Evaluating my Class

I really enjoyed learning about personalities and disorders. I think how our brains work and function is fascinating. My favorite activity this year was when we used prism glasses. That was so fun and showed my how perspective and restrictions affect my coordination. I honestly enjoyed everything we did in class and I don' t think there is anything I would change (except maybe cutting down on the unnecessary arguments and "analyses.") When we did group work to learn disorders I really got a lot of information about my own disorders (anxiety disorders). I think it would be better if we could as a class go more into the disorders because I think I missed out on a lot of information because I did not get it from other groups really. I didn't like neurons but that's probably because the subject is still kind of confusing to me. Having chapter at a glances and videos to send in for extra credit was really useful for me! I really need to review neuron functions, brain functions and disassociate disorders.

Cognitive Fun and Games

Lateral Thinking Puzzle IQ Test - I got 4 of the 10 puzzles correct. I thought they were all very ambiguous and confusing. I'm not sure if this is a good IQ tester because a lot of things very, such as perspective and opinion. The first question was very tricky but that was the only one I was confident in getting right!

Brain Bashers - All of the puzzles were very tricky and made my head hurt. I could not get a lot of them, although I really enjoyed trying! Some of the puzzles seemed impossible to me and I didn't understand how anyone could get them!

Luminosity - These games were really fun and I enjoyed them a lot more than the others. They weren't impossible and you just had to focus and think hard. I wish I could play more of the games!

http://www.puzz.com/lateralthinkingpuzzleiqtest.html

http://www.brainbashers.com/

http://www.lumosity.com/app/v4/dashboard

"What do we actually learn from The Hunger Games?"

1. Strategy is everything. It is not necessarily about your skill or talents, but more about how you use your strengths. Timing, thinking ahead and planning is very important.
2. Connections matter! In the Hunger Games, donors and sponsors would keep you alive. Being friends with the right people will help!
3. You need to be flexible and willing to move (even away from loved ones) in order to take care of everything that needs to be done.
4. Appearance is important. The "girl on fire" is what Catnis is addressed as by many sponsors. This gets her attention and more fans, making her stand out.
5. when forming your own allies or cliques, it is important not to go for people who could easily betray you. Avoid people who are too charming and can be deceitful or fake.
6. Accept that people can and will turn against you when you are successful. Jealousy and fear of being outdone plays a role in how people act.
7. Be able to call for help or assistance. In Catnis's case, know how to whistle. Whistling enables Catnis to communicate her whereabouts and also is a signal for safety.
8. Don't trust people who were once successful but have lost themselves. Old victors, such as Heimech, once knew what they were doing, but you must take your own risks.
9. Rich city folks have an easier life than the people in the districts, but the people in the city work through the hardships of other people. Know where you would rather be.
10. Prejudices and social classes are alive and real. Life will not be fair or easily handed to you, so to break the social norms, you have to work extremely hard and fight!

         

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/snow-white-doesnt-live-here-anymore/201204/10-lessons-everybody-learned-the-hunger-games

What is it that I have to offer this person or situation?

Although easier said than done, living for other people tends to provoke feelings of fulfillment and joy. Ask not "what does he offer to me?" and instead ask "what can I offer to him?" This positive way of thinking allows us to be happier and feel like we are good. I know that I really enjoy volunteering and I feel awesome when I can contribute or help in any given situation. This is a prime example of how these positive and constructive messages have a positive affect on the way we feel and behave. By developing a "generosity of spirit," motivation for doing good and continuing to do good builds up and makes us stronger and happier individuals.

After reading this article about how I can approach everyday situations, I will definitely try to adopt this way of thinking into my life. I think I would be a lot happier and feel more in control if I stop expecting people to aid to me and instead offer help when I can.

Life Story

My name is Morgan and I was born at Memorial Herman Hospital on March 23, 1998. I am my parents' first child and my grandparents first granddaughter, so in other words, I am the first of the first. I got a lot of attention from my grandparents and aunts and uncles because they finally got a baby in the family. Now I have 4 younger siblings and 5 little cousins. Everyone always tells me that I was a loud and cheerful baby that loved to play and eat. As a toddler I was very social and enjoyed going to daycare and playing with my friends.

Elementary was quite the adventure for me with lots of ups and downs. On the first day of every school year I would make my teachers a small craft out of popsicle sticks, paper clips or construction paper and would proudly present it to them, excited for the year ahead of us. I got in trouble a lot during kindergarten and 1st grade for talking constantly with my best friend, Paige. We spent a numerous amount of recesses sitting out on the "time-out wall," but we didn't mind much because at least we got to talk. I started 3rd grade in a GT class and that is where my strength in academics all began. My teachers consistently told my parents that I "had an old soul" due to my maturity and focus. 5th grade was a stressful year for my 10 year old self because it was the last year of recess and I didn't think I could handle it.

My parents made the decision to send me to the GT Academy at Quail Valley Middle School and although I was pretty upset about it at the time it has all worked out. I started 6th grade without knowing anybody and it was scary but I eventually got comfortable and started enjoying it. Middle School is a time when everybody is in their awkward stage and when I look back on pictures or reminisce over old jokes and memories I cringe at my gross little middle-schooler self, but I know that I really had a great time over the years at that old green and yellow school.

Currently, I am a Junior in the Math and Science Academy at Dulles High School and I have come a long way. I have 3 little brothers (Jared aged 14, Gavin aged 10 and Owen aged 6) and a baby sister (Addison aged 2). My household is hectic and crazy but somehow I manage to keep up with everything and everyone.

Next year I will be graduating and I still don't really have a plan for what college I want to go to or what I want to major in. My dream school is Stanford University in California, but I don't think I'll be able to get into it. I think I would like to get my degree in business or marketing or something mathy, but like I said I really have no clue.

I would like to be able to independently live on my own for a couple of years after I graduate from college and have time to live for myself and travel before I settle down and get married and have kids. Even though I don't want any kids now, when I'm older I might want a max of 2 kids. I would like to be retired by 50ish even though I don't really know much about that or if I'll be able to do that. I really would like to live in a small town like where my grandparents live once I retire. Hopefully I won't die until I am old and have a bunch of grand kids but you never really know.

Optimism Test

Cynicism: 61/100
This test asked 47 questions about my level of satisfaction and dissatisfaction of my life. I enjoyed taking this test because it helped me realize how I react (emotionally and physically) to what happens around me. I feel like this test is fairly accurate because it measures the extent of one's optimism/cynicism and I am quiet cynical.

Sims Personality Test

I also took the sims personality test. This test concluded that I am neat, outgoing, moderately active, playful and somewhat nice. I answered a few simply questions with whether or not I agreed or disagreed so I liked the test and thought it was fun and simple. I don't think this test is completely accurate because the character traits they listed are very broad and have a lot of variable connected to them.