SHAD Essay

November 2017

SHAD Essay

Jeremy Lin is one of the few Chinese people playing basketball in the NBA. He is an icon for Chinese basketball players: someone who represents their culture in the NBA. He inspired my friend David Zhang, who wrote an autobiography he titled “Zhangsanity” -named after Lin’s “Linsanity” craze-, about his aspirations in basketball. Like Lin’s influence on the asian basketball world, I found my own way to be my community’s connection to hockey. In the summer of 2015, my uncle approached me to run some a hockey camp for my 5 year old cousin and others in the Chinese community.

The new program was a learning experience for all of us. We had 10-15 participants, depending on the day. It was the first time for us working with young children. The kids always liked competition, so races were popular; however, they didn’t understand our talks about technical points in drills, and when that happened the kids would wander off. We felt a little disorganized.

The following year was very different. This camp was starting to show major growth; it had grown to upwards of 30 kids. Everything ran more smoothly. I had experience running the camp, and I found ways to change and adapt practice plans to keep the kids engaged but still learning: incorporating competition into drills motivated participation; ending practice with a scrimmage meant we always ended with something fun. The change was evident, as kids listened and really enjoyed the experience.

By the summer of 2017, the camp had grown bigger than I’d imagined it would: there were more than 40 kids involved, with many returning members and with kids of various ages, levels, and ethnicities. We continued thinking about strategies for keeping kids involved, and we started dividing the kids into different levels, to work on different needs. The opportunity to participate in an affordable summer hockey camp, in their community, gave them the opportunity to reach higher levels of performance. After the 2017 camp, four of our participants from the start had joined competitive level teams.

I wanted to serve as my Chinese community’s connection to hockey like Jeremy Lin was to basketball. In my part of Ottawa, Chinese hockey players are a growing population. When my older brother played hockey, he was one of the few Chinese playing the sport, as opposed to the 30+ Chinese kids that were in my hockey camp alone. Being able to serve as these 30+ kids’ connection to the sport of hockey is the impact I have made on my community.

Novel Study: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Novel Study: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

(published 1843) Reading Log Assignment, Staves 1 & 2

1. Select a scene and identify its setting and indicate how it contributes to character, atmosphere, or theme (choose one).

In stave 1, the ghost of Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s former assistant, appeared in his dreary, former room that now belongs to Scrooge. The literally cold setting complemented Scrooge’s unfeeling and cold stubbornness, where he wouldn’t even spend a little for extra firewood to keep his fireplace lit.

2. a) Identify a theme that Dickens introduces or implies in this section of the novel.

A greedy man is always poor.

b) Explain how the theme is developed by Dickens. Clearly connect it to the novel.

Marley thought he had been rich in life, but after death he realized he’d actually been poor spiritually. Because of his uncaring attitude, he lacked family and friends, things that are worth more than money.

c) Connect it to your life, to other texts, or to the world today. Use two examples.

The General Motors scandal where the company knew they were distributing faulty cars, and caused the deaths of 124 people, crossed all lines of known human ethics and morals. In the world of the Hunger Games, the glamour of Capital City was a mask for all its emptiness, because wealth was all they had; all the districts of the poor suffer, for the benefit of the greedy.

3. Select one character from this section of the novel and complete a character chart like the one below. Ensure that you present a variety of characteristics. Avoid physical aspects; focus on personality traits.

The Nephew

Characteristic	Proof in own words	Supporting Quote	Page #
Jolly	He greets his uncle in a very happy manner.	“A merry Christmas, uncle! God save you!” cried a cheerful voice. It was the voice of Scrooge’s nephew	7
Determined	He is relentless in changing his uncle’s stubborn idea about Christmas.	“Good afternoon,” said Scrooge. “I want nothing from you; I ask nothing of you; why cannot we be friends?” “Good afternoon,” said Scrooge. “I am sorry, with all my heart, to find you so resolute. We have never had an quarrel, to which I have been a party. But I have made the trial in homage to Christmas, and I’ll keep my Christmas humour to the last. So A Merry Christmas, uncle!” “Good afternoon!” said Scrooge. “And A Happy New Year!” “Good afternoon!” said Scrooge. His nephew left the room without an angry word,	9
Innocent	The humourous way he’s depicted like a child, in his glowing adoration for Christmas, and disregard to the  firm negativity of his uncle.	“Uncle!” pleaded the nephew. “Nephew!” returned the uncle, sternly, “keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.” “Keep it!” repeated Scrooge's’ nephew. “But you don’t keep it.”...	8-9

