Experiences & Opportunities that await me in China

The main reasons why I accepted to be a Student Ambassador with People to People (P2P) was the experience and opportunities. I know that in my lifetime I would never be able to go to China on my own and be able to do as much as travel and activities as I would if I went with P2P! At first I was skeptical, and wasn't sure if this whole People to People was real because of all the controversy there is on a couple of sites that pop up when you type "People to People" into Google. But then I went to the P2P site and was looking at all the opportunities they are giving me if I decide to go! I get high school credits and service hours, which will help me, get a special seal on my diploma when I graduate, and the opportunity of a lifetime!

We haven't even left yet and I’m already creating a bond with the other delegates! We've only seen one another a couple of times during the monthly meetings, and we don't have enough time there to socialize. I am Facebook friends with most of them, and still starting to get to know them. There's also this one kid, who lives in Colorado, and is coming to China with our delegation, he's been kept up on all the meetings and we all talk to him over the Facebook group one of our leaders made to help everyone connect and get to know each other! There are a few of us that are Hunger Games fanatics and love the series, and some of us that are all fans of the same types of music.

What I really would love to gain from being a student ambassador is leadership. I am currently lacking in this region, and while being an ambassador and representing our country I really need to stick up, and be the leader. I also need to learn what to say, and what not to say because they are judging my actions, and thinking that's what all Americans are like. I need to be a young adult, and also take responsibility for everything I say or do.

When I was asked to have an interview with one of the leaders after I had turned in an essay and got teacher recommendations, I got really nervous, because interviews and presentations aren't my forte. Then, there I was, sitting in front of the leader in his 3rd grade class room, legs shaking, palms sweaty, but he made me relax and I finally opened up and was just myself, not some fake me that is basically talking like a robot. I went through the interview, and when I was finally accepted, I felt very happy and relieved, and I just knew my life would change from that day on. One of my friends, Robert, was asked to go as well, same trip and everything, and he said he couldn't because if the money issues. Yes, the money issues are problems that need to be factored into the choice you make, if you’re going to go or not, but you can raise the money, and I’m upset he’s missing out on a one-time adventure/experience he can never get back. I had one friend that went last year to Europe. She said it was so different from anything else she has done and it has really made her a better person. When I had told her I got accepted, she was so happy for me and wanted to help me start raising the money right away.

 I want to be challenged. I want to be put into a different country that I’ve never been in before and meet the locals, learn their native language, and see what their culture is first hand. I have been to Costa Rica in the summer, and they speak Spanish, but here in Arizona so does everybody else. So it really isn’t that much different except for the location. I want to go somewhere where I can’t read what that sign says because it’s a Chinese symbol, unless I learn the basics and can get myself around on my own if I needed to. Plus I really do admire what little I do know about the Chinese culture. The Great Wall, the wall that can be seen from outer space, and its significance. The nest, where the Olympics was held and how that surrounding area has grown so much, and business is booming. Here we sit around our houses, eating chips, watching TV, on our smartphones, while people in China are out, making a living, and supporting their families in more ways than we can’t image. I want to learn from that and make changes to how I live my life back home, and be a better person with a better understanding of the world around us, and how we can change it.

I’m really excited to go to China this summer! I’ve already started getting the essential products I need like rain coats, bags to put my clothes in, first-aid kits, etc. I’ve measured all my luggage, and have seen if all my clothes fit into plastic bags to make more room in the luggage. In the next week will be starting to convert money over from the bank, and researching a good camera to bring with me. I’ve also been telling people, “Hey...you know if you give me $20 I will get you an authentic gift from China”, in efforts toward my travel bill that never seems to get any smaller! I’ve been collecting items from my friends like clothes and things they want me to use in China, they’ve been really helpful but this scholarship would really make me feel less tense, and know that I can definitely  go to China now that I’ve made a huge chunk of my bill go away!

