Making a Difference

Location: At My Desk

Music: Sound of Melodies- Leeland- Sound of Melodies

Mood: Worried, really worried.

There’s this line in the song Solution by Hillsong United (big surprise there!) that basically goes like this:

It is not too far a cry
Too much to try and help the least of these
Politics will not decide if we should rise
And be Your hands and feet

Well think about it. This is “I Heart” all over again. And for me, being God’s hands and feet is showing the lost that we’re not isolated freaks or something. It’s showing that what we know to be truth- and the only universal truth, which I personally believe is God. And God is love. So to show the truth, we show our love. Now this can be to the lost sheep in Canada, the hungry and forgotten children of Africa, or even to the special creations of God that humans abuse, from trees to the clay that God made us from; that we step on every day.

Us developed countries, are so blessed, that we’ve come to take it for granted. I think thats unbelievable selfish of us to say that, “people in Africa are too far for me to go and help because I live in Canada”. Or, “Why should I care about the environment? There’s environmentalists to do that”.

To be frank, if we want the whole world to be a better place; that is, all 6.whatever billion people on this planet to all be well fed, healthy and happy, - well that’s going to take more than the few 1000 who care. What I realized this week was that its easy for people to say, “Oh yea, I totally feel bad about the fact that polar bears are dying” Then if you want them to help you do something about it, a million excuses pop up.

For me, I want to make a difference. You know, there’s like 6 billion people on Earth right now, and there’s been a lot more than that if you count all the people who lived and died. Aristotle lived thousands of years ago, but hey? We all know who that is. Einstein, Newton, Galileo, and Darwin. Even Hitler, Martin Luther King Jr., and Caesar all have one thing in common. They made a difference, good or bad- and even now, after they’ve died, our generation knows all of those names. We’re familiar with what they did. They didn’t sit around and say, “It’s too difficult a problem to solve” or “Someone else can do it”. They knew what they wanted to accomplish, so they went ahead and did it.

My generation is full of people who twitter or Facebook rather that talk. It’s easy for people to say no online because they’re not looking at someone in the face and refusing them. We’re born into a culture, a generation that cares less. We don’t feel that responsibility to our community, or that need to do something. Our culture is spiralling towards a dangerous exit, and I’m hoping to God that we get out of this black hole. What I’m afraid of is that our children are going to look back at us and say, “They’re the ones that put us in this situation” whatever that may be.

I’m big about The “I Heart” Revolution because it strives to bring out the activist in people. Whether its to smile more, or stop human trafficking, they believe we can do it. And I think so too. Why not? The only thing stopping us is our selfishness, and need to look out for ourselves before anything else. I see people who’ve taught me or people of an older generation and they grew up caring. I don’t know how we ended up a generation of individual making up an entire group that doesn’t give a damn. And it’s not just they don’t care though. To quote a youth leader than I have much respect in many ways, I was shocked when he looked at me and said, “I don’t get it! Why should I care if the city is dirty or not? It’s not my problem.” I’m not sure how happy I am in a world that can’t understand something so simple as, it’s your home- sustain it, or you’ll lose it; what next planet are we going to jump to in this universe that can sustain life the way earth can? I guess maybe it’s a good thing I was born in thsi generation, because if I were born earlier, I’d just be like the others doing things for the global community. As it turns out, I’m a loner in the midst of a generation which doesn’t care, for the most part. I guess I’m here to play my part, and make them see the change, because my generation needs a nudge. Or more like a giant push towards revolution.

Graduating

Location: On my bed at home

Music: Across The Earth- Hillsong United- This Is Our God

Mood: Reminiscing and Sad, but Happy too

 

June 23rd, 2009. What a night! In few days, I will be a graduate of Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School. I used to live in Toronto, and before that I lived in Carrolton, TX, and before that, Zurich, Switzerland. This is the longest I’ve stayed in the same area- which is 5 years. So I wasn’t like the kids who grew up here and are graduating with the people they’ve know since they’ve been in diapers.

