Friday, December 16, 2011 0 comments

La mia ultima parola / My Final WORDS


All I can say is that I am so lucky to be considered for something like this! I have always dreamed of traveling and it is one thing I tell myself I must do in life. If I get a chance to see Rome I will cherish it so much and I know it will be the most memorable part of my life. I cannot wait to explore the history, feel the sun on my skin and hear "chow Bella" every time I leave.This opportunity is so great and I want to THANK the kind- hearted couple who put this awesome opportunity together and considered me for it. I hope I can spread this opportunity to others and allow youth to travel to exotic places for free. One of my goals in life is to give unto others and give back to my community and I think Context is a perfect example of that goal.

I came into this competition with complete confidence. I put a creative new twist on Roman History by creating a story out of it. I attended and completed all seminars as well as soaked up all the great information. I turned in all my blogs in on time and thought them out thoroughly. I even began speaking into existence by saying "When I go to Rome I will explore the Coliseum" instead of "If I go to Rome I will explore the Coliseum". I know that I will make it to Rome, even if I do not get the Context opportunity, because I am determined to go. I also encouraged my competitors Selena and Sharqueya when they became unsure or anxious about if they would make it. I really hope I am able to explore Rome with one of those girls.

I must thank Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Wanket for checking my timeline multiple times to make sure I was on the right track. Those two also encouraged me to keep competing and keep up with everything.Ms. Wanket taught me a very useful tool that I can use through life.I am so grateful for the people who were willing to give money to sponsor a student from St. Hope to travel and explore. I would also like to thank Mrs. Mills for helping in this process and supporting an opportunity like this. I truly believe that Paul and Lani are so smart and giving to create a program as such. I am very confident about this and I am looking forward to January when I find out if my dream will come true.

Hope you enjoyed reading,
Akeallah Blair
Monday, December 12, 2011 0 comments

Last Blog, Maybe.

To cut to the chase, I have never written a blog before. Hard to believe, yes I know. I usually spend countless hours in front of the laptop but never have I really “blogged” about something. After the very first meeting to introduce us on what the context is really about, I felt it would be impossible to do this. I kind of came out of that meeting with an “in my dreams” mindset. I was talking to my mom about it and she said “If it’s in your dreams then that still means it’s possible, right? “ Then I knew that I should never give up simply because I THINK or FEEL it’s impossible. So I signed the one piece of paper that holds my chances of getting the context or not. I turned it in with confidence knowing that I might not get it, but still willing to risk it. After all the seminars my brain was literally full of so many things. To start off I now know how to blog, finally. The first seminar with Mrs. Wanket was very helpful, and guiding. I didn’t know what the heck I was going to do when the time came for the blogging, every time it would be brought up I would bite my nails in nerves! The other seminar was great; I felt it was somewhat of review for me because I already have a lot of knowledge of the art portion of Rome. But to get real the interview was the hardest part for me. I didn’t really know what to expect. The night before I stayed up all night picturing what it was going to be like. When the morning came I was nervous, as I combed my hair I kept going through the things I should know and what to say if there is a certain question. The one question I kept asking myself was “why do I want this context trip?” . As much as I thought about it I couldn’t give myself a clear answer, asking over and over I just couldn’t find one. I was afraid they would ask me that, I was thinking of answers to say just in case. Why do I want it? I can’t answer that without giving a 100 paged essay, DON’T tempt me. There are just way too many answers for that. When the time came and Mrs. Everett told me to go in for my turn, that’s when the switches turned. I walked into my school with a tummy full of butterflies of the nerves, but then I walked into Mrs. Everett’s with confidence. Not trying to make it sound like a cliché but confidence IS key. I walked in with my head high and the attitude of “if they like me good, if they don’t at least I gave it 100%” . Overall, the entire process was definitely something different; I’ve never tried out for something so important to me, so this gave me a feel on what that would be like. You just may never know when I would need these types of skills. To finish this final blog, I conclude with a genuine good luck to Akeallah and Sharqueya and a thank you to those who put up their own time for the seminars and interviews.
With love,
Selena E.
Friday, December 9, 2011 0 comments

The Ego Battle of Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian


One of the most fascinating things about Rome to me is the architecture. I cannot wait to see the great buildings all around me. I enjoy sight seeing especially when the sight is old buildings that have survived many wars and years of life. I was even more intrigued when I discovered the history of these fascinating buildings was over an ego battle. There were 3 emperors involved in the major construction of Rome: Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. There goals as emperors were to out do each other and be bigger and badder than whoever previous.

