Sitting on a Story Blog - By Jhunathan Bonzo

1.) My Bench

Inscription: "Sit and rest my spirit flies free - Helen Welsford 1997"

It was a beautiful summer day in June when I went to visit Waterfront Park, to choose my bench. Waterfront Park is located in North Vancouver and isn’t far away from where I live. I always enjoy going for a walk or run down and around the Lower Lonsdale vicinity and it being located so close to my house that I decided to choose my bench down at Waterfront Park.  As well, I wanted to visit a park that had the sound of waves going in and out present and the open view of the ocean. The weather was exceptional as it was bright, sunny, breezy and quiet. Along the seawall down at Waterfront Park there were plenty of benches lined up, all of which were made out of wood, each with its own unique dedication embedded on it to choose from. All the benches looked decent as I could tell that the wood was somewhat aged and that they weren’t freshly installed the previous day or week. The bench I choose appealed to me as I had chosen a bench, which I thought had had a centered view of Downtown Vancouver. When I first came upon this bench that I chose, it looked just like all the others. The difference was the view that it cast upon me as I sat down on it. All the other benches did overlook Downtown Vancouver, but all at different angles. This bench was perfect for me, as I like things to be as close to picture perfect. The view of Downtown Vancouver was breath taking and allowed me to sit back and admire the beautiful city that I love and call home. The bench itself, was dry, free of bird droppings, had blue metal attached to it, was free of rust and was cemented down to the ground. In addition, the dedication embedded was gold. I was surprised the bench was dry considering that it was pouring rain the previous day. As well, the bench was free of mold and was free of visible abuse or damage. This bench was used with care and allowed me to have a great visit at the park. Other than taking along my camera I wish I brought along my sketchbook to quickly sketch the Downtown Vancouver scenery.

2.) My Bench: What I Saw, Felt, Thought and Wanted 

From this greatly placed bench, I can see Downtown Vancouver right ahead of me, a SeaBus coming towards the north shore, the high tide, waves slowly making their way towards the seawall, a couple holding hands, three families and a group of friends walking along the seawall headed towards my right. Looking straight above me I see little areas of blue sky peaking through, as there are clouds scattered all over left and right. To my left I see the “Q” of the Lonsdale Quay Market rotating and lighting up, the SeaBus Terminal, a little boy and girl playing badminton and a flock of geese flying in formation headed towards the, “Q,” some people sitting on the benches located further to my left as there are plenty of empty benches to sit on in between and the sun as it is hidden behind some clouds. To my right I see clouds hovering over boat garages that hide the view of Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge. Behind me I hear the noise of children playing at the playground alongside with the sound of laughter. Sitting down I feel cool, calm, and relaxed. I sit idle thinking about the future as high school graduation has passed. I feel scared, curious, excited and anxious all at the same time, as I could only be hopeful for what the future holds. I sit for a while playing high school memories in my head that never fail to make me laugh and smile. I think about the ups and downs and all the struggle, hard work and sacrifice that I endured during my five years in high school.  I think about what my mom will have had cooked for dinner when I get home. I think about this girl and wonder if she feels the same way about me that I do for her. I think about the people I met during my time in high school and wonder if they will remember me as I will surely remember them, far long after our time in high school. At this very moment I wish to make summer of 2014 to be memorable and one to never forget as I want to spend time with family and friends. As well, I want to get to know some people better as I want to strengthen my relationships with them. Sitting on this bench I gaze at the children playing and recall similar times that my little brother and I had when we were younger. The innocent laughter signifies the little problems and stress the children have at this moment in their lives and makes me recall how simple life was as a younger child. I want to slow time down as I feel that I am growing up too fast, consequently, one cannot slow time down. Sitting on this bench I spent sometime thinking and realized that it’s a good idea to live in the present so as to not let life slip right by and neglect the simple and precious things in life. I am motivated to make something of myself as I write my next chapter in life. I will never be able to look at this bench as if it were like all the other benches, as it has allowed me to experience and think about things that no other bench has before. I felt in tune with nature and the sweet serenity around me when sitting on this bench. To someone the bench I sat on will be just another bench, but to me the bench will be one to remember, as the time spent on it surely will be.

