Candidate Journals

Last journal of my first cycle. I am currently writing the last little bit of my last essay. Looking back on my journals, I definitely could have had a better cycle. While most of my problems were out of my control, I just wish I pushed myself more. But despite that, I am proud, and this is to the end of my journaling for the Spring 2024 Cycle. I wish everyone good luck these last few days. Everyone is doing awsome and have improved so much. Keep working, its almost over.......for now........... 

My second to last journal, I don't know whether to feel relief or if I have the feeling that I might miss these journals. Anyway, I forgot we had Maps testing today, so that was what I did for about half of the day. That did mean I did not get to finish my last essay like I wanted to. I expect to have everything I need in the dropbox put in by tomorrow night or the next morning. I'm a little dissapointed I'm not done yet, but I have been pushing a lot back.............

I do have a slight headache, but not enough to keep me down throughout the day. I had a blast instructing today, and I got a lot of fun things done with my siblings. I do have two more essays I need to get done before I start putting things into the dropbox, but thats everything for today. Maybe more eventful stuff will happen tomorrow with school starting back up........

I did a ton of requirements this morning thanks to having no school, as well as got to play video games with my siblings. I am now heading out to go help instruct. I’m finally feeling better from my sickness last week, so I’m ready to get back into instructing…….

I am very proud of myself. After just healing from my sickness yesterday, I go straight into the Physical and Written test this morning. While I did get slight nausea and the desperate need of DayQuil, I pushed through and beat all of my pre-test scores (though some I had just barely beat though I know if I was not in the condition I was I could have done better). I got an 100% on my written test and so did Braxton and Mrs. Suzanne (congrats 100 squad). I went home and did some chores, got a ton of rest, and am ready to bring my 200% this week. Watch out testers, because I will be at full power these next two weeks. I am bringing my A game, and not another illness is getting to me (let’s hope)…….

I did not feel super well at school today so I went home early. I rested up, ate dinner, than went into my room. I did some homeowrk before taking my phone and messaged friends in my closet. I am both hoping I am not nauseous but also am nauseous tomorrow.............

I tried to do some of my requirements despite my nausea; it didn't go that well. I will try and do my requirements tomorrow and Friday, though I hope this nausea passes by Saturday. Otherwise, I am in for a rough time.........

It’s scary to think that the physical test is this weekend. Of course it’s the week I am sore and ill, I really expected nothing less with the luck I’ve had for my first cycle. But hey, maybe that luck will turn around. Ive finally mastered my skill (not really mastered, I can say a few things in ASL so that I can do my mute day this Sunday), and I’m ready to push myself more than I have all cycle. For everything that has not gone my way these past three months, it’s all about to come to an end soon……..

Getting over whatever illness I had yesterday and earlier today. Gotta catch up on any requirements I missed and whatever schoolwork I missed as well. Though I do have most of my schoolwork caught up with, my requirements will require me to go to the school gym to get caught up with. Wish me good luck, and everyone good luck with this upcoming weekend........

I am extremely sore from instructors camp. Every movement is painful. However, I am also sick most likely from breakfast and dinner (which both were Bojangles). Not the best combo to have huh……

Heading to instructors camp now. I don’t think I will get sleep just because it’s a bit noisy (and I can’t fall back asleep anyways). Just listened to music and preparing for the fun, yet tiring day ahead…….

Another chill day so far. One more class before I head to King Tiger to help instruct. Im excited for Black Belt class, and a little nervous for Intructors Camp tomorrow......

So it looks like this week will just be much of the same (until Saturday). A chill day at school as well as a chill sparring class. I am not at home, I just finished writing one of my 2 essays due for school, and now I'm going to sleep. I am once again on call with a friend, so it doesn't look like that will change either.........

I am currently in science class. I have nothing to do so I might as well write some of my essays that I am still not fully finished with. I am excited for Instructors Camp this weekend, just not super excited for the 4 hour drive. At least I'll have a friend to chat with over text........

Pretty chill day. Not much happened in school other than a few more homework assignments. Teaching class was enjoyable today, and now I am talking with my friend again. It’s been pretty regular that this schedule happens every day. Weird, isn’t it…….

Currently, school is very bring and I have not had any intention of putting in y full effort. I have study hall next period though so I might as well review what I have already done in class today. That or I'll sleep the entire period.........  

Pretty chill day so far. I am going to the movies with a friend in a few hours which should be fun, and Poomsae class got a ton of giggles out of me today! I’m not the brightest for school tomorrow, but the school year will be over soon which means it will be summer time…..

