2014 National Day of Writing

Beauty

Sunrises peeking over the skyline to say good morning,

sunsets dipping under Boathouse Row to say good night.

The row is illuminated without warning,

the eyes of every child reflect the sight.

Drivers rush passed, dismissing the glow that it's adorning,

But we all know here in Philly, the beauty is true beholding.


#writemycommunity

National Writing Day 2014

Philadelphia


I live in the city of Philly with a community that is much like family,

We love, laugh, struggle, and cry together,

Closely knit like the yarn of a sweater,


The home of many firsts,

Universities, libraries, and even the first school of anatomy,

And mouth-watering delicacies from around the world to indulge yourself in,

A melting pot filled to the brim,


We speak what’s on our mind,

By protests and strikes against “unfair” treatment for our teachers and students alike,

We lay down the road for education of our future generations,


Multiple opportunities to find myself,

Multiple opportunities to experience,

I have been given the paint by the city,

Now it is time to start my picture.


National Writing Day 2014

If you walked through Cherry Street or the side streets surrounding it, you’d come face to face with rows and rows red brick homes pressed together tightly, decorated with tiny plants, road bikes, and election signs.

Stroll just a block or two north, and you’d get explore the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. You could visit the Central Library, the cornerstone of a gigantic free library system or the Franklin Institute, a world renowned hands on science museum. Or let yourself be amazed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art- home to artistic and architectural achievements from the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

From there, just a SEPTA (the public transit system) ride away is South Street. The long street the divides Center City and South Philadelphia is always teeming with animated hipsters, somber artists and everyone in between. If you like shops or restaurants with character, South Street is full of both.

Finally, yet another short walk or ride east is Olde City, an area highly concentrated with national historic landmarks. Visit Independence Hall to see where the US first established its values. The Constitution Center will teach you about the document that governs the supreme courts and Liberty Places houses the well known Liberty Bell. All of these historic gold mines are situated on cobblestone streets where horse-and-buggies crowd the intersections.


#writemycommunity


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2014 National Day of Writing

There is a little part of every city known as Chinatown. Within the Chinatown in Philadelphia, there is a little Chinese American community. I am a Chinese American, so I feel like Chinatown is a very important part of who I am and my culture. There is non-profit organization that I am very proud to be apart of that is based in the Philadelphia Chinatown area. This organization is called the Philadelphia Suns, which was established in 1972. The Philadelphia Suns started as a basketball team of youths in Chinatown, which brought the community together. The Philadelphia Suns is a very community based organization. Their goal is to build character within their members. The Philadelphia Suns want to spread positivity within the community, so those people could take it to their personal and professional lives. They want to encourage volunteerism and sportsmanship. Their mission is to advocate athletics, cultural and educational opportunities. As being a member of the Philadelphia Suns I get to, learn so many new things and meet new people inside and outside of the Philadelphia area. I feel like personally I have become a better and more well rounded person every since I have joined the Suns. I feel more than a part of an organization, more like a community that I like to call my family.

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2014 National Day of Writing

You say coffee, we say ‘cawfee’. You call it a sub, we call it a hoagie. You say “water” we say “wooder”. “Hey! Get that jawn for me over there? No the other jawn”. The thing is, you really can’t experience or understand real “Philly” unless you’ve lived here yourself. Outsiders may be alarmed at how different our lives are from their own. For example, It’s easy for Philadelphians to take SEPTA (public transportation) everywhere, or knowing where to get the best pizza in South Philly, and finding the nearest Wawa to demolish those certain cravings you have throughout the day. With all the social and historical events that went and goes on in the City of Brotherly love, Philadelphia is my home and I’m proud to live here.
All year round, Philly people are so hype whenever our sports teams are playing. Either watching it on live television, tailgating in the parking lot of the stadium, or actually having season tickets, we are the most proud fans and outshines any other fans. Whether we’re cheering for the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, or the Sixers, we go to the extreme and probably voted the best fans any sports team can ever have. When watching a Philly team on t.v with a Philly person, expect to have many snacks, loud voices at the television, and a lot of team spirit.
Historically, Philly is where it’s at. Having the Declarations of Independence signed, to the first post office and university. Greats like Benjamin Franklin resided in Philadelphia and made it a better place to live. We also have a bell, a very cool bell. The Liberty Bell in fact, basically symbolizes our city.

