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Let Us Welcome... - 2 new students from

Mountain View Elementary, - 4 new students from Roadrun-

ner Elementary, - 6 new mentors &

- 3 new Big Brother Big Sister pairs.

Newsletter APRIL 2008, VOLUME 14

Our Members….

2727 W. GROVERS PHOENIX, AZ 85053

WWW.WSFKIDS.ORG

GROUP B GROUP LEADERS: ROGER MILLER &

JON COURY

STUDENT MENTOR

Sadaf Aayar Audra Boyd

Nereyda Eribes Borquez Susan Atkinson

Angel Camacho Gina Trotter

Hector Miranda Castro Linda Triolo

Adam DeVerger Paul Askew

Armando Durazo Ryan Jensen

Philip Gough-Stone Russ Goodman

Mirina Higginbothan Stacey Harris

Avery Lomayestewa Andy Chen

Mitzy Soira Yvonne Stuckey

Jennifer Tolentino Nora Hannah

Aaron Vargas David Dodge

Rakell Verdugo IIdi Schmidt

Kaycee Torres Andrea Petrof

GROUP C GROUP LEADERS: JOE LIBMAN &

LAURA LIBMAN

STUDENT MENTOR

J.D. Brown Brad Chelton

Gabrielle Bustos Linda McVey

Alex Chavez John Segler

Anthony Davis Lee Williams

Briana Davis Jemima Schmidt

Alisa Duderija Monika Cheang

Tania Ibanez Teresa Guella

Ivan Ibanez John Cheang

Mariela Ramirez Gloria Hernandez

Israel Soto John Marley

Berlin Belvett Barry Libman

Shamire Priestley Laura Libman

Brandy Flynn Elaine Soppe

Willow Herber Vicki Guffey

Courtney Laycock Regan Schwartz

Moises Lopez Mike Lofton

Caleb Price John Vasey

Alexis Sparks Suzanne Eden

GRADUATES

STUDENT COLLEGE

Mitzi Miranda Glendale CC

Y-nhi Nguyen Glendale CC

Martha Castro Phoenix College

Carlos Sanchez Phoenix College

602-993-1140 X.1502 602-993 -5590 FAX

Washington Street Foundation

GROUP A GROUP LEADER: BARRY LIBMAN

STUDENT MENTOR

Wilmer Ayala Charlie Sonneborn

Giselle Jaramillo Linda Azlin

Aaliyah Jefferson Debra Bokich

Jase Lalande James Roberts

Vinder Lopez DJ Burrough

Jorge Manzanares Renee Brodt

Guadalupe Martinez Kimberley Grant

Mariah Martinez Leticia Scearce

Rosa Martinez Laura Podzius

Destiny Nasr Andrea Scott

Cameron Nutt Mike Campion

Elizabeth Ramirez Danette Cheney

Francisco Solis Valdez Paul Steen

Vianey Torres Fernando Dominguez

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In Memory of My Grandma by Avery

Lomayestewa

Gave hugs & kisses

Rain or shine. Always loving

No matter what. Death was won, but Memories of you Are always in my

heart.

very sim-ple, just stop. An-other good idea is, ask yourself if in that moment you have friendship towards your friend, or friends. Sometimes it’s not even your fault if your friends do fight. And even if you ever, ever do fight with your friends it’s ok because we all do. Life’s not perfect, not to anybody, not even to the nicest person in the world. (Which I don’t think there is) So anyway, do you think you know a little bit more about friendship? I hope you do. And if you were wondering why I said “a little bit more” it’s because you already knew things, or facts about friendship didn’t you? Well I hope you did because I think that all of you reading this article right now are really smart.