I am having a good day so far. We are getting study guide questions checked today in black belt class so that is a little nerving (I'm hoping I got most of them right). I also am having so much fun with friends recently, finding myself talking to some of them more and more. This week was a bit sluggish on requirements, but I am getting them all done......

I had to wake up even earlier than normal because my brother has a field trip today to Old Salem. I am planning to get some requirements done during lunch and study hall (hopefully the gym teacher lets me go to the track). I am planning to start the White Belt Challenge today, so I can't wait for the funny jokes that will be made. Today feels like it is goig to be a good day........

If this journal could have a title, it would be improvement! I had to watch my siblings today since my mom is sick and my dad was working. After instructing, I went home and sat on the couch with my dog. He is a little lonely after my other dog passed away Friday night. I am feeling much better though, and I need to push forward. Cycle won’t stop for me, and I won’t quit either. I am here to prove I am stronger than I think I am. Just you wait, I am bringing my all, and everyone else should too……..

It’s been a wild weekend so far, but today was pretty lazy. Didn’t do much today and basically stayed home and got a few requirements done. I might go to bed early to continue the lazy flow…….

We had online classes today. I did a tiny bit of requirements and then played some video games with my brother and friends. It’s a pretty good day…..

Yesterdy was a pretty decent Valentines Day. Today at school we were just preparing for a good, long 4 day weekend that unfortunatley starts back up with a science test the Tuesday we come back (because High School just loves to make life difficult). Today was not my best performance in class today but I think I am slowly returning to how my skill used to be in class, just need to stretch a bit more. I had some really successful sparring matches in class today as well. I really want another Friday Night Fights soon (maybe this journal can be taken as a request?).............

Happy Valentines Day! So far school has been fun. I did forget to put in my rubber bands for my barces but considering I'm recieving candy every few minutes I don't think I'll need them. I gave some of my friends skittles (one of them got more than the others) and my mouth is filled with colors of different candies. I'll probably be sick by the end of the day....

Today was quite an exciting Monday. A ton of new units for school as well as finishing up some projects for different units. I had fun instructing today and got the message that I made the demo team. It’s very exciting, though I am still very sore from all of it. My chest is what is the most sore right now, but in the end it’s all worth it. I am proud of myself, especially since I was originally not going to tryout. I’m glad I did……

I am very sore from yesterday. The demo team tryout was fun and very much worth it, but I am extremely sore. I finished my science project and talked with my friend. After watching the killer half-time show, I am now lying in bed whilst talking with my friend…..

Today was so much fun. I had black belt class while our do jang was on zoom with Master Evins. It was a great class since I got a ton of work on my Bo Cho specials. After instructiong class and little tigers, I went out to lunch with a friend and then came back to the do jang for the demo team tryouts. I had so much fun during the tryouts and Master Osborne is such an enjoyable teacher. I hope I did well, but I really learned how to improve myself especially after my knee recovery and saw where I can improve on both my flexibility, speed, and strength in my techniques.

Today was pretty fun compared to how the rest of this week has been. School was fun because we had a pep rally, which I usually just do a study hall while it's going on, but I decided to hang out with some new friends and it was a blast. Black belt class today was also qute enjoyable because me and two other Bo Cho Dan's were having so much fun messing up Bo Cho Specials but also did extremely well on our last attempts at it. I am trying out for the King Tiger Demo Team tomorrow and I am so nervous. I just came back from a knee injuury and it still isn't at it's 100%. I just hope everything goes well.......

School so far is going well. We just had a meeting for CPCC (college) courses if we want to take any in the future. I'm not sure if I will next year, I might wait so that I can do summer courses. Overall another uneventful day. Though I did once again forget to journal yesterday. Another habit I really need to break: forgetting.......

Another light day. School was a little boring, but we did learn more of our spanish song in chorus today which is nice. Instructing today went well and now I'm back at home doing homework and talking with friends. This week seems like it will be pretty uneventful until the weekend.....

Today was quite boring in school. We recieved a science project that lasts a whole 2 weeks that will probably bore me. I finally got back to instructing after being out for a week due to my knee. It felt so good to be back (though I forgot how exhausting it can be sometimes). I'm just finishing some homework now and will probably grab a snack. Tomorrow is going to be exciting, especially because my friend apparently has a suprise for me.....

