The Big Windy City

I know I haven't posted for awhile, but I haven't really had the inspiration to the past month. But as i sit in my bed listening to one of my favorite albums on vinyl, I suddenly got the inspiration to tell a tale about an amazing opportunity I was given!

This past November, I flew to Chicago to check out DePaul University. Not only did I hop on a plane, it hit me that I am growing up, and I am flying half way across the country to check out my potential home. As soon as I stepped foot into the city, I fell in love. The constant flow of people, city lights, and endless culture really brought fourth a new perspective.

Before I get into that, can I just say that I literally love airports and flying to a destination? I believe it is realizing (even if you are far to close and personal with the person next to you) but if you disregard that little factor, you have a few hours to yourself to do (almost) anything you please. Flying to Chicago, I sat next to these two mothers who were on a get away for a girls week. Now, I was so blessed to have them sitting next to me. The whole four hour plane ride there, we talked about college, schooling, life, etc. When we landed (which seemed so fast because they were such good company) they were a little worried about me finding a cab by myself, in a huge city that I have never been before, to the place where I was staying. The two mom's walked me all the way to the cab and made sure I was in the right cab (Chicago has so many different cabs that take you places you don't want to go.) and hugged me before I drove away. Humanity is great sometimes.

Entering Chicago as the sun was going down.
So beautiful. 

I stayed in little apartment with my mother's friend's sister (kinda confusing) whom I have never met before, and we instantly clicked and became friends. My first night there we ordered pizza, and let me tell you, deep dish pizza was a creation from God. It was so good, I can't even.

Now, how beautiful does that look?

The next morning, Lisa had to work, so I was on my own for the day. I had the whole day to look, eat, and do whatever I wanted. I woke up kind of late because there was a time change and what would have been 8 A.M. in Oregon was 10 A.M. in Chicago. I finally left around 11:30 and I just could not figure out what bus I needed to take, which was slightly embarrassing. When I finally got off the bus, I walked around with the biggest smile on my face because I knew that I could see myself living here one day, and it seriously wasn't that expensive, besides the $4 coffee I bought, oh sales tax how you put a damper on life sometimes. Anyways, the first thing I did was just walk around and just people watch, I decided that it was time to get some coffee and then proceed looking around. I went to see the Bean, a gallery park, these moving faces on glass brick and the Chicago Art Museum! I didn't done ounce of shopping while I was there, besides on the last day, and I bought socks… I took a lot of pictures, and I can't even express how blessed I am.

Pictures at the Bean! 

These glass bricks actually moved and made eye contact
to one another. This city is amazing!

Guardian imagery before entering
the Art Museum! 

The original American Gothic!
Mr. Nickel would be proud! 

A picture of a man sketching the statue

My sassy Korean friend I found! 

A park dedicated to the a art project called "Boarders" 

Great great coffee!! 

Some pictures of the city and how stunning it is! 

I took all these photos from my iPhone, so they aren't the best quality, and I do have some on a disposable camera! I forgot to bing my nice camera, and Lisa just gave me the hardest time.

On Saturday, I went to tour DePaul University, and I was disappointed in the fact that I wasn't as please as I thought I was going to be (but this is why touring colleges is so important!) I have my heart set on one school, and if I get rejected, I will probably consider DePaul if I were to get accepted. DePaul is a very respected school and also happens to be the largest Catholic school in the nation (just a fan fact), they offer all the things I want to study and have amazing scholarships! I could see myself living in Chicago, so it is definitely in the running of becoming my new home.

On Sunday, I was preparing to go home and all of a sudden, a tornado just busted out and my flight got delayed a few hours. And I was so excited, I was slightly hoping that my flight would get cancelled so I could stay just one more night. But, I was pretty productive those few hours my flight was delayed! I learned hoe to crochet and I made a headband! Which was pretty dandy.

One of the coolest things that happened was on my flight back to Oregon, I sat next to a women who filmed and edited two seasons of America's Next Top Model, and she told me that nothing is like what it is like in T.V. The film team have to put aside their morals when they see something get out of control, and have to stay completely neutral to the issues that arise during the show. Also, not only does the production team struggle with their morals, the contestants on the show struggle with all kinds of disorders. She told me that two of her favorite girls from the show now have major issues they are working through. One girl is highly addicted to meth, and she was recently just on Dr. Phil to try and receive treatment. The other girl is struggling through a huge eating disorder to try and win her modeling career back.

