SAT essay#2

Changes that are made to make our lives simpler don't necessarily make out lives easier. If so, why else would there be a change in the first place? The main reason why technology is constantly improving is to make the everyday lives of the society more comfortable and enjoyable. From the development of internet, to the improvement of transportation, everything is designed for us to enjoy. It is there to make our lives less complicated and it is.
As an MK (missionary kid), my family has been traveling constantly to various parts of the world. Without airplanes how else would we have traveled? By foot? Nonsense. Think about it. Planes were created as a method of transportation to fly us over a tremendous distance which could take months or perhaps years by foot. Just traveling to my home country Korea from Turkey would take up more that my summer break! Thanks to technology, I can get there in less than a day!
Speaking of summer vacation in Korea, my job at a bookstore is another great example. The bookstore I worked in was not one of those tiny little stores located downtown on a corner street. It was considered one of the largest located inside a well-known mall, COEX, in Seoul. There were probably thousands and thoussands of books coming in and out with a crowd of people storming in to buy the latest released books or get autographs from authors on special events. I worked as a cashier dressed in my bright orange uniform. What made my life easier was the little computer and a scanner right in front of me. When a customer brought a huge pile of books, all I had to do was to scan the bar code, ask them if they had their membership card, tell them the total price, put little stamps on the corner of the book, recieve money and give back the change. The little computer did everything for me. The scanner was there so that I didn't have to type out all the individual bar codes. When I recieved a credit card, all I had to do was swipe it accross the credit card reader. It did all the complicated calculations without me having to pull out my calculator. Life was pretty much trouble-free for me. But it wasn't for the employees. These people had to take in hundreds of orders each day, help find specific books, change prices books in days of discounts. Without their private computers, this would be impossible. Computers were replacements for having to write down every single book code in a huge notebook. This change was created to make our lives simpler and it is!
People who complain about the difficulties arising from a specfic change meant to make this better are simply ignorant of what it would be like without that change. They are just demanding more and more. I believe we should be thankful for changes that are taking place because they make our days pleasurable and will do even in the future!

Twilight Book Review

Twilight, is a book series written by Stephanie Meyer published by Little, Brown Young readers . Although vampire novels aren't my preferred genre, I started reading it and didn't stop until I had finished.

I got my hands on Twilight in the summer of 2008 while I was working at a bookstore in Korea. Working in the "foreign" section, I noticed that many customers were asking for this book. I was curious, and after a series of debates, I decided to check it out. The moment I opened the book and read the first chapter, I found myself completely hooked on it. It was so engaging, I read it under the counter whenever customers weren't around. This book has a blend of believable characters, an astounding imaginative plot, and a well-fitting setting. These qualities really made it very readable.

Twilight is about a 17-year old Bella Swan who moves from sunny Phoenix to Forks, Washington, a damp and dreary town known for the most rainfall in the United States. This could have been the most boring move ever, until she meets the mysterious and alluring Edward Cullen. His preternatural beauty, speed and strength start to intrigue her. As their attraction to one another grows, Bella comes to discover more about Edward’s nature and his family and her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she discovers he is a vampire. Up until now, Edward has managed to keep his vampire identity secret, but now nobody is safe, especially Bella.

The way Meyer treats the vampires in a whole different light was very refreshing. I enjoyed the way they laughed together, played baseball, shared true family bonds, and participated and contribute in the community around them. I was also amazed that vampires could stay in sunlight and furthermore look beautiful; you can imagine from her description the diamond-like quality of Edward's skin. The vampires were much more human and likable. The plot was also very compelling and exciting. It drew the readers into reading more and more to find out what will happen next.

Overall I think this book was a fabulous, quick read that anyone can enjoy, not just teenagers or vampire fans. Meyer has the great skills to keep her readers completely engrossed in and involved with the story, and never once loose interest. Twilight has suspense, romance, danger, and a little comedy, not to mention great characters that you can't help but love and sympathize with!

