Final Portfolio- The Adventure of Me

THE ADVENTURE OF ME

YUFEI HE

MS. GUARINO

WRITING & COMPOSITION

2015

Welcome to Sofia’s Writing World!

Enjoy Reading and Enjoy Your Great Life!

Sofia He

Ms. Guarino

Writing & Composition

May 28th, 2015

                                                   The Adventure of Me

At this moment, you are going to read stories about an amazing journey, and I, Sofia He, am the hero of this adventure. I have passed the mountain of vocabulary, with scars left on my legs; I have run through the swamp of creativity, with mud stuck on my clothes; I have climbed up the deep trap of grammar, with rocks that hit my face. Finally, I am able to see the outline of the rainbow; I am able to write what I think, what I feel and what I like in a mature way. In fact, this year has been an adventure of struggling on basic writing, making progress on creativity and growing up to be a distinctive writer. The videotape is ready to be played back; are you ready to click the rewind button?

I struggled on several essential problems during the earlier time of this class such as coming up with ideas and using the correct grammar. To start with, thinking, typing and deleting, typing and deleting, typing and deleting were the only actions I could do for writing when I first entered this class in September, 2014. Being a Chinese girl who had only written formal essay in English before, the various topics of writing tasks nearly drove me crazy. I can remember clearly that on every Saturday morning, I would sit in my bed and stare at the writing assignment until the iPad screen turned black without a single word on it. Besides ideas, grammar was another obstacle, which has confused me till today. The prepositions were always messed up from me, and I could never understand attributive clause. Grammar errors looked like little ants in my mind, always crawling quickly and covering the most important part of a sentence. I waved my arms and shouted, trying to drive out those problems. However, I could not get over them. Low scores always showed up on my grammar quiz, and red marks on my writing feedback as well. I kept floundering and floundering, trying to breath some fresh air through the gap between words. What did I do wrong? I could not even finish the regular writing. What would happen in the further class?

What saved my confidence and courage was the project, which aimed at improving our creative writing. Starting with the twist story, I found myself interested in describing funny scenes. Therefore, I began to observe every object that I could make fun of, and recorded the moments that triggered me laughing. In fact, every little object around me could be the character of my writing, and they could construct a great comedy together. The project of writing lyrics and a letter to a friend have all inspired me one thing: I have a remarkable flow of ideas when creating stories based on true experiences and emotions of myself. When writing a letter to my friend, I didn't think long at all. Everything just came up in a second, and my brain controlled my fingers to type them out quickly. I expressed my anger and what I really thought; my tone was comical and relaxing. To tell the truth, I personally love reading this kind of articles. This project also included using powerful verbs, which helped make me a stronger and more descriptive writer. During the process of increasing my writing ability, I gradually excavated my creativity, which was like salt for meal, tiny but unnegligible.

The peak of this class, which helped me find my own style of writing hooks and body paragraphs, was the 30-day challenge. This project allowed me to observe the most suitable tune of expressing myself. It all began from the first blog post. Just like other creative writing, I didn't spend a lot of time finishing this article. However, since it would be a series of writing, I decided to do something special. I planned to build symbols in my writing that whenever others read my article, they would realize immediately: the writer must be Sofia. As you will read in the portfolio later, my symbols came out to be questions, transitions and humor. Not only introductions, hooks were everywhere in my articles. Sometimes I felt that I was not writing for other people, but recording the conversations between Angle Sofia and Evil Sofia, whom you will meet later. I asked the questions that I was mostly curious about, and answered them by myself; that was really cool experience. What's cooler, you would never know what would happen next second in my writing. To tell the truth, those articles were all twist stories. All in all, nowadays I am trying to be the coolest writer and only write stories which make you unable to stop reading and laughing.