Most people know that those kind of reality T.V. shows bring out a staged side of people, but the struggle goes so much deeper than that. It was interesting to hear a behind the stage source to the things that really go on!

All together, the trip to Chicago was an absolutely success. Thanks mom!

-Saige

Noun of the Week

The noun of the week is the most recent episode of Glee. "The Quarterback."

As most people know, Cory Monteith (Finn) passed away in July from a drug overdose. Not only was he really loved in the show, but he was loved by all of the coe-stars that had the honor of working by his side to produce such a successful show. Because of the unfortunate situation of Cory, this put the making of the show in a predicament.

While watching the show I searched for the realism within it the episode where they dealt with the passing of Cory and his character Finn. I believe that they captured the realism during certain aspects, but not during the whole show. I have immense respect for the monologue Kurt gave at the beginning of the show. He described his feelings and excited perfectly how someone died is not a representation of who there person was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY8wHVrP5RY to 1:06 is the monologue I was talking about.

There were total raw moments within the episode that actually made the viewer feel something. Not only were the actors playing the role of how their character grieved, but they also flashed moments of there actual self grieving. Moments in the show, the actors weren't acting, they were truly spilling how they felt. That was beautiful.

This episode wasn't only made for the rates, comments, reviews, and closure to the fans of Glee, but this was a necessity of the ones who worked with Cory, who became best friends with him through the making of Glee.

Although the whole episode wasn't just focused on Finn's death, they incorporated a great amount of his memory in the show. Not just the memory of Finn, but the memory of Cory as well.

Another great thing that happened in the show was each character captured a different form of grief, the felt with the death in a very realistic way. None of the felt with Finn's death the same, they all had their sudden bursts on anger, sadness, guilt, etc.

The most realistic scene was with Finn's mother, I won't lie, it made me cry. I cried. I could not imagine what it would be like to lose a child, and I have witnessed first hand how a mother acts when she loses someone so dear to her heart, someone she raised and loved. That alone is heart breaking to think about.

Overall, great depiction of the situation. Although the episode was rocky, the actors brought forward realness.

-Saige

A little piece of memory

Lately I have been having a lot of trouble writing essays for college, school, scholorships and other random things. So, I figured I would just write down all the memories that are vividly in my head and possibly gain some inspiration/motivation from that! Even if it is the smallest, dumbest thing I remember.

•  Playing with a rental tea party set my grandpa got for me when I was living with them in California while my mom was trying to figure out way was wrong with her heart. 
• Winning a snickers bar from my kindergarden teacher because I could do the 100 multiplication facts in 5 minutes. 
• I find it funny that now I can't remember what 8x7 is. 
• One day I stayed home sick and I remember Grayson coming to my door with a ballon (that is still on my wall) and a card that said "get well soon." Not only did he do this because I was sick, but he did it because he knew my aunt passed away that same day from stage 4 lung cancer. 
• I poured baby shampoo all over my cousins clothes when he was in the shower because he woke me up by throwing paper towels that were dipped in the toilet. 
• The last day of school my junior year, my math teacher informed me that I got the higher grade on the math final, and that was probably my biggest accomplishment that year. 
• I won second place at a Speech and Debate tournament with my best friend Danica Wilbanks, and I have never been more proud of myself then that very moment. 
• I told our opponents "gg" while shaking their hands and one of the guys just glared at me. 
• Later that year he was disqualified for having his internet turned on during a PoFo round. That'll teach you not to glare at me when I give you a compliment. 
• This one guy told my friends that he was from Pakistan during a debate round, and they thought he was lying, so I made up a fake APSats assignment "to see the diversity of where people were born." I went up to the guy and asked him, turns out he was actually from Pakistan. 
• I got asked to homecoming by fake spider webs and pipe cleaners. 
• I asked a group of 7th graders by dressing up as a bush for Halloween. 
• Passion Pit was amazing live, and it was a great treat for the first day of junior year. 
• I went to go visit my friend Sara de Noyo at the hospital one day, and even though she was there, she had so much spirit and seemed so happy, like nothing could drag her down, not even CF. 
• That was also the day it finally hit me that my friend Frida died. I also feel kind of bad for the person driving who had to listen to me cry the whole way home. 
• But, they bought me dinner and it was really nice. Thanks dude. 
• After Hannah died I went to Shari's with Cory boy and he told me I was his best friend and then bought me a pie shake. 
• My coach, Mr. Curry once told me that I was an amazing debater and that I would prosper if I kept practicing. I teared up from that comment. 
• I went on a two week round trip this summer and I discovered new things, new people, and I realized my life is going to rule. 
• I was fortunate enough to see Hannah 3 days before she died. 
• One time Grayson told me there was a serial killer in my garage and I was so terrified for some reason that I actually started crying. 
• For my 17th birthday Danica took me on a scavenger hunt and it was the greatest birthday. 
• For Dylans 18th birthday his mom set up a scavenger hunt and the girls totally should have won. Honestly though, that was one of the best days. 

