A Harvest of New Submissions!

Remember to read all of the selections for this month --   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  (October writers).  Everyone is required to comment on at least three 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 November 7.  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 Take on Looking for Alaska" by Sara H.

In all honesty, Looking for Alaska by John Green (published by Speak) is not a book I would have expected to like. When I hear the name John Green, I think of Crash Course videos on YouTube (which I love) and cheesy love stories. These are the stories I tend to avoid, whether it be in Hallmark movies or romance novels. I assumed that this novel would embody the traits of the aforementioned genre, so I let it sit on my book shelf and collect dust for a while. However, an inclination within told me that, out of all of my hundreds of books, this is one I needed to read, so I did. To explain the full reach this novel had on me, I must give context.

            The narrative is told from the first-person view point of the main protagonist, Miles Halter, also known as Pudge. He is just beginning his junior year of high school at a boarding school and he must deal with the awkwardness that being the new kid comes with. Much to his surprise, he is instantly welcomed by his roommate, Chip Martin (the Colonel), and the ambiguous Alaska Young. Both of these characters are integral parts in the experiences Pudge has while at school. The Colonel and Alaska push him to come out his shell, and find the “Great Perhaps” he seeks. Essentially, he hopes to search for possibilities and opportunities that might be out there. He partakes in risky behavior, while encouraged by his new friends, and realizes that the ‘Miles Halter’ he has always know may not be who he wants to be. 

The main setting for the novel is Culver Creek Boarding School. It is a preparatory school in Alabama where the main protagonist and speaker is headed to for his junior year of high school. This location is especially significant in the ‘coming of age’ theme of the story. Boarding schools exacerbate the poor decision-making skills of teenagers and allow for self growth and reflection- as we have seen in works such as A Separate Peace by John Knowles and Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. The freedom Pudge finds at his new school is conducive for the bad habits he takes up: smoking and drinking. His environment fosters experiences unlike those he’d ever faced before, like getting thrown out of class or into a lake. Pranks are abundant between Pudge and his group of friends and what they call the “weekday warriors.” The extent to which these pranks occur comes from absence of corporal punishment that the students receive, as compared to living at home.

As expected in any novel with teens as the main characters, there is plenty of drama created by the hormones of adolescents. The Colonel and Sara, Jake and Alaska, Lara and Pudge, and Alaska and Pudge are just some of the discussed ‘involvements’ throughout the book. As the speaker is Pudge, a large portion of the focus is on his world and what affects him personally. This being said, the focus tends to be on Alaska quite often. The stereotypical relationship of “a hot, yet incredibly smart, girl oblivious to her scrawny, inexperienced best friend” is showcased in Pudge’s relationship with Alaska. He struggles with his poorly hidden attraction as the story goes on. However, Alaska does seem to care for Pudge and value his friendship- and perhaps more.

The book is split into two portions: before and after. These reference the climax of the novel. When something unthinkable happens, Pudge must come to terms with his role in the catastrophic event. Not only must he figure out why and how this event transpired, but deal with the physical and emotional pain, guilt, anger, and confusion it brings into his life. Pudge’s friendships and his strength are tested post-affliction and forever change his outlook on his life.

Not only is Green’s use of first person within this novel is undeniably significant to the development of the story, but also an important aspect in the story’s affect on a reader. As an avid reader, I have had many books that I absolutely adored: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling; the list could go on for ages. However, Looking for Alaska was a novel that was incomparable in relevance. The main character must question what he previously knew after moving to Culver Creek, and suddenly, his plethora of last words that he has memorized seems insignificant. The characters are portrayed as teenagers who feel confused, scared, excited, and all the emotions that readers do. He poses the question, “what happens in the afterlife,” through Pudge’s religion class. While this is a great example of foreshadowing, it also shows a wonderment that is something that haunts every person.

The climax of this novel, or what came after, is what makes it so extraordinary. Personally, Green was able to depict poignant feelings of the characters that I had felt but was unable to describe. Green hadn’t written an archetypal love story; he had written dark truths to concepts unfathomable to those who have not experienced it. His final two pages were something that I read multiple times to fully capture their message: things and people cannot just disappear; Last words are not the end of it all.

"'Kafka on the Shore' Book Review" by Alyssa N.

     From prophecies of marrying your own mother to talking cats, Kafka on the Shore written by Haruki Murakami is one of the most surreal books I’ve ever read. Murakami is a renowned Japanese artist known for his realistic, almost dark, interpretations of another world which takes you on a psychological trip. Like many other novels written by the author, Kafka on the Shore is a dream-like story filled with jazz, cats and city-life that takes you to a world you could only imagine.
     Notably unique to Murakami’s style is his way of combining two totally different stories by alternating the plot every other chapter in a natural, gradual way. Starting off the odd numbered chapters as an X file case during WWII in Japan Murakami begins the story of Nakata. When he was in 4th grade, his class went to look for mushrooms within a forest, and mysteriously all of the students were discovered unconscious after an unknown aircraft had flown by. All of the students shortly woke up from this unexplainable even except one, Nakata, who landed into a coma and woke up “not so bright” and with an ability to talk to cats. Because of his impairments, Nakata didn’t have an everyday 9-5 job, instead he searched for missing house cats for a living. While on the hunt for a particular cat names Goma, Nakata winds up at the home of a mysterious man who has been taking these cats and killing them for their souls, who goes by the name of Johnny Walker, who we later find out is Kafka’s father. Nakata later finds himself in a dilemma of life or death, which takes him to a journey that leads him to another character known as Kafka. Within the even numbered chapters, Murakami simultaneously tells a parallel story of a teenage boy, Kafka Tamura, who ran away from his cynical father in search of his lost mother and sister. At a bus stop on his way to Shikoku he then finds himself befriending Sakura, who he is not only attracted to but believes is his older sister.

