What's Your Favorite Thing About Yourself?

“What’s your favorite thing about yourself?”

I’m sure many people have never considered the question, “what’s your favorite thing about yourself?” Maybe there’s no need to ask; it’s just a subconscious knowledge you don’t need to ponder. Maybe you have been suffering with self-esteem problems and can’t wrap your mind around the idea of having a favorite thing about yourself. Maybe you don’t want to think about yourself in that way because your humility is too prominent. Maybe you can’t pick just one thing. Whatever the reason, I firmly believe it’s very imperative to know the goodness in yourself.

“My confidence”

The first person I asked this question to, thought about it for a moment, then decided fairly quickly. This friend of mine has been on stage and performing for a very long time so I can understand this viewpoint of hers. However, when she’s not onstage, I’ve noticed that she still holds herself with confidence and I acknowledge that quality about her. I’m glad she knows it too.

“I don’t know”

The next person I asked could not come up with an answer for this question. If given the right amount of time, I’m sure she could find out what she likes most about herself but at that given moment, she hadn’t had much thought about it. However, I know that she is very hardworking and I appreciate that about her whether she knows it or not.

 “…I’m imaginative… I can absolutely lose myself in daydreams and build them into stories…”

This person that I asked was more specific in the certain area that he liked most. He is a writer so it’s understandable that this skill can help to give him more experience in what he likes to do best. Often, a favorite element such as this can really indicate what a person is passionate about and what they should pursue in study or career. I know he is a stunningly talented writer and genuinely good person with a bright future of his own.

 “My free will”

The next person I asked responded quickly. He seemed to be prepared for this question as if he had thought seriously about it before. This simple yet deep answer is very fitting for this person as I also view him as a free spirit. He is respectful and well-mannered because he chooses to be and he’s curious about the things that truly interest him. His answer is very true for his knowledge of himself and his understanding of the world around him.

 “…My mind is very independent… I don’t need much validation…”

Yes, this is my favorite thing about myself. In a way, it’s all I need. With this knowledge of myself, I often accept things for my very experience of them. When I’m feeling sad, I accept that that’s the way it is currently and I trust it’ll get better soon. If I’m happy, I don’t need anyone to remind me to “live in the moment” because I already am. If I’m feeling badly about myself (grades, appearance, friends) I remind myself of times when I was happy and realize that this low streak is only temporary. If I’m feeling good about myself, I take note of it for myself, even if nobody else validates me. This is very important to the standard I hold myself to.

These example are only the first response to this question. Yet, in a way, they are the most pure response because they haven’t over-thought the question, to a point where all their responses could make the true answer foggy. If you haven’t given this a thought before, find your pure answer, however possible.

“What is your favorite thing about yourself?”