Started off the day waking up and going to Poomsae class. After taking a week off, I can tell I need to stretch to get the height of my kicks back. I then went to Bao Bao for dinner and it was delicious. I highly reccoment the Pan Fried Pork Buns if you go (just read the ingredients in case your allergic). I then went home and did some requirements while talking to my friend. I also met my old wrestling coach at the Dog Supplies store, it was great to see him again. Now I am at home, will finish up a bit more of my requirements before I prepare for tomorrow. Monday; will probably be tiring like usual....

I woke up today after getting a decent sleep (way better than the sleep I failed to get last year). I helped out more with Jr Instructors camp and helped with the ceremony. Once I got home, I went out to dinner in Birkdale, came home, and talked with friends. Jr Instructors camp was a blast, and way more fun than last year. I am excited to help out again next year……. 

Jr. Instructors camp starts today, and I have the wonderful opportunity to help out. All the kids are having a great time and are enjoying their classes with Master Natasha, Master Marcus, Master Night, Master Foster, Grand Master Evins, and all the other instructors helping out. I am having a blast helping out, way more fun than when I helped out last year. We will do some more activities tomorrow and will also have the ceremony tomorrow. Let’s just hope I can get a good nights sleep…..

Sparring today after not taking class the entire week. It was an awakening I desperately needed. Everyone was teasing (not in a mean way but a fun way) about me being absent the entire week. I got home and talked with my friend some more, and I am now getting ready to help out with Jr. Instructors camp tomorrow. It should be very fun, and I am very excited for my second time doing it……..

Today was very relaxing. School was very smooth with no hiccups. When I got home, I did some homeowork and knee stretching before I got on call with one of my closest friends for a good three hours. We basically just talked and laughed the entire time. After that I did some Black Belt requirements before writing some more of my Creative Writing story (creeping up on 5,000 words). A very easy day with nothing much going on........  

I am tired. Maybe it was a bad nights-sleep, but I've been super tired in all my classes so far. I am currently working on a Creative Writing project, researching a topic and tying it into something more sinister. It does have to be non-fiction which is the one of three types of writing that I struggle with writing. I do have another Creative Writing piece that I am having a blast working on (though I'm still on the first draft). It's a short story about a young, adventurous boy who moves into a new house in Germany. He finds a secret room behind a wall that was used during World War ll. That's all the details I'll put here because no spoilers :) . I'm now writing my final draft for my non-fiction piece, lets see how it goes.........  

All I can remember about today is unbearable pain. School today was fine; nothing bad but nothing super joyous either. When I got home, I immediatle stretched the injured knee I have. However, I was most definitely not doing it as well as I could be. So my Mom introduced me to a massage gun. It was painful, extremely painful; there were two great positives that came out of it though. First off, my siblings took a video of me being in pain (that I admitidley think is absolutely hilarious), but also that my Mom says it is going to feel much better. I do have to endure the Painful-Feel Better tool every night before I go to bed, but it will be useful in the long term. Hopefully, my knee will be better by the weekend........

Taking it easy this week, only doing the classes that are mandatory. My plan is to get all of week 4 and 5 done this week to make up for the lazy week 3 I had. I did unfortunately have to miss out on Poomsae Class today which is a bummer, but it allowed me to get all of week 4 done this morning. Taking an easy week also means I can put a heavy focus on school, which I think is very much needed………

Was today good? No. Bad? No. The end of today was the best part. I woke up and had to go to another doctor’s appointment, went to school and overall experience a boring morning to mid-afternoon. Once I got to King Tiger, spoke to friends, laughed and met the new little tiger that joined today my day went uphill. Black Belt class today was also very successful, since I got to learn Hapkido 3 despite my challenges of being able to do it. A “meh” day that I hope improves tomorrow……..

Pretty good day today! I passed all 3 tests I had today with high B’s (Math, Spanish, and English) which is really good. School overall today was good. After school I had a doctor’s appointment (which went great) and then it was Sparring. Week 3 is almost at a close, though it feels like it’s been much longer than 3 weeks……

Let’s take a quick shift. I had a doctor’s appointment today and I was told that this Friday that I will see an orthopedist for my knee. Yep, 2 weeks since I wrote about my knee and still nothing has changed. I got 12 minutes of Poomsae in for my week 4 requirements and let pain carry me to my homework. Having 5 classes worth of homework was exhausting, but hey I got it all done. I am taking a shower and going to bed, awaiting whatever happens tomorrow. Although I have a gut feeling it won’t go well…..

