Music To My Soul (SSR)

What is it about music that just grabs the attention and emotions of people? Why do so many people like music? Music can have all different kinds of meanings, depending on the type of person you are. Music can be calming and relaxing to some, while for others, music can be their getaway from reality. There are many different kinds of music for anyone to enjoy. Music can have a more deeper meaning than just having sounds and words that fit together like a puzzle.

When people think of music they only think about the sound being created or the lyrics that match the sound; although, only some people can catch the message and meaning behind the music and lyrics. Many, if not all songs, come with a hidden meaning. Sometimes a message is sent through the specific word choice the musician composed. The lyrics of a song can provide an explanation, a story, or even a memory of that musician's life or possibly about someone else's life. The music can be about a love story, a tragedy, a happy or sad memory, an experience, a life-changing journey and so much more.

Music can't just be formed from throwing together words and creating a random beat, hoping it sounds like music. Music takes time and effort. Music needs passion and love to be successfully created. Music is a way to express feelings that some people may have a hard and challenging time saying; music can also be a way to just simply let out everything, any and all emotions or thoughts in one's mind. Some people may have a difficult time expressing their feelings, but with the help of music it all seems to get a little easier and more comfortable with yourself around others.

At some time in your life you need relaxation. Listening to your favorite song can get you in a more cheerful mood, or listening to some classical music can make studying a little less stressful, or just jamming out to some loud music can make you smile (and possibly lose your hearing). People listen to certain types of music because it helps identify what kind of person they are. Music can express what type of person you by what you listen to and how often you listen to that particular type of music. We all have all of our favorite types of music, all of our favorite songs, and all of our most hated versions of remixes. More up-beat songs can mean you're a more energetic and fun person while sad and scary music can mean you're upset about something, more than likely a wrong choice you've committed or a person, including yourself.

When I listen to music, all negative thoughts suddenly disappear. I'm in my own trans, my own world, where nothing and no one can disturb me. Music helps me calm down and forget about everything that's happening in our society. It's a peaceful, relaxing, and soothing feeling that I receive from listening to the soft sound of music. I know I am not the only one who feels something when listening to music. Everyone is different though. Depending on the type of music you're listening to and what particular song is being played, different emotions can be brought out of a person. Music is more than just words people memorize and sing out loud, it's a way for people to know what kind of person they are.

What's The Big Deal With Prom? (SSR)

What's the big deal with prom? So many people, specifically high school students, have been dreaming about going to prom. My question is "what makes prom so different from other high school dances?" Yes, technically, prom is a more formal type of dance, but that's really the only difference I can see. You can still bring a date, go with friends, dance, have fun, and enjoy a night out. In my opinion, prom is just something that people try to make more special than any other event. 

Girls picture prom as having the perfect night out with that special someone, hoping to always remember prom as a milestone during high school. Girls go through the process of picking out the perfect prom dress, the perfect shoes to match, how they should style their hair, how they should do their make-up, where they should go to get their nails done, where they should go to take before pictures, where they should go out to eat...it's an on-going process. Probably the most exciting part about prom for girls is how one is going to get asked, if they do. Girls dream about someone asking them in such a special and unforgettable way to prom. 

On the other hand, while the girls just can't wait for such an event to come the guys seem to be stressing out more than ever. Some guys are having a challenging time trying to figure out how they are going to make such a night special and memorable for their date, while other guys are stressing about how to find a date to even go with them. In some cases, guys are expected to take the girl out to dinner and pay for the meal; not to mention that they are probably expected to pay for the girl's carnation, too. For a lot of guys, prom is just more unnecessary stress added into their life. Poor boys. 

 

Why is it that people want to make just one night special for others? Why can't people make everyday, or at least a few days special for someone else besides themselves? Just because prom is suppose to be such a big event, doesn't mean that one night out of 365 needs the most attention and effort from someone. There are so many other ways to make someone smile and remember who made it that special.

