1. COREY THOMAS MS. AMIDON PERIOD 2

2. Poem Dreams by Langston Hughes Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams For when dreams go Life is a barren field Frozen with snow.

3. Explanation A dream is a goal in life, and is the ultimate motivation for a person. As Hughes says in his poem there is no direction to life without these dreams, life becomes meaningless and unmoving. The images of the broken- winged bird and field frozen with snow show life without dreams. A person must have dreams to continue toward their ultimate goal. I chose this poem because of the simplicity and trueness of Langston Hughes ’ words. I have my own dreams and these are what keep me on the path toward personal success. Without these dreams I myself might be without direction and motivation, leading a life without meaning.

4. Song I Don't Wanna Be Gavin Degraw I don't need to be anything other than a prison guard's son I don't need to be anything other than a specialist's son I don't have to be anyone other than a birth of two souls in one Part of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from [CHORUS] I don't want to be anything other than what I've been tryin to be lately All I have to do is think of me and I've peace of mind I'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta do Or who I'm supposed to be I don't want to be anything other than me

5. I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turn I'm surrounded by imposters everywhere I turn I'm surrounded by identity crisis everywhere I turn am I the only one to notice I can't be the only one who's learned [CHORUS] Can I have everyone's attention please if you're not like this and that You're gonna have to leave I came from the mountains the crust of creation My whole situation made from clay dust stone and now I'm telling everybody [CHORUS] Cont.

6. Explanation In society today, there is so much pressure to fit in and be a certain kind of person. This song is about setting your own goals and expectations as opposed to letting others dictate personal decisions making you who you become. Taking this approach allows for greater attainability because each of us is aware of our own abilities and limitations and how far we can push past limitations. This song shows pride in being original and true to yourself. What has happened in the past shapes the future and is not something to be ashamed of.

7. Artwork Stormy sky Sun breaking through the fog Seagulls Claude Monet “ Le Parlement ”

8. Explanation Monet painted the same object- except in a series, this shows how something can change just by viewing it at a different time or during different circumstances. This is intriguing about his series called “ Le Parlement, ” the same idea can be transferred to everyday sights and events. Think of something that you might drive by all the time, it isn ’ t the always the same, is it? The idea behind the paintings is what makes this piece or pieces jump out at me, the simple beauty of painting the same building at different times completely changes the mood and overall impression the painting leaves. Also, the overall impressionist style which stresses the eye and perception of light and movement on the appearance of objects. Sunset

9. To-Do List GRADUATE COLLEGE GET MY MASTERS DEGREE GET MARRIED OPEN MY OWN HOTEL PULL A FIRE ALARM GO DOWN UNDER FLY A PLANE BE ON TV WALK ON ALL 7 CONTINENTS GET REALLY OLD