Quite a goofy day today. I had many laughs in both school and at Taekwondo today. While I do think I could’ve been more serious today, I think Mondays are the perfect days to have the laughs. I don’t have much homework to do tonight, and I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, so it’s a kind of nerve wracking week coming up. Let’s hope nothing is wrong……

Good mornin’ everyone! I decided to knock out some requirements early this morning (3 miles and finishing up my Burpees) and I am now preparing to head to Poomsae class. My goal today is to finish up week 3, post the requirements here on the website, finish any essays that I still haven’t done, and start progress on my recommendation letters (I have two people in mind to write it). That’s all for me, nothing much. Good luck to everyone this week…….

I forgot to post a journal entry yesterday (but to be fair there wasn't much to write about yesterday), but I will say today was quite successful. I learned Hapkido 1 and 2, just now gotta practice and actually remember them this time. It was an enjoyable Black Belt class today, and I am very hopeful tomorrows class will be of the same quality. I am planned to try and finish week 3 tomorrow, allowing me to relax and have a free day on Sunday. I also now know what skill I am going to learn (Thank you Instructor Jen for the idea), I am going to learn how to use chopsticks. Luckily, my dad knows how to use them, so it'll be easier to learn....

Pretty standard so far. Doing a morning journal today to see how it goes. About 2 minutes till my class starts and we’ll be starting off the day with a reading check for our book “Things Fall Apart” (which I am not a fan of) from chapters 6-8. I’m most likely gonna pass and then be bored from half an hour of conversation about the lack of a plot in this book. But hey, it’s a good morning at the very least…….

I haven’t stopped smiling today (ignoring the running cause if you are smiling while running your miles I will have questions). Week two is down and we are moving on to week three. I need to get in more sessions with my mentor though which shouldn’t be too hard. But hey, only positive today, until school tomorrow :)………

Gonna be honest, this is probably gonna be the worst day I have this cycle. My knee injury has not gotten better at all, and in a way has gotten worse. I had to skip out on Poomsae class, something I was looking forward to. I forced myself to try and finish week two today, but my knee made everything so challenging. In the end, I have only 4 miles to complete for week two, but I know had my knee not been injured it wouldn’t be a problem. I just hope it’s tolerable when Grand Master Lee comes to our Do Jang. That’s the day I am most nervous for. That and the fact I have no clue what exactly is wrong with my knee…….

Sort of a boring day huh? I did unfortunately injure my knee, and I hope it heels for the run in a few hours from when I’m writing this entry. I am just hoping that my knee allows me to finish the mile without any pain. On the bright side, the weekend is here, meaning no school to worry about…….

I can’t fall asleep, even though I just lied to someone that I was tired. I guess I just needed some alone time to think. I’ve finished week one which feels so relieving and everything is getting easier. School is starting to pile on and more of that “college prep” work is being dropped like a four-hundred degree pan making contact with body temperature skin, burning and leaving a mark on your palm as the pain releases pressure from your muscles, tightened by stress. Except this time, that stress is not there, and there is no contact. There is something to absorb the pain. I think I’m starting to get the hang of the cycle, and it’s about time……….

Once week one is over, maybe stress and anxiety will be carried away. A train stopping at every requirement to pick up what’s been completed, but drop off what’s next. I know I have plenty of time but yet I am treating everything like the deadline is tomorrow. I still haven’t read my book for English which I am usually super quick on doing, despite it being only 12 required pages by tomorrow. I can knock it out in 15 minutes but I just keep telling myself I’m behind. So which is it? Am I behind or ahead? And why do I feel this way about everything I do…….

I’d say that this particular Monday was a successful one. I am learning more and more about the cycle and how I can overcome its obstacles. I had my first mentee session today, and I wasn’t nervous at all. I knew what I wanted to do going in and I learned more about my mentee than I used to. However the stress comes in with my skill. I just can’t seem to come up with a skill that would be exciting for me to learn. By far it is the most difficult obstacle I have right now, and I need a skill soon. Luckily I have almost all day tomorrow (thanks to school being cancelled but because I go to a Charter school we have online class) I can think whilst doing cycle requirements. I have exactly 50 pages left on my book, and then I’ll be essay free for a...

I must say I am proud of myself so far. I have found myself taking this cycle extremely seriously, to the point where I tie what I have learned in the book I am reading (Atomic Habits) to my requirements needed for the cycle. While I am sore from starting the cycle, I know that this first week will be the hardest, but everything that comes after will be much easier. There is a ton of excitement for me with the future of the cycle, primarily since I don’t know what to expect, and there are many other black belts on cycle that make me want to strive to improve. Who knows what the future of the cycle will bring, and I am ready for every second of it……