Sophomore 1st Semester Portfolio

http://kaztachino.weebly.com

Angry Letter

My address
Aiea, HI, 96701
December 2, 2014

Verizon Wireless Headquarters
140 West Street
New York, NY 10007

Dear Verizon Wireless,

My family and I have been grateful for many years of your excellent cellular service. We constantly receive good signaling and bars compared to other phone companies that we have had. Your great connection keeps us satisfied with our phones. Your in-store service is not too bad. We have had a couple of good workers that were friendly and helpful. Even if we were in a rush, they would try to work fast to get the job done.

However, we have had some problems for a while now, about your customer service. Over the years, we have been noticing that some of your employees haven't been too friendly or helpful in assisting us with our phones.  We don't always want to drive down to Verizon every time we need assistance. The technology of today helps prevent that by over the phone customer service. When I received my new iPhone in the mail, I wanted to set it up immediately. So, I looked through the manual of how to connect the phone to my number, and disconnect my old phone. I followed the instructions and a problem occurred where my number connected to my mom's phone. I called Verizon for help, so that this problem will be fixed and will be ready. I understand that Verizon is a big company and gets constant calls. But, the man I talked over the phone with was not the most pleasant, as he made me feel that I was stupid. He abruptly asked if I followed all the instructions, and I knew that I did. But, he kept going over the steps as if I didn't. His rude voice made me unsatisfied and hung up as I were to go in to Verizon to get the problem fixed.

Going in the store is not a huge problem, but most of the time we only go to the store because we are already out of the house. Knowing that your customer service is not the most trustworthy, we try to find the people that we had before that we enjoyed. Then, we know for sure that we will get satisfactory assistance.

I understand that these people go through 37 minimum days of training, and I appreciate that. Butm maybe if you could focus on how these people associate with every customer. Then, more people would want to have you as their phone carrier. On a website called "customerservicescoreboard," there are complaints and comments about Verizon's customer service. 84.97% of the comments were negative. The comments explain their experiences about how Verizon customer service makes people unsatisfied. For a small suggestion maybe focus on customer service training, and making sure that employees actually care about helping the customers. Other than that, Verizon has great coverage and I am grateful for that. I have good bars and don't regret at all having Verizon as my phone carrier.

Thank You,
Kaz Tachino

Risky Business Final Draft

Stereotype: a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. In society, there are stereotypes everywhere, but on specific place is High school, and during teenage years. Nerds, jocks, bullies, hipsters, just a few of many that are in a teens everyday life. Not knowing, everyone tries to be a certain stereotype, and has a certain idol that they look up to. We don't see the other side of people, we only look at how they are the star of the football team, or a 4.0 student. But what we don't realize is that this is an issue that has been happening from forever, and we should focus on it. Following stereotypes do not lead to success; by limiting you to associating with certain stereotypes, change your priorities of life, and making you feel obligated to act a certain way.  

There are some stereotypes that just don't go together. For example, not everyday do you see a "nerd" with a bully hanging out together.There are certain limitations that you have by trying to be a certain stereotype. A certain society that won't let groups mix and socialize each other is not acceptable. Some may agree, but are too scared to tell their own friends because they're afraid that they will get teased. Everyone in their life had or has a friend that is not the same stereotype as them. But, the thought of trying to be the person you look up to makes you forget that you can be friends, or hang out with that person. The peer pressure gets to you, and you forget about anything other than trying to be a certain stereotype.

Being the perfect idol that people look up to is a goal for most people. People put aside other things to be on the top. 30% of students are failing to graduate high school. For example, a "jock" may be the all-star quarter back for the high school team, and many other "jocks" will look up to him. But there may be another side to him, like he might be failing another class because he's focusing to much on sports. According to CNN, some college students play sports like adults, but read like 5th graders. This also applies for other stereotypes, too. A "nerd" may be getting all A's, but what about physical health? That's important, too. There's always another side of a person. Don't let something like trying to be the perfect person distract you from what's important. Try to balance everything, so life can be easier.

One very important topic about stereotypes, is the feeling of being obligated to act a certain way. This is something that people feel pressured about through everyday life. Some may say that having a role set for you is good because then you aren't pressured to pick a group. But, in the long run, you will get affected because you will be forced to do things, even if someone isn't telling you to. Other people's opinion will make you do certain things. "Bullies" are known for being mean people, and just go around hurting others feelings. You may just have picked the wrong group of friends, and because of that you have to do as they do. Or else, you're going to get bullied by them and criticized for not being them. Being pushed around is not a good feeling. 

Trying to be a certain stereotype is not always the best for you by; limiting you to who you interact with, messing up your priorities, and making you act a certain way. Not everyone agrees with stereotypes being a positive thing. Hopefully, others will realize that everyone is affected by it. Instead of trying to be someone else, everyone should be the same stereotype, where you get to act as who you want to be. Everything will affect you in the long run, so try to be yourself. Maybe one day there will be a society where everyone interacts well together and accepts each other for who they are. When that day comes, stereotypes will disappear, and the world will be a better place.

