Final Blog

In September of 2009, I began my first semester of college as a freshman at University of Michigan Dearborn. It was exciting to move on from high school to bigger and better things. I was delighted to embark on the new road to a new beginning.

When classes began, I was anxious. I wanted to do well and make my parents proud.Working to keep up sometimes was a challenge with everything else that I had going on outside of school. I worked harder in some classes than I did in others, and in the end, I got the grades I deserved.

Upon entering Composition class, I believed that, for the most part, I had the necessary skills to be a talented writer. I thought that would I had learned in high school would was sufficient enough to help me make it through my first semester of Composition. I was bound to be proven wrong.

Throughout the semester, I gained a wide range of knowledge about writing that I never knew. I learned a variety of new “tricks” and “tactics” to become a better writer.One of the most important things that I learned was to “show, not tell.” I think that this is an essential concept in writing because it allows for the reader to “see” what the writer is saying, instead of just read it. When this connection is made, it makes for a more interesting writing peace, and a pleasurable piece for the reader to read.

All through the course, I had trouble making my writing concise. I always wrote more than necessary, which I learned, would bore the reader. This helped me to establish a writing style suitable for the reader to understand and gain interest in what I had to say. In the end, this is beneficial to both the reader and I because we have come to understand one another, which makes for a higher degree of interest on what was written.

This semester, I think I grew as a writer. This class opened my eyes to new techniques about writing that would help me be successful in the following years. In the beginning, I was over confident in my writing, which did not allow for me to correct mistakes that I was making,

or to learn new things about writing.Having a skill in writing, I believe, is exceptional, but developing skills from scratch is phenomenal.

Taking this class was a good decision on my part because what I learned will follow me in everything I do. I benefited from this opportunity very much in the way that I also learned how to speak to people not only through writing, but in real life. My overall experience was great, and I am glad I got to be apart of a class where my learning matters and my skills are

increased.

My BFF

On Monday, my best friend is leaving for Albania for a whole month. She is going to visit her boyfriend.

I find this to be extremely depressing due to the fact that she is my other half. We do everything together. Shopping. Eating. Work.

The best part that her other half, her twin sister will still be here, so I will get to hang out with her to re-compensate for her sister being gone for that month.

The saddest part is that we work together, and work is extremely boring when she does not work on the days that I work. So now, its going to be even worse.

I can't wait for her to come back! I already miss her and she isn't even gone yet! lol

BAHAMA BREEZE

We all dream of having a perfect island escape, finding one in a restaurant is exceptional. For a taste of island cuisine, try Bahama Breeze. The tropical atmosphere, soft wood and palm tree interior make for a relaxing visit. A place to unwind, and indulge. The Caribbean cuisine is mouth watering and flavorful. The menu provides delicious varieties of meat, ranging from the Jamaican Grilled Chicken Breast, to Chopped Sirloin, and various seafood, salmon, and shrimp. The prices range from $10- $20 per entree. They serve thirst quenching fresh squeezed juice for those parched individuals. They serve alcohol and virgin drinks. Everything on the menu can be taken out.The hours are form Noon - 1:30 a.m. Sunday, 4 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Monday-Tuesday, 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday.

Bahama Breeze has very few locations all over the United States. I feel blessed to have one 3 miles away from my home. Recently, I visited Bahama Breeze for dinner with my sister. Upon entering, we were greeted with a very bright and cheerful face, as the hostess made us aware that we were going to have a little wait before we were to be seated. The restaurant was full for a Monday night. People of all ages were enjoying time with loved ones, as they were comforted by the soft Caribbean music and vibrant island atmosphere of the restaurant.

My sister and I sat at a booth, surrounded by fake palm trees and wooden figures. Our waitress approached us immediately to get our drink orders. She left, and after a few moments, she returned with 2 sugar cane juices, the “Lemon Breeze.” After moments of looking over the menu, we were ready to order. Our waitress responded right away. She took our order, and before we knew it, two beautifully decorated plates were placed on the table before us. I had the Jamaican Grilled Chicken and it was the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. My sister had the Wood Grilled Top Sirloin Steak

After our meal, my sister and I had to wait a little while for our waitress to bring our check, and honestly, that was the only complaint. The visit itself was amazing. The meal was phenomenal, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was comforting. I would recommend Bahama Breeze to anyone looking for a satisfying night out to eat, wether its with family, or friends.

