Sunda Tiger Conservation

May16

 

 

This school year, during LA (language arts), my class and I did many things. We read books, did IXL, had Membean tests, planked (not my favorite thing we did), and so much more. Even after doing all of these fun things, one of my favorites has to be the animal story. The animal story lets us use our imagination and creativity while still focusing on a larger topic. The topic we picked was endangered animals and the problems they face. The short story we each wrote was meant to spread information about the animals we had picked, in a friendly, but still lasting, way. We spent weeks taking notes, doing research, and making drafts until we finally did our last fixes and changes. The story really had an impact on my class. We all felt sadness and empathy for the creatures living in this harsh and cruel world. Those creatures that included us. I felt sad but determined in a way. I would spread the word and keep these animals from living a harsher, crueler life than the one they already had. So that’s how I created the plot of my story. Instead of trying to put light on the topic, I told people the reality, casting a dim, but knowledgeable, look at my story.

One big factor that led us to do the animal story was Squirm by Carl Hiason. This story follows Billy, a teenage boy, as he ventures into Montana looking for his dad, who left when he was a kid. Billy comes across shocking things in his journey which include poachers, a dead parrot, spy drones, lying, birds, especially birds, and other cunning details. Billy does find his dad, and finds a new love, Montana. This story doesn’t follow a sappy, happy, family story. It follows a relatable one. Billy’s family isn’t perfect, like all families, but it’s filled with love, problems for sure, but mostly love. We learned about the importance of nature and animals. We also learned how sacred it is (nature) and how we should take care of it. I took this message with me when writing my animal story (Sunda Tiger).

After reading Squirm, we partnered with local artist Peg Gignoux, where we each made hand crafted books for our animal story. We had many sessions with her where we worked on our books. The process was pretty easy and totally fun!

First, we colored and painted different patterns, textures, colors, etc. Then we started folding our books and making our collage. The only rule when making the book was to include your animal at least once and I decided to put mine drinking water from a water hole. The book setup was so there was an outside part peering into the inside part. (I put my animal on the inside). For the outside part of my book, I decided to put a bunch of trees so it would look like you were walking through the jungle. Habitat loss is one of the main factors in why my animal is almost extinct. With the expanse in modern agriculture, my animal’s habitat is slowly vanishing. What was once a safe haven for Sunda Tigers and other animals, is now a hotel, a grocery store, a shop, a café, or other buildings. These buildings are used for simple human needs. Water, shelter, food, etc, but what about my animal. What about Sunda Tigers needs? What about their life, not ours? What about their family? Their habitat? It’s a huge problem with us humans, not understanding the needs of other species, putting our own needs first. It’s very sad and depressing, how could humans be so cruel? But you don’t have to be as cruel, you can help the cause and help save my species. Here are some simple ways you can help:

  • Spreading the word about animal habitat loss (the more helping the cause, the merrier)!
  • Donating to a non- profit organization (such as WWF)

And reading books such as mine. Thank you so much for reading my blog post and I hope you will contribute to the cause! For anyone who wants, here’s my story:

Sunda Tiger

“Bang!” The gunshot rings in my ear, almost hypnotizing me. Almost. The man stalking me looks scrappy; he’s wearing a worn-out white tank and rotting jeans. He doesn’t look worth chasing. Tightly securing his cheap rifle, the man steps closer, making sure he’s as quiet as a mouse. A lame attempt, he steps on almost every leaf, making a satisfying crunch-like noise. I pick up my pace, moving with the grass. A stern man shouts, “Lagi ngapain? Kembali bekerja sekarang!” Signaling that the scrappy man’s break time has been greatly surpassed. He scurries away, whispering something shameful under his breath. I collapse on top of the dewy mixture, stones relaxing into my ribcage.

 

My scientific name is Panthera Tigris Sumatrae. Although the townsfolk call me monster yang ganas, or fierce monster. The name came rather amusingly. It was a somewhat dim day in the middle of summer, meaning lots of brainless tourists were visiting Sumatra Island. I ventured into the bustling marketplace, hoping to find my next meal. While surpassing the shocked townsfolk, I scavenged for my next meal. That’s when I spotted her. A tall, broad-shouldered lady with hair as red as bloody tomatoes. Yet it was not she who caught my eye, but rather the delicacy that lay at rest in her hand. “Sate Padang”, my stomach growled at the thought. Ruling out my more rational thoughts, I leaped at her, grabbing the satays she clung to. She screamed in a heavy British accent, exclaiming words I did not understand. With the food secured in my mouth, I made a run for it, the spices soaking into my teeth. When I reached a safe hideaway behind some thick trees, I heard the villagers speaking. I couldn’t make out exactly what they were saying, but I got the gist. They were speaking about the stunt I had pulled earlier. I had just closed my eyes, adjusting to the rough habitat, when I heard one of the older men exclaim, “Monster yang ganas!” I smiled, proud of my accomplishment, finally letting my eyes soak into the darkness.