Risky Business Rough Draft

Stereotype: a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing. In society, there are stereotypes everywhere, but on specific place is High school, and during teenage years. Nerds, jocks, bullies, hipsters, just a few of many that are in a teens everyday life. Not knowing, everyone tries to be a certain stereotype, and has a certain idol that they look up to. But what we don't realize is that this is an issue that has been happening from forever, and we should focus on it. Following stereotypes do not lead to success; by limiting you to associating with certain stereotypes, change your priorities of life, and making you feel obligated to act a certain way.  

There are some stereotypes that just don't go together. For example, not everyday do you see a "nerd" with a bully hanging out together.There are certain limitations that you have by trying to be a certain stereotype. A certain society that won't let groups mix and socialize each other is not acceptable. Some may agree, but are too scared to tell their own friends because they're afraid that they will get teased. Everyone in their life had or has a friend that is not the same stereotype as them. But, the thought of trying to be the person you look up to makes you forget that you can be friends, or hang out with that person. The peer pressure gets to you, and you forget about anything other than trying to be a certain stereotype.

Being the perfect idol that people look up to is a goal for most people. People put aside other things to be on the top. For example, a "jock" may be the all-star quarter back for the high school team, and many other "jocks" will look up to him. But there may be another side to him, like he might be failing another class because he's focusing to much on sports. This also applies for other stereotypes, too. A "nerd" may be getting all A's, but what about physical health? That's important, too. There's always another side of a person. Don't let something like trying to be the perfect person distract you from what's important. Try to balance everything, so life can be easier.

One very important topic about stereotypes, is the feeling of being obligated to act a certain way. This is something that people feel pressured about through everyday life. Some may say that having a role set for you is good because then you aren't pressured to pick a group. But, in the long run, you will get affected because you will be forced to do things, even if someone isn't telling you to. Other people's opinion will make you do certain things. "Bullies" are known for being mean people, and just go around hurting others feelings. You may just have picked the wrong group of friends, and because of that you have to do as they do. Or else, you're going to get bullied by them and criticized for not being them. Being pushed around is not a good feeling. 

Trying to be a certain stereotype is not always the best for you by; limiting you to who you interact with, messing up your priorities, and making you act a certain way. Not everyone agrees with stereotypes being a positive thing. Hopefully, others will realize that everyone is affected by it. Instead of trying to be someone else, everyone should be the same stereotype, where you get to act as who you want to be. Everything will affect you in the long run, so try to be yourself. Maybe one day there will be a society where everyone interacts well together and accepts each other for who they are. When that day comes, stereotypes will disappear, and the world will be a better place.

College Essay Final

John Hopkins University Prompt

John Hopkins university was founded in 1876 on a spirit of exploration and discovery. As a result students can pursue a multi dimensional undergraduate experience both in and outside of the classroom. Given the opportunities at Hopkins please discuss your current interest- Academic or extracurricular pursuits, personal passions, summer experiences, etc.- and how you will build upon them here. 

Honolulu Hekili from Hawaii vs. Northern California Tri-valley, Bottom of the 7th inning and the game is tied. This is the semi-final match of the 2014 Babe Ruth Pacific Southwest tournament in Surprise, Arizona, this determines who goes to the Championship game. I, Kaz Tachino, am on 3rd base with 1 out. There is no possible way that we can lose, we worked way too hard to get here, and we WILL win this game. There was just a huge flame burning in my heart. Our chances of winning have increased and everyone is on their feet. The pitcher makes a mistake and I score home. As I run down the basepath, my yelling has been heard around the world. My hands were red from all the clapping I had done from the excitement of the game. My teammates mobbed me at home plate, whacking the top of my helmet. We were going to the championships, but it was special because we got to play in a Major League Baseball Spring Training field. Also. the winner of this game would go to the Babe Ruth World Series. Would we be able to make it their, and persevere through the 100 degree weather? I guess you'll just have to keep reading then.

A rematch, Hekili vs. Tri-valley was bound to happen. Sure enough, we had to play those guys again. The score was 9-3 in the Top of the 7th. A ground ball to the second basemen, "OUT!" 3 outs, the game was over, and one of the teams were getting a trip to Ocala, Florida. Our moms and dads were jumping for joy because we were going to the World Series. Parents and players were busting out their cell phones and cameras to take videos and send home to our family members. "WE DID IT." Our dreams that we had since we were small kids playing tee-ball finally came true. It's what every baseball player longs for. Other teams would do dog piles and scream, but our team wasn't a bunch of show-offs. We had pride, and were very modest. That's just how we were raised and brought up as baseball players. I liked that mindset, though, because it shows that we deserve it, and that we weren't cocky. Showing up the other team just wasn't our thing. Anyway, there's no where to go after this, this is where the best teams of the nation come to play. Every singe one of us posted a picture on Instagram and how happy we were. Friends and families were commenting and congratulating us on our HUGE victory. We were all pooped out and just felt like lying on the field and relaxing. "World Series, HERE WE COME!" 

If you ever thought that Hawaii was always sunny and hot compared to the mainland (other 48 states not including Alaska), you are terribly wrong. Florida was terrible because most of the time it was about 90% humidity. As soon as you step out of the airport, you instantly start to sweat. But when you're into the game, that's the last thing you worry about. Anyways, going to the World Series was a blast, you get to meet the best players from around the country. There were people over 6 feet tall. It looked like they could bench 3,000 pounds because they were so huge. The experience of meeting all the different teams was unbelievable. They had different attitudes, and ways to play the game. They had different accents from where they come from, too. But did this affect the way that we played against them?

