Larry, Dinora, Jaycie, Denise● I thought it was a good move to explain why you only observed a section

of the episode. Some may not be familiar with the term “overkill”. It was also a good move to add the key elements from the entire episode and not just the 30 minutes.

● The paragraph on the five minute mark is bit too condensed. I got confused when you said “ Various memorials are shown in succession from press conferences, to memorials, to newspaper writeups.” Why is “memorial” repeated?

● From 5-11 minutes, I believe there needs to be a transition between thesetwo paragraphs. I don’t think that it was a good move to end the 5-minute paragraph on a quote. Unless this is how it transitions in the show, I don’t feel it is necessary.

● The observations were very descriptive. The background information given gave me a clear picture of where the observations took place in the episode. The observations were able to allow me to picture what is happening without having to go watch the episode.

● It would have been helpful if you added a side note before your observation as to why you chose this particular figured world and what key points were made in your observations (this may have been added at the end of your observations as well if you chose to do differently.

New Peer Group: Larry, Dinora, Brandon, Denise

Larry (unfinished)

Movie Interstellar(2014)

Background information and note: The observations below include several consecutive scenes took place in different locations, each scene contains the interaction between at least two major actors. Readers of this note need to be aware of the movie is based on scientific imagination, not mythology or fantasy. Also essential background knowledge will be provided in parentheses (hopefully). Time is formatted in actual movie time 0 to 0:42:00.

DefineLiteracy practices: Ways of communicating that are written and/or spoken

Artifacts: Physical obj, emotions, and ideas that have cultural significance within spec. figured world/community of practice.TARS: Cooper’s comment: “A giant, sarcastic robot”,The military drone: The old days when resources are still abundant and

Actors: A significant person in observations that fulfills a spec. function/role in spec. community. Other actors may be referred in the observations.Cooper: a widowed father of two, former pilot, NASA astronaut and engineer. His tragic past andunmatchable professional experience shaped him into the most powerful and moving character in the movie.Murph: Daughter of Cooper. Very talented in physics and astronomy. (Only her young version will be discussed in the obs.)Dr. John Brand.: Physicist works for NASA who devoted his lifetime working on the theoretical machine that can save the human race.TARS+CASE: Former marine corps combat support robots that redistributed to work for NASA. This human-like robot adds a special humanity element into the movie that unfortunately will notbe covered in obs. 1.

Communities of practice:NASA: Dr. Brand, Amelia, TARS, Cooper. All those actors are devoted to work on saving human race from extinction. Although they have different purposes and duties in the whole project but the same goal made them into an unbreakable community.Cooper family: Cooper, Donald, Murph, Tom. A family consists of grandpa, dad, one daughter and one son. These family members are united by Cooper's personal ability. (The balance changed by Cooper's departure)

Figured world: A large social structure that has specific rules and conventions for appropriate behavior.

Literacy practices: literacy practices are ways of communicating both written andspoken, verbal and nonverbal (such as body language). These can include basic every daypractices such as writing emails, texting, etc. or more complex tasks such as manners andpoliteness.

Parent-teacher conference: A complaint from school teacher to Cooper about Murph's behaviorsin school, or a collision between Cooper's value and the normal value of their figured world.

Observation 1:0:01:20 Movie starts with Cooper dreams in a failed test flight. He wakes up, finds Murph is looking at him against the door. She asks Cooper is he dreaming about the crash again, and mentions “I thought you are the ghost”. Cooper urges her to go back to bed.0:03:00 Switch to an interview on several old people narrate their observations on the deteriorate natural environment, how dissertation starts to render the world unsustainable.0:03:30 Switch scene to Cooper's family breakfast. Murph mentions the “ghost” once again and mock by her brother Tom. Cooper tells her it might not be a ghost but she needs to be scientific on the process of understanding the “ghost”.0:05:00 On the way to school they encounter a flat tire, all the sudden (0:06:00) a drone flies by and Cooper decides to chase it down.0:10:00 Cooper, Tom, Murph arrive at school then Cooper goes to the parent-teacher conference. Teachers ridicule about the drone on Cooper's truck, mention Tom would be a farmer in future and not going to college. Their collision happens when teachers mention engineers are not as useful as farmers, Apollo missions is just propaganda and wastefulness. Cooper controls himself and exits with the excuse of bringing Murph to a baseball game.0:15:00 Cooper and Murph arrive at home and found out several books are on the floor with no reason for it. Murph thinks there is a ghost keep pushing the books off the shelf and trying to communicate through a code.0:17:00 At the baseball game Cooper informs Tom that Tom is going to become a farmer insteadof going to college. As they are developing conversation while watching the game, a sand stormhits and they have to return to home immediately.0:19:30 They arrive at home and realize the window in Murph’s room is not shut. After huge amount of dust comes in and they shut off the window, Murph and Cooper observe some strange phenomenon: dust lands on the ground in certain pattern and it may contain some info. A while later, Cooper figures out the info is a coordinate in binary, he decides to go the location and find out who is behind. Murph wants to go with him but was rejected. 0:20:40 Cooper finds out she hides on the car but decides to bring her anyway. 0:24:00 The night falls, they are stopped by some fences in front of a facility. Cooper tries to pry the fence then suddenly take down by taser by someone. Murph hears someone says “don’t be afraid” then sees something and yells out. A moment later the truck is driven into the facility behind the fences by the unknown "person". 0:25:00 Cooper wakes up inside the facility in front of a brick-like tall robot. The robot speaks like a human and interrogates Cooper how did he finds this facility. Cooper refuses his question and asks him where is Murph. Dr. Amelia Brand shows up (goes by Amelia below, not elder Dr. Brand), asks the robot TARS to back down. Then explains the situation: they are inside a secret NASA facility, Murph is fine, NASA operates underground due to public opposition, and they need Cooper’s speciality as a pilot for their most important mission, exploring the promising world on the other side of a wormhole nearby Jupiter. 0:27:00 Continued tour in the facility, elder Dr. Brand explains Plan A: understand the ability to manipulate gravity hence lift and rescue everyone on earth, but the theory is just one last step from reality. Amelia explains Plan B to Cooper: they will have a large number of frozen fertilized human eggs on board the ship, if Plan A fails, everyone on earth will be abandoned but the human race can be preserved in the other world. Dr. Brand promises Cooper he would solve thegravity problem by the time Cooper returns from the other world. 0:35:00 Scene changes, Cooper and Murph return to home, Murph locks herself inside her room and upset with Cooper’s upcoming mission.

0:36:00 Short conversation between Donald and Cooper, Cooper expresses his determination to go for the mission. 0:37:30 Next morning Cooper tries to persuade Murph to let go. Murph shows him “the ghost” is trying to say “STAY”. Cooper promises her he will come back, gives her one of a pair of watches, tells her time will run differently between him and her during his space travel. Murph realizes Cooper doesn’t have a return plan through his expression, throws the watch away then burst in tears. Cooper keeps saying “I’m coming back” until the scene changes while leaving her. 0:40:00 Short farewell with Donald and Tom, then Cooper drives away in his truck, TARS’ human like voice counts down “Main engine starts in T minus 10, 9….” in the background. Murph runs out house tries to chase Cooper. Scene ends.

Observation 2: 0:42:00 The rocket with shuttle have just left earth. TARS talks jokes and tries to ease everyone from the acceleration process: “Everybody good? Plenty of slaves for my robot colony?” ThenDoyle explains to Cooper that TARS has this feature to fit in better with people. As Cooper talking to TARS, the shuttle has just finished its acceleration leaving earth. 0:44:00 Crew prepare to dock the shuttle to their main ship, Endurance. People on board start recalling the people they care on earth since this mission will probably makes them never seen another human again. Also Cooper makes an agreement that keeps 90% of honesty since TARS reminds him absolute honesty will not work with human being. 0:45:00 The crew boards Endurance, starts accelerate towards Saturn, their destination will be the wormhole that leads them to the other galaxy. 0:48:00 The crew receives the last transmission from earth before they enter the hibernation during the way to Saturn. Dr. Brand recites a poem with some meaning behind it which will matter later in the movie. 0:53:00 Cooper and Amelia goes over the visit plan for planets, Amelia stresses on the importance of going to Edmunds’ planet. As the crew goes into hibernation one by one, Cooper catches a chance to inquire TARS privately about the relation between Amelia and Edmunds, although rejected by TARS for the reason of “discretion settings”, Cooper still able to see through TARS and realize their relation. 0:55:00 Crew members wake up and found themselves arrived at Saturn. Romilly expresses hisfeels to Cooper about how unsafe and lonely a man can be in space. 1:00:00 Endurance starts entering the wormhole.

Observation 3:

Interview Q&A:Tell me about the world at the start of the movie, what is it looks like?

Give me an example of how human adapts to this world?

Discuss what is "The ghost"?

What could Cooper done differently and how this will (or will not) change the world?

Discuss on how plan A/B works.

What could Cooper/Murph done differently when they see "the ghost"?

Describe how do you feel about the robot TARS.

Rules and Conventions _ Brandon Jones

In the world of Naruto, there are not many rules that you have to follow as a citizen. Citizens must stay active in their community in order to survive. There are many family owned businesses in the Village hidden in the leaves. Like the Ichiraku ramen, or the Yamanaka flowershop, every business is family owned and thriving.

As for the Ninja in the village however, there are many rules that they must abide by. All ninja in the village must always be on alert. Whether or not you are a Genin, Chunin, Jonin, etc., you must always be ready to defend the village or another citizen in the time of need. Ninjaare sworn to always protect and serve, even in times of war. Ninjas, when assigned missions, must reach the goal of the mission without fail. Even if it means losing a teammate in battle, you must complete the mission. If for instance there were an emergency in the village and one of the ninja did not respond, he or she would risk the loss of rank or automatic retirement. Missions are always assigned to ninjas based upon their level of skill. Genin get small jobs around the Village like lost pets or simple robberies. However, Chunin ninjas and up go on the more dangerous scout missions that lead them out of home land and into the land of another village or territory, like gathering of information, goods, or an escort mission.

