Our last batch of writers is here!!

Remember to read all of the selections for this month  (May)--   comments are for this latest group only (no earlier months/submissions, or last year's submissions)

All Students:  Be sure to read the entries for this group  (May writers).  Everyone is required to comment on at least TWO different pieces of writing.  You must post the comment here on the blog (below the post is the "comments" link to click) AND cut and paste your comments, complete with dates and times, on to a Word document and turn it in to me by May 15.  You must do both to get credit for comments this month.

Remember, comments must be positive, supportive, constructive, and SPECIFIC.  No "Good Job!" comments, unless you follow that with specific things you thought were done well in the piece.  Show them you actually took the time to read and enjoy their work!

"My Hard Work" by Kiara W

It’s September 26, 2017 at 9:30 in the evening. I’ve just arrived home from practice and I am about to start on my homework. As my computer is loading I am thinking about my future and what I would want to pursue my profession in. A notification appears on my screen of an email from my dream college. Thinking that it is going to remind me to send in the last of my application attachments, I continue to open it. Instead of seeing the information that is needed to finish my application I see “Congratulations! You have been admitted to Washington State University for the fall 2018 semester.”  I clearly was shocked and did not understand what I was reading until I showed my mother and she started crying. Next to show was my father. He was the one who showed me this college. Before I knew about Washington State I was looking into University of Washington and Oregon State University. At first when looking for a college I was just looking at the scenery and what the class ratio would be. I finally started looking into How the students and teachers from previous years worked together. Picking the school started when I chose to take the junior experience field trip and was able to sit in on a class and get a hands on one on one with the professor knowing that there were 30 other people in the room and this professor was able to get an overlook of all the students by simple asking them a couple of questions and be able to know their intentions for that student already. This was really the ice breaker of this school. Reading the email over and over finally realizing what all of my handwork had helped me to achieve. I was able to get into my top school and do it by myself. I achieved my goal of being the first in my family able to attend a four year university. The stress of taking extra classes all 4 years of high school. The late nights of studying all payed off to be able to say that I am a future cougar of Washington State University. Even when you are busy with extracurricular and stress of school and graduation the hard work that you've expressed through your work and dedication shows at the end.

"Abnormally Normal" By Maybel O

“Why does your eye look like that? Are your glasses double-lensed? They're so weird.” she said.

The milky white galaxy on my deformed left pupil stared back at her through a concave lens a centimeter thick.

          Although they were nothing new, my classmate’s words took me by surprise. I felt my cheeks burn hot red. A lump in my throat formed as sweat began to bead on my forehead. I could only stammer, “Umm...it’s a long story...” as I frantically tried to think about an explanation that wasn’t too technical.

          “I’m completely blind in my left eye because I was born three months premature.” I finally answered. After being asked by countless peers about my appearance, that's the standard answer I have crafted. The shock on their faces that often follows is always interesting to watch.

          I walk into my first class of the morning and take my seat in the middle of the front row. Honors Physics. I bend down to concentrate on the current assignment.

“Maybel, did you not get enough sleep this morning? Sit up please.” my teacher notes.

          With my right eye’s 20/100 vision, my head sits less than an inch away from my desk, my nose barely brushing the surface of it. To others, I look half asleep. Quite amusing sometimes. “Sorry, I can't help it. I can't see otherwise.” I explain. It's an unavoidable obstacle for me. Squinting at small text, walking right up to the board, asking for enlarged papers, and being careful as I walk down stairs are a part my daily life.

          My physics teacher proceeds with the day's lesson. Projectile motion is the topic of interest today. He writes the necessary formulas on the board. Despite being seated in the front row, all I can see are microscopic lines of numbers and symbols. Not wanting to interrupt my teacher's lecture, I quietly ask the classmate seated next to me if I can see her notes for a moment.

          A few days later, we test on the concepts we learned. I'm handed my enlarged copy, a monstrosity on large 11x14 inch poster paper. Classmates stare. I've grown used to it over the years. Sometimes, I'm secretly relieved if a teacher forgets to enlarge a paper because I feel normal. Sometimes, I feel like an outsider.

But then again, there's no use in trying to be “normal.”

