Declaration of Independence
Throughout the course of human events, young men and women have been degraded to a teenage stereotype consisting of laziness, ignorance, and over dramatic egotistical behavior. In order to form a more perfect generation, we as young men and young women establish responsibility, accountability, and an aim toward higher expectations.
We, the future generation of American leaders, have the right to pursue the American dream. We know a human right is any freedom to which all men are entitled. It is a right, when exercised, in which the government may not interfere. In order to pursue happiness, we engage in mutual separation from laziness, ignorance, and egotistical behavior.
Be it resolved, that happiness depends entirely upon one's ability to control their own thoughts and actions. This happiness is enhanced by knowing one's mission in life and by seeking to understand it. No one person can ever find or achieve happiness by living a lie. Therefore, to obtain happiness one must continuously seek for truth. Not only must one seek for truth, but live that truth as well.
We as the young men and women of today’s society have a responsibility to be educated, and to put off our idleness and become youth of action. We have been told not to have responsibility for ourselves, and that we can do whatever we want; letting parents, peers, and society take the blame. However, this is erroneous. We have responsibility for our actions. Responsibility is defined as the authority to act, or to having the personal power to act for one's self. We as growing individuals need to recognize and act upon this charge, becoming responsible in our private and public lives.
By being accountable, we are presenting to society our true potential and preparing to formulate a better world. We articulate that we are responsible adults, we express accountability by being moral, and applying virtues to our life. Such being: integrity, benevolence, efficiency, chastity, humility, service, involvement, and hard work. We will receive higher levels of respect as we convey strong morality.
In cessation, to become more responsible adults, we will seek truth, find purpose, and become accountable. In doing so, we will exceed the expectations which society places upon us. The greatest gift we can give back to Society is to learn and progress in truth. So that we in return may teach the next generation, and generations to come, of truth and liberty at its fullest form. As leaders in Society, we pledge that throughout the progression of our lives, in our pursuit of the American dream, we will maintain a mind dedicated to make our world a better place.
Williamsburg Students
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Biographical Presentation (Jacob)
I don't know why no one has posted!? (except you smithy) Well we made our class wide declaration of Independence. I don't have a copy, so... I cant post it. I did make a biographical presentation and here it is.
By the way fellow Williamsburgers, post you projects! If you need help figuring something out call or email me.
By the way fellow Williamsburgers, post you projects! If you need help figuring something out call or email me.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Declaration of Independence (Jacob)
Here is my declaration of Independence. We are Making One as a class and I will post that on Monday, but for now here is mine.
I, Jacob Earle, am declaring my Independence from the government overview of my education. We lose freedom when government oversight, laws, and regulations are in effect. Although intentions are good, these inhibit creativity and the ability to reach ones potential.
The government should not get mixed up in education. It is not their job to provide education. When government gets involved things bog down, they slow down, and instead of getting ahead everyone has to learn at the level of the slowest kid. Education is the states job.
No one excels and gets ahead when we have preset expectations. They just stop when they get to the guideline.
I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that the Government limits all of these when they take away my agency for my education.
We have gotten away from our fore fathers intentions, they always wanted minimum government involvement in education, and we need to look at their education and educational systems.
I pledge to sacrifice the state funding I receive and work harder and longer to pay for my own tutelage, edification, and instruction, so that I can have freedom in my schooling, and be a more educated person. This I pledge, and this I promise. I will not let the government take away my freedoms of life, liberty and, the pursuit of happiness in my education.
I, Jacob Earle, am declaring my Independence from the government overview of my education. We lose freedom when government oversight, laws, and regulations are in effect. Although intentions are good, these inhibit creativity and the ability to reach ones potential.
The government should not get mixed up in education. It is not their job to provide education. When government gets involved things bog down, they slow down, and instead of getting ahead everyone has to learn at the level of the slowest kid. Education is the states job.
No one excels and gets ahead when we have preset expectations. They just stop when they get to the guideline.
I am entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that the Government limits all of these when they take away my agency for my education.
We have gotten away from our fore fathers intentions, they always wanted minimum government involvement in education, and we need to look at their education and educational systems.
