to sing it for months. Two concerts, one in front of my family, the other in front of the whole school. The concert in front of the whole school was legendary. It was December 21st, the day the Mayan calendar ended, so everyone was paranoid about the apocalypse. 9th period was the concert and in the middle of one of our band's songs, all the power went out. It was so awesome, but I was panicking on the inside. I felt relieved that I didn't have to use the microphone for my solo for chorus, but I was still freaking out because it was so chaotic. I called my solo the "incognito solo" because not many people could see who I was. There are no windows in the auditorium, so the most they could see of me was the shadow of my face left from the glow of their cell phones. I sang louder than I knew I ever could and once I had finished, the crowd erupted. People were standing up and clapping, screaming for me. It was so invigorating. We proceeded by having EVERYONE join the chorus in singing the 12 days of Christmas, which was quite entertaining considering no one knew any of the words. It was a blast, but I was shaking the whole time. I don't think it was because of my solo; I'm quite comfortable singing in front of people. I think all the excitement was almost giving me a panic attack... I've had them before and I feel as though that was the beginning of one. I find that strange, though, because my panic attacks prior to this event were due to anger and depression, but this was out of pure excitement. That day will forever be in the history of our small town.
Anyway, other than that... I was disappointed that I didn't make all-county chorus this year. It was my first year being able to be in the high school chorus, though. My teacher said they didn't choose very many kids from our school, anyway. I did get selected to be in Area All-State for band, though. I was 7th chair I believe, but that's not bad for my first year of being eligible. I was the 2nd to last 1st flute, or the 2nd 2nd flute. I was seated in front of 9 people(?) who were older than me, I believe. I think that's quite an accomplishment.
I'm still waiting to pick out a NYSSMA Solo for chorus, but I have one for flute. I'm going to play Enesco's Cantabile and Presto. I'm playing it as an All-State and an ESYO audition, so I'm pretty nervous. I have to work really hard on it and actually practice... Well, I suppose talent isn't always enough.
What else?
I think those were basically the highlights of my year so far. We'll see how the rest of the year goes.
As always, it was nice talking to myself via the internet.
Thanks for reading (if you did).
♥ Love Khrystina ♥
So, if you didn't know, I'm a sophomore in high school, which means I'm in 10th grade. I just wanted to update you on what my sophomore year has been like so far.
I think this year has been the hardest year for me ever. Academically, I'm doing pretty good. I'm in all honors classes, so I have double the workload, basically. Yay. I'll tell you my grades if you're wondering.
Quarter 1:
AP Language and Composition: 91
Honors Chemistry: 83 (YIKES)
Spanish III: 94
Honors Global Studies 10: 91
Algebra II/Trigonometry: 93
Quarter 2 (as of right now):
AP Language and Composition: 82 (oops)
Honors Chemistry: 87
Spanish III: 98
Honors Global Studies 10: 96
Algebra II/Trigonometry: 91
Okay, maybe not that good... But, the English grade is because we only have one grade in the book... It was a quiz. Oh, well. At least I'm doing better in Chem; I HATE Chem. It's obnoxious.
Other than academics, this year has been pretty good, so far. I had a solo for chorus at the winter concert. We sang Seasons Of Love from RENT; I got the girls' solo (obviously). I think I did fantastic. I had to sing it for months. Two concerts, one in front of my family, the other in front of the whole school. The concert in front of the whole school was legendary. It was December 21st, the day the Mayan calendar ended, so everyone was paranoid about the apocalypse. 9th period was the concert and in the middle of one of our band's songs, all the power went out. It was so awesome, but I was panicking on the inside. I felt relieved that I didn't have to use the microphone for my solo for chorus, but I was still freaking out because it was so chaotic. I called my solo the "incognito solo" because not many people could see who I was. There are no windows in the auditorium, so the most they could see of me was the shadow of my face left from the glow of their cell phones. I sang louder than I knew I ever could and once I had finished, the crowd erupted. People were standing up and clapping, screaming for me. It was so invigorating. We proceeded by having EVERYONE join the chorus in singing the 12 days of Christmas, which was quite entertaining considering no one knew any of the words. It was a blast, but I was shaking the whole time. I don't think it was because of my solo; I'm quite comfortable singing in front of people. I think all the excitement was almost giving me a panic attack... I've had them before and I feel as though that was the beginning of one. I find that strange, though, because my panic attacks prior to this event were due to anger and depression, but this was out of pure excitement. That day will forever be in the history of our small town.
