Items

2021-03-09

Long Live My Mama

I feel like my mama story needs to be heard. We loss millions of people to it .

July 26,2020

NYC tough

#newyorktough #nyc #statenisland #greenmarket https://instagr.am/p/CDIBKKxJ3KK/

2021-01-22

How I (Barely) Get/Got Through Quarantine

I was expecting junior year to be absolutely terrible since I was in eighth grade. I did nit think it would be spent in quarantine; making it almost twenty times worse. In my opinion, emailing questions and online tutoring cannot compete against in-person education. However, I do not want to risk others lives for selfish reasons. It is quite frustrating, seeing that our 45th president was incompetent. People seem to be more and more selfish everyday; valuing their comfort and fun over others’ lives. I hope we can go back to school before senior year starts. It is would be quite depressing to have freshman year be your only full year of high school. It is also quite depressing to have (almost since not quite) spent two birthdays in quarantine. In a little over a year, I will be a legal adult and will have spent my last teen years in quarantine. I am bitter. However, there were some happy times spent in quarantine. I was able to form a (better) relationship with my family. I was able to bake and exercise more and my mental health became *slightly* more stable. BTS are my favorite artists. I could write whole essays on why. However, if this ever gets onto an AP test in the future, I don’t want to be that person that makes you want to cry. I would know. Simply put, BTS has touched and saved millions of lives all over the world. They have broken millions of language barriers and stereotypes. They challenged the concept of masculinity and have stayed humble throughout. Coming from lowly beginnings, they have evolved and become brilliant people, artists, and role models. They are special to many. They also receive a lot of hate; this is not new. All of it stems from jealousy, racism, and xenophobia. How have BTS affected me? They helped me choose to live. They helped me realize that I was the one that had to save myself. You will hear many stories about them. They helped me love myself. In an era of unrealistic beauty standards pushed upon us through social media, it is almost impossible and kills. They released a single “Dynamite” and an album “BE” with an title track “Life Goes On” in quarantine. In “Dynamite”, their first all English song, they cheered us up and made us smile. They also proved that they were capable of getting Western radio plays and big awards (Grammy nominated); the Western media and industry was just too xenophobic to acknowledge their towering success over a good number of Western artists. In BE, the composed and wrote songs relating to us about how it felt like being in quarantine and encouraging us to keep going. Their title track speaks of the world seeming like it was passing us by as our life feels like it came to a standstill. You should give it a listen. To wrap it all up, I got through quarantine thanks to BTS. It’s like a butterfly reaction. Loving myself leads to confidence which leads to better mental health which leads to more happiness. Of course we still have sad and bad days but much less.

This is a picture of two girls holding dolls in front of a Christmas tree.

