Senior Valedictory Portfolio

Ian Warner Cornell Period 7

Table of Contents:

1. . . . . . . . . . . The Meaning of Life

2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The People

3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Memories

4. . . . . . . . . . . . The Achievements

5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time Capsule

6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Top Ten Quotes

7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Reflection 1

8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Art Reflection 2

9. . . . . . . . . . News Reflection 1, 2

10. . . . . . Magazine Reflection 1, 2

The Meaning of Life

Humans are a peculiar sort. Our brains are developed enough to

the point where we have the ability to organize ourselves socioeconomi-

cally. So much so, that depending on the location of what we call the sun,

we can gather specific groups of ourselves to meet at a location on a big

rock that is flying around in a galaxy.

When we study recorded human history, we find that we are capa-

ble of miracle-making like modern flight, the curing of diseases, and the

production of electricity for power. However, at times we can commit

horrible atrocities such as war, genocide, and deforestation. All of these

things lead us to ask our biggest question, what does human existence

mean? Is there a point to all the fuss? Or, are we just a collection of cells

overrating themselves?

I think the most fascinating part of human nature is the concept of

free will. Humans can think independently and pursue goals and interests.

These interests can be with respect to your financial ambitions, lifestyle

choices, or self-preservation. It is my opinion that humans should be free

to these things without government approval. I believe that you have the

right to do essentially anything you want as long as it does not involve the

use of force upon others.

This I believe is the meaning of life. A life lived free, in the pursuit

of happiness, is meaningful enough. I sound like a hippie, but all I really

ask from God is a little peace and love on Earth before the sun explodes.

1.

Greatest Influence

Looking back, I recall those summers in Seagrove, Florida.

Those were the days of beach campfires and endless walks, of sun-

ny days and starry nights, when everything was stuck in the mo-

ment. Nothing to do but feel the breeze, take in the sunlight, and

listen to the calm tide. Petty and minuscule, our only stresses were

deciding on what to have for dinner.

Laughing to myself, I consider family vacations some of the

best times of my growing up, especially when my sister would

bring her hot friend. I still remember the way she looked in that

yellow dress that came down to her knees. I remember how she

would sit on the wooden dock looking into a perfect sunset, while I

took in her beauty from the porch, the only thing separating us

being four years and a metal railing.

Seagrove was paradise to a kid growing up in an otherwise

harsh world. It brought memories that to this day remain photo-

graphic to me. It brought moments that one carries with them

through all of life’s experiences, both good and bad. And they

serve to remind us all to love the flaws that make this life what it

is, and enjoy this life for whatever it may be. (209)

How to Be

My Dad’s best friend once told me, “Ian, in life, make as many

friends as you can because at some point you are going to need at least

six to carry your ass to the grave.” And, even though that rare wisdom

came after his fourth beer, I still believe there was profound truth to it.

It made me ever-conscious of the role I play in people’s lives.

I’ve tried to live my life with as much of a positive an attitude I

can have, but I think what really makes me a good friend is my honesty

and approachable demeanor. I like being the friend you can go to if you

have a problem and need an honest opinion. Helping others reconcile

their woes, I believe, makes me a stronger person as a whole.

No doubt, there are times I let my impulses get the better of

me. I’d say my weakness in that regard is that sometimes I take offense

too personally. I let it get me down, and it only affects my relationships

in a negative way. But to that I say, “Forgive and forget.” It is my wish

to grow out of this flaw with time, so that no shred of yesterday con-

sumes today. (211)

2.

Major Change

If I had not discovered my libertarian ideology, I do not be-

lieve I would be the man I am today. It all started at the onset of our

country’s last presidential election. With Barack Obama running as

the incumbent, my main focus was studying the Republican candi-

dates. This was going to be my first opportunity to vote, so I didn’t

want to waste it in ignorance. I began watching all of the debates.

Every other one seemed to have one less candidate. There was one

candidate who, despite being shut out of most of the discussions,

struck a chord with my common sense. That was none other than

Dr. Ron Paul, the congressman from Texas.

It wasn’t his appearance that assuaged my opinions, but the

consistency of his message and the logical explanations he gave that

set him apart. I found myself sympathetic to the concept of freedom

and personal responsibility. Its a concept that gives me the right to

do whatever I want so long as it does no harm to anyone else.