Why SHAD

November 2017

Why SHAD

Recently, I’ve been trying to find what I want to do in the future. With science being one of my biggest interests, the STEM sector was a large target for research. In looking for enrichment programs, I came across SHAD. As a young adult in a large world, I look to make my mark wherever I can; I became interested in the SHAD program because I see examples of people who can say the same for themselves. I believe that I fit in well at SHAD, and I can contribute a lot to the community I want to become a part of. 

SHAD is important to me because of what I want to do with my life. In my future, I want to become a difference maker. In my own community, for example, I have been working extensively with kids, be it in my own hockey camp, or volunteering experiences I have had with the city of Ottawa. Being able to say I helped 5 young kids in the minority Chinese hockey community make competitive levels is something I am proud of, and in doing so, opened the doors for them and any other young Chinese hockey players throughout my community to infinite possibilities. 

Science had always interested me. It is something that affects the entire world around me, and is a frequent topic in my household; my parents majored in physics and computer sciences as students. Even as a child, the most simplest of computer programs amazed me, and the slightest bit of code intrigued me to great extents. Being able to participate in SHAD is important to me because it would allow me to explore my possibilities within the STEM sector from the instructors and my peers from all around Canada. 

Working with other people may be a dread for some, but it’s something I enjoy. Through working with others, I get exposed to different ideas and ways of thinking. Through SHAD, I want to be apart of this community, but also I want to contribute to it as well. My experience from starting my Mock Trial Club and my hockey camp and examples of initiative that I can bring to SHAD. Working with other people in this extensive community, I believe the opportunities are endless if I could apply my initiative with others to set forth a change in our country, using all the tools provided to us. 

SHAD presents me an opportunity to find myself. The exposure to the different ways of thinking from instructors and peers from all around Canada gives us tools that can help us all realize our potential at SHAD. My interest in the STEM sector, my desire to make change, and my initiative are reasons why I am a good fit for SHAD.


Update Febuary 7,2018 - I was accepted into the prestigiousSHAD 2018, as a grade 10 student.

The Iliad - Personal Response

English 1DE Period 2B

The Iliad, translated by Richard Lattimore, book 6 line 130:(Hektor speaking to Andromache before he faces Achilleus

“When some bronze-armored

Achaian leads you off, taking away your day of liberty,

in tears; and in Argos you must work at the loom of another,”

The author’s idea is family and heroism. Andromache begs of Hektor to not fight Achilleus. She begs of him to not let her become a widow. He explained that he wasn't just to fight for his city, but also for her. So was Hektor a hero for facing Achilleus?

Hektor’s strength is his bravery, which is a must have quality in all ancient heroes. Other desirable qualities included taking a stand for others and being noble. Someone who is altruistic could also be a hero. Through the Ottawa Food Bank ordinary people donate food and money for those who who don’t have the good fortune of having enough food. But, there’s more to being a hero than altruism.

The activists at Standing Rock were ready to battle against one of the biggest dangers to the environment in transnational corporations who exploit natural resources.  Many fought to protect the local community of Standing Rock and the Earth. But still they don’t fit the criteria.

While Hektor was an activist, he didn’t fight for social change. He defended his values, his city, and his family against Achilleus. While likely to die, he was more than willing to fight. His protest and resistance was a very physical one, just like the Standing Rock protesters; both activists were brave and held their ground against brutal conquest. Hence, both share some of today’s standards of heroic qualities. As greek mythology required more that just good qualities for heroism, Hektor lacked a quest or a companion to accompany. His death was not for the greater good, though the Iliad is confusing when it comes to who is actually righteous. In the end, history is written by the victors, in this case the Greeks.

Other Hektor’s throughout history also died taking a stand,such as Malcolm X, who was murdered for his beliefs, and for protecting the rights of others. Though many disagreed with what he preached, he is regarded as a hero by some, and a racist by others depending on perspective. Perspective is the domain of Greeks in the Iliad, therefore the enemy wouldn’t be the hero of a Greek story.