Being in an ego battle is so much more interesting to me and it explains why all the architecture is so drawn out and over the top. It all started with the Roman Coliseum that took from 72 AD to o80 AD to build. This creation was so big that it held up to 500, 000 Romans. This place was where many gladiators fought and events were held to entertain the people. This was really built to make the people of Rome become happy because everyone was so poor at the time. The people gathered in the Coliseum to engage with each other and celebrate.

The Pantheon was another huge creation that was built in 118-126 AD. This piece was built to honor the gods. This building shows what religious status the majority of Rome as under. Being as though this was built to honor gods it lets us know that it was built b polytheistic believers. This dome was very important because it was the first successful dome built. Many domes were attempted but later fell apart and killed a lot of people. The Pantheon was the first successful dome built, standing very tall and 20feet thick.

Lastly was the Arch of Constantine, built in 315 AD and it took countless numbers of years to create. This building is directly next to the Coliseum. I can picture myself viewing both of them now. This was built to celebrate Constantine's power and to show out Vespasian, Titus and Domitian. There are three main arches built in it and are duplicated all over. The arches from it have been seen in other great buildings. This was one of the first successfully built arches as well.

Learning the history of how all these important monuments were built really inspired me to see them someday soon. I really enjoyed this seminar and it has gotten me more juiced to learn more about the history of Rome.

Thank you for reading,

Akeallah Blair
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It's so hard to say goodbye!





As I reflect on the process of the Context competition I just get blown away. It’s amazing how people are willing to sponsor a high school student to have an opportunity to visit Rome for FREE. When I first heard of this opportunity from Kathleen I thought that she was kidding me. I asked her what was the catch and she told me nothing, so like the smart cookie I am, I applied to the fellowship fast.


The first time that I applied for the fellowship I thought we were going to be doing over the top, hard, and long work, but I was wrong. The fellowship didn’t require a lot. We had FIVE major things that we had to do: an interview, attend three seminars, blog about the seminars, complete a Rome timeline, and a mini project. It may sound like a lot, but trust me it’s worth it and the time really flies.


However, when I went through the Context process again, the requirements CHANGED a bit. We still had to attend all three seminars and blog on the things that we learned. We also still had to complete the timeline project. The only thing that really changed was that we weren’t engaged with each other as much. The only time we came together was during the seminars. Now I’m not complaining about that because I can get my homework done with no problem.
This year it seems as if the time just flew by and the process was really short. Either way it goes I’m still happy that I got an OPPORTUNITY to apply to the fellowship.



Now that as I reflect on the process I noticed that it built my MORALS. I constantly told my little brothers and nephew never to give up in life because it will not get you anywhere. I also told them that if they really want something in life go for it, no matter how many times you get denied. Then I realized there’s no way I can tell them those things if I never traveled down a path in which I failed. Then it occurred the first time I applied for the fellowship and lost it hurt, but I still stayed true to myself and to the words that I tell them. I realized that I wasn’t as strong as I needed to be the get the fellowship, so this year I strengthened all of my weaknesses and worked even harder to win. Now as the process comes to an end, I just have to sit and wait for the final decision.


There is no way that I can go without THANKING the people who’s helped me through the process of being considered to attend Rome. I would like to thank all the people who were willing to DONATE money to sponsor a student from St. Hope to travel to Italy. I would also like to thank Mrs. Everett, Mrs. Wanket and Mr. Sullivan who TAUGHT us about Art, History and Greek Mythology. I would also like to thank Mrs. Mills for being really KIND to me. I would like to thank the DOCENTS who love what they do and are willing to give the winner a detailed lesson on different types of subjects. I would like to thank PAUL and LANI for creating such a wonderful organization. Last, but not least, I would like to thank GOD for making all things possible. What all of you guys have done means a lot to me and I’m grateful that I was allowed this opportunity twice.