Lastly, all business that is being dealt with from another village or region would have to passed through council first. The Hokage’s palace makes all deals and sends/manages all mail in order to assure the safety of the village. If any effort is made to avoid the council or palace’s ruling, consequences can result in death or lifeentences, all depending on the Hokage’s ruling.

Literary Practices : (ways of communicating that are written and/or spoken)Some ways of communicating are through the genin/future ninja training facility. The Hokage will give occasional village announcements and of course there is mail and 1 on 1 conversations during trades and other interactions. Also the passing of scrolls is a major thing in this universe. Not just mail but also for missions that need to be completed by the ninjas in the village.

Artifacts: (Physical objects, emotions, and ideas, that have cultural significance within a specific figured world within a community of practice.)Ninja Headbands- These have labels on them that indicate what village or region that they are from. The headband not only labels a village but the person and level of ninja that they are.Chunin Jacket - Chunin jackets represent a team leader and winner of the chunin exams that only the top 12 ninja in a class can participate in. Chakra Seals - Seals are written marks that seal chakra, spirits, battle items, and secret messages in scrolls. They are used when transporting, and also in battleHokage Hat - The Hokage all have worn the same hat since the beginning of time. The hats differ in color and design based upon the village the Hokage lives.

Domain: (Separate smaller communities that can include only one person. They worry about what is best for themselves and the jobs they must complete to survive) Naruto in this case has his own personal domain. He is the last of his family name. His daily schedule and practices differ due to his rollercoaster style life.Other Domains would include the different family names, such as the Uchiha, Nara, Inzuka, and Huga clans.

Communities: (Different groups, clubs, or buildings that hold meetings that help aid all that give back to the people within the figured world)The Leaf Village as a whole is a Community would count for one community. Also you could count the Ninja School, and the Hokage’s palace. The school teaches every student how to prepare themselves for survival and for battle.

Practices: (Common things that are completed and mutually shared throughought different communities within a figured world)Becoming ninjas is one of the main practices for 80% of the youth in this village. Then there is also the multiple businesses that are rising and flourishing such as Ichiraku ramen, and the Inzuka Flower shop.

Episode 1 Naruto observationCharacters Introduced - Naruto Uzumaki (main character), Mizuki (chunin), Third Hokage (leader of village), Iruka Sensei (Jonin teacher)

6 minutes in.The show starts by telling the viewers about the incident that occurred about 11 years ago. The Enormous 9 tailed demon fox attacked the Village Hidden in the Leaves. The fourth Hokage was the one who stopped the beast and sealed him away into the belly ofa newborn. The newborn would be named Naruto. He, the main protagonist, has now become 12 years of age and is up to many mischievous things. He paints overtop of the great stone faces of the previous Hokage while at the same time misses class. In comes his teacher, Iruka to bring him to class, make him clean his mess, and then reward his following good behavior with a bowl of Ramen.

16 minutes inNaruto fails the graduation exam to become a ninja and is shunned by the other villagers and students. Mizuki, another instructor convinces him that if he steals a secret scroll from the Hokage’s palace that he will be able to master the jutsu within it and become a ninja. All of it was a plan to fool naruto so that Mizuki could steal the scroll and use the jutsu inside to become incredibly strong. Iruka finds Naruto with the scroll and the young and naive Naruto tells Iruka how Mizuki fooled him, at that point, Mizuki attacked Iruka and shunned Naruto by telling him about the demon fox spirit within him and how people hate him for it. Naruto runs off and Mizuki follows to kill him.

22 minutes (end)Mizuki is upset when he finds out that the Naruto he was chasing was really a transformed Iruka. Out of anger he attacks and corners Iruka, at this time Naruto,m the real one, appears and pushes Mizuki back with the jutsu that originally caused him to fail his graduation, Shadow clone Jutsu. The now 1,000 count army of Naruto Clones attack and defeat Mizuki. All while this occurs the Hokage is watching everything unfoldby using his chakra enhanced crystal ball, and with a smile on his face, he announces to the other ninjas in the Naruto search party that all is well and Naruto will return along with Iruka. After seeing Naruto serious and in action, Iruka places his headband on Naruto and says congratulations you pass and are officially a ninja.

Episode 2 Naruto observationCharacters Introduced: Konohamaru (Hokage’s Grandson), Ebisu Sensei (Jonin)

5:00 minutes inNaruto is shown taking his picture on top of the Hokage Palace in order for his

ninja bio to be completed and placed into file. However, when he goes to the Hokage toturn in his bio, the Third Hokage tells him that he needs to redo the picture due to the fact that you can barely tell that it is naruto because of all the face paint. Naruto attempts to persuade the third Hokage by impressing him with his “Harem Jutsu”, but it only fails. Meanwhile, Konohamaru, the Third Hokage’s 8 year old grandson is outside the door, planning a sneak attack on his grandfather in order to prove his ability to become Hokage. He runs in only to trip over his own feet and blame Naruto for his shortcoming. Naruto proceeds to pick Konohamaru up by his collar and punch him in the head for the false accusation. Naruto then leaves the palace and Konohamaru follows.

10:00 minutes inKonohamaru’s poor ninja skills results in Naruto noticing him following close

behind. After being begged repeatedly to become Konohamaru’s new master, Naruto agrees to teach him the transformation technique. Konohamaru has some skill but it is not perfected. Konohamaru explains to Naruto that he knows some things about using chakra and jutsu however he does not fully know how to fluctuate the right amount of chakra in order to perfect the jutsus that he would like to use. Throughout the day Naruto takes Konohamaru to multiple stores and lounges, like the dirty book store in order to get a good view of the women in the magazines, and also to a sauna where they both try to sneak in as women in order to show him what he needed to look for andfocus on when attempting to transform into a woman for the sexy/harem jutsu. While

there Naruto and Konohamaru end up getting caught in the act and both are kicked out of the sauna, except Naruto takes a major pummeling.Naruto takes Konohamaru to the woods in order to let him practice, when they arrive, Naruto makes the complaint that heis always getting hurt when Konohamaru is around, and that is when Konohamaru says it is because he is the grandson of the Hokage and everyone respects him and lets him get away with a lot of stuff. He continues to tell Naruto that the reason he wants to learnmore jutsu and become stronger is because he wants to become Hokage and prove to people that he is not just the grandson of the third Hokage, but the strong and brave ninja, Konohamaru.

19:54 minutes (end)After many failed attempts, Konohamaru finally perfects his Harem Jutsu. His

current sensei however, Ebisu, shows up only to taunt Naruto for his recklessness and his inexperience as a ninja. He challenges Naruto to a fight, and Naruto accepts. Thanks to his new shadow clone jutsu, Naruto is able to overpower Ebisu and knock him out with a barrage of female clone Narutos. Following this, Konohamaru admits to Naruto that he can not be his apprentice, and that instead he will from now on be his rival. The Third Hokage has seen this all unfold at his Palace and now smiles knowing that his grandson and Naruto have finally found themselves on the path to becoming true ninjas.

Episode 3 Naruto observationCharacters Introduced - Sakura Haruno (Kunoichi(genin)), Ino Yamanaka (Kunoichi(genin)), Sasuke Uchiha (genin), Kakashi Hatake (Jonin)

5:00 minutes inNaruto awakes on the day of orientation into the ninja world. No stress on his

mind. As he walks towards the ninja school, he meets Konohamaru who challenges him to a battle but he politely refuses and informs him of his going to receive his assignment for what team he will be placed on. Meanwhile, Sakura Haruno, a kunoichi (female ninja), has just awaken. Her mother waves her goodbye and Sakura heads to the school. Sakura ends up running into her rival, Ino Inzuka, another kunoichi. They begin to argue over who will be the better ninja and who will end up with the most popular guy, Sasuke Uchiha. The argument soon turns into a race to the school. Whenthey arrive, Naruto is showing off the headband that Iruka gave him, and that is when Ino and Sakura walk up arguing over who was going to sit beside the infamous, Sasuke Uchiha.

10:00 minutes in

While all of the young and new ninjas were arriving, the Hokage had gathered all of the Jonin who would be leading the groups of three, together. They all were wondering about Sasuke Uchiha, the last in the Uchiha clan. The Third Hokage assured them that he was the last and the most special. Returning to the school, an infuriated Naruto is staring into the eyes of Sasuke with disgust. The two look at each other with the intent to kill when all of a sudden, one of the other genin in the room bumped into Naruto’s back, pushing his face forward causing him to kiss Sasuke. The girls, now upset with Naruto, beat him to a pulp and return to their seats to hear the teams be called out. The most important group of genin is called out, Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha. Naruto begins complaining about being placed with Sasuke, the pretty boy who everyone was jealous of. Iruka sensei announced that since Sasuke had the highest scores, and Naruto had the lowest, that putting the two together would make the best fitting team, which embarrassed Naruto horrendously. Iruka announced to the Genin that their Jonin leaders would meet them after class was dismissed.

15:00 minutes inSasuke went back to his home after the class dismissed. Sakura went out

looking for him but ran into Naruto instead. Naruto asked her to join him for lunch but she refused. A nosy Ino and her teammates Shikamaru and Choji watched from the next building as Sasuke sat in his room thinking to himself, unaware of what was about to hit him. Naruto snuck up beside the window, and jumped in surprising Sasuke. Sasuke immediately countered and tied up Naruto, however, it was only a clone of Naruto. The real Naruto jumped out with two more clones and attacked. Naruto successfully tied up the real sasuke and used the transformation jutsu in order to look like Sasuke so that Sakura would talk to him.When he did so he ended up finding out that Sakura saw him only as an annoying peer whom she truly had no feelings for in anyway. Naruto in the form of Sasuke continued to listen to her as she poured her heart out about her emotions and feelings that she had for who she thought was the real Sasuke. Sakura leans in for a kiss and Naruto almost kisses her, however his stomach begins to grumble and he runs to the bathroom before the jutsu cancels and his cover isblown.