People have many misconceptions about Philly residences, but it’s hard to judge what you don’t know. Philadelphia is an amazing city and should be on everybody’s places to visit list one day in their lives. We love our city and you should too.


2014 National Day of Writing

Philly is LOVE Park..home of the most beLOVED actors, rappers, artists..

It is a place that is not usually seen for what it is by it’s own community unless we are in the spotlight, which we usually are...for good or bad.

To know Philly is to love Philly, cheesesteaks, South Street, Penns Landing.. is usually where our “magic” happens. We are THE most dedicated fans to our sports teams. The Eagles, Phillies and The Sixers. We look forward to our free coffee after a good win.

Philly is where you’ll hear the most slang used for the simplest things, but we have to add our own kick to everything.

Philly is SEPTA. Like it or not, from The Frankford EL Train to the Broad Street Line Subway. It’s how most of us get around.

Yes, we have our bad reputations from gun violence to a crappy school district but we shut Center City down in a heartbeat because we are passionate about what we deserve.

People still come from all over to observe the famous Art Museum and watch us shut it down for Made In America or Fourth of July at The Ben Franklin Parkway. We know how to throw parties big time!

To know Philly is to love Philly. Philly is home and home is where the heart is.

2014 National Day of Writing

Secrets are shadows hidden to those facing the sun and to native Philadelphians the shadows are all we know. Outsiders know us as a place to visit not a place in need. To us philly isn’t a place to give worship but a battlefield for education and incarceration. The authorities watch over us from a young age trying to encourage us yet unknowingly break us down in the process. Our pubic school foundation is crumbling down on us every year. Moving from one problem to the next. Being in high school I have the abilities to fight for my rights but who will be there for the younger children. To me I don’t live in a historic land, I live in a place of no return. I’ve talked to some of my classmates about what they love about Philadelphia and the only thing they could honestly say was “I love it because it’s where I was born and raised.” But upon further questioning they gave no reason for why they would come back to Philadelphia after  hopefully becoming successful. I believe that it is because of those shadows of secrets that we could not even imagine ourselves returning to a place we once called home.The shadows of secrets isn’t really a shadow or even a secret. It’s just the facts that people skip over when visiting. We’re not the worst city in the country but we could ALWAYS be better.  


2014 National Day on Writing


I’m from Philly.

Same place where Kevin Hart, Will Smith, Seth Green, and many more grew up.

Reading terminal, South Street, and cheesesteaks.

Lincoln Financial Field, Liacouras Center, and Wells Fargo Center, home to our Eagles, Sixers, and Flyers so go enjoy a game!

Philly has some of the most die heart fans.

That jawn is popping! Go get some wooder!

You’re probably thinking, “What is jawn and wooder?”

We aren’t as dangerous as you may think, come visit!

It’s dangerous wherever you go if you want to be technical.

I don’t know, it doesn’t seem that dangerous to me.

Philadelphia, so historical.

But how many Philadelphians actually go to Old City?

I went!

I live in West Philadelphia.

Busy, but never boring.

The el, the subway, the trolley, the bus.

Currently, the fact that we are rumored to be one of the most dangerous cities, and our educational system is skeptical, is disappointing.

Every city needs work, none are perfect.

But it takes the right people in order to make the change.

Not just a few, but a community.

One day, I will leave my city, but I will come back.

I can’t wait to give back to my city.

I will never forget.

I’m from Philly.


Home Network, Haye

mind mapping software

My LAN consists of my chromebook, my other laptop, phone, and tablet. This process was quite an experience. My "OMG" moment would have been when I learned and very much understood that Acceptable Use Policies are very important to read and actually understand it. The advice I would give to people is to always read your AUP and make sure you home network is worth it.