There are so many more memories I could share, and I think I might do this when I need a little more inspiration.

Noun on the Week!

This weeks noun of the week is just me totally fan girly over some amazing music produced by a human and a guitar. I have anyways had a soft spot for music that was mellow and made me feel relaxed. This artist does just that. I listen to him when I study, craft, zone out, drive, whatever. He is just perfect music to listen to for any occasion! I adore the musicians that have a sense of diversity, the musicians that branch out and play all different kinds of tunes!

Guess who does just what I admire? John Mayer!!

John Mayer is a beautiful soul 

Okay, also, John Mayer is really attractive 

The one major thing I love about John Mayer is the fact that he stuck to his taste. Every album it isn't some washed out, mainstream, lack of talent musician. Ugh, he is just so beautiful. 

Songs to Look Up and Love 

1. The Heart of Life 

2. Wildfire 

3. Something Like Olivia 

4. Who Says 

5. Born and Raised 

6. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (acoustic) 

-Saige

Noun of the Week!

I've decided to start a new series on my blog. Noun of the week is just something I agree with, am lusting over, in love with, etc. Just a my person, place, or thing of the week!

"If I Were a Teacher" by the wonderful Kingsley! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev29AhnVDfI

Content of this video may offend some viewers

Click on this link and watch the video! 

Okay, so, this video is so spot on. Respect your teachers because you will never meet any other individual who would dedicate so much of their time for your education. Stop taking them for granted!

Teachers rule, bring them coffee and muffins, and your homework on time. 

This is Kingsley 

-Saige

Things I Learned in High School Part Uno

This summer I feel as if I have grown up more than I have anticipated. I have finally figured out what I want to do, where I want to be, and who I aspire to be. This summer I found where I could see myself in 5 year, I found where I would like to start the beginning of my adult journey. This summer I relived to myself what makes me happy, who makes me happy, and what hobbies make me enjoy life to the fullest. This summer I learned I have to focus on myself as well, always rushing to someones recuse led me away from my own internal issues I needed to handle. This summer, I did just that.

I came back from a two week road trip ready to face the wonders of this world. I came back ready to finish my senior year stronger than ever. That got me thinking of all the great things high school has done for me, taught me, let me experience, etc. There is not enough adjectives in the English language to express my excitement I have to finish my senior year with a bang, and all the memories and new people I will meet along the way.

So here's a list of the things I have learned to love about high school, and all the things I learned in general:

• Make friends with the class above you, they're cool and have amazing advice when it comes to intense college applications 
• I gained a good 10 pounds just by all the coffee I drink 
• I lost about half my paycheck by all the coffee I drink 
• Humanities was the best decision I made, it kick my butt and I am grateful 
• Do the reading 
• Indie/acoustic music isn't the only "good music"out there 
• Hip-Hop freaking bring the lyrical ruckus
• Say thank you to all our teachers 
• Speech and Debate changed my perception on people and the world 
• DIs are the worst 
• Local shops are so much better than any franchise
• Toadally Joe Cafe has the best coffee my taste buds have ever had the pleasure of tasting
• Drink it all day every day, stop with the nonsense Starbucks and Dutch Brothers 
• Huckleberry Finn would have been a great book if I didn't have to analyze every page I read 
• To Kill a Mockingbird is by far my favorite book 
• I thank freshman english for that piece of greatness 
• Friendships do not last forever
• That's because a lot of people in high school suck 
• Oly Pageant is the greatest thing I have the honor participating in
• Thank you for having faith in my Elisa and Justin 
• I'm disappointed in myself for being so judgmental when it came to new things 
• All you Sprague students; sometime in your high school career take a class with either McElliott or Nickel!!!! 
• If you rock this world, you will have them both as teachers 
• Leadership isn't that bad, stop judging it so harshly 
• High school parties suck 
• Don't be so closed minded to religion 
• Go to different religious services 
• Create something beautiful every once and a while 
• Stop procrastinating 
• Learning the best thing in the world 
• High School rules in so many aspects 
• Enjoy it 

-Saige 

I have glitter in my soul, Oly Pageant 2014

Life is good, life is great. I love helping people, it has always been one of my favorite things. When I was chosen to be apart of Oly Pageant this year, I was gleeful when I realized I have the whole year to raise money for Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Brainstorming ideas on how to raise money got kind of tough at times, but I have successfully brainstormed a great idea!

I have been obsessed with making glitter banners this summer, and what no better way than to sell them for the cause I am advocating for? I put a lot of hard work into the glitter banners and make them with a lot of love, no better way to make a product. Just like the book, "Secret Life of Bees" you have to give the bees love.

Anyways, the glitter banners would cost 5-10 dollars, depending on what color of glitter you would like! I have hot pink, silver, and gold. If you chose one of those colors, the banner would only be $5, dollars, but if you want a special color that I do not have, it'll cost $10 to compensate for the glitter. I can put whatever your heart desires on the banner, or you can leave it up to me and I can make something up for you.

My goal is to raise $6,000 for Doernbecher, and I can't get there without the support of all of you!

Contact me at saigeisthebomb.com@gmail.com if you don't know me over Facebook or my number! We can discus payment and what you would like! (Please want one, you are doing a good thing)

Thank you everyone! Have a great day :)

Here are some of the banners I have made!

I made this one for my friend Julia Silver! get it? Her last name is Silver

I made this for my buddy Delaney Plant! 

I made this one for my favorite coffee shop in Salem! 

Faith in America because these people have talent

This year I have been far too invested in America's Got Talent 2013. I have screamed at the T.V. far too many times and have yelled at Howard Stern like he could hear me too many times to even count. I'm the type of person who only watches the auditions to talent/singing shows because that's when they show the best stuff. But, I've always had a soft spot for AGT. I watch almost every season because of how amazed I am at the talent people have. From singing, to magic, to being able to toss bowls on your head while riding a unicycle. (Red Panda) I know I could never do anything these talented people do, so I choose to live vicariously through the T.V. and just vote for my favorites along the way.

After a few weeks of quarterfinalists (and I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed in some of the acts they decided to put through to Radio City.) the show has finally moved on and is on to the Semi-Finals! The semi-finals are my absolute favorite! These episodes are when the contestants put on their best show and is the home stretch for the majority of them!

Here are my favorite from AGT 2013! If any of these people were to win, I would try my hardest to be at their show in Las Vegas!

1. Angela Hoover

Angela Hoover is a mother of two little girls and is a wicked comedian! She does the greatest impressions I have ever heard. I have never laughed so hard and someone mocking Kourtney Kardashian and her parenting skills. She did a killer impression of Sharon Osbourne. Also, Angela is family friendly, so even her kids can listen to her jokes! She is just incredible. I actually just found out she didn't make it through to the finals. I'm sad. Oh no. She'll still make a career out of this though. And despite what Howard Stern said about her material being weak, he knows nothing about comedy. Howard probably eats puppies for breakfast.












