One day can change a life.

He had had many days, that curved his path,

even if the tiniest bit.

Yet he hadn't had one that necessarily altered his future.

Until one day he received a letter. 

Mailed from Cambridge Massachusetts, 

With “Harvard University” written in the top left corner. 

Too afraid to open it, he waited patiently for his parents arrival.

The choice his dream school came to, was in that envelope.

His hands were clammy and heart beating fast. 

His parents encourage him to open it, 

And told him “we are proud of you either way.”

Nervous as ever, he opens the envelope. 

He closes his eyes while he unfolds the paper, 

When he finally opens his eyes, he begins reading and…

HE’S IN!!!

The joy overcomes him when he jumps up to hug his parents.

       I often find myself with my eyes closed, simply thinking. Sometimes this is a curse, however, it can be relaxing, depending on the situation. Lately, I have been thinking about my future quite often. While I am laying in bed at night, I may start thinking about how my college years may go, or what I want to study in college and where it will lead me. As a junior in high school, at times my academics can be slightly overwhelming. I often find myself thinking about how it is going to pay off in the future, and reminding myself of this. These last few months have been an emotional roller coaster for me. Because of this, I have been focusing on my future and the person I hope to be someday. So when I close my eyes and try to clear my mind, this is often the only thing that continues to linger. I am excited and scared about my future. My future is something that is very important to me in my life right now.

A high school is often a negative place. A place to judge, and upset others. Although this is not the case all the time, it happens more than it should. Some students attempt to “boost” other’s moods, but not often enough. I personally think the quote from our 29th president “There’s good in everybody. Boost. Don’t knock.” should be posted all over our small high school. I am not quite sure why so many students knock people down rather than boost them up. We are supposed to be a small community, and communities support each other. I think if students tried to start boosting rather than knocking, the environment would be much more positive. Honestly, students would probably learn more too. If they know their peers are supportive of them and know they have good qualities, then they will be less worried about what others are thinking. I think this quote needs to be read by everyone in our school, and I believe some would take this issue more seriously.

    Has anyone stopped to ask you “if not now, then when?” Personally, no one has specifically asked me this question. However, I do feel that I ask myself this question quite often, or questions similar. I also use this question as to motivation. If I don't work hard in school now, then when will I have the chance to? Well, considering that highschool only comes around once in your life, for four short years, I will never have the chance again. Overall high school can be very difficult, and junior year is debatably the hardest academic year in a student’s education. I know that I will not get a second chance this year and it is why I am working so hard. These four years will help me do what I want to do in this world, and without the hard work, I will not be able to get there. Some people may say “You can pick up your game in college.” Well, without my hard work now I will not be able to get into the programs I see myself doing.

I feel alive in the morning with a cup of coffee and a full day of opportunities ahead. I feel alive when the hot water hits my face. I feel alive when the birds are singing their morning songs, and the brook is rushing. I feel alive when the autumn leaves are vibrant on the branches, and crumble under my feet. I feel alive when staring at the endless amounts of stars, and admiring the beautiful clouds. I feel alive when the cold wind blows against my face in the morning. I feel alive when surrounded by nature and its pure beauty. I feel alive on a rainy cold day, wrapped in a blanket with my cat beside me.

November will soon be here,
the trees nearly bare.
The breeze become cold and strong,
frost begins to form on our cars.

Winter is coming here in New England. 
It is the longest, coldest and yet the loveliest. 
Our winters make New England unique. 

When the snow begins to fall,
the children are ecstatic,
and are eager to put on their snow suits.
The brightness in their eyes warm everyone's hearts.

The mountains become covered with snow, 
the sight is truly breathtaking. 

The warmth and comfort of the wood stove.
The fresh, untouched snow,
shimmering in the morning sunlight is a beautiful way to start a day.

Winter in New England is a peaceful,
and beautiful time of year.

 

    It was a late night driving home, when the check engine light on my car started flickering. Unfortunately, I was in a dead zone, therefore unable to call for help. I waited for a while to see if someone would pass by. After about an hour of waiting, I lost my patience and started walking towards the closest town, 7 miles East. I brought my backpack, held onto my flashlight and hoped I’d be there soon or would be able to get a ride. Thirty or so minutes into the walk, I started getting freaked out. Nothing in particular has happened, however after a bit of time in the dark night surrounded by simply your thoughts, you tend to overthink things. The temperature started to drop, and the hairs on my neck begin to rise. I had been walking for quite awhile now, and I should have been arriving shortly. 

“Everyday is a new beginning,” they say.
Well, for me it truly is.
No two days have been alike,
throughout my life. 

Yesterday I was a bird in the Amazon.
Flying high above the beautiful trees.
Last month I was a lion, 
hunting herds of animals.
Today I am a cow,
grazing the fields of Vermont.

I have no control over what creature I will be. 
The universe decides for me. 
There is beauty and evil in this.
Some days I feel like my life is not mine.
Yet some I am ecstatic for a new adventure. 

 
Some days I wish I could stay the same,
And some I am thankful for the change. 
Having no control over who I want to be, 
is hard…

Yet I love the challenge of adjusting to new environments, 
And gaining a different view of life every single day.
 

She stands as tall as the pine trees,
with long legs and flowing hair.
She is young with an infinite amount of potential.
She is a girl whose dreams will become reality. 

She is a hard worker, 
who rarely gives up. 
She involves herself in a multitude of activities. 
She is a girl with little free time. 

She has a bright smile.
She loves to laugh,
and crack jokes. 
She is a girl who knows the little moments are the finest. 

She is from a big family.
Who appreciates everything they sacrifice. 
She loves them a lot.
She is a family girl. 

Although she seems happy, 
She can also be down. 
Yet, attempts to see the positive in all.
She is human. 

She has big brown eyes, 
That have a spark in them.
She is proud of who she has become. 
She is me. 


 

     As an eighth grader, a wonderful woman reached out to me, and said she did not have enough students for her upcoming humanitarian trip. I was ecstatic that she would reach out to me, and of course, I was ALL on board. When I was ten years old, my older sisters and dad went to Haiti on a similar trip. I wanted to do exactly what they did, as soon as I could. Immediately after I got the yes from my parents, I started fundraising. I knew that the Haiti trip changed my sisters' lives, and I couldn't wait to experience it for myself.