From the first day of freshman year, well all look forward to prom. Whether it’s junior prom or senior prom, it’s supposed to be the most important dance of the whole four years of high school. When prom comes to mind, what do you think of? I needed a dress, hair appointment, and of course a date. The day of prom, I had everything done; I had my dress hemmed, nails done, and I tanned for two weeks straight. Everything was going so well, and I was so ready for prom, especially because we got out of school early. Seven o’clock, Friday night finally came and I was so ready to have a good time. We all went to my friend, Adriana’s house for pictures before prom, when my date showed up sick! However, he decided to stick it out and come to prom anyway. After we got done taking pictures, everyone left to go to Luchen’s. My date ended up getting so sick that he couldn’t make it to prom. I ended up going alone! I decided to look on the brighter side and started to think positive about my situation. Good thing my friends and I decided to go as a group, so I wasn’t alone at prom. Plus, I’d feel worse if I were him, missing his own junior prom. After I got to prom, I had a great time with all of my friends and the food was awesome. What more could you ask for? Even though my date never showed up to prom, I’ll remember this prom forever. |
PVI Blog This page is for the students to write blogs about their life here at PVI. Anyone can write a blog and submit it to the page. Email your blogs to prxeditors@gmail.com and we will be sure to add it to our page. |
The Second Semester can be a stressful one because you're getting ready to end the school year and learning to become part of the next class, in our case Juniors. We know that the stress of trying to achieve great things with your class rank and grades can set in, but you need to keep your cool! Always study a few days before tests and quizzes that you know about, it helps you understand things better. Make sure you listen in class and take notes, finals will be around the corner! If you do all that, grades and the rest of it will come with ease. So don't stress out for your second semester and just start getting ready for the next year. Everything will work out and you'll do fine! |
A lot changes from freshman year to junior year, especially study skills. Freshman year is sort of a review of your eighth grade year, so you don’t usually have to study as hard as you would any other year at your high school. Sophomore year is a little bit more difficult, and junior year I’d have to say is the hardest so far. I’m really focusing on my grades now because I’m really starting to look into colleges. Also, junior year you start taking your SAT’s which are a pain. I haven’t taken my SAT’s yet, but I’m starting classes for them soon. I’m really stressing about them. Throughout my years at PVI, I’ve learned a lot of study techniques to help me get by. For example, don’t think that you don’t need to study. Been there, done that. Sometimes i think that I know the material enough not to study. Got the test back, unfortunatly I failed. Everyone needs to study, it doesn’t matter how smart you are. Also, if you just study for an exam the day before, you’re most likely not going to get the grade that’s the best of your abilities. My freshman year, I started studying for exams the weekend of. The highest grade that I got was an eighty. Sophomore year, I studied the weekend before so I was more prepared. The highest grade that I got was an nintey, which was so good for me. So basically, STUDY! And you’ll do awsome. |
When it comes to high-school relationships, I feel as if they are so real for one minute and they can change into something so fake the next. They are always so on and off, kind of like a light switch. Right? Honestly, I have a different outlook on relationships as time goes on; as my heart breaks, or I break a heart. Every time something happens, I feel differently and I believe it is because of how I am maturing and how my reaction is to the situation. Everything does affect you in different ways.