Now we come to the end of this journey, and I have accomplished many magnificent miracles as an adventurer: I tried my best to beat those tough barriers, discovered my strength and finally found out the unique me. Looking back at my first blog post, my goal for this class seemed to be simple: ending with an A, being able to write better articles and establishing a logical mind. To tell the truth, I have achieved some of them, and earned more than them. Just like climbing mountains, I have got over some cliffs, bypassed some and fallen down as well. I am still on the way of being a triumphant writer, with improvement and difficulties as companion. The mountains may connect one by one, but there will be some day that I stand on the highest peak of those mountains and declare proudly: Me, Sofia He, has conquered the mountains of writing!

       Good Start = Half Way to Success!

Are you asking me to introduce something about my mysterious 30-Day challenge? Well, my only feeling is that it is just too hard to move my body away from the bed on the weekend. Nevertheless, It does not mean that I did not do it, or my legs won't be so hurt, just like my little cousin has sat on them for 2 hours. Trust me, this is one of the worst decisions I have ever made. You might laugh at me and ask the reason for my choice of running 30 minutes every day. I would like to tell you two tragic stories, which happened during spring break.

Firstly, the shock came from my friends. I have imagined many things they might say after several months since they had seen me last time. They might ask about my life in America; they might tell me how excited they are to see me again; they might tell me their stories and complain about those strict teachers. However, they all said one sentence:" Why are you getting so fat?" Not one or two of them, but all of them said this sentence. It transformed into a bomb, destroyed my fragile heart over and over again. I thought felt that it was because of the food here, which has a large amount of fat and sugar. To tell the truth, although I want to keep fit, I am not able to refuse the food at all. They are part of my life!

The second wounds were given from my mother. In my family, there was a tradition that we play badminton every Sunday morning. Without exception, I joined them on the second Sunday of spring break. I used to be the second place in my family since my mother's physical strength was not as good as mine and I could always beat her. To my surprise, after playing less than ten minutes with her, I felt extremely exhausted that I could not even breath fluently. She laughed at me badly which made me want to find a hole and hide myself. When finishing playing, she wholeheartedly recommended me to some exercise, or she would hit me in the summer.

Here comes the question. What does exercise really mean? I did yoga four times a week during the winter season, which was thrown into the "not exercising but relaxing" list for my mom (Ms. Yoga, be strong, don't cry). For my spring season, I picked tennis, expected that I could move my body more often? But you know what?! We only practice twice a week... While cleaning snow on the tennis court, an idea sparked out like a star: I should run along the backfield and breath the fresh air. The idea had stuck in my mind for a long time, while there was no powerful motivation until the 30-Day program started.

The first three days were pretty tough and I felt exhausted after running for only 15 minutes. However, I don’t need to be upset; I have tried my best since the start. I believe that I will be able to keep this challenge working no matter it will be sunny or rainy, just like Julie, who keeps her challenge going in any mood.

Fighting! For perseverance and fitness!

           

                                                          Running with Scissors

Not only tiring, it is also too dangerous to run! You cannot imagine how many accidents have crushed into my life since I started running. I should really take care of myself and appreciate deeply that I am still alive. Trust me, while you are running, everything could be the hazard of killing you. No matter it is a tiny little substance or a cute creature which wants to make friend with you.

It represents to be a calm day. I know that it may not be appropriate to describe the weather as calm, but for a runner like me, the word calm is the best choice. Clouds have displaced the sun, rain and fog, which make me feel comfortable. I start running after stretching myself, and even sing loudly with my music player. Anyway, the weekend arrives again! I run slowly and enjoy the nice afternoon without any annoyance. Ouch! When I am running and singing in ecstasy, a green substance suddenly drops from the sky, hits my head heavily and disappears. OMG! What the hell is that! A mysterious green weapon just hit my fragile head! Is that a murder?! Thinking of that, I quickly scout every object around me. I cannot find anyone suspicious at all and cannot trace the green substance either. "What are you doing?", noticing that I stop myself, my friend slows down and asks me interrogatively. "I think there is someone who tries to hit me..." I tell her in a whisper. "Hahaha, you are so funny!" She laughs at me loudly and runs away. Then I see the green weapon again, flies from the right, heavily hitting her head. "Hahaha!" I point at her, can't help laughing and bend my back. It is not a weapon but a tennis ball from the tennis court on the right. Several boys are playing tennis with passion. You see? How risky it is to run along the backfield! It is really a challenge!