2021-01-21

A Shed of Inspiration

The object that I have presented is my Akaashi plushie from one of my favorite anime shows called Haikyu. During quarantine, I have retaken an interest back into anime. I used to watch anime when I was in middle school, but my obsession ended because I was prioritizing school more. Until my friend convinced me to watch a show called Haikyu, which was about high school volleyball and made me get hooked back into watching anime again. Although my Akasshi plushie is just a stuffed animal, it has helped me through my journey as a junior in high school because it reminds me to continue working hard. In the show, Haikyu, the team Karasuno's goal is to get to nationals and become the top school in Japan. Although they struggle to achieve their goal to reaching nationals in their first attempt, that does not stop them from continuing. They all persevere through their downfalls and eventually, they finally achieve their dream. This show has given me a shed of inspiration, reminding me to continue working hard because eventually, I too, can achieve my ambitions with the efforts I put in. It also represents the difficulties that our country is currently struggling in right now because the number of COVID cases continues to rise and the vaccine for COVID is still in preparation. However, we continue to persevere trying to find a vaccine to cure this sickness and for our country to finally be at peace once again. To sum up my 2020 experience, I would have to say it was quite a crazy, adventurous, yet boring time. It was crazy because I have never expected I would experience a pandemic in my life time. To think I have read about all sorts of plagues in history class, only to discover I would actually experience it myself and one day, be able to retell my journey through this difficult time to future generations. Despite it being crazy, I thought it was also quite an adventure going through this pandemic. I have taken interests in hobbies that I never thought I would such as baking, painting, and embroidering. I even began taking an interest back into anime, which I never thought I would because I always believed it was silly, only to find out I was completely wrong. These animated shows have helped me become the person I am today and I am really grateful for that. Sure, discovering new hobbies was an adventure, there were some moments during quarantine that were boring. I could not go outside and interact with my friends as much, which made my quarantine experience even more boring. Holidays such as 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years, was quite tragic. Normally I would go on vacation with my family, but because flights were cancelled and going around increased the risk of catching COVID, my family and I stayed home trying to make the most of the holidays. We followed all of the stay at home regulations for the holidays by wearing masks and standing 6 feet apart from our family members just in case they ever caught it. The holidays did not feel as special anymore since we could not interact with people as close, making it seem like it was a normal weekday. My quarantine workspace is my white wooden desk with light blue draws and a light blue chair to match the draws. On my desk, there is a white lamp, an essential oil diffuser, a candle, and a tiny Buddha statue. Around my desk, there are a couple of photos of my family, anime characters as well as BTS members too. Three things that I would include in my quarantine survival kit would be my phone, food, and water. I would bring my phone because it would be my only source of entertainment since I have the ability to communicate with my friends, watch shows, online shop, and listen to music. I would also definitely bring food and water because I need it for survival and I love to binge watch shows while eating some food. I wanted to upload a photo of the anime paintings I have painted during quarantine, but unfortunately I can only upload one photo :(. Instead I will describe it :). My first painting that I have painted was a picture of one of my favorite characters named Killua and he is from the show Hunter x Hunter. I painted a close up photo of him smiling and made my background a little blue color. As for my second painting, I painted Hinata and Kageyama from Haikyu because they are known as the best duos when it comes to their play tactics. I painted Hinata and Kageyama who are both smiling from joy because they were able to get a good shot from one of their plays and I painted the background yellow to symbolize the happiness in the painting.

2021-01-17

Spending Time in Nature Will Get You Through the Pandemic

My story and photographs talk about the beauty and power of nature and how spending time in nature can help us get through the pandemic.

2020-12-05

Being a 25-year Suicide Survivor and my QPR (Question Persuade Refer) Suicide Prevention Training Save a Life of a Total Stranger 2000 miles away

