Snowboarding...

Snow has started to fall, and the roads have become roller rink for drivers to test their skill at driving. While those young teenagers like myself, enjoy the increased chances of drifting and sliding sideways down the street. I have always thought of winter as my reese for the year. Just like in school when the teachers would let us go outside and play away from the school work and learning going on inside. That's how winter is like in my eyes. The excitement and laughter that goes without questioned during these few short months. 

Whether it takes place up top a big hill, like Apple Mountain or down a back-road that hasn't been cleared of snow. I make every moment full of unforgettable memories. It finds a way of keeping me warm inside and anxious to do it all over again the next year. 

For the first time I went snowboarding last year and I was always interested in going, but had no-one to take me. Eventually I found the right group of friends that enjoyed it and had been going for the last few years. It had truly been a long time since I had felt butterflies in my stomach and it was refreshing to feel them again. 

After many hours of practicing on the bunny-hill, I thought it was time to attempt the big mountain. Once I had told my friends that I wanted to, they wouldn't let me back out of it. For that I thank them, simply because it completely changed how much fun I was having forever. 

As we approached the sky lift, I instantly got a rush of butterflies in my stomach and they lasted the entire ride up the mountain. Once we had arrived it took only a few seconds before I decided to go down the mountain. Only after I took a good look around at the beautiful scenery, and vast distance that could be seen from the top of the mountain. It was time for the journey down the mountain and I was so excited! It went so fast that I had to continually go back up to enjoy the rush over and over again. The smile, joy and rush of the refreshing air hasn't left my mind since I walked of the mountain. I can only wait for the mountains to reopen and my excitement to renewed.

Preparing for Exams...

All students fears the end of each term because final exams are to be had, and knowledge that has been learned all year is tested to prove if you learned the material. For many it means many sleepless nights and hours of brain crushing studying. It was something that I wasn't looking forward to. 

I was never one to study in high school because everything came easy and if anything a five minute refresher was all that was need before a test. People always complain about those kids that can pass test with little studying while they were expect to study really hard to get the grades they could. 

I never understood why they were so envious because it has only ever hurt me. I know have to learn the ways of studying like they mastered in high school, many years before college. Would I go back and learn those ways sooner, possibly. Though there is no way of doing that now because I am already here in the present and there isn't time to relive the past. 

This week of exams is going to be an experience to prove whether I have learned how to study properly and what ways I will have to change for next semester. 

Adjusting my Schedule...

Everything wasn't simple at the beginning because I never really had a set sleep pattern or way of doing my homework. Though when college came around that was all changing whether I was willing or not. Was it hard to get use to in the beginning? "yes!" 

As time passed and the forced habit was endured the easier it became. Staying up late and getting little sleep was a way of life and I couldn't change that if I want to learn the material I need to succeed. Having someone to be there through it made the time more enjoyable. 

One big thing I learned for the next semester is to organize my class better. I thought college would be only a couple days a week, but I set my classes up really bad and had class everyday of the week. Just like high school even though I vowed never to do that. I blame it completely on my dislike for delta and lack of plans to attend there. Which means when I was forced to attend Delta, instead of Central Michigan. I was behind on the class scheduling and most of the good times for classes were taking. Resulting in my bad schedule. 

My next semester will be a lot better then this because I am more aware of when the registration is and how to plan better for my classes. Allowing for more time to study and spend less time on the road driving. Wasting less money that is unnecessary. 

Making Friends...

The first day of college came as  a surprise to me, when I arrived for my first class. As I was walking down the hallway I ran into a fellow classmate that was attending college like I was. I found it a bit bizarre that he was waiting outside the same class I was. Whether he was there for another friend to get done with their class or was he taking mine. Then, I asked and sure enough he was taking the same class as I was. 

Knowing that the entire semester I was going to be taking a class with a kid from high school was going to make this first semester a little less nerve wrecking and more enjoyable. A bit of background history about the two of use, is that we never really talked to each other until senior year. Not because we had a problem with one another, we simple were in different social groups in high school. Though through my accident of breaking my arm I was forced to join bowling my senior year instead of basketball like I had in the past. 