          People often ask me what it looks like to be able to only see through one eye. Likewise, I often wonder what it would be like to have sight in both eyes. I'll never know, and that's OK.

          For me, being cautious about my surroundings, extra meticulous in completing assignments, and asking for help when I can't see something became commonplace from a young age. Because I have no depth perception, going down stairs is a struggle. I have tripped over the edge countless curbs, both painted and unpainted ones. In elementary school, it was embarrassing to have to receive extra help. Although I was fortunate enough to never be bullied, I knew classmates viewed me differently. I remember people in elementary school would ask me questions about my appearance. I didn't really see it as an intrusive or annoying thing because I didn't know any perception of the world beyond my own at that age.

          However, my parents saw it as a bad thing so in middle school, they paid $1800 for an acrylic contact lens to be made for me, painted over to look like a normal eye. Oh, how the concept of saving face in Asian culture makes me want to bang my head against a wall. In middle school I wore the lens without protest because I felt self conscious, although I was never actually bullied or teased. As I grew older, I learned to accept and show compassion towards myself. In high school I refused to wear the lens anymore, much to the frustration of of my well meaning but overbearing parents. Many fights ensued between my parents and I over that tiny piece of acrylic, but eventually my parents let me have my way.

          In my world, nothing’s off limits. Rather, I simply have to take a different path to achieve the same goals as my classmates. Tasks often take me longer to complete and I have to be extra careful, but that doesn't limit me. I refuse to set lower expectations for myself because of my sight.

In that sense, I suppose one could say I'm resilient, driven by grit.

I'm also abnormally normal. And that's OK.

“HOW TO GET YOUR BEACH BODY READY BEFORE SUMMER” BY DIEGO C

As school comes to an end and summer is getting closer, many people want
to begin to get toned or even just lose a couple pounds for summer! For many people reaching their dream physique can be a very tough journey which often leads people to quit.. I would know how tough this journey can be because going into Highschool I was 103 pounds and was often teased for being very skinny. I tried working out but I would quit and then continue the following year.. I guess third time’s a charm because I began to take lifting seriously near the end of my junior year, and as of right now I weigh 188 pounds thanks to dieting and daily exercise. Although I’m not even close to my Physique Goal it’s always great to build a solid foundation! In this “How To” I will be explaining some of the best tips I have found to work for getting Lean!
What you will need:

1. A written down plan to look at when you’re feeling unmotivated
   
2. Notebook for keeping track of your results!
   
3. Measuring tape for checking progress around waist,arms,core, etc...
   
4. Plenty of water
   
5. BMR Calculator
   
6. Meal Plan
   
7. Plenty of nutritious, healthy snacks! (This helps you to stay on track with your
   meal plan)
   
8. Lastly! Self- Motivation and Dedication to stay consistent with your training!!
   Steps
   

1.You will need to write down your short- term and long- term goals for the purpose of
reaching your own fitness goal! (Example: Promoting a healthier lifestyle, Trying something new, or even personal goals)
2. Surround yourself with motivation! Follow Motivational Fitness pages, Socialize with people interested in your goal or even other people who are also chasing after their own fitness goals, Most importantly try to motivate yourself! Think about the reasons you are embarking on your journey to a healthier lifestyle!
3. Now, that you have started to follow the first couple most important steps, you will measure yourself with a roll of measuring tape. This includes: Measuring around your waist, belly, biceps, upper core, chest (optional) and legs! If needed don’t be shy to ask a friend or someone you feel comfortable with to help you measure!