19:50 (end)The real Sasuke escapes the trap that Naruto put him in and went out to look for

him. He ended up running into Sakura, who tried to start conversation with him but he only looked at her and told her that she was annoying. She then realized how Naruto felt about being called annoying and treated like an outcast and decided that she would be nice to Naruto when she saw him again. Naruto exits the bathroom and sees Sakura, she asks him would he like to go back to class with her, however, he assumes that it is Sasuke in disguise trying to play with his head. He then runs off to the

bathroom again, which only infuriates Sakura more. Meanwhile, the Third Hokage and the Jonin Kakashi Hatake are at Naruto’s home. Kakashi picks up a carton of milk that had been outdated for about 2 weeks. Kakashi stated, “One sip of this and he will practically live in the bathroom.” The Hokage informs Kakashi of the hard trials to comewith these three on his team, and Kakashi agrees that this will be a lot to handle. The episode ends with a screaming Naruto on the bathroom toilet in the school saying, I am going to die on this toilet.

Interview Questions 1. Naruto has been alone since birth. People have shunned him

and spited him for a crime he doesn’t even know the cause of. How do youthink the situation could have been handled?

2. The ninja world has it’s similarities between the real world. What do you think is the most similar?

3. Do you think that the ranking of ninjas,(genin, chunin, jonin, sannin, sennin) can be compared to the police forces we have today? If so,what could you compare them with?

4. In episode two, the Third Hokage stated that, “Naruto should be considered a hero for carrying that beast inside of him and keeping it from wreaking havoc.” What do you think about that statement?

5. Both Naruto and Sasuke have experienced loneliness on aboutthe same level. In your opinion, how do you think this team is going to playout in the end?

Assignment One(Denise Flores)Observation OneBackground Information: Pokémon Sapphire takes place on a fictional land called the Hoenn region. The protagonist of this game can be either a boy or a girl, the player gets to decide. You also get to name your player, but throughout the observation, I will refer to this character as May (female) or “you”. For those who may not be familiar with the franchise, Pokémon are basically creatures that populate a fictional world in which humans happen to live in as well. The actual brand of Pokémon usually refers to the video games but there is also a poplar trading card game and an anime. Pokémon can be trained and cared for. In this game, there are 135 new Pokémon which adds to the 250 Pokémon of the previous generations. There are 17 different “types” of Pokémon like fire, ice, electric, etc. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses.Figured World: a “world” (group, dimension, location, etc.) that depends on specific rules and conventions for appropriate behavior. Example: a volleyball fieldIn this world, if you make eye contact with another Pokémon trainer, you two must engage in battle. However, it’s more like if a trainer wants to battle and happens to see you, you have no choice but to battle. After your first battle with a trainer, you can be the one who chooses to battle them any time as long as they are up for it. You can’t run away from trainer battles. Whoever loses the Pokémon battle has to pay the winner. If you happen to lose, you are out of Pokémon and will be transported to a Pokémon Center where you can heal your team. You can be approached by wild Pokémon as well. You can flee from a wild Pokémon unless they have an ability that prevents you from doing so. When in battle, you have to knock out the opposing Pokémon. During battle, you are allowed to use items to aid your Pokémon such as berries, heals, and potions. If you wish to catch a wild Pokémon, you need a poke ball. You can keep up to six Pokémon with you at a time but you can put any extra Pokémon in a PC at the Pokémon center. This is done automatically when your party is full. You can also switch up your party withPokémon in the PC. Pokémon can only know four moves at a time. You can choose what moves to keep and what moves to forget. Certain Pokémon can learn certain moves, it usually depends on their type and level. The highest level a Pokémon can reach is 100. On another note, it is perfectly normal to walk into people’s homes and talk to them.Actors: People or characters who play significant roles within a figured world. Example: volleyball playersMay/Brendan: This is the protagonist and your character within the game. Their goal is collect asmany Pokémon as possible, assemble a team of strong Pokémon, stop an earth-threatening organization, and become a Pokémon champion.Professor Birch: This is the Pokémon professor of the Hoenn region. He wishes to uncover the many secrets of Pokémon in the world. He also wants your help as he asks you to collect as many Pokémon as you can so that more information can be discovered.

The Friend/Rival (May or Brendan, it will be opposite of your gender): The friend in this game isafter the same goal as you. But instead of being a rival, they encourage you on your journey. Youwill occasionally have to fight them but it is only to prove how strong you have gotten.Mom: Your mom is excited yet very sad that you will already be leaving her to pursue your Pokémon journey. She stays at home and will heal your Pokémon if you come back and visit her,but she will immediately encourage you to keep on moving.Dad: Although not formally introduced yet, your dad is the gym leader of Petalburg City. It is hinted that you will eventually face him.Wally: Another friend/rival. He is quite frail and sickly but is still determined to venture in the Pokémon world.Artifacts: Physical items or feelings/emotions that are significant in some way to actors or communities of practice. Example: a volleyballPokeballs: These items are what allow you to capture wild Pokémon. They hold Pokémon inside.The care and curiosity towards Pokémon: A majority of characters will usually feel a positive feeling towards Pokémon such as affection and love. But there is so much to be learned about which creates curiosity.Potions: These are used to heal a Pokémon’s health. There are different types of potions (example: super and full restore) that heal a certain amount of health points.PokeDex: This is a tool that will log data on Pokémon that you encounter and catch. Catching Pokémon will add information to the PokeDex.Running shoes: Enable the running function. Press B and hold while moving.Berries: The fruit of the Pokémon world; every berry has a different effect on the Pokémon that eats it. Some can heal health or even a status. You can plant berries in a dirt patch after you picked the ones already there.Badges: A token of reward and proof from defeating a gym leader. There are eight badges that are each given by their corresponding gym leaders. Every gym badge even has certain effects like allowing you to control Pokémon of certain levels and being able to use certain moves.A trainer’s determination: It’s as though every trainer wants to be the best there is. Every trainer tries their hardest in battles against one another in order to prove their Pokémon’s and their own worth.Great Ball: A type of PokeBall that has a higher catch rate than a regular PokeBall.TM: Technical Machine, or TM for short, is an item that will teach Pokémon a move. This is handy because there may be a move that a Pokémon can’t learn on its own. TM’s in this game can only be used once, so use it wisely!Wailmer Pail: Shaped like the Pokémon, Wailmer, this pail is used to help your Berries grow faster once you’ve planted them.Literacy Practices: Forms of communication between communities of practices or outsiders. Can be done in a variety of ways. Example: body language or eye contact.Talking face-to-face: A majority of any communication this game will be done via talking to one another in real life and time.

Eye Contact: Making eye contact with another trainer will mean that you two must battle. It’s a strange rule but it always comes in play when you first battle a trainer.NPC advice: NPC’s generally give advice, specifically in the beginning of the game.Trainer Challenges: A trainer who challenges you to a battle will generally make themselves sound like the bigger person and try to intimidate you.Communities of Practice: a group of people who share the same interest and goal and learn together to achieve that goal of their interest. Example: a team of girls who want to play volleyballFamily: Mom, Norman, & May. This small family builds on encouragement and belief in one another. Your parents want you to explore the world of Pokémon but they want you to be safe as well. They know that you will grow up and learn on your own.Researchers: Birch, May, & Brendan. This trio is determined to study Pokémon and learn what most have yet to know. With their Pokedex and their Pokémon teams, discovering the secrets of Pokémon is a breeze.Newbies: May, Brendan, & Wally. These three are new to the world of Pokémon and will eventually become masters. They each embark on their own journey and challenge each other along the way.Gym Leaders: Norman and Roxanne have been revealed at this point, but there are six other leaders. The gym leaders are the most skilled Pokémon trainers in their towns. They are highly admired. These leaders determine your strength and defeating all eight will qualify you to challenge the Pokémon League of the Elite Four.Domain: the area of interest in which a community commits to. Example: being good at volleyball or working as a team.Pokémon: With Pokémon, every practice of every community is achievable. By collecting Pokémon, more can be learned about the world. By training Pokémon, the possibility of being a Pokémon master is greater than when you first began our journey. Through Pokémon, people learn what you are capable of. Your Pokémon reflect your journey and knowledge. This is because your Pokémon will become stronger as your progress in the game. You will also learn about your Pokémon and use your knowledge to face those who oppose you.Practices of the Communities: the actions of a community which gives this community experience and knowledge of a domain of interest. Example: playing volleyball.Catching Pokémon: In order to get information about Pokémon, you must capture Pokémon. When a new Pokémon is caught, information on it will be added to your PokeDex. The more Pokémon you catch, the more information you will have to share with Birch.Training Pokémon: The only way to make progress is to train and level up your Pokémon. By training and leveling up Pokémon, your team will be stronger and ready to fight stronger opponents that were once impossible to face.Exploring the world: Through exploring, you will not only find new areas, but new Pokémon. Assaid before, more Pokémon means more secrets uncovered.