Nevertheless, I’ve known these guys (and girls)for 4 years (that’s a long time for me:)). I’ve shared Science Olympics, Earth Hour, 30 Hr Famine, Spring Fling, Semi, Fame, Chemistry Show, Mole Day and Ecobuzz. I’ve cried with them through losing people and I was there with them for hours locked up during lock down. I laughed with them when we played truth or dare in the Cafe. I was with them when we stole cookies from Counting on You with Miss Habibzadah. Most of all, I remember days with my best friends of a ll freaking TIME- Leena Kuruvilla(who I need to see desperately or I’ll kill my self) and Michelle Tat (who is the most beautiful girl in the universe!); and singing Take It All and Tell The World in French and Geology! I remember Grade 10 Science with Shilpa and Raina (I swear, I’m going to marry them both!) and how our labs were utter failures- but more fun than all my senior science classes put together (yes people, even more than Chemistry!!!). And I’ve gone from hating Calculus with a PASSION to loving it; and Allison, I love you for staying with me the whole time- you’re an amazing and wonderful friend.

I have to give credit where it is due. There are some people I have to thank  because without them, I would either have blown something up, killed someone (including myself) or been admitted to the hospital for a mental breakdown.

First and foremost, I have to thank God- I don’t know how I survived without having a God who understood me more that anyone. He was always there, even at times I didn’t want him- but he knew I needed him. So Thank You.

My wonderful, quirky, dear sisters in Christ who kept me sane, or as sane as Merin Chacko could possibly be: Leena Kuruvilla, you’re not around anymore- but I know if I need you, you’ll always be there. Michelle Tat, you saved me from going insane- literally, and I can’t thank you and Leena enough for it. Shilpa Varghese, the voice of reason in my head, who always prayed for me and is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Reena Kuruvilla, I love you soo much- you are my big sister, and you’re a wonderful role model, Chechi:) And of course, my dear cousins who are my rock and my foundation; Nissy Sunny, and Stacey Mathew- I will love you till the end of the world- just because you rock my world. No one can understand me the way you two do- and no one ever will… these two are my future bridesmaids, and godmothers of my kids!<3

Thanks also to my dear friends who were always there and Fletcher’s would’ve been empty without you. Allison Wong, another voice of reason- but one who helped me realize that I can do what I want to do, not what is expected of me. Thank you. Rabeena Ali, Sagar Patel and Razina Gilao, my first friends at Fletcher's, I’m NEVER going to forget you. Burhan Hussein, one of my best friends, and so funny that it’s annoying- but great. And a genius. You realize things about me before I do… like what the heck!:P Manik Choudhry and Brenda Trinh- my math buddies, we make the best ice cream and you know it! Brenda my date for Prom:P, you’re so amazing- and totally genius. Tej Dhami and Swar Meher , I hope I can have a beautiful relationship like yours- God Bless. Laura Brown, you are outright crazy. I don’t know what the hell goes on inside your head. But I love it! Enjoy your rocks:P Raina Desai, I’m going to call you every week and bug you but I don’t care, I’ve seen you since grade 10- and I’m not gonna let our friendship break. Thank you for just being there. Sloane Martin, my twin- Austria Hungary! All the way! And we both know that we joined and decided to take over the world, it was already done. And your siblings rock, but still manage to drive me insane. Janessa Scantleburry, you’ve got the most beautiful voice, and an even more beautiful heart. Take care of your self. Antoinette Mullings, Thanks for being you and not anyone else, just you. All the damn time. :)Minhaz Khaiser, Xinou Gao and the rest of the Bleach GROUP! Byakuya rules, but I got Ukitake… so we’re good. <3