Bulimia [Editorial]

Once again, Olivia is on a strict diet. "I'm going to stick with it." she tells herself. "I won't give into the cravings this time." But as the days go on, Olivia's willpower weakens. All she can think about is food. Finally, she decides she can't take it anymore. She starts to binge unable to control herself, and at this point she doesn't even want to. She grabs a huge container of caramel-topped ice cream and gobbles it up within minutes. Then she gets her hands on whatever is available in the kitchen from a box of chocolate, to microwave popcorn, cheesecake, oreos, and leftovers
from the fridge. After 30 minutes of bingeing, Olivia is so full she feels like her stomach is about to explode. She's disgusted with herself and terrified by the thousands of calories she's consumed. Immediately, she runs to the bathroom, sticks her finger into her throat and forces herself to throw up. Afterwards, she steps on the scale to make sure she hasn't gained any weight. She vows to start her diet again tomorrow. Tomorrow, it will be different.

This is the typical life of a bulimic.

To talk to Olivia about the conerns she's been showing lately, will not be an easy approach. Most often times, she will most likely deny bingeing and purging or maybe in rare cases, be open to accept her struggles. Either way, bulimia should never be ignored. Olivia's physical and emotional health are at stake as well as thousands of others facing the same problems.

Approximately 90% of bulimics are women. Bulimia typically begins during the teenage to the early twenties, often following a strict period of dieting or a stressful life event. Bulimia is a serious issue that is increasing in many parts of the world. "This is the last time," is what people with bulimia will tell themselves as they start their 'new' diet. However, the next thing they find themselves doing is the same cycle of bingeing and purging over and over again.

Bulimics who deny they are bulimic, should realize that while purging is intended to prevent binge eating, it actually ends up enforcing it. Purging does not prevent weight gain. Vomiting immediately after eating will only eliminate 50% of the calories consumed at most. This is because calorie absorption beings the moment one puts food in the mouth. People 'may' weigh less after taking laxatives and throwing up, but that lower number on the scale is due to water loss, not true weight loss.

When this cycle of bingeing and purging continues, it will lead to life-threatening health problems. Effects of bulimia inclue, weight gain, weakness and dizziness, tooth decay and mouth sores, ruptured stomach or esophagus, and abdominal pain and bloating. The low potassium levels caused by vomiting, laxatives and diuretics, will cause imbalances in the body with symtoms from cloudy thinking to irregular heartbeat and death.

Regardless of how long one had bulimia, this serious illness can be healed. With treatment and support, many bulimics experience a full and successful recovery. To stop this cycle, it's important for people to take steps for their loved onesto seek professional help to get treatment and resolve emotional issues that cause bulimia in the first place for their loved ones. Recovering may not be easy, but regaining health and happiness is worth the effort.

Dear Auntie~

(1) Dear Auntie,
I like a guy at my school and he seems to like me, too. We do a lot of things together. Unfortunately, whenever we go somewhere, he doesn’t have much money so I have to pay for his Starbucks or McDonald’s. He said his parents don’t give him much of an allowance. I don’t mean to complain, but I don’t get much allowance, either. How can I get him to pay his fair share? – Poor in Pendik

Dear poor,
You cannot always depend on a guy to paying for you, but I do understand you've been struggling to pay for him every single time. You must realize that Starbucks and McDonald's are not the only places to have fun. How about a picnic at the park or a walk on the sahil? This way, you will not have to pay so much money for a cup of coffee and unhealthy junk food. Most importantly, you must have confidence to just talk to him about it. If he really likes you, he will understand and try to avoid expensive places and spend more quality time elsewhere with you.

6) Dear Auntie,
I have a friend, “Matilda,” who is very concerned about her weight. She is very thin, but she’s always saying she’s fat. She never eats lunch and she wears big, baggy clothing so we can’t really see what she looks like. I think she is anorexic, but when I said that to her, she reacted angrily and told me to mind my own business. What do you think I should do? – Anxious in Antalya

Dear Anxious,
I'm sorry to hear about your friend, and I admire your willingness to help her. However, I want to be clear and point out that you should not and cannot help your friend by yourself. You may be able to get things started though. Anorexia is a serious problem that may require help from people with authority and experience. This doesn't mean you should go off and tell someone right this instant, but give her some time and space to think through it. Confront her privately in a quiet place and anticipate that your friend's reaction will not be pleasant. Don't respond with anger and frustration, but show her that you truly care about her. Remember, your goal should be to help you friend accept that there is a problem. Leave the rest to those who can help her whether that be parents or professionals. Urge her to go for help and offer to accompany her

(5) Dear Auntie,
I have a lot of homework every night. At the same time, I want to spend time with my friends, participate in extra-curricular activities, and use Facebook. If I don’t get on Facebook every night, I feel left out. At the same time, I think I’m wasting a lot of time and it is one way I could make better use of my time. What do you suggest? -- Sometimes lonely in Libadiye

Dear S.L
I see having a social life is very important for you, but this is not all that there is to your life. You need to be focused with your school work, because your future depends on it. This doesn't mean you should completely cut off from every aspect of your social life, but rather have a sense of control. Only participate in activities that you must attend and I encourage you to do start on you homework right after you get back from school. Work in a environment where you can concentrate without being distracted. Don't get too comfortable. This way you can finish all your homework in the least amount of time and spend the rest of your day watching a movie, getting on Facebook, or whatever you want.