After Mitt Romney received the party nomination, the elec-

tion was like deciding between Pepsi and Coke. Both candidates

stood for bigger government, and I wasn’t about to waste my vote

supporting either side. I proudly voted for Gary Johnson in 2012, the

Libertarian candidate. (219)

Legacy

After thinking about it for a while now, I realize that this life of

mine may not turn out to be much of anything in the grand scheme

of things. But as I look back on my life thus far, I like to think my

presence here has been nice for everyone. Perhaps it has even

formed a small legacy for which I shall be remembered.

It is my wish to be remembered as a man of genuine character.

Whether it is in a smile or a tear or a memorable line, my story will

always seek to bring happiness to those who know me.

Of course, my life is just beginning. I eagerly await the door

to new beginnings, to continue my story so that it may continue to

grow and unfurl. In emulation of the words of Hemingway, no man

is terrible whose story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and

if it affirms courage and grace under pressure.

These are qualities to which I strive to resemble so that when my

story does come to a close I may remember back and know that I

meant something, for it was my true reason to be. (201)

3.

Greatest Achievement

A life is not measured in years but rather in a series of mo-

ments. Despite my youth, I have had experiences that only a few

receive in their lives. One that stands out is in 2010 when the Fish-

ers Tigers won State.

The onset of that season was up in the air. There was no

shortage of skill, but we lacked in unity. Most of our starters were

just playing to feed their own egos, and when we were losing to

our rivals in the second game of the season, the selfishness reared

its ugly head. Players were cursing at coaches and managers, tem-

pers flared, and we couldn’t execute our plays properly because

the anger led to mistakes on the field. As individuals we let our

emotions conflict with the task at hand which was to win the foot-

ball game. We lost, and rightfully so.

In the locker room that evening, our coach chewed us out,

which was to be expected, because we had thoroughly embar-

rassed our community. But the next day, at morning workouts, he

had a metaphor for us. If we were boxing we wouldn’t fight with

an open hand, we would all end up as a bunch of broken fingers. It

is only when we can make a fist and come together as a team that

we may fight the real fight, to be 5A State Champions. It worked.

(232)

Goals for the Future

Most of what my formal education has been about is figuring

out how I want to live the rest of my life. I’ve taken the classes and

learned the subjects enough to be accepted into college. But honestly, I

haven’t a clue as to what I want to do for a career.

Next fall I will be attending Indiana University with an undeclared ma-

jor. I have no idea what it will be at this point, but that is okay. My goals

in the short term consist of getting good grades that first year and de-

ciding from there. But as far as the long term goes, my mantra has al-

ways been, find something you love to do and do it, period. I think if

you pursue whatever interests you and be decent to people along the

way, you will live a happy life.

The beauty of human nature is free will. That is why when I do find

things that I love to do, my goal is to work for them, whether they are

relationships, a career, serving my community, or just learning a fun

song on guitar. The grass is only greener where you water it, so all I

have to do is roll up my sleeves and get to work. (211)

4.

Time Capsule

1. A copy of Ron Paul’s Liberty Defined

This book is my political mantra. It discusses 50 essential issues that affect our freedoms, from Abortion to Zionism. At a time when the

powers of the federal government cannot seem to do anything but grow more and more intrusive, this book serves as compass always pointing

towards civil liberation as it highlights the importance of human decency and sensible policies that lead towards a more peaceful world. In his

wisdom, Dr. Paul cured my apathy.

2. Select-fire AK-47

In the event that my time capsule is recovered at a time when zombies, a tyrannical government, or an alien race reign over the social

order, it is imperative that one is blessed with significant means of self-defense so that they may fight for their rights to live free. A Kalashnikov

is the weapon of choice as it is the most durable rifle ever conceived by man, and packs a hell of a punch.

3. 1,000 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition for said AK, all in 50-round drums.

A gun is no good without ammo.

4. Pink Floyd/The Dark Side of the Moon

Hands down, the greatest album of all time. You need not be high to listen to this album, or Pink Floyd for that matter, because it makes

you feel better than that.

5. CD Player with a fresh set of batteries

Because this is a time capsule, I cannot be sure that the person who recovers it will have the necessary means to listen to the greatest

album of all time. Therefore, it is imperative that I provide for that situation so that this person may actually listen to it and love it the way I, and

many before me, have come to. It only makes sense.