Keziah Chan and Jennifer Phung (my #1 Green Friend), you’re my little kids- you’ve got another year to go- so be careful and take care! I know you’re both going places. Thanks also to Henry Hong, stay pokish forever!:P Fahd Ali, you’re the nicest and sweetest guy I’ve met, Thanks for driving me back from the hospital when I was too sick, and for handling the news well even when I practically thrust it in your face- I truly am sorry about that. Brandom Zambri aka Russian- you brighten up my day. Ankur Mahajan, Michael Le, and countless others who poke me- I love you all. Manik Choudhry, aka MC- You’re two of kind, and just magically amazing like that. Ankit Sareen, (Father)- you’re just hilarious, and I love you for it. Mahtab Alam, self proclaimed “that sexy guy with sexy pimples”… just wow. You’re on something and I want some!:Patrick Ho-Ly, Filip Zubac, and Chris Ghouchandra(I spelled that wrong I know), you’re all unique and appalling at times. I’m gonna miss you three just for that. Farrah Mohammad, Chemistry 11 was magic thanks to you, and Vincent Santiago- who endured Twilight with me and Sumaira Saif, and ended up listening to my ramblings in 3 semesters of Math. And of course, lets not forget everybody’s scapegoat- the much loved Rutwik Brambhat. You’re not getting you’re test back, but you’re so high and you know it. Thank you all.

My dear Biology 4: we had so much fun!: Dianagris Balakrishnan, you’re such a beautiful person, both inside and out. Remember staying up all hours finishing our History of DNA Timeline? Or Tokio Hotel? OR MY ROOM FULL OF ART? Mohsin Khan, my dear friend with the awesome hair. And Jordan John, my dear “grandfather”, my mallu who’s always there for me, even though I insult him every chance I get, you rock! As for Chemistry 12, you know I won the bet. I’m never going to forget that Ms. Yen thought you two were gay! (Yea I probably shouldn’t have told the world that)

Now the people who’ve been my role models- my teachers from Day 1 to Graduation, I don’t know what I’d do without you. And besides, all the 9’s and 10’s thought I was one of you!

Mrs. Bevan, Mrs. Filliter and Mr. Berwik, my STEP Sponsors- you guys are such dedicated people and I can’t imagine better role models for the future generation of environmentalists. You’ve taught me well:D 

Mrs. M. Thomas, Ms. Mighty and Mrs. Bent-Thomas, thanks for all your support for Christian Fellowship, I’ll miss you. Ms. Lujen, Ms. Yu, Mr. Desjardins, Mr. Devereux (see why I couldn’t say just Mr. D?), Philosophy Club and School Reach was great and fun and I loved it. Thank you for having me, even with my crazy schedule. Mr. Miller, you taught me to get a backbone and stand up for myself. And about falling filing cabinets. Enough said.

On to my third home, second only to the STEP Room and Science Pod, Math Department! Miss Habibzadah, aka Miss Evil. I’m proud to be H-brain-washed. You’re so weird and awesome at the same time, and I keep saying awesome, I’m running out of words to use. And you made Math… well fun, and Hitler has stuck around for the longest time ever- I can’t get rid of the name! Don’t you dare forget Hitler, Baby Beluga and Tardy Flipper, you know you love us. Mrs. Charest, you make me grow up and it was pleasure to learn from you, even if it flew over my head. I guess I am a Physics kid at heart, eh? One day I’m going to look back and remember that I wouldn’t have made these choices without your advices. Mr. and Mrs. Ferneyhough- “We all use math everyday” Fine. You’ve proved it correct and I bow to your awesomeness, happy? I’m gonna miss you two, so take care and keep Nspiring! hehe:) Mrs. Noguchi, I don’t remember my mom, but I were to have an idealized vision of her in my head, its you. I’ve laughed, and cried with you, and we’re so keeping in touch. And the rest of math, you rock, just like math does!