Honolulu Hekili, the only team to go UNDEFEATED in Pool Play. We were the team to beat, everyone else loss in the tournament, besides us. As our coach says, "the targets are right on your guy's backs, and everyone is aiming for you." It was true, everyone wanted to beat us. It all came down to a special game, the semi-finals. We were scheduled to play a team from Texas. There was a very interesting start, however. We had a very late game, 8:00 P.M. Once both teams were done warming up, lightning and thunder joined the party. The game got delayed for a whole hour. It felt special because the word "Hekili" means thunder or lightning. Texas was a very skilled team. They threw hard, made all the plays, and hit hard. One guy hit a homerun over the fence, which was 335 feet away. That same flame that burned earlier was even bigger in my heart. I was willing to risk anything to win. I would get beaned by a 100 mph pitch just to win this game. But, not everything will go your way. As you probably guessed, we did lose to them. But, just because we loss, doesn't mean that we didn't play our hearts out. Each and everyone of us put 200% effort into the game. Sometimes losses can't be helped if you tried your best. Tears were running down our face after the game because of how far we came, and that the dream was finally over. This game of baseball just puts us all in tears, our love for the game is just incredible. All the time and effort we put into baseball truly played off, and we don't regret anything at all. I felt sad, but also proud of the excellent work we had done. A summer filled baseball is exciting and worth everything.

Passion is the key word to my summer. My passion for baseball is just overwhelming because I just love playing, watching, and analyzing the game. I would put in work everyday to play the game. But, I don't only put passion into baseball, but into everything I do. Especially school work because education comes before baseball. Sports is a reward for paying attention in school, and doing your work. At John Hopkins University, I will put in 200% effort into my work, just like I do for baseball. I don't just do work to get it done, I do it because I want to. I will do quality work because I know I will benefit everything in the future. Passion is the key word. I hope you enjoyed reading my essay and recommend me into John Hopkins University. You will not regret anything if I am accepted!

Word Choice Olympic

1. The children raced to their beloved father who had finally returned from being deployed. Tears of joy rushed down their faces as all three of their arms wrapped around their father. An attitude of gratitude is what they had because he has served the country and showed his love for our nation. With his patriotic uniform, and his proud smile, he then squeezed his three daughters for he hasn't seen them in 2 years. He replays the video chats he had with them when he was away, but realizes that when they're standing right in front of him, he can hug them. He then tells them, "lets go home."

2. The gun was shaking due to the quivering hands of the lady. She held the gun up to a thief that was stealing money from the bank. More focused than ever, the lady tried to aim at the bandit who was holding a hostage in his arms. Tears dripping down the hostage's face. The lady held her breath for a moment to perfect her shot. She needed to aim directly at the man, so she wouldn't hit the hostage. The trigger was pulled and the lady hit the target. She finally completed her aim training.

3. "I believe that we will win, I believe that we will win!" The USA fans cheered their hearts out for their beach volleyball representatives in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. It was the 3rd set and the score was 24-24. Both sides' hearts were beating 1,000 times per minute. US served the ball over the net, the other team returns it. A constant loop replays for both teams were greatly skilled and experienced. US returns the ball and the girl from the other team trips and falls. Shouts from the US team and fans echoed throughout London. The winning team leaped in the air in joy because this was the first time they had won since the year 1,900.

4. Bottom of the 9th inning, 2 outs, the score is 0-0 and Buster Posey, the catcher for the Giants, is up to bat. "A high, inside pitch to Posey... and GONE, THAT BALL IS OUT OF HERE! You can put in on the boooooooooooooard, yes!" The crowd raises to their feet at the instant sound of the crack of the bat. The ball was deep over the fence, in to the third deck of the stands. Posey trots around the bases pounding his chest. Tossing his helmet into the air, he screams as he gets mobbed at home plate. His teammates ripped his jersey into pieces, for they knew that they made baseball history. The giants have won the 2012 world series, and the last time they won was 1954. The team was jumping up and down in excitement, they knew they were the underdogs, but they never gave up.

5. The student slowly fell into a deep sleep. The boring math class was no wake up call. Every second of the class felt like hours and hours. Each hour eating away at your brain. His eyelids grew heavier and heavier. His sight became very feint, and soon enough he became unconscious, down for the count, asleep. Then suddenly a screeching "PAK" woke the boy. It was from the ruler that smacked down on his desk. The boy then got detention for sleeping in class.

College Essay

John Hopkins University Prompt

John Hopkins university was founded in 1876 on a spirit of exploration and discovery. As a result students can pursue a multi dimensional undergraduate experience both in and outside of the classroom. Given the opportunities at Hopkins please discuss your current interest- Academic or extracurricular pursuits, personal passions, summer experiences, etc.- and how you will build upon them here. 