4. Using the numbers you’ve just recorded, track your beginning results in a notebook or phone! Add dates and also try to take a few pictures of every angle! Measure and snap a picture every 2 weeks!
5. Use a BMR calculator online to track your calories, by simply searching up “BMR Calculator.” Your basal metabolic rate will be calculated which will give you the amount of calories you burn at a complete rest!
6. Pick a Meal Plan! If you’re trying to gain muscle, a High Protein/ Carb meal plan will be perfect for you (This means intaking a gram of protein per pound.. Example: I weigh 188 lbs therefore ill consumer 188 g's of protein a day)! If you want to lose weight increasing Protein intake and decreasing carbs will practically melt those last pounds off! If you’re trying to lose weight you can also try a calorie deficit.. This cuts the amount of calories you consume and your body will begin to burn stored fat as a source of energy!
7. Prepping your meals on a daily basis increases your chances staying on track with your diet.. Packing nutritious snacks such as grapefruit, walnuts and cashews or protein filled snacks will help you stay focused! Personally I prepare 7-8 eggs, Oatmeal or Cereal and Smoothie for breakfast.Fishsticks, chicken sandwich, cashews, raisins and yogurt for lunch. Salmon, grilled chicken or lentils, sweet potatoes and salad for dinner. Lastly I drink a protein shake and a bowl of cereal before bed..
8. A very underestimated step for feeling and looking healthier is consuming around 13-15 cups of water a day!! This plays a huge step! Being hydrated is so important for increasing your metabolism rate ( A fast metabolisms burn calories and fat a lot quicker)..It also Clears skin!
9. Finally!! Don’t be so hard on yourself and live your life with balance! Be focused on your fitness goal but don’t shut yourself out from other activities that bring you happiness! I personally LOVE Cheesecake and 4X4 In N Out burgers and these bring me happiness so I have a rest day every week!
This “How To” was a bit lengthy but I’m just very passionate about bodybuilding and nutrition! I just wanted to share the knowledge I know has worked for me and other people I’ve helped in the past! I hope you enjoyed these steps and that you will use them in the future!

"Don’t You Think the Stars Shine Bright Tonight" by Riana T

Whispers. Why were there so many whispers.

Please Help Me. Please. Why won’t you listen… Pathetic...Worthless...Waste of space...Why do we even keep talking to her?...Idiot...Ugly...Fat...Trapped

These are what the whispers continuously exclaimed, stuck on a loop, hissing and spitting and shouting the vile comments in her ears.

Why didn’t they just leave her alone? She was fine, everything was fine.

But the stars. Aren’t they pretty those stars. They’re infinite and out there and oh so far away but so close. Wait off track get back…

On her 6th birthday she had exclaimed, “I hear dead people”. Everyone thought she was joking.

Never serious. Smart aleck. Only good for a laugh. Just like her father. Only good for a laugh.

They all laughed at her.

Colors were spinning, twisting, vibing, swirling, pulsing, and quite frankly giving her a headache. She wished she could turn everything off and just curl up into a ball. Hide away and pretend that she couldn’t hear them. Them. They were coming for her. She could hear them now...rolling… a can...a can was rolling

And No it was them. They were back and they spit venom in her ears. Tears blurred in her vision.

Unreliable. Good for nothing. Piece of trash. Inconvenience. Never should have been born.

She could feel the build up. No she wouldn’t cry. Crying was for the weak. She wasn’t weak that’s why the stars had chosen her. She pictured a treasure chest unlocking and shoved all her emotions inside of it, locking it away. Emotions were something she couldn't afford. Especially with these ever present ghosts.

They were especially loud today. Instead of whispering they were screaming, howling so loud she’s sure they have punctured her eardrum. Is she bleeding?

Serves you right they hiss. She flinches I’m sorry she whimpers. Mistake. Shouldn’t have said that. Warning bells go off. They’re mad now.

Mistake? Mistake! You want to talk about mistakes...look at yourself in the mirror!

She wants to whimper and curl into herself but instead she straightens herself out and plasters on a smile.

“Be quiet just be quiet! You don’t control me. The-THe stars. Don’t they look pretty. So pretty. Shine bright, star light, it’s awfully dark tonight. Dark tonight, quite a fright, why doesn’t my star fight? Why didn’t she fight? It was quite a sight. In the night, it came to light, that no one would ever get up again despite their might!”

“How long has she been like this?” a tall man with a physician's coat holding a clipboard asked an elderly plump woman who looked part disinterested and part disturbed.

“For a few years. Ever since her family disowned her. They couldn’t deal with her behavior. She was erratic, talking to herself, random bouts of screaming, scratching herself and blaming it all on these supposed ghosts.” answered the nurse.