Kafka then winds up at a small library where he meets Miss Saeki and Oshima, who make an agreement for him to work there in exchange for him to live there. Kafka find himself in strange situations like waking up covered in blood, falling in love with Miss Saeki who he begins to believe is his mother. These two totally bizarre stories later intertwine themselves into a different world, bringing Nakata and Kafka’s father together.
     The main issue of the novel is something we all question: fate. Kafka is told from a young age by his father that he is going to fulfill a prophecy of murdering his dad and having sex with his mother and sister who disappeared while he was still a child. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, you’d probably realize this was an illusion to the story of Oedipus, a ruler who kills his father and marries his mother. Kafka gets so caught up with this prophecy, often referencing it, he lets it almost take over his thoughts regarding fulfilling it. Sakura for example was a total stranger to Kafka, however because of this “chance meeting” he feels they have a special connection, which later leads him into a string of strange encounters where he allows fate to take the wheel and fill out his prophecy. Murakami makes you question the concept of fate through the eyes of Kafka as he encounters these strange events.
     Moreover, Murakami has such a distinct style with his work it’s hard not to love; he is known for his vivid imagery which forces you think about the world outside your day to day life. For instance, “ Time weighs down on you like an old, ambiguous dream. You keep on moving, trying to sleep through it. But even if you go to the ends of the earth, you won't be able to escape it. Still, you have to go there- to the edge of the world” (Murakami). Filled with captivating metaphors like this Murakami fills the characters with thoughts we typically encounter late at night when questioning the existence and meaning of life.
     Unlike most novels where there’s a clear problem and solution to the plot, Kafka on the shore finishes with many loose ends to make the reader really ponder reality. By encapsulating you with a story you would only imagine in to be a dream, Murakami does a phenomenal job of combining modern day Japan and fiction. Kafka on the Shore is not an everyday action-packed, or classic novel, however if you are on the look for a book to expand your horizons and take your imagination to another level, this book is perfect for you. From what was just a mere suggestion,

     Kafka on the Shore found its way to become one my favorite reads, and hopefully one of yours too!

"Blips" by Alejandro M.

I’m sitting, sitting on a chair on a hill. On that hill is another hill, he is sitting there. He’s staring at me, is he? He is staring at me, I look around, but nobody is here except for us two. I stood up and he stood up too. How does he know what I’m gonna do? I’m walking now he's walking too. He’s walking the same path I’m walking, I take a step he takes a step. I look at him he looks at me. I’m running now, he’s running now the hills are getting even closer together. Closer and closer like leaning into a mirror. He’s getting closer, I’m getting closer. I'm almost at the end and I see my car. I’m rushing to it, I look he’s not there anymore. Was I seeing things, was that my imagination or did I actually see something. I’m walking now he’s not there anymore I’m just seeing things. I open my car door and nothing is there. I put my keys in and I start the car and in the back mirror, he’s there. He’s dark, cold and shrouded in black he’s staring at me. He’s waiting, he’s been waiting. I start my car and look in front of me and then look to the back, but he’s gone. I’m driving now I have been for a while now he’s there. I know it somewhere somehow watching. I stop I get some gas, it’s full now. I get in and I start the car and I look behind, they are looking at me two of them they’re both staring at me. They’re in the back seat now. They look small they’re staring at me and they talk they sound of sorrow, pain, and anguish, but their words hold no discernable language, yet I understood. They said, “Drive home, please.” I drove and an hour later in the corner of my eye there it is another. It looked at me then it looked at the others in the back. It put its hand on my hand on the steering wheel. It said, “We’re almost there.” I didn't know what it meant so I followed. They said, “Stop we’re here.” I stopped the car. As I walked I looked behind and they are there, still staring and watching me. I’m at the door. I look back they are gone. The mat said welcome. I looked at the door, I had the keys. I open the door, they are there waiting for me watching me so coldly and distant. They give me a key. I open the next door. And on the other side, I see them lifeless and cold in the dark room. So dark and cold I fall to my knees. I’m crying, look at them so cold, so so cold and so lonely I left them. Why did I do this how could I leave them so lonely, so cold and so lifeless? I call them, but they’re gone now. I’m here now the doctors called it a BLIPS (Brief Limited Intermittent Psychotic State). I’m sorry.

"Hero" by Ashley F

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of the word, “hero” is, “a person admired for achievements and noble qualities”. The definition found on the Merriam Webster website is not alike my personal definition. My own definition of a hero is a person who puts themselves out in the world and risks their own lives for the people in their city, state, or country. A person who isn’t afraid to do anything for the protection and safety of the lives around them. Most people think of superheroes when they hear the word, “hero”. When I hear the word, “hero”, superheroes are the last things I think about. I think of the different military branches, the firefighters, and the police officers that have dedicated their lives to serving the people in their country, and the country itself. These are the people that go out, either in their city, country, or even a foreign country, to serve their people and country in their own different ways. Firefighters spend every day of their lives saving people and buildings from fires, and from other forms of danger. The military spends months, most likely years away from their homes and families, fighting against other countries for the safety of their home country. Also, not necessarily just a few miles from home. They voluntarily spend their time fighting for their country, thousands of miles from home, to serve their country and the land that they love.  Police officers put their lives on the line every day as they step out in uniform. Fighting crime, saving lives, and not knowing for sure that they will make it back home at the end of the day. The military branches, firefighters, and police officers go out to work everyday for their city, state, or country, not knowing if they’ll make it home again, or ever see their spouses, friends, or children again. They put their time, hearts, and souls into their work. Some people might say that celebrities are their heroes. Maybe a Disney princess is a little girl’s hero, and a superhero is a little boy’s hero. But in reality, the heroes in our lives are those who risk their entire lives for our own lives. The people who might miss out on their own lives to fight for others’ lives.  I will forever look up to these brave men and women who step out and stand up for the people they care for. My heroes are, and forever will be, the military, firefighters, and police officers that put their lives on the line and step out of their comfort zones to protect their friends, families, and even complete strangers. These people deserve the most recognition, in my eyes. Personally, I could never do what they do, and neither could a lot of other people in our country. I will recognize them forever and always for what they do. Our country would not function without the military, firefighters, or police officers. We would be in wars with other countries, fires would not be resolved, and the crime rate would increase. These people truly are our heroes.

