What is a soul mate? Someone who shares everything that is yours. Heart, dreams, love and trust. Perhaps they also share your past. There is much more to a person than chemicals and brain cells, we have a soul. Something that gives us life and makes us who we are. When our bodies fail, our soul is set free. It finds another form.
In the beginning, souls were created as stars burned and nebulae collapsed, a miracle of time and space. As we made our way through the galaxy, each soul was split in half, destined for an eternity of searching for one another.
This is what I believe. Every lifetime, in different forms, two souls scour the world. Often, it takes many lives for them to happen across one another. When they do, they "love with a love that is more than love." This is what I believe.

20-Time Final Reflection

Arlo Turpin

7^th hour

1)      I intended to prove the power of words and art. On a more personal level, I wanted to create spoken-word poetry, and a piece of art work to go along with it. In the end, I accomplished the poetic aspect, which went above and beyond my expectations. I got to present for an audience, which allowed me to reach my original goal. I tried and failed with the art, and so I learned that I had better stick to words. Haha.

2)      This experience had a huge impact on me. I was able to prove to myself that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I learned that I am brave enough to speak my mind and share my ideas. Considering my goal of powerful words, I hope my presentation had an impact on others—I have been told that it did. I will use what I have learned to continue writing powerful poetry, speaking it, and hopefully changing the community positively through my words.

3)      My main roadblock was myself. I know that’s cliché, but completely true. As I began my project, I didn’t have the courage. Whenever I would sit down to write, I would tell myself that no one was going to be interested in anything I had to say. Nothing I created was good enough. I scrapped so many ideas, so many canvasses (literal and figurative). I stood in the way of my own success. This is the reason I did not present artwork. I wasn’t happy with anything I made. At the beginning, I knew that my self-confidence would be a problem. But it was far worse than I had expected.

4)      Once I recognized this roadblock, I took steps to overcome it. I pitched my ideas to people I trusted, and forced myself to accept and believe their praise. This changed the course of my project. From there, I composed my poem. And I was proud of it. I had rejuvenated motivation, to present something incredible, to teach a lesson.

5)      The thing about this kind of learning that works best for me is the freedom

6)      The thing about this kind of learning that is a challenge for me is the lack of guidelines.

7)      My project falls somewhere in between a success and a failure, but definitely closer to success. As far as failure goes, I didn’t accomplish my entire goal. I could not overcome my roadblock enough to be able to pick up a pencil and oil pastels. Well, I did on many occasions. I worried and wasted ideas, to the point that I gave up. On the other hand, my achievement of spoken-word poetry was a huge success. I reached past my goal, got up on stage, and I performed. That was a huge deal for me, and even more incredible? People listened.

8)      I probably spent around half an hour a day working on this, and near the fair, I spent three or four hours each day.

9)      Through the 20-Time process, the greatest learner profile quality I exhibited was being reflective. When I got jammed, or I wasn’t working hard enough, I was able to look back and see where I messed up. I stepped outside of myself to recognize my roadblock. Being reflective is to be open minded, and understanding. I was also caring, as I put so much passion in to my creation, and I gave interest and support to my friends in their journeys.

10)   Written communication was a huge English class theme that I encountered. The obvious, my poem. I struggled with it a lot in blogging, finding a way to express myself and my progress in a literal way, as opposed to creative. During the Project Fair, oral communication played a major role. I had a lot of difficulty with this, stammering and stuttering when I talked to people who came to my table. But it taught me a lot, and I improved as the evening went on.

11)   To teachers in the future, be passionate (like Mrs. H). Show your students that this project doesn’t have to be a “burden” or “just more homework”. Emphasize the aspect that is learning and growing as a person, not necessarily about reaching your goal, but about overcoming the obstacles on your way there. Be open minded and flexible.

12)   To students in the future, this is your chance. No assigned topic, no busy work, not another project. Spread your wings and fly with this opportunity to create, learn, and grow. Show everyone what potential you have. This is your chance to pursue that idea that has been lingering in the back of your head. This is your chance to have an escape from the restrictions of education, text books, and lectures. Don’t waste it, follow your dreams, and find the courage in yourself to take risks.

13)   I will most definitely continue to create spoken-word poetry, and I might take another stab at my artistic abilities! Haha. I have seen now the impact I can have, and I will continue to grow as a writer and as a person.

Well folks, this is it. My final blog.

Just kidding! Not really. But it is the end of the school year, and the end of in-class 20 time.

I'm (obviously) going to keep writing. I'm going to continue spreading my words and my ideas! I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to expand my ideas, get feedback, and present. It has been wonderful.

Stay tuned, though! I have a few new projects on my plate. First, it is on my bucket list to write a full-length novel. This is big to take on, but I've already started digging in to it! I have learned how to share ideas through spoken poetry, why not learn how to share through a story?

Eventually, I will find the time to record my poem about beauty.

This has been an incredible journey. I have learned more about myself, and I have learned that I have thoughts worth sharing. I know now that I don't have to give up on myself, that I have a place.

Thank you, all of you, for making my dreams possible.

I'll see you again soon :)

Huge thank you to everyone who came too the project fair last night. It was a wonderful success. I particularly loved seeing the incredible things my peers accomplished!
As for my presentation, I think it went well. That was my first time ever performing my poetry for an audience. I am so excited about the nice reaction I got!
I'm definitely not done writing spoken word poetry. My next step will be video recording this poem, and maybe putting on youtube. After that... who knows! Maybe I'll write and post more! Stay tuned :)
Also, as I find time, I will be adding more of my writing to the pages up at the top.
Thanks, lovelies

Yay!

I am SO excited to see everyone's projects tonight!
This is going to be a wonderful event :)

Hey, Lovelies :)

I finally got off of my butt and started writing. In fact, I am pretty much finished with my poem! The theme is beauty. I know that is broad, but I promise you'll love it.
The interesting news of the week: Mrs. Hechlik has arranged it so I will be performing my poem for everyone at the project fair! To be honest, I am incredibly nervous. This is WAY outside my comfort zone. But, at the same time, I am super excited for everyone to hear what I have created.
As far as art goes, I'm a little bit in the struggle bus. It takes a lot of practice that I don't have time for! Ahhh! So, no art work for the pitch. Just my words :)
Huge thank you the Mrs. Cheryl Levy, who is a wonderful mentor!

Well, I'm off to do some editing. So long for now, I'll see you guys at the pitch :D
~Arlo

New theme?
NEW THEME.
I got bored.