Anywho, for second period, I'm taking AP Literature Composition (flowery way of saying AP English 12) and we were instructed on the first day to write a personal essay introducing us and our background of English and what our plans for this year and college were. I wanted to get her attention, and I have a tendency to stick out when it comes to writing; I beat my own drum to say the least...and I wanted to do something different so I'd stick out instead of it sounding like everyone else's (not a word) and also maybe in impress her while I was at it.
I wanted to possibly have a theme of a well known novel and thought that would impress her, and for some odd reason, Moby Dick entered into my mind: "Call me Ishmael." I went off of it...and this is what came out of it. I left out of a word and I realized that AFTER I turned it in...so this is exactly what my teacher will be reading.
I find it rather nerve-wracking because this is basically her first impression of me and those are always the most important. I hope she likes me!!
Call me Ashley. Many years ago I thought I would venture out into the large watery part of the world; I came to the conclusion that I need to start the voyage of my life. My goals were to prepare to hunt and conquer the many whales I chose to pursue. They are not all the same size, but they are all fearsome beasts in which I have to prove myself with. This thus far is my journey…
Prior to my expedition, I did not indulge in much reading. No doubt it would have strengthened me some, but I have never been known to be found engrossed in the pages of a novel. Normally the only cause of me being immersed behind a cover was if an instructor put it in my face and graded me on it. Terrible, I know; there’s much regret hidden in that fact. I decided before I set sail to become more engaged into reading; better late than never, or so I’ve heard. Because of that, I have attempted to plunge into some books, the most recent being Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë.I had great success until reality popped its ugly head in. I tend to struggle in keeping with them, but it all depends on the story line and diction.
When I’m not on the hunt, I’m fishing for the larger bait, in hopes it will aid my victory in what’s really important to me. Even though this game is smaller and simpler, it still helps me develop into that which I want to become. One fish is of music: I spend hours groping the keys of our piano, marveling at the ring of the chords as I try to incorporate the pedal and keep steady hands. I want to create music, even if not at a superb level; I want to play that it might increase my capability to others and myself. Another is simply developing independence; clearly, the reasoning is obvious of why I would care to mature in this way; it shall advance me in my whale battles. I would be pleased in catching the fish of work; not only in employment but in simple services. Being successful in being employed has not found me, but I have been able to help in small ways such as tending children and keeping house.
Now, concerning hunting, I’m currently at war with a raging beast of the chilling name High School; just the sound of it makes one’s stomach churn. I’ve stared into its beady eyes with my harpoon in hand and challenged it to the death; it possesses my diploma. In order to obtain it, I have to pass my grueling classes, and if I’m doing so already I might as well work doggedly rather than lackadaisically. I tread forward with the mindset of obtaining a superb GPA, abandoning procrastination and execute perfect attendance. Much sacrifice must be given, mainly the addiction referred to by my elders as “Myface”, but the harder one works, the greater the reward. I aspire for greatness and hope it transforms into reality.
After receiving my diploma, I hope to be prepared to take on the ultimate challenge of sailing on alone into the college world. For many years now, I have fixed myself on the idea of drifting back to my small home town and taking on the role of a Vandal; of majoring in English and Creative Writing in hopes of potentially becoming a High School English teacher with a small writing career on the side. I also care to pursue Music Theory to further satisfy my hunger of song. Other topics of interest include American Sign Language and Massage Therapy. I am still figuring the astuteness of working a year before converting to Vandalism; whether the interlude would hinder me. If I do choose to do so, I’d no doubt work two or so minimal wage jobs to help me get my feet on the ground.
As I reflect, it seems I shall spend many months on raging seas. My journey being difficult is an understatement, but the magnitude of my joy and success is no exaggeration. Although I shall obtain greatness, so shall many, and the shroud of the seas shall roll on as they have for the past five thousand years, but I can say I rode them and conquered my whales.
Citation due to references and paraphrasing of Moby Dick: "Moby Dick by Herman Melville. Search, Read, Study, Discuss." The Literature Network: Online Classic Literature, Poems, and Quotes. Essays & Summaries. 2001. Web. 28 Aug. 2010.