"Unlikely Heroes" by Nathaniel L.

 

            It was the day of June 5, 2118 and I was with my friends, flying around the city of Portland, Oregon at incredible speed playing air tag. When playing this game if you make one wrong turn or move you can get yourself hurt, hurt someone else, or break something, so it’s a dangerous game, but it’s one of our favorite. Oh pardon me for not introducing myself, my name is Ray Stockton, 17 years old, senior at Forrest Field High School, a Christian and I have special abilities. I would also like to introduce my friends Trevor Hicks, Rick Steels, and Billy Watson. They also are 17 years old but we are a few days apart from each other, seniors at Forrest Field High School, Christians and likewise they have special abilities too. If you are wondering how we got these special abilities, my friends say it’s a gift from God and it was, but at the time of getting these abilities I did not believe so. I’m going to take you back to the year of 2112 when I got my powers and a life journey that changed my life forever.

            Friday after school, Trevor invited me to church with Rick and Billy on Sunday morning. I went to church with them a couple of times, but just went so I could hang out with them. I knew that God existed and how He sent His son to die on the cross for our sins, so that we may believe, have forgiveness, and that we might be saved, yet I did not want to believe. I did not want to believe because I enjoyed my sin that I was in and did not want to give it up. So I get to the youth house at the church of Calvary Chapel and my friends greet me with excitement. Trevor was the first to speak: “Morning Ray, how are you doing, did you have a good weekend?” Ray: “Morning Trevor, I’m doing pretty good, pretty good weekend so far, nothing too interesting, how about you guys?” Trevor: “Pretty good as well. Billy, Rick, and I got to go evangelizing yesterday and this guy gave himself to the Lord, it was amazing, you should’ve been, there it was so cool!” Billy: “yeah definitely, like the joy it gave us knowing that we saved another person from eternal death but keep in mind that in Ephesians 2:8 say “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.’” Rick: “(hand gesturing toward Billy and Trevor) I bet you guys can agree that it was awesome and you would like to do it again?” Billy and Trevor: “Definitely.” We continue to talk for a few minutes until the leaders called us in because service was about to start. Even though I don’t believe, for some reason this message spoke to me in that I felt kind of guilty and hurt after it, but I ignored it. Little did my friends and I know, that God had a big plan to get me saved and to use our group of friends to save the world.

            So later that night I got ready for bed and something told me that tomorrow was going to be different. I woke up and remembered that we had no school because of Presidents Day. I walked into the restroom, got cleaned up, and I noticed that my hand started to shake really fast “what the?” I was really confused so I ran down stairs and I was there in one second! I realized “COOL I HAVE SUPER SPEED!” Then two more special abilities came which was flight and strength, I was thrilled. A message came in from the group chat with my friends and it said “I just got super powers, praise God, praise God, praise God.” Later that day we got together at our tree house to discuss our new special gifts. Each of us all had flight and super speed, but had a different third power. Meanwhile the U.S and Russia with other countries broke out into WWIII. Three years go by and we learn how use our powers and see what are limits are. The war is still going on and unlike the first two World Wars, this time it’s in center of the United States and spreading in all directions. Lucky enough it hasn’t reach our city.

            My friends and I get caught using our powers in the city messing around with all the comic book myths. The following day we are at our treehouse and the government comes knocking at our trap door. They request of our service to help fight Russia and the other countries to win U.S the war. All of us are nervous and don’t know what to do but we gladly comply with their request. They give us basic hand to hand combat, and gun training. The government debriefs us on what the mission is and our objective. During the mission I have a mental breakdown and said “I can’t do this,” “you guys can do this because you have God and I don’t.” Rick: “You can have God too, do you want to accept Christ into your life?” Ray: “yes I do.” Rick: “guys come over and help me lead Ray with the sinners prayer” So they came over and prayed with me and at that moment I felt whole and renewed and trusting that God will keep us safe in the missions. I was ready to continue our mission as a Christian in faith. While in missions we shared the gospel with many POWS. The U.S won the war and we received medals of Honor for our service. We are now back and relaxing from playing air tag on a building when all of a sudden we appeared in a heaven facing our savior. My friends and I realized the rapture had just taken place.

"Beloved Pets" by Alani S.

