1st Semester Portfolio

Hi, mom and Dad. Take a look at my highlights of 1st quarter.

(click below to see my portfolio)
http://kylansportfolio.weebly.com

KC3 (Final)

Local Grown Food

Hawaii's people need to support local farms. Over the years, local farms have been closing, if this continues Hawaii may one day be without a single farm. In Hawaii, mainland companies have been taking over local markets and dominating our economy; because of this, local farms on Hawaii have not been able to make enough money to stay in the game. But, when local people buy local food they not only help themselves but help the community. It allows for more money to stay within the island’s economy, and helps keep the bond between the farmers and the customers strong. Hawaii's farms are struggling, because people in Hawaii aren't buying locally grown foods.

Local grown food tastes so much better than imported foods. “Farm to table” is a figure of speech that refers to food that is grown locally. In the local grown industry the journey to the supermarket is only a few days, compared to weeks (for imported foods). Due to the short journey no preservatives are needed. "Studies show that food produced organically can be nutritionally superior to those grown conveniently." The advantage of buying fresher and more organic food, is undoubtedly better for you. By consuming non-chemical contaminated food, you keep all of the chemicals and pesticides that would have been in imported foods out of your body. Although local food may cost a few more cents, that’s a small price to pay for better quality.

If Hawaii were to be isolated (meaning no barges could reach us and deliver food) we would only last about 3-5 days max. According to a Canadian Research Advocacy (ETC) “70 percent of the food the world consumes every year is grown by small-scale rural and urban farmers, while industrial farming, which gets most of the attention, land, and R&D dollars, actually produces only about 30 percent of the world’s food. This means that all Hawaii needs are more small farms, not big corporations. In Hawaii’s case all we really have is room for small farms, we just need people who are willing to gamble in this tricky industry. “One Island Hawaii” has found that "Hawaii imports merely 85% of it's food from the mainland." That only leaves about 15% to be grown locally on the islands. This can be changed if people on Hawaii can help increase the 15% to 100%. If more farms up-rise then maybe Hawaii can one day sustain itself entirely.

If people in Hawaii bought local a little more often, the chain reaction would be huge. Based off a study, if just 10% of imported foods changed into locally grown food it would have a huge positive impact on Hawaii. Approximately 2,300 jobs would be available on farms, and that might get some homeless off of the streets and into homes. Also, $313 million dollars would be kept in the islands economy, allowing for more money on other important things such as rail. As of now, Hawaii has about 280,000 acres of agricultural land, but it belongs to early plantation barons, and Hawaiian royal families. Rather than split up their land to 10 acres or less and sell it, they rather sell their land in huge proportions. Now if they somehow changed their minds, and aspiring farmers bought some of the land, it could be the start Hawaii needs to becoming fully sustainable. Having more local farms is a matter that needs to be taken seriously by everyone.

Without the people, our local farms will not be able to be sustainable, and neither will our island. Local farms are the the keys that will unlock Hawaii’s future. Local farms will open up jobs, grow our economy, produce healthier food and help Hawaii become independent. But, all this can’t be achieved if people in Hawaii don’t buy local. The statistics on how Hawaii can improve is right in front of everyone, people just need to take responsibility and help out others on the mission to make Hawaii the paradise that everyone dreams about. Now whenever you go and buy local food instead of imported you can smile because you are helping out Hawaii in ways that you may not be able to see right now, but will when the time is right.

KC3 (draft)

Local Grown Food

Hawaii's people need to buy local, in order to support local farms. Over the years, local farms have been closing, because they don't make enough money to sustain. Mainland companies have been taking over local markets and dominating our economy. Local farms on Hawaii have not been able to make enough money to stay alive. When local people buy local food they not only help themselves but help the community. It allows more money to stay within the island’s economy. And helps keep the bond between the farmers and the customers strong. Hawaii's farms are struggling, because people in Hawaii aren't buying locally grown foods.

Local grown food tastes so much better than imported foods. In the local grown industry food takes so little time between the farm to the shelves. No preservatives are needed because of the short journey. "Studies show that food produced organically can be nutritionally superior to those grown conveniently." The advantage of buying fresher and more organic food, is undoubtedly better for you. By eating non-chemical contaminated food, you keep all of the chemicals out of your body. Local food may cost a few more cents, but that’s only small price to pay for better quality. Buying locally grown food benefits you, and the farms around you.

3-5 days that's as long as we would last, if couldn’t receive food from barges. Hawaii needs more small bio-diverse farms. Hawaii needs more small farms because according to a Canadian Research Advocacy (ETC) “70 percent of the food the world consumes every year is grown by small-scale rural and urban farmers, while industrial farming, which gets most of the attention, land, and R&D dollars, actually produces only about 30 percent of the world’s food. This means that all Hawaii needs are more small farms, not big corporations. Everyone should support our local farms instead of the mainland ones. One Island Hawaii has found that "Hawaii imports merely 85% of it's food from the mainland." That only leaves about 15% to be grown locally on the islands and this can be changed if people on Hawaii can help increase the 10% to 100%. If more farms up-rise then maybe Hawaii could one day sustain itself totally.