Now that only looking straightly at the path is not safe, I decide to pay attention to every small change around me in case another danger shows up. Running in stable pace, I can feel many differences in my body. To be specific, I can run a little bit longer without stop than a week ago. The breath becomes smoother and I don't need to open my mouth very often. With overconfidence, I increase my speed little by little. Suddenly, a brown shadow rushes through, stops in front of me. I am shocked and try my best not to step on it. Unfortunately, the inertia force compels my knee to touch the hard floor and stay there for a while. Ouch! I scream out loudly again, staring at the naughty dog with his tail waving. It is just too dangerous to run right...? Slowly standing up like an old man, I can feel my heart jumping as fast as a rabbit.

I always understand that running is tiring and fun, but this week, I am really impressed by how dangerous running could be. I can feel that my legs are getting stronger and stronger. My lungs can contain more oxygen and my reaction of emergency turns a lot more sensitive than before. There is a long way to go! My dear reader, when you attempt to run, remember to find some safe path and pay attention to everything around you. Doing dangerous exercise such as running really needs both skills and courage.

Fighting! For fitness and perseverance!

        

                                                     Angel Sofia & Evil Sofia

Today I would like to introduce two of my closest friends, Angle Sofia and Evil Sofia. I guess you have already known a little bit of information about them in my previous blog posts, however, there are still many stories between them and me. As you know, Angel Sofia and Evil Sofia totally match the characteristics for those angels and evils in movies, which are always in opponents. They are fighting in my mind all the time, arguing towards different topics. These days, I bet they are ecstatic to observe a main problem to argue about: Do Sofia need to run today? Well, it is not the first time for them to face this situation. In fact, Angel Sofia and Evil Sofia have debated this topic once two years ago. Do you wish to know who won that argument? Just follow me and meet my Angel and Evil.

It was a spring, and the temperature was slightly lower than that now. I was a 9th grader, forced to face a harsh PE exam a month later. My heart despaired and broke into pieces at the moment, which I heard the demand of 800meter running. "Impossible! It was just impossible!" a voice shouted in my head and a black shadow sneaked out. The evil stood beside my right ear and repeated the sentence above over and over again. My face turned pale and I just felt helpless.

"Hey guys, don't show me that face!" my PE teacher said. I looked around; it seemed that most people's little evils were jumping out and saying some scary sentences beside their ears just like mine. "You see, you are not the only person. As long as you practice, you will achieve it", a voice derives from my left ear gently. I knew it was my angel, who always encouraged me. Emm, I guessed maybe I could try to practice, and I might pass the exam at last.

For the first day of practice, I remembered that to be a disaster, a nightmare, an explosion of perspiration and blood. The sun showed up suddenly, right before the 1500-meter practice began. "Hide in the bathroom!" The evil shouted, "or your skin would get dark and hurt!" In fact, I did not always listen to her and started running. The first 200 meters was fine. The second 200 meters was okie. The third 200 meters...... Where was I? Well, I sneaked into the bathroom and poured a large amount of cold water on my red face. I just couldn't do that! 1500 meters! The evil was right: I didn't have to waste my time. I could hear the proud laughing of Evil Sofia and see the lightning from her dark eyes. On the contrary, Angel Sofia put her face into her hands disappointedly and murmured, "You can't just give up." she was so weak and upset, which made me feel guilty.

Maybe I should try again, little by little? I asked Angel Sofia, or actually myself.

Then I started again. For every 50 meters, Evil Sofia would pull me and allure me to stop. Meanwhile, the angle would shout loudly, "Fighting! Just for another 50 meters and 50 meters more!" Evil Sofia shouted too, however, the bright sunshine scared her away and forced her to hide deeply. Therefore, I could not hear clearly what she was saying. The fight lasted for nearly a month zealously, and every day I'd like to give up and listen to the evil. Nevertheless, the truth was that the angel beat her and impelled me to pass the exam and got a full score.