Friendship is something that can’t be told in words. When you are in the Washington Street Foundation group, friendship is super, super im-portant. That’s what it’s all about. If you get along with other people such as mentors, friends and family members, that’s friendship. Another good place where friendship fills the air, is in school. But not only in these two places exists friendship. Everywhere you go friendship is there waiting for you. So, as you know Kim and I each share friendship. As I was telling you, Kim and I share friend-ship. We have had lots of fun together. She al-ways helps me or explains to me things I don’t understand. That’s what friends are for. If peo-ple are really your friends, you feel something for them. Like when one of your friends is sad, you feel sad, don’t you? Or else you try to cheer them up to make them happy again. If you feel like that for one of your friends, that’s friendship. Even when you’re at your house, when you least know it, you have friendship. As I told you, in the first paragraph, friendship is everywhere. You just don’t know it. So whenever you see friends, or you yourself fighting with one another, just stop and think for a moment. Ask yourself if that’s really how friends should act. If the answer is “no” then it’s

Friendship by Guadalupe Martinez

I don’t think that I have ever had such a person in my life who makes such a difference. Regan has made such a huge impact on my life that it is truly unbelievable to me. I was always the shy, overlooked type. Then I got introduced to Washington Street Foundation. At first it was hard to adjust, having a mentor that was always late was really hard. And it pushed me back into a shell. Then along came Regan. The best mentor that I could have ever

Regan by Courtney Laycock

asked to have. She has shown me how to be me, and that being crazy is just fine. I don’t care what people think anymore, I am not scared to show them my true side. Instead of sitting around being scared to talk to anyone and being super shy, I can go and just laugh at anything and show them who I can be. I’ve learned so much from her. I know that I have somewhere to go, and to talk to someone, who I know I can trust with everything. I have never been closer to anyone, than I am with Regan. I truly don’t know what I will do without her in high school. I

still have problems getting up in front of big crowds and speaking. That’s just something that I need to work on, but now because of Regan I won’t hold back, and go sit alone. She has shown me the light to the world outside of my shell. She has brought me into the world, and shown me everything. And for that I couldn’t thank you all enough for such a wonderful mentor, and I can’t even explain how to thank Regan. I love my Mentor.

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good advice but I did not learn this until much, much later. Years flew by and today faith holds the top position. I realize how fortu-nate I have been. I’m blessed to have a large, close, loving family just a phone call away. The friends I relied on when I was a teenager came and went; only a few are still around to-day. As I grew up I realized that my faith is what carried me to this point. I can do just about anything now and I will be alright. My faith has helped me through every part of my life thus far. When my children all left for col-lege and their jobs, I was left with an empty house. My faith held me up during my sadness. My friend, Linda McVey, suggested BBBS and almost overnight my family grew to include Willow.

These three things have always been in my life but not necessarily in this order. When I was young my large family came first, they were every-thing to me. I was fed, supported and loved. I was never far from them and if I was they were always on my mind. I learned how to share; both time and money. I learned how to love; a new brother or sister, my par-ents and older people. I learned how to help those less fortunate than me as well as teachers, neighbors and friends. When I became a teenager my friends shot into first place. I spent an inordinate amount of time with them ignoring some of the basic things I learned from my family. I’d listen to what my friends said as if it were gospel. I had no time for fam-ily. Some friends did not give me

Faith, Family, Friends by Vicki Guffey

FEATURED IN THE PEORIA NEWSPAPER (FRIDAY, FEB 29TH)

CONGRATULATIONS SUZANNE!

Favorite dinner...

“Ohhhhh, so many. I love fried chicken and Italian,” - Debra Bokich

Do you have a pet…

“Yes, 2 dogs (Nala & Coco) and 2 cats (Hailey & Tabby),” - Andrea Scott

Funny Story…

“When I was young and used to play soccer, or semi-pro-soccer. One game during the 2nd period I fainted for a few seconds on live Broad-cast ESPN,” - Fernando Dominguez

“When I was 5, I liked to see what I could fit up my nose (according to my mother). I have been to the emergency room to have legos, a dime, a rock, an eraser and even a quarter removed from my nose,” - Patrick Blakesley

“When my new boss started working in my department, I sent my twin sister in to work for me. After she was there for a few mintues, I walked in and my boss could not believe his eyes,” - Danette Cheney

Something about you that nobody really knows, but is interesting…

“I wanted to be a pro bowler when I was young,” - James Roberts

“Black & white photographer,” - Leticia Scearce

“I can juggle, not knives or anything but anything round,” - DJ Burrough

“I am getting my pilots license,” - Mike Campion

“I play ice hockey,” - Laura Podzius

Getting to Know Our New Mentors

GROUP A CREATED THIS IN JANUARY DURING THEIR VISIT TO

THE AZ MUSEUM FOR YOUTH.