I’m ending with Science because I could probably wax eloquently over the awesomeness of our science pod. Mr. Krstovic- you are an inspiration. I’m awed at how hard you work for us students. You inspire the inner chemist in all of us, not matter how small it is, and you leave an everlasting mark on us all. Besides, its hard to forget a teacher who lit himself on fire!Mrs. Sobec, my quirky teacher- you and your funny analogies that I’ll never forget. You’re one of those people its easy to talk to and just let it out; thank you for just listening to me when I thought I would blow up. Mr. Lippa, you’re the second craziest teacher I’ve met, and you made me love a science that I had a hard time understanding. You’re one of the best I’ve ever had. Mr. Whisen, you show more grace and understanding in teaching than teachers who may have more experience or knowledge than you. And you’re hilarious. Mrs. Regular- I wasn’t sure how you'd be taking over Mr. Lippa’s class- but you were wonderful and all my doubts were wrongly placed- because you taught and you pushed us along till we were the best we could be. Mr. Ellis, I’ve never seen a person with such composure and calm collectedness, even in situations where I know I’d be beating up someone. Mrs. Petrychkovych, you’re a mad scientist at heart and I love your dedication to making Science open and wonderful to the entire student body. Working with you was one of my favourite opportunities this year. Ms. Yen, you’re an awesome teacher and I always left your class laughing at your wit. Amazing. Period. Mr. Killins, you’re probably not going to read this or even remember me- but you’ll always be the teacher that could never stop smiling even when he was mad as hell. And the rest of the science department, I’ve worked with all of you in one way or the other, be in Science Olympics, Chemistry Show or Culture Show, and I have nothing but respect for each and every one of you.

So there it is, my life at Fletcher’s in about 2000 words. I love you all so much, and I can’t believe I’m leaving you all. So many moments that defined my high school career, and now its over and I’m kind of lost. Soon I’m going to leave and I’m going to have to do this all over again, like all of you, except to a bigger extreme.

Before I finish, I have to thank Joel Houston from Hillsong United. He is my biggest role model and he runs I Heart Revolution. He’s changing the world right now, and that’s what I want to do. He’s the person that I want to be, the person who said my signature words, “If our generation is remember for iPods, myspace and YouTube, we failed.” I know we’re bigger than that, we’re going into the real world, and our great teachers and counsellors have prepared us as much as possible.  Now its my turn to show them that we can make a difference. I promise you, I am going to change the world, so you better do it too. I swear to you, I won’t disappoint you, I’m going to make you proud of me, you’ve all supported me so much, that I can’t bear to let you down. Just watch, I’m going to make you proud.

Love always,

Merin Chacko

Nightwish

So any self respecting Finnish Power/Gothic/Orchestral Metal/Rock fans (cause you know, there’s soo many of them out there) would know of Nightwish. They’re loud. They’re long hair. They’re for the most part, ugly. But they’re good. And that’s what ultimately matters. This isn’t America and they don’t have to be hot- this is Finnish Power/Gothic/Orchestral Metal/Rock Then comes the lead singer. For the longest times it’s been Tuomas and Marco. That Tarja. Yea admit, that’s where the “Orchestral” part of Nightwish came in because her voice is like wow-it’s trained. It’s good. And she’s not ugly. Whatsoever. See sometimes, hot=evil conniving b-whoopsies- WITCH. Literally, if you want the whole story look it up, there’s enough people writing about it. So for 2 years, it was Marco and Tuomas again, which personally, its good. Tuomas writes all their songs anyway so its not like they lost something big. The thing is, they’re known for their female rockers. So now that Tarja was gone, they had to get someone new. Here comes Anette. She sounds like evil mixed with a bit of pop. I like it. Lots of people are stuck in Tarja mode. I like them both, and I can’t understand this huge catfight going on with Nightwish fans. ANyways, people go listen to Wishmaster and Amaranth… I gotta say, I like Amaranth better, but anyways, I’m going to sleep now. Actually I;m going to put away my clothes because I can’t actually sleep until I do so. Alrighty- toodles.

Love and (Asymptotes)

The Calculus of Love

Love is one of those things that lots of people try to define, and lots of people fail. There isn’t any point in me trying to define something such as love, because I believe it is like infinity- indeterminate. Imagine a function where each x value represents some sort of word, well when you hit certain words, you either have an asymptote, a hole or the derivative is a vertical line, so it can’t be defined. Things like infinity, life, love and all those cool words. So the point is, I’m not wasting my time trying to differentiate the definition of an asymptote, it Does Not Exist. But I think I’ve found the solution for Love, at least for me. I suppose if I’ve found the definition of love for my function, then everyone must have their own function, which are all the same type- with different stretches and translations to them, but all with certain defining characteristics.