Love always, Sharqueya Drake
Monday, December 5, 2011 0 comments

Michael'Angelo, Raphael, but who the hell is Gentileschi?















While I was sitting in the Art Seminar, I thought most of it was going to be review. In my mind we were going to talk about the same artist as usual; Michael ‘Angelo, Raphael, Leonardo and Bernini. Then Mrs. Everett said something about Gentileschi, in my head I’m thinking who the hell is he?


In reality though it wasn’t who he was it was who she was?


As Mrs. Everett continues talking about her I’m just in awe. I never knew that women were allowed to paint in those time periods. In history class we learn that women were unappreciated, their duties were to: take care of the children, clean and cater to their husband’s needs.


However, Gentileschi had other things on her agenda. Since her father Orazio was a painter she followed in his footsteps, she was even better than her brothers. Just like her father she was inspired by Caravaggio and painted during the Baroque period. At the age of SEVENTEEN she painted a famous picture called Susanna e I Vecchioni (Susanna and The Elders). She was even the first female painter to become a member of Accademia di Arte Del Disegno.


Ok so enough about her amazing accomplishments. The part of her story that really interested me was the things she painted about and the message that she got across. Of course like other painters she painted Bible stories, but her stories were all about women and how they’ve been oppressed my men.


I was thinking where did that motivation come from? Wasn’t she scared to get murdered for not doing what other women were doing? Then Mrs. Everett answered all my curiosities, she said that her father hired a tutor to teach her more about painting, but instead of being interested in that art he wanted to do another art that involved at least two people. While no one was around he constantly RAPED her. He even tried to steal paintings from her father. Eventually Orazio pressed charges against the tutor and during trial Gentileschi was TORTURED, so she would drop the charges. The tutor was convicted of one year in prison, but he never spent a day.


That situation inspired Gentileschi to paint about WOMEN who were strong or suffering VICTIMS of rape and torture. Some of her stories came from myths and the Bible. Her most famous painting is JUDITH beheading Holofernes. The painting really shows how Judith and her maidservant murdered the Captain of the army to ensure their safety. Just like the Sirens in Greek Mythology, Judith lured the captain in with her beauty. He never thought that something so beautiful would decided his fate.


Genileschi is such an inspiring role model. Just by her painting inspired me always to use my voice and to never give up. She's taught me that no matter what society believes I can still have my own opinion. Finally, she taught me how to be a leader and do what I please.


I guess James Brown was wrong because it isn’t a men’s world. Thanks to Gentileschi women now have a voice of their own; whether it’s in paintings, movies or songs, we still hear them.


Love always, Sharqueya Drake





0 comments

Copyrighted


Are we really original with our ideas? I find it amazing how
people now a days are making millions of dollars off of ideas that are
centuries old. I knew that the Romans were the ones who had developed so many ideas
but never did I think that they developed ideas like the plumbing system,
offices or apartments, even recycling. I was amazed to find out that they had a
plumbing like system at this time. They had water fountains and all, pumping
hundreds of gallons of water. Really? Seriously? I find that hard to believe,
but if it’s in the textbook then it must be so. Today at school I walked by the
water fountain and laughed inside. To think that here we are convinced that
water fountains weren’t brought up till a lot later, when no, the truth is they
have been around for so long. I’m sipping out of a water fountain, and for all I
know Emperor Claudius probably did the exact same thing. (Don’t mind me just following
the footsteps of an emperor). As Mrs. Everett went on about more and more, I then
realized that it just wasn’t the fountains, it was a lot more. I see Rome every
day in my life. It’s incredible. Same thing goes for recycling. The Romans
basically took a piece from something and made it into something completely
different and useful. That has “recycling” written all over it. We have bins to
just put recycled type of materials in it. That bright blue can sits at the
edge of my house, and when I saw it today it made me think of these wise people
in this time that did what we thought we had thought of first. All these “ecofriendly”
people making millions off of ideas that helps recycle and “GO GREEN!” but come
on, really? You did NOT come up with this, sit down, and give the Romans the
credit. As I walked home today from school I was listening to music and just
looking around at my surroundings, I stop next to apartments. First thing that
popped into my head was the Market of Trajan. I learned that they were
basically rooms for offices or even apartments. That’s when I knew I would blog
about that. We are so unoriginal. The Romans should have put COPYRIGHT all over
everything!
Selena E ©
Sunday, November 20, 2011 0 comments

