CR: Social Action Project Thoughts

In English class we are doing a social action project. The project consists of choosing a social issue and creating a way to either make a change or raise awareness for it. I actually really love the idea of this project. I just wish that I had a little more time to actually do the project. I feel that if the project was started a little early, we would be able to accomplish amazing things and even seriously impact people.

I chose to do my project on social ostracism, a form of social rejection that involves an emotional withdrawal that occurs in the physical presence of the target. Ironically, even though victims are visible during social ostracism, it is with this type of ostracism that targets may actually feel invisible. This is because the “offenders” (people, who are doing the ostracizing,) behave like the target is completely invisible, like they do not exist. This actually includes a lot of what we do today such as the silent treatment, the cold shoulder, freezing out, and even ignoring phone calls or emails. Some call ostracism the “social death penalty.” It’s the feeling of being a pariah, of being shunned, ignored by the group, or given the silent treatment.

Many people do not understand the serious effects isolating someone can have on that person mentally and even physically. Ostracism can cause people to become depressed, have suicidal thoughts, physically hurt themselves, have bad moods, become socially awkward, and a lot more. It is important that people understand the consequences of their actions when shunning or ignoring someone. The smallest thing can turn into the biggest problem. So remember to always try to brighten someone’s say because the smallest gesture can also become someone’s brightest treasure. 

FC: Final Thoughts

So of course, every school year must come to an end. In the past I have always been extremely excited for the summer and longed for the last day of school. The last 10 days would always go by slower than the last 5 minutes in a NBA game. This year, yes the days are going by  but instead of wishing for them to speed up, I wish they could go even slower. Now don't get me wrong, I am beyooooond tired of school. However, I am beyooond nervous about whats to come next. Unlike all of the past years, I am not going to the same school. Hell! Im not even going to be in the same state! Just thinking about being virtually all alone in a place where I dont know my right from my left. 

College is completely different than high school. And Saint Peter's University is completely different than Thurgood Marshall Academy. I do not know what to expect and there more questions and wondering than any answers. What's my roommate going to be like? Will my mentor understand my lazy ways? Will he even care? Will my professors show the same amount of motivation as my high school teachers did?  I'd like to think that all of the answers to these questions will be the ones that I am rooting for, but I know better than to expect everything to go how I want it. 


The reality of it is that there is no way for me to know the answers to any of these questions until  I experience the situations myself. And in order for me to do that, I have to push my worries to the side, put one foot forward, and leave the nest to go to college. Just as I have to with my first home, I have to leave TMA which will not be an easy task. Through all of the ups and downs, I can honestly say that my TMA experience has prepared me for my new chapter in life which is furthering my education and becoming a Saint Peter’s Peacock! Although I am thrilled to be an official Peacock I am a Lady Panther for life and will continue to show TMA pride! TMA will forever be engraved in my memory as the place where dreams, leaders, and conquerors are made. I will go where there is not path and create my own, leaving a trail for others to aspire to.

It has been an amazing time at TMA and I can honestly say that I'm sad to go. I came to Thurgood the summer before 7th grade and I hated it. It wasn’t until I entered high school, that I realized TMA's extraordinary qualities, like the incredible and long lasting friendships it creates. Shout out to my BOMB squad, Chey, Nere, and Jelly! I love you guys more than words can express and I wouldn’t ask for any better group of friends. You helped me through these last few stressful years with laughs, love, and inspiration, and for that I thank you. But I can't forget the new additions Aqua, Tahera, and Yomi. You guys were unexpected but I love and appreciate you just as much! And you can always sit with us (inside joke.) To the senior class, I hope your dreams take you to the highest of your hopes, the windows of your opportunities, and the most special places your heart has ever known. I'd say bye, but it's never byes, always see you later's!