5.

Top Ten Quotes

1. The road to success is always under construction. There is always something you can improve upon.

2. The greatest of all faults is to imagine you have none. Nobody is perfect

3. Swallowing your pride seldom leads to indigestion. You aren’t always right, so don’t act like it

4. Jumping to conclusions can be a bad exercise. Don’t overanalyze stressful situations. That usually only makes it

worse.

5. Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open. Don’t be afraid to try new things, you may take a

liking to it.

6. Patience is counting down without blasting off. It is important to keep a level head at all times.

7. A pint of example is worth a gallon of advice. “Well done” is a lot better than “Well said.”

8. Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else get your way. Persuasion can be a useful skill if you know how to

use it.

9. Worry is interest paid on trouble before trouble is due. Worrying gets you nowhere, so why do it?

10. Your interest should be in your future… you’re going to spend the rest of your life there. Always be mindful

of the consequences of your actions.

6.

“Imagine”

John Lennon

Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us only sky

Imagine all the people living for today

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too

Imagine all the people living life in peace

You, you may say

I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

I hope some day you'll join us

And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions

I wonder if you can

No need for greed or hunger

A brotherhood of man

Imagine all the people sharing all the world

You, you may say

I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one

I hope some day you'll join us

And the world will live as one

Art Reflection 1

So many things come between us as humans. We disagree, wage war, and kill each other

over things like borders, religious beliefs, and simple possessions. The crusades claimed about

200,000 lives, all in the name of religious differences. We lost 1,143 American souls in the Gulf

War, which was fought because of border disputes. We also lost 5,000 soldiers in Iraq with an

additional 100,000+ Iraqi civilians, because we thought Saddam Hussein had nuclear weapons,

and we were wrong. But what if none of these things existed? How would the world be different

if borders, religion, and possessions were totally irrelevant to our civilization?

There would be peace on this harsh, unforgiving world that we share. That is what this

song is about, and it isn’t hard to tell. John Lennon was immortalized for writing “Imagine” in the

mid to late 20th century as he was a strong advocate of peace, love, and freedom above all else.

This song, in particular, serves as a reminder that peace is attainable if we can all just put aside

our petty differences and learn to share this world, as I believe it was meant to be. (193)

7.

Art Reflection 2

In 1989, a group of several thousand Chinese citizens gathered together and held a protest in Tiananmen Square in the heart of Bei-

jing. It was a student-led demonstration to protest the death of Hu Yaobang, a Communist Party leader who was deposed after he

lost a power struggle with government hardliners, because he supported economic and political reform. The protest highlighted a

serious division among the Chinese as it grew to include protests against inflation, political corruption, and a demand for better

government accountability. The demonstrators also demanded the freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and that the control

of industry be given back to the workers.

However, the government responded by declaring Martial Law over the protest as thousands of soldiers were ordered to

suppress the protests. Foreign journalists were denied coverage of the demonstrations in order to conceal the fact that Martial Law

meant massacring hundreds if not thousands of the protestors.

This iconic image was taken as a column of tanks were trying to exit the square. But a lone man, “Tank Man” as he was later

entitled, stood in defiance. Even as the tanks attempted to go around him the man stood strong and eventually climbed on top of

one of the tanks to speak to the soldiers inside. Once he made his way back into the crowd along the street, he was never seen or

heard of again. (234)

8.

Newspaper Reflection 1

Marijuana Legalization and States Rights

Cohen, Micah. "Marijuana Legalization and States Rights." FiveThir-

tyEight Marijuana Legalization and States Rights Comments. The New

York Times Company, 8 Dec. 2012. Web. 16 May 2013.

In last November’s election, the state legislatures of Colorado

and Washington voted “yes” for the legalization of marijuana. It is

now legal for those over the age of 21 to possess up to an ounce of

pot, and grow up to six plants for personal use. This is a landmark

passage of legislation for any state, as it directly conflicts with federal

pot laws. Because this is so, it raises the question of what type of role

the Federal government plays in this issue. Those on right of the po-

litical spectrum tend to agree that limited government is best, but

contrary to this belief conservatives have played a major part in the

fight against such legislation.