A lot of people think I won’t be able to raise all the money, and won’t be going to China. Which really hurts my feelings because this is something I want to do, and I want to be a student ambassador. My own grandparents and father don’t think I can do it, and going to China is a waste of money, time, and I could be doing something else with my time, my mother is really the only one who has been there and helped me through this! I want to be a part of those few that are able to make a difference in this country, and this world. I hope when I come back I’ll be a whole new person, re-born and changed for the better. My mom even says she knows it will be hard to be away from me for 17 days, but it’s what I'm doing that will make her feel more at ease. Helping out at an orphanage, teaching English at a school in a village, seeing the Great Wall, doing a home-stay with a family, meeting political delegates from China, learning their language of symbols and how to cook their local food, Terracotta Warriors, and using the local transportation, all in 17 days in 6 different cities all across China!

I’m very excited to get on that plane and land in China. Their climate, people, surroundings, culture, and life style are different from ours here in America. Being a student ambassador with people to people has changed my mind set already and I'm not even in the airport yet. I want to grow as a person and become more self-reliant, and more mature, because honestly I'm living off of my mother, like every other teenager out there. I admire the few that go on their own and do things without any help from others because I wanted to do it, they want to make a difference, and they want to be a part of something bigger than just being a part of a group of people sitting on a couch watching people play football.


Thank you for your consideration.

People To People, CHINA TRIP

hey everyone. I'm going to China this summer with People to People as a student ambassador! Please help me get there by donating . It will really help alot!
CHINA TRIP:
17 day trip, volunteering in a village to help teach English at a school, and helping out in an orphanage! Meeting delegates from china, and seeing the Great Wall! We also have a one night home-stay with a local family in the village.

Please help me reach my goal!

Once I'm in China, hopefully I will have someway I can post on here and keep all you guys updated on the trip, with pictures and video and experiences!

Beijing, China

• Discover Tiananmen Square, the largest open public plaza in the world, with the help of a guide.
• Ride a rickshaw through the narrow streets of old Beijing.
• Learn kung fu from local students.
• Visit the impressive imperial grounds of the Summer Palace.
• Explore the Great Wall of China, an architectural marvel more than 2,000 years old.
• Step into the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex.
• Observe craftsmen practicing the art of cloisonné decoration.
• Learn about Chinese cooking by exploring what it’s like to be an aspiring chef in China, and meet students at a professional Chinese hospitality school.
• Watch pandas play at the Beijing Zoo.
• Sample famous Chinese delicacies like Peking duck before returning to your roots at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Xi’an, China

• Uncover the mysteries of the famous terra-cotta warriors, hidden underground for 2,000 years before their discovery in 1974.
• Meet with one of the farmers who discovered the terra-cotta warriors.
• Walk Xi’an’s city wall, and enjoy a special welcome ceremony.
• Gain insights into the Buddhist religion at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Feast on scrumptious dumplings before you enjoy a performance of the Tang Dynasty Show.

Guilin, China

• Paddle along the Li River in bamboo rafts.
• Learn local customs and traditions during an exclusive welcome ceremony in your home stay village.
• Make new friends at a county middle school known for teaching some of the best and brightest students in China, and help them practice their English.
• Explore the mysteries of the beautiful Elephant Trunk Hill, known for its unique shape and famous Water Moon Cave.
• Join your host family in helping to prepare dinner while practicing your Chinese culinary techniques.
• Grow wise by learning more about Confucius, the most famous thinker and educator in Chinese history.
• Spend an evening enjoying the local village culture at a welcome dance.
• Work alongside local farmers, helping them tend their orchards.

Shanghai, China

• Go backstage to meet professional acrobats, then enjoy their spectacular performance.
• Walk the Bund, Shanghai’s Wall Street, and learn about the explosive growth of the city in the Pudong region.
• Enjoy lavish costumes and music at the Kun Opera Museum, and then meet the performers and trainers.
• Polish up your Ping-Pong® skills, and then try your hand against the young players at a premier table tennis school.
• Learn what it’s like to live here by shopping at a local market and then chatting with some local elderly people.
• Give back to the community by lending a hand at the Qixing Special Education School in Shanghai.
• Explore Yipu Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll learn the traditional art of Chinese calligraphy.