But then again it is entirely possible that love is still an asymptote, its like faith, you can’t put a mathematical value to it, but you know its there (at least I do). Anyways, I found the answer in Joel Houston and his awesome song (the guy should be a mathematician cause he’s such a musical genius; isn’t there some correlation between those two somewhere? And he’s blond. So obviously he’s special:)

Anyways, to the genius’ genius lyrics:

And I don't need to see it to believe it
I don't need to see it to believe it
Cause I can't shake this
Fire deep inside my heart

This life is Yours and hope is rising
As Your glory floods our hearts
Let love tear down these walls
That all creation would
Come back to You
It's all for You

What’s it like to give everything you have to someone and let them rule your life? That’s submission, so people do it out of fear, or love. At least I believe that if there was to be actual submission, you wouldn’t do it out of fear- because then you’d be happy to leave if you wanted to. With love, when you give it away, it wasn’t torn from your hands, slowly wrenched away from each finger, it was simply taken as a gift. The point is maybe humans can’t define love, but obviously God can. So it’s entirely possible that if God had his own function (God can totally do math, He’s awesome like that), he wouldn’t have an asymptote for love, or for anything- cause he can define everything. Then his function would be of higher degree that ours…

Tear Down The Walls

I’ve been listening to the new CD by Hillsong United. And those of you who’ve spend any time with me know what if I was stranded on a deserted island, and I had to choose between my iPod and a pack full of life-saving stuff. I’ve choose the iPod, I’d die before it’s battery die. Well that and the Bible of course, I’d need my Bible. The point is that I love Hillsong. When “This is Our God” came out, I was thinking, “that’s it, they’ve reached their summit, this is the best CD, it was as good as United We Stand… and those two, I listen to all day. Their New CD is with the whole I HEART Revolution, called a_Cross//the_EARTH: Tear Down The Walls. It’s so amazing I’m in class studying and listening to it. Wow. Joel, Dylan, Brooke and Matt went crazy here! I miss Marty now that he’s in the Hillsong Church one- but we’re got Dylan! And he’s awesome. They’re all amazing! Two songs I would recommend looking up ASAP, is “Tear Down The Walls” and “Soon”, they’re brilliant and wonderfully written. “Arms Open Wide” is also great, but “Soon” is my favourite. I got the CD March 26th, when it came out here… and I haven’t listened to anything else yet. I don’t think I will until Faith, Hope and Love by original Hillsong come out. It’s a Hillsong Year for me again:D

A PRODUCT OF WASTED TIME

Masashi Kishimoto, I have the utmost respect for you and your art… but what the heck where you thinking!????? Naruto 449 basically goes like this, “Sorry we destroyed your village, here’s some flowers” No really, that’s what Nagato did. I was like WHAAT?? U LIE TO ME! I cannot believe Naruto just won someone over with words… Ok, I mean that’s great- the fact that he is such an amazing ninja… but life and death are two things that are final. I think that for him to bring everyone back to life was unfair. I mean, Thank you Masashi, Kakashi is back! But at the same time, come on! That’s not how the real world works! And don’t tell me its only manga not the real world… it was like… what??? Naruto 450 on the other hand, was rather interesting. I’m so glad that Naruto is finally receiving the attention that he was fully deserving of. I’m so glad for that. And then Danzo as the new Hokage??? WTF! This is going to screw Konoha over for sure. Naruto just talked to Pain about bringing together the Countries and Danzo is such a black-hearted monster! Another challenge for our great ninja Naruto! Anyways, lets see what happened to Naruto now! It seems Naruto was interesting as usual, now lets just hope Bleach and One Piece get back up there too!!:D