The day started out like any normal day for Ajax. Wake up, change into fresh clothes, use little water to brush his teeth and last but not least, walk his pets.
Scanning the area, he cautiously stepped out onto the road and began his walk. Every once and awhile he would look behind him to make sure his beloved pets were following and likes always, they were.
He let out a sigh of relief as he made his way down the quiet road and towards the old convenience store, kicking the small rocks here and there.
Once upon reaching the store, he stepped inside quietly but not before tying up his pets to a post outside.
Now he was reluctant to do so but he wasn’t going to impolite and let them wonder in with him. Ajax let his eyes flicker to and fro, looking down the isles that were a bit misplaced and picked around at. Grabbing what he could, the medium sized male left some money on the counter and left the store.
After he grabbed his lovely pets, Ajax made his way to his friends house. Knowing it would be empty he walked straight in and into the back supply room. He grabbed a few boards of wood and some tools, humming softly as he did so to block out the noises his pets were making. Looking around he knew Daisy and Daniel wouldn’t be back anytime soon so he took his sweet time and assorted what he truly needed.
The sun began to set as he finished up his mess and walked out to the street. With a new bat he had made from the wood, Ajax whistles a soft tune, one the reminded him of a lovely little lullaby Daisy used to sing when they were younger. He swung the wooden bat, that wasn’t perfect at all, and completely zoned out. The walk to his house seemed longer but it was worth it because now he was tired and he knew perfectly well that his pets were too.
Entering his house quietly and to his own backyard, he let his pets wonder freely without the old patchy leashes.
Jumping back slightly as one of them lashed out, he huffed in annoyance, “ you were so good today and then you go and do this? Such a shame!” Ajax shook his head before he felt a horrible pain on his side.
Completely caught off card his other pet had gotten him. Letting out a groan of pain, Ajax pushed him off.
“Great just great! Now look what you’ve done. Daniel why did you go and bite me? Just because your sister distracted me doesn’t mean you have to hop on that train.” He looked down towards the bite and inwardly cringed. “Now I’ll become like you lifeless little pets! Who will take care of me huh?” He poked his bat towards Daisy and Daniel, their lifeless eyes completely ignoring it as they smell the open flesh wound. “I won’t get to feed you anymore, I’ll have to feed myself,” Ajax shook his head shakily.
The edges around his eyes started to haze up as he wobbled slightly, the soft noises of those pets were more prominent more than ever. The smell of grass soon hit the male as he stumbled over, landing next to his bat. The bat seemed to mock him in triumph of not being able to turn to these ugly little beasties of pets. “Why what a wonderful way to go down, death and turned by my beloved pets,” Ajax mumbled out, closing his eyes as he welcomed his new life. The life of a pet or rather known to world as the dead that comes back to life.

"Unknown Caller" by Mary R

Jane was kind of bummed that Friday the 13th didn't fall in the month of October, but she wasn't going to let that ruin her favorite holiday; Halloween.  Every year for Halloween, Jane always passed out candy by herself, since both her parents worked on Halloween every year for some reason. Maybe that was why she enjoyed Halloween so much, she could watch classic horror movies while also being able to see all of the adorable little kids in costume.
            This year was different. Everything felt off and Jane was on edge in her empty house. The feeling didn't stop her from watching Texas Chainsaw Massacre in the darkness of her room though. She could watch horror movies for hours and not get scared. As the ring of the doorbell and the soft knocks of the kids mellowed out, the feeling of tension and unease that Jane had felt in her empty home was so thick it could be sliced with a butter knife.

For the first time in years, she was actually scared of something, but she just didn't know what it was and that put her even more on edge.
            Jane was going to settle in for the night, she had run out of candy hours ago and decided that she should probably get some rest. As she was about to enter dreamland, someone called her. It was almost midnight why would someone be calling so late? She decides that it would be best to answer, just in case someone is in need of help, which would explain why they would be calling so late.

All that could be heard on the other line was the sound of very heavy breaths, almost like the person had been running from something and was just now regaining their composure.
             "Umm hello? Is someone there?", Jane asked.
            The unknown caller went very silent and it gave Jane a feeling like they knew something that she didn't. Finally, after a few minutes, the caller spoke with the deepest, scratchiest voice Jane had ever heard, "I think you should run while you still have legs".

"Eagle Pride" by Ethan M.

  We are all familiar with the term “Eagle Pride” as a rallying call or a beacon of hope to signify that everything will be alright, but as I have become more familiar with the word it has seemed to speak to me in a new light. Eagle Pride is not just a concept or a chant, it’s an ideal, whether we know it or not it is inside all of us. We’ll break this phrase down piece by piece, the specimen of the eagle has been known to be signified with strength, a symbol of power if you will, the pride aspect has to deal with the emotion of being proud of who you are or what you did or what you represent. For example, an Etiwanda athlete is preparing for lets say a football game, they’ve trained and trained for this moment where they can demonstrate the fruits of their labor and show what they’re made of. However, there’s this looming presence amongst the athlete this spiritual pressure that seems abstract but concrete at the same time, it’s coming from the fans in the stands, the coaches, the administrators, and even the deity himself Mr. Jaramillo. What is this presence? That’s right, Eagle Pride. Eagle Pride is the nirvana we as Etiwanda students and faculty try to achieve because our ideals are rooted in the fact that we are proud to be eagles. That chemistry test you’ve studied for 6 hours a night for, the sleepless nights you’ve had for trying to get an essay turned in by 11:59 PM, that softball, soccer, or basketball game that you put your everything in to, is all because you kept that ideal of being proud of your strengths and accomplishments, you kept the ideal of Eagle Pride. Eagle Pride is everywhere in our campus, from the arts, to the classrooms, to our own stadium, the reason why we do best is because we all have the same golden standard to push through our activities with Eagle Pride. Even after we have our eventual departure from this cathedral of cutting edge and top tier public education, we shall carry out our studies and future passions with even a hint of Eagle Pride because we’ve been so exposed to this ideal that in every aspect in our life we will have the strength and courage to prosper in this life. Another scenario, an AP Chemistry student has a lab due tomorrow and a quiz on the lab the next day, they’re stressing, crying, losing sleep, they have lost all the will to push forward… but, all of a sudden it hits them, if they don’t push through now, they won’t get the grade they want, they won’t be able to uphold the high standard they’ve set for themselves. So they stay up and finish that lab and turn it into google classroom, they study for that quiz, they all of a sudden have the will to go on, but what is this mysterious source of empowerment? Yet again, Eagle Pride. Eagle Pride is there for those who fully accept and believe in it, and once Eagle Pride is realized, there will be nothing that can prevent someone from reaching their truest desires.