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lots of food. I took most of it, especially the sweets and desserts. I even ordered a Shirley Temple. My experience sitting there was awesome. I hope I can do it again really soon. Watching professionals play up close is so much better than sitting in seats far away. Just being able to sit courtside once-you never want to go back to the other seats!

My Big Sister Andrea took me to a Phoenix Suns Basketball game and we were in the second row-courtside. I have never been that close to really see how tall the basketball players are. I’m so happy Andrea was able to come with me. I love the sport of basketball, but I don’t like watching it on TV; to me it’s too boring. I mostly love to play it and watch it live! Throughout the whole game I was smiling. I loved watching them up so close. I sat in the sec-ond row of the seats. During the second half of the game, this guy in front of us asked if we wanted to switch seats with him- Andrea said “no”, but I switched with him for a little bit. When I was in the front row, the first thing I did was touch the court. I laughed afterwards. During half-time Andrea and I went to this place under the bleachers for VIP’s. There was

Linda and I went to the Wild-life Zoo. We saw all of the animals. We saw the kanga-roos, tigers and the albino alliga-tor. We got on a ride that takes you around the zoo so you can check if

you missed any animals. We checked and we missed the bird walk in where you can walk in to the big bird cage and feed them apples and one landed on Linda’s hat.

Wildlife Zoo by Hector Miranda Castro

Courtside Basketball Seats by Kaycee Torres

On Friday, February first, Vicki and I went to downtown Phoenix. The reason why we went downtown was to see the First Friday’s Art Walk. In some parts there was music. Other parts there were little tents set up that sold different things. One tent sold purses another sold handmade dolls and there were a couple of fortune tellers, tarot card and palm readers. There were people everywhere. I thought that it was pretty cool. Some of the art was done by children who were runaways and kids like that. It was amazing to see artists so young. The houses were fixed up so kids like that would have somewhere to hang out. Some of the art was amazing and to think it was made by children who were just a little bit older or younger than me. The First Friday was also very busy. I felt like I was in New York City. Not only were there houses with art in them, there were also other shops that were open but very busy, with lines that went out the door! I thought the First Friday was an amazing experi-ence. If you ever get a chance First Friday hap-pens every Friday of each month, 7-10pm on 5th street and Roosevelt. I do encourage you to go and check it out. There is no cost but they sell beverages, foods and some clothing.

First Friday by Willow Herber

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On a crisp, overcast day, Briana, Stuart and I, enthusiastically geared up for an adventurous day at Dreamy Draw Park. Upon our arrival at the park, Stuart bounded out of my arms and toddled around the sandy picnic area with glee, while Briana and I saddled up with our supplies. I hoisted Stuart into the Kelty moun-taineering backpack and off we marched. We celebrated the challenge the hilly terrain offered our legs, and we jogged up and down the rocky dips and hills, begging our lungs to yank the oxygen out of the air. We admired the vast array of rocks as we tromped along. Briana and I agreed that we would each select a special rock from our hike, which we would save as a memento for the glorious day. We made a pact that in the future that we would each select a rock from our hikes that would later be added to a collection contained in a glass vase. The rock collection represents special times spent together. Every rock is unique and represents a metaphor for every relationship. The sharp edges on rocks are like the sharp prods that events in life can deliver to each per-son. The smooth beautiful rocks are like those seemingly perfect moments

one encounters in life. Briana is a special person to me and I want her to know that in life I want to be a solid rock for her. Anyway, this article was also about a hike…

We initially encoun-tered several individuals walking their horses along one of the trails. We halted long enough for Stuart to over-come his trepidation, and he began to gingerly pet the dapper steed on her velvety whiskered nose.