To me, prom is just another dance. I'm not worried about finding the perfect date, or even a date at all. I can go with friends and have just as much fun as I would with a date. Yes, it's very difficult to find the perfect dress, but any dress you choose should make you feel like the most beautiful human-being on the planet. It's not about the dress, the shoes, the dance, the date, or prom in general. It's about what you make the most out of that one night. Any person can make any night special for someone else. You don't need the perfect date and the name of an event to enjoy your night. 

I strongly encourage those going to prom this year to know that it is YOU who determines whether or not prom will be memorable and something to always cherish. Just remember, you don't need someone or some event with a "special" name (prom) to have a good time, and you definitely don't need that one event to make someone's day special. 

Life On The Field (PB)

Whether it's playing outside in the rain, sleet, snow, or sunshine I will always enjoy playing the sport I love the most, soccer. Everyone can have their own favorite sport they like more than the other but soccer has so many wonderful reasons to why it is considered my all-time favorite sport. I have been playing soccer since I was about seven-eight years old and, from then, have been improving my overall skills as a player and a teammate. Soccer just isn't my favorite sport (and the only sport I currently play right now), it is my number one passion, too. It has made such a huge impact in my life and has bettered me as a person in every way possible. A sport can be more than just a hobby.

Soccer was challenging for me when I was younger because as I grew up the only sports I ever tried to play dealt with hand-coordination, not feet. I was involved in softball, volleyball, bowling, and even attempted cheer-leading. Yes, all of those sports were fun to play every now and then; however, none of them seemed to really grasp my full attention and I eventually quit all of them. That was until my friends formed a fun little soccer team. They had asked me to join the team and knowing me, being the athletic type that I am, I said why not. I was scared at first but later on I came to love the sport. The energy being brought all through-out your body, the excitement when receiving the ball, and the cheering for doing something well was unbelievable. 

Later on as the years went by I stuck with soccer and did everything I could to improve my skills and become a better player. I played on many different teams in a short period of time, went to training camps, and eventually joined a club travel team. Joining the travel team allowed me to travel to different areas to play different teams from different states, which also allowed me to learn the skills of other players and use them to my advantage. Soccer has taught me so much that I probably only know half of the lessons brought to my attention. 

As high school was quickly approaching I knew that high school soccer was coming up, too. When I first knew soccer was the sport for me, my goal was to make the varsity team as a freshman to show people what I was capable of doing. My hard work had eventually payed off as I had made the team and became one out of the eleven starters for the Lakeview Girls Varsity Soccer Team. It was a dream come true, to know that I was able to accomplish my number one goal. Being apart of this team built up my character positively. Playing soccer has helped me to communicate more, on and off the field. Also, I have been able to stay in shape year-round because of the extreme exercising and drills being done at practices. I have been able to smile and laugh more after becoming apart of another family that shares the same goals as I do. Knowing there is someone who knows where you're coming from and knows what you want makes it so much easier to feel comfortable around everyone else, to be yourself. 

Not only does soccer help with staying in shape but it allows to show what kind of person you are. You can be a striker, mid-fielder, defender, or a goal-keeper. All of different strengths and weaknesses. Soccer allows you to show your personality by kicking a ball at your feet. It may sound silly and a bit ridiculous, but being on a field can clear your mind from anything; all you have is the open goal and a ball. Your goal is to focus only on the ball. Having this concentration relieves you from any stress or bad thoughts you once had, all of it is now forgotten about. 

Soccer can be a very passionate sport. You're able to be yourself, show off your talents, and make plenty of new friends. I can very well say that soccer has changed my life for the better. I have never loved a sport more than I love soccer today. It has and always will be my number one favorite sport. When I step onto the field my mind goes blank, all voices and all thoughts are gone, I'm relaxed and no one can change that. I am proud of calling soccer my passion because it allowed for me to be where I am now, a third year starter for the varsity team going on to my fourth and final year as a senior captain. I thank soccer for giving me the chance to experience this life-changing journey.