If people in Hawaii bought local a little more often, the chain reaction would be huge. If just 10% of imported food changed into local food it would have a positive impact on Hawaii. 2,300 jobs would be available, and that might get some homeless off of the streets and into homes. Also, $313 million dollars would be kept in the islands economy, allowing for more money on other import things. Hawaii has 280,000 acres of agricultural land, but it belongs to early plantation barons, and Hawaiian royal families. Rather than split up their land to 10 acres or less and sell it, they rather sell their land in huge proportions. Now if they somehow changed their minds, and aspiring farmers bought some of the land, it could be the start Hawaii needed to becoming sustainable. Having local farms and buying local really is only beneficial to the people and the farms, and is a matter that needs to be taken seriously.

Without the people, our local farms will not be able to be sustainable, and either will our island. Local farms are the the keys that will help Hawaii out, local farms will open up jobs, grow our economy, produce healthier food and help Hawaii become independent. Hawaii’s farms are really having it hard, all because the people in Hawaii don’t buy locally grown food. Just remember that when you buy local food instead of imported food, you can smile because you are helping Hawaii in ways that you may not be able to see right now, but will when the time is right.

Querencia (final draft)

                  My life truly began four years ago, that is my volleyball life of course.  I had gone to games and watched friends play, but never really played any of it myself.  Until one day, I had a feeling that I wanted to try volleyball out, see if I liked it.  I had asked my parents and without hesitation they said "sure."  It was gonna be my first year of volleyball!
                  During the first season I didn't know what to expect.  But, when it started, practices at the time were boring and seemed to be the same practice after practice after practice.  I didn't know if I should be doing this or that.  Sometimes I would start to drift off, then just end up just staring at the court beneath my feet.  I wouldn't be able to daydream for long because soon a ball would fly in my direction.  But, it was during those times that I could just relax, to just find peace and quite from all the drama and problems in the world.  But, I had found more than just an escape from the world, I had found an appreciation, a connection to the world's best sport and best place to just be yourself.  I could always be myself when I was on the courts, never once did I ever worry about what may have been wearing, about what people may have thought about me.  Every time that I stepped onto the court everything that had been distracting me and that had been on my mind, would just be flushed out.  I just felt like when I had a bad day that I could just go to volleyball court and everything would be just fine.  
                  One real strong memory that I remembered about when I was still learning what being on the court meant was that not everyone had the opportunity to be on a court and still really enjoy every second of it.  Yes, some people may play on courts because they might've played a sport, but does being on the volleyball courts mean anything else to you then just a a simple court?  It was something I had kept asking myself.  Were the volleyball courts something really that special that no one else could've felt so connected to it as you?. . .  And the answer I had told myself.  Yes, yes it was.  That answer won't ever change for me; ever.
                  Just being on the volleyball courts and experiencing everything that I had experienced it all had a huge, huge impact on my athletic life and my personal life.  It had inspired me to continue playing the sport I loved, and to try to make an impact on the people's lives around me.  Thats why the volleyball courts meant so much to me, physically and mentally.  And that's why I knew that I had found my special place, my querencia, my home.

Words From the Heart Namecard (Final Draft)

Querencia

Querncia (rough draft)

                  It was about four years ago.  My first year of playing volleyball, I had gone to games and watched friends play around but never really played any of it myself.  But, it had been one day that I told my parents that I wanted to play volleyball, and so they said sure.  Of course tryouts for that age group were simple and small, and so everyone made it.                                                          
                  During the first season I didn't know what to expect.  Practices at the time were boring and seemed to be the same practice after practice after practice.  Butterfly passing, three man passing it all seemed like it would never end, and being on the court didn't really have any meaning.  At the time I wouldn't have ever thought that the volleyball courts were something serious, just a place to play with friends and horse around.  But, over the years it has become something more than just a silly old court.
                  The volleyball court started to feel like it was my second home.  Every practice I had was now more than just a boring waste of time, it was a time to relax, get things of your mind, play hard and enjoy being on the courts.  I loved going to practice.  Something inside of me just fell in love with the sport all over again, its like I couldn't get enough of the game, and the feeling of being on the court.
                  One real strong memory that I remembered about when I was still learning what being on the court meant was that not everyone had the opportunity to be on a court and still really enjoy every second of it.  Yes, some people may play on courts because they might've played a sport, but does being on the volleyball courts mean anything else to you then just a a simple court?  It was something I had kept asking myself.  Were the volleyball courts something really that special that no one else could've felt so connected to it as you?. . .  And the answer I had told myself.  Yes, yes it was.
                  Just being on the volleyball courts and experiencing everything that I had experienced it all had a huge, huge impact on my athletic life and my personal life.  It had inspired me to continue playing the sport I loved, and to try to make an impact on the people's lives around me.  Thats why the volleyball courts mean so much to me, physically and mentally.

