chijeuya

[chijeuya]

We are the Friends of Nature

Seeing the Capstone projects of the Grade 12 students made me realize that the future is in great hands. From automatic trash segregators to alternative bags made from natural resources, I was in awe to see how functional and feasible their products are. Some were tired from watching the countless presentations of the Grade 12 students, but not me, I was impressed all the way through. My group started with the projects from St. Mary Magdalene, and I was surprised at the wonderful decoration their classroom had since it looked like a real science lab. Plus, the energy of the students was on top! They kept us entertained and made sure we were listening. S.W.A.G.S. was such an amazing invention that it definitely shocked me to see how a bunch of students programmed a technical product. However, the Biomarker from this section amazed me the most. I could absolutely see it being sold in the future, and I, myself, even buying one to lessen the use of toxic markers. Next up was St. Teresa of Calcutta whose students brought us to Teresa Blvd. They had everything that a community needs - water station, electricity, paper supplies, segregators, and more! Trash-E was mind-blowing for me. Aside from its adorable appearance, the product was functioning properly despite an error that occurred during my group's stay. The inventions from this section made me think of how these students could someday lead the people towards an environmentally friendly community. We went to St. Rose of Lima afterwards, and despite their simple class decoration, I could smell nature all around! Most of the products here were made of plants or for plants. Here I saw bags that were made of moss and potato starch. There was even this spectacular project called Biopot which truly amazed me. It was a container made out of cornstarch and it could also be used as a fertilizer. It looked nice as a decoration that I thought it could only be used to hold objects, but no, it helps plants to be stronger and healthier! We then went to St. Rita of Cascia whose room stood out the most. They used my section's room and it felt so unfamiliar to me when I stepped inside. It was a whole different place – it was a jungle! I had such a fun time exploring the place and learning about the students' inventions. Starting off strong with SunWait, their group had such a unique idea that was executed wonderfully. TrashLight was also a great invention that could be very handy in the future. I especially like that the ashes made from their product could turn into fertilizer. But for me, the best was the Mighty Alarm. As someone who easily gets frightened during typhoons, I saw this project as the most helpful among all the projects. Overall, this section had the most creative room and had the greatest inventions. Lastly, we went to St. Joan of Arc who had such a vibrant classroom. The students here were very energetic that it radiated on us who were getting kind of tired. Their inventions were quite similar with one another yet had their own uniqueness. The Hope Desk was a very inspiring invention because it is not only environmentally friendly, but also gives hope for children who wish to learn but lack the materials. It was also astonishing to see Mirasol work so well as they showed us how their solar panel does indeed follow light. This section focused more on keeping plants hydrated and healthy which I adore and appreciate as somehow who loves nature. It was an honor to see and to evaluate the works of the Grade 12 students. To be honest, I am nervous to step into 12th grade because of how stressful it seemed for them to prepare and present their projects. However, I learned a lot and had fun exploring their decorated classrooms. It was a day packed with creativity and even though the Grade 12 students were under a lot of pressure, they proved to us that there is a good future waiting for us and our planet.

[chijeuya]

Am I person or am I just a bunch of song lyrics glued together?

If I were to describe myself using songs, these would be the songs:

“I’ve never been a natural, all I do is try, try, try.” mirrorball by Taylor Swift

— All my life, I’ve never been the best at anything yet some praise me for what I can do. Some even think that I’m a natural but I’m far from that. I like to think that I’m a very determined person. I do everything I can and I give it all my best. I always try and try and try until I get satisfied. I’m not that competitive, I just want to be good.

“Jesus Christ, I’m so blue all the time. And that’s just how I feel, always have and I always will.” Funeral by Phoebe Bridgers

— I can’t recall how many times I’ve cried to this song, but what I know is how “chaze-coded” this song is. Phoebe Bridgers is my favorite artist; her two albums complete me.

“And there’s too much going on but it’s calm under the waves, in the blue of my oblivion." Sullen Girl by Fiona Apple

— I can easily get overwhelmed hence “there’s too much going on” but despite the anxious feeling caused by my surrounding, there is a still feeling within me. Even if the darkest and deepest waves of blue, I get to feel calm.

“In my head, I do everything right." Supercut by Lorde

— Girlboss? More like girlfailure! Kidding aside, I’m not a perfectionist, but I try to aim for “almost perfect” in everything that I do. I try to lower my expectations to avoid getting hurt but in my head, I have this ideal version of everything. I want things to be great, to be near perfection.

“Think I’m more alive somehow, I feel like myself right now. Right now by Gracie Abrams

— After years of attempting to find who I truly am… I’m still stuck. [ clown music plays in the background ] However, I do believe that I’m more alive now! I’ve been going to my friends’ parties, participating more in school, bonding with my family, and discovering more about myself. I consider that as progress. Either way, I am just a 16 year old girl living in a small town, and absolutely in love with music!

Collage and caption by me.

[chijeuya]

If I were a girl in the 70s, I would grab my camera and drive out to New York City. From there, I would take photos of trees, babies, coffees, lovers, just everything I see. Then I would sell my photos in exchange for a room in the Chelsea Hotel.

If I were a girl in the 70s, I would make friends with artists. I would introduce myself to Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, I would tell them that I am a Monday's child too and that I live for art.

If I were a girl in the 70s, I would go to Coney Island with Patti and Robert, We would share a corndog and watch the people ride the carousel, I would tell Patti how beautiful her mind is and tell Robert how unique his creations are.

If I were a girl in the 70s, I would go to hotel bars and concerts with Patti and Robert. I would grab my camera and take a picture of Janis Joplin singing her heart out. I would casually bump into rock stars before they get big and go to their parties.

If I were a girl in the 70s, I would never stop taking pictures. With these pictures, I get to stay in the Chelsea Hotel with Robert, And with Patti who would then write my favorite novel, Just Kids.

Just Kids by Patti Smith is my forever favorite novel. It starts as a love story but ends as a eulogy. It’s beautiful and tragic. I admire it the way that it is — it’s real, vulnerable, and full of life. If you know Just Kids, you would know a lot about me. This book tells us about the 60s to 70s, their music, their art, and everything that matters. So there you go, I am Chaze, a Monday's child, and I love the old days of rock and roll and reckless art, but most importantly, I love this book with all my heart.

Collage and poem by me.