I pledge to sacrifice the state funding I receive and work harder and longer to pay for my own tutelage, edification, and instruction, so that I can have freedom in my schooling, and be a more educated person. This I pledge, and this I promise. I will not let the government take away my freedoms of life, liberty and, the pursuit of happiness in my education.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
To Thine Own Self Be True- Starmsmith
Well, I've been pressured to post, so I decided to just post my leadership speech. after all, isn't this called "The Teens of Freedom?" I think that Shakespeare has such beauty in his writing and that what he says is so true, that I just want to share this with the world! I gave it in class as my leadership speeh, and was also asked to give it in a leadership seminar shortly afterwards. I'd say about 80% of this whole text is soley Shakespeare. Listen closely.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! Now is the winter of our discontent. ‘Tis the mightiest in the mightiest, but fear not, for some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some, have greatness thrust upon them.
To be a well governed youth, we must to our own selves be true. By Heaven! It is as proper to our age to hold our duty as we hold our soul! To be a virtuous name. Aye, But what’s in a name? for it is virtue that becomes the throned monarch better than his crown. Virtue, wisdom, and goodness to the vile, seem vile. But I say, arise fair sun and kill the envious moon! Thine enemy is at hand, and he is none other than thyself.
You, as a leader should look not in on thyself, nor should thou look outward at others, for in a leader these are one and the same. thou should beware of entrance into a quarrel, give every man thine ear, but reserve thy judgment. Neither a borrower nor a lender be, but to thine own self to be true.
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. What’s he? He be thou, and thou is before god, and in my mind, very wise. And yet, at times you may be troubled. In sooth, thou may not know why you are sad, for all the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players. But if you be, Humble, gracious, benevolent, courteous, good, trustworthy, and always abounding in what is right, then perhaps, thine exit may be a timely one.
If thou can’st forgive thyself, then you may find it easier to forgive others, and in those moments you may cry out saying, “alas poor Yorick!” for he is deceased, or as you might say, “gone to heaven” and thus I say to you; listen, forgive those who need forgiveness and reserve thy judgment. Let not thy conclusions be quick, but ponder long the facts that are known, aye, e’en unto exhaustion. And above all, to thine own self be true.
Some may scorn you and, by doing so, hoist with their own petards. For he who scorns another, fails not to do himself due injury as well. They may call you obstinate, or injurious, say to you that you must needs step wisely, but hearken not! For thou are thee, and thee is thy, and in turn thy is thou, and thou would’st do well lend thine ears, but not thy soul. Let not others tell thou who thou should’st be, but again, to thine own self be true.
What is a man, if the chief good and market of his time, be but to sleep and feed? You must needs be great, rightly, to be great is not to stir without great argument, but greatly find quarrel in a straw when honor’s at the stake. How stand you then?
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers we. Be it not enough that we are young? We have strength left in us yet. Crystal is muddy when compared with the clarity only God can bring. So fear not, for you are great in his eyes, you must needs make virtue a necessity, and… to thine own self be true.
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! Now is the winter of our discontent. ‘Tis the mightiest in the mightiest, but fear not, for some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some, have greatness thrust upon them.
To be a well governed youth, we must to our own selves be true. By Heaven! It is as proper to our age to hold our duty as we hold our soul! To be a virtuous name. Aye, But what’s in a name? for it is virtue that becomes the throned monarch better than his crown. Virtue, wisdom, and goodness to the vile, seem vile. But I say, arise fair sun and kill the envious moon! Thine enemy is at hand, and he is none other than thyself.
You, as a leader should look not in on thyself, nor should thou look outward at others, for in a leader these are one and the same. thou should beware of entrance into a quarrel, give every man thine ear, but reserve thy judgment. Neither a borrower nor a lender be, but to thine own self to be true.
Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. What’s he? He be thou, and thou is before god, and in my mind, very wise. And yet, at times you may be troubled. In sooth, thou may not know why you are sad, for all the world is a stage, and all the men and women merely players. But if you be, Humble, gracious, benevolent, courteous, good, trustworthy, and always abounding in what is right, then perhaps, thine exit may be a timely one.