Sensory Detail Paragraph

                  EER! EER! EER! The sound of the alarm burning my ears, making me go deaf.  I knew I was going to be nervous but I didn't think that I was going to be this frightened to start my first day of high school. . . as a freshmen.  My stomach was queasy and it didn't go away with a quick rub.  I just wanted to lie back down and curl up under my blanket, and wait the day out.  But, that all dissapated when I smelt my mom cooking up something delicious.  After I was all fed and the butterfly's calmed down a bit it was time to get ready.  I quickly rushed to the bathroom and closed the door and then locked it, just to be sure no one bothered me.  I washed my face with the ice cold water, as cold as the Arctic water.  Then brushed my teeth for at least five minutes, which left a fresh cool minty taste behind, better than having ten ice breakers mint.
                  I put on my freshest most cleanest t-shirt, khakis and socks and then picked the shoes that matched my outfit the best.  I heard the rumbling of the engine starting up and ran to pick up my bag and dashed for the door, slamming it shut with a rumbling clatter of metal against wood.  I hopped into the warm and cozy car and then headed straight for school.  The ride to school was a blur the only few things that I remember seeing was the bright orange sun peeking over the mountains, and the tall buildings of downtown flying past my car making me feel like I was the pilot of a spaceship.  As I gazed upon the school approaching faster than ever the queasiness returned, but worse than before.  I slowly unlocked and the opened the only barrier that separated me from school.  When I reached the sidewalk that lead to the school, I quickly looked around for someone that I knew.  Right when I made eye contact with the person I knew, all the queasiness and the fright from me weakened because it had loss the battle, and I knew I was going to be just fine.

Namecard (words from the heart)

Words From the Heart (Final Draft)

Words From the Heart

              
                 When I was a baby I used to have a blanket, famous because I took it everywhere and stuck in my mouth.  "Yuck it's what we used to describe your blanket." said my mom, along with a short laugh.  The sound of the word lit a spark in my memories, memories that must have been forgotten of when I was a baby.  It started to get a reputation from the start, because of it didn't smell good.  They said that it smelt like a babies breath, which is self-explanatory of why.  From the first day; I sucked on it and would carry it wherever I went.  "It was your security blanket."  Even though most was a blur, I still remembered some things in particular.  Like going to school with it, and walking around the tiny campus with my backpack and holding on to my yuck.
                  Life was very good, good because I didn't start school yet and because I was only about 6 years old.  But, it all changed when I started school again.  The day I started was hectic because my mom had to get two kids ready.  Luckily I was only starting kindergarten so all I needed was a bag to hold a pencil and my yuck.  We had arrived at school which was only like a block away from our house, my mom took me to my class, while my dad took my brother to his.  I waited in a big room with my mom and about ten other kids, all who were in pre-k or kindergarten too.  Even though I was probably scared to death I knew I was safe because I had my yuck.  When I went to my class and said goodbye to my mom, the first thing I did was go straight to my blanket/yuck.  It was probably the only thing that helped me get through that day.
                  Pre-k and kindergarten were probably the only times that I remember having the yuck with me.  After those years I switched schools and gave up the only keepsake I had of my baby years.  Although the word yuck was never used after that, I still kinda miss it.  Not because I liked putting it in my mouth, but because it meant something to my family and to me.
                  For as long as I'm alive I'm going to probably remember "yuck" as a good and bad.  Good that it was part of my childhood and it's memories.  Bad because now when I see something gross, yuck will probably be one of the first words that pop into my mind, along with those soon to fade images of the YUCK.

                  
  

                  

                   

Words From the Heart (rough draft)

Words From the Heart

                  "Is there a certain word that is used by a family member or by our family?"  It was a question that I had asked my parents.  They both had some crazy words from my childhood and from theirs, but one word in particular stuck with me, "yuck".  This simple word was a what my parents used, to refer to my blanket.  "Yuck" was used throughout my baby years and stopped during kindergarten years.  

                  The word "yuck" is a real word, its definition meaning disgust.  My parents called my blanket yuck, just like the blanket had a name.  "Everyone used to say this word before."  To me when they say everyone, all I picture is them saying it; because I doubt that a friend of my parents would be calling my blanket disgusting.   They said that it was my security blanket, and that I would take it everywhere I went.  The reason that my blanket was called yuck was because of how it smelt, according to my parents.  But, seriously if something smells bad I don't know why my parents wouldn't just wash it more often.  

                  In my family we have nicknames for a variety of things.  From something being junk, to someone being annoying.  My brother had a blanket too, but his supposedly was not as bad as mine.  His blanket was called a "mish" which is a completely made up word, and as of right now my parents don't know how they came up with it.  The only ties that I had with the word was that it was my blanket.

                  Until the day before I hadn't known what my blanket was referred to, except by blanket.  I think that I had only found out yesterday because that was the only other day besides baby days that the word ever popped up.  Seeing that it had stopped sometime during kindergarten it seems pretty easy to see how the word would just die off.  But, I think the word stopped being used not only because of the fact that I had stopped using the blanket. Also because I started growing up and getting older.  Im pretty sure that the word could make a comeback if something is gross again, but the odds are slim because we are all older now.

                  For as long as Im alive I'm going to probably remember "yuck" as a good and bad.  Good that it was part of my childhood and it's memories.  Bad because now when I see something gross, yuck will probably be one of the first words that pop into my mind, along with those imagined images of the YUCK.