Why Facebook? (Informative/Profile and human interest)

The moment George opens Internet Explorer, he finds himself typing "W-W-W-.-F-A-C-E-B-O-O-K-.-C-O-M." When the page is loaded, the first thing he reads is the "News Feed" which gives him general information of what his friends have been doing. If he spots anything stimulating, he simply clicks on it. Yesterday by reading, "Melissa Jobs and Dabraham Mckenzy ended their relationship," he found out his seven year old crush, Melissa, was back to being single. Good news for him. Maybe this is his chance to make a move!

Today, he notices that thirty of his friends changed their profile pictures. Maybe he needs to change his, too. After he reads the news feed, his eyes lingers towards the request box. He sees that there are no friend requests. Maybe he should add some people he might know but before he does so, he pokes back two of his friends, and checks if it's anyone's birthday. Tomorrow is Peggy's birthday so he decides to write an early happy birthday note. Now he clicks on the "People you may know" section and finds out that a friend from camp six years ago in Mongolia has Facebook and is related to one of his closest friends from school. What a small world! He goes ahead and adds him as well as several others. This is how 30-minutes of his time is spent and he is not even quarter of the way done! He still needs to reply messages, chat with friends, draw on the graffiti wall, look at some pictures, add pictures of the senior banquet, and check if anyone added new videos.


Since when did Facebook become such an obsession and why?


“It helps connect with friends,” says Dany , a student in Turkey.
The guardian counselor, Mrs. S. of the same school admits that “It’s just plain fun.”

“Once you start you don’t know when to stop!” Emily, 16, adds.



With over 132 million users, Facebook continues to attract thousands of people each day around the world. One of the main reasons why Facebook is gaining so much popularity and becoming a number one social networking sites is because of its special features and cool application that makes it very entertaining for useres to interact with their friends online. Not only does it allow for users to exchange pictures and other files, but it also provides interaction through its special features like the wall, where users can post messages for everyone to see.
Another special feature is the poke feature created by Facebook where users are able to poke one another as a way of saying "hello" or getting a friend's attention.
These are just "two" of the special features, but with a collection of over 10,000 applications, Facebook is becoming one of the top community of enjoyment and a social networking site. That's good news for Facebook lovers like George.

Change

People Change. Change is part of a natural process that we, human beings, go through. When we look back to our childhood years, we note that we have become different. It is a gradual process. As we enter a new stage in life, we get motivated to change through influences, new culture and even through the environment we live in. Change happens both internally and externally.

It is not surprising that we look different from when we were born. We notice that alot of changes have taken place externally. We are much bigger in size and weight, and stronger. This is an example of a external change in which no motivation is present- these things just happen.

Motivation is what we discover from within. We find motivation when we see something that interests us or is there's something we want to become. For an example, when i was about Twelve, I wanted to become a teacher. What motivated me was how fun it looked like to be a teacher. I admired their knowledge and most importantly, how much authority they had over their students. I wanted to become someone who held such influence. This motivation lead me to take an interest in tutoring children and even babysitting- it was a way to feel like someone high in authority. Instantly, my attitudes towards those who were younger changed and I got the idea of what it was like to be a teacher.

Another change took place when I was motivated to get adjusted to a new environment when I moved back to Kenya. It was something i really looked forward too- to become a better person around new people. My past experiences helped me pull out some of my weaknesses and fix them. This motivation led to a success. I found myself trying harder and changing bad habits into one that were more useful. What I also noticed was that there were changes that had to take place and I was willing to give it a try. Although I stayed with a very close family friend, it was a different situation when living under the same roof, going to school together, eating meals together. Basic rules had to be followed such as house chores, tidying up my room, and waking up at a certain time. Without motivation none of the change could have taken place.