Honolulu Hekili from Hawaii vs. Northern California Tri-valley, Bottom of the 7th inning and the game is tied. This is the semi-final match of the 2014 Babe Ruth Pacific Southwest tournament in Surprise, Arizona, this determines who goes to the Championship game. I, Kaz Tachino, am on 3rd base with 1 out. Our chances of winning have increased and everyone is on their feet. The pitcher makes a mistake and I score home. As I run down the basepath, my yelling has been heard around the world. My hands were red from all the clapping I had done from the excitement of the game. My teammates mobbed me at home plate, whacking the top of my helmet. We were going to the championships, but it was special because we got to play in a Major League Baseball Spring Training field. Also. the winner of this game would go to the Babe Ruth World Series. Would we be able to make it their, and persevere through the 100 degree weather? I guess you'll just have to keep reading then.


A rematch, Hekili vs. Tri-valley was bound to happen. Sure enough, we had to play those guys again. The score was 9-3 in the Top of the 7th. A ground ball to the second basemen, "OUT!" 3 outs, the game was over, and one of the teams were getting a trip to Ocala, Florida. Our moms and dads were jumping for joy because we were going to the World Series. Parents and players were busting out their cell phones and cameras to take videos and send home to our family members. "WE DID IT." Our dreams that we had since we were small kids playing tee-ball finally came true. It's what every baseball player longs for. There's no where to go after this, this is where the best teams of the nation come to play. Every singe one of us posted a picture on Instagram and how happy we were. Friends and families were commenting and congratulating us on our HUGE victory. We were all pooped out and just felt like lying on the field and relaxing. "World Series, HERE WE COME!" 


If you ever thought that Hawaii was always sunny and hot compared to the mainland (other 48 states not including Alaska), you are terribly wrong. Florida was terrible because most of the time it was about 90% humidity. As soon as you step out of the airport, you instantly start to sweat. But when you're into the game, that's the last thing you worry about. Anyways, going to the World Series was a blast, you get to meet the best players from around the country. There were people over 6 feet tall. It looked like they could bench 3,000 pounds because they were so huge. The experience of meeting all the different teams was unbelievable. They had different attitudes, and ways to play the game. They had different accents from where they come from, too. But did this affect the way that we played against them?

Honolulu Hekili, the only team to go UNDEFEATED in Pool Play. We were the team to beat, everyone else loss in the tournament, besides us. As our coach says, "the targets are right on your guy's backs, and everyone is aiming for you." It was true, everyone wanted to beat us. It all came down to a special game, the semi-finals. We were scheduled to play a team from Texas. There was a very interesting start, however. We had a very late game, 8:00 P.M. Once both teams were done warming up, lightning and thunder joined the party. The game got delayed for a whole hour. It felt special because the word "Hekili" means thunder or lightning. Texas was a very skilled team. They threw hard, made all the plays, and hit hard. One guy hit a homerun over the fence, which was 335 feet away. As you probably guessed, we did lose to them. But, just because we loss, doesn't mean that we didn't play our hearts out. Each and everyone of us put 200% effort into the game. Sometimes losses can't be helped if you tried your best. Tears were running down our face after the game because of how far we came, and that the dream was finally over. This game of baseball just puts us all in tears, our love for the game is just incredible. All the time and effort we put into baseball truly played off, and we don't regret anything at all. A summer filled baseball is exciting and worth everything.

Passion is the key word to my summer. My passion for baseball is just overwhelming because I just love playing, watching, and analyzing the game. I would put in work everyday to play the game. But, I don't only put passion into baseball, but into everything I do. Especially school work because education comes before baseball. Sports is a reward for paying attention in school, and doing your work. At John Hopkins University, I will put in 200% effort into my work, just like I do for baseball. I don't just do work to get it done, I do it because I want to. I will do quality work because I know I will benefit everything in the future. Passion is the key word. I hope you enjoyed reading my essay and recommend me into John Hopkins University. You will not regret anything if I am accepted!

Coming of Age Graphic Draft

College Essay Prompts

Harvard

-unusual circumstances in your life
-travel or living experiences in other experiences in your life
-a list of books you have read during the past twelve past months
-how you hope to use your college education
-an intellectual experience that has meant the most to you
What you would want your future college roommate to know about you

University of Hawaii

1. Commitment or volunteer service- complete an essay describing what activities you participated in (i.e. Any activities including volunteer, leadership, membership and community services in social, school or community organizations which demonstrate your willingness to give back to your community).

2. Commitment to health care- complete an essay describing what activities related to health care that you participated in (I.e. Demonstrated commitment to health care, volunteer work, employment in health services, enrolled in a degree program in any area of health fields; career goals and plans in the health care field regardless of are of study; how you intend to impact the health of your community in the state of Hawaii.)


John Hopkins university


John Hopkins university was founded in 1876 on a spirit of exploration and discovery. As a result students can pursue a multi dimensional undergraduate experience both in and outside of the classroom. Given the opportunities at Hopkins please discuss your current interest- Academic or extracurricular pursuits, personal passions, summer experiences, etc.- and how you will build upon them here.

Coming of Age Final Draft

It was a cold weekday morning, I woke up at about 6:00 to eat breakfast and get ready for school. I was thinking that it would be the usual, eat, get ready, and go to school. I didn't tell my family "good morning" or that kinda stuff because we saw each other everyday. As I walked into our family room, I asked my grandma, "where's mom?" She responded gently, "something bad happened to Kai, so mom and dad drove him to the hospital 2:00 this morning." I didn't know what to say, this isn't the first time it happened, but I was too young the other time. If it was something minor like a broken arm, then I wouldn't really worry that much, but this is a major problem to worry about. When he was 6, he had a medical issue called Wilms’ Tumor, which is a kind kidney cancer. I was finally old enough to realize that someone's life was at stake, my own brother's. My grandma said that his stomach was feeling very sore and unusual, so they rushed him to the hospital. I was only in 5th grade, so I was very worried and didn't know what to say. I still had to go through school before I could visit him.