The biggest flaw people have that seems to annoy me the most is people NOT learning their lessons, especially after the THIRD time. Speaking from experience, the first time is definitely the hardest….come on now, DUH! Live by this quote “If you get hurt once, shame on them. If you get hurt TWICE, shame on YOU”. That’s so right, shame on you, you, you! You let it happen! If you are seriously in a relationship and you have been in one before and have gotten hurt, I have two words for you. GROW UP. I know it isn’t easy but going back and forth will not make things any better, trust me; just think about what happened last time. You most likely went back and forth, back and forth, until you realized, WOW… I really don’t want this, why am I wasting my time?! It is how it is! If they choose to treat you that way, their loss! They will most likely be begging for you back and regretting it later when you realized you looked like a fool and they get over what they THOUGHT was the next best thing. Don’t get me wrong, every person, girl or guy, has their “stupid” moments where they go back continuously. That is usually in your first relationship in high-school. The first broken heart is always the worst because you have no idea what is going on and what to expect. Any person that just sits there and takes it land lets the person keep treating you like that is just dumb. Did I forget to mention they know they have you wrapped around their finger, especially at that point! To be completely honest, I can NOT take my own advice for the life of it but I can definitely talk you through things and advise you. I just cannot speak to myself on a personal level like that. No one can believe what they think. Advice helps a lot! Relationships suck, dead serious; that is the truest things about this yet. At our age, it is ALL a game. Why would anyone want what is right in front of them, they need a little bit of a challenge. No one wants what they can have, that is the problem. I do believe that there are relationships in high-school that are real and they are very lucky to have each other. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in everything. I believe you can LOVE at our age and I believe you can TRUST. Unfortunately, I have felt both ways and I have been broken hearted and I thought I loved and trusted. Though, in reality, you really never know when its right until that person is right in front of you. You most likely will know at that point in your life when it happens. It is time to have fun, not mourn over boys or girls that are stubborn and decide it is okay to reat someone with such disrespect. Trust me, the worst part about all of this is the breakup. Believe me when I say it huts because it LITERALLY is a painful thing to go through. You have no idea who to call, what to feel, or how to react. Your heart definitely pounds at you and your stomach is definitely turned upside down. You feel so sick with the thought of the person you thought felt the same was as you just broke up with you, I know, I know! In the long run though, everyone is okay. What is meant to be will find its way. My mom always tells me “When God closes a door, he opens a window”. Believe in yourself! If you believe you can do something, you can do ANYTHING. It just takes confidence and I PROMISE you…time will tell. |
I have and it is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Mine personally was about my health and my future in sports, but it could be anything; a breakup; a death; a grade. Finding out I would never be able to go back to sports without harming myself affected my whole life. I had college set in stone, my days and plans built around soccer and with one sentence my whole world changed. My grades dropped because I was missing school and my friendships felt as if they were based on pity. Dealign with bad news affects everything , especially if it involves your health or somebody else's. My situation was a unique situation. I didn't know or understand how to deal with it. Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is a genetically transmitted disease; it affects the connective tissues surrounding the body's joints and organs.
There are different type; the two I was diagnosed with were the hyper mobility type and the cardio vascular type. I was told by my doctors that high impact and contact sports, or contact of any kind, would be a hazard to my health. I basically went into a depression, I wouldn't answer my phone, and I would just sit in my room and cry. I didn't want anyone to know what I was going through because I knew they would feel bad and just pity me and my situation. AFter talking to a counselor and realizing that this is a condition that isn't going away, I began to explain it to my friends and family and have them understand that I am okay when looking at me, but the pain I feel is sometimes unbearable. No one can see the effects of this disease. I am the only one because I feel it constantly. I have my good days and my bad but everyday things aggravate it like walking, carrying heavy things, anything using your joints or making your organs work above the average amount. This has not only affected my physical health but my mental health and my relationships with my family and friends. The condition is only getting worse as time goes on and there are days where I'm swollen and sore to the point where I can't get out of bed, so I miss school. Therefore my grades can, and have, been affected. Most people my age would say that when they broke up with a guy or a girl they were so upset it affected everything and I know exactly where they are coming from and how they feel. If someone were to lose someone close to them the situation is the same it affects everything and most people can't relate, but I feel like I can in a certain aspect. The advice I can give to people is just to take your time to understand the situation and let it sink in but then you have to face the world and face it with a smile and just live everyday as if nothing were wrong because the more you let it affect everything the more time you waste making memories. |