I got to know his passion for bowling, which was a stepping stone in becoming friends in college. It has come as a complete benefit to both of us, for the reason of college being a bit more difficult then high school ever was. I am glad to know that we have become friends through college. A quote from him is that, "good friends are discovered through college." Which is very true, since we hangout almost everyday of the week whether we are bowling or study for a chemistry exam. This friendship couldn't have come at a better time in my life.

College...

In the start everything was a rush of excitement and fear all wrapped up into one place. This was Delta college and my first day on campus as a freshmen. My mind was quickly set to easy when I found a fellow classmate had the same class as myself. It helped to start things off on the right foot. Though things didn't stop there for I was refreshed to know that the professor were willing to help all of us meet one another whether it was our first time into college or we were returning for another semester/ year. Regardless it was really warming to know that right from the get-go they were already welcoming each of us with a hearty hello.

Made my initial entrance into college a more enjoyable feeling. The best part about going to college I would have to say is that the teachers are way more understanding about our outside life. I mean if you abuse it then they are a bit less forgiving, but for those of us that have a job or family that needs to be tended to. They are willing to allow you to leave the classroom with no questions asked, which is way different from that of high school. It was always a burden to make sure the teacher knew where I was going. I felt as though I had little freedom when so many say that high school is suppose to be the best time of your life.

For myself that was far from true. I felt as though I never truly fit in with anyone and as much as I tried things never got better. I have for sure found my home at college and all the mature people that attend there. Though there are still those that feel like everything should be about them, but there easy to avoid. I never really cared for the drama, but for some reason found myself dealing with it everyday of high school. It's nice to know there is a place out there away from all the drama and restriction like there were in high school. That's why I say college has become my home away from home. My little peace of freedom from adults control and rules.

Moving Forward...

Leaving for college seemed like a present from Santa, though it didn't come wrapped in all its colorful paper or have those big fancy bows on top. It merely came to you in a plain box with nothing, but the words "Reality" written on the side of it. Optimistic people would tare into the box hoping for a fortune while those of use that have endured the repercussion from our parents who work or that we have attempted to maintain a job for the last two years; we are among those who fear to open the box knowing exactly what is in store for us inside. 

Pessimism would be a simple term in which to elaborate how I felt about going to Delta college. For me it was just another school where I was unable to move away from home. In my eyes it's like a high school for grown ups. When I think of college, I picture dorms, beautiful girls all around (not 40 year mothers of 4 kids), cafeteria's were the food is a lot better then high schools. College sports, away from all the parents, who complain that they payed seventy dollars to watch their son/ daughter sit on the bench. A life more of adventure instead of more repetition. 

I had always planned on attending Central Michigan University. Though I have met some interesting people here at Delta and have started making friendships with those that have similar interests or strike me as different, willing to put their passion in front of their image. How life should really be, unlike that of which the media portray's for the adolescents of my generation. It will never be Central Michigan, but for what it is I am great full to be attending college.

Saying goodbye...

All students are energetic about leaving high school and moving on in life. For me it's about saying goodbye to those that have greatly impacted my life. Friends will change and lives will be altered, but the memories will live on forever. I feel as though a small part of my heart is missing, knowing that I have lost someone dear to me. It's not like they have died, but that she has moved away and it feels as though what she meant to me has all been abandoned. It hurts to think about her and know that I won't be able to talk to her everyday like I use to. The joy that was endured during conversation will only be a memory in my mind. 

People never know how much they really mean towards each other till they have been separated. I know myself that there will be times were I wish I could see her and it won't be possible due to were we live or travel to.

College is great for expanding our knowledge, but is also detrimental when it comes to destroying friendships that were created due to close bonds in high school. I recently talked to a friend of mine who has felt lost because his live is completely consumed by work and school. The time to be with old friends has all disappeared and it bring great sadness to mine and his hearts to think of the opposite side of graduation. I wish life was more forgiving towards those naive teenagers we all grow to be. I know personally if I could impact the live of a naive teenager and help them to leave high school regret-less that would be worth telling a story, but that's impossible. How can anyone prepare for the life that is before them without living it and recalling all the decisions that have altered their live. All I will end this saying is make a good choice on the decisions you choose for yourself because the are the most influential part of your life.as you know it. 

Senior Trip...