Home Network, Stephens

​My internet service provider is Comcast and the internet enters my house through the second floor closet and is a coax cable. My router is located in the same place and I have two routers. One router uses wifi and connects to my family's smart phones, Apple products, laptops, my tv system(Roku box), and more devices like that. My other router works my blu-ray and tv system not including the Roku service, gaming systems such as the Xbox. 
Through this process of learning about my internet and electronics, although I don't understand much of the way it functions, I did learn what connects to what and how dependent my internet is on other components. I was not surprised by my internet, but more intrigued on how it all works and what each thing does and how it effects the system as a whole. Other people should know which parts of their home internet do which tasks like I learned because it makes the whole system more understandable and can in turn make the system run more smoothly by being informed.

mind mapping software

The 2014 National Day on Writing


My community is very diverse and has a wide range of cultures, and ethnic backgrounds. Living in Philadelphia I take all of the Historical Monuments and figures for granted. I live in walking distance to everything. Live in Southwest Center city, some people like to refer to to where I live as Center city. My neighborhood is so white. All I see parked outside my door are “Priuses” and “Subarus”. I can’t the closes Poppy store is 4 blocks away.  In the hood there is one within every 3 feet. I love the fact that I live near  near everything, but the only people that live in my neighborhood are middle aged white people . I can walk to the center city in like 10 minutes. I live 10 to 15 minutes away University City.

You always hear about the cliches of living in Philly like, going to the Liberty Bell or eating cheesesteak. To be honest a cheesesteak is not that important to us, its just a thing we eat. I mean I know they taste great, but, who cares.   I never thought about how historic this city was, until I got my 8th grade Final project.  In order to graduate from middle school we were required to visit 12 out of the 15 historical cities or Landmarks in Philadelphia or the Greater Philadelphia area. While taking the tour for that project I learned so much about our city, that I know I would never take the time to learn if it was not a requirement.



Climate Change Monologue Project

​My goal is to tell people how important the atmosphere is, and also let people know that this awful change is about the climate and it is effecting all of us people in some kind of way shape or form. My monologues are some what simliar in someway. Do you think you know how?

(Walter the crazy drunk persona)


( Home on Couch talks to friend about climate change)

Sooo, what made you come to me for help about this crap, of all people you chose me to talk about such a sick topic. Woah man i'm so drunk right now how am i supposed to talk to you about such a serious topic and im like the worst drunk on earth right now but you know what, ok i think i got it but, the world seems as if its going through some crazy changes man, but i really dont know whats going on but in the news its some talk about climate.


(PIcks up bottle and starts taking a few sips)


The climate is changing yes! don't you learn about these things in school? Look outside don't you see this piece of land we live on. no no no you dont get it we are here in alaska don't you see that stuff is starting to melt here. we need to leave. does it really matter?? yes it really matters.


Puts down bottle and gets up to go and get another bottle)


You just don't understand what you got till its gone man But um listen just reduce reuse and recycle like if you do that then we will have less problems than what we already have  though! so i think we both should do that though because someday people can look at us and see that we are actually helping the society out, well basically helping the whole world out right about now.


“Futuronologue”

(Future time when Climate change issue wasn't resolved and people couldn't get the things they wanted)

You know i think its time to put an end to this mess. yes! because you people aren't doing anything about this crap. no, the government isn't trying to help neither is olama president of the pupu states. yea we all know thats it isn't fair to us that the people who do recycle and stuff don't get credited for the good things they do. obviously you should think its bad that we don't get this going in the right direction ha ha haha. But you know what it is, it might be that darn Ruler we call President thats not telling us the real deal like come on. All these freaking problems in our society the biggest one has to be about whether the world will end or not. The stuff that goes on in our neighborhood seems like its worse than what the climate change is doing if you ask me. Seriously, we need to leave this piece of crap neighborhood, at least fix it up first but then we just outright leave because it seems like no matter what we change and no matter what we try to fix it always tend to get worse and worse.


(Days later at a bar on 69th and future)

Let me get this straight we actually found a way to solve this issue? I thought that it wasn't possible to fix the damage that has already been done to the world, our culture, etc. We really made a change and hopefully it stays this way. No one likes a dirty neighborhood. In fact, no one likes a dirty anything. things are going good and hopefully this continues to go well!