Angel Sofia and Evil Sofia both live in my mind until today. The never agree with each other and always help me to make decisions. They are both important for me, or, they are representative of me; they are both strong and healthy, though Angel always pushes me tofinish what "I have to do" and Evil indulges me to do what "I want to do". However, as you've read, the evil cannot control me under the sunshine! Therefore, every time I run, I have enough time to chat with Angel Sofia, which makes me to become a more positive person.

There are Angel and Evil in everyone’s mind, including you. Believe me, if you want to become a better person, you have to follow the direction given by the Angel. Do what she says, and you will never regret in the future. Sometimes, you might urgently want to indulge the little Evil who can read your mind and desire, me too. I’ll tell you a little secret, just take a deep breath, and the evil will run away immediately. Fighting! For fitness and perseverance!

                                                         Manhattan Never Feels Cold

Do you know what is soooooooooo great? I am in Manhattan! Leaving the little, boring village, I AM IN MANHATTAN!!! Breathing the air with dust, my lungs are singing like orioles; listening to the roar and trumpet of crowded cars, my ears are greedily reaching out and want to search more just like rabbits. As for my heart, she is flying. Flying in the pink color and odor of sakura; flying through the tall buildings with shiny glass wall; flying with the subway to have a race; flying in the barbecue sauce produced by the most famous Korean restaurant. Aha, tell you a secret, I have experienced running in the New York City, and it was amazing. Get a cup of coffee and let me tell you little by little.

After checking in and wearing a pair of sneakers, my friend and I reluctantly get out of the hotel room. Since the hotel stands right beside the Time Square, we decide to run from the Time Square to Korean Town, where we would like to have dinner. With the guidance of the Google Map, our running program goes fluently. We run slowly, and stop to take a photo or two sometimes. The people we meet are always smiling to show their friendliness. And I really enjoy running under the trees with white flower, noticing the change of sunlight, which seeps down from the gap of flowers. Suddenly, I am forced to stop, since the crowds are all gathered together, looking at something noisy. The road is blocked, and some loud music comes from the next street. All I can see is a large group of people with orange scarves on their heads. My mother has told me that there are a lot of parades in the New York City and this might be a religious parade. Since the road is blocked, we have to run further to bypass the group. Finally, we arrive at the Korean barbecue restaurant. There is nothing better than sitting down and eating meat bite by bite after a long time of running!

There are all kinds of people on the road, teenagers, adults, olds and even little babies. Some of them are running and others are riding bikes. For the olds and babies, they waddle and enjoy the sunshine. People are running along the same side, and no one is rushing nor rudely passing others. I find out a strange thing that there are many ventilation systems on the ground for the subway, which is connected one by one. However, most people just avoid running on them. Since there are too many people on the sidewalk, I start to run on those metal. The warm air flows from the underground, and my face turns red a little more. "Hey girl! Wait!" a strong wanderer shows up in front of me abruptly. I am scared and scream subconsciously. "Slow down, slow down..." it seems that he is scarier than me, " I just want to tell you that if you go over the ventilation system, you should ask your friend to hit you or back thing will happen". After saying this, he leaves quickly, and everything I can remember is the warm smile, just like the warm air from the underground. In the past, I had thought the city to be a busy and unconcerned place, people all tried their best to make a living and stay here. Nevertheless, that was not the entire New York City. What I see today is a Manhattan with free souls and healthy bodies; it was a Manhattan with relaxation and enthusiasm. I ran with them, seeing them passing by me and waving. It seemed that I have discovered a different New York City.

Manhattan is always busy, no matter it is in the morning under the sunlight or the midnight under the lamplight. There are always people passing by me like a wisp of wind

, and the only things I notice are their backs. However, Manhattan is always warm, no matter a downpour is falling or the snowflake is larger than a ladybug. Hot wind always flows from the underground and people are always enthusiastic and friendly. I gradually like this strange city more and more. And running here is awesome!