Going through the school day was a terrible feeling. I was still in Elementary school, I should be having a great time because all the work is easy, and you get to play around all day. That was not the case. I had a queasy feeling in my stomach the whole day. Each class period was wasted. All I did was stare off into space, thinking about my brother. I felt bad that through most of my life, I barely talked to him about how everything is. I wasn't close to him that much. Even my oldest brother talked to him very little, and they slept in the same room. My heart had one-thousand beats per minute. I never had this type of feeling before, I felt confused and worried at the same time. 

It was finally 2:10, the time that my school finished. I quickly walked to the front of the school, we weren’t allowed to run. My grandma picked my brother and I up, and we drove to Kapiolani Hospital. As I walked in to the building, it had that hospital smell, which was like hand sanitizer. Chills were running down my body as I walked into my brother’s room.

The sight was disastrous, there were tubes going in his body. I felt like I was going to faint when I saw all the nasty guck being sucked out of his body. I was worried sick for him, I didn’t know if he was going to be okay or not. I was speechless. I didn’t know if it was right to ask my mom if he was going to die, but I was just too anxious. “He’s not gonna die, he’s gonna be fine.” I felt a sense of relief, but just the point of him being in the hospital worried me.

After the two months that my brother was in the hospital, he finally got out. He was happy because he hated hospital food and lying down in bed all day. Although he was not too excited for all the school work he had to catch up on. I learned a big lesson from this family incident. My mom now talks about it all the time. She says that we should never stay mad at anyone because you don’t want your last memory of them being angry, or making them sad. You’ll live your life in regret and sadness. What this incident did was help to make my family closer to each other, especially with my older brother. We realized that we should cherish each moment, because someone’s life could end at any moment. I try not to stay mad at anyone for a long time. I learned to love life, and live without any regrets.

Now, all my brothers are closer. Before, we just use to argue. We weren’t brothers, we were just people that were related to each other. It turns out that we all have a lot in common. My brothers now come into my room just to hangout. My two older brothers talk a lot now, and they agree to kick me out of their room because I annoy them. We do stuff for each other and just enjoy each other’s company. I like the way things are now, we fight and argue, but in the end, everything goes back to normal. Our family is just that much closer now. If this never happened, I don’t know what our family would be like. I’m sad that my brother got hurt, but I’m glad that our family is now closer than ever. The most important lessons are learned through bad experiences.

Blog Revision

On my blog, I changed my background, header, and title. My title represents how I feel about the life I was living this whole time, and that I enjoy it. My background is a picture that I took on the plane ride coming home from Florida. I changed my background because my other one was plain, and I wanted a picture of my own to be my blog background. Lastly, my header is a collage of my baseball team, pictures of when I was in Florida, and a picture that I took when we went to Florida. The header shows my graphic skills because I put together all the pictures with Photoshop. I had to make two of the pictures slightly more transparent so that it looks nicer. I also put text in there which has my name, and the title of my blog. I made lots of changes to my blog.

Coming of Age Draft

February 2010 was the day that our family faced one of our biggest problems ever, which impacted us negatively, but also positively. It was a cold weekday morning, I woke up at about 6:00 to eat breakfast and get ready for school. As I walked into our family room, I asked my grandma, "where's mom?" She responded gently, "something bad happened to Kai, so mom and dad drove him to the hospital 2:00 this morning." I didn't know what to say, this isn't the first time it happened, but I was too young the other time. When he was 6, he had a medical issue called Wilms’ Tumor, which is a kind kidney cancer. I was finally old enough to realize that someone's life was at stake, my own brother's. My grandma said that his stomach was feeling very sore and unusual, so they rushed him to the hospital. I was only in 5th grade, so I was very worried and didn't know what to say. I still had to go through school before I could visit him.

Going through the school day was a terrible feeling. I was still in Elementary school, I should be having a great time because all the work is easy, and you get to play around all day. That was not the case. I had a queasy feeling in my stomach the whole day. Each class period was wasted. All I did was stare off into space, thinking about my brother. My heart had one-thousand beats per minute. I never had this type of feeling before, I felt confused and worried at the same time. 

It was finally 2:10, the time that my school finished. I quickly walked to the front of the school, we weren’t allowed to run. My grandma picked my brother and I up, and we drove to Kapiolani Hospital. As I walked in to the building, it had that hospital smell, which was like hand sanitizer. Chills were running down my body as I walked into my brother’s room.

The sight was disastrous, there were tubes going in his body. I felt like I was going to faint when I saw all the nasty guck being sucked out of his body. I was worried sick for him, I didn’t know if he was going to be okay or not. I was speechless. I didn’t know if it was right to ask my mom if he was going to die, but I was just too anxious. “He’s not gonna die, he’s gonna be fine.” I felt a sense of relief, but just the point of him being in the hospital worried me.