Collecting badges: Defeating gym leaders is important but what’s really important is earning their badges so that you can show your experience to other trainers and qualify to challenge the Elite Four.00:00-2:00You are greeted by a friendly professor by the name of Birch. He tells you that you are in the world of Pokémon which is filled with creatures called Pokémon. He tells you that Pokémon can be seen as playmates, helpers, and even fighters against other Pokémon. Pokémon apparently have countless secrets to them which is what Birch is trying to uncover as a professor. Birch thenasks for your gender and your name. Once you have chosen these, Birch will reveal that you will be moving into Littleroot Town, where he happens to research Pokémon in his lab. Birch then sends you out into the world of Pokémon and advises you to stop by his lab once you’ve settled in at home.2:00-6:00You find yourself in the back of a moving truck. The truck will open and you will jump out just in front of your new home. Your mother will come from the house and welcome you home. Onceinside your new home, you can see some Pokémon called Machokes helping you and your mom move in. Your mother tells you that you have a room to yourself and that you should set up the clock that your father bought for you. Setting up the clock is more important than you think because certain Pokémon are available at certain times. Once in your room, you will find that it is ready for you to live in. You’ve got a bed, a TV, a PC, and the clock from your father is hanging on the wall. After setting up the clock, your mother will come in and share that the Machokes have finished unpacking. Once downstairs, your mother will be watching the TV and invite you over because your father happens to be on.Note: In this game, your father is a gym leader of the Petalburg gym, so you only get to see him afew times and you even have to battle him eventually.Once you reach the television, the news report on Petalburg City has already ended. While your mom is upset, she shares that Professor Birch happens to live next door and that you should introduce yourself to him. Once outside the house, you can see that Littleroot town consists of your home, Birch’s lab and his home. If you go next door to Birch’s, his wife will greet you and share that she and Birch have a son (or daughter if your character is a boy) that is about your age.The son, Brendan, happens to be upstairs and preparing for his own Pokémon journey. When yougreet Brendan, he tells you how he wishes to befriend all the Pokémon of the world. He also hopes that you and he will be able to become friends. Apparently, Brendan is supposed to be helping his father with research, so he heads out.6:00-7:00Once you leave Brendan’s house, you would have to go north where you will find a little boy in blue. Once you try to pass him, he’ll tell you that he heard someone shouting for help. Proceeding upwards, you will see Birch being chased by a Pokémon called Poochyena. He asks that you defeat the Poochyena by using a Pokémon from a pokeball in his bag. There are three pokeballs, each with a different Pokémon inside. The Pokémon are Treecko(Grass),

Torchic(Fire), and Mudkip(Water). Once you have picked a Pokémon, it will be used in your battle against Poochyena. There are a few things to note in the battle screen.You will see that your chosen Pokémon starts at level 5 (Lv: 5) while the wild Poochyena is only level 2. Next to the name of each Pokémon is a gender symbol. Typically, your starter Pokémon is most likely to be a boy. There are occasionally Pokémon who have no gender or can only be one gender. Under the name of each Pokémon, there is a green bar. The green bar represents the Pokémon’s’ health. Once the health goes down halfway, it will turn yellow. When health is below25%, it will turn red. Under your own Pokémon’s health bar there are a pair of numbers (example: 19/19). Because the Pokémon is on your team, there is a number for you to keep track of how much health your own Pokémon has. If your Pokémon takes damage, the left number willgo down (example: 10/19). There is a green dialogue box that will narrate the battle. To the right of the box, is a white box with the actions “Fight”, “Bag”, “Pokémon”, and “Run”. “Fight” will be chosen if you want to or need to fight against your opponent. “Bag” will be chosen if you want to use an item from your bag, like a potion to heal your Pokémon in-battle. “Pokémon” willbe chosen if you want to switch the Pokémon that is currently out and in battle. “Run” will be chosen if you want to run from the battle, but there are some situations when you cannot (example, during a trainer battle).The first battle of the game is a teaching method of the two types of moves: Special and Physical. Physical attacks, like Pound or Scratch, will do damage to the opponent’s health bar. Special attacks, like Growl or Leer, will do damage to the opponent’s stats like Defense and Speed.7:00-13:00After you’ve beaten the Poochyena, your starter Pokémon will gain experience points, this will happen after every battle you win. The battle screen will change to the travel screen where Birch will thank you for saving him. He takes you to his lab and comments on your battling skills by comparing you to your father. He even gives you the Pokémon that you used against Poochyena as a reward.Note: After catching new Pokémon, you have the option to give it a nickname.Birch advises you to meet up with Brendan on Route 103 so that he can teach you more about being a Pokémon trainer. This is when you finally are able to explore outside of Littleroot. Heading north, you will reach Route 101 and may run into someone who will tell you that Pokémon can be found in tall grass.Note: Tall grass is very distinct from regular ground you walk on. Tall grass will be darker and look like bushes. It will also move while you walk through it.There is also another boy who will tell you that you can heal your Pokémon at the Pokémon Center. When walking through Route 101 to Route 103, you may run into Pokémon. However, you won’t be able to catch any until you get pokeballs.Note: Every area around the world has different Pokémon. For example, through Route 101 to Route 103, you will mostly run into Poochyena, Zigzagoon, and Wurmple.

Oldale town is just above Route 101. In every town, there are NPC’s (non-playable character) that will give you advice, make small talk, or even give you items. In this town, you learn through NPC’s that PokeMarts are where you can buy items like potions and pokeballs.Note: Pokémon Centers have a bright red roof and the initials P.C. on the side. PokeMarts have a bright blue roof and “MART” on the side. There is one of each in every town.Keep going north and you eventually run into Brendan who happens to be logging what Pokémon can be found in Route 103. He challenges you to a Pokémon battle! When in battle with Brendan, you will see that his Pokémon may be stronger than yours due to the type. The Pokémon that you first choose in this game will determine what Brendan chooses. For example, if you choose Torchic (fire), Brendan will choose Mudkip (water) because Water is strong againstFire.Note: Strength in Pokémon usually depends on both type and level. Example: A level 100 fire Pokémon can easily defeat a level 3 water Pokémon.After defeating Brendan, he will have you follow him back to Birch’s lab.13:00-21:00Once at Birch’s, he gives you the PokeDex. Brendan also gives you a gift: five pokeballs. With that, you are now able to embark on your Pokémon journey, but not before you say goodbye to mom. Once you exit the lab and proceed north, your mom stops you and gives you a pair of Running Shoes. She has a hard time with her farewells but tells you to visit any time.21:00-35:00You can now start your quest by travelling through Route 102 and into Petalburg City where you will finally meet your dad. Route 102 is west from Oldale Town. In this Route, there will be wildPokémon and a handful of trainers ready to challenge you. You will also be able to pick your firstbatch of Berries.Once you’ve reached Petalburg City, you will have to meet up with your dad, Norman, before you can continue your journey. Norman is in the Petalburg Gym just up north. He notices your Pokémon and realizes that you’re on your way to be a Pokémon trainer. Suddenly, a boy comes in and interrupts. His name is Wally, he will be living in Verdanturf Town with his relatives and he wants to catch a Pokémon to keep him company. But, like yourself, Wally is new to the world of Pokémon and isn’t sure how to catch one of his own. So, Norman suggests that you side with Wally to help him catch his first Pokémon. Wally will take you to Route 102 where he will encounter a Ralts. Through this, the game will teach you how Pokémon capturing is done. Basically, it is best to weaken the wild Pokémon until their health bar has turn yellow or even red. After you’ve weakened the wild Pokémon enough, you can try throwing a pokeball from your bag to catch it. Wally manages to capture the Ralts and you are both brought back to the Petalburg Gym to report to Norman. Wally is grateful for your help and returns to his mother, leaving you with your father. Norman advises you to Rustboro City to face gym leader Roxanne. He also tells you that you must face other gym leaders and collect their badges. Norman is too strong to face right now, plus he is the fifth gym leader, so you won’t be able to challenge him sosoon.

Note: there is a specific order that you will need to face the gym leaders. This will be obvious through their levels and locations. NPC’s will usually hint on who will be next to challenge.Once this talk with your father is over, you can now continue your journey by travelling west from Petalburg.35:00-45:00You will eventually end up in Route 104 where you may be challenged by trainers and wild Pokémon. You will need to go north and into Petalburg Woods. The Petalburg Woods entrance will be seen as a clearing from countless pine trees. Going through the woods will eventually bring you to Rustboro City where you can challenge the first gym leader, Roxanne.The Petalburg Woods will give you a sense of suspense as it is darker than most areas and has an ominous tone of music. This is most likely because Bug-type Pokémon can be found here. Proceeding through the woods, you will eventually come across a man who is looking for a Pokémon named Shroomish. The conversation is cut short when a man in a blue bandana appearsfrom north. Apparently the man looking for a Shroomish is a Devon researcher who is in possession of important documents. The Devon researcher asks for you to protect him from the strange man. This second stranger is a member of Team Aqua and you will have to beat him in a Pokémon match.After defeating the Team Aqua Grunt, the Devon researcher rewards you a Great ball. Apparentlythe Team Aqua Grunt is headed towards Rustboro as you are. The Devon researcher quickly heads up there as a crisis is afoot. Keep roaming through the woods and you will end up on the north part of Route 104.45:00-50:00If you speak to the NPC to left of the exit of Petalburg Woods, he will give you a TM for the move Bullet Seed. If you keep left and enter the flower shop upwards, you can learn more about Berries and get the Wailmer Pail from a nice lady. Keep right and you’ll find a bridge, along withsome Pokémon trainers, that will bring you to Rustboro City. Observation TwoBackground Information: At this point of the observation, our protagonist will already have beaten seven out of the eight gym leaders. But we cannot forget one of the most important parts of Pokémon Sapphire Version. In this game, the antagonist group, Team Aqua, is trying to capture the legendary Pokémon, Kyogre, in order to achieve their goal of flooding the world withwater. In order to stop this from happening, May will have to take on the heads of Team Aqua and capture Kyogre. Actors:May/Brendan: This is the protagonist and your character within the game. Their goal is to collectas many Pokémon as possible, assemble a team of strong Pokémon, stop an earth-threatening organization, and become a Pokémon champion.Shelly: She is one of the admins of Team Aqua. She wants the seas to expand just as much as the organization.