If thou can’st forgive thyself, then you may find it easier to forgive others, and in those moments you may cry out saying, “alas poor Yorick!” for he is deceased, or as you might say, “gone to heaven” and thus I say to you; listen, forgive those who need forgiveness and reserve thy judgment. Let not thy conclusions be quick, but ponder long the facts that are known, aye, e’en unto exhaustion. And above all, to thine own self be true.
Some may scorn you and, by doing so, hoist with their own petards. For he who scorns another, fails not to do himself due injury as well. They may call you obstinate, or injurious, say to you that you must needs step wisely, but hearken not! For thou are thee, and thee is thy, and in turn thy is thou, and thou would’st do well lend thine ears, but not thy soul. Let not others tell thou who thou should’st be, but again, to thine own self be true.
What is a man, if the chief good and market of his time, be but to sleep and feed? You must needs be great, rightly, to be great is not to stir without great argument, but greatly find quarrel in a straw when honor’s at the stake. How stand you then?
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers we. Be it not enough that we are young? We have strength left in us yet. Crystal is muddy when compared with the clarity only God can bring. So fear not, for you are great in his eyes, you must needs make virtue a necessity, and… to thine own self be true.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
While I Live... (Jacob)
Recently in class we have watched clips of the HBO series John Adams. One video was during the continental congress, It depicted John Adams giving a speech here is what he said.
"Objects of the most… stupendous magnitude, measures which will affect the lives of millions, born and unborn, are now before us.
We must expect a great expense of blood to obtain it, but we must always remember that a free constitution of civil government cannot be purchased at too dear of a rate as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem of greater importance to mankind.
My worthy colleague from Pennsylvania has spoken with great ingenuity and eloquence. He has given you a grim prognostication of our national future but where he foresees apocalypse, I see hope.
I see a new nation, ready to take its place in the world, not an empire but a republic and a republic of laws not men.
Gentlemen we are in the very midst of revolution the most complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of the world. How few of the human races have ever had the opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves and their children?
I am not without apprehensions gentlemen. But the end we have in sight is more than worth all the means. I believe sirs that the hour has come. My judgment approves this measure and my whole heart is in it.
All that I have, all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life I am now ready to stake upon it.
While I live let me have a country, a free country "
Amazing isn't it? No one knows if these were his exact words because it was not a recorded speech. I like it anyways.
"Objects of the most… stupendous magnitude, measures which will affect the lives of millions, born and unborn, are now before us.
We must expect a great expense of blood to obtain it, but we must always remember that a free constitution of civil government cannot be purchased at too dear of a rate as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem of greater importance to mankind.
My worthy colleague from Pennsylvania has spoken with great ingenuity and eloquence. He has given you a grim prognostication of our national future but where he foresees apocalypse, I see hope.
I see a new nation, ready to take its place in the world, not an empire but a republic and a republic of laws not men.
Gentlemen we are in the very midst of revolution the most complete, unexpected, and remarkable of any in the history of the world. How few of the human races have ever had the opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves and their children?
I am not without apprehensions gentlemen. But the end we have in sight is more than worth all the means. I believe sirs that the hour has come. My judgment approves this measure and my whole heart is in it.
All that I have, all that I am, and all that I hope, in this life I am now ready to stake upon it.
While I live let me have a country, a free country "
Amazing isn't it? No one knows if these were his exact words because it was not a recorded speech. I like it anyways.
The Teens of Freedom (Jacob)
Hi guys,
It's us, the Williamsburg students. We have decided to start a blog to share our opinions, what we believe, and to start using our voices to change the world. Here are some Philosophy's that we believe at Williamsburg. Please take time to visit the website at www.wacademy.org thanks!
(By the way I got all of this info on our website.)
The Liberal Arts
Liberty is only possible for those who are disciplined in the arts of liberty—or, the liberal arts. Free nations and free people understand the great ideas expounded throughout history, and they appreciate the great lives of those before; they think for themselves and persuasively communicate their ideas to others; they understand their stewardship over the earth and their own potential for leadership; they are steeped in grammar, logic and rhetoric.