It was difficult for my class to decide exactly where they wanted to go, that doesn't include the time it took for us to make the money. After, many hours of work and hard decision, my class decided to have our class trip to Cedar Point. Many people think that would be boring and  a waste of time, but for my class it was another time to bond and connect for the last time outside of school. I feel as though I'm always thinking back to that day. Oh, how much I miss the kids in my class and wish I could just have one more trip together.

As the day approached, my classes became more enthusiastic about going! For a fellow classmate it was a day that she will never forget for a completely different reason. Her reason was that she lost a brother the previous night and knew nothing about it until she was on the bus with the rest of us, on the way to Cedar Point. At first everyone was upset that we had to stop our trip because of some in connivance. After we all found out exactly why we were stopping, our entire stomach's dropped and started emotionally taring ourselves down for getting upset that we had to stop. 

The rest of our trip we continued to think about her and keep prayers in for the family. Just to watch a fellow classmate emotions change so drastically can really put a damper on things and make you appreciate just a bit more, knowing that it could have been someone in your family. In the end the trip was worth wild for those of us that were able to find happiness, aside from all the negativity going around. For everyone it would be a day to remember for our own reasons, whether they were good or bad.

Senior year...

How can anyone sum up there entire senior year in just three hundreds words? I personally can't it is fulfilled with way to many memories and moments that will never be forgotten. I personally wish it would have been a bit longer or filled with just a few more fun events, but for what it was I am pleased.

It started like any other high school year, but my class and I all knew better that this was going to be the year were we did very little and had fun all the time. I guess it's the feeling of leaving your friends that brings everyone close for one year. That is if your actually willing to get involved with the social life around you. For those who didn't their high school life never changed. Mine on the other hand changed because it really seemed a lot easier to get along with people because we all had the same goal in mind. "Make Senior Year Memorable!" From the homecoming floats to graduation night the fun never ended. 

High school and fun normally don't go hand in hand, but when it comes to a group of Seniors then we might just see it happen. From senior pranks to rebel clothing designed by them to prove they are independent and are willing to express their freedom regardless of the consequence. It may seem as though I am being very vague when it comes to details, but like I have previously stated three hundred words can't explain my entire Senior Year or others. I see it as only far to give the most basic information to elude from indulging you as a reader and then get cut short because of the word limit. Though we have been Seniors once and know from personal experience how fun filled high school was in our last year there!

Getting use to high school...

Junior year has come and the most anticipated parts of high school happen this year! From the allowance to drive to school to prom. In all I feel as though my favorite memory about my junior year was prom night 2011. It might have impacted your life, but mine impact many around me as well. I can vividly remember the faces of those around me smiling and laughing with joy. 

To many of those who learned later, about what they missed at prom had to see it the following year, but nothing was as memorable as my junior year. As my friends knew me as more of the shy guy who was embarrassed to get up in front of others and dance, regardless whether or not I knew the song. This all changed in a very quick hurry when the factor of money played a role. I sure each and everyone knows how expansive prom is. With that in mind who feels like spending money to sit around in fancy clothes. That was not for me and I was determined to get my money's worth. 

At first I still felt nervous to go out and dance, but after a bit of contemplation I finally asked a friend to dance and then it was all over after that. I couldn't leave the dance floor, no matter what type of song came on. I was in such a good mood and felt so great that no matter how bad my dancing was I was determined to have a memorable night. Which to this day my friends still talk about that night as if it were just yesterday. 

Back to the books...

I was starting my second year of high school after a well deserved vacation way from all the headache driven homework and assignments. The feeling of high school and all its mysteries were gone and now I was stuck with the feeling of being trapped in this place called school where I was told I need to learn to succeed. In reality they were right, but for the time being we as unruly teenagers were going to make the worst of every situation. As always we had a certain course of classes we were forced to take as a part of the government enforced curriculum. 

It was our job as students to make the best of the knowledge we were forced to learn, but whether or not we applied that learning towards our test and quiz would prove whether or not we had truly learned the material. For the most part it came very easy in fact it was as difficult as we thought it would be. That is if you kept up on your homework and didn't procrastinate everything.For me that was difficult because I always found myself doing things I thought to be more enjoyable and caused myself greater enjoyment. In the end it resulted in a lot of cramming and not the best grades I could have possibly gotten. This in fact didn't get any better the older I got either. 