Archie: The head of Team Aqua. He has somehow convinced this group that the world must be covered in water in order for Water Pokémon to live happily alongside humans.Maxie: The head of Team Magma. Leads his group to work against Team Aqua and avoid a massive flood storm.Steven Stone: Son of the president of Devon Corporation. He collects rare stones and uses Steel-type Pokémon in battle. He serves as a supporter on your journey as you get involved in a great commotion that determines the fate of the world.Artifacts:HM’s: Hidden Machines or HM’s are moves that can be taught to Pokémon. HM’s differ from TM’s because HM’s are unlimited and can be used outside of battle. HM’s will also require a certain gym badge to be obtained in order to be used. Example: In order to use the HM move Dive, you need to beat the seventh gym leaders Tate and Liza. Dive would be able to be used to dive into the ocean depths.Red Orb: The ancient item used to summon the legendary Pokémon, Groudon. However, Team Aqua mistook this orb to be the one to summon Kyogre.Blue Orb: The ancient item used to summon the legendary Pokémon, Kyogre. It is given to the player by an old woman on Mt. Pyre after Archie steals the Red Orb.Literacy Practices:Cellphones: Used between members of Team Aqua to keep in touch and give updates of the plan.Communities of Practice:Team Aqua: Grunts, Shelly, Archie. They seek to cover the world in water for the good of Pokémon and humans.Team Magma: Grunts, Maxie, etc. The rival group of Team Aqua, they are working to prevent Team Aqua’s plan from being enacted. Their true goal is unknown in this game.Domain:Pokémon: With Pokémon, every practice of every community is achievable. By collecting Pokémon, more can be learned about the world. By training Pokémon, the possibility of being a Pokémon master is greater than when you first began our journey. Through Pokémon, people learn what you are capable of. Your Pokémon reflect your journey and knowledge. This is because your Pokémon will become stronger as your progress in the game. You will also learn about your Pokémon and use your knowledge to face those who oppose you.Legendary Pokémon: By manipulating the power of legendary Pokémon, such as Kyogre, peoplecan easily get what they want. However, this can quickly backfire to cause more trouble than intended.Practices of the Communities:Disruption: Team Aqua has a twisted goal of capturing Kyogre, the legendary sea Pokémon, in order to flood the earth with water. It’s their belief that is it the only hope for a true bond betweenPokémon and humans. They do this through a series of illegal acts such as theft.Pokémon Battles: Through Pokémon battles, these actors not only prove their strength but work to get what they want.

Travel: The player travels through caves and seas. Not only does the player, but Team Aqua does well in order to complete their task of awakening Kyogre. 10:20:00-10:35:00After defeating the seventh gym leaders, Liza and Tate, your next destination will be to Team Aqua’s hideout. Their hideout is somewhere below the sea so you will need a Pokémon that knows the moves Surf and Dive. You will also need a Pokémon that knows Rock Smash and Strength in order to progress in the hideout. Once you’ve got this Pokémon, head into the ocean and south to Route 127. You will want to use Dive once you end up in a large mass of darkened water. You will now be underwater and you can follow along a path southwards which will eventually lead you to an underwater cave. Head inside and you will see a submarine that was stolen by Team Aqua. This marks the entrance to the Seafloor Cavern which is above water so you’ll need to dive up. If you head north, you will quickly see another cave entrance which you’ll need to go through.Going right then up, you will see two different types of rocks: one that looks cracked and one that looks like a sphere. The cracked rocks will need to be smashed by Rock Smash. The sphere ones will need to be pushed with Strength. Once these rocks are out of your way, head to the stairs up north and then head south to see an opening. You will most likely have to battle the two grunts before proceeding this far.In this next room, stay to your right, get the rocks out of your way, and proceed into the next opening. You need to hop of the ledge and another that will bring you to the east. You can face the Aqua Grunt if he catches you sneaking by.The next room has a bit of a puzzle to solve. It’s like a maze and paths will be blocked in most areas. There will be two entries up north. You have to figure out how to move the rocks in order to get into one of those entries. The one on the left is the right way to go. However, in order to reach it, you will have to solve the “puzzle” as if you are headed for the right room.

Once you’ve entered the left room, you will find a body of water. There are strong currents in thewater which will push May in the directions they flow.The way to go is to take the current to the right. Take another right which will bring you up to a clear spot. You will need to go on the right current which eventually takes you to the other side of the room. You will end up in another clearing with three different directions to take. Taking the one to the left takes you where you need to be in order to progress. Head north, take land, andenter the next entry.You will find yet another puzzle of boulders to push. It will seem like you need to take the entry on the right, but you will actually have to maneuver the boulders to head north where an Aqua Grunt is waiting.

This grunt is no ordinary member of Team Aqua, she is Shelly who is one of the admins. Shelly will be surprised that you made it this far and will challenge you to a Pokémon battle.

Once Shelly is defeated, May heads north to the next room. Awaiting is yet another puzzle of boulders.Once you’ve moved the boulders, you can proceed to the next room north.This next area will be very foggy. Follow the path and you will end up in the abode of the legendary Pokémon, Kyogre.10:35:00-10:40:00Approaching Kyogre will cause Team Aqua’s leader, Archie to interrupt the scene. In order for him to achieve his goal, he knows he must defeat you first. You will then be in battle with Archie.Even after defeating Archie, he is still determined to make Kyogre obey his command. Archie takes out the Red Orb and uses it on Kyogre.But something unexpected happens. Using the Red Orb caused Kyogre to leave the cavern.Archie gets a call and is told that it is raining violently outside. At first this excites Archie as he wanted this, but it is much worse than predicted.The scene is cut short yet again when Team Magma suddenly appears. Maxie, the leader of TeamMagma, is furious at Archie for causing an endless rainstorm on Earth. Eventually the world will drown under Kyogre’s wrath. Archie is still confused but Team Magma take the two of you outside to talk more.Once outside the cavern, you see how badly it’s raining. There’s a thunderstorm and the rain fallsfast. Now Archie sees his mistake. Maxie tells you how Team Magma was trying to prevent Team Aqua’s plans come into play and he advises that since you are only a child, you should stayout of the way. The two men then leave.However, you are immediately accompanied by Steven as he flies down from his Pokémon. As Steven takes in the disaster at hand, he notices that the rain is caused by a huge rain cloud that is spreading from above Sootopolis City. He flies over to figure out what is happening. This is the player’s hint to follow after Steven.10:40:00-10:50:00Once in Sootopolis City, you can see that all the buildings are locked shut as people are indoors to be safe from this rainstorm. You will need to head up north to meet up with Steven and Wallace. After introducing himself, Wallace reveals that he is the protector of the Cave of Origin.The rainfall is coming from a strange power inside this cave. Wallace will also notice the Blue Orb in your possession. He will guide you to the Cave of Origin which is just south from your current spot. Wallace tells you that you must take the Blue Orb with you inside the cave to stop this rainfall.Inside the cave will be dark which will require you to use Flash. It is possible to traverse this cave without Flash, but it will be much difficult. The first dark room requires that you move north and take the ladder to go below. The next room will take you south then to the left to another ladder. Every now and then, there is a rumbling which creates suspense. In the next room, you will need to stick to the right and the path should take you south then west to another ladder. Once in the next room, you will need to be sure to pick up the item which will be the Waterfall HM. Sticking to the left will take you north and right to another ladder.

You will now be at the source of this chaos. Kyogre will be seen in a pool of water in the center of this next room. It’s very quiet and foggy. Approaching Kyogre will cause the Blue Orb in yourpossession to glow. Once its blue glow has spread across the room, Kyogre swims towards you and engages in battle.Note: You can take a chance to capture Kyogre. But this is the only chance the player has.Once Kyogre is defeated (or captured), you can exit the Seafloor Cavern and see that the storm has stopped and all is well. Your next destination is to the Sootopolis gym to take on the eight gym leader, Wallace. His gym is at the very center of the city and surrounded by water, so you have to use Surf to get there. Observation ThreeBackground Information: At this point of the game, the player would have beaten all eight gym leaders and can now take on the Elite Four to become the Hoenn region’s Pokémon champion. By completing this task, the player essentially “beats” the game. However, there may be leftover tasks that have yet to be completed such as collecting the remaining legendary Pokémon or collecting all Pokémon of Hoenn. This observation takes place once the player has reached Ever Grande City and must go through Victory Road in order to face the Elite Four.Actors:May/Brendan: This is the protagonist and your character within the game. Their goal is collect asmany Pokémon as possible, assemble a team of strong Pokémon, stop an earth-threatening organization, and become a Pokémon champion.Wally: Another friend/rival. He is quite frail and sickly but is still determined to venture in the Pokémon world. At this point, Wally and his team have become stronger.Sydney: The first Elite to fight.Phoebe: The second Elite to fight.Glacia: The third Elite to fightDrake: The fourth Elite to fight.Steven Stone: The Pokémon champion of Hoenn and the son of the president of Devon Corporation. He collects rare stones and uses Steel-type Pokémon in battle. He serves as a supporter on your journey as you get involved in a great commotion that determines the fate of the world. As champion, he tests your strength and skill in Pokémon battling.Professor Birch: This is the Pokémon professor of the Hoenn region. He wishes to uncover the many secrets of Pokémon in the world. He also wants your help as he asks you to collect as many Pokémon as you can so that more information can be discovered.The Friend/Rival (May or Brendan, it will be opposite of your gender): The friend in this game isafter the same goal as you. But instead of being a rival, they encourage you on your journey. Youwill occasionally have to fight them but it is only to prove how strong you have gotten.Artifacts:HM’s: Hidden Machines or HM’s are moves that can be taught to Pokémon. HM’s differ from TM’s because HM’s are unlimited and can be used outside of battle. HM’s will also require a certain gym badge to be obtained in order to be used.