We selected our final destination when we pointed to the highest visible mountain peak and declared that we would perch on that spot to eat our lunch. While navigating the onerous switchback trails, our pace slowed and I began to reminisce to times from the seemingly distant past.---

---Shortly after my 18th birthday, I finished working for eight long vapid months in the gold mines, located in the Yukon Territory. I saved my money, and then I purchased airline tickets for a trip around the globe.

After a few treacherous incidents in Europe, North Africa, and India, I arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal. I

hired a guide and set off for the Himalayan mountain range. My goal was to reach the Anapurna base camp, and then to spend the following few weeks hiking a long circuitous route, which would ultimately lead me, back to Kath-mandu. I was ill prepared for my sojourn. I failed to purchase hik-ing boots prior to my trip, because I was too vain to wear hiking

boots, I thought they were decidedly uncool and at the outset of my trip, I decided that I would not ever wear such hideous attire. My foolish deci-sion, forced me to rent a pair of poorly constructed boots from the marketplace. The shopkeeper exuber-antly informed me that it was “no problem” that the boots were at least two sizes too large for me. The enter-prising shopkeeper informed me that I could stuff fabric or socks into the gaps. The clerk told me the extra ma-terial would serve to keep my feet warmer.

The first hour seemed a lark, as I laughed about how the boots bounced around on my feet. A short time later, I began to wonder whether a pair of sandals would have suited me better! The hard leather boots gouged me on the tops of my feet and on the Achilles tendon and on the heels. My guide who surely stood to profit from the shopkeepers boot rental told me that I needed to give my feet ade-quate time to adjust to the boots. Ahh! I can still hear the confidence in his voice, in my mind’s eye.

I hiked to the Anapurna Base Camp with several other travelers I met along the way. The storm re-

On A Crisp, Overcast Day... by Jemima Schmidt

...continued on the back page

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Although the Hula Hoop fad roared to life in the 1950s, Egyptian children were playing with similar toys more than 3,000 years ago. They swung large hoops of dried grape-vines around their waist or pushed them along the ground with a stick. In 14th century England, children and adults were wild about “hooping,” and in the 1700s, missionaries to Hawaii came back with the name hula hoop in honor of the dance that hoop-ers seemed to imitate. In 1957, Richard Knerr and Arthur Melin, founders of the Wham-O Toy Co., heard from a foreign guest that Australian children twirled a bamboo ring around their waists in gym class. Recognizing a good idea, Melin & Knerr trademarked the name Hula Hoop and began manufacturing the brightly colored plastic rings. To market their product, Melin & Knerr did hundreds of demonstrations and gave away Hula Hoops at California playgrounds. Their perseverance paid off: Wham-O sold 25 million Hula Hoops in less than four months; two years later, more than 100 million were sold. The fad began to fade by the end of 1959, but Hula Hoops have recently regained some of their popularity as a way to keep fit.

History of the Hula Hoop

The 7th and 8th grade boys and girls basketball team had almost gone undefeated this year. We had a record of 9-1. The team has done a lot bet-ter than the 7th grade boys team last year that

got a 1-9 final record. The team we always score 1-1 with is Maryland. Our coach wanted to have another game with them, since they have the same record with us. After the sea-son we asked our coach if he could put us in a tournament so he put us in the Brophy Tournament. I couldn’t go to the tourna-ment because I went out of town, but the team said we got 4th place.

The Cougars by Caleb Price

I remember last year in 7th grade when I was so happy and anx-ious to leave Orangewood School. So why am I back? Well, when I left I said I’ll meet new friends, live in a bigger house with my own room. But I hadn’t realized what I already had. My new school did-n’t turn out to be the best. It had some rules I didn’t like (uniforms!!!) and I missed my friends. So I decided to come back and see my friends like Caleb, Courtney and my old teacher Ms. Schwartz. Now I’m happy in a little home and finally a school with no uni-forms.