"Infinite Madness" by Matthew U.

Dear whomever it may concern,

There are so many thoughts going on in my head. I don’t know what do, but I’m going to try something different this time.

I wrote these two sentences a long time ago in a hopeful manner to maintain a somewhat sane mind. Now, I’m completely lost. So I’m just going to write about my whole experience and see what happens. I hope I enjoy this when I’m completely gone.

It was 3 A.M. when the doorbell rang. I woke up in a panic, almost falling out of my bed. A pit of dread rose in my stomach, while confusion and fear invaded my mind. I’m home alone, it’s dark, and I don’t know what to do. Oddly enough, I laid back down acting like it was a one time occurrence. The rain poured through the night sky and devoured the silence, until it rang again. I jumped out of my bed and immediately grabbed my phone to call my mom. The phone stayed black and did not turn on, it was dead. I forgot that I lost my charger, my body became paralyzed. Panic started to rush through my body as the doorbell rang again, for the third time. Questions poured into my head. Who can it be? What can it be? Why here? Am I going to die? Will I ever see my family again? Will I- My thoughts became abruptly interrupted by the fourth ring. My breathing started to become rapid and I just wanted to run. I tried to calm myself by thinking it was nothing, but lying to myself didn’t work. Nothing worked, I kept pacing in my room, freaking out until I remembered there was a house phone downstairs. I started to focus, but the bell rang for the fifth time. I grabbed a flashlight just in case the person or thing outside could have been able see the house lights being turned on. I hesitated to leave the room, knowing that I may be leaving my safe haven. I ran to the stairs as thunder boomed throughout the house. I got startled and froze once the stairs were in front of me. I slowly put my foot onto the first stair and it creaked. The bell rang three more times before I reached the bottom of the stairs. With the door in front of me, more thoughts crept into my mind. What if the door is open? What if they have a gun? What if it is- “NO!” I yelled out of frustration. For a moment, there was real silence in the house. The stranger started to pound on the door, knowing someone was actually in the house. I ran to the kitchen, where I thought I would be saved. The doorbell rang eight more times before I reached the phone. I grabbed it and dialed 911. The anticipation started to kill me as it rang.

“Hello, 911 what’s your emergency.” the operator said in a monotone and somewhat soothing voice.

“Hi my name is-” the power was cut off and the phone became silent. My eyes blankly stared at the phone. I threw the phone towards the wall, shattering in into pieces. I started to scream and yell as the doorbell rang for the seventeenth time. I was angry, tired, and I didn't know who or what was outside. So I grabbed a knife and stomped angrily towards the door. My hand touched the cold handle, I quickly unlocked the door, and swung it open. Nothing… Nothing at all… The only thing in front of me was the porch and millions of tiny raindrops. I stared blankly as the knife slipped from my hand. I slowly closed the door, doing a double take before I locked it. I stopped and suddenly turned around quickly, expecting something to be behind me. Again, nothing at all. A chuckle escaped me, why did I think this was funny? Without thinking about it, I walked up the stairs and plopped onto my bed. All my frustration, anxiety, and fear were gone. My eyes became heavy as I lay in the warmth of my covers. Everything turned to pitch black as my eyes finally close. This would be the last time I would ever experience any type of relief and happiness.

It was 3 A.M. when the doorbell rang again. I jumped out of bed, scared. I didn’t bother to check my phone, instead I ran down the stairs. Thunder boomed through the house as I reached the door and opened it. There was nothing in front of me, I walked out into the rain. That’s when I realized, I was experiencing the same night again. To say the least, I’ve through this 356 times. Nothing has changed, I can’t explain it. I’ve done everything I could think of, unspeakable things. I’ve stayed awake, ignored the rings, I’ve even slept through them. I can’t escape this. I’m alone, suffering forever. I keep asking myself if I’m dead or in a hell of some sorts. The only thing I can do is think and I think I’m going crazy. I have no idea why I’m writing this, no one is going to read it anyway. I don’t know how long I can take this, I’m never going to escape. Please, someone help me. I’m dying in here. This madness is infinite!