Anyway, other than that... I was disappointed that I didn't make all-county chorus this year. It was my first year being able to be in the high school chorus, though. My teacher said they didn't choose very many kids from our school, anyway. I did get selected to be in Area All-State for band, though. I was 7th chair I believe, but that's not bad for my first year of being eligible. I was the 2nd to last 1st flute, or the 2nd 2nd flute. I was seated in front of 9 people(?) who were older than me, I believe. I think that's quite an accomplishment.
I'm still waiting to pick out a NYSSMA Solo for chorus, but I have one for flute. I'm going to play Enesco's Cantabile and Presto. I'm playing it as an All-State and an ESYO audition, so I'm pretty nervous. I have to work really hard on it and actually practice... Well, I suppose talent isn't always enough.
What else?
I think those were basically the highlights of my year so far. We'll see how the rest of the year goes.
As always, it was nice talking to myself via the internet.
Thanks for reading (if you did).
♥ Love Khrystina ♥
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Advice For Incoming High School Freshman
I was a freshman last year, so I figured this would be a good thing for me to write about. These are just a few tips I have that would have been helpful to know last year.
1) Pay Attention:
Make sure that you're always trying to pay attention in class. The less you pay attention, the more you have to study... and I'm sure you're not a huge fan of studying. While you're sitting in class, make eye contact with your teacher as they're talking. Not only will this help you pay attention, but if you're actually not paying attention, they'll probably think you are. (Just a cheater tip)
2) Do Your Work:
I'm sure you've heard it before, but DO YOUR WORK! And when I say do your work, I don't mean copy your friend's on the bus. Do your homework as soon as you get home or in a study hall. You could even do it in class if your teacher allows you some time. Try to get it done as fast as you can, then you'll have more time to do what you want and you won't have to stay up all night writing a report. Also, don't procrastinate. Again, I'm sure you've heard that so many times before, but do not procrastinate. High school has a lot more projects and reports, so the faster you get them done, the better. Middle school projects/reports wouldn't keep you up all night if you procrastinated. High school requires much more detail and time. Don't procrastinate.
You need to make a good impression on your teachers, especially if you're going to have them in the future. Your teachers will most likely talk about the really good students and the really bad students to teachers that teach higher level classes. Be one of the students that stands out... in a good way!
Freshman year DOES count, so make sure you're trying your best.
3) Before the School Year:
Buy your school supplies before the school year starts. If you get a supply list, then get everything on it and some extra pens, pencils, highlighters, etc. If you don't get a supply list, buy what you know you're going to need.
If your school has an orientation before school starts, go to it. It's really important that you go. Orientation is a time to find all your classes, try opening your locker, and maybe even meet some of your teachers. If your school doesn't have an orientation, like mine, just go in before school starts and find all your classrooms and your locker. Try to make a route for everyday before school starts. It's really nice to know when you can go to your locker, the bathroom, which staircases to take, and when. This will help you be more efficient in school. Before school starts, you also want to make sure you can open your locker and you want to try to memorize your combination before school.
Bring as many school supplies as you can in before school and put it in your locker. This will make it much easier for you on the first day of school.
When choosing your classes for the year, choose the classes YOU want to take, not just the ones your friends are taking.
4) First Day of School:
Walk into the school and to all your classes with a friend or two so you don't feel so alone. This will also make the first day a little more fun and you'll be less likely to get lost.
Don't walk around with all of your books/binders. This will just scream "I'm a freshman! Pick on me!". Trust me, you don't want that. You WILL have time to go to your locker, even if you think you're going to be late.
You're most likely allowed to be late to class for a few days. Now, I don't mean you get to skip the first half of the period, but if you get lost on the way to class and you don't get to class on time, your teachers will understand for about the first week. It's normal, almost everyone will get lost once or twice.
5) Don't Be Scared:
Don't be scared to walk into that building. Every other freshman is feeling the same way as you. You're NOT alone.