 

“On the days I find food, I normally end up eating wild boar, since my species are carnivores!” I don’t know why this cringy voice popped up in my mind, but it’s really annoying since I’m trying to sleep. I’ve had the same dream recurring over and over again of me trying to kill a boar and failing. What a nightmare. Since I can’t sleep and am not ready to lose my dignity, again, I yawn, stretch my paws, and awaken. Still half asleep, I make the dumb decision that today will be the day I bust that stupid myth. I leap on my paws, striding across the rainforest. My confidence comes to a halt when I spot something in the distance… Or because I tripped over some puny little rocks, anyway, I hear the specimen snort, indicating that it’s probably a boar, taking my chance. I run towards the animal and pounce on it. I extend my jaw to the best of its ability and…. Let go? Lucky for me, the animal doesn’t go far, and I catch it easily, this time I don’t let my empathy get the best of me, successfully biting its neck. The thrill lightens me, the blood rests on my already blood-soaked teeth. I grin like a devil. “Once you kill the predator inside you, you become prey.”

“GRRRRRR!” rings in the distance like a death note. I’m trying not to think of how it all went wrong. It’s been two weeks since I killed that boar, and in that short amount of time, my life has split in half. “Behind me, you’ll see the excavation of Chuck Barnsley’s new palm oil plantation in South Sumatra! Indonesia’s favorite activist, Sunane Geoffrage, exclaims that the rapid expansion of agriculture, such as palm oil plantations, has resulted in a significant decrease in the habitat of Sumatran animals. Even with many doubts and worries, including those of Sunane, Chuck has assured us that the plantation will help us grow as a nation -” The man on the rusty television has been shut off aggressively by the owner of the house. I stiffen my position as the man stands up and walks away from the rugged couch. Ever since the excavation started down south, I’ve run north. Feeling safe and secure, I hid behind this house for shelter. I’ve been here since yesterday and plan to leave as soon as possible. Call me a coward, call me gutless, call me pultroon, but you will never know what it’s like to be hunted, killed, hated, loved, to have everything you’ve ever known ripped away from you. Or maybe you do. Humans can be cruel. Yet they can also be loving. They are the one creature that can choose to be prey or predator. And yet sometimes, the dark overpowers the light. You can be better. You should be better. You can help, and here’s how.

Sunda tiger conservation focuses on habitat protection in the Sumatran rainforests, anti-poaching patrols, reducing human-tiger conflict through community engagement (tiger-proof corrals and sustainable livelihoods), law enforcement against illegal wildlife trade, and scientific monitoring (camera traps and GPS collars) to manage populations and restore landscapes. Organizations like World Wide Fund for Nature, Zoological Society of London, and Wildlife Conservation Society lead efforts in critical areas like Berbak National Park and Bukit Tigapuluh National Park. Donating to trusted organizations and spreading awareness can help keep these animals safe.

As I wrap up, I want to thank you for taking the time to learn about my species. Sunda tigers are fierce and predatory animals, but they deserve a place in the world like any other creature. Please remember and share my story with others. Every voice helps. If you protect the rainforest, you protect me-and if you protect me, you protect an entire ecosystem. I hope you’ll join the efforts to keep Sunda tigers alive for generations to come.

 

Museum of Life and Science

May7

This week, my advisory and I ventured into the beauty of the Museum of Life and Science in North Carolina. It was so much fun and I learned so many things!

After doing all of the fun activities which include things like animal encounters, tree houses, fog, endangered lemurs, a dinosaur trail, fossil digging, and so much more fun activities, I have to say my favorite part of the trip was getting to pet a tarantula! Though I was petrified, the experience was super fun and exhilarating. I faced one of my greatest fears and had so much fun while doing it.

Here’s a photo of the tarantula I petted:

 

I also learned that it was the Museum of Life and Science’s 80 anniversery! This is your sign to go visit and celebrate a local museum or even the Museum of Life and Science!

Diving!

May7

 

Introduction

This weekend, I traveled to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, to partake in the USA Diving Regional Championship. I’ve been diving since I was four and now that I’m twelve that means I have been diving for six years total! I practice from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m every day of the week. Each year there are three nationals. AAU, RWB, and USA. To reach the USA national championship you first have to go through 4 eliminative competitions.  Regionals, where the top 15 advance to Zones, Zones, where top ten advance to Super Zones or top three advance to nationals,  and Super Zones, where top six make it to nationals. Diving is not only scary but dangerous too. The highest I dive off of is 7.5 meters! That’s almost as tall as a three story building!

History:

Diving originated in the 18th and 19th century, when gymnasts (German and Swedish), tested aerobics into water. The first diving organization created in 1901, called the Amateur Diving Association, was founded in Britain due to the popularity of the sport in the 1890s. The sport’s Olympic debut happened at the 1904 St. Louis Games. While boards used when the sport was just developing were rigid, modern diving boards were created by Ray Rude to help revolutionize the sport.