Roman History

I know I missed the Roman History seminar. Of course, with my luck, I would make a mistake like that. Luckily, I feel I know enough history to say I am somewhat knowledgeable of the Roman History. I know the basics, emperors, rulers, buildings, art, etc. One blog could not describe the entire Roman history, I am sure all of the facts the girls learned at the seminar could not be put in one blog either. I feel I am going in this kind of blind in the dark. The other two know alot more than me, which means I need to get to google and look up more Roman history and catch up.
Out of the things I know about the Roman history, the most interesting part to me is the Art. I feel that is a very important aspect of Rome overall. All the different types of art there is, no matter which kind it is, they are all indescribable. For example, Baroque. Baroque style of art is something much more than just art. It is a type of art that is much more clear and in depth. You can see the clear details of every part of the painting. The main artist at the time baroque was at it's high rise was Michelangelo. Now Michelangelo stands out to me the most. He was famous for multiple art pieces. The piece that is most important in my opinion is in the Sistine Chapel. Walking into the Sistine Chapel you will look left and right, admiring the entire place. But will you look up? Say you do. There it is. The ceiling is covered in painting that was put together in 1508. I'm sure it is something like you have never seen before, as you stand there in shock, you start wondering what else are you missing out on? What other art work am I missing out on? Go to the Palazzo della Signoria. David. A sculpture also put together by Michelangelo. This was sculpted in 1501 and made fully out of marble. Michelangelo had a huge impact on the high renaissance art.
Other than the art, how about the architecture. There are so many places you can see and be in shock just how you were with the art. A few great buildings that were built were the Colosseum, the Pantheon and so much more. When you look at the Roman architecture you then realize they really did take the ideas of the ancient Greek. Each building has a unique style to it, all the way down from the roof to the pillar. They design it in a form to show that it is part of Rome.
I am sure I would know so much more if I were to have gone to the seminar. I now know that I need to spend this Thanksgiving break on the laptop, typing "Roman History" over and over again to get really in depth with the information. Don't worry you will FOR SURE see me next time.
Selena.
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Guys in White Robes, Slaves and Mr. Theodosius




There’s no way one can be taught about Rome’s history in one day. Sitting in the seminar with Mr. Sullivan once again was very interesting. Now I do admit that I was a little rusty on some parts, but after a little more explanation I got it down.

I know that when you blog you generally want to focus on one thing, but that’s just impossible with all the history behind Rome. Don’t worry though, I’m not going to sit here and type everything that I learned today because I’m sure you and I have a life. However, I am going to tell you about my top three.

The first interesting thing that I learned today is the true way Julius Caesar was assassinated. The real mind blowing part was when I found out who did it and how. In ancient Roman times the SENATORS wore long white robes to show others two things: they were rich and didn’t do labor. However, that wasn’t the smartest thing they did. Wearing a white robe while killing someone is ridiculous, did they not know that blood stains? Although I do have to give them credit; instead of hiring someone to do it they completed the task on their own and each one of them took turns stabbing Caesar. I guess there was no way one person could tell who killed him. They actually performed team work.

Nowadays if someone were to say slave I would think of a couple things: African Americans and no rights. What I learned today in the seminar was that there was a variety of slaves some were people who owed debt, others were captured in war, but the odd ones were the ones who sold themselves into slavery. There is one group that I was really surprised about being slaves. That group is GLADIATORS.

Who would ever guess that gladiators were slaves, their names seems powerful and they remind people of soldiers and war heroes. I was wrong because gladiators were slaves; they spent countless of hours training around the Colosseum. When their turn came they went out and put on a free show for the public while people bet on them. They were the ancient UFC fighters.