It’s about that time again, a time when a true NFL fan feels one of two ways…
1.You feel on top of the world. You find it almost impossible to sit still in class and focus on the task at hand. I mean how could teachers expect us to focus on math when the game this weekend could possibly lead to the best day of our lives. 2.You feel like everything around you has fallen apart. All you want to do is cry and your constantly wondering what went wrong. Unfortunately, I am in category two. The regular season has come and went right before our eyes and I’m left with an awful feeling of emptiness. After lose long seven months of anticipation for the best time of year to finally begin, just like that it comes to an end and no one could have predicted it would end like this… Look at the teams left in the post season. Could anyone have ever guessed? I say it every year, but each year seems to get even crazier. It is impossible to ever predict how the season will pan out. Not only do we have to deal with the indescribable feelings of post season depression, us TRUE fans are also dealing with another problem which sets me on fire: FRONTRUNNING, FAIRWEATHER “FANS.” It simply makes me sick to my stomach and truly makes my blood boil. The way “fans” come and go as the good and times come and go is just astounding. If you’re a true fan, you stick by your team. No matter how hopeless it may seem, you NEVER stop believing. I’m not saying it’s easy. The New York Giants are one of the most inconsistent teams in NFL history. We’ve had our share of great times, but God knows we’ve certainly had our share of lows. They simply break my heart at times. But I could NEVER imagine giving up on those young men in those big blue and white uniforms. It comes with the territory. The thought seems so outrageous I have trouble even imagining it. Part of being a fan is believing with your whole heart and soul. I can’t explain how frustrating it is to see the way people jump on and off bandwagons today. If you can’t be with your team in the bad times, then don’t be with them during the good times, YOU DON’T DESERVE TO. Don’t tell me that you are now a firm believer of the New York Jets and their rookie quarterback and head coach when just a few weeks ago you were one of the millions questioning the rookie’s inconsistency and lack of experience. If you weren’t a believer from the start, don’t become one now, because I DON’T WANT YOU. |
Christmas is a time of happiness and giving to others. Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love going shopping for gifts with family and friends at the mall. The decorations all over and the holiday cheer from people working in stores always brings a smile to my face. I also love seeing the giant Christmas tree in the center of the mall all decorated and radiating with light. Even though I love Christmas time, there are always some people who do not. The pushy people in stores and the people fighting with others for a parking space in the crowded parking lot of a store seem to always put a damper on the Holiday. I think those people have forgotten the meaning of Christmas and should be more considerate of others who are trying to enjoy the holidays and be in the Christmas spirit. |
The other night as I prepared for my run, I braced myself for a frigid, blustery and miserable weathered night. Still I decided to embark on my late evening gallop and fight the freezing air. As I stepped outside, the cold wind immediately pierced my cheeks. It turns out I was right and I was forced to fight a bitter cold, punishing winter night. Stride for stride my frustration grew towards the terrible conditions. As I ran further and I accepted what I was weathering, I began to take notice to my hands and clothing. My whole body had become wonderfully illuminated by beautiful Christmas lights.
Running through the streets of Washington Twp. that cruel evening suddenly became so much more enjoyable to me. Such a simple and obvious holiday sentiment took on such an immense meaning to me at that moment. As I pushed on past every house, my Christmas spirit grew more and more. I judged houses based on tackiness, class and effort. I thought of Christmases in the past and I become more and more excited for my upcoming holiday with each passing second. I had felt a Christmas spirit I hadn’t felt since I was eight years old and I had just turned eighteen! Its strange how sometimes something so small and in many cases insignificant can mean so much to you. How one item or instance can bring back so many memories and feelings. |
Christmas indeed is a great holiday. Spending time with the family, celebrating Jesus Christ’s birth, receiving the present you always wanted is always a blessing. I remember when I was young; I would always find a way to mess up Christmas for myself. Sometimes I would get in trouble for the dumbest things. My parents would tell me if I didn’t get my act together, I would not have a Christmas that year. Whether it was for my behavior, grades in school, or some other isolated incident, I would my find my chances of having a Christmas in jeopardy.