“Moonologue”

Have you ever looked up at the moon and realized that whenever its a full moon people tend to go crazy? Im one of those people, i'm not gonna turn into a werewolf or anything haha but Im not that type of crazy. I feel as though I am immortal, unstoppable, I protect myself from harm I cause but the thing is do i really get hurt from this, ehh sometimes but when I wake up in the AM I don't really think about what happen last night. Let me rephrase that, I don't remember what happened last night. It just so happen that it came to me that things was happening to me last night. I think it had something to do with that moon of ours. Its been full lately and its been changing me in all sorts of ways. All of this is from this thing we call climate change and it has been effecting our lives in all types of ways. Hopefully we find a cure for this crap soon because I am tired of going crazy. Im tired of waking up in the middle of the night and not knowing what is happening to my body like I just wonder what it would be like to be in a peaceful environment and not needing to worry about these issues in this world.  


2014 National Writing Day

For me Philadelphia is almost impossible to describe. It’s been my home for so long that every aspect of the city seems perfectly normal. My best description would be that Philadelphia is a home to an old style quietly breaking down new ideas and innovations. When you look down the schuylkill river trail you see a  completely new design than it was a few years ago. Having lived in Philly almost all my life most of the changes feel like they’ve always been there. The new South Street bridge at first felt like a huge jump from the older version but now I have forgotten what the old bridge had looked like. Places like the Franklin Institute and the Barnes Foundation are always incredible to visit no matter how many times I walk through. For me, Philadelphia feels like the city whose map will always be etched in my brain. For me locations such as the Art Museum and Liberty Place have never been very special compared to locations such as the Central Library, Trader Joes, and Fitler Square. My sister expressed an interest to leave Philly the second she was looking at colleges. She isn’t alone in that belief, many of my friends have also expressed numerous times that they want to leave as soon as possible. I can understand why but I could never see myself doing the same. Philly a place that is so diverse and interesting it’s really about who you are that defines what Philly is for you.

2014 National Day On Writing

It is probably the best place in the world. We are really passionate and committed people. We love challenges. Philadelphia is also well known its arts and our diverse culture within different races. Personally,the things I know the most about Philly is that we love our food. Any place in the world can make their version of a Philly cheesesteak, but the best ones are in Philly itself. Like Philadelphia’s emblem should just be a cheesesteak or a soft pretzel. But we aren’t just known for our food, but for our sports. Not exactly the teams, but our fans. We have the clearest die hards fans that ever been made. Opposing teams have said that of all places, Philadelphia is not on their top places to play in because of the fans. They say that is gets so loud that they can’t even here their teammates and let alone their own thoughts. Weirdly we have this obsession for the boxer Rocky Balboa. There is this scene of him running up the art museum steps while he was training, We have a statue of him right next to the art museum in the same gesture he made in that scene. There are a lot of interesting thing that Philadelphia has to offer. Our history is very interesting and worth taking a look at while you take a trip here.

But overall,this is the place I call home. I don’t know any other place I would want to be. This place is home. I grew up here, I have family, friends and memories here. If I had ever left Philly, I would count the days until I would take come back.

2014 National Writing Day

One of the aspects of Philadelphia that I am a part of is a card game community. There are stores around Philly that host tournaments for a card game called Magic: The Gathering. I frequent one store in particular called Redcap's Corner. This store is situated within the Drexel campus so it attracts a lot of college students. They host events five times a week, these events range from fifteen to fifty people. They have an area behind where they sell games that is full of grey folding tables and chairs. This is where games are played. They have an upstairs area as well that they use for other events. In the downstairs area alone they can fit close to eighty people. Everyone who comes to the store is always friendly, and looking to trade cards or get in a game between rounds.
#writemycommunity
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Screen Shot 2014-10-20 at 2.39.00 PM

2014 National Day on Writing

The block that I live on is very diverse and if I were to give it a label, I would label as a melting pot. I love the city of Philadelphia because it’s home and it’s where I was born. Most of my family lives in Philadelphia and the family members that do not live in Philly, live in close proximity to Philadelphia. The images of Philly that are shown on the news are not a full representation of the city. They only show the city through one lense and that is not the lense that I see my city through. The city of Philadelphia should be known for the great colleges that are located here and the history that this city possesses. Furthermore, Philly use to house the White House and most people don’t even know that. Philly is a place for anyone who wants to be a blue collar citizen or wants to be around them. All are welcome in the city of Brotherly Love and Sistely affection.        