Last, but not least one person that caught my really short attention span was a man named THEODOSIUS. For those of you, who are like me and don’t really know much of history, don’t feel bad because I had the same confused face you have right now.
Theodosius was the actual emperor who made Christianity the official religion in 380AD. Now I know some of you are wondering that Constantine did that, well that’s not true he just tolerated the religion and converted. I guess what goes around really does come back around because the Christians started persecuting the pagans.

Love always, Sharqueya Drake
Saturday, November 19, 2011 0 comments

The Sistine Chapel blew my mind !


Today I was lucky to sit in on a seminar on the history of Rome, taught by the intelligent Mr. Sullivan (the walking encyclopedia). Most of the information he went over I already knew from doing my Timeline Project. Although I recognized the information I still learned so much. He went into depth about every monument and statue, as well as detailed stories about the origins of the culture.

When I first heard about the trip I was more interested in visiting Europe than going to Rome. I have to say after today I made a promise to myself that I must visit Rome whether I get this trip or not. I have to see all the history and great culture. I need to walk through the Vatican.

All the talk before about the Sistine Chapel really impressed me ,but I did not become overwhelmed until I saw the photos on Google Maps and the footage from Mr. Sullivan's camera ! When I found out I could be walking on African purple marble and gold , I lost my mind. The extravagance of gold on ceilings, walls, floors and everywhere in sight. The simple fact that the purple marble only existed in Northern Africa and no longer exist is so rare to me. The thought of being able to admire the marble that does not exist anywhere else in the world completely blows my mind.

I thank Mr.Sullivan for his detailed seminar and inspiring me to visit Rome. The addition of exploring Rome through Google Maps really helped. Also I have two more hot spots I have to visit in Rome; Piazza di Campo de Fiori and Via Condotti, 77 00187 Rome, Italy(the Armani store). I really could spend all two weeks exploring the Vatican.
~Akeallah Blair
Friday, November 18, 2011 0 comments

Victory is Her's


My name is Sharqueya Drake and this is my second time running for Context Travel.
My sister once told me that there is no way I would win the fellowship this year because I lost last year. However, I’m going to prove her wrong. I want to win the trip for three reasons: I’ve never been out of California so I would love to experience the Roman culture. Also I want to prove everyone wrong who has doubted me. Last, but not least I want to do something positive for my people.
While I was sitting in the seminar and Mrs. Wanket started to speak about Greek Mythology I began to wonder something.
Why is it that when Americans learn about Gods and Goddesses we only talk about the “great ones” such as: Athena, Aphrodite, and Zeus?
In reality they aren’t the great ones. What’s the point of teaching students about a Goddess who stands for peace? But yet were constantly at WAR or BULLYING another nation. What’s the point of teaching about another Goddess who stands for SEX? Yet teenagers are constantly being told not to have sex until were married or “ready.” Finally, what’s the point of learning about a man who shape shifts and cheats on his wife by RAPING others?
One Goddess we should really focus on is NIKE.
Nike is the Goddess who we acquire our motivation from. The whole idea of failure isn’t an option and instead of complaining about something we should JUST DO IT was all derived from her. Nike is the reason why everyone likes to be VICTORIOUS. If it wasn’t for Nike then no one would care about failing, but as Americans that’s our worst nightmare. Nike is the reason why everyone holds high expectations for themselves and others. Nike is the reason why almost every teen fights to get accepted into a great college, so they can be successful. Therefore, Nike should be considered a major goddess and we should give her a lot more credit; besides one of our biggest companies is named after her, so victory really does belong to her.
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Selena Enriquez



“My name is Selena Enriquez and I just got back from Rome!” Words I hope I can live to say without describing a dream. People that have been there describe it as simply "beautiful". Why just say “beautiful” to something that I’m sure is much more beyond that? Other peoples’ opinions are just not enough to describe the genuine beauty through the walls and streets of Rome. This is my chance to prove I am capable of fulfilling this dream that I have had since before Context was introduced to me. I applied for the fellowship for many reasons, but in a nutshell, I WANT TO GO TO ROME!