By: Katie McAuliffe

Read More

20 Random Questions: Mr. Wise

        As a student, I can attest to the repetitive nature of going to school every day. We go to the same lockers, sit at the same lunch tables, and sit through the same classes time and time again. But if there is one thing that can spruce up a school day, it’s the teachers. They make us laugh, they make (some of) us cry, and a good teacher even has the ability to get us excited about learning. I had the chance to sit down with Mr. Wise, who teaches Macroeconomics and an assortment of other business courses at Aquinas, for a speed round of questions that give insight to the life of a teacher.
1. What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
       “I get great satisfaction from the fact that I influence people who are about ready to go out into the real world. I want you guys to be prepared…as prepared as possible and I think I play a positive role in that.”
2. What is your least favorite part about being a teacher?
       “When I was a student I used to think teachers focus just on teaching but there are other things that go into it, like meetings. We have a ton of meetings. I’m not saying meetings are bad but, it takes up time. In the city there’s a lot of bureaucracy, too…I would rather spend time teaching you guys because I know it’s beneficial.”
3. What is a funny experience that you have had while teaching?
       “I was teaching the Renaissance in the city and we had three students who had just come from Nepal and I showed them a picture of The David and it was the first time they’d ever seen a naked male before… It was a little embarrassing because they kept giggling and I had to explain to them, you know, biology class. So there you go, there’s some science and social studies, too. That was quite funny.”
4. Why economics?
       “If you would have told me 11 years ago, when I was in school to be a teacher, that I would be teaching economics, especially AP Macroeconomics, I would have said ‘You’re nuts! It’s boring, it’s graphs and numbers and it’s boring. Why would I do that?’ But I kind of fell in love with it. I read Naked Economics [by Charles Wheelan] and [I realized] that this stuff impacts us more than any other subject. Every day we deal with it and I should understand it and have my students understand it so they’re prepared for whatever life brings them – like supply and demand charts.”
5. Do you remember what you got on your AP Macroeconomics exam?
       “Actually, I don’t think I took AP’s. I was your prototypical ‘do awesome in regents, too scared to take an AP’ [student]. Going back, I wish I did. My wife took 1,000 AP’s and she got to graduate college a year early. Me on the other hand…was fine with getting 90’s in my Regents class and dominating there. Every year they recommended me to go up to AP history and I said ‘I’m good.’”
6. What was your most embarrassing moment?
       “Student teaching. Greece Arcadia. We were talking about immigration and I was showing the Titanic movie and I slid across the desk – cool - like I would normally do, and the whole thing just fell. Everyone starts laughing and I just get up and say ‘I just wanted to show you how fast the Titanic sunk, like the desk.’ But that was kind of embarrassing because I broke the desk by sliding across it…but I played it off.”
7. If you could give any advice to incoming AP students, what would it be?
       “Trust me. My class is hard but we’ll do it together. Pray. Prayer is important [and] you’ll do OK.”
8. What was the best part about college?
       “I was a dork. I studied constantly, I worked, I saved money. It was kind of boring. But the best part is just learning new things. Halfway through my time in college I switched majors. I wanted to be a lawyer but then a teacher. So, I got to see two different groups of people. But…college helped me get where I am today.”
9. What is the ugliest item in your closet?
        “2 years ago I went to Goodwill. There was an “Ugly Dress” day or something. There was a really ugly pair of pants – plaid – they look like a carpet from the seventies.”
10. If you could be anything besides an economics teacher, what would you be?
       “I would be a general manager of a major league baseball team. That’s my life goal. It’s all about economics, trading…”
11. What was your first job?
       “I worked at Greece Ridge Movie Theater picking up popcorn. I met my wife there. Her first day of work, I trained her behind the concession stand. Then I started to woo her. The rest is history.”
12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
       “I’m going to go with my 2 kids. Inside of school, it’s when you guys graduate. But as a dad, every day they smile and say ‘daddy’ that is probably my proudest moment. But I do like to see you guys cross the stage.”
13. If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?
       “If I could, I would go back and see my dad again. I lost my dad when I was 24, almost 10 years ago, and I wish I could just talk to him again, kind of say ‘Hey, look! I’m here now, I’m teaching, I have 2 awesome kids.’ It would be meaningful for me to have a conversation with him again.”
14. If you could choose a name for yourself, besides Scott, what would it be?
       “I get the name Steve a lot. I don’t know why, but people call me Steve, randomly. I don’t know if I like that but… it’s better than ‘not-so-wise.’ But I would like Luke, it’s actually my Confirmation name.”
15. What did you study besides economics?
       “Political science, a lot of history, and education classes – that’s what I got my Masters in – how to teach adolescents.”
16. What is your favorite vacation that you’ve taken?
       “Now, if my family doesn’t see this, New Orleans [with] Mr. Oberst and Mr. Ambrose was a great time. I learned so much [and] people were so nice down there.”
17. Do you have any family traditions?
       “Christmas Eve dinner. We do a lot of fish. My mom used to do it but now we do it at our house. It’s bigger than Christmas in my family.”
18. What is the best part about being a parent?
       “I love it when I get home and they come up and give me a hug and they say ‘Daddy’s home!’ The next thing they say is ‘What did you bring me?’ But I disregard that part because it’s so nice to see the smiles on their faces. They’re pretty awesome. I don’t know what life would be like without little ones.”
19. Do you know any life-hacks?
       “Position yourself next to the smart kid. Become their friend.”
20. Do you know any jokes or puns?
       “I use the expression a lot: you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink. I always tell people ‘I’m pouring water on your head now, why aren’t you drinking?’”

by: Jasmine Benjamin

Read More

International Update: Jung Kim

Jung Kim is an international student from Korea, and also a great friend of mine. She is an amazing friend for her kindness and helpfulness. If you are looking to learn about Korean culture, she is a great person to go talk to. Jung Kim graciously took a few minutes out of her busy day of studying (to maintain her St. Thomas club status) to talk to me about her experiences.

Q: Where are you from?

A: I'm from South Korea.

Q: Is this your first year here at Aquinas? If not, when did you first come to Aquinas?

A: Yes, this is my first year at Aquinas.

Q: What grade are you in?

A: I'm in 10th grade.

Q: How is school going for you? Have you gotten involved in clubs or sports? Which ones?

A: School has given me so many opportunities. I'm involved in women's leadership, theatre club, and mathletes. There are so many things that I can do in school, and I want to try other new things, too!

Q: Are any of those things new for you?

A: All of those things are new for me. When I was in Korea, I was really busy with lots of school work and studying so I didn’t really have any extra time. You won’t believe it, but we normally stay at high school until 9 pm. I'm so happy to be here because besides studying, I can now do a lot of different things during my school life! It’s awesome.

Q: What’s different between the USA and your country?

A: School finishes earlier in the USA so I can have more free time. Also here in Aquinas, there are many activities that I can join like the musical, sports, and so on. In Korea I usually got home late from private study hall or tutoring or something. Here I usually get home really early! It's a big change for me. I can't believe I come home before the family dinner!

Q: How have you made friends? Has it been different making friends here than it is at home?

A: The way to make friends is a little bit different but I still find good friends here! I make friends with my heart and that makes things easier. I joined the musical, and I met many good friends from there. We are just like a family. I feel so happy about that.