Don't get offended if upperclassmen pick on you. They're only making fun of you because you're a freshman. It's not like they have a personal vendetta against you.
6) Don't Get Involved in Drama:
Drama won't get you anywhere. I hate to break it to you, but people are going to turn into backstabbing bitches (for the lack of a better word). Some of your friends are going to spread rumors about you or do things they said they never would, but you can't let it get to you. If they want to do that, then that's their choice. You don't need them in your life.
Don't get caught up with boyfriends/girlfriends. You're probably about 15, you have your whole life to find a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Don't listen to what people say about you. If they're spreading rumors, they're probably jealous.
And finally, be confident. Be confident in your appearance, your skills, your interests. Confidence is key to a successful life.
Thanks for reading!
-Khrystina
1) Pay Attention:
Make sure that you're always trying to pay attention in class. The less you pay attention, the more you have to study... and I'm sure you're not a huge fan of studying. While you're sitting in class, make eye contact with your teacher as they're talking. Not only will this help you pay attention, but if you're actually not paying attention, they'll probably think you are. (Just a cheater tip)
2) Do Your Work:
I'm sure you've heard it before, but DO YOUR WORK! And when I say do your work, I don't mean copy your friend's on the bus. Do your homework as soon as you get home or in a study hall. You could even do it in class if your teacher allows you some time. Try to get it done as fast as you can, then you'll have more time to do what you want and you won't have to stay up all night writing a report. Also, don't procrastinate. Again, I'm sure you've heard that so many times before, but do not procrastinate. High school has a lot more projects and reports, so the faster you get them done, the better. Middle school projects/reports wouldn't keep you up all night if you procrastinated. High school requires much more detail and time. Don't procrastinate.
You need to make a good impression on your teachers, especially if you're going to have them in the future. Your teachers will most likely talk about the really good students and the really bad students to teachers that teach higher level classes. Be one of the students that stands out... in a good way!
Freshman year DOES count, so make sure you're trying your best.
3) Before the School Year:
Buy your school supplies before the school year starts. If you get a supply list, then get everything on it and some extra pens, pencils, highlighters, etc. If you don't get a supply list, buy what you know you're going to need.
If your school has an orientation before school starts, go to it. It's really important that you go. Orientation is a time to find all your classes, try opening your locker, and maybe even meet some of your teachers. If your school doesn't have an orientation, like mine, just go in before school starts and find all your classrooms and your locker. Try to make a route for everyday before school starts. It's really nice to know when you can go to your locker, the bathroom, which staircases to take, and when. This will help you be more efficient in school. Before school starts, you also want to make sure you can open your locker and you want to try to memorize your combination before school.
Bring as many school supplies as you can in before school and put it in your locker. This will make it much easier for you on the first day of school.
When choosing your classes for the year, choose the classes YOU want to take, not just the ones your friends are taking.
4) First Day of School:
Walk into the school and to all your classes with a friend or two so you don't feel so alone. This will also make the first day a little more fun and you'll be less likely to get lost.
Don't walk around with all of your books/binders. This will just scream "I'm a freshman! Pick on me!". Trust me, you don't want that. You WILL have time to go to your locker, even if you think you're going to be late.
You're most likely allowed to be late to class for a few days. Now, I don't mean you get to skip the first half of the period, but if you get lost on the way to class and you don't get to class on time, your teachers will understand for about the first week. It's normal, almost everyone will get lost once or twice.
5) Don't Be Scared:
Don't be scared to walk into that building. Every other freshman is feeling the same way as you. You're NOT alone.
Don't get offended if upperclassmen pick on you. They're only making fun of you because you're a freshman. It's not like they have a personal vendetta against you.
6) Don't Get Involved in Drama:
Drama won't get you anywhere. I hate to break it to you, but people are going to turn into backstabbing bitches (for the lack of a better word). Some of your friends are going to spread rumors about you or do things they said they never would, but you can't let it get to you. If they want to do that, then that's their choice. You don't need them in your life.
Don't get caught up with boyfriends/girlfriends. You're probably about 15, you have your whole life to find a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Don't listen to what people say about you. If they're spreading rumors, they're probably jealous.
And finally, be confident. Be confident in your appearance, your skills, your interests. Confidence is key to a successful life.
Thanks for reading!
-Khrystina
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