PokeDex: This is a tool that will log data on Pokémon that you encounter and catch. Catching Pokémon will add information to the PokeDex.Literacy Practices:Challenges: Pokémon trainers and the Elite Four will always challenge you verbally. This is meant to intimidate and motivate the player. Both the opponent and the player want to show ow strong they are, it is never about the money earned afterwards.Communities of Practice:Elite Four: Sydney, Phoebe, Glacia, Drake, Steven. These five powerful trainers will put your skills to the ultimate test. Defeating the Elite Four will crown you champion. It also gives a great sense of accomplishment.Friends: Brendan, Birch, Steven, Wally, Etc. While there to battle you for the most part, these people are to encourage the player that they are capable of their goals. They appear multiple times during your journey and are always encouraging you to do your best.Domain:Pokémon: With Pokémon, every practice of every community is achievable. By collecting Pokémon, more can be learned about the world. By training Pokémon, the possibility of being a Pokémon master is greater than when you first began our journey. Through Pokémon, people learn what you are capable of. Your Pokémon reflect your journey and knowledge. This is because your Pokémon will become stronger as your progress in the game. You will also learn about your Pokémon and use your knowledge to face those who oppose you.Practices of the Communities:Pokémon Battles: Through Pokémon battles, these actors are able show the strength of their Pokémon team and their own willpower. Battling at this point of the game is meant to show your growth. But of course it will determine whether you are worthy of being a Pokémon champion ornot.11:35:00-11:50:00Victory Road requires the HM’s Strength, Surf, and Rock Smash. Flash and Waterfall HM’s are optional but not necessary, however they may make the journey easier. Victory Road is full of strong trainers and wild Pokémon.Once in Victory Road, the player is to follow the path which takes them to the right side of the area. They will eventually run into an elevated part on the southern area. May takes the stairs up this elevation and crosses the bridge. Once on the other side, another elevation will be up north which May will have to head towards. Again, there is a bridge to cross. On the other side of this bridge and up north will be a latter to take down.The next room is dark so Flash can be used to make it bright. May has to go south and move a couple boulders out of the way with Strength. The path ahead will take her to a pair of boulders and rocks move and smash respectively. Once these rocks are out of the way, the path continues and brings May to yet another elevation and a bridge to cross. On the other side there is a ladder to climb upwards which is optional as there are a couple items you can grab. Otherwise, May hasto hop of the ledge to the left of the ladder and keep left until she reaches the ladder to go down.

Once in the next room, May has to go north and surf across the body of water that appears. On the other side are stairs to go up. Following the path and staying down will bring you to a bridge to cross to the left side. The path will take you north and to a body of water to surf. May has to go down the waterfall and head right to reach a ladder.The next room takes you south and to the right to reach another pair of rocks and boulders. Once they are taken care of, pass through and take the ladder north. The next room brings May to a bridge. Once the bridge has been crossed, May needs to head north which will finally bring her to the exit.However, before May reaches the exit, she is stopped by her old friend, Wally. Wally may have lost to you before, but now he is determined to show that he has grown since that day, so he challenges you to a battle.Once you have defeated Wally, your travel through Victory Road has ended and you can finally make your way to the Elite Four on the other side of Ever Grande City. You can take an easy trip all the way to the Pokémon League by following the red brick road.11:50:00-11:58:00Inside will be a Pokémon Center and a PokeMart. In between these two areas, two boys will be blocking an entrance. In order to continue on to the Elite Four, you must have collected the eight gym badges, so the two boys will check to be sure that you have them all. Once you have been qualified, you can go through the entrance.“Trainer! Believe in yourself and your Pokémon, and go Forth!”Note: Once you enter, there is no turning back.Through the entrance will be some blue stairs that take you to the first Elite, Sydney. Sydney is known for his Dark-type Pokémon and his arena is a bright red.After Sydney is defeated, the doors behind him open which brings you to the stairs that lead to the next Elite, Phoebe.11:58:00-12:08:00Phoebe has a party of Ghost-type Pokémon. Her arena is purple and has what looks like demolished structures.After Phoebe is defeated, the doors behind her open which will eventually take you to the next Elite, Glacia.12:08:00-12:18:00Glacia has a team of Ice-type Pokémon, Her arena matches her Pokémon-type as it has ice blocks and is a light blue color.Once you have defeated Glalie, the doors behind her open and you can proceed to take on the last Elite, Drake.12:18:00-12:33:00Drake has a team of Dragon-type Pokémon. His arena is very intimidating in its strong red tone and spiked decorations,After Drake is defeated, all that is left is to take on the Pokémon champion, Steven Stone. The doors behind Drake will take you to a long set of stairs that build up the intimidation of the next battle.

12:33:00-12:48:00Steven’s arena is in an octagonal shape and is purple-toned. Your character will automatically be brought to him once the doors behind you shut. Steven wants you to take him on with everythingyou’ve learned through your journey.After defeating Steven, he congratulates you proudly. He recognizes your true power that you share with your Pokémon. Just as he is about to announce you champion, your friend, Brendan will appear. He’s just about to give you advice on beating Steven when he realizes that the job has already been done. Suddenly, Professor Birch appears as well to congratulate you and take a look at your PokeDex. There’s one more room to enter in this building which Steven guides you to.This last room is where the records are taken from the Elite Four battles and champions are honored. Your name, along with your Pokemons’, are about to be recorded as champions.This is when the game lets you see your winning team and be congratulated. Your Pokémon are now part of the Hall of Fame. Thus, the credits roll.12:48:00-12:56:00The credits consist of your character riding on their bicycle through the hours of the day. The landscapes and the colors of sky behind you will change as the hours go by. Every now and then will be a slight slideshow of the Pokémon you have encountered and/or caught. At about a minute and half within the credits, your rival will show up on their bike and pass by. Your character stares and speeds up their peddling. Soon, your character has caught up with your rival and is now in the lead. The last Pokémon on the slideshow will always be your starter Pokémon in their first evolution. It is now nighttime and your character and rival bike off-screen. “The End” is in white against a black background. A very light tone of music plays.InterviewsElisa, 23Tell me what stands out to you about Pokémon Sapphire from the previous Pokémon video games?Well, the first detail that comes to my mind are probably the secret bases. I loved decorating them with dolls and posters however I pleased. Then there are the Pokémon from that generation.A lot of my favorites, such as Absol, Gardevoir or Tropius are from that one. Next would be the weather system, I think. Who wouldn't want to walk around in puddles in the rain all day?Describe what makes the Pokémon franchise so successful?Probably the pet-aspect. Since it's pretty much a feeling of 'raising your own family' and going on adventures with your friends. Other than that, probably the competitive scene. People like being the best. For me it was always the collecting-aspect. I like having one of each and being able to breed for people.But if we go to the economic side, it was probably the anime produced to promote the games thatactually brought it to the masses.Describe what challenged you in Pokémon Sapphire?

Getting around the many, many Tentacools, would be my first thought. Or actually finding the Pokémon I want and catching them. Getting a Ralts early game or an Absol later that had that specific gender you want for that one nickname was just tedious.Give an example of how Pokémon impacted your lifeWell, it was probably the first thing in a long line that I 'obsessed' about. I found that usually I 'cling' to one thing in particular, then get bored of it and move on. But Pokémon has been sticking around for, well, most of my life, really.[Pokémon] Helped me make friends (and hopefully will do so again with Pokémon Go), gave mesomething to do when I was at home and done with school work, since my parents weren't very interested in spending time with me. It helped me to slightly get along with my older brother, too. It was really one of the few things I could always go back and rely on, really.Nowadays I’m thinking about starting a livestream channel on twitch.tv, focused on randomized Pokémon games.Tell me what you like about playing Pokémon SapphireWell, I know it very well, so I like, well, randomizing it and seeing what I'm going to get. I'm notvery fond of some of the Pokémon in gen 4 and 5 (I skipped over b/w because of that), so the Pokémon available in-game are my favorite selection, minus gen 6 Pokémon, which I’ve grown to like a lot. But I can't exactly get those in SapphireIt was also the first Pokémon game I was actually old enough to really 'enjoy'. I played Red and Gold, sure, but I don't remember it much. Sapphire sticks out to me more.Tell me what concerns you about the Pokémon franchise in the future, do you think they will eventually run out of ideas? Or have they already have?Alright. The biggest problem from my point of view is probably that they just keep creating new Pokémon out of bad ideas, instead of stopping at a good number. If they run out of ideas, they'll either not create any more or throw in every stupid idea they can think of, which would drastically lower the quality of the games. So the missing realization of 'okay, enough is enough' would be problematic in that regard.If we look at the close future, Pokémon Go is a very neat idea, but it also throws up a lot of problems. Mostly the fact that there will be people who will use it for other things that their intended purposes. If children playing it aren't properly supervised, they could very easily be stolen away, the 'wild Pokémon' spots could be easily used to find easy victims.And let's be honest, Nintendo is only just dipping a toe into the pond of mobile games. They've done micro transactions well so far, in my opinion, but that could easily change with this one. Accidentally save your payment-details in the google store and give your phone to your kid and you could be in a lot of trouble.Also, Nintendo’s current copyright-actions worry me. If they eventually take down anything related to their franchises, it could very well stamp the popularity of Pokémon into the ground. Especially with those Yokai games coming out, they could very easily overtake them. I think some of the earlier Yokai games have already overtaken some Pokémon games in japan. So Pokémon will maybe someday end up as 'the old thing' while that Yokai series becomes the new 'Pokémon' thing.