Jamaican Grilled Chicken Breast

Wood-grilled with authentic Jamaican jerk seasonings and mango glazed, served with fresh mango pineapple salsa, cinnamon mashed sweet potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Wood-Grilled Top Sirloin Steak

8 oz. fresh center-cut, over sweet red poblano peppers, melted cheddar and pepper-jack cheese, with yuca fries, black bean roasted corn salsa.

“Feed your island spirit”

Religous Conflicts

Growing up in Albania, I have seen first hand how religion can affect the way that various cultures are perceived.

While I was growing up, I experienced how religion destroyed the relationship between Albania and our neighboring country, Serbia. The majority of our population was Muslim, and theirs, Catholic. A big conflict arose because one of their "religious" structures was on Albanian land and they did not think that piece of land should belong to Albania. Because the structure represented a Catholic view, they began to fight to obtain the land on which it was on, Kosovo.

The war began and hundreds and thousands of people died, mostly from the Albanian side. The war was devastating. Hundreds of women got raped, even more babies were killed, and thousands of homes were destroyed.

During this time, I was only 5 years old. I lived in North Albania, near Kosovo. Many Kosovars (people from Kosovo) sought refugee in Kukes, where I lived. In our house, we sheltered over 100 Kosovars, including babies to eighty-year olds. With the many people living there, I heard many stories of what they had suffered from the attacks. One of the stories that I will never forget was told to me by a thirty-year old woman. She had Kosovo 3 month old son. As she and her husband, baby and many others were escaping Kosovo in the dark, they were approached by Serbians. The Serbians took her child. While she begged and pleaded for them not to do anything to him, they stabbed the child. That night, as she was held captive, the Serbians made them food. They made a soup with noodles and meat...they later told the woman that the meat she was eating was her son. I remember this story so vividly because when she was telling everyone in the household at the time, everyone was crying and they all hugged her.

The stories I heard from my parents are even more heartbreaking.

I heard many more stories about what they did to many Muslims. Those stories I refuse to recall or even remember. The executions were horrific. They were inhumane. They break my heart. Everytime I see or hear about the genocide, I cry at the thought of the loss of many innocent people's lives.

This civil war was based on the simple fact that that the two neighboring countries could not settle disputes on one religious structure. It saddens me that so many people had to suffer because of a dispute that could of been solved in a less violent matter.

Kosova is now independent. After all the people have suffered, they do not deserve anything but the best. All the victims and their families remain heros in my heart, and the heart of many others.

<3<3<3

Restaurant Review

http://www.toprestaurants.com/michigan/BellaNotte.htm

yummmmy!

Shopping!

My favorite hobby is shopping. I love to buy new things. I have an obsession with clothes, especially jeans. It is so hard to find jeans that are just right, and the moment you find them, it is really relieving and self satisfying.

My favorite stores are Guess, Bebe, Charlotte Russe, Pink, and Hollister:)

I have not been shopping in about 3 months. This means that I have gone through 3 months of severe depression. I love shopping so much. I think it helps relieve a lot of stress. Now that I have some breaks in school coming up, I might take advantage of it and go shopping:)

I cannot wait to buy new clothes, shoes, and purses!!

Sharing a Room

In my 19 years of living, I have not had to share a room with anyone. Recently, my family moved. Being the considerate person I am (lol) I offered my parents to share a room with my younger sister. She is in high school and sometimes I feel as though she does not apply herself to the potential she is capable of reaching. By sharing a room with her, I thought I would help monitor her as she does homework. I gave my little brother my TV and radio so that she would have no distractions in ''our'' room.

This turned out to be a mistake. A BIG mistake. She refuses to clean. She leaves clothes all over the room. Although, when she does clean, she manages to rearrange my things, which are neat, instead of her belongings which are dispersed EVERYWHERE.

Things better change soon!