Fighting! Enjoy running and enjoy your life!

                                                                    Begin Again

Can you believe it?! It is the end of our 30-day challenge. Angel Sofia and Evil Sofia agree with each other for the first time that they all feel a little bit sad about the leaving, and so do I. However, just like a Chinese old saying: "There is no never-ending feast", it might be an appropriate time to appreciate the experience and say goodbye seriously. Waving hands to the winding path of the backfield; waving hands to the bouncing wind; waving hands to the gentle sunlight; waving hands to the cute sweating droplets; waving hands to everything......Stop! Don't be that gloomy and emotional! We will meet again. I have written most of my amazing experience in my previous blog posts, and as my faithful reader, do you want to know if you have missed any fascinating details? Let's recollect these 30 days together for the last time (Don't cry).

Do you remember how weak I was when I first attempted to run? Here is a sentence, which I posted in my first blog: "It is just too hard to move my body away from the bed on the weekend. Nevertheless, It does not mean that I did not do it, or my legs won't be so hurt, just like they have been sat on by my little cousin for 2 hours"(He). The pain still sticks in my mind, and every time when Evil Sofia throws it to me, the only thing I would like to do is hiding myself under the quilt. Fortunately, I didn't have to suffer the pain again after they tormented me continuously for a week. Nowadays, my muscles, heart and lungs have all grown stronger to defeat the pain and other obstructions, which can stop me from running. Sometimes, I feel that I am superman, who is going to prevent the airplane from crashing while running. Nevertheless, the bad news is that after 30 days' running without stretching my legs enough, they did not become skinnier as I expected but stronger, and the outline of the muscle is clear. Well, at least I become a little healthier (hopefully), and this is more valuable than anything.

During this 30-day challenge, I have gotten a huge bonus: a pair of eyes, which can observe beautiful details. This program gives me a chance to discover and think deeply about the environment around me, although my original purpose was to figure out some topics to write. To my surprise, I have found out an amazing world, which I chose to ignore in the past. The growing of flowers, the color changes of clouds, various emotions of people are caught by my eyes. Besides these, I have discovered the warmth of Manhattan, the importance of friendship and the persistence of myself. I face Evil Sofia bravely and defeat her; I listen to Angel Sofia modestly and communicate with her. The world becomes a lot more mysterious and always shows me new amazement, which can make me laugh like a young girl. This program comforts my heart and teaches me to concentrate on one thing, which my mother always asks me to do and I have never been convinced of before. Just like what I have said in my previous blog: "Running is not just running"(He)!

Do you think that the hardest challenge for me is running? You are wrong! Totally wrong! The craziest task is that I have to write 3 blogs a week. If you ask me to write this large amount of blogs for only one topic two months ago, I would tell you that it is impossible and run away crazily. However, during the process of running and writing, more and more bubbles with ideas show up in my mind. Some of them sneak away quickly, and some remain and are recorded by me immediately. A couple of my classmates have changed their challenge and written about some new topics. Therefore, I feel proud for myself that I insist on both running and writing things about running. Increasing confidence about my writing skills has filled my chest and I even start to like writing. This program not only challenges me to be a runner, but also a writer. And as the result suggests, I could definitely be a creative and humorous writer and express my happiness to others.

In conclusion, the 30-day challenge has given me abundant valuable experience. It leads me to keep healthy, enjoy life and record happiness with passion. I have imagined a dozen of ways to celebrate the ending of this 30-day challenge in the previous month. How ecstatic would Evil Sofia be; Angel Sofia might feel relieved since she doesn’t have to be bothered any more. However, there is a mysterious gift for us to celebrate the ending that we have never expected before. “A bottle of champagne?” You might guess. No! The present is another 30-day challenge! Today is not an ending; today is another beginning! And for you, my reader, this can also be a starting point. Join me and run!

Fighting! For perseverance and fitness.

Fighting! Enjoy running and your great life.