3.) A Dedicated Bench for Me 

If a bench were dedicated to me, I would like the bench to be located somewhere quiet, underneath some sort of shade like a tree overlooking the view of Downtown Vancouver. I just love the view of Downtown Vancouver, that’s why I would prefer my bench to be overlooking it. A perfect location to place my bench would be somewhere on Stanley Park or maybe even Waterfront Park where one could see Downtown Vancouver; it’s Harbour Centre and Canada Place! I would like my bench to be made out of something indestructible so that it could last forever. The inscriptions on benches all have their own individual meanings and stories. The inscriptions that I have read on benches highlight people’s lives, accomplishments, and even contain jokes or complete nonsense. I would want my inscription to reflect something of me and something that my family, friends and strangers could relate to and be proud of. For my bench, I would like my inscription plate to say, “Live life the way you want to not the life that others want you to. Work hard in silence; let success be your noise. Be humble and treat others the way you want to be treated. Live, learn, and love life and leave something for remembrance behind.” After reading my inscription I hope it leaves an impact on the reader as to make them realize that life is short too short to not be happy. Take things in life as learning experiences and to love often. My inscription is for everyone to read and is not intended for any specific race, group or religion. Life is but a moment in time as it comes and goes at any second.

4.) A Dedicated Bench For Someone 

If I were to dedicate a bench, I would like it to be located somewhere quite, and underneath some sort of shade, similar to my bench. I would place the bench overlooking some sort of view, be it a city view, an ocean view or even just a park view. For the inscription on the bench I would say, “Make a friend and say, ‘Hello,’ life is to be shared with others, not to be kept form others; life is happy.’’ Reading this inscription if I were to dedicate a bench, I have the hopes that this inscription would leave the lasting affect of leaving a positive impact on someone. Hopefully it will open ones eyes to be a friendly person and to befriend someone who looks like they could need a friend. The best moments in my life that I have experienced have been with family and friends. Life is too short to be lived unhappily and not shared. From this inscription there would be one less friendless and unhappy person on this Earth. 

5.) Journal Response: My Trip To The Park

Today (June 15^th, 2014) I went to Waterfront Park. I decided to go for a walk after watching the NBA 2014 Finals Championship game on television. As I made my way to my bench I couldn’t help but notice the beautiful sun and the glorious day that was presented right before me. I was happy for the San Antonio Spurs as I did not want the Miami Heat basketball team to win the NBA Playoffs for a third time in a row. I was half way through my Iced Cap which I had bought from Tim Hortons on my to Waterfront Park but threw it away as my craving for it quickly died out. I was playing back how today went as I got to sit in a sexy red Ferrari and got interviewed about the BCTF strike. I felt excited about being aired on television and wondered how weird or funny I would sound or look like on t.v. When I got to my bench I sat down and admired the beautiful view of Downtown Vancouver as usual, and fell in love with the city all over again. I thought about the girl I liked and how I wished she were sitting down right next to me right then and there. I thought about how crazy fast my senior year in high school went and wondered if I should still study for my Physics 12 and French 12 final exams. The park was rather busy today, as it was the site of the Philippine Independence Day Festival Celebration and that it were Father’s Day. Volunteers could be seen all over as they were cleaning up trash and helping put away equipment that was used. After watching one of the Seabuses off, I decided to head home as I was starting to feel hungry for dinner.

6.) A Poem That Suits My Bench 

"Life Is For Living" – Author Unknown

http://www.scrapbook.com/poems/doc/12476.html 

Life is a gift we're given each and every day. 
Dream about tomorrow, but live for today. 
To live a little, you've got to love a whole lot. 
Love turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. 
Life's a journey always worth taking. 
Take time to smell the roses... and tulips... 
and daffodils... and lilacs... and sunflowers... 

Count blessings like children count stars. 
The secret of a happy life isn't buried in a 
treasure chest... it lies within your heart. 
It's the little moments that make life big. 

Don't wait. Make memories today. 
Celebrate your life!

 

I chose, “ Life Is For Living,” a poem by an unknown author to represent my bench as I feel it is about appreciating life and how it is a gift to have everyday it is lived. It describes my bench, as the speaker of the poem mentions how life is precious and shouldn’t be taken be granted for. The speaker suggests to “Take time to smell the roses… and tulips… and daffodils…” in other words saying to sit back and enjoy life, as the inscription on my bench says to, ‘’sit and rest.” I felt guilty after reading this poem as I read how, “the secret of a happy life isn’t buried in a treasure chest,” as true happiness cannot be bought. Sometimes true happiness comes from the simplest things like hard work and self-achievement and not the things that money can buy. The poem also states that the secret to a happy life are the, “memories.” That’s how the poem suits my bench.