Olympics:

To make the Olympics you first have to go to the Olympic qualifiers and place very high (usually the top three), then you are nominated for the Olympic team. After that, you usually train three times a day, every day of the week to prepare. Then you compete. The Olympics only allow the 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform.

Springboard vs Platform:

The difference between a springboard and a platform is mainly about the material that makes it up. The springboard is very bouncy and only goes up to 3 meters whereas the platform is harder and can barely bounce. The platform starts from 5 meters and goes all the way up to 27 meters, though that’s usually only used for cliff divers!

Synchro:

Synchro stands for synchronized diving, which is where two divers will do the same dive at the same time, trying to be in sync. The more in sync they are, the higher score they will get. I’m going to do synchro at the AAU nationals with my best friend. They also have synchronized diving at the Olympics for men and women.

Judging:

Usually, at amateur meets there are five judges. They will give their overall impression on the dive, the lowest and highest score will be cut, making it so that there’s only three scores left. The Olympic scoring is different, with more judges, each judging a different part of the dive.

Thank you for reading!

Keep Durham Beautiful Tree Planting

Mar17

Last week, my school helped the community. We partnered with Keep Durham Beautiful to help plant trees in places that had little shade. The spot we landed in was Hillside Park. Hillside Park was originally donated to the city by John Sprunt Hill, and in 1922, Hillside Park High School was built on the property. Hillside Park High School was the first high school in Durham to serve black students.

This task was not easy work. Our group had rain and the work overall was very hard work. Even with the setbacks, we managed to get almost all of the park covered with trees! The trees planted helped with shade and watershed.

Here’s a brief explanation of how we planted the trees:

1. First, take a shovel and start digging a hole in the dirt. The hole should be pretty big and about 1 foot deep.

2. Next, take the tree out of its pot and start separating the roots.

3. Once you have the roots separated, place the tree in the hole previously dug.

4.  Before you start filling the hole with dirt, take any clay pieces and break them into the hole. Then you can fill the hole.

5. Once the hole is filled and the tree is secured, add molt h around the perimeter to keep it steady

(Optional) 6. Give your tree a name! Personalize it and make it yours!

 

Planting trees is a great, simple way to help your community and is greatly encouraged. Let’s branch out together!

 

Snow Day!

Feb2

 

It finally snowed in Durham! All the hoping and manifesting worked! There are lots of fun activities to do in the snow, including sledding! In fact, my brother was sledding and almost fell down a hill! I couldn’t help but laugh. There are no better memories than those including snow, so you’d better cherish them before they all melt away. Sadly, I have a fever and am locked away in my house, sipping hot cocoa. I heavily long to be outside playing in the snow. With that being said, hopefully you will take time out of your day to absorb the beauty of winter and, of course, snow!

Book Review

Jan30

 

In The Company of Killers by Elora Cook. Murder Mystery.

Imagine you have a perfect life. You’re popular, liked, rich, and feared. Mom left, sister engaged, and dad’s keeping secrets, waiting to be unraveled. Now you may think, where do I stand in all of this? In all of the glitz and glimmer of being Tasha Nicastro there lies its flaws. The flaws she does not know exist yet. The flaws of being the daughter of New York’s most feared mafia boss. That’s her.

Rich. That’s one way to describe Tasha. Snobby is another, but we won’t talk about that. She rules the school and influences everyone in it. That is, until Leo, the son of her family’s arch nemesis, returns from boarding school. Quite odd actually, Tasha and Leo used to be inseparable, but after his father died, and blamed it on the Nicastros that all went tumbling down. He was what started it, the one bad thing in her perfect life, but she would soon find that perfect is just a word we use to cover up the lies that hide inside of us. It was a party, the day it happened. Her sister’s engagement party, to be exact. To Tasha, it was just another one of her family’s soirees. But she’ll always remember that day. The sound of gunshots ringing in her ear. Her father, sister, pleading. And then boom. In less than a nanosecond, they were gone, dead. She was the only one left. If only she could have prepared herself for the lifesucking future that lay ahead of her. For the lies that were finally catching up. She would.

My opinion is that though the book can be gory sometimes, it’s not always about violence; it’s about lies, trust, making fatal decisions, and finding yourself amidst the chaos that unwhirls in your face. It’s about asking why? Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Though your life may not be like Tasha’s in any way, I’m positive you’ll find a way to relate to her and all of the other characters in some way, shape, or form.

My favorite part is when her family (dad and sister) dies, and all the details are just so incredible, it makes you feel like her. This was one of those moments in the book where I just couldn’t put it down. I normally have a hard time reading for a long period of time because I get distracted easily, but I found that I had spent hours just getting through this part, and I was ready to read for hours more.

I rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ because even though it’s quite interesting, it is definitely for those of age, but overall it’s a really good book.

Dramatic, amazing, interesting, eye-catching, and so many more feelings I just can’t begin to describe are how this book makes me feel. Try it out and maybe you’ll feel it too.