English 101.25 - Scream Your Heart Out

The title of this blog comes from the song I'm currently listening to on itunes. It talks about living with no regrets and doing everything you're supposed to do or want to do in life.

Here's the prompt:

"Why does everyone think that Gallien (the man who gave Chris a ride) in Into the Wild, opted to not call the police after Chris left his car? Gallien said, "I figured he'd be OK," but why would anyone think this considering where Chris was going with little to no supplies? State your opinion."

For Gallien, I believe he did not want to tell anyone because of what Chris said to him. Chris was telling Gallien that he did not want him to call the police or contact anyone whatsoever about his situation. Gallien making the statement, "I figured he'd be OK" is at least a lie or cover up in my eyes. If I were put in Gallien's situation, I would have two main consequences for my actions. The first is if I tell the authorities, what will Chris think of me as a person if I did not keep my word? Secondly, if I opted not to tell anyone, what would happen if Chris died out in the wilderness and I could have prevented it? Obviously, the second outcome is what actually happened. Gallien was being honorable to Chris by keeping his word, but he should have told someone in order to potentially save his life. Remember Chris left a note pleading, "In the name of God will someone save me?" Now Gallien has to live with the death of a man that will linger in his mind.

ENGL 101.25: Collide

I got the title for this blog because I have to start blogging for my English class (completely different from what I expected) and because "Collide" is a great song I can relate to. My name is Jonathan Martz, although I prefer to be called Jon. I like Jon because it is less writing to do when it comes to filling out papers and to me it just sounds better. I was born on December 16, 1990 in Merrian, Kansas; yes I am a country boy at heart. But as time went on I turned into a city boy as my family and I moved to Maple Valley, WA. We lived there from 1994-2006, where we once again moved; this time to Normandy Park. I am currently a freshman at WSU majoring in International Business. Also, I act as an Resident Advisor (RA for short) in Streit-Perham (yes, freshman can be RAs too). I enjoy playing sports and music.

My writing career has taken many twists and turns, going from being highly interested in elementary school, to hating it in middle school and junior high, to finally coming to terms with it in high school. My favorite writing class that I took was during my senior year of high school, in which I took Creative Writing. I really had a blast because I had some limitations to my writing, but not many. Normally for papers or essays you have to write on a specific topic that usually is not interesting (which is why I have disliked writing for many years). I just want to be able to put my own spin on writing assignments in English 101. I like taking various memories and moments of my life and putting them into writing. As for my attitude, I am not looking foward to this English Class because it is more work than I expected. Plus, being an RA and putting as much time into my classes this semester as I did last semester is not exactly the greatest combination in the world. But being a student comes first; besides, I have to keep up my grades for my scholarships and in order to get into the Business Program here.

So here's to the beginning of my second semester of college. Hopefully it continues to go as well as it has been so far.

Seasons Change

So far this winter break has been nothing shy of interesting. Whether it was having my girlfriend meet my parents or learning various things about people I never thought were possible. All I know is that somehow I survived my first semester at college, and there will be more moments waiting for me.

As for the point of seasons, the changes bring new excitement and perspectives that shed light on to our lives. It can range from looking back on something and realizing what exactly went on or see instances from another person's point of view. As for me, I've learned some incredible things over break. First my grandpa is in the early stages on alhs heimers (spelling?) and he seems to ask the same things over and over again. Also, he called me Byron several times throughout the course of Christmas Day. Second one of my friends is pregnant, or so she tells me. I really don't know what to believe from her nowadays. I remember her being such a nice and sweet girl freshman year of high school, but she's really let things go in her life. It seems choatic with every new thing that is thrown at her. I really wish sometimes I could help, but then again, she's doing this to herself right? If I can't really influence her, is there a point in trying?

Over break, it seems there are other people that have changed too. One of my other good friends just seems different. I can't put a finger on it exactly, but I just sense something. We barely talk even though I seem to wonder what is exactly up with them. I guess I should just keep more thoughts to myself. Then there's my brother...wow this guy. He's changed probably the most out of anyone I've ever known. Obviously I've known him for 19 years practically, but I remember him being a nice guy trying to hang with me a lot, and now he just tends to do his own thing. It's whatever he wants. He just will never know that I always wanted to be more like him when I was younger. But now as I see it, I've somewhat emerged above and beyond him. Even my parents think that; it's just interesting what happens in time.