Coming Back to Orangewood by Moises Lopez

In the summer, I went to a basketball camp. I’m so glad I went there thanks to the Wash-ington Street Foundation otherwise I wouldn’t have learned anything. I made a lot of friends. And since I went to the camp, I’m point guard for the 1st quarter. I had to wake up at nine and be at the camp at 9:50am. At the camp we made teams for each group, so we can play our tournament. My team won the tournament. I was really happy because I thought my team wasn’t going to be good. I got tired everyday. We had to run a mile everyday. We ran around the camp ten times. I had to make friends with someone I didn’t get along with, but at the last

When I Went to Basketball Camp by Armando Durazo

day of camp I was really good friends with him. Every time we finished our third game in the tournament we went to eat snacks. When we eat snacks we get to watch a movie, play play-station 2, the wii, x-box or play pool and ping pong, it is so fun. We practice a lot before we play games. Well when the camp was over I was mad. I didn’t want to leave my new best friends. After that I went to school and I joined the basketball team. And now I’m the leader of it because of the camp. I really want to thank the Washington Street Foundation again, thank you.

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This block of classes is very interesting for me not only because all the classes I have I like but all the classes I have seem very interesting. My first period this block is trigonometry, my second

period for the block is anatomy/physiology, my third period is strength and conditioning, my last period is world history. My first class of the day in school is trigonometry, in that class we are learning the trigonometric functions. I think I could get a high B in this class because I think math it is one of my strengths. The teacher is Mrs. Young she is a very good teacher. I think she could get me through trigonometry if I am willing to learn it and I am willing to learn it. She makes the class a class for every-one to enjoy it. Well I hope I can get as much of the things in math memorized. So yeah I hope I will pass this class and get something out of it. My second class is Anatomy/Physiology, in that class we are learning about the body parts. That class is basi-cally about the body and its organs and how they work. In that class the teacher is really cool. Yesterday he gave my table movie tickets for doing our work. I’m lik-ing that class a lot not just because the teacher gives you prizes but because it helps me learn about my body a lot. I would love to learn a lot about the body and how it works. My third period I have strength and conditioning, in that class the classroom is very hot but that helps you sweat a lot. I wanted to get a working out class since I’m going to play soccer and I might play football in col-lege. Plus I think that would get me into shape and help my muscles grow a little. This class I like a lot because it’s what I always wanted since I came to Ocotillo High School and I want to get in shape for the sports I want to play. My fourth hour is world history, in that class the teacher is Mr. Danner he is a tall skinny guy who thinks he is really funny but he is not at all that funny. I would say he has something against me but if he does I don’t care because he doesn’t know my strengths or weak-nesses and I am willing to show him what I am made up of so that he knows I have a potential to pass his class with flying colors. As you can see my schedule is a really busy one. Some of these classes I might have my handful of homework but I will come out successful with some pretty good grades.

Trigonometry, Anatomy & More by Israel Soto

GABRIELLE, BRIANA AND MARIELA WITH THEIR HORSE AT HUNKAPI; GROUP C ATTENDED IN DECEMBER.

ALEXIS, PHILIP, ANGEL, BRANDY, JENNIFER, AARON AND MIKE ON THE SCHNEPF FARMS ROLLER COASTER;

GROUP B ATTENDED IN JANUARY.

WILMER, HECTOR, MIRINA AND OTHER GROUP A STU-

DENTS WITH THEIR “EDIBLES” LESSON INSTRUCTOR AT LAKE PLEASANT IN FEBRUARY.