I like the idea that they recently used in the anime, where Ash's Greninja started looking like its trainer. That could offer up a new branch of customization in Pokémon, so they wouldn't need to bring out new Pokémon from bad ideas. I'd like to be able to customize something else than Pikachu all the time.Tell me what stands out to you about Pokémon from any other video game?Well-executed turn-based rpg combat, for starters. With even Final Fantasy abandoning that classic format, Pokémon really becomes one of the better alternatives.Next up, variety. With over 700 Pokémon, and a lot of games, there's something in it for everyone.It's also easily accessible, legal or not, since it's very easy to get an emulator and the games or a romhack from somewhere. Those things can even emulate the games on phones, so you can take it with you, too!You can also play it for a very long time if you're into shiny hunting or competitive, while some mmo's can very easily run out of content. As long as the story isn't the end, it is very difficult to 'finish' a Pokémon game, as long as you have personal goals. Sure, Monster Hunter does that, too, but that game series is a bit more difficult.The Pokémon community is also one of the more creative ones out there. If you're looking for a particular fan art or game, you're probably going to find it somewhere.Seth Boyer, 19Tell me what stands out to you about Pokémon Sapphire from the previous Pokémon video games?Well, they started doing dual typing a lot more in this game as well as double battles! The only bad thing about it is that they added another water HM, haha. There are way too many water ones.Describe what makes the Pokémon franchise so successful?It’s a long game, there are tons of ways to go about it. It’s an adventure entirely free to you. Theykeep core elements and carefully implement new intimidating ones that have always impressed fansDescribe what challenged you in Pokémon Sapphire?Pokémon Sapphire had a lot more adventuring than any other Pokémon game. Even the new ones. Giving the Dive option made finding legendaries so much more difficult than before.Give an example of how Pokémon impacted your lifePokémon has helped me so much! It all started at my cousin’s house when he was playing Pokémon Crystal. He gave me a copy of Gold and Blue, and I was hooked. It stirred my imagination like no other game could and I went to the show from there. Pokémon is beautiful game series and it will always be a part of my life. It has been an amazing coping mechanism and great imagination fuel for me.Tell me what you like about playing Pokémon SapphireGeneration three has some of my favorite Pokémon! And it has so many fun cute things like the secret base to stash all your goodies!

Tell me what concerns you about the Pokémon franchise in the future, do you think they will eventually run out of ideas? Or have they already have?I feel like they’re already starting to. I could rant about this for hours but here’s all I need to say. A garbage Pokémon. What a phenomenal idea.I’m not sure they will run out of ideas for other things besides Pokémon designs, however. Nintendo has been good about taking full advantage of their technology and constantly with eachnew generation game giving us more surprises while keeping us happy with remakes in between.That’s genius.Tell me what stands out to you about Pokémon from any other video game?Probably the turn-based strategy mixed with the fact that you can choose your little warrior friends and customize them down to the smallest detail. The fact that they’re made with many goals to accomplish. I have 400+ hours and I still never did everything I wanted in Black.

Observation OneWednesday, September 16, 2015

Track and Field Athletes at UNC Charlotte

Relevant Background Information: In observation one, the track team’s location for Wednesday, September 16th, 2015, was on the side of a hill. However, not every workout is going to be over on hills. Every track workout consist of different locations and/or indoor activities. It's important to realize that, one day the team may have to work out on the field, other days they may have track speed work workouts or go to the gym to lift weights.

Figured World: A figured world is a group in society with its own rules and regulations on how to carry itself meanwhile, knowing their place in society as well.

For the past four years of my life, I strongly believed in the saying “track is life”! Therefore, I figured, what better thing for me to observe and choose to base my figured world offof than what I have devoted four years of my life to. I have decided to observe track and field athletes. For one, I was a track athlete myself in high school, and I currently have the school records for four different events.

However, my last two years were not my best years to say in the least. Some coaches choose to leave, others did not care, and the team I had once thought of as a family was falling apart. My times were getting worse, and I had no clue how to train myself. I was giving it (track)my all and receiving nothing in return. I have often wondered if I had lost my passion for track? Iknow for a fact that one should not let the actions of others deter them for their passions, goals, and ambitions. For this reason, I would like to take a step back and look at what being a truly devoted track athlete in college entails from a different point of view- in hopes of rekindling the flame I had once had for track.

What attracts people to track is the same thing that tends to lead them astray; it’s a challenge. Track is more than physically challenging but mentally challenging as well. Many people are mentally weak and lack self- motivation and never make it through a whole season. I know for a fact that any and every track athlete will often question themselves on why they are torturing their bodies? But once again, track a sport for those who wish to learn how far they can push themselves in every aspect. Track and field, in my opinion, is one of the best sports in the world, because it is a place for fun and seriousness. Its is imperative to know the difference between these two things.

One must know how to enjoy themselves and have fun! Yet, there is a time and place for such things. On that track, when you are out there, you are conducting business with a set goal inmind; break records, set times, have fun, and win! A track athlete cannot have a giving- up attitude, they must have perseverance. They must always be positive, never complain, and learn how to be an individual team player.

One thing I learned from track is that there is no such thing as a complete loss. In track you either Win, or you Learn from your loss. Always keep your head up, and figure out what to do to better yourself and the team for the next time. And there is definitely no such thing as beingtoo loud at a track meet! You yell and shout in support of your fellow track mate ‘till you cannot shout anymore! You must always be there for your team mates because the team must be like a family in order to persevere.

Actors: Actors are people in the given figured world with that play a certain key role in society. These people help the figure world proceed by leading and setting the stage for success.

● Coaches: The coaches serve as the leaders of the whole track team in general. The coaches come up with the workouts, critique the athletes and helps motivate them as well. The athletes seem to look up to the coaches for guidance. The coaches always have control of the team.

● Athletes: The athletes are those who make up the team. They do everything they can to please the coaches and their teammates. They motivate each other and try to succeed as a whole and yet compete with each other in the process.

● Physical trainer: The physical trainer has a small yet very important role on the team. For whatever injury or mistake the athlete makes or whatever question the coach may have about the well being of the athlete, the physical trainer is always there to help and and answer question.

Notice: The team is very much so like a close nit family. The father of the team would be the coaches; there for leadership and helpful criticism. The athletes are like that siblings, supportingeach other yet, always competing for the approval of their father. And the physical trainer is like the mother; there to kiss the boo-boo’s and make the team feel better.

Artifacts: Artifacts are the physical objects and emotions that are valuable and highly significantto the figured world.

● Baton/ Water Bottle: The baton and waterbottle are highly praised artifacts of all track athletes. One will never thrown or drop a batton on the track, for it is seem as bad luck for the team. And without water, they athletes would not perform successfully.

● Uniform/work out clothes: Everyone wore something similar when they worked out. In a way, one could tell that this too helped the team feel more unified.

● Coaches Timer: The time is their real enemy. They must get a certain amount of sets done by a certain time or they would have successfully conquered the work out of the day.

● Perseverance: The willingness to keep on fighting and pushing one’s self past mental and physical failure.Being positive, and knowing that the rest of the team is there to help you keep going is all that’s needed. Knowing that everything that they are putting in (to their workout) they will receive in return (at a track meet).

Communities of Practice: Group of people that share a common interest/ ideas/ and goals within the figured world.

● “Team Captains”: No one was identified as the team captain(s). However, while observing, it quickly became obvious who were the leaders of the team and who the other teammates looked up to (besides the coaches). There was always the same three people that the rest of the team seemed to follow.

Domain/Practices of Community: Domain and the practices of the community are the soul purpose and/or goals of the figured world. It is the main reason why the community was created. This is the “glue” and focus of the group which allows them to come together as one.

● Challenging Workouts: These workouts are mentally and physically draining. However, the team knows why they desire to push themselves and that they carry the name of their team on their shoulders. Each and every person refuses to let each other down.

● Desire to Win: These athletes know that they are a part of a team. Therefore, they win and/or lose together as one. With this in mind, they continue to motivate one another and always have some healthy competition within the team themselves.

Literacy: Literacy are the ways in which the members of the said figured world communicate. Whether the community communicates verbally or through body language.

● Simultaneous Group Activities (stretching): The only way these athletescommunicate while they are working out is verbally and/or through body language. No one brings their phones down to the track with them. Therefore it really is not a distraction. They speak nonverbally with their body language. They play, tease, and mess around with each other by squirting water on each other or picking at one another. Most of the communicating occurs during scratches or water breaks.

Note that the following observations took place over the first 60 minutes of practice. However, the total practice time is about 80 minutes. The last 20 minutes of practice was not observed because I had a 3:30 class. Luckily, I was informed by the coach that the last 20 minutes of practices consisted of basic stretches. Also, note that there is not an exact set time for each activity due to the fact that people's bodies fatigue at different rates and the coaches want to fit in the whole workout. Therefore, the time segments that I arranged my observations off of was whenever the team proceeded to the next activity.

Observation One:Wednesday, September 16th, 2015

2:00pm: People began to show up to practice. Some were already changed and others headed up to the locker room to get changed. The coaches held regular conversations about a football game

they had seen over the weekend. As the athletes began to file down onto the track, some already begin to anticipate what the workout consisted of. Some seem to have already known that today was "hill day". The athletes all gathered around the 100 mark number line, drinking water and being playful with each other.

2:13pm: Coach Brewer calls the team to attention and they all meet on the track at the 100 line. Thus, they begin their practice. Since today was "hill's" day, the athletes only ran one warm up lap and began stretching.

2:17pm: The stretches are as follows:1. Side leg openers: This is where the athlete lays on their side and lift their

leg up 90 degrees into the air and back down. This stretch is to stretch out the interview hamstrings and buttocks meanwhile warming up the muscle.

2. Note that is air swing jumping jacks are done in between each one of the dynamic stretches. This is when the athlete runs sideways while opening their arms and legs out simultaneously looking like a jumping jack in a sideways motion.

3. Back leg twist stretch: This is when the athlete lays flat on their stomach and twist their legs. Left leg twisting to the right side of their body and the right leg twisting to the left side of her body.

4. Stand up leg cross side stretch: This is when the athlete stands crosses the right foot over the love reaches down to touch their toes. They repeat this on the left foot as well.

5. A skips: the athlete skips hard and high with a quick hip motion and repeats this with the left and right foot while going forward.

6. Toe touches: the athlete stands straight up feet together bends over and touches to their toes. This stretches the hamstrings, butt and back.

7. Side skip jumping jack again. 8. Low side to side squats: the athlete gets into a squatting position with the

right leg out to the side and pivot the body left to right. The stretches the hamstrings and calves muscles.

9. Mario skips: the athlete skips high into the air with the opposite me versus elbow into the air at the same time.

10. Leg swings (side and front): each person went to go find themselves on isolated area against the gate and sung their legs one at a time in front of them and to the side of them.