About a month later, the Punahou carnival was up and it was close by the hospital. My aunty and cousin took me and my little brother. I had one goal to do before we left, I was going to win my brother a stuffed animal. At this age, I wasn’t much a fan of roller coasters, so we mainly just played carnival games. There was one game in particular that I knew I wanted to play, it was the ring toss one. I have some pretty good luck on this game. So I knew I wanted to play this game, and win something for my brother. Sure enough, I won him a stuffed unicorn, but I also ended up winning him other stuffed animals. I was so excited to see my brother’s reaction to the prizes I won for him, especially because I never told him about it. When we got back to the hospital I said, “Kai look what I won!” He said, “Wow! You’re pretty good huh?” With a grin on my face I said, “I won these for you.” A big smile from the both of is brightened up the whole room. It showed my sympathy and care for him.

After the two months that my brother was in the hospital, he finally got out. He was happy because he hated hospital food and lying down in bed all day. Although he was not too excited for all the school work he had to catch up on. I learned a big lesson from this family incident. My mom now talks about it all the time. She says that we should never stay mad at anyone because you don’t want your last memory of them being angry, or making them sad. You’ll live your life in regret and sadness. What this incident did was help to make my family closer to each other, especially with my older brother. We realized that we should cherish each moment, because someone’s life could end at any moment. I try not to stay mad at anyone for a long time. I learned to love life, and live without any regrets.

Now, all my brothers are closer. Before, we just use to argue. We weren’t brothers, we were just people that were related to each other. It turns out that we all have a lot in common. My brothers now come into my room just to hangout. We do stuff for each other and just enjoy each other’s company. I like the way things are now, we fight and argue, but in the end, everything goes back to normal. Our family is just that much closer now. If this never happened, I don’t know what our family would be like. I’m sad that my brother got hurt, but I’m glad that our family is now closer than ever. The most important lessons are learned through bad experiences.

Hawaii Incidents: Mini Essay

Hawaii, known for its interesting and marvelous natural attractions. From volcanoes, to lookouts, and the wonderful ocean blue. But, there are many downsides to these tropical attractions. Due to them being "natural," anything can happen, you can't stop it, but you can be warned. That is what the government lacks when the tourists come from all over. Warning signs are needed so people that aren't aware of these dangerous activities, are ready and cautious for negative outcomes.

Visitors of these dangerous, but beautiful attractions, are not warned about the bad possibilities that can happen to them. Is it there fault? Maybe. But who's to blame for when they get injured? The government is, for not putting up signs and warnings for these off limits, or dangerous places. In Maui, there is a popular blowhole called Nakalele Point. David Potts, a tourist from California, approached the blowhole, unaware of any bad outcomes. "... a large wave struck him from behind and knocked him into the hole." The Maui Fire department had to do a 3-day sea, land, and air search for him, but there was no sign anywhere. Another story about a 22 year old man that got hit by wave, happened just the day after the blowhole incident. "... was killed when a wave knocked him off a rocky cliff in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision and swept him 100 yards offshore." The landowners did not put signs of potential hazards. These tourists are not warned and are losing lives, or getting injured because of simple signs that aren't put up.

The Hawaii state government is responsible for the injuries and deaths of tourists that are unaware of the possible outcomes of these natural disasters. These victims are innocent and did not know that their lives were in danger. The Hawaii state government is at fault and should be sued. Can you imagine how these people's families feel? Maybe the government will learn a lesson and put up signs and warning, so incidents like these don't happen.

Hawaii Incidents Position Statements

The tourists that visit Hawaii and attractions are responsible for their actions. They should not be disobeying signs and warnings. Anything can happen with these natural attractions, so these tourist should be responsible for their own safety.

The government is also responsible for the injuries of the tourist if they are not aware of the incoming damage. There should be warnings of possible things that could happen on trails, ledges, etc. People need to be aware of what can happen to them. It could save a life and money. 

The location is responsible for restricting people if the area is off limits. There should be gates and warning/hazardous signs to warn people of the dangerous outcomes.

My 2nd Semester Portfolio

http://kazsportfolio.weebly.com

Merchant of Venice Final Essay

Not everyone is who they seem to be when first introduced. Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare has characters that fit this description. It is a play of different people, and their troubles in their life. You find out in the end who the characters really seem to be, and their real reactions and personalities. Mainly there is two important parts of the story. There is a man named Bassanio, and he has love for Portia, a princess, who also has feelings for Bassanio. On another side of the story, a Jew named Shylock makes an agreement with Bassanio, and his good friend Antonio, a christian merchant. Their agreement is to take a loan from Shylock for Bassanio to be with Portia. Shylock, the Jew, seems normal and somewhat snobby in the beginning, but as the story goes on, he is a crazy, poor, greedy man who loses everything. Shylock is a character who builds up on his greediness and craziness throughout the story.