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What’s up? I’m Mirina! This story might relate to most of you. Have you ever been a new kid at a new school? Well I have and it could be really scary. Well once I was in Orangewood school. I loved it there and I loved the teachers and I thought that Orange-wood was the only school that I was going to be in until one day before fifth grade I decided to go to another school. The school I went to is called Madison Meadows Middle School. As

The New School by Mirina Higginbothan

the last doll I would receive and play with, since I was becoming a woman now. After this, I started to dance my first waltz with my dad, which was a symbol of him giving me a “pass” and letting me know I could dance with my friends at parties. So, after dancing with him it was time to show off what my chamberlains could do. :] We danced an-other waltz where I twirled and swirled around them and my brother carried me. After all this, the band began to play and it was time to enjoy the party. However, we had a surprise for our guests. During the first fifteen-minute break the band had, my chamberlains and I danced a “Surprise Dance” for our guests, which nobody expected. At about nine-o’clock, it was time to cut the cake and give away my last doll. Giving away my last doll was proba-bly an emotional feeling for me, since it was really here where I felt I was no longer a little girl. Giving away my doll is like when a bride throws her bou-quet, except I wasn’t a bride I was a quinceañera. The best thing about this little experience though was that my younger cousin, Melissa, who is four-teen and will be fifteen this July, was the one who received my last doll. Well after all that craziness, everyone was dancing all night long. Overall, I can say that day was just like a fairytale any girl would like to go through, and I had that opportu-nity to experience it. So, if I could tell girls out there who are at the age of fifteen or sixteen it would be live your life to the fullest, don’t do anything you will regret later because for me the best days so far are these days in our teenage years.

Imagine yourself dressed as a princess: puffy dress sparkling tiara, and magical wand. Does-n’t this sound nice? Well for my fifteen birth-day, I was a one of a kind queen. In Mexico, there is a tradition in where when a girl hits the age of fifteen they become a young woman. The family throws a huge party, which lasts all day long beginning in the morning with a mass going until night with waltzes. Let me tell you how mine went. First, I had to get up at six thirty sharp to go and get my hair done; it took about two hours, but let me say it was worth the wait. Second, I arrived at my house where most of my chamberlains were getting ready. Next stop was the mass. At the church, the priest spoke to me about various characteristics I should carry along with me through my life. For example, to love my parents as well as love myself and respect my parents moreover respect myself. Following the mass, I along with my chamberlains took pic-tures at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Form here; it was time to arrive at the banquet where the party would take place. At around four, the mariachi began to play for the guests, and once again, we took more pictures. At approximately six-ish the ceremony began (this is really the part where I become a woman). It began with a brief toast to thank everyone who attended the party. Follow-ing that, my dad put on my high heels which represent “My First High Heels I would wear”, while my mom crowned me and handed me my wand. She also gave me a doll, this stood as a symbol for “My Last Doll” which meant it was

Imagine yourself dressed as a princess... by Tania Ibanez

I walked into class I felt nervous be-cause I thought that I wasn’t going to make any friends, but luckily some of my friends from Orangewood decided to come with me to Madison Meadows. The problem was that my friends weren’t in any of my classes so I didn’t see them until recess and lunch time. After a couple of days, I started to get used to Madison Meadows. I started to get used to the time and the bell that range every few seconds in class. I felt

sort of like a teen-ager in my class because we had lockers. I had to change into dif-ferent clothes in gym and my school name said Madison Meadows Middle School. Now I have a lot of friends that I hang out with everyday. I still miss Orangewood, but someday I’ll get to see them soon. I hope I don’t have to move to another school.

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The Civil Rights...Solution (Inspired by those that made a difference) by Angel Camacho

helping the world. Everyone sometimes makes bad choices but it’s time to make the right choice.

All the people in the world can make a difference. Imagine if Martin Luther King Jr. hadn’t done anything about racism and violence; the world would still be how it was 30-40 years ago. Even the slightest change can make a difference. So imagine the world without the dif-ference Martin Luther King Jr. made. Just be yourself and I promise you that it will get you somewhere. So next time you think that you aren’t worth anything. Just say you are.

Why I think my solution will make a difference? It will make a difference because each and every person will make a difference. My solution helps because everyone that thinks that they can’t make a difference; they will make a difference because they will stand up for their rights as an American citizen. Robert Kennedy said “One man can make a difference.” I think that it’s true. Even women can make a difference. So get off your couches

and go reach for your dreams. I feel that you can reach it if you go for it. I will tell you another key if you think violence is the answer. Well, it’s not! That wouldn’t lead you to your dream. So think about how Martin Luther King Jr. made a difference through non-violent protests. Non-

violence will get you to where you want to be.

Questions: Here are some questions that you might have had while reading this…

- What goals can I reach without violence interfering? You can reach any goals with non-violence.

- What do you think my quote should be if I believe in peace? “Without war there can only be peace.”

- Where should I start? Start by helping out your commu-nity and little by little it will make a difference.

- If people are making rude comments about my race do I talk back? No! Just ignore because you are who you are so don’t get upset if they tell you something that makes you feel bad.

Thank you for listening to my solution. Have a good day! Remember always have a smile.☺

Hi, my name is Angel Camacho and I feel as if I have a solution to big wars. Well, my solution may be the key for everything. I feel as if I will be the one that opens up the door for everyone who is willing to hope for a better world and future. Don’t worry for those that fell as if they aren’t worth it at all. Trust me; each and every one of you makes a very big, enormous difference in this world. Without this one little quote it would be a very different world. The quote that helped change this world was Martin Luther King Jr.’s which was “I have a dram.” I know that you have been waiting for me to tell you my solution. Okay here it goes; “Just help those that need it more than you, and even that will help make a little dif-ference in the world.” I think with this quote we will soon stop all the violence and racism that fills our world with chaos, but don’t forget the big wars like WWII.

I feel as if we should all have a quote to help us stay strong when we feel weak. My quote will be “Together united we stand strong.” We will make a massive differ-ence in the world, trust me we will. Sooner or later we will have to stand up for our rights. I feel as if now is the time to stand up for what we think is right for us and those that need some-one to stand beside them when they need someone. Don’t worry if you need someone to pick you back up again when you fall; I will be there for you and anyone that needs a helping hand. I will be the one to give you a hug or a friend when you need it. There is no law that says you cannot ♥ love your neighbor or anyone who needs caring and love in their hollow heart. So I feel as if that is what we should all do because sooner or later love will spread all over the world and hopefully the chaos will end.

You may think I am just an average girl, well I am an average girl, but deep inside I could be the one that changes the world. My hope and dream is to be either a vet or a lawyer because both jobs can help the commu-nity. If I end up becoming something besides that above I would be fine as long as I do something that benefits the world like a teacher, nurse, therapist, geologist, or anything that can be helpful. Another civil rights solu-tion is if you have a dream go for it. You can end up

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sulted in us being stranded for several days. We ran out of food, and we huddled

together in frozen silence for days try-ing to stay warm in the flimsy sleep-ing bags we brought with us. We ate moldy apples fried in oil until the blizzard stopped.

By the time, I limped to the bottom of the mountain several large ques-tions loomed in my mind. “Would I be able to make it? Should I turn around or keep going on my projected route?” Turning around seemed con-sistent with defeat so I squared my shoulders and vowed to continue. Stubborn as a mule, my mother used to say!

No transportation existed where I was hiking. True there were donkey trains however; they were reserved for hauling precious supplies into the distant villages. The trails were peril-ous and often required us to tiptoe across frail bridges, which hovered over deep ravines. The odd donkey fell off these bridges and you could see the carcasses far below. I shudder now as I recall how those bridges constructed of wood and rope jumped and trem-bled as we crossed. No roller coaster in the world can distribute that kind of fear throughout the human body. However, I digress…

As the days turned into weeks, my feet became the source of my despair. In fact, the pain overcame my thoughts, my very being. The blisters ceased to be blisters and they molted into deep, red raw cavernous holes in the tissue of my feet. Each prod of the hard leather boot delivered unimagin-able agonizing bursts of pain for the

Continued from page 5 (On A Crisp, Overcast Day…)

remainder of the trek. The bone on my heels became visible as the boots gouged away