Motivation for change is not always settled in our brains. Its like pop corn, popping up suddenly at random moments. We can suddenly find ourselves getting influenced by a certain thing. The next thing we know is that we're different.

Highschool Information Fair motivates students and parents

Tuesday afternoon at 12:20pm, International Gateway Academy hosted a high school information fair for both the students and their parents. It gave an opportunity for parents to grasp ideas of what their children were exactly learning.
The fair started out with the first session which was a general overview of the IGA high school program given by the school's principal, Ms.Valerie Anderson.

During session two, parents were given a chance to tour around each class, hearing from the teachers what their children were learning. Meanwhile, the high school students were present in a panel discussion hearing from their peers how to succeed at IGCSE(9th and 10th grade British curriculum), AP, test-taking and study skills, moderated by Mrs.Pam Sanderlin, the guardian councilor.

Session 3 consisted of a discussion and presentation for students interested in a certain area to study in the future. There were three options offered: Korean, North American, and UK, European, Commonwealth. Parents and teachers with experience gave basic information for the future and university entrance information.
Nathan Bristow, a student in 11th grade said of the student panel in session 2, "The Panel was intriguing."

Drunk Driver Killed

A young, drunken man died Wednesday at 11 pm when his car lost control on Nato Yolu and crashed into a bus and and he was thrown through the windshield. The man, Ozan Alparslan, a 19-year old, lost control of his white 2005 Renault Broadway while driving towards Cengelkoy. He was driving about 20 kph over the speed limit on a rain-slickened street. Driving on the wrong side of the median, Alparslan's car crashed into a IETT bus on its way to the Umraniye bus barn. The impact crushed the whole front of the car and also the front of the bus. Alparslan, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash , died instantly, while the bus driver, Cem Bayir was injured. Bayir was taken to Medicana Hospital and treated for a broken arm. Upon his release he said, "I saw him coming and tried to avoid the accident by switching to the left lane. Unfortunately, the Renault driver also changed lanes and drove straight into me."

TRANSPORTATION CARD

How many of us have been on a fully packed bus with barely no space to move within? In these cases, the bus drivers normally open the middle or the back door for people to enter. What happens in Turkey is that instead of having to walk through crowd all the way to the front to pay, you can just hand your akbil to strangers and eventually someone will beep it and it will return back to you. In Korea, near the exit door, there is a beeper. Without having to send down your akbil/transportation card to the front, you can just simply beep and stay where you are. But which is preferable? Do you avoid having to go through all the trouble of passing your akbil and the and chances of having your akbil stolen? Or do you appreciate those who pass down your card without a single word of complaint but willingness to help?

NEWS ARTICLE [A]

COLLEGE FAIR ATTRACTS STUDENTS FROM ALL OVER ISTANBUL

On the evening of September 26th 2008, a college fair was held at 7:00-10:00 p.m. This free fair was put on by the Council of International Schools hosted by the Hilton Hotel located in Istanbul, Turkey every fall. Seventy universities were represented with an estimate of 700 students in attendance primarily from Turkish schools. Thirty-three out of the 700 were the IGA community members.

The main purpose was for the students to tour around from booth to booth learning about the various universities located around the world. Most importantly college representatives were present to give information about areas of the student's interest. About 66% of the students felt that it was a worthwhile experience, while 80% appreciated the pens and other "goodies" that were available.

Deirdre Vansloten, a student from IGA said, "Overall it was a really neat experience to see the possibilities for the future and enjoy the extravagant atmosphere of the Hilton."

NEWS ARTICLE [B]

COLLEGE FAIR LEADS TO DISASTER

On the chilly evening of September 26th 2008, 33 members from IGA attended a college fair held from 7:00-10:00 p.m. This free fair, put on by the Council of International Schools over fall is hosted by the Istanbul Hilton Hotel. Seventy universities were represented with an estimate of 700 students in attendance, primarily from Turkish schools.

As the room filled up with 700 students shoving past each other, it seemed almost impossible for students to go from one place to another. Each booth was overflowing with students demmanding for different information all at the same time. Six of the representatives did not even show up leaving some of the anticipated students disappointed.

At the same time, there were problems with pen theft. There seemed to be a intense competition amongst the students. A witness even said that she had seen a girl distracting a representative while another swiftly grabbed a pen from the college table.97% of the students admitted that most of their time was based on collecting brochures and especially pens.