It is difficult to say why I am applying. I think the real question is why wouldn't I? 3:30 PM. At this moment I walked away from the laptop, I just can't come up with a list of reasons on why I want to go. 6:45 PM. I'm still stumped on this question. I feel the main reason why I want to go is because a chance like this will never get thrown at me. There is no guarantee that I am going to have this chance ever again in my lifetime. This is the time to take full advantage of it. In my neighborhood, there is rarely someone who gets to visit Rome, or even another country or state. For those who are part of my neighborhood, and know that I went to Rome will look at me with amazement. Just being given the chance for this makes them already look at me. I want to be that person that they see down the street and give me the title as "The Girl That Went To Rome" . Nobody else will have that title but me. Other than that, I want to go to Rome because Google pictures are not enough for me to really see what it is like. The shutter of the cameras unfortunately don't capture what is really in Rome. As they say, each picture is worth one thousand words, but I am sure actually being there leaves you speechless.

If I do get the Context Fellowship,I wouldn't know where to begin on what I would look forward to. There would be so much. The art, the food, the museums, the food, the architecture, the food, the history, the food. For some reason, I think the food would be interesting to try out, definitely something completely different, but i'm up for that challenge. On a serious note, the most important thing I will be looking forward to is the art. I am currently being educated with the different types of styles of art. In my class we are being shown copies of the works of Bernini, Carvaggio, Michelangelo and many more artists, but I want to see the real thing. The art seems like it would be the most interesting part, particularly the Sistine Chapel, because I would be up front and center observing every detail of every piece. That, to me, is what is very important. Other than the art, the architecture seems to be a very important aspect of Rome, I would sit there contemplate as I stand before the Colosseum, pantheon, the Trevi fountain and others.

Walking into my first seminar, I expected to learn about the Greek Mythology, but instead we were taught more about the art and architecture. The little we discussed about it was the simple fact that Romans took the Greek mythology and made it their own. The mythology we learned the basics, for example, Zeus being in charge of all the Gods, Poseidon being in charge of the oceans and so on. But the main information that was given to us was the art and architecture. We were taught that the Greek made bronze statues and the Romans made them of marble. The Greeks made statues of men, predominantly men with chiseled bodies representing strength and youth. The Romans also made their statues of men representing the same thing. I mainly captured what was said to have came from the Greek civilization. A few things such as, trial by jury, Olympics, theater, and myths, were all from the Greek civilization. I was surprised to find out the vast contributions the Greeks made to the world.

To conclude my first blog,mind you the first blog i have EVER written, I feel confident about this, I know the best thing I can do is put in 110%, and that is exactly what I will try to do.
0 comments

Akeallah Blair

GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Greetings to all readers, I am Akeallah Blair a student of Sac High. I enjoy old school films(1930s) , playing soccer and history is my favorite subject. My favorite dessert is Gelato! But enough about me, let's get into Rome.
I am applying for this chance to go to Rome because I am intrigued by the history and one of the most powerful cities in the world. The story of Rome includes almost every continent. Through the schisms, wars and depressions Rome is still on top. The Romans are claimed to be the leaders in art, fashion and other contemporary subjects so I cannot wait to find out what's next. The current film world of Rome is taking a turn right now and I can't wait to witness that.
I am looking forward to tasting the great foods that spurred from the secret Roman gardens, saying hello to Baroque and Neoclassicism all in one day and wearing the latest European fashions. The greatest part of this trip I want to experience will be the narrated walking tours. This will be great because being able to have a knowledgeable professional always at your reach will be a dream come true.
Today I learned that most of our modern day thoughts came from Rome. For example, from Greece we have;myths, themes,tragedy and comedy, the Olympics,theater and trial by jury.I also learned that Roman art was modeled by Greek art, but Greek art is much better because they used bronze instead of weak marble.
As far as Greek mythology we covered the basics. Pretty much there is always a hero who saves the day. There are always monsters who are placed in humans way only as a temporary obstacle. Greeks and Romans believe that Gods used to have children with humans and create sort of 'supernatural beings'. The common themes in Greek myths are the same that are found in our stories today.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 0 comments

Welcome

Welcome to the student applicant blog for the Context Travel Fellowship to Rome.
Here you will find blogs written by the 2011-12 applicants. Feel free to comment on their posts.
 
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