Octavian's English Blog

 I’ve always been curious about space and what’s out there beyond Earth. I wonder if there are other planets with life or what the stars are really made of. It seems so big and mysterious, and I like thinking about how much there still is to discover. Maybe one day, I’ll get to learn more about it for myself. It’s something that’s always on my mind.

 My most special holiday memory is from last Christmas when my whole family got together at my grandparents' house. We don’t all get to be together very often, so it was nice to have everyone in one place. We had a huge dinner, played games, and exchanged gifts. What made it even better was just being around the people I care about the most. That feeling of togetherness is something I’ll always remember. Today in class, we answered questions about chapters 8-10 of A Lesson Before Dying.   The questions made me think more about the choices the characters are making and how they’re dealing with their situations. It helped me see how their struggles relate to bigger themes like justice and dignity.

 The best gift I ever got was a new pair of cleats. I had been using old, worn-out ones that didn’t fit right, so getting new ones felt amazing. They made me faster on the field and gave me more confidence when I played. It wasn’t just the cleat it was also knowing someone cared about something I loved so much. Every time I wear them, I feel grateful. Today in class, we answered questions about chapters 6 and 7 of A Lesson Before Dying. The questions helped me understand the characters' emotions and struggles better. It made me think about how hard it can be to deal with unfair situations. 4o

 A song for me that brings specific memory is Hotel California from the Eagles. It brings back memories since my dad would always play it when I was a child. Every time we would go to the pool he would play the song. I still love it to this day. Today in class, we started a project on A Lesson Before Dying, and I focused on studying racial injustice and justice. Looking into racial justice made me think about how unfair things used to be and how people fought to change it. It helped me understand why standing up for what’s right is so important.

 I used to believe that Santa Claus was real. My parents would always tell me that they did not get me my gifts and that Santa Claus delivered it. I believed it until 6th grade when I found out by reading that Santa Claus was not real. It shocked me and I could not believe it. After a while I got used to it and it did not bother me. Today in class, we took a benchmark test. The test made me think about how important it is to pay attention to details when studying and to read the question carefully. It showed me that reviewing major points we learned helps me remember things better.

 I used to be very close friends with the people I went to elementary school with. Around middle school we got really close and used to play video games together. One of my friends made a joke and we couldn't stop laughing. We turned it into an inside joke and would always say it for the next year.  Today in class, we started a project on A Lesson Before Dying , and I focused on studying racial injustice and justice. Looking into racial justice made me think about how unfair things used to be and how people fought to change it. It helped me understand why standing up for what’s right is so important.

 One fear I used to have was talking in front of the class. I would get really nervous and my heart would race, but over time, I started practicing and forcing myself to speak up. After doing it a few times, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Now I’m not as scared, and I can speak in front of people without freaking out. It’s still not my favorite thing to do, but it’s way easier now. Today in class, we started a project on A Lesson Before Dying, and I focused on studying racial injustice and justice. Looking into racial justice made me think about how unfair things used to be and how people fought to change it. It helped me understand why standing up for what’s right is so important.

 I ate at this one place in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It was called Zeke's and it was a seafood restaurant. I ordered the shrimp scampi since shrimp is my favorite food and pasta is also up there. It was the best thing that I have devoured in my life. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and the pasta had Alfredo sauce that was mouth-watering. That would definitely be an unforgettable meal.  Today in class, we read up to chapter 5 of A Lesson Before Dying and answered questions. Reading more of the book helped me understand the story and characters better. Answering the questions made me think more deeply about their struggles and the choices they face. 4o

 I cannot stop thinking about winter break and Christmas. During winter break me and my family are going to Las Vegas and visiting national parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and maybe even Bryce. I also cannot stop thinking about Christmas since its my favorite holiday and I get to spend more time with my family. I am very excited for both and because I have been trying to get more into hiking the views will be really cool at the national parks. I have also never been to Las Vegas so I am excited what it will offer. Today in class, we read chapters 2 and 3 of A Lesson Before Dying and answered discussion questions. Answering the discussion questions helped me understand the characters motivations better and the story. It made me think more about the choices they make and how their actions affect others.

The only time I can remember was during a group project at school. I believed that I had good ideas, but everyone in my group ignored my input and they wouldn't even hear my ideas. It felt frustrating because I believed my ideas were good, but my group members were not hearing me. I learned that you need to speak up and take leadership. Today in class, we read and analyzed the first paragraph of A Lesson Before Dying. Analyzing the first paragraph helped me better understand the setting and characters in the story. It also gave me a general idea of the story and what to expect when we continue reading it.

Prior to entering middle school, we had to learn about our body what changes we would be going through as a teenager. In 5th grade we took a field trip to a museum and a teacher taught us about puberty. That conversation was the first time that I learned about that type of stuff and it changed me as a person. Before that, I was innocent and did not know much. If I had to pick one conversation it would be that one.  Today in class, we learned 15 new vocabulary words. Learning these words helped me understand more words and how to use them. I think it’ll make it easier to talk and write better.