Wuzhen, China

• Float through this water town, built along a series of canals, for a unique view of its ancient homes, stores, and other cultural landmarks.
• Play soccer and chat with local students your age at an after-school program.
• Spend the night in a local guesthouse with your fellow Ambassadors.

Hangzhou, China

• Climb up the Six Harmonies Pagoda, the symbol of Hangzhou, for a spectacular view of the Qiantang River Bridge spanning the surging tides of the Qiantang River.
• Follow in the footsteps of the many scholars and national heroes who have walked around the stunning West Lake nestled in the mountains.
• Compare notes and make friends with some local students at their school.
• Return to Shanghai via high-speed train.

The Hunger Games

This movie BLEW ME AWAY!! It really stayed true to the book. Of course they took things out.. and had to change a few things, but other than that it was breath taking! There were scenes where I cried, but its too hard to even try not to. There were a few funny parts when Peeta or Katniss made funny noises and made the scene awkward...but it lightens up the room alittle bit. There were a couple of scenes where I wish they made it longer but the movies already 2 hrs and 22 mins long!! But the cast was FANTASTIC! I think every role was perfectly matched with an actor! I couldnt have asked for a better cast for such an epic and iconic movie!!

The Hunger Games is based of the book, a post-apocalyptic country separated into Districts by the Capitol. Each year they have the Hunger Games and take one man and one women from the ages of 12-18 from each district to fight til death until theres only one victor left. They go through training, and interviews. They left out a couple of characters, and key things that are in the following books, but I'm excited to see how they intend on making the other two books movies. AND I HEARD THE 4TH BOOK IS COMING OUT SOON!

(i was hoping for more blood..but it is a rated PG-13 movie after all. The book had such great and gory deaths, I wanted to see Cloves head get bashed in and Marvels neck get speared.)

I was BAWLING when a certain someone died... </3  and I was shaking because I was so exited to see this movie!

I'm def. Team Peeta.

I'm not saying this movie is amazing because I'm obsessed with Josh Hutcherson, or the books, its actually a really good movie, and for someone who hasn't read the books, they still get the FULL effect.

It's the BEST movie made from a book. This movie is going to win awards and get so much praise.  

BEST MOVIE EVER MADE.. this is going down in HISTORY!!

(I also met Frankie Muniz there... I told him that I basically stalk him on twitter.....but it was cool cuz I gave him my card! Also got to talk to Young M.C. again! He's real cool!)  

When I met part of the cast of The Hunger Games: Marvel(Jack Quaid) Glimmer(Leven Rambin) Gale(Liam Hemsworth) and Thresh(Dayo Okeniyi)! To bad Peeta(Josh Hutcherson) wasnt there!

In Theatres Friday 3/23/2012

MAY THE ODDS EVER BE IN YOUR FAVOR

 "Come to finish me off, sweetheart?" <3Peeta

Mac Miller

Mac Miller is a rapper. He has very innaproperate music for young kids. He usually cusses and talks about drugs and innaproperate things for children. I would post some lyrics, but I wouldnt want kids to see them

"theres a party on 5th ave, hit me if you tryna go"

"Im fryer than beetle juice."

"anything you need you can find it at the market"

Mac Miller fan before Donald Trump got famous.

I really like how he can rap anything and it can get stuck into your head for like..ever! lol

He released his first album BLUE SLIDE PARK a few months ago.. i saw him in concert in Tucson at U of A because my aunt was running the event! He started off on youtube and now is signed.. check him out!  

COLLEGE AGE MUSIC

Dance Moms (season2)

This season of  Dance Moms is crazier than last season !!!!
And did you hear? Theres gonna be a Dance Moms MIAMI!

Little Mackenzie is growing up and really is becoming a good little dancer just like her sister. Brooke tried out for cheerleading and made it..then came back to dance. People have been kicked out and put on PROBATION. My fav dance is probably the one they did in Florida, the Beach Blanket Bum one. But theres still more to come.. and Melissa is suing the other moms! that episode is tonight (3/20/12) I'm dying to see why and all the other drama that has to come along with it!
I dont see how anyone can watch this show and not become a Dance Moms fan!