All of these skills are uniquely human! They give us the ability to lead our families, communities, social and religious organizations, and to serve in America’s democratic institutions. At Williamsburg, students develop these skills through studying U.S. History, Government, Western Civilization, American and British Literature, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Leadership, and more.
Liberal Education and the Classics
Our culture is the product of thousands of years of development. We believe the best approach to liberal education is through persistent engagement with the ideas that have shaped this culture. These ideas are found in what many scholars call “the classics,” and they preserve the very best that has been thought, said, or accomplished in history. In addition to books, classics include any and all masterful artistic works that have contributed to the development of society.
Because we believe that all true knowledge is connected, we integrate, rather than compartmentalize the subject areas of our curriculum. With this broad understanding, the liberally educated mind can trace the development of ideas through history and understand how they shaped Western Civilization. This is “the great conversation” and the liberally educated understand it and can participate in the current debate.
Liberal Education and Leadership
Leadership, the ability to positively transform individuals, families, businesses, communities, government, religion, media, and the arts, springs from individuals who have learned to recognize their unique gifts and feel a strong sense of personal mission regarding how those gifts are to be used to benefit mankind. Leaders courageously undertake incredible objectives because they have a large repertoire of past experiences to draw from in which their limits have been tested and their greatness has shone. Many great leaders have had the benefit of mentors who helped them recognize and cultivate their unique gifts and have nurtured their sense of personal mission.
At the Academy students gain hands-on leadership experience by involvement in the Outdoor Program, student-led projects, class presentations, in-class simulations and other leadership projects. These activities are engaging and provide venues for students to practice leadership.
Liberal Education in the Outdoors
We believe that nature is an indispensable mentor for youth. Nature takes youth out of their day-to-day activities and places them face to face with God’s creations, causing them to ask personal and significant questions about the origin and purpose of life. Students often come away from activities in nature with a deepened sense of their own existence and a more profound respect for life.
Nature also has a perfect accountability system. It does not bend, but must be bent to. It will produce abundantly if nurtured, but it refuses to be coerced. Nature teaches students the importance of physical and mental preparation, and it helps students develop the ability to rapidly adapt to changes.
Multi-day backpacking treks, rock climbs, canyoneering expeditions, and rappels have a way of bringing out students’ natural leadership abilities. Students learn to be responsible for the food, water, physical safety, and emotional health of themselves and others. They get used to high-risk situations and learn to perform under pressure. Their endurance, physical and mental strength, balance and agility are tested and enhanced. Students also gain insight into their lives and relationships during guided solo time in nature, away from other students and far away from ipods, make-up, email or cell phones. See Elevation on our Seminars page.
Role of the Mentor
Mentors are at the center of a liberal arts education. Mentors model scholarship and leadership, they teach, coach, provide academic accountability, and inspire students to be their best. Mentors can often reach where parents and traditional teachers cannot. In addition to a student’s official mentor, some mentoring will inevitably come from other students, the great men and women from history, and, of course, God.
All education is self-education, and learning best occurs when mentors personalize the program for each student. At the Academy the mentor regularly meets with students for individual mentoring sessions. Mentors and students discuss the students’ unique gifts and interests and personalize the program accordingly. Students set goals and make commitments and mentors hold students accountable.
Role of the Parent
Williamsburg Academy honors parental stewardship of their children. Respectfully, we work to support and assist parents in educating their children. We frequently communicate with and include parents in their children’s educational experience.
The environment of learning established in the home will greatly affect a student’s attitude and ability to learn. We recommend parents take an active role in accountability, guiding, supporting, and encouraging their children in their studies and preparation for life. Parents should familiarize themselves with the Academy’s programs and do what they can to read and discuss with their children often.
We will start posting our thoughts, projects, and much more. So please visit the website and take a look at Williamsburg.
Thanks,
Jacob
It's us, the Williamsburg students. We have decided to start a blog to share our opinions, what we believe, and to start using our voices to change the world. Here are some Philosophy's that we believe at Williamsburg. Please take time to visit the website at www.wacademy.org thanks!
(By the way I got all of this info on our website.)