I just wanted to send you the story about meeting Chaz Ah You, the young man that went from a total stranger to another son. He is a football player at BYU. It was a very emotional meeting but one I'll never forget and treasure ALWAYS. I was able to save Chaz's life through divine intervention and QPR Suicide Prevention Training. That is why we can't sugarcoat the importance of addressing suicide prevention head-on. It's not a comfortable conversation nor is it warm and fuzzy, but we have to have those uncomfortable conversations to become comfortable to evoke change. I am so glad Chaz is here. We will continue to have these uncomfortable conversations to change not only how people view suicide but to educate and break down the walls of stigma to STOP suicide. Have some tissues when you view this story. Everyone should take QPR Suicide Prevention Training! It saves lives! 25-years ago, my Aunt Kellie nicknamed "Aunt Spankie" saved my life when I called and told her, "She could have my shoes," she didn't hesitate to have me involuntarily committed. She's a HERO in my eyes because she did whatever it took to save my life. She didn't worry about me getting mad at her, my mother, or my grandmother being mad. As bad as February 14th, 1995, was to be involuntarily committed, handcuffed, and taken to a mental health facility, it saved my life and started me on the long road to recovery. It also awakened me to help others like me, especially in my culture and people of color. Mental health isn't one size fits all. Today, I'm a board member with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NC, a volunteer with AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), MHA (Mental Health America) of Central Carolinas, an NC certified Peer Support Specialist, a certified Mental Health First Aid for Youth Instructor and a certified QPR (Question Persuade Refer) Suicide Prevention Instructor. When the Governor of NC issued the Stay Home Order in March, I was given the opportunity to do QPR Suicide Prevention Training online. I had no idea I was going to train so many. I started training on March 26th, through May 30th and trained 600 people from 23 states and 5 countries for FREE. I took a break in June and started back training in July, finishing on December 19th. To date, I have trained over 1000 people from 24 states and 5 countries . I am not done. I plan on continuing my quest to stop suicide through paid and free training online until the QPR Institute tells us to stop training online and go back to face to face. That's over 1000 people that are now certified "Gatekeepers that can and will save a life through positive action while providing HOPE. I have trained people from all walks of life, sports psychologists, directors of sports medicine, directors of nutrition, teachers, a congressional aid, social workers, student-athletes, pastors, an NFL player, therapists, social workers, college professors, 10-D1 college football coaches (Michigan, AZ, Wake Forest, BYU, Navy, Perdue, and others) former Charlotte Mayor, Jennifer Roberts, DA Spencer Merriweather, 36 nursing students from NCCU, sorority sisters (AKA & ZETA), colleges students, two CBS News producers, a CBS News reporter, a local news reporter, nurses, an entire college conference (Sunshine State Conference), 56 student-athletes from the Sunshine State Conference, 80 student-athletes from WSSU, a Native American reservation, directors of sports wellness, numerous college athletic trainers (Carolina, Ohio State, UMASS, Liberty University, Howard University, South Carolina, UCF, UT, Clemson, High Point University, UVA, UGA, WSSU, FAMU, Notre Dame College, UMass, and Eastern Washington to name a few) and many others have taken the training. In an hour and a half, that is how long the training is, I can train anyone how to recognize someone in crisis or suicidal, talk and listen to them in a nonjudgmental way and help them to get the help they need all the while providing HOPE and positive interaction. The training teaches you that anyone can save a life while being positive and providing HOPE. I also use my own suicide attempt to dispel the stigma that surrounds mental health and to show you can get the help you need, you can recover and you can have a good life. You don't have to be a professional to save a life. You just have to care.

A message painted on a fence meant to brighten the day of the reader that says "Always Together, Never Apart, Maybe In Distance, But Never In Heart".

2020-04-29

Neighborhood Fence, Chippewa Falls, WI

A simple poetic sentiment on my neighbors fence is more than enough to brighten a day. It might have been written with the "community chalk" placed near the sidewalk a few doors down.

2020-03-29

sign of courage

Early in the pandemic, when we were sheltering in place but were allowed to be outside for exercise (here in San Francisco), I started taking photographs of signs people posted in and around their homes. This became a daily activity while I was out for a walk. Usually the signs were fairly small and were posted in windows. But sometimes they were more elaborate, like this one with a quote about the nature of courage from Maya Angelou. It made me realize that courage isn't the absence of fear; it's something else. The longer quote includes this: "Having courage and showing courage means we face our fears." That has really helped me in this frightening time.

2020

Positivity During Covid-19

This inspirational message is making its way around. Suicide rates are high right now. People are frustrated. This message asks if this is a time of transformation? A chance to start anew.

2020-04-07

We'll Live Through

I created these hand cut paper arts during the covid-19 pandemic. Both my artworks are inspirations that we, all will get through this pandemic. -My first artwork I created back in April 2020. The world and the holding hands symbolizes hope that we will pass through this pandemic as we all unite as one. -My second artwork [in photo] I created in June 2020 is another inspiration hope and courage to believe that despite this trying time, there's an end to it. That we shall not lose hope and still try look at the brighter side of things and know that there are more beauty than the ugliness this pandemic has brought in our world.

a sign stating that the Starbucks drive threw is open but not inside

2020-05-10

The signs on our doors that give our costumers hope

This image depicts a way essential workers try to do their part in keeping positive during these uncertain times. One thing can be certain during the pandemic; we all need something to keep our heads up, and hopefully these signs do just that.

