Thankful for a Classmate

      Every day when I leave the philosophy classroom, the conversation seems to only have just begun.  This is thanks to Jacqueline and Abbey, who are always willing to dive even deeper into whatever we've been discussing and to acknowledge faults in the class discussion.  Since 7th grade, Abbey and Jacqueline have been challenging me to think harder, maintain perspective, and to support my ideas.
      I'm really grateful to Jacqueline for always being able to pick up where we left off, even if it has been a while.  But thankfully I get to see her more this year! She is receptive and open if there's ever an issue and she is so supportive of me. Our post card count is pretty impressive, and I hope it continues for a long time. Thank you for always listening and for introducing me to Half the Sky/Nicholas Kristof.  I really hope that some day we will combine our medical/humanitarian skills to do something great.  By the way, her hugs are therapeutic.
    Abbey is another friend for whom I am truly thankful.  First period gym is actually enjoyable because of her.  She makes me feel comfortable saying anything and is one of the best listeners I know. I am thankful for her honesty and for laughing with me.  I think she offers great insight into the books we read or topics we discuss; well, she's basically insightful all around.  I've grown so much because of our friendship and it is one that I absolutely cherish.  
 

Into The Wild

          My favorite aspect of this movie is probably the glimpse into the kindness of humanity that does indeed exist.  Chris' ultimate goal is to escape from all of society, but in reality I think the true beauty is portrayed in his experiences on his way to Alaska. The joy he shares with Jan, Rainey, Ron, Wayne, and apparently some nudists, is pure.  He escaped the ills he saw in his own parents and discovered the genuineness that thrives in certain other people.  Yet this manifestation of joy is not what Chris seeks, so he continues on his journey to be truly alone in the wild.
      Ironically, I think in some ways Chris' selfishness is a reflection of the society that he so despises.  He hasn't yet understood the value of inter-human experiences, and so he writes off people who care deeply about him.  His transience seems to actually diminish the potential meaning he could find in life from building relationships and learning to care about another person.
     The change in Chris' parents is fascinating.  I think Chris' intentions in leaving were for his personal escape from the confines of society, but as a result, he ends up having a large impact on those he leaves behind, and now the millions of viewers of this movie.  The forced reflection inflicted on his parents is a necessary step that every member of society should take.  It follows with Socrates' living an examined life instead of becoming a robot of society.