Shylock has had many disturbances with Christians because he is a jew, so is serious about any deal he makes with Antonio. Although, Antonio is also serious about the deal. “If you don’t repay me on such a day, at such a place, such sum or sums as are in the contract, let the forfeit be agreed for a full pound of your fair flesh.” 2.6.49-50. Shylock is being crazy in the first place for ever wanting a pound of Antonio’s flesh. Even if the deal involves 3,000 ducats, a dead man does not equal up to that money. Something better would be a double up of money, not a pound of flesh. Shylock has always been bullied by people like Antonio. He says that the week before, Antonio spit on him for being a Jew. Shylock just wants revenge from all the Christians. With this bond, Skylock will always be on top, as it seems. He gets 3,000 ducats, or Christian flesh. Which, he doesn’t mind having since he hates Christians. Shylock is an enraged man who wants revenge and money


This Jew is also known for his greediness. His daughter Jessica has ran away from him with Lorenzo, a Christian. She wants to transform into Christianity, and forever leave her father. Through Shylock’s eyes, this isn’t the big problem. “My daughter! Oh, my ducats! Oh, my daughter! Fled with a Christian! Oh, my Christian money! Justice!” 2.8.15-16. Even if his daughter is running away from him, he is still worried about his money. His daughter robbed him, but he doesn’t care as much about her, but for the money. Shylock tells Jessica to stay in the house and not leave with Lancelot, Lorenzo’s friend. He doesn’t do a good job of making her listen. She dresses as a man and runs away with her love. This shows that Shylock doesn’t have as much care for her than his money. If he loved her, he would’ve put guards, and make sure that she wouldn’t flee with the “damn” Christian. His greediness and selfishness overtakes him, as you can see, this is important towards the end as Shylock does not only lose his daughter.


Shylock is a poor man, but it’s his fault for being so careless and stupid. Antonio loses his ships, and cannot repay the debt. By this time, Shylock has gone mad, so he is very eager to take his Christian flesh. Bassanio offers to pay him more, but he refuses to take the money. “You’ll ask my why i rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh than to receive three thousand ducats: I’ll not answer that!” 4.1.40-42. Shylock still feels needy for something, but not for money. He is now needy for his revenge on the Christian, He’d much rather have the flesh now, he’s lost everything, and this is the only thing that he can own, and be happy with. “But in the cutting it, if thou dost shed one drop of Christian blood, thy lands and good due by the laws of Venice confiscate undo the state of Venice.” 4.1.449-450. Portia comes to the court, dressed as a lawyer, and saves Antonio’s life by finding a loop hole in the bond. Shylock is depressed, mad and not to be blamed. Although, he could’ve read the bond, and know that whoever wrote the bond was not on the favorable side of Shylock. It does not make sense to cut flesh and not have blood. Due to Shylock’s carelessness he is now very depressed and doesn’t want to live. He doesn’t know what to do with his life. He was crazy ever since the beginning, and now he seems to be the innocent one, but also the enemy. 


Shylock is a greedy, poor, and careless man with nothing. There were just problems building on top of each other for him. First, his daughter runs away with his money, and then figures out in the end that the “better” end of the bond failed for him. He was too selfish and greedy. he tried to rush everything, and didn’t pay attention to more important things. Instead of just thinking of ducats or Christian flesh, what about the actual bond. He was being stupid about the bond and how it was written. He didn’t even read the bond. There were many different perceptions of Shylock in this book, from beginning to end. He turned out to be crazy in the end, but also having nothing. That’s who he really is, and how he turned out to be in the end, a maniac. 

Merchant of Venice Essay

Not everyone is who they seem to be when first introduced. Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare has characters that fit this description. It is a play of different people, and their troubles in their life. You find out in the end who the characters really seem to be, and their real reactions and personalities. Mainly there is two important parts of the story. There is a man named Bassanio, and he has love for Portia, a princess, who also has feelings for Bassanio. On another side of the story, a Jew named Shylock makes an agreement with Bassanio, and his good friend Antonio, a christian merchant. Their agreement is to take a loan from Shylock for Bassanio to be with Portia. Shylock, the Jew, seems normal and somewhat snobby in the beginning, but as the story goes on, he is a crazy, poor, greedy man who loses everything.

Shylock has had many disturbances with Christians because he is a jew, so is serious about any deal he makes with Antonio. Although, Antonio is also serious about the deal. “If you don’t repay me on such a day, at such a place, such sum or sums as are in the contract, let the forfeit be agreed for a full pound of your fair flesh.” 2.6.49-50. Shylock is being crazy in the first place for ever wanting a pound of Antonio’s flesh. Even if the deal involves 3,000 ducats, a dead man does not equal up to that money. Something better would be a double up of money, not a pound of flesh. Shylock has always been bullied by people like Antonio. He says that the week before, Antonio spit on him for being a Jew. Shylock just wants revenge from all the Christians. With this bond, Skylock will always be on top, as it seems. He gets 3,000 ducats, or Christian flesh. Which, he doesn’t mind having since he hates Christians. Shylock is a crazy man who wants revenge and money

This Jew is also known for his greediness. His daughter Jessica has ran away from him with Lorenzo, a Christian. She wants to transform into Christianity, and forever leave her father. Through Shylock’s eyes, this isn’t the big problem. “My daughter! Oh, my ducats! Oh, my daughter! Fled with a Christian! Oh, my Christian money! Justice!” 2.8.15-16. Even if his daughter is running away from him, he is still worried about his money. His daughter robbed him, but he doesn’t care as much about her, but for the money. Shylock tells Jessica to stay in the house and not leave with Lancelot, Lorenzo’s friend. He doesn’t do a good job of making her listen. She dresses as a man and runs away with her love. This shows that Shylock doesn’t have as much care for her than his money. If he loved her, he would’ve put guards, and make sure that she wouldn’t flee with the “damn” Christian. His greediness overtakes him, as you can see, this is important towards the end as Shylock does not only lose his daughter.