Sincerely,

JD

"Moment in Passion" by Sharon Y

     “You wouldn’t understand how I feel!”, she sobbingly yelled as she drank the expensive grape wine.
...
     It all started in a train ride in the quiet countryside of Berlin, Germany of 1950. Two close friends, Keifer and Lorelei were walking to the nearest train tracks after school in the silent and peaceful hills of Berlin. They usually hitchhike the train just so they can relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside view slowly flinging past by them as time goes on. They would have everyday chit chat, play games and sometimes talk about the philosophy of life and what life means to them and how someday they’ll run away together following their dreams. Keifer wants to be an infamous artist while Lorelei wants to become a singer like Marilyn Monroe.
     Neither one of them knows their feelings towards each other, but kept the feelings mutual, believing they weren’t good enough for each other.
     Their first meeting with each other was very strange indeed. In just one moment can change a person’s life forever.
     It started in a gloomy colorless day in Berlin British School. Keifer just came out of the school feeling depressed. Before he met Lorelei, he was a sulking man who could only see the world in such a negative way that you would start to cry when you see through his perspective of life. He was never a happy, a tall awkward man with chestnut hair, he was always anxious about his future and how his parents discourage him in taking a career in arts. It doesn’t help the fact he was bullied in school for being a “changeling”.
     As he gloomily walked home to school he noticed a loud screaming of a woman. 
     “HELP! CAN SOMEBODY HELP PLEASE?!
      Keifer forgotten about being gloomy and ran towards the source of the sound. Behind the
tree he saw a girl with long blonde curls trying to shove a snarky tall man who seems to be pressuring her.
     “What’s the matter love? Am I being too hard on you?”
      “Just stay away from me you filthy perv!” as she struggles to get away from his grasp. Keifer immediately ran up to the snarky man, grab his collar and shove him, then kicked
him in his balls.
      “Hurry, follow me!”
     The girl didn’t hesitate to run and follow him.
     They ran and ran until they were far away from the school, running across the forest until they lost him.
     “Are you alright?” as he panted.
     “Yes, I’m alright” she pantingly responded.
      After they catch their breath Keifer decided to question her about what happened. “Did you know this man?”

     “Yes, he was my ex-boyfriend. My EX-boyfriend to be precise”
     “Oh, I can see why you would broke up with him. He’s not that pretty handsome himself and was being impolite towards you”
     She laughed
      “Ya, he was pretty ugly, inside and outside”
      She then looked at him with gratitude and said “By the way, I want to thank you for helping back then. It’s not everyday you find a gentleman these days”
      He looked away and blushed. He never had anyone compliment him before, it wasn’t
everyday he gets to have a compliment with anyone, including his parents.
      “I just thought it was the right thing to do that’s all”
      “Well I hope I didn’t disrupt you with anything at least”
      “No no, I wasn’t doing anything important today so don’t worry about it” he laughs
sheepishly.
      “Will I be seeing you again?”
     “I don’t think why not?”
      They became close friends till this day, meeting with each other at the train tracks to aboard the train and happily talk to their heart’s desire, talking about their dreams and the future. Sometimes teasing each other for fun. To Keifer, it felt like a long peaceful dream, everyday he would walk to the train tracks with her and chatter with her about life. It was always peaceful... however.
      Lorelei continued to sob to her heart’s content, her loud uncontrolling and ugly sobs were audibly heard as if she woken up from a traumatic experience.
      Keifer’s heart melted as he saw her cry. He didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. He didn’t mean to take his anger out on her. He knew she was innocent but he was too angry to admit it.
     His heart soon melted out of regret and rub her back to comfort her.
     “Listen... I didn’t mean it what I said... I didn’t want to hurt you. I care about you and your feelings and it breaks my heart to see you sad... can you tell me what’s wrong?”      She sniffled and slowly stopped sobbing as Keifer continued to rub her back out of comfort. He then wiped her tears away as she slowly finds the courage to speak.
     “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take my anger out of you... I... I...”
Keifer then encouraged her to continue speaking as he rubbed her in encouragement. “Go on”
      “I got a call from the police... they said my parents died in a car crash...”
      This made Keifer more guilty for yelling her. “I’m sorry... I didn’t know...”
      She sniffled.
      “It’s all right, you’re a good man. I know you didn’t mean it”
      Silence kicked in as no one says anything.

      Keifer then broke the silence and said “It’s going to be all right, no matter what happens I’ll always be there for you. Even till death do us apart”
     She slowly smiled
     “You were always a gentleman, that’s why I like you. I know the day you saved me that you were going to be the one for me”
     “I always knew that too. The time we spent together riding the train, watching the grass go by. I know deep in my heart, that your heart belongs to mine.
     He then swept her hair behind her ears, lifted her chin, meeting their lips together in a moment of passion. As the beautiful horizon watches over them in awe.

"Life is A Challenge" by Jean Andre M.

Life is a challenge for everyone and sometimes a struggle. Throughout my life, I encountered numerous challenges but managed to get through with it. However, there is one that I won’t forget. One day in August, I woke up and thinking it was just a regular day; I prepared my backpack and drove to school. Upon parking, I would walk to the J-building while listening to music.  When I came into the building and went upstairs something was different with my friends and I knew that it was not a regular day.  They were not happy but unusually sad. They told me “his gone” and instantly I said to myself “It can’t be true he won’t do that.”

Eventually, I finally knew the truth, when we were called up to the building at the end of the 1st-period calculus.  As I entered the administrative building, I heard an unexpected silence and the staff seems unusually down. As we went to one of the conference room, I saw my counsellor and a bunch of school staff.  I was thinking “why are they here and what’s happening.”  I became increasingly worried and my heart beat started to pound more and more. I then sat down at the second seat of the table closest to the window. Then I heard the detrimental news, “[he] took his life” I was shocked and could not believe and suddenly I felt like the whole world stopped. As I heard the news my sense of hearing was weakening and a sense of doubt was building. In my mind, I was I was having a sense of in denial and then suddenly a sense of anger started to building up and wanting it to release it. I kept thinking and wanting to scream “That’s not true your lying!”  However, I  did not do it because that was not me. For a moment I shut my self off from the world and I knew I need a time for myself to think. I had this time upon arriving home that day. As I went upstairs into my room all the emotions surged back. I kept saying to myself “I want him to be here and I do not want to let go.” All the memories of him helping me in making my speeches for MUN to the time we played video games came back and each one caused me more grief. I kept thinking “I don’t want to end.” The more I think the more I remember,  the more I regret. I regret not showing, the true side of me because I wear a mask. The mask was put on place to hide my true feelings and problems. I was hiding my true self and I’ve felt that my problems are insignificant compared to my friends and not be told. The mask was about to be taken off and ready to reveal, the true me. It is heartbreaking that my dear best friend did not see it.  In the subsequent days, I slowly took off the mask as I started telling my friends about my problems. My friends helped me realized that “people have different problems and no one is greater than the other.” This caused me to open more to my family and friends.