7.) My Philosophy 

Everyone wants to live a spontaneous life. Life is about making mistakes and learning from them, whether they are personal or learnt from someone else’s. Life without thrill or adventure is not a life at all. This poem connects to my personal philosophy in life as my philosophy in life is to not just only live for the future but to also live in the present, the now. One can spend their whole life pursing their dreams or something and end up losing themselves and also end up forgetting what they were chasing in the first place. I’m all for living and preparing for the future but also feel that it is important to live in the present as, “life is a gift…given each and every day.” The future can be ten years from now or ten minutes from now, “dream about tomorrow, but live for today,” I think this poem connects with my philosophy in life as we as human beings should come to appreciate all the little and big things that life has to offer all of us.  

8.) Reason for Parks

 

There are many uses for parks. Parks are places for people to escape the busy city life a short period of time. Parks are places for social gathers and even alone time. Fun times and memories are created and experienced at parks and have served people well. Depending on the kind of park it could be strictly used for recreation or even just for picnics. Parks create a mood and atmosphere that are friendly and welcoming to all people ranging from all ages. At parks, people are seen playing sports, walking, exercising, socializing, relaxing and playing. Parks are great places for family and friends to spend quality time. Parks allow children of today the freedom to fresh air as they distract kids and take them away from their hand held radiation emitting devices. I have seen a decline in the attendance of kids in parks now days due to the introduction of electronics. I remember going to a park when I was a kid, having to wait in lines to go down the slide, sit on the seesaw, climb the monkey bars or even sit on the swing! Now when I walk by a children’s park all I see are empty rides and a bunch of kids sitting on park benches instead tapping away at their hand held devices. I think parks still have purpose in today’s day and age, and that kids just need to put their hand held devices down. I am a fan of parks and would love to see people go out and use them more often.

9.) High School Graduation Poem and Graduation Rotten Poem - By Jhunathan Bonzo 

High School Graduation Poem

At first you were frightened as you walked into the doors of high school, as you were the most vulnerable ones

Started to get a hang of things and found your way around

You had to start taking things seriously now

The end of this chapter was almost done but not a single frown

The end is finally here and yet it seemed too soon to end

You leave the same was you entered just this time scared of the world

It was here where you experienced things you never did before

You met new peers had lots of cheers

You got awards through the battlements they went

Now you’re in your cap and gown, they’re all paid rent by rent

Now you walk across the stage as you’re bid off farewell

High school has prepared you for this

High school is part of growing up 



Flashback (Graduation Rotten Poem)

In the yearbooks of my mind

I can smell the vision of years past as it lingers through my memories

Everyone is present

Is this senior year once again?

 ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY JHUNATHAN BONZO 

On The Picket Line Once Again

On June 5^th, 2014 the dispute between the provincial government and the British Columbia Teachers Federation continued to go nowhere, as they still have not come together to make an agreement. Headed towards the last few weeks of school, teachers are expected to be voting next week, determining if a full-scale strike should happen. With less than a month left in this school year it is the exams of high school students that are in jeopardy. The B.C. Education Minister, Peter Fassbender assuringly stated that, "We will ensure that every graduate will be able to complete their required exams, they will be marked, as well as the other grades where their exams are critical." The BCTF and the B.C. Public School Employers’ Association remain open minded, as they are, “prepared to negotiate 24/7.” Teachers work day in and day out and deserve to stop getting pushed around by the provincial government.

Having been graduated on Monday still seems surreal, as I still have to go to school to write tests and final exams. The dispute between the provincial government and the teachers union, I personally feel is affecting all the students in British Columbia. Due to the strikes, my classes have all been set back a couple days as if we weren’t already behind! I think the provincial government should just give the BCTF what they are asking for so that everything can go back to normal. I remember strikes happening in the past and this isn’t the first time that the BCTF has stricked during my time in the B.C. education system. As much as how everyone wished to not write exams, it is something that is required for everyone to do. Being in the month of June it is already stressful enough that my high school career is coming to and end and that I will be going to university in the fall. I hope that both parties can come to an agreement, much sooner than later as I would like exams to happen and for my teachers to be able to mark them as I know that universities are waiting for most, if not all students final marks in order to make their final decision on our admission. I am hoping that a full-scale strike does not happen as it is my last year of high school and I would really appreciate it to end on a good note.

Article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-teachers-strike-will-students-exams-get-marked-1.2666352
Image: http://images.glaciermedia.ca/polopoly_fs/1.1068001.1400614096!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_563/striking-teachers.jpg