"It was so crowded and it was hard for students to spend any quality time with the college representatives," said Mrs. Sanderlin, a teacher from IGA.

IN SEARCH FOR THE MYSTERIOUS GIRL

The prince was discouraged when the mysterious beautiful young lady disappeared without a trace. However, hopes were raised when a glass slipper, worn by the mystery girl was found lying on the palace stairs.

Saturday evening, at 7 P.M, a ball was held in the palace by Prince Fitzwilliam II as a celebration of his family's 100th anniversary of reign. Amongst the invited were citizens and royal families from all over the region.

At about 8:15 P.M,an exquisitely dressed young woman entered the ballroom, descending down the golden stairs. Her gleaming blonde hair was neatly held by a small diamond tiara and her shimmering white gown was embroidered with delicate patterns. Her unusual glass slippers caught the attention of many people, but more than that her beauty captivated the heart of the prince. Witnesses claimed that the royal went right over to her, offering was hand to dance. For more than three hours, the two was found dancing gracefully, laughing, and whispering to each other.

However, at the first stroke of midnight, the woman suddenly rushed out of sight,with the prince running after her.

"When the prince returned, he was holding a glass slipper. He seemed determined to finding her," said a hostess.

Orders were sent out to the ministers to go and search everywhere for the girl whose foot the slipper fit. Sources says that the prince even said, "I will never be content until I find her"

The Future

Someone once asked me, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
I stood there motionless not knowing what to say."Uhh... I have no clue. I've never come up with a decision. I mean I've always wanted to be a ____ since I was a kid but now I want to be a _____ but then I think in the future _____ will fit me more......and...bla bla bla bla bla," I replied.
Who else has faced the same kind of situation?

When it comes to thinking about the future, I am overwhelmed by the endless list of what I'd like to achieve during my lifetime. Life is short and yet it is full of everything that we could possibly imagine! To tell you the truth, I haven't thought about my future as thoroughly as I should and am therefore, clueless as to what I plan to be. However, I've realized that I've planned my future since I was a kid. All those words said by myself. "I want to be a princess," " I want to become a doctor," "i want to be a teacher when I grow up." My dreams change every time I enter a different life stage, as I begin to discover who I really am and what I am fit to be.

Growing up as a Third Culture Kid, I've had the privilege to learn about the many different cultures around the world and the values each holds. I've realized that this process was one that prepared me to learn what the world needs from me. As being a MK, I guess I have another point of view. The Christian view. One of my highest hope in the future is that I'll become someone who can be light to the surrounding unbelievers, whether I become a doctor or a designer.

But wait....

I actually don't even know what I want to be, I can sense that there's something else sitting right beside me that I have not yet seen. As for now, I'm just a "wondering sheep," looking for the perfect pasture.

I want my life to be meaningful. 50 years from now, I want look back and be satisfied with what I've achieved in the past. I want to be proud of myself. And this makes me realize that trying to plan my future will just ruin my future. I feel that I just have to go with the flow with what God prepares for me instead going ahead and forcing myself to do something I am not meant to do or be.

Matthew 6:34 says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I'm in the process of learning to live each day to the fullest. We might think today's just another day. It's not important. It's what I do in the future that holds more significance. But that is what we're going to be thinking for the rest of our lives! We'll be picturing our perfect future when we can live it now.
One quote said by W.E.B DU BOIS says,"Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season.It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year.It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow.Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime."
I want to focus on today because it is today that leads to tomorrow and tomorrow which leads to the future. Everyday is a building block towards my future.The future will not just happen unless we take action TODAY.

First Post

FIRST POST!
Random Question: Have you ever thought about what the world would be like without TV, without INTERNET, and without TELEPHONES? AHHH!
I wouldn't even be posting this FIRST POST.

I wonder how people would have to cope with emergency situations. Especially when you're in the middle of no where and your car breaks down. Uh oh....
OR if a friend suddenly had a heart attack. What would you do?

I wonder how some people will have to live without wathcing the "OFFICE." It'll be boring if they had it as a stage performance.

NO MOVIES, NO TV SHOWS, ahhh!
NO FACEBOOK, NO EMAIL, ahhh!
NO COMMUNICATION, ahhh!
yes I know, pretty scary
I'm glad the world invented Tv, Internet, and Telephones. Totally proud of those smart guys.
But I also envy the people from Bible times. They were able to survive, which means we can too!