In conclusion, Hektor isn’t a hero in this story but has many of the characteristics to be one.

2016-2017 IB Application

December 2015

Q: What activities are you currently involved in at your school or in your community? Please describe your role in these activities. Please write a minimum of 1000 characters.

A:  Over the past four years I been volunteering as well as participating in organized activities. My involvement in competitive hockey has proved quite valuable as it requires me to demonstrate focus, discipline and self-regulation. This past summer I attended a soccer refereeing course which gave me the opportunity to referee competitive and house soccer for players aged 8 to 12. I was required to explain the rules of game to the younger players while refereeing as most did not understand the calls. I also was able to improve my communication and leadership skills as I had to deal with coaches and parents who could get easily upset over calls. Later on in the summer, my 6-year-old cousin was a part of a small skating camp within our community. My uncle had asked me if I would like to help out and I took the chance to teach a number of other young kids to skate as they were getting ready for hockey sort-outs. In order to teach skating, I had to be able to demonstrate the basics in a way they could follow – mostly it was demonstrate, have them try it, and them show the correct techniques again while showing what they needed to improve.

My three years in competitive hockey has helped me in a number of other ways due to the fast pace and quick thinking it requires – the game requires you to observe, process, and then react at high speed while maintaining your balance and thinking ahead to what you have to do next – it’s a lot like chess.

I also was a school monitor for a couple of years.

I found that participating in sports as well as refereeing and volunteering requires a lot of the same skills and it also teaches why it is important to be responsible and respectful of everyone – players, coaches, and referees – especially since I had the opportunity to do all three.

Q: What talents or skills would you bring to Colonel By? How do you see yourself being involved at the school? Please write a minimum of 1000 characters.

A: At Colonel By I can see myself involved with a variety of things including clubs, sports, and maybe even joining the student government. This past year I ran for class representative but was not successful so I’d definitely like to try again.

I want to get involved with many things that may peak my interest, and I would gladly take any challenges and opportunities available to me. As for what I can bring to Colonel By, I am a very curious person and I always try to find an explanation about the why and how of things. I consider that as an advantage as it’s always driving me forward to acquire new skills and knowledge. I have played competitive hockey for the past three years. During last year’s International Silverstick hockey tournament final I was named to the tournament all-star-team as one of only two defensemen. I would be glad to join school sports teams. In past years I have also been on the school track and field team and won numerous events in the regional finals.

Academically speaking, I am a voracious reader and feel I am capable of picking things up quickly and applying them efficiently. Other skills I have acquired over the years are my musical talents; I've played the piano up to Grade 9 in RCM; I played the tuba for the past two years in Senior Band - my music teacher, Mr. Kerry Steiner, has recommended me for the all-star band and feels certain I would make it; This year I also started playing bass guitar for school Jazz band.

2014-1015 Silverstick International Finals PeeWee B All-star team

2015 OCDSB Track and Field Board Finals. 

1st in 200m, 4th in 100m, ? in relay

Q: Choose one activity from your first response; explain why it is important to you and what personal growth you have experienced while partaking in the activity. Please write a minimum of 1000 characters.

A: Hockey probably had the biggest effect on me. Eight years ago I took my first steps on the ice and it has shaped my life, teaching me many life skills while being a great physical and mental challenge for me every time I’m out there flying around on the ice.

One thing it has taught me is time management; getting my work done and planning a schedule every day in my head so I can go to practice or a game. Secondly it has taught me teamwork. Thirdly, is the importance of collaboration and communication as a very useful and important skill to have both on the ice and off the ice. Fourth is synergy, the creation of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. The ability to work with other people can achieve so many more things than we do things alone. Finally, hockey has taught me to work under pressure and make quick correct decisions or deal immediately with the results. It is a very fast and competitive game, especially at my level, and you have to plan ahead and in the moment. You have to apply different skills simultaneously and be able to make quick, correct decisions while under pressure, which is something I find has many correlations with life outside of hockey. Overall hockey has been and still is being a great lesson and teacher to me and aside from it being my main hobby I always learn from it and I hope one day opportunities will arise from it whether I am playing or not.