The mothers are BONKERS! but hey..arent they all?!

DANCE MOMS
10pm MOUNTAIN TIME
LIFETIME

WIN A FREE ADVANCE HUNGER GAMES SCREENING PASS

THE TRIBUTE IS.....

JULES!
please contact me by 10am wednesday morning to claim ticket!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR FOLLOWING!

REAPING:
I am going to put all the names of my followers into a bowl, and pulling one name out. I have 1 Hunger Games pass to give out. You must be a FOLLOWER of the blog (click the JOIN THIS SITE button..if link isnt working its on the left side above the china trip donation where all the followers are located )
This reaping is def. better than the one in the book/movie.

Screening is on Wednesday, 21 at 730 pm at Tempe Market Place, Tempe Arizona.

winner will be announced TUESDAY NIGHT at 8PM.

MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR

 

Jeff, who lives at home

Jeff who lives at home is basically about this family. Jeff gets a call about a Kevin, and now he has to follow all the signs to find out his destiny. He runs into his brother(Ed helms) along the way.. and they just end up having a bad day..all these events just start happening and Jeff(Jason) keeps seeing "Kevin" everywhere. Towards the end as Jeff follows all the signs he ends up saving another family's lives. It wasn't as. Funny as I thought it would be.. but it sends a good message..
I liked it, but isn't my favorite.

This Friday
3/5

Casa de Mi Pedre

Will Ferrell suprised me in this movie. He spoke spanish the entire time.. and he wasn't playing the character he usually plays. He cut back on the 'craziness' but used it in a different way. This movie basically was a parody of spanish soaps. You really have to pay attention to the things in the background. The first scene I was like that back drop looks fake.. but I don't want to say anything.. and then I finally caught on and was like oh... that's funny and it makes sense.

I didn't want to see it at first but it ended up being really funny. (The soo stupid its funny, funny) I'm not quite sure who would like this movie... all I know is I was laughing and so was my mom.

4/5

(The entire movie is in spanish...you do get sub-titles though and the sub-titles stay on screen long enough so you can read all of it.. THANK YOU)

Salmon Fishing in the Yemen GIVEAWAY

We have extra passes to Salmon Fishing in the Yemen for tonight

please email at lauren@ctmreviews.com if you want the passes

DVDs

If you have a chance go pick up
DESENDANTS
FOOTLOOSE
IMMORTALS

On DVD or go rent them at RedBox!!

READ MY REVIEWS OF EACH MOVIE

Silent House

The youngest Olsen sister was the main role in this movie and she played a daughter helping her father remodel their old house so they could sell it.
Someone gets into the house and wants to kill her and her family.. she starts having flash backs about her childhood when her father and uncle used to sexually abuse her.
Creepy things do happen...but I just don't undertand why people in scary movies run up stairs or they don't run when they have the chance. At one point she runs back into the house and locks the door behind her.... WHY DIDN'T YOU JUST RUN!?
The ending was pretty predicable to some people..but I did get it after awhile.
It was alright..not the best scary movie ever though
1.5/5
OUT NOW

1000 Words

Eddie Murphy played this role really well

I felt sympathetic, happy, and sad, I laughed, and I cried.

Its about this business guy who talks non stop..then this tree follows him home.. every time he says 1 word, he loses 1 leaf on the tree..once all the leaves are gone.. the tree dies, which means he would die.

Once he resolves an old unresolved relationship he wouuld be "reborn"

towards the end when he's at the cemetery... I was bawling!

But when you see the opening scene, when he only had like 20 leaves left, for the 2nd time.. I felt like the movie went by really fast and it was super short.

Good but short.

3/5

John Carter

John Carter is definitely not like the regular Disney movies.  It has a great story line with a surprisingly creative ending.  The "aliens"  of Mars are in a war with each other and John Carter from earth is needed to help the good side win the war. The "dog" thing was very energetic and was very funny. Its like Pirates, it not geared to the young children.. the older children/teens/adults are the age groups targeted in this movie. This movie is definitely right up there next to Avatar. Its action and adventure. What more could you ask for. (Yeah..I just rhymed)

8/10