Eventually, I started to feel better with the help of the family, friends, school and faith. At some point in time, I got back in track and started to focus on academics, clubs, and college. However, I still received some moments that revives the emotions I felt that day, the sense of grief and regret, I knew I can’t move on from the pain but I know that my friends will help me. I am now more vulnerable, I tell people if I have problems and I let them help me. What happened that day caused me to finally take off my mask and be free. As I tell my narrative, I finally can slowly start the process of letting go and maybe move on. While as October is proceeding, the upcoming days I know would be a struggle but I have my friends to be there. I would never forget what my close friend said to me on the days of my grief “friends are there to help you bear your crosses and help you go through it.” I know that this struggle/challenge will always be there and it won’t go away, but I will still go through life to carry the dream of my fellow comrade.

"The Dreamer" by Soraya V

      The night was cold as I walked down the long dark road in a panic.
Crunch...crunch...snap... I looked behind me and no one was there yet I feel their presence all of theirs. The leaves crunching beneath their feet as loud as sirens on a cop car. In a frantic state, I constantly kept looking over my shoulder as I walked faster and faster losing my breath, making it harder to breathe. The next thing I know I saw someone jump out at me and then I blacked out. April 5, 1989, was the day my whole life changed.   

12 hours earlier... 

      Ring...ring...ring my phone went off and as I answered I just heard hard breathing as if someone had just ran a mile. “Hello?” I asked no answer “Hello?” no answer again. So I hung up. Every two hours on the dot I got the same call so I just blocked the number. But that couldn’t stop it... that couldn’t stop them. They called again and again from different numbers to the point I just shut my phone off. I didn’t know this was the start to my end. The next couple hours everything escalated I heard footsteps outside my house and saw things and felt so uncomfortable as if someone was constantly watching me. They were everywhere and I had no clue until I went to sleep. I woke up from a nightmare about 4:30 am and as I looked around my room my eyes focused on a blurry reflection of a figure in my mirror. As my eyes finally adjusted there wasn’t anything there. So I went back to sleep after playing Candy Crush for about thirty minutes. Then I woke up again about an hour and a half later. Now making it 6 to the breaking of glass. This is where my life changed, rapidly I got out of bed and walked out of my room to see if my cat had gotten on the table and knocked something off. It wasn’t him.... I saw a tall dark figure staring back at me with piercing blue eyes followed with two other men standing behind him. I quickly went for the door and ran out of my house as quickly as possible. So scared that my voice had been stolen from me so I ran and I ran and I ran until I couldn’t breathe anymore. They were close I heard the crunching of the orange leaves beneath their feet. So I ran even harder and faster and then I blacked out. They got me. “Where the hell am I?” I thought to myself as my eyes finally opened and began to adjust. Then I noticed I was in the trunk I of a car. But the car wasn’t moving it was still and off. I heard mumbling outside of the car as I whimpered as quietly as I can. Scared they were all going to hear me. “ We have the girl what do you want us to do now boss?” One of them said in what sounded to be a British accent. A long pause occurred so I held my breath to make it seem as if I was still out. My mind was racing with thoughts at this point and my shirt was soaked in tears. I frantically began to look for my phone seeing if they had taken it and they didn’t. So I reached down for it as it was by my heels the trunk clicked open and my mind went blank. The next thing I knew I was out of the trunk and running screaming now as my life depended on it...it did. But before I could even get 10 ft away from the gray charger they got me. “ LET ME GO PLEASE I WON’T TELL ANYONE!” I said screaming and sobbing at the same time. They simply replied with “it’s not time for you to leave not yet he needs you” then a white rag was brought to my face and I was out. I woke up in a chapel tied up so tight it was cutting my wrist and ankles. I looked up and I saw him the man with the bright blue eyes. “What do you want from me,, ” I asked “I’ll give you anything you want” he replied in the most desensitized of tones “ to simply kill” and he walked away. I was sobbing

so hard I couldn’t breathe and my vision began to blur with all the hot steaming tears pouring out and staining my face. As I looked around I noticed I wasn’t the only one there. I counted five. My eyes had skimmed over a familiar face it was my daughter Adaline. “ADALINE?!” I screamed out. “MOM?! Is that you” she said sobbing. I looked at her again and her eyes were gone. What have they done to my little girl why I thought to myself sobbing so hard I couldn’t breathe and I began to choke. BANG... Within a blink of the eye my sweet daughter was gone I broke down screaming and crying “WHY” they then taped my mouth shut to keep me quiet. The bright blue-eyed man now with a dark gleam of death filtered his eyes as if he was Satan himself. He looked at me with the look of death and simply chuckled “ This is what hell looks like and you afflicted this onto yourself when you killed my billy”. I soon realized it was him the father who was drunk driving and crashed into me two years ago. He blamed me for his son's death and it wasn’t even my fault. He slowly killed the old lady, the middle-aged man, my daughter, and the other two people. Next was me. Crying and pleading he pulled out the gun and BANG! I woke up in a frantic panic and realized I was simply dreaming and I ran to Adaline's room and she was sleeping peacefully. Then I fell back asleep.
-The End :)

