Timeline by Brendan Bershefski

Farewell to Ithaca

bbershefski27 — 2024-05-29 17:38:23 UTC

This is like when Odysseus left Ithaca to go fight and lead in the war, he left his family to go battle. When I was little I went down the shore with my friend. It was my first time away from home without my parents, I was a mamas boy and was never without my mom for a few hours at most let alone a week. The first few hours had gone by and I was fine, however when the time came to go to bed I couldn't stop crying. I cried and cried for my mom but my friend's mom had said she called her and she was on my way to get me. She didn't actually call my mom but it was enough for me to go to bed. I am thankful she didn't call her because the next 6 days were some of the most memorable days of my life. I became more adventurous and more independent. When I got home everything was the same but different, I still was and am close with my mother but I stopped clinging to her like I used to.

The Lotus eaters

bbershefski27 — 2024-05-29 17:51:48 UTC

When Odysseus came across the Lotus Eaters some of his men ate the lotus and didn't want to go home anymore. When I went to Philadelphia over this memorial day weekend I stayed in a hotel in the middle of the city. I witnessed some of the weirdest and unique things I have ever seen. I would say I've been pretty sheltered from drugs and poverty for most of my life but seeing in full effect for the first time I can say truthfully changed my life. From the view of my hotel room was an alley way, there was a homeless man. I watched hundreds of people walk past this man and not even look at him. I watched him fall asleep under a streetlight just to give him some safety. It is truly shocking how different life in the city is from the suburbs. I think that staying in that hotel in the middle of the city has changed my point of view in life. I think that seeing the effects of drugs and homelessness has made me realize how lucky I am to have a loving family that works hard for what they have.

Penelope

bbershefski27 — 2024-05-29 18:07:18 UTC

In the Odyssey Odysseus is married to his wife Penelope, when he is away for all the years there were people trying to take his spot as king and marry her she always stayed loyal and faithful to Odysseus. For me my Penelope is my best friend Colin, he has been my best friend since 6th grade and has always been there for me whether it's my highest of highs or lowest of lows he's been there. If I need something in the middle of the night I know I can call him and he would pickup and talk me through what's going on. Over the summer I always go to his house and swim in his pool even when he's not there. Colin and I have been separated though, we have gone to different schools. He went to Seton Hall Prep and I went to knolls. When he first told me that I was heartbroken. I was afraid that he and I wouldn't be friends anymore. But time has proved me wrong, Colin and I are still best friends and our friendship is stronger than ever. I feel like everybody needs a Penelope or a Colin

Argus

bbershefski27 — 2024-05-29 18:16:23 UTC

Odysseus has a very old dog named Argus. During his time away Argus never died and longed for his master to return. I have a very fluffy golden retriever named Cooper. He isn't very smart or athletic like Argus but he is the best dog I could ask for because he loves unconditionally and all he wants is attention and treats. I got Cooper during 7th grade year in the winter. We named him after Cooper Kupp who was the MVP of the Superbowl that year, he also just looks like a Cooper. Ever since we got him he has been my best friend. He is always so happy to see me when I get home, and wants to play with his favorite toy.

Defeat of the Suitors

bbershefski27 — 2024-05-29 18:25:01 UTC

When Odysseus arrived home he found that there were many suitors trying to marry his wife. There were so many of them and only himself and his son Telemachus could take them on with the help of Athena and Zeus, however they still managed to win. For my 8th grade football team our Defeat of the Suitors was the Mount Olive football team. The year prior they beat us in the championship 42-0. However this year we were fortunate enough to rematch them except we were stronger and better than ever. Mount Olive didn't lose a game ever, their record was 34-0. It was an absolute battle all game long and the battle raged on into overtime. On their last offensive play I had swatted the ball down to give us the ball back as well as an interception in the first half. We had beaten them 22-16. Our last ever game we beat the undefeated team.