2. Anna Christen

Anna Christine is only 11 years old and has the most incredible voice on this planet. I can't help but get shivers whenever I hear her sing. She has such a great range her voice can do. I don't know singing terminology very well, but I do know this girl can belt a note with such power it could knock anyone out of their seat. Every time she preforms, one of the judges is giving her a standing ovation. I have to say, she totally deserves every person in the audience standing and screaming after she is done singing. Everyone loves Beyonce and her voice, but this little girl out powers and out sings big booty B. Even if Anna doesn't win AGT, she will get a contract with Disney or something. Best of luck to Anna!

3. Chicago Boyz

The Chicago Boyzzzz! These boys have so much talent I can't even comprehend how amazing they are! These group of boys all came from the "projects" and their coach created this acrobatic group to keep them out of trouble and off the streets. It's outstanding what these boys can do with their bodies. The little boy in the picture is used as a human jump rope. How insane is that?! They also tweeted at me one time, so they have a soft spot in my heart. But seriously, one of the best acts in AGT and deserve to be one of the finalists!

4. Collins Key

This boy, Collin, takes my breath away and leaves me wanting more and leaves me so confused and in wonder. He is the greatest magician AGT has ever had. His tricks are absolutely 100% original. He also knows how to involve everyone in the audience. Out of all the tricks I have seen him preform in the show, he has involved the judges and even America sometime, via twitter. Collins is doing it right.
















5. Kenchi Ebina

I always found it kinda funny that some of the best talents didn't come from America. Kenchi is from Japan and is one of the most talented dancers I have ever seen. He choreographs all his own dances and deigns all the backgrounds and lighting. His creative process blew me away in the quarterfinals. I was about to boycott AGT if he didn't make it into the semi-finals. (This is the dance I am raving about http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpS3G60hq4U) I truly believe with the immense amount of talent this man has, he has the potential to win this whole thing and I would pay a great sum of money to see him live.

6. David Fenley

I absolutely fell head over heels for David. His voice was mesmerizing to me. I adore his raspy voice and style. He is a great singer regardless what Howard Stern says. I truly believe David has so much talent, and if he didn't, he wouldn't have made it onto the show in the first place. His covers are better than the originals. Howard disrespected his talent during the semi-finals and I could not contain my anger. David is one of the most talented singers, even when covering the spice girls. SO SAD he was voted off and not making it to the finals. He will go far with his music.

7. Taylor Williamson

Taylor Williamson is so incredibly awkward, but he is one of the best comedians AGT has ever had. Last year on AGT there were some great comedians, but this guy made me laugh more than any comedian on the show. His semi-final performance was dedicated (mocking) Hedi Klum and it was such a great performance. He has such potential in the comedy world, and I can see him working for comedy central. He is moving forward in the competition and I am so excited to die of laughter on my couch.

OLY PAGEANT 2014!!!!!

Oly Pageant contestants 2014! Girls: Molli, Saidie, Delaney, Bella, Elisa, Joanna, and Me!
Boys: Chad, Matt, Hayden, Triston, and Devin

This year I have the great opportunity to fundraiser and learn with 11 amazing individuals. Oly Pageant is a year long fundraiser for Doernbecher Children's Hospital and on April 12th we put on a pageant as our last huge fundraiser! It's the whole 100 yards; there's the sportswear, talent, formal wear, and letters to families, and a money dash. I have attended Oly Pageant since I've been in high school and I told myself I would be involved in this phenomenal tradition. Last year I planned a fundraiser at Toadally Joe Cafe and all of a sudden, this year I am participating in it! My goal is to raise $6,000 and that's a might big task, so anyone who see one of my jars casually chillin' at a store, be oh so kind to drop the spare change in your hand. 

I am so excited to spend this year with all these people. Can we all look at Sadie and how she is just modeling in this picture? And Justin who is lookin' like a babe. We have a hot bunch of people raisin money! 

Last year the Oly Pageant group raised around $57,000 and this year we want to blow them out of the water with a goal of $60,000! Trust me, we will raise all of that money. 

Cheers for this year! 

School: After Hours

Districts for Speech and Debate. YYYYYYAAAAAA. 

Not even the slightest, I have to be here until 9:30 PM, sleep sounds glorious, and so does pink lemonade. My leadership/math teacher let me borrow this really rad necklace, and I'm really in love with it. 

