Assignment #20:

Anywhere you go you see cliques and groups of people either if it's at a party, school, or even in movies. The previous movie we have watched and been lately often discussing about is called Hotel Rwanda. Hotel Rwanda can also relate to having "cliques" or "groups" except they were called The Hutus and The Tutsis which we're two groups that we're separated and divided because of the way they were treated by outsides and also each other. The Tutsi's were perceived to have greater wealth and social, they were Belgins "favourite" because they had similarities between one another and The Hutus were nothing, this angered The Hutus. 
I've been at Sullivan for almost 2 1/2 years now, I arrived last year during late October during the past 2 1/2 years I have been here I have noticed Sullivan Heights "cliques" or "groups" change every now and then. Personally in my opinion groups get chosen at Sullivan based on personality, how long you've been at the school, first impressions, how you approach people, and "elementary school days". Outside influences would increase AND decrease the tension between the groups and cliques at Sullivan because every body's actions and reactions are different from one another. Yes, their are many outside influences but not just at Sullivan it could be anywhere you go or anywhere you are ex) television, locations, peers. Since they're are many cliques and groups at school each one don't all have the same values, everyone has their own. As a group or as "one" each and every group might value respect more then trust or trust more then loyalty, I'm not quite sure on their values because I don't really have a clique at school so I'm not the one to judge, I have my main few I trust and there is only 1 girl at the school who is part of that. Their are MANY people in this school who are judge mental, many and that is one reason why random people you don't know will randomly have their name in your mouth and dislike you right off the bat before introducing yourself. I would 80-85% of the schools population bases their opinion of "others" rather then getting to know them because I've witnessed it plenty of times with my own eyes. Many rumours, half truths, bullying, propaganda, racism, etc are always going around the school either it's a good or bad thing it won't ever stop even if you were to do something about it because in the end you'll get bullied yourself. All these messages that get spread through Sullivan are from friends whose friends told their friends and it just keeps going on and on and on.. There is no dead end to the line. In my opinion I don't think anything will stop people from keeping their mouth running unless sometimes they're confronted or ignored but then again you don't know the outcome of the situation. The situation could get better or unfortunately for some, worse. High school will never change, it never has. Rumours are caused by judge mental people, and lets face it teenagers especially in this generation use their mouth not their brain, its ridiculous how some people can't face the fact high school is apart of life and once your finished half your friends you thought that were there for you are gone. Everyone moves on with their lives, the ones who were there for you in the beginning will stick with you through the roughest times. It's such a waste of energy judging people and later on such a regret putting people down because in the end you don't know who they are and how much it could effect them in the end of they day. 

Personal story: 
A few years ago when I was in grade 9 I judged many people on their appearance, who they hung out with, stories, and rumours. If I could rewind time and take back the evil biznatch I was before then trust me, I would but unfortunately I can't. Their was a time in grade 6 where I was considered one of the "popular" girls in elementary but not for the right reasons. I was a good girl though but the girls I hung around with weren't so good. In fact they we're horrible they would consume alcohol in grade 6 at school dances, smoke, and turned me into a bully. I got into the wrong crowd. I didn't smoke or drink until grade 8 but I did turn into someone I look back at now who was a bully and say "I wish I could of done things more differently". In grade 6 my best friend, Gabby Gendron who I hide when I was younger because I cared so much on my "friends" opinions and judgements used to hate me. Funny how things work out eh? I used to bully Gabby until the point where I made her cry every day going home, spread rumours about, and just pretty much make most of her elementary school days horrible. How did I find this out? The last month before school ended and I was graduating I went up to Gabby and apologised for my actions and putting her down right when I told her she hugged me and told me how much it effected her all those school years. Until today Gabby and I are closer then peanut butter and jelly, I am truly blessed to have a sister like her who is there for me through thick and thin. 
Personal story:
The first year I entered Sullivan Heights I was judged right off the bat. I didn't know anyone in the school but some how people knew me, apparently. As I started to get to know people and introducing myself I got a lot of "If you never introduced yourself to me I would of thought you were a stuck up bitch", "You look like a typical Asian", "I thought you were a slut but your the complete opposite", or "She's so caked, she's just so fake". It never phased me all the judgements people thought of me but it just sucked their wasn't one person in the school who didn't even take the time to get to know me. I've never let anything get to me especially from people I rarely knew but as time grew it made me realise how I should change my ways as well on judging people who dress inappropriately because that is who they are and that is how they choose to dress. Over the past years being judged and having rumours spread about me the only motto I go by every day is "be the type of person you want to meet". Ever since I have been using that as my motto the past 2 years my group of acquaintances have increased and I have became more approachable to people. If feels good knowing people aren't intimidated by you or scared, that's the the type of vibe I want people to come across from me. A few months ago I was at a parent teacher meeting and I saw this girl that has been in a couple of my classes, her baby sister was the cutest thing and we just engaged in conversation. 10 minutes into the conversation she goes "you're a really sweet and nice girl, I wouldn't have guessed" I don't know why but it made me smile, it made me feel good about myself because that is the type of person I am unless you get on my bad side. If people wouldn't judge people so often and just get to know them the world would be a different place and their would be more friends then enemies.