A Day In ISPD (In-School Suspension)

PLEASE TRY TO AVOID THIS!  I fully regret being in in-school.It's not fun, cool, or smart.  I was in suspension for a WHOLE SCHOOL DAY.  I had a Detention the day before because I was late to my 1st and 2nd Pd.  So I forgot I had it and went to work.  The next day I swipe in and the guy tells me "Jennifer, you go in-school" I didn't want to believe it.  I had to stop a security guard and ask where the room was... terrible.  You can't do ANYTHING.  NO music, NO phone, No taking naps, No laughing, No talking.  It was like prison.  Not to mention how boring it is. 
   During my time here, I became a Spanish Tutor for two students who were working on Spanish Class work.  I honestly think I had an impact on those students.  I felt like i was helping them learn something they didn't understand.  It's a great feeling to teach something to someone and see in their face that expression of "oh! okay! I get it!" that was one of the "positives" of my journey. 


I took the raisins out the room and took this picture

For lunch we got a brown paper bag, inside was: A peanut butter sand which, a carton of milk, a apple, and some raisins.  I had never had raisins, nor wanted to try them.  but something that day told me to go for it. I DID. and when I read the ingredients I was like "WHAT?!"
If you notice it says,
"May contain an occasional grape stem or wood piece."
Talk about scary!  Over all the day was really long and boring.  I know now that I dont ever want to be in the same situation because

I gave up a whole day of school doing nothing.  That's not what I'm about.  But I am glad I was able to help people while I was in that place.

Dreamers Had A Dream...It Came True.

DREAM ACT

Conference signing the DREAM ACT Taken by: Jennifer Velazquez

The Dream came true for many undocumented students.  They now have the chance to Continue the education they and millions others deserve.  Illinois was the first state to approve the DREAM ACT; which allows undocumented students to recieve scholorships through private funding -Donations- (NOT TAX PAYERS MONEY). 

"Education is the key to opportunity in a democracy."- Governor Patt Quinn

Monday August 1st of 2011 is a historical day for Illinois, making the first step in allowing undocumented students to receive scholorships so they have the opportunity to pay for college. Every person deserves an education, because education is power.  I was proud be be at the conference where the govenor along with other important guest (including Mayor Emanuel) attended.  

In the Land of Lincoln just was made.

"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the Earth."

-Abraham Lincoln

while i was there i managed to have my picture taken with Paola Gomez (Univision reporter) 

Something has to be done.

Ask not what the Animals can do for you; Ask what we can do for the animals.
Many of you might wonder why i Boycott McDonald's. Well the answer is: They are a corporation that has had "success" in the fast food business but dont pay there taxes. which in-terms provide the working families less jobs, and schools less funding.  Another reason is because they treat there animals really harsh.  I didn't put pictures about the animals in the slaughterhouses because i felt they were too graphic.Animals are NOT ours to eat, wear, experiment on or use for entertainment. I hope that once you read this, you will understand how tough animals have it and how we should help them.

Did you know the original "Ronald McDonald's went VEGETARIAN after working with the company?! It's True folks:

"He made $50,000 a year, had a private chef, limo service, and an office 
with a personal secretary during 
his tenure as Ronald McDonald"
"tell the readers of the 
Sun Ronald McDonald says
 it's naughty to eat meat,"


"I sold out when I was Ronald and I'm deeply sorry for that,"
-http://www.thenazareneway.com

Its not Just Chickens, its Cows, pigs, and all the animals. For example Tigers are hunted for there fur as well as raccoon's rabbit's and foxes --They are Skinned ALIVE-- There is a less cruel method of slaughter available today that would eliminate these abuses, yet McDonald's refuses to require its U.S. and Canadian suppliers to switch to it. 

Someone once told me "You're dollar is your vote." Since 1955 McDonald's has been one of the worlds Popular Fast food restaurants; I think it's time they let the animals survive; and live happy lives (NOT HAPPY MEALS).

The war on the CFO'S

IT'S OUR FUTURE TO.

Students, teachers, union members from all across the city are fighting for the rights they deserve.  The lack of jobs and funding are keeping everyone without sleep.  they worry because in the way this economy is working today, they dont know if they'll keep their job tomorrow.  this is drastically affecting the way our students are going through in their education.  lack of funding means lack of resources, lack of resourses means kack of motivation and interest, lack of motivation and interest usually leads to a student to DROP OUT.  Do the big CFO's not see that while they get millions of dollars for themselves, the people are left with nothing but hope in their back pocket.  I refuse to sit here and see my generation go through all this mishap.  it is not our fault that our economy us like this.

"While others are getting rich; the people are left to struggle; to live HAPPIER LIVES."-JaM.V 

"Those who have power to fix all this should stand up and take action, because if they dont the people will."-JaM.V

TAX THE RICH; NOT THE WORKING FAMILIES.

Doing something is all about ACTION.

Kelvyn Park High School

When I was an 8th Grader, talking about High School was all Pros and Cons. While you heard "GOOD" things from one side. your heard "BAD" things from the other.  I was Accepted at KP and Braced myself for the worst. After a while I found out that it wasn't all bad. sure it wasn't perfect (not even Charter Schools ARE) but what school is? I made it to junior year. let me tell you I think being a student at KP has been the best decision I made. Sure some still complain about food and stuff but who doesn't? that's why it gets me mad to have to hear "This school sucks" or "I hate this school" when if you look closely the majority saying that are the ones causing problems and aren't that involved. It bugs me to hear this being Student Representative.  i wish i could ask "why do you hate KP?" but i know the answer I'll get is a big "I Don't Know." Why can't they just be honest maybe then we will know what to improve and make this school better. If we don't know whats wrong, then we wont know what to fix. So I think what I'm asking for is LESS TALK MORE ACTION,

-Jennifer.V

Democracy In Action Award.

                                                    THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB OF CHICAGO,

Presented me with the Democracy In Action Award

The Award was offered to juniors or seniors that have shown exemplary leadership to their communities.  Who's actions have advanced civic involvement by young people.  The Honorees are invited to George Washington's Birthday celebration, to be recognized for their achievements.

-First Place Honoree: Hye Kim a senior at Lincoln Park High School.

-Second Place Honoree: Jennifer Velazquez a junior at Kelvyn Park High School.

-Third Place Honoree: Christopher Cirrincione a senior at Elk Grove High School.

The night continued with a speech my Mayor Daley. His Speech was suitable he talked about how Charter schools are so GREAT and are well prepared in giving students a education. were if he had noticed NOT ONE student who won the award was from a Charter School. we were all from PUBLIC SCHOOLS.  Its amazing to see that with the right effort and the right motivation students are able to go really far in life.  Just ask me, I would have never thought of seeing myself with this award.  Having placed 2nd in the city! was a huge surprise for me. I do what I love and I never thought it would lead to something like this, but I'm grateful it did. 

"I hope that with this example I am able to reach out to people and inspire them to fight for change, equality, and in what they believe."- Jennifer.V

The Public.

When you go to any public place, you know you'll end up having to used their restroom.  Of course, you don't want to be using a restroom that's all dark and nasty. you always enjoy being in a nice restroom. (i noticed) that most people spend more time in a NICE bathroom then not the nicest. (most likely there taking pictures).  So you should at least keep your eyes open for clean bathrooms and sinks. 

until next time -JaM. Vengenz