I'll be back to the frozen tundra of Pullman by this time next week, and back to the regular college life once again. The landscape constantly changes, and people so rightfully do the same. I guess it just takes some time to adapt to one's new surroundings.

"Seasons change and so do I, you need not wonder why..."

One's Birthday

This day is supposed to truly mean something; a time of happiness and celebration. My last 2 birthdays were all about that. 17th was the best one for obvious reasons. Scoring a goal in my first opportunity at foward plus getting a shutout. And to top it all off, two of my good friends were at the game and gave me a blanket and a homemade card. 18th was decent, it was snowing and I had a bunch of people at school say it to me so it was really great. As I turned 19 today I didn't know what to think. This age isn't anything special; it's not like 16, 18 or even 21. I had a Economics final and it went terrible. I just know it did but it's not like I did well in that class anyways. I just need like a C and I would be happy.

Today actually turned out fairly well. Most people that I'm friends with wished me a happy birthday. But a few people that I thought would never did :/ Idk it's just weird to me anyways...but today nonetheless was not as bad as it could've been. I'm happy I haven't gone completely insane due to finals week and that I pretty much survived it all. Just can't wait to go home to see my old friends.

Thank you to those that remembered this day as my birthday, even though truly it's not my day. Thank you for making what it is. I greatly appreciate it. And I hope everyone has a happy holiday season.

Peace,

Jon

That one song

Has there ever been a time where you find a song that describes a particular moment in your life? Whether it be a joyful time with a close friend, an inside joke with family, or remembering those that have made an impact on your life, songs really explain what sometimes one cannot. For me personally, I'm not the greatest at talking or getting my point across. So I tend to turn to music to convey what I'm feeling. I have my own list of songs that remind me of various people, because it just reminds me of a particular moment with them. It's just truly amazing on the basis of what music has been in my life. I don't really have a favorite song, but there are times where I'll only listen to that one song over and over, or that one song I can't get out of my head no matter. It's times like these where I really get thinking about the past and how I miss it. I'll leave with the song that's currently on my mind:

I'm back, back in town
and everything has changed
I feel, feel let down
The faces stay the same
I see, see shadows
Of who we used to be
When I drive, drive so slow
Through this memory

When we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest

I heard, heard myself
Say things I'd take back
If I could, could retell
And make these stories last
I see, see shadows
Of who we'll always be
And I drive, drive these roads
That made our memories

When we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest
Shadows and regrets
Let go of the rest

Everything has changed
Faces stay the same
Everything has changed
Faces stay the same

When we were only kids
And our time couldn't end
And how tall did we stand?
With the world in our hands

And we were only kids
And we were best of friends
And we hoped for the best
And let go of the rest

Shadows and regrets
We let go of the rest
Shadows and Regrets
We let go of the rest

Visiting High School Once Again

Being able to travel back to JFK (now known as KC) gave me the opportunity to appreciate a few things. One, I actually became a somebody by transferring to that school. Orginally I was a no body for the majority of my life. But through my high school experience I was able to do something with my life. Two, I made so many great friends that hopefully will stay with my for my entire life. I will remember so many of them throughout the wonderful memories and such. Three, I've been called a role model, a legend, and I've supposedly left my legacy enstilled in the hearts of many. It's true that I've done something truly remarkable.

Going back though has made me think a lot about my life. I want to continue to be somebody and try to pave the way for others. Sure I will be forgetten by most, whether it be by people who promised they'd stay in contact with me forever or otherwise. It's just part of life. You just got to appreciate the little things that happen along the way.

Frustrations

Even though I'm back home from college for the week, it seems as though things are hitting me pretty hard. I thought things were going great, but turns out no matter how you look at it there will always be some problems occuring some where.

I just have mixed emotions relating to my current girlfriend and this other girl. And I have no idea who to talk to. I can't even explain my feelings at all. This is just weird, or maybe I'm just imagining things. I really don't know...

I've been contimplating whether business is the right major for me. I mean the standard classes I'm doing ok in. It's just economics is bring me down. I mean I do have a B in it, don't get me wrong that's good, but the thing is I'm averaging a C- on my tests right now. That's pretty weak in my opinion. But whatever I guess I should be happy that I'm even passing.

I just wish that I could've done a lot of things differently, but I've obviously made my decisions for a reason. And I should stick by them even though if I may truly regret it. It's life and I should learn not to live in the past, but to live in the present.