Where The Fox Got His Big Bushy Tail

    
Foxes used to be very small, and lived in a very warm place so they wouldn't need a very bushy tail. They were sharing a home with many other creatures, in which they had built a great big kingdom.

    In this kingdom every unique animal had selected a leader to represent their species. Felix The Fox had demonstrated all the qualities every fox should have, therefore he had been selected.  He had been everyone's favorite, foxes and others;everyone but the coyotes.

    Once a year the kingdom holds a massive festival and in this festival there was a massive competition where every leader is pitted against each and every other in many skill tests, the prize was that the winners may choose to rule the kingdom until the next festival.

    Every year for the past century the coyotes always won and because they had the power, the foxes were always the first chosen for any job nobody else wanted to do. Everybody knew the coyotes were going to win it again for sure this year.

Felix was going to make sure that this year would be the year of the foxes, but he knew beating the coyotes was the only way; before every festival there was a massive feast, and because no other animal wanted to prepare the food it had been the foxes job to prepare the food once again. Felix figured he had to poison Craig The Coyote, the champion of the coyotes’ food in order to make sure he couldn’t participate in the competition this year, so Felix used his unique sly ability to convince one of his fellow foxes to put poisonous berries into Craig’s food without realising it had been poison.

The day of the competition the news had struck and had been everywhere: COYOTE CHAMPION POISONED. The news had reached every animal, and everyone pointed the blame at the foxes, specifically at the chef of Craig’s food.

The kingdom tried every single trick to get the truth out of the fox chef but nothing worked. Everyone realised he was not the culprit, and so the punishment was carried out on every single fox in the kingdom. They were all banished to the North, where the cold would freeze the foxes. There are however a few months every year where the cold takes a break and give the foxes a break as well.

Felix had to lead the rest of the foxes up to the North where they would spend the rest of their lives, or until they lost all of their bad qualities (especially their unique slyness). Felix couldn’t bear the idea of losing his slyness, so to this day, all foxes live in the North.

The cold was horrid and froze many foxes, but Felix figured out a way to beat this: They all must grow fur to make their tails the biggest, brightest, bushiest tails in the world to keep them warm. This was a great idea and once the idea was spread throughout the remainder of the foxes, they all listened to their leader and so to this day, foxes have big, bright orange and white, bushy tails to keep them warm in the winter.

Zhangsanity

Kobe Bryant, Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, David Hailu Zhang, Jeremy lin, Lebron James, Steve Nash, Shaquille O’Neal, Kevin Durant; what do they all have in common? They all share a love for basketball. But seriously, which one of these stand out? King James? Kobe? How about David H. Zhang. What do the rest of these famous basketballers have in common? They all started somewhere, and that somewhere is where we find David today.

David is an avid basketballer, and he takes after his idols like any young kid should. He’s certainly energetic, funny, modest, but above all he is the humblest guy you will meet. Seriously. It gets annoying at times when one of the most skilled basketballers in the school says he won’t make the school team, but he always knows he isn’t the best and will always do whatever to help me or you out whenever we ask for help.

As opposed to what most of you probably think, David didn’t start playing at a very young age, he only started recently. About 4 years ago he started to play basketball at an organized level, he also made the highest level, for an older age group. To sum it all up, he was very good at basketball to start with but where did that love for basketball come from?  David was a part of a big following called “Linsanity”. Jeremy Lin is an Asian American basketballer who took the NBA by storm and created this large following which inspired David to finally take up organized basketball.

That year was the year I met David Zhang, well, actually 2. Grade 4 was the start of middle French immersion and kids from all around the area went to W.E.J to take part in the program. One thing so many people were surprised about was there were 2 David Zhangs, it was also confusing. We decided This David will be known by his middle name: Hailu. The next year he surprisingly went to a new school: Broadview. He enrolled in the gifted program there and spent grades 5 through 7 at his new school.

September of 2015, David changed schools once again, finally ending up at the Earl of March secondary school for grade 8 and is in my class. Some day he may start up the “Zhangsanity” but for now, he’s still David Hailu Zhang playing AAA baskeball and going to grade school