Wish me luck with making it to state! I hope everyone had a better day than mine!

Happy Easter(From the Airport)

Today, my spring break vacation officially ended :( I had so much much spending time with my family.

Anyways, airports and plane rides. They are always such a bundle of joy, now aren't they? I was reading this book on my first plane to Seattle (layovers suck) and listening to music, like a normal person does on a plane ride. But, the guy next to me seemed very displeased about being on that plane, he kept falling asleep, and he would twitch his lips, talk in his sleep, and jerk all around. While he was making these absurd movements, I tried to contain myself the best I could by trying to laugh out loud because this guy next to me was fighting dragons in his sleep, or something.
When he would wake up, I could feel him reading over my shoulder, but when I would look at him he would pretend that he was sleeping, it was the oddest thing. Plane rides never fail to give me a "unique" person to sit next to.

My second flight was in Seattle to Portland, Oregon (my hometown.) While in the airport waiting for two hours, I was on instagram and everyone kept posting about Easter, so I took that black and white photo above saying "happy easter from an airport.) Always a pleasure in an airport, especially when the wifi isn't working.

When I got on the plane, the guy I sat next to told he me enjoyed all the faces I was making, trying to decided what face I was going to actually take a picture of. He lived in Hawaii, and also fell asleep on the plane, also he ordered apple juice as his beverage.

When I got home from the airport, I found this lovely little banner for me on my drive way. My best friend Danica made this for me to welcome me back into Oregon (it was 75 degrees today!!!) She made it out of cashews and chocolates.

Happy Easter everyone, and I'm sorry about the majority of us going back to school either tomorrow or tuesday.

Weird Things Happen

I have a funny/weird story. My friend Nick Brye sent me this picture this morning of the Nevada sun rise.

Him and I were best friends when I was in middle school, we talked all the time and hung out too much. Of course as time changed we grew apart, not talking to each other as we separated into different highschools.

The last time I remember actually talking to him was when I was dating Grayson and he was dating my good friend Camille, we both saw each other at some Homecoming dance. 

I’m a junior now, and of about 3 years we have barely noticed one others existence because our lives have been so busy and we had other things to do. 

But, just recently, we started talking again. I don’t know how it came about, it just did. It’s sorta nice to try and reconnect with an old friend, despite all the things that happened in our tween friendship. 

This is where it gets weird: For spring break, we are both in Nevada. We are 2o miles away from each other. We end up doing the same things at the same time, but in different places. He passed by UNR when I was touring UNR. I was in Fernely when he was just living Fernley. We both were on our way to Reno at the same time. We both had lunch at the same time. I was passing Spanish Springs as he was playing golf in Spanish Springs. 

We have yet to run into each other. This is surprisingly nice to be in the same place. Nick is a great guy, bound to great things. Super glad that we started talking again. 

P.s. Isn’t that sun rise beautiful?

Today, I went to the longest good friday service ever with my Grandma, because I am so sweet. When I got back, I decided I should do some painting because I had to argue with the airport security to let me take my paints on the plane. It was actually really stupid. Anyways, I felt really inspired, and I ended up starting 3 paintings, I only had time to finish one though, I'll finish the other ones tomorrow.

It was so beautiful outside! the sunset was perfect, and the lighting made everything look amazing. I really love painting with lavender, because I feel like it goes with so many colors, I use this color in almost every painting I do. THEN i realized that the painting matched my nails. It was a really cool moment, while the sun was setting. Oh, today was relaxing.

While painting, I really love to listen to music. Today while painting, I had "Welcome Home" by: Radical Face on repeat. I high recommend everyone to look up that song, even if you aren't a huge indie fan. It is a beautiful song.

Nevada to California

Still lusting on about spring break! I'm staying in Reno, Nevada, but my grandparents decided that they wanted to take a trip over to California for the day. It was about a 30-45 minute drive from where my grandparents live, and we stopped in Truckee, California. They had a ton of cute little shops. Knowing myself, I had to hold back not to buy everything in these shops. They had so many cute clothes and accessories, plus it made me so excited to go to college when I can decorate my own room, and have my own little touch to my dorm room.