2014 National Writing day

Philly is known as the “City of Brotherly Love”. Philly is a great and bad place. There are so many opportunities in Philly. You learn or see something new everyday. We have the best cheesesteaks here in Philly. It’s crazy to believe that how Philly has so many amazing sights and historical events that took place here.

There are many parts of Philly, such as Southwest, South, West, North, Northeast Philly. Each place has it own feeling.

In Philly, the people here are love their sports team, whether it is basketball, football, hockey or baseball. Their is like a special bond between the fans.

The food in Philly is the best. Everywhere you go, there will always be a food store.


I lived in Philly my whole life so far and it has been a great experience. It is not just because of the sights here but just everything else about Philly makes it great.

2014 National Day Of Writing

When you hear the word "Philadelphia", some people seem to get mixed reactions about it. Whether its about the cheesesteak, rocky, the declaration of independence, or even the most ignorant responses, such as “Isn’t that a Detroit-like city?” Trust me, Philly is nothing like Detroit. AT ALL. How do I know? Our Basketball Team Is named after a historical Reference, not a car part. Anyway, I'm from a small nook of what was Upper South Philly, Now seen as part of Center City, on the near outskirts. My Neighborhood Is Centered with Broad Street to the east, Washington Avenue to the South, Grays Ferry Avenue to the West, And South Street to the north. That area Is Called Southwest Center City. Prepared to go on a trip in time.

I moved into SW Center City When I was 2. in June Of 2000, onto a side street. At the Time, there was seven empty lots. 14 years later, the seven lots are now new houses. All of my neighbors were nice, for the most part. They were mostly white (I never had an issue with it). However, I had a better time at my great-grandmother's Apartment building. Her Place is off of Pennsylvania Avenue In Fairmount. Right Across the way from the Art Museum and a couple blocks from Eakin’s Oval And the Parkway. In Recent Years, that area has become the place to be. I love it any would never give it up. But Between both of these communities, they're equally home, even though most of the time im up in Fairmount. Thats another majority white area. Most of the time I dont seem to worry about demographics, but they don't matter, as long as you’re genuine, then we’ll be just fine. Besides, Philly Raised and Made Me.


#writemycommunity


Write My Community

What people need to know about the community of Philadelphia is that Philadelphia

is the friendliest place in on earth, it also has the best food that you could ever find in the whole country and what I’m talking about is of course cheesesteaks because we are original and no one can make it as good as ours. Another thing that makes me proud of living in Philadelphia is that from my experience is that we are mostly known because of rocky and the Rocky steps.   

2014 National Day on Writing

I don’t like or hate Philadelphia because it doesn’t really peak my interest to think about it. Also I don’t really know a lot about my neighborhood due to the fact that I don’t really pay attention to what goes on in it. However I do notice some people move out and after a month a person moves in. During holidays a lot of people have parties which can be annoying. The only major problem is the fact that people are always getting parking tickets for parking in front of people’s houses and in front of their garages. And in some cases people end up getting towed.

#writemycommunity

Writing Day

People come to Philly because of its historical importance:  birthplace of the nation, home of liberty, we’ve all heard the story.  They come for history, but many neglect to see the city in its current state.  When you walk Market Street, you can feel the people.  So many people, living their lives, buying things, commuting, working.  The air feels alive.  When you walk through Love Park, you feel the activity.  People relaxing, talking, enjoying themselves.  Live music, the bands trying to make a little cash.  Over one hundred shops near Christmas time, selling things you can’t find anywhere else: hand-made ornaments, food you’ve never seen before.  These things make me never want to leave, making life outside of a city seem unbearable.  Too many people miss the most essential part of this beautiful city.  People come and see, but they don’t experience.