Q: Where in Rochester have you been? Do you have any favorite places?

A: I went to Eastman music library. I like that place because it is located in downtown and it is so quiet which helps me focus on studying. If I get the chance, I want to visit the downtown library. There are so many interesting places in Rochester where I have not visited yet.

Q: How does it feel to be so far away from home?

A: I miss my home sometimes. I think it is not easy for a teenager to stand by themselves, but when I do things by myself it makes me more confident! There are many people like my host family, local coordinator, friends, and teachers who help me out a ton.

Q: When you get homesick, how do you cope?

A: I talk with my family at home and talk with my friends! I also imagine summer time when I meet with my family and friends. Nowadays there are so many ways to get in contact with people in other countries so it is not as hard as it used to be! I was in New Zealand in 2008 and at that time I needed to buy a 'phone card' to call to Korea, and I had to text in email because we did not have smartphones or anything like that. It was so hard to contact home, but now we all have smartphones, and there are so many apps that we can use.

Q: How is your host family?

A: They are so nice to me. They try to make me feel comfortable at home, and it works! They help me a lot and care about me a lot. I'm so lucky to be here with them! Thank you, my USA family!

Q: Are there any differences between your American family and your family at home?

A: My host family goes to bed much earlier, but the biggest difference are the meals. We eat more rice in my hometown than here. But my host parent is a really good cook, and I love their cooking. You can’t imagine how nice they are. I feel family love here in the USA the same as I do at home. I love my host family. Thank you so much again!

Q: What is the most important thing you learned about life while you have been here?

A: I learned that new challenge always teaches me a lesson! Being here is my newest challenge, and I have learned a lot. I feel like I can take on more challenges. Even though my host family helps me a lot, I need to do a lot of things by myself. This experience has influenced my life a lot. I have become more independent, and I learned a great deal through this experience. I have also realized how important family is. Before I came here, I knew family was important, but now I really know how important family truly is. Now, I realized how much they support me and believe in me. I am so grateful for my parents giving me this precious experience.

Q: Do you have any plans for the future?

A: I don't really have any specific plans, but I want to do another challenge like this… maybe traveling all around the world. My new life in America changed me a lot. I feel more confident in myself, and I feel really independent.

Q: How do your past and future look from where you are today?

A: I feel as though I was so much younger before. Before, I thought I could be independent, but now I see this is the time of my life where I’m truly independent. So I think I can live my life with more confidence in the future, which I’ve gained through this experience.

Q: What do you think about your Aquinas family?

A: Every single person at Aquinas is so nice. They care about the international students,and that makes me feel comfortable. I feel like we are family! They care about me and help me so much. Thank you to my Aquinas family!

Q: What is something you would like to tell your family back at home right now?

A: It has already been 5 months since I have come to Aquinas, and everything is good so far. I want to tell them don’t worry about me too much, and I’m doing well here with a new family, new friends and a new school. Also, it’s Korean New Year! So I want to say Happy New Year to my family!

by: Kunru Li

Read More

Talking with Teachers: Mr. Flood and Video Game Club

“Talking with Teachers” is about getting to know the people that mentor us as teachers, coaches, and club advisers.  This interview was with Mr. Liam Flood, the Earth Science teacher and Video Game Club Moderator.

Q:           Mr. Flood, why did you become an Earth Science Teacher?

A:            I've always had an interest in the earth sciences, originally I was really into Meteorology. From the age of like 5 until 20 I wanted to be a Meteorologist.  Frankly I got a little from Calculus 2 and 3 in college, so I redirected into Earth Science. I've always loved Astronomy, I've always loved rocks, so it seemed like a good connection.  The teaching part came later honestly. The teaching part didn't come until I was probably 22 or so when I was getting near the end of my time at Oswego.

Q:           What do you do in your free time, besides running the games club?

A:            You know I’m into video games, but other than that I like camping a lot.  Most of the time I only get out a couple times a year now, but I love the Adirondacks.  I spent a month straight up there one time when I was in college.  So interesting.  Yeah mostly camping, I like going to movies, normal guy stuff.  Don’t write “normal guy stuff.”

Q:           So you’re getting married soon. How do you feel about that? Are you excited?

A:            What am I supposed to say? “No! No it’s horrifying! Help! I’m being forced against my will!” (Laughing) No, I’m excited.  Yeah, we've been together for a really long time now.  Sort of an inevitability.  That’s really romantic. (Laughs again).

Q:           Games Club is something new this year. Do you have any plans on where you see it in the future, after the founders of Video Games Club graduate?

A:            I’m noticing online that it’s becoming more widespread with other schools in the area. Ultimately it would be cool if we could have competitions with other schools, and you know, common tournaments games.  Like you guys love “Smash Brothers” now, but there are sports games that have common tournament rules that I've seen people play. I've played in a few. So tournament style games and actually interacting with other schools would be really cool down the line.

by: Tony Bacchetta

Read More