The very first picture of the book, it completely represents me. I wanted to buy that book so badly, but I knew I could find it online for cheaper, and not have to pay sales tax on that little beauty. It is a must have to my room though.

The only thing I bought when we were looking at the shops was that little yellow glass blown hippo. I collect hippos, and it is always so rare when I find one, so when I have the chance, I buy it in a heart beat. It came in this little box, which was so adorable.

Over all, the day trip was successful! We found so many great things. I also get inspired when I go to a new place, so my thank you cards to the people who sent me money in the mail to go to Berkeley. I had a really good bowl of chilly, but my grandma has this delicious caprese sandwich, since I can't eat gluten, I got to be jealous of her great looking sandwich.

All I can say, is when I go home on Sunday, I am not going to like it.

The last two days before spring break I was able to go to Mount Hood Community College to compete in a brutal tournament. National Qualifiers for Speech and Debate. It is probably the hardest tournament the whole year, mostly because it is just so emotionally and physically draining. Everyone put every ounce of effort they have into this competition to either succeed and make it to nationals, or to fall short and et eliminated from the competition. It's actually a depressing thought to some, but all that hard work shows something worth being proud of, regardless if you make it to nationals or not!

The first row on the left: My great friend Olivia is hugging our speech coach and almost in tears because her and her partner, Q$ made it to nationals in Public Forum Debate!! Olivia has worked so hard this whole year, while sticking strong to her belief system, and I believe that this is a perfect reward for her dedication and faith. Olivia is such a great girl, and I couldn't be more excited for her.

The first row on the right: JONAH!!!! (the little boy with the glasses and braces.) This boy has grown so much a as a person, not so much in height, but in maturity. He made it to nationals as well in Humors Interpretation! He was so excited when Mr. Curry called his name to come get this award. Our whole team jumped up and started screaming because it was such a proud moment, and he started crying. Jonah is one of the most animated human beings I have ever met, so him doing an HI is just perfect. I truly believe that he had the best performance out of that whole final round, he went straight ones in the final rounds from the judges. Oh, I love Jonah.

The second row on the left: Little Jonah again. He really loves that drink and gets super excited every time he buys it at a Speech competition. Just look at him.

The second row on the right: Danica brought an umbrella hat, so I wore it around while collecting statistics for my "AP Stats project." I'm actually not in AP stats. I just had to make up a project so I could figure out if this guy was really from Pakistan or not. This guy in a debate round said that he was born and raised in Pakistan, but my friend who went up against him didn't believe him, so I went around and asked people where they were born, it turns out he was actually born in Pakistan....

The third row on the left: Aujalee(on my left), Zoe(on my right) and I(in the middle) went to go get lunch after our individual events(IE). All of a sudden it just started hailing really hard, so we went and ran for cover, thinking the hail would only last a few seconds, in reality, the hail actually got bigger and started hitting us. Our motto became "We make it hail on dem hoes." Zoe ended up leaving and Aujalee and I went to go get really gross mexican food.

The third row on the right: Some mystery person wrote on  flow pad all the quotes people say from our team, most of them were from a interp someone does(like an HI.) The very bottom one says, "I want to be inside of Daniel Silberman." Everyone on out team knew it was Blake Gesik. Daniel is a guy who graduated last year from Sprague, and is now attending UCLA. I guess he was a wizard in debate, because the first year he ever did it, he went to nationals with his partner, Nizar. Everyone always went to him with debate questions, or how to form a question/contention. Most of the guys on our team just really wanted to become the brand new Daniel and Nizar. But, they also fail to remember that most judges hate Sprague based on the fact that they were so belligerent during the debate round, haha. They were very talented though, go them.

The fourth row on the left: My best friend Aujalee covering herself from the hail, and pouting because her shoes were full of water.

The fourth row on the right: All of my friends talking to walls, practicing their events. Speech tourneys is the only place where you can talk to a wall, and seem completely normal. It is the most interesting thing, also it's really funny because people get so into it, and start making extremely interesting faces to the wall.

The last picture: I made this picture when I was sorta bummin, and I thought the whole team could use some words of encouragement.

This team is the greatest, and I couldn't be prouder to be a captain.