The Liberal Arts
Liberty is only possible for those who are disciplined in the arts of liberty—or, the liberal arts. Free nations and free people understand the great ideas expounded throughout history, and they appreciate the great lives of those before; they think for themselves and persuasively communicate their ideas to others; they understand their stewardship over the earth and their own potential for leadership; they are steeped in grammar, logic and rhetoric.
All of these skills are uniquely human! They give us the ability to lead our families, communities, social and religious organizations, and to serve in America’s democratic institutions. At Williamsburg, students develop these skills through studying U.S. History, Government, Western Civilization, American and British Literature, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Leadership, and more.
Liberal Education and the Classics
Our culture is the product of thousands of years of development. We believe the best approach to liberal education is through persistent engagement with the ideas that have shaped this culture. These ideas are found in what many scholars call “the classics,” and they preserve the very best that has been thought, said, or accomplished in history. In addition to books, classics include any and all masterful artistic works that have contributed to the development of society.
Because we believe that all true knowledge is connected, we integrate, rather than compartmentalize the subject areas of our curriculum. With this broad understanding, the liberally educated mind can trace the development of ideas through history and understand how they shaped Western Civilization. This is “the great conversation” and the liberally educated understand it and can participate in the current debate.
Liberal Education and Leadership
Leadership, the ability to positively transform individuals, families, businesses, communities, government, religion, media, and the arts, springs from individuals who have learned to recognize their unique gifts and feel a strong sense of personal mission regarding how those gifts are to be used to benefit mankind. Leaders courageously undertake incredible objectives because they have a large repertoire of past experiences to draw from in which their limits have been tested and their greatness has shone. Many great leaders have had the benefit of mentors who helped them recognize and cultivate their unique gifts and have nurtured their sense of personal mission.
At the Academy students gain hands-on leadership experience by involvement in the Outdoor Program, student-led projects, class presentations, in-class simulations and other leadership projects. These activities are engaging and provide venues for students to practice leadership.
Liberal Education in the Outdoors
We believe that nature is an indispensable mentor for youth. Nature takes youth out of their day-to-day activities and places them face to face with God’s creations, causing them to ask personal and significant questions about the origin and purpose of life. Students often come away from activities in nature with a deepened sense of their own existence and a more profound respect for life.
Nature also has a perfect accountability system. It does not bend, but must be bent to. It will produce abundantly if nurtured, but it refuses to be coerced. Nature teaches students the importance of physical and mental preparation, and it helps students develop the ability to rapidly adapt to changes.
Multi-day backpacking treks, rock climbs, canyoneering expeditions, and rappels have a way of bringing out students’ natural leadership abilities. Students learn to be responsible for the food, water, physical safety, and emotional health of themselves and others. They get used to high-risk situations and learn to perform under pressure. Their endurance, physical and mental strength, balance and agility are tested and enhanced. Students also gain insight into their lives and relationships during guided solo time in nature, away from other students and far away from ipods, make-up, email or cell phones. See Elevation on our Seminars page.
Role of the Mentor
Mentors are at the center of a liberal arts education. Mentors model scholarship and leadership, they teach, coach, provide academic accountability, and inspire students to be their best. Mentors can often reach where parents and traditional teachers cannot. In addition to a student’s official mentor, some mentoring will inevitably come from other students, the great men and women from history, and, of course, God.
All education is self-education, and learning best occurs when mentors personalize the program for each student. At the Academy the mentor regularly meets with students for individual mentoring sessions. Mentors and students discuss the students’ unique gifts and interests and personalize the program accordingly. Students set goals and make commitments and mentors hold students accountable.
Role of the Parent
Williamsburg Academy honors parental stewardship of their children. Respectfully, we work to support and assist parents in educating their children. We frequently communicate with and include parents in their children’s educational experience.
The environment of learning established in the home will greatly affect a student’s attitude and ability to learn. We recommend parents take an active role in accountability, guiding, supporting, and encouraging their children in their studies and preparation for life. Parents should familiarize themselves with the Academy’s programs and do what they can to read and discuss with their children often.
We will start posting our thoughts, projects, and much more. So please visit the website and take a look at Williamsburg.
Thanks,
Jacob
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