What Did I Accomplish This Year?

I didn't set my goals very high for myself, which is both good and bad. Good because they were easy to achieve, but bad because I should have challenged myself more. Reflecting on what I wrote, I realized that I was able to complete 2 out of 3 goals. My personal goal was physical, in which I expressed my desire to achieve the splits. I was successful, and getting them was definitely everything that I thought it would be. My spiritual goal was to rely on God more during times of stress. Whenever I get into a situation, my brain automatically starts to think of ways out of it. However, I need to rely on God and trust that he had the situation under control. Although this is something I still struggle with, I've gotten better about letting things go. My final goal was the one I did not accomplish. I wanted to end the year with a 4.0 GPA, and that didn't happen. My grades weren't terrible, they just weren't up to par.

Defending Your Faith

Social Media is a powerful tool, and it is up to us how we use that power. We have the power to destroy people, build people up, act completely fake, or defend what we know is right. It’s up to you how you use it. If someone slammed your faith on Instagram, for example, would you simply ignore them? Would you agree? Or would you support your beliefs?

One way we can use social media to defend our faith is providing logical arguments for those who comment against it. On Facebook, for example, you may post a verse, and if someone comments negatively, you should politely comment back and tell them why it is you believe what you do. Alternatively, if someone else on a social media site is getting criticism for believing in Christ, you could rise to their defense. When commenting back, it is important to remember that you are on the defense, not offense. Fighting gets you no where.

Another way to stand up for your faith is to refrain from commenting or liking questionable material. As Christians, we should abstain from the ways of the world, which includes getting involved with conversations revolving around parties, make-out pictures, or risque selfies. Besides, people act much bigger on the internet then they truly are in person, and if we as Christians are consistent, that reflects on our character. If we can handle ourselves on social media, then we are preparing to defend ourselves in person, as well.

Spring Break

The highlight of my spring break was spending the day at Capitola with my siblings and one of my friends. We started the day by going to the Mystery Spot, which is a very trippy and whimsical tourist spot tucked deep into the forest. Then we had lunch at Pizza My Heart, and although their food is amazing, it never seems like enough. We ended the day by relaxing on the beach and drinking mango iced tea.

Voice Changer Plus

Now days, everyone knows about Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. But what about the millions of other apps that nobody knows about? One unknown app that I found was the Voice Changer Plus. This app allows users to change the pitch, range, and overall sound of your voice.

The fact that this is more of a game than a social media app probably contributes to its lack of popularity. However, it has many useful features. In the words of DJ Miller from Fanappic.com, "You can not only change your voice, you can make it echo, come out faster, or reverse your speech so it’s backwards. Sound like a mouse, a turtle, or a number of other animals, then add effects that make you sound like you’re underwater, talking through a gramophone, or Darth Vader." This makes it useful for prank calling.

 To use it, you tap on the screen, talk into the mic, then tap the screen again. You are allowed to save up to 5 voice recordings. Afterwards, you have the option to share it to several different social websites, including Facebook, Vimeo, and Twitter. This app is mostly used by teens 15-19, since they're the ones most likely to prank call.

"Secret" Gossip

New social media apps have come out recently that allow users to anonymously post their real-life gossip, lies, and complaints. Unlike other social media sites that require you to use your real name, users can post almost anything they want without needing much more than a username. This is because the app is aimed towards allowing people to vent their emotions without offending anyone. It is also untraceable by businesses, so there's no chance that your job reputation is going to be tarnished.

One of the early versions, PostSecret, allowed users to create and decorate postcards that contained all of their complaints and secrets and send them to the founder, Frank Warren. However, when they turned it into an actual iPhone app, it was shut down after only 3 months due to rude and malicious content. Since then, many have tried to make improvements, but a major issue was drawing the line between juicy gossip and demeaning posts. And with these types of posts, there's no way of knowing what's true and what's not.

You are allowed to have circles of friends, and although all posts are anonymous, part of the entertainment is trying to guess who said what. Since users make each post creative with their own pictures, writing style, or subject matter, it raises the risk of people figuring out who said the comment. Some of these apps include Whisper, Secret, Confide, and Rumr.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/28/tech/social-media/secret-social-apps/index.html

I'll Be Your Hero

My hero is definitely my brother, Jared. He is my hero for many reasons, including his intelligence, strong Christian faith, and creativity. If I ever begin to get lazy in the things that I do, he's always around to hit me with a reality check. His perspective of the world is very different from mine, and it's refreshing to see things through his eyes.

Jared is capable of learning just about anything and everything. He can figure out any type of math or music theory lesson, and has a simple yet logical way of thinking. He doesn't let his life get run by trivial emotions, and thinks through before making any decisions. I admire his self control.

He is also the one who taught me how to play the guitar, and can read me better than anyone else I know. He can tell how my day went or what I'm thinking just by looking at me. He calls me out if I'm acting ridiculously, and instead of criticizing me, helps me to correct my actions. I just love having someone around who will help me try to be the best person I possibly can.

My Favorite Song

The song I chose is Let It Go from the movie Frozen. It is a lovely piano and orchestra piece sung by Idina Menzel, who plays Queen Elsa. This song, although thoroughly enjoyable to listen to, also has a beautiful and poetic lyrics. It's main focus is dealing with your personal issues.

The main chorus of the song talks about how Elsa has tried to hide her ice powers, and then decides not to care what anyone else thinks by simply letting them go. Although no one really has ice powers, I think it's a great comparison to when kids try to fit in with society, but should really just be themselves without worrying about what others think. There's another line that talks about never going back to your past, and I think that's a great reminder to keep your focus on the future and not stress over things that you can't change.

Although people interpret this song in many different ways, the basic point of it is that we should move on from what is behind us and not let others drag us down. Worrying over what was done in the past or how others are going to view us isn't going to help anything, and is only going to make us miserable. We should instead "let it go" and focus on the here and now.

St. Valentine

Valentine's Day is well known as the sweetest and most romantic holiday of the year. How will you be spending it? Does it involve chocolate, roses, and a date with someone special? Or is it at home watching Netflix with a pint of ice cream? However you're spending your holiday, be sure to make it special. Happy Valentine's Day!

If I Could Be Somewhere Else Right Now

This picture is one that I took in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is definitely one of my favorite beaches to visit during my free time. It is relatively close, and has a large board walk that includes rides, several shops, haunted houses, and food stands. The funnel cakes with powdered sugar are delicious, and are my favorite food to buy there, second only to the cotton candy dipping dots. The beach itself, although not particularly outstanding in appearance, is usually warm, relaxing, and not too crowded. Occasionally you will be able to find a seashell or starfish that has washed up on shore.  There's no other sensation quite like settling down on the warm sand after an exciting day on the board walk, letting the sun rays fall over you while the breeze plays with your hair and the sound of the ocean echoes in you ears. Santa Cruz is the perfect blend of thrilling and relaxing.

Some Things About Me

My name is Jessalyn Chacon, and I am currently a junior at Jim Elliot High School. My sport is cheerleading. During my free time, I enjoy reading, baking, singing, eating, and playing my guitar. I love vacationing in nature, particularly in beaches, forests, and lakes. I'm eager to see what God is going to do in my life during my upcoming Senior year.