The doctor hummed interestingly and jotted down some notes on his clipboard’ “Alright Patient 2224-X28 shows delusional tendencies as well as tendencies fitting depression and schizophrenia. Keep her sedated until further instruction.” The nurse nodded.

They both looked up through the window into a padded cell obscenely white and isolated. On an equally white bed sat a small girl hunched over like she was baring the whole world. She was rocking back and forth hands clasped over her ears. Arms housing scars from continuous scratching and shivering like a leaf the girl was muttering, “Sorry..no...mistake..but the stars...help...worthless...please...I can’t...what do you want me to do?...What do you expect...stop yelling...the stars.”

….How can I help the ghosts if I can’t even help myself? Was her last thought before everything faded to black.

"What is Indomie: How To Make Indomie" by Jonathan L

-Indomie is a type of noodle soup.
-It’s pretty much the Indonesian ramen because of how easy it is to make and cheap it is to buy. -There are different types of Indomie like Mie goreng which is the same as Indomie but minusing the soup portion of it.
-Popular with a lot Asian people.
Ingredients:

• ●  Indomie noodles (plus all the packaging that comes with it)
  
• ●  Pot
  
• ●  Water
  
• ●  Bowl
  
• ●  Fork
  
• ●  Water drain strainer
  
• ●  Big spoon
  
• ●  Stove
  Instructions:
  

• ●  First, add water to the pot. Make sure you have enough to also put some water into your bowl so you can have the soup.
  
• ●  Then light up the stove underneath the pot so you can get the water to start boiling.
  
• ●  Open the packages of spice that was included with the noodles and pour it all out into
  your bowl.
  

• ●  Once the water starts to boil, get your big spoon to get some water from the boiling water to add to the bowl (make sure you don’t add too much water to the bowl because you will lose the flavor and also have enough in the pot still for your noodles).
  
• ●  Now with the soup portion completed, add the noodles to the boiling water in the pot.
  
• ●  Wait 10-15 mins for the noodles begin to soften.
  
• ●  Once the noodles are ready turn off the stove and get your water drain strainer to drain
  out the water from the noodles.
  
• ●  Put the noodles into the bowl with the soup.
  
• ●  Use your fork to mix the soup and noodles so you can have a better taste of the spices.
  

Once you have finished making the final product you can also add your own spices or seasonings to get a better taste of your noodles. Enjoy!

"#LONGLIVEJAMAARI" by De’ Launi T

 

It all started June first, two thousand seventeen late that night she had gone missing. My cousin Jamaari was just 17 my thoughts immediately began panicking. Phones were ringing off the hook, everyone had so many questions as to what was going on. I even began to question and try and figure out “why her? Out of all people why her?” more questions began like  “God what did you do?” “why did you have to take my cousin away like this?” My tears just continued to pour and pour out, I didn’t even get to say goodbye to her. That day felt so long and everyone was so shocked, we literally sat in the house stuck not knowing how to react besides crying. It’s crazy how life takes its twist and turns, nothing is ever certain, and the last thing I would thought of happening was losing someone so close to me. She was not only my cousin but she was my best friend, my sister, my everything, I confided in her with everything in me, we were two peas in a pod. Being so young I often thought I have my whole life ahead of me. I have plenty of time to figure out what I will become, where I will go, who I will see, and most importantly enough time to get on the correct path with God. Jammari’s sudden death proved just the opposite, life comes at you very fast and these 11 months have been nothing but ups and downs. Some days I am happy and some days I am sad. Other days I cry uncontrollably and some days I hold it all in.  Most days I understand and then my mind begins to question again. You truly never know what is going to happen to in life. That very day we had a facetime call with a brief catching up session followed by “i love yous”. We hung up and continued with our day not knowing the nightmare that was going to occur that night. As much I try and dot every “I” and cross every “T”, life will continue to happen. I must continue to move on with my life even though it may seem like things aren’t getting easier. I've learned I need make the best out of my life while I am here. I must fulfill God’s purpose, and follow his divine plan. I must continue to live through him as days become harder and harder. As the one year memory approaches I am trying to not be sad and to truly remember her beautiful smile. I must also remember to Cherish my loved ones, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the father knows.”(Matthew 24:36)