11. Lunges12. Knees to chest: the athlete will lay on the ground on their back and bring

their knee to their chest.13. High knee karaoke's: the athlete twist their bodies with their right foot in

front of the left foot alternating it with the left foot in front of the right foot as the leg swings to the side you pop it up.

14. Ankle rolls15. Calves stretches

2:30pm: The coaches allow for a very short water break. Some get water and others continue to do individual stretching.

2:32pm: At this time the athletes gathered back together to continue stretching. The stretches were as the following:

1. Hill toe stretches2. Tiptoe low bounds: the athlete does a short little down movement

circulating on their tiptoes.3. "A skips" line by line: as mentioned before the athlete does a skips

however they did them in groups of five. Note: This was done so that the coaches can critique each athlete individually on their form. The coaches continue to watch the athletes form and critique them for the rest of the stretches.

4. B skips5. Low butt kicks: this is when the athlete does a small running circular

motion and fix the heel of their foot to their butt.6. High knees7. Single leg fast twitch muscle stretch: this is when the athlete does a quick

skip on one foot and rotates the other foot in a quick upward motion.8. Backwards run for 75 meters9. Sprint out 75 meters

2:40pm: At this time the athletes had a water break. There was less talking amongst everyone andfew others continued stretching in the coaches communicated as the they watch the athletes.

2:45pm: The team finished hydrating and walked their way to the hill. People were playing around with each other, laughing and squirting water on each other.

2:53pm: They reached the hill on the side of the road. The hill had a slight incline. Several of the athletes commented" this should be easy" as they messed around with each other. The coaches had them lined up in rows of three . The females had to run 120 meters uphill, to thefinish line where coach Brewer stood in 21 to 27 seconds and the males had to run 120 meters within 19 and 24 seconds and jog back to the starting line where coach AJ stood. The team did five sets up hill. They continued to motivate each other, although as time went on there was less talking amongst the group.

3:01pm: At this time they were given a water break. Most of the team had taken their shirts off and were drenched in sweat. The coaches seemed to have been talking about the team off in the distance.

3:04pm: The coaches lined the team back up and the team did eight more sets. The team communicated mostly through body language now; giving each other high fives and fist bumps. There was much less talking and a loss of energy.

3:14pm: The workout had ended and the team walked back to the track with very little talking. They were still giving each other high fives and communicated through body language. A few

teammates would make eye contact, shake their heads and just chuckle as if there was a mutual or shared understanding of how one another felt.

Observation Two: Friday, September 18th, 2015

Note: I arrived about 30 minutes late to the workout due to a meeting I had to attend. However, once again, I was informed by the coach that the athletes had already completed their dynamic stretches (which were the same as the stretches in observation one from 2:17-2:40). I arrived justas they began their second set.

2:31pm: As I arrived, the team was on their water break, they had just completed their first set(run). I noticed that their was a significant difference in the number of people who were there. In my first observation, it seemed as if the whole team was present; 35-40 people more or less. However, today there was only five runners; three mid-distance and two distance runners. I suppose since it was the hottest time of the day, the rest of the team had decided to have their workouts at an earlier time in order to avoid the heat.

I was informed that today's workout consisted of 5x600s for the mid-distance, 4x800s for the distance runners and an ab circuit workout. As the team drank their water and stretched, communication was at a regular level- no one seems to be extremely winded- their recovery timeis fairly quick.

2:42pm: The team lines back up as the coach speaks about how he wants this next set to be ran. The conversation wanders off onto the topic of a cookout for about two minutes then coach calls the group back together at attention. The team laughs and relaxes in about three seconds they become focused and take off again.

As they run, it's becomes obvious who the distances versus the mid- distance runners are. They all have wonderful form as they run, but the difference in speed is hard to over look. The 600 runners were obviously faster than the 800 runners just as it was obvious that the 800 runners had much more stamina and a sense of "pacing" themselves out. The coach yells out the time as each person runs to the end of their mark.

2:47pm: Water break! The 600 runners walk across the field as the 800 runners finish their run. Once again their breathing is rather leveled and as they compose themselves, the talking escalates. Some are using the roller ( a long tubular bar with large beads on it) for their hamstringand others are stretching.

2:52pm, 2:55pm, and 3:01- The same process as before is repeated.

3:03pm: The running portion of the workout is complete. They all relax, drink water, stretch and talk till it is time to move into the conference room to d abs.

3:20: As we transition from the track to the conference room, the coach speaks to the team about the new material they hope to purchase for the track. As the team does their ab workout, the amount of talking shifts drastically- no one really speaks at all. The only time they actually speakand joke around is during the plank exercise. Maybe they do this to take their minds off of the strain they are putting on themselves. The core workout is as follows:

1. Crunches x 202. Toe touches x 203. Leg Raises x 204. Alternating knee (a.k.a. bicycles) x 20 5. Russian Twists x 206. V- ups x 127. Flutter kicks x 208. Hyper x 159. Planks x 30 seconds10. Side Planks x 3o seconds each side

3:35pm: Today's workout is now complete. The team spoke to the coach about what tomorrow's workout is going to be like and then the team broke it down "Charlotte on three!... One... Two... Three... CHARLOTTE!".

Observation Three:Saturday, September 19th, 2015

Note: I was informed by a friend of mine and the coach that the team still has to do workouts on the weekends, however they are "individual workouts". The athlete has to go to the weight room (varsity athletes weight room) and workout their individually or they may do a workout with a small group of people from the team.

2:05pm: I arrived at the gym with my friend, Saadiq Sweezer. He is a mid- distance runner on theteam and is highly respected and looked up to by many of the team members. It did not take me long to realize that the "weights on your own" written out on the 2015-2016 Charlotte Track andField Fall Conditioning sheet literally meant- working out on your own.

I think this is a pretty good idea because it allows the athlete to workout whatever muscle group they believe their weakness in order to better themselves. I saw about seven different track runners in the gym that I could recognise and each one of them were doing their own work out. Some athletes were targeting their shoulders and others were working on strengthening their hamstrings. However, everyone fit at least one of the following workout into their schedule:

Glut/Core Circuit:25 reps each, 25 abs between each:

1. Knee to Shoulder2. Ceiling Raisers3. Fire Hydrant4. Straight leg lifts5. Side Straight Leg

Pillar Circuit: 1. Crunches x 252. Hip Raisers x 103. Pelvic Twist x 104. Twisting Crunch x 255. Lying Knee Raises x 106. Crab Ups x 107. Skydivers x 108. Side Reaches x 20

2:50pm: This is when Saadiq had completed his workout and everyone else that I had recognizedfrom the team had already left. I realized that the coaches are fairly lenient when it comes to Saturday workouts. No one has to "check in" or do a specific work out. As we were leaving, three more people from the team arrived.

Interview One: Saadiq Sweezer

Track and Field Interview Questions

1. Discuss how track in high school differs from track in college. (Coaches, Athletes, Training, etc.)

● Here they challenge us more and expect so much more out of us. The athletes here are already developed so we just have to be "polished". We don't have to spend the first half of the season just conditioning and trying to get into shape because we are already there- for the most part. A lot of people on the team are much more serious about being here on the team than in high school too. Back in high school, just about any and everyone could join the team, but here your spot is earned.

2. Give an example of the best and the worst thing you've noticed about the team and your own performance.

● The best thing about this team: we are all just freaking good! And we help push each other

constantly. The only bad thing I'd have to say is that the little freshmen think that these workouts are hard now... wait 'till season actually starts. Now for myself, I'm a pretty great motivator, people look up and depend on me- which could be a good thing or a bad thing. The only weakness I could think of for myself though, would be- that if the team messes up, I feel like it is my fault.

3. Why did you decide on continuing your track career? What is it that you love about being a track athlete?

● TRACK IS LIFE! Come on now! You know this Dinora! Just knowing that I've pushed myself further than what most people would or that I dusted someone is the greatest feeling in the world. Plus I'm good at it so why not? But really, track is just my go to. I don't know what I'd be like if i didn't run.

4. Describe what characteristics you would say the "ideal/perfect" athlete would have.

● Honestly- someone like Usain Bolt. He's a sprinter with long legs! He looks like he needs to be running the 400- I know he does, but who would have thought that he wasa sprinter. He is THE best at what he does and is 100% dedicated to it (track). Despite his background or the way he grew up, he knew he had a dream of becoming the best and so that's what he did- became the best.

5. What concerns do you have so far about the team? How would you want to go about fixing the problem?

● I really don't have any real concerns for the team. We are just doing some real conditioning stuff nowso I haven't had the chance to see everyone to perform yet. But one way to fix any problem within a track team- remind that person(s) of why they are in the spot they are in now- they had to earn it- so prove that you wantto keep it.

6. Describe the most efficient type of workout. (The ideal work out)

● Well it really all depends on what events you're trying to get better in. But I think the most improvement could be seen from a runner that does interval or lateral work outs, you know? Taking of with a good speed till you reach the 100 then stride, then sprint the last 100. Building up like that work your muscles and makes you learn how to run then you don't think you have anything left.

7. Discuss why you enjoy going to track meets?

● Track meets are just so hyped! Everyone believes that their team is the best or that they could dust you- till you're up on that line and teach them a lesson! But really I just like racing and watching everyone cheer everyone else.

8. Give an example(s) of what the challenges are?

● The main challenge to running is mental toughness and figuring out how far you're willing to push yourself. Nailing a hand off (passing a baton in a relay team) isn't aseasy as some people may think it is- especially when you look so good.

9. Describe how important track is to you?

● Like I said before- track is life- and I mean that. It's so much more than a hobby, it's a lifestyle. It'll affect everything you do; eat, sleep, drink and even think or how you treat people. I've learned so many valuable things from running track it's ridiculous; relying on others, good sportsmanship, how to push myself, focus, patients... I just don't know what else to say.