Shylock is a poor man, but it’s his fault for being so careless and stupid. Antonio loses his ships, and cannot repay the debt. By this time, Shylock is crazy, so he is very eager to take his Christian flesh. Bassanio offers to pay him more, but he refuses ti take the money. “You’ll ask my why i rather choose to have a weight of carrion flesh than to receive three thousand ducats: I’ll not answer that!” 4.1.40-42. Shylock is still greedy, but not for money. He is now greedy for his revenge on the Christian, He’d much rather have the flesh now, he’s lost everything, and this is the only thing that he can own, and be happy with. “But in the cutting it, if thou dost shed one drop of Christian blood, thy lands and good due by the laws of Venice confiscate undo the state of Venice.” 4.1.449-450. Portia comes to the court, dressed as a lawyer, and saves Antonio’s life by finding a loop hole in the bond. Shylock is depressed, mad and not to be blamed. Although, he could’ve read the bond, and know that whoever wrote the bond was not on the favorable side of Shylock. It does not make sense to cut flesh and not have blood. Due to Shylock’s carelessness he is now very depressed and doesn’t want to live. He doesn’t know what to do with his life. He was crazy ever since the beginning, and now he seems to be the innocent one, but also the enemy. 

Shylock is a greedy, poor, and careless man with nothing. There were just problems building on top of each other for him. First, his daughter runs away with his money, and then figures out in the end that the “better” end of the bond failed for him. He was too selfish and greedy. he tried to rush everything, and didn’t pay attention to more important things. Instead of just thinking of ducats or Christian flesh, what about the actual bond. He was being stupid about the bond and how it was written. He didn’t even read the bond. There were many different perceptions of Shylock in this book, from beginning to end. He turned out to be crazy in the end, but also having nothing. That’s who he really is, and how he turned out to be in the end, a maniac. 

Statements Comments

• Don’t rely on outward appearances when making judgments. 

I agree with this statement because what truly identifies a person is what's on the inside. You cannot judge a person just by how they look. A person that may look bad still could be kind and innocent. Before I thought that this person was really mean, but he turned out to be really nice.

• Justice is always blind.

I don't agree with this statement  because justice isn't blind. People may think that because they always try to catch you doing things wrong. Although, that is your job, and it's your fault for doing the wrong thing anyway. When I was little, I always thought that the police were mean, and don't understand what they are doing, but I understand that it's my fault.

• A brotherly love between two friends can be just as strong as an intimate love between a man and a woman.

I agree with this because friends are always there for you. There isn't much that boyfriends or girlfriends can do more of. They still care for you and are kind to you. Most times I would take my friends over a girl.

• You can break a promise as long as you have a good excuse

This can sometimes be true, but most of the times not. It depends what the excuse is. If you are not suppose to tell someone something because it's a secret, then it might be acceptable. I used to be a bad secret keeper, so I couldn't keep a promise.

• Love is blind.

I disagree with this because love is not blind. You have to find it yourself, and the one that you love. Love is not an accident, it has a purpose. 

• Stereotypes are often right.

I disagree because stereotypes are not for everyone. Not every asian is smart. These are false accusations. I am accused for being smart and cannot see.

• An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is a good motto to live by.

I do not agree with this because not everything needs to have payback. Sometimes things happen as a mistake. You don't have to be punished for everything. A lot of bad things happen to me from other people, but most of the time, i don't give payback.

Of Mice and Men Movie Poster

Of Mice and Men Vocabulary

Sullenness (adj.)- gloomy, sluggish, and slow.

"She paused and her face lost its sullenness and grew interested." Page 78

At the funeral when we made our prayer the whole church grew great sullenness and depression.

Liniment (noun)- a liquid that is rubbed on your skin to relieve pain.

"Crooks sat on his bunk and looked at the door for a moment and then he reached for the liniment bottle." Page 83

Matthew applied liniment to his ankle to secure that he won't get infections.

Reverently (adj.)- angrily or with great feeling.

"George said reverently, "Jesus Christ! I bet we could swing her." " Page 60

Naomi reverently yelled at Kaz, "Stop singing, it's so annoying!"

Metaphoric Graphic Novel Final

Metaphoric Poem Graphic Novel

Metaphoric poem final draft

I am an Encyclopedia
An open book
But hard to understand

I serve a special purpose
To give people knowledge
To convince them
To get them on my side
I work hard to help others
Especially the ones in need
All they need is info
All they do is plead
They don't want help from me
I'm just boring on the outside
But if you get to know me
I am pretty interesting
So c'mon ask me things
I will not lie to you
I hold many thing
Not only facts
But secrets, too

People say that I'm so intellectual

But that's not the true me

I know lots of things

But funny things and jokes
You probably think I'm a know it all
But I promise that you'll love me

I may look just boring

But on the inside

You'll see how colorful and filled with different things

I help you with homework and cool facts
Not interested? Cant blame you
I am an encyclopedia