Throughout all my experience I have learned one valuable piece of information about myself and that is my total and complete dislike for the education field. This would play a role in my future to come and alter the way I perceive things involving education. People always ask what you would like to be when you grow-up and for me my answer was always changing, but I know for sure that I was determined never to end up with a career that would force me to be restrained to a desk. Which eliminates the thought of being a teacher completely because I couldn't handle teaching students that would be unwilling to learn. As you can tell I have still many years to grow and shape the outcome of what I will be.

Getting the hang of things...

As I started to understand things better the end of the year was right around the corner and it was about to be summer. "Oh, was I excited to get away from school and finally have a break!" Though like many of the teachers were right about we're going to forget everything because who really wants to think about school while they are enjoying the beach, freedom, or whatever they find more enjoyable.

My summer started out quite boring and a bit upsetting to be honest, though I was determined to turn it around and have a lot of fun. In my opinion things started slow and progressively became a non-stop roller coaster of fun. It started with my family going to Mackinaw Island for an entire day of just relaxation and enjoying the sites. This was pretty interesting and satisfying because they have some of the best fudge.

Though this was just the beginning to my summer and was far from being complete. Next in store was a big leap for my parents who are both afraid of flying. It was the decision of the entire family to visit my sister who was staying with a friend in Florida. At first I thought it was just another family vacation that was only meant to get to know what had been going on in each other’s life, but I was far from right. When we were there we visited many interest places, for instance we visit Walt Disney World which was amazing because we went to two parks for entire days each. I saw almost everything thanks to my mom’s constant pushing us to see other things instead of staying at the same ride all day. 

That was just a small glimpse of my enjoyable summer, but like all enjoyable things they had to come to an end and this one ended with my return to high school. Its an awful ending to anyone summer, but fortunately we need an education to further are fun and enjoyable pleasures in life.

A New Chapter...

How the experiences begins for all those entering high school. There is orientation and then we're shown all our classes in an attempt to help us feel a little more comfortable about going to school and class. Regardless how much explaining they do were teenagers were bound to forget what we were told and blame them for our forgetfulness. It's the easiest way to get away from getting in trouble and I know I'm not the only one that has done that. 

High school was starting off to be a great experience. I already knew some of the upper class man so I wasn't a completely new freshmen. Besides all the school and homework there was a lot that went on outside of school that was much more enjoyable. For instance sports like, Basketball and Track were the ones that I took high interest in during school.

The best part of my life had really barely begun because I still lacked a crucial part of making things possible. A drivers license and a car to get places. Oh, how much I wanted my license when I was young, to be completely free to enjoy the life many talked about. Once I got that all ties are off and the road became my new best friend. It has become one of my favorite hobbies to watch and try and learn as much as I can about cars. I never really understood wanting a car and drivers license could cause such a high interest in their performance. It's also sad to note that my school didn't have an automotive class anymore though they use to. Which was a real bummer to find that hard fact out. For now though all I could do was wait.

In the beginning...

It started with my birth! To boring..... Hmm.....How about when my life truly started to the present, Perfect! My name is James and I went to St. Charles high school. People ask where is that? I never realized, that this place I call home was that unknown to others. In fact St. Charles isn't a town it is a village even smaller. Regardless, to me its a place full of fun and enjoyable memories, but lets rewind time for a bit.

St. Charles Bulldogs

I'm 14years old and I have just started high school. I am surrounded by all my middle school friends and a few new faces that have transferred. There also the upper class man that all of us fresh are afraid of. To me it wasn't the first time I had class in this part of the school. I was offered the opportunity, like a few other to take an advance math class. Which surprisingly many of those offered this took it without hesitation. Myself I want to take this class because I always enjoyed math and was interest in see how high school life was before I got there. To most of us it was frightening, but rewarding in the end. This all occurred in eighth grade, but now its high school there no escape once the class bell rings were still in the high school surrounded by older kids again, like middle school wasn't bad enough! Just like kinder gardeners we were a little optimistic about how high school was going to be. 

For now that's an opening glimpse on my life. For sure there is going to be more interesting things occurring in "the Life of James."