black and white street art of a topless man in an black hat

2020-04-28

The Plywood Project NOLA

This is part of the art springing up in New Orleans on the wood covering the windows of closed stores in the shopping district on Magazine Street in the Irish Channel (70115)

16/04/2020

Smiles and Sidewalk Chalk

I saw that MMR was having a sidewalk contest and I wanted to enter something cool, so I started this project on April 15, 2020. My neighbors helped me a bit and when my project was about done, we were washing our hands out side and the water spilled all over my art and ruined it. The next day, I redid the entire project! And that day and it was just starting to get hot outside at the time, but all the work was worth it! I also wanted to make people walking by, smile and bring a little color into this quarentine! My Family and I also put bible verses around our sidewalk to give encouragement to everyone! What gave me the inspiration to do this chalk art? Well, I saw so many other people and kids posting and doing chalk art around their neighborhoods, and it made me want to be more creative! #chalkart #mmr

Screenshot of a Chinese social media livestream of a girl playing the guitar.

2020-05-10

Through Chinese Social Media -- 4

I’m a study-abroad student. Due to the virus, I had to stay at home in New York. I got the update of the virus through Chinese social media, and I think it is really interesting. I’m going to share some posts from Chinese social media about the virus. Those two weeks, China holds an online concert, “Believe in the Future,” steaming on the social media. It is the largest online concert in the Chinese music industry. The concert invited more than hundreds of celebrities to do cloud performance. The goal of the concert is to bring hope and heal the heart. There is no advertising and no copyright, all things free. The following is one recorded part: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIeVt0vUpGM

2020-04-03

Stay Strong, Wichita

An electronic billboard at a shopping center along Maize Road in west Wichita, Kansas, encouraging citizens to weather the crisis and look forward to better days. The sign incorporates the city's emblem with a blue heart added in its center. *Aaron Peterka, Northeastern University

2020-04-25

"Keep That Chin Up" Street Art, New Orleans, LA

"Keep that chin up, this too shall pass" spray-painted on boarded-up doors of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans in April 2020 during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. Businesses along Frenchmen and throughout the French Quarter boarded up their doors and windows at the beginning of the COVID-19 stay-at-home-order.

2020-04-25

"Heroes We Need" Street Art, New Orleans, LA

Medical professionals with masks, hairnets, gloves, and syringes spray-painted on boarded-up doors on Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. Businesses along Frenchmen and throughout the French Quarter boarded up their doors and windows at the beginning of the COVID-19 stay-at-home-order.

2020-04-25

James Booker Street Art, New Orleans, LA

New Orleans musician James Booker spray-painted on boarded-up doors of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. Booker wears a mask along with his iconic starred eye patch and holds a sign reminded folks to stay six feet apart from one another during the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses along Frenchmen and throughout the French Quarter boarded up their doors and windows at the beginning of the COVID-19 stay-at-home-order.

Street art of a man playing an instrument.

2020-04-25

Louis Armstrong with Gloves and Mask Street Art, New Orleans, LA

New Orleans trumpeter Louis Armstrong spray-painted on boarded-up doors of Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. Armstrong is wearing gloves and a mask covers the bell of his horn as he plays. Businesses along Frenchmen and throughout the French Quarter boarded up their doors and windows at the beginning of the COVID-19 stay-at-home-order.

2020-04-28

A Local Temple Sign

We are all struggling right now in some way, and I want this image to serve as a reminder for everyone to keep their heads up during this extremely difficult time and to keep pushing onwards:) #REL101

2020-04-19

The Covid Diaries Entry #16

My experiences of this pandemic.Entry 16. i had a transformative experience with the catfish given to me on Easter Sunday. (inspired by Aristotle’s animal biology.) April 19, 2020.Catfish are known as survival fish due to their reslience in adverse conditions and long length of life. They have no scales making them extremely sensitive to external elements. Their whiskers or ‘barbels’ (latin for little beard) serve as sensory feelers for protection and food detection. Since Corona inception to current