It is technically true that federal power is above the states,

but whether or not the feds will act on such deviation from the law

remains up it the air. Personally, I believe this is a simple individual

rights issue. I don’t believe that anyone should tell you what you can

and cannot put in your body. That is why I support legislation that

recognizes such a right. I am a proponent of personal liberty, so

when the government relinquishes its powers over people’s personal

lives, truly moves me. (205)

Newspaper Reflection 2

Acting Chief of I.R.S. Forced Out Over Targeting of Tea Party

Weisman, Jonathan. "Acting Chief of I.R.S. Forced Out Over Targeting

of Tea Party." The New York Times. The New York Times, 16 May

2013. Web. 16 May 2013.

In breaking news, the I.R.S. is currently under investigation by

Congress regarding the service’s conduct on tax exemption applica-

tions. During a hot 2012 election year, the Internal Revenue Service

was specifically targeting conservative-based political groups who

had applied for tax exemption status. These groups were scrutinized

to a much higher degree than applications coming from the other

end of the political spectrum, and on top of it, there are claims that

the I.R.S. was omitting this conduct all along.

But, with deep scrutiny, doesn’t the I.R.S. get a more concise

understanding of whether or not groups are complying to the tax

code? This is perfectly understandable. However, it is difficult to

mentally digest the sheer enormity of the U.S. tax code. The best

way to describe it is, simply, “a complicated mess”.

It is like trying out for the football team, and because you are

weaker, the coaches order the older players to gang up on you just

so you get off the field and stop wasting their time. This whole deba-

cle is the government picking winners and losers based on what your

political ideology is. Last time I checked, a democracy that pledges

equality under the God-given freedom of speech doesn’t do things

like this. (206)

9.

Magazine Reflection 1

Dowd, Kim. "Design for Behavior Change: Ethics & Trending." Print

Magazine. Carnegie-Mellon, 5 Jan. 2011. Web. 17 May 2013.

A person is unique in their behavior, and that behavior is a

reflection of the habits they form. This article discusses that same

abstract principle, but it theorizes a way to change human behavior

for the better, simply, by changing bad habits.

It is a very basic concept. A person has a bad habit. That per-

son should change that bad habit. Therefore, encourage them to do

so through clever design (i.e. positive example or incentives). The key

is to remain ethical throughout this design. In the article, the author

lists four principles that hold to this idea. First, the application of a

new design incites behavior change. Second, the golden rule, do not

force others to do things that you wouldn’t have others do to you.

Third, reveal your motivations, methods, and intended outcomes of

this design. Fourth, and possibly most important, take responsibility

for the outcome of this design.

If one adheres to such principles, human volition remains in-

tact. If the product of this design is administered to a person’s life-

style with consistency, it becomes habit. Habit manifests behavior,

which is altered because of this new lifestyle choice. This, I think, is

diplomacy. It is the art of letting others have your way. And when

used in benediction with respect to ethics. Changing the world is a

matter of getting enough people to change their bad habits. (228)

Magazine Reflection 2

Gillis, Justin. "Heat-Trapping Gas Passes Milestone, Raising Fears."

The New York Times. The New York Times, 11 May 2013. Web. 19

May 2013.

Though this article comes from the New York Times, I feel

that its message influences, primarily, our eco-friendly mindset in

pop culture. Over the past few decades we have been hearing more

and more about carbon emissions and their increasing threat on cli-

mate change around the world. For evidence of this impending dan-

ger, one need only look at Beijing, China. Pollution in Beijing has got-

ten so out of control that it isn’t rare to see people wearing face

masks as they go about their day trying to keep the smog out of their

lungs.

In May of 2013, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere

reached an average daily level above 400 parts per million. This was

a red flag among environmentalists. It was a milestone nobody want-

ed to pass. So, how do we solve the problem? Over the past few dec-

ades, as this has become more of an issue, and the culture has shift-

ed. Now we see firms producing electric cars, solar panels, and wind

farms. Scientists are constantly working on projects to curb our de-

pendence on carbon emitting energy production. These whole divi-

sions of our human society that have dedicated their knowledge to

solving this issue of climate change. It is all because we as humans

want to preserve our life on this Earth and that comes with giving

back to her, considerably, it is nature’s way of taxation, even if it is

just planting a tree. At least we are taking a little responsibility for

our actions. (249) 10.