The 2014 National Day of Writing

What should people know about my community, well that’s a very good question, what is their to know? Philadelphia is not known today for doing very much, it is the very definition of  a has-been town. Much like a war veteran who was cast back into society after the war all we have is old stories of our glory days! For example, we were the capital of America for a time and we were the place where the mail system was invented, but now we are nothing special. It is sad when the best part of a current city is just a food they produce, I mean Cheese steaks are ok, but really what else is there to be proud about? What has Philadelphia produced that makes it so much more extravagant than anywhere else? All this would not really bug me if not for the huge amount of praise residents give this city, if you can not name any current historic events or people making a change today then how can you say Philadelphia Still is a great place? Perhaps I am being too hard on Philly, to be fair we have gotten achievements it is just not that important compared to our past. As Philadelphians we have a legacy to follow and I just feel we have not gone out of our way to do something important in a long while, perhaps our golden age is behind us.

2014 National Writing Day

One of the aspects of Philadelphia that I am a part of is a card game community. There are stores around Philly that host tournaments for a card game called Magic: The Gathering. I frequent one store in particular called Redcap's Corner. This store is situated within the Drexel campus so it attracts a lot of college students. They host events five times a week, these events range from fifteen to fifty people. They have an area behind where they sell games that is full of grey folding tables and chairs. This is where games are played. They have an upstairs area as well that they use for other events. In the downstairs area alone they can fit close to eighty people. Everyone who comes to the store is always friendly, and looking to trade cards or get in a game between rounds.

#writemycommunity
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Screen Shot 2014-10-20 at 2.39.00 PM

2014 National Day on Writing

There are many misconceptions about Philadelphia; we’re loud, we’re obnoxious, we’re rude. The fact of the matter is we’re not. We’re not at all. To be completely honest, Philadelphians are the nicest, most caring group of people I have ever come across. Sometimes we care too much and that can come across as being rude, like our crazy sports games. 
Take last week’s Eagles game for example. The passionate screaming from the crowd was deafening, and the insults rained down on the Giants the entire game until Victor Cruz, a wide receiver from the Giants had a season-ending injury take place. The crowd fell silent and sent kind words towards Cruz as he was driven off the field. Sure, we can be brutal with our insults, but it’s only because we care so much about our teams. We know when enough is enough. We genuinely care about other people, even if they are a star wide receiver that plays for one of our most hated rivals. Even watching old videos gets us riled up, like the Flyer’s game 7 comeback against the Bruins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrlzDiZEfFY), or the Eagles fourth quarter rally against the Giants (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slAx291z1hM).

Philadelphians are also more generous than most people would ever imagine. Behind those hard, almost mean expressions that you see everyone wearing, is a kind heart that will gladly help in a time of need. My neighbor, who I’ve never spoken to up until last week, came to our house and gifted us a hot pot of gravy (tomato sauce for non-South Philadelphians) and meatballs. Even complete strangers will exchange a friendly “Hi, how are ya?” as you pass them. The smallest gestures like those are appreciated and brighten my day all the time.

New Years in New York has nothing on New Years in Philadelphia. The dancing and singing and overall feeling of togetherness cannot be compared to anywhere else in the world. You will never be alone on New Years. Everyone is your friend. The Mummers, a group of people that dress up in extravagant costumes and dance, are a core part of what makes our city unique. They bring joy to everyone in the city, and my words definitely don’t do them justice. You have to see for yourself or you can never understand the Mummers (here’s a link! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRs12A86ZAI). I’ve been a Mummer for seven years and I’m still not sure I understand. All I know is I love bringing joy to the people of Philadelphia, and it brings everyone together. It gives a new meaning to “City of Brotherly Love.”

Living in this city is exciting, and great, and wonderful, and I’m going to end this sentence now because I can literally go on forever about how amazing my city is. The city itself has so much to offer if you know where to look. I haven’t been anywhere that has come close to replicating what a Philly cheesesteak actually tastes like. We’re different and unique. We say things differently and make up new words altogether. Some people think it’s weird and make fun of our accents, but for me I take pride in the way I saw “cawfee” or the way I call tomato sauce “gravy”.

This is my corner of the world. This city made me who I am, and that’s something I take pride in. I can say with my head held high, “I’m from Philadelphia. I say things weird, I eat too many cheesesteaks, I’m too passionate about sports, and I’m damn proud of it.”


#writemycommunity
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