"I Can’t" by Kyleigh L

      I remember the exact moment I mustered the ability to make actual use of my vocal
cords. I remember my mother’s eye swelling up with tears before finally letting the dam break and my father calling President Bush to issue a press conference right away. This was a significant time in United States history. I can so vividly recall the happiness and bright smiles all around me as I said my first words. Okay... so maybe that was a lie. I do not remember my first words but I have heard plenty of stories about the moment and at least I remember those (over exaggerated) stories. Although my first words were not the traditional “Mama” or “Dada”, they were authentic. Looking back on it, my first words definitely should have been something more memorable, but at that age I was just a parrot. I was unable to communicate my own thoughts and feelings. I could simply repeat words and simple phrases I had heard. So I guess the words I heard the most were: “I can’t”. Whether it was my dad telling my mother he can’t change diapers because it was mother and daughter bonding time or my mother telling my dad she can’t take out the trash because “the fumes made her nauseous”. Both were false.
     I have always been told that a person’s first words can say a lot about his or her character. I agree. Even when I tried my best, I was just the little engine that couldn’t. At four years of age if you asked me to spell my name my only response was “I can’t”. I blame my parents for that. “K-y-l-e-i-g-h” was so unnecessary and difficult. And at eleven years of age, whenever my parents told me I should go play with the neighborhood kids, I would always say “I can’t”. I also blame my parents for that. Who makes a kid move right before the start of middle school? Seventeen years had passed and Judgement Day finally came. My first day as a senior. The world was ending. I wasn’t afraid of going to school nor was I scared of the workload I was about to receive from all my AP classes. But I just could not grow up. I absolutely cannot! These were my words to live by. It is so much easier to not try as opposed to trying and failing. So today, if you ask me to write a life narrative with 750+ words.. I would still say “I can’t”. But I have to try.
     I have learned that it is unacceptable to not try. Is It easier? Yes. Could I escape the possible embarrassment of failing? Yes. Could I take a nap instead? Definitely yes. Could I build character and confidence? No. I was the same shy and simple-minded girl growing up. Much

like my parents false statements, saying “I can’t” was my way to avoid doing anything I was afraid of or did not want to do. Never in my life could I have imagined that I would be on the path that I am on today. However, I stopped saying “I can’t”. Well, I still say “I can’t” when my parents yell at me to get out of bed and get ready for work in the morning and occasionally I might say it when someone asks me to lend them some money. I no longer have an “I can’t” mindset. Ask me to explain Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs theory and without hesitation I know I can. Even if my explanation is as far off as can be, I can still try.
     Since I have moved passed my fear of failure, I have accomplished things that even other people told me were impossible. This change in mindset is the reason I will be the first in my family to go to college. By allowing my fear of failure and my hope for success to coexist, I have began to live my life the way I had always wanted. There are times when all seems to be well and failure sneaks in through the Trojan Horse, but battles have unexpected turns. So when I do fail, I will gladly fail until there is the slightest difference in the outcome. Because I can. I can handle the stress. I can fail and still learn an important lesson. I can accept that I will not always have my family and friends there to guide me and make important life decisions. I can spell my name. I can’t go outside and play with the neighborhood kids but only because by now they’re all grown up and probably off to college. But from now on I will no longer say “I can’t”. I can and I will.
     I will write my life narrative and I will face judgement. It can’t hurt to try.

Finally! Our First Writers are Up!

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

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180323-can-you-predict-if-you-will-be-happy

All Students:  Be sure to read the entries for this group  (Aug/Sept writers).  Everyone is required to comment on at least three 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 October 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!

"Joy" by Johnny G

What is Joy? According to the Merriam webster's dictionary the emotion evoked by
well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. This definition while accurate is kind of Bland in my opinion. I believe that Joy is just the more permanent form of happiness. This may sound a little confusing but let me explain, when you get a gift you are happy but it is a temporary happiness because of the gift you received. But to me Joy is something that can't be so easily given or so taken away this is because Joy is a more permanent feeling. I believe that Joy is more of a characteristic which follows you throughout your life rather than being a temporary feeling that comes and goes like being mad or being sad. Often times Joy has been used to describe people characteristics for example “Hannah is a very joyful person.” In this context Hannah is someone who most likely is always in a positive mood. But one thing about Joy is that we must all have a place where our joy comes from without a constant source of this wonderful feeling it will fall into the category of temporary happiness. Some people find joy in their families others in hobbies and relationships. For me, my Joy is from my relationship with my girlfriend Hannah. The Joy that she brings me allows me to go about my life living the best that i possibly can and as Joyfully as possible. \Truth is we all have a thing that make us happy but finding something that brings us true joy is a rather rare commodity that not many people get to experience. These sources of joy fill our lives with

positiveness and often times motivate to attempt to live our best lives. Joy is something that allows people to always see the brighter side of things this is important because this allows joy to effect people personalities and how other people perceive them to be character wise. People who are able build their lives around the idea of joy are often seen as happier individuals or are thought to be richer and of higher social class. But joy doesn't actually come from wealth and possessions. More often than not Joy is found in the simple things in life like family or sports even going on hikes or walking your dog. Simple things like these that we enjoy doing can really help us to see the world in a different light. Joys permanency and lasting effect that it has on people is why I believe that it is more than just being happy in today's terms joy is a “whole mood.” All in all Joy is more of a permanent feeling that has stronger effects than simply being happy and that Joy to me is a feeling of lasting or never ending happiness which has one or more sources that are important to keep in our lives in order to keep the feeling of joy.