I think it was back in the first or second grade, and we were eating dinner. Everyone had finish eating except for me and my older brother Damon. On the table was one of my mom’s Yankee candles. For some reason, I thought I would be smart to see what would happen if I left a napkin on top of the candle jar. Genius, I know right? My brother said me, “What are you doing? Are you trying to burn the house down?” Of course, me being my usual hard-headed self, I ignored him preceded to see what would happen. At first nothing happened and I told my brother, “See, there’s nothing to worry about”. As soon as I took my eyes off the candle, the napkin slowly caught fire. When I saw that napkin on fire, I soon filled up with fear. I didn’t know what to do. My heart was racing so fast. I just sat there screaming. My parents rushed down stairs to see what all the fuss was about. Apparently, my brother was as calm as could be. Before the burnt napkins fire grew larger, Damon quickly grabbed his cup full of Hawaiian Punch and threw it at the napkin. The napkins flame was put out while a loud fizzing sound was made. When my parents made their way to the kitchen, they asked us what happened and we told them. I was scolded for my dangerous behavior. My mom told me, “Me and your father are going to write a letter to Santa Claus about this and telling him to give you any presents”. I shouted, “NO, PLEASE DON’T!” My parent then said it’s to later and that I should have thought about my actions. I ran upstairs to my room with my I eyes filled with tears. While on my way up, I remember my Damon saying, “I can’t believe I had to waste my juice on this nonsense.” I couldn’t sleep at all that night. I knew if my parent wrote the letter, they’d leave it out for Santa to read. So, I had to get to the letter before he did. I looked everywhere. I searched the counter, the kitchen table, under the sofa, the coffee table, the entertainment unit. I looked everywhere for that treacherous letter. Then I heard someone coming down the stairs. I quickly hid myself so I would get caught searching for the letter. But I saw that it was Damon. Walked up to me, annoyed and said “What are you doing? It’s like 2 o’ clock in the morning” I replied, “I’m looking for the letter mom and dad wrote for Santa Claus.” He looked at me and laughed. Damon said, “When mom and dad went to sleep, I got the letter and ripped it up.” My attitude went from being worried and troubled to excited and delighted. After receiving the good news, I went back to bed. But, what I didn’t know, there was never a letter written by my parents that night. Looks like there was presents for seven-year-old Darius that Christmas morning. |
Since this is December I thought it would be a good idea to talk about holiday cookies. In my family, baking Christmas cookies involves more than just making cookies. It is a tradition and a major family event. It takes some planning ahead to get ready. It’s not easy coordinating everyone’s schedule. And we have to be sure there are enough ingredients; not just the typical flour, sugar, eggs and butter but also anise extract and anise seed for the pizzelles and biscotti. Ground nuts are needed for the Italian nut cookies, green sprinkles for the tree shaped butter cookies, red sprinkles for the wreath shaped cookies, chips for the chocolate chip cookies plus the confectioner sugar for the butterballs and the twisties.
I love getting together with my cousins and baking all day. Think about it, mixing, stirring, rolling, mixing, stirring, rolling all day; yes after awhile everything and anything, anyone says or does is hilarious. And, of course while you’re baking Christmas cookies you got to have Christmas music, which, when combined with the mixing, stirring and rolling leads to dancing, laughing and dusting everyone, anyone and anything with flour, creating a white Christmas affect in the kitchen. Baking Christmas cookies with my family is a fun way to relax and enjoy each other’s company and get into the holiday spirit. It really is my ‘favorite time of the year.’ |
Isn’t it funny how you read about characters in books or plays, and there’s this tragic hero and you don’t think anything worse could happen to this poor character? And then they have to tough it out instead of taking the easy road. Or you hear people talk about such misfortune that is brought upon themselves and others but you don’t think for one split second that it could happen to you. I am here to tell you, personally, that your life can change in a matter of moments. You can be on the top of the world in your life, nothing seems like it could go any better (and you were probably right).
Sunday, November 1, 2009: I lost everything to my name. Here is my story. I woke up tired that day and spent the morning lounging around with just sweatpants and my hoodie on. There were index cards everywhere pertaining to an upcoming test on monday. It was a late morning for all of us; I mean it was like 1 o’clock by the time we got up. My father had to leave for work around 2 and he was going to come for dinner around 5:30. My mom, my sister and I decided to sit down in the living room and watch the eagles game after we spent most of the morning cleaning the upper level of our house. We all were feeling a bit under the weather and did not feel like going out at all. The Eagles were up 33-7 and my sister pitched the idea of going out and leaving the house for a little. I did not want to get up from the couch; I was pretty content with where I was. But, then I realized it was November 1st and the halloween store on RT 38 had a 50% discount on everything in the store. I got really excited and ran upstairs to take a quick shower and get dressed, because I was the only one in what I had slept in that night. I ran down the stairs with the worst outfit ever thinking nothing of it, like I would be right back in about an hour for the Phillies game. I was wearing my least favorite jeans and an old Phillies hoodie. We got to the Halloween store and there was not much left at all. I ended up getting glitter hair spray and really cute leg warmers. On our way home on RT 38 my father was calling my mom, but my sister answered because my mom was driving. It was a phone call that made your blood run cold and your stomach flip upside down. “The house is on fire!”, we could faintly hear my father screaming through the phone but the call got disconnected. At this point all of our faces went pail. The phone started to ring again, “Are yous all together? Is Alexis with you?” my dad screamed through the phone. We had all went together to the Halloween store in my mom’s car, but my car was parked outside, so my dad thought I was upstairs in my room. The phone call was dropped again. We tried calling him back several times. No answer. I think you could hear all of our hearts pounding and panic filled the car. Each red light on RT 38 felt like ten minuets. With tears rolling down my sister's face, I wasn't sure if we were ever going to get home; it felt like an endless road. As we approached our neighborhood we couldn't even turn into the entrance. There were 7 firetrucks and countless numbers of police cars parked outside. The neighbors were all outside to see what was happening. My mom was screaming, “That’s my house, that’s my house,” over and over. At this point, I didn’t know what to think. Here I am, sitting in the back of my mother’s car, with my sister in the front seat bawling her eyes out and my mother pale as a ghost. We pulled up to my house which was still burning. My father was no where in sight. All I could think was ‘Where’s my dad?’ Nothing else crossed my mind. Then some man came up to my mother and asked, “Are you the other owner of this house?” My mother slowly answered, yes with a petrified look on her face. The man proceeded to say, “We are taking your husband to the hospital. He was upstairs trying to find your daughter. He should be okay, don’t worry.” At this point my mother looked like she was going to fall over so they took her away in the ambulance. Me and my sister were left standing outside in my neighbors driveway. Hours later my mom and dad were with us and it was more than I could ever ask for. Things are just things. My family and I lost everything that day. But each other. I felt so lucky to be standing with my mom, my dad and my sister. Yes, I could of had that Coach purse or my favorite pair of jeans, but you forget about all your possessions when your family is on the line. My family means the world to me and I can not even explain how grateful I am that we are all alive. |
It's November, and already, this school year has been a very hard obstacle to overcome. People say Junior Year is the hardest year of high school, and adjusting from sophomore year has defiantly been a challenge. Being an average student, I strive to try my hardest by doing my work and passing test, but this year has been extremely difficult to focus and concentrate. Junior year has been one big ball of stress. 5 test a day, numerous essays and research papers; I can hardly pinpoint what I’m going to do first. Our teachers teach on College level, and you have to concentrate more as an adult or you’ll ultimately fall behind. I bet everyone knows the feeling, the stressful headaches pounding your brain as you try to do homework or essays. Or, trying to concentrate on the black board in class but you have so much on your mind, that everything seems like a blur. I have come to the conclusion that none of this gets better, until you try.
One night sitting in my bed trying to do a 9 page paper, I got an epiphany. "If I pace myself, and try not to multitask so much, I will get everything done", I thought to myself. Indeed I did, I finished everything I needed to do that night and then some. That morning I felt fresh, renewed and ready to go to school. I think if everyone just takes a second to slow things down, everything would be a lot easier. Organize what you have to do and what nights you’re going to finish something, so you’re not trying to do everything in one night. Finish things that are due ahead of others, get at least 8 hours of sleep and eat a good healthy breakfast. Also, block everything out that isn’t about what you’re learning in class, so you can listen and learn to what the teachers saying. Everything doesn’t have to be as stressful as it is, as long as you take your time, organize, and prepare yourself; you will not only succeed in Junior Year, but throughout senior year and college. |
Senior year is made out to be an easy year when you do nothing. But that is completely wrong. Senior year is stressful and it’s a lot of work, between applying to colleges to class work I feel like I have no time to do any of it, and then when you throw in working in there, it makes it that much harder to balance your time. Applying to colleges is awful and no one wants to do it. Applications are very tedious and annoying. They ask for every little detail that you think no one would ever need to know about you. Some applications are easy and don’t take much time, but as many of those as there are, there is just as many that can take a really long time to do. Everyone always says that there isn’t much work as a senior, but that’s completely misleading. Senior year is a lot of work in all of the classes. There are just so many things that need to get taken care of by a certain date and it’s just stressful
The application process to get into college is annoying and stressful. After finishing your applications, it’s just as stressful from the anticipation of waiting to hear back from the schools to see if you were accepted or not. The anticipation of waiting is driving me insane, I just can’t wait to hear back. Searching for the perfect college is hard, you have to find a place where you feel comfortable living for the next four or more years in your life. If you go to a school that you end up not liking it could really set you back a couple years because then you will have to transfer and it would just take longer to graduate, so it really puts pressure on you. So far senior year is difficult but it will all be worth it in the end. |
"Yuck! That girls hair is so ugly", "Wow,her dress is way to tight, "Oh my god, I can't believe how short her skirt is and how low her shirt is, she must be easy!" We all know we've done it, critiqued someone's appearance without even knowing them and slowly slippd them into a label. No, not the envelope labels; the cliques and catergories of highschool. We have jocks, cheerleaders, easy girls, dorks, creepy people with no friends, goths, people who think everyone is their friend but no one likes them, the people begging to be accepted, the burnouts, the cool kids, the preps, the stuck up people and so on.. Who really likes these labels? Honestly, I prefer to just be myself and not be put into a catergory. It obviously belittles a person and makes them feel less then who they are.
The right, clothes, hair, shoes and looks seem to get you where you are in high school. Although its completely ridiculous because it seems the "popular" people are a bunch of catty girls and a group of guys that think they're above everyone just because they're cute; and they know it. They won't give anyone else a chance to be friends with them because all of their confidence levels are so high! Once in a while, you will stumble upon a nice one. So I'm not trying to say that everyone who is popular in high school is a bad person, cause that would be a label -which is obviously somethin I'm trying to advoid here and convince you that they're completely wrong. We should just stop judging people on the outside and look at their inner beauties because that's all that's going to matter in the long run. So everyone's different, as if that wasn't obvious enough already. Accept it. Nowadays, I find that everyone judges on the outside appearances and that's all anyone seems to be worried about. I mean so what if someone's too fat or too skinny, dosen't have the best hair or clothing ,or dosen't have the best smile. Nobody is perfect. We all have our imperfections and, quite honestly, I think they make us who we are as a person. So accept everyone and don't label someone, especially if you don't know them inside and out." |
Ive found that the hardest thing about Senior year has been the work put forth toward college. There are just so many deadlines! After you've done your applications, your essay, your SATs, your recommendations, or just researched your colleges, there isn't much time for any other school work! The teacher is going to make all of this college work twice as hard! Without the help of my guidance counselor, Mrs. Robinson, I am going to be totally lost when it come to the paper work and the admission process. The misconception about everyone's final year in high school is that you have a very minimal work load; However, with college deadlines breathing down your throat, important games, service hours, and let's not forget all that studying and homework, the work adds up!
I can't wait for all of the college work to end! I will finally know which direction I am headed in my life, and hopefully I'll be satisfied with the path I choose. |
Getting involved in extra curricular activities at PVI is the best decision I have ever made. For the past three years, my closest friends have always been my teammates. My first friends at school were the guys on the soccer team. Then I did indoor track because I loved competing and couldn't just sit around and not do anything, and I made friends there too. After my Sophomore year I realized that I belonged on the Cross Country team at school instead of soccer. Now the guys on this team are my best friends. Joining a team is great for making friends, and its also fun and competitive at the same time.
I feel like I always HAVE to do SOMETHING!! I have too much energy just to lay around and do nothing. School offers so many opportunities to get involved, do something productive, and have fun all at the same time. Between clubs and sports, there really is something for everyone. I love what I do. If I didn't have running, my experience at PVI would be extremely bland. I really can't say enough about how great it is to get involved in something! What fun is school if you just go there, do work, and leave? Take advantage of the opportunities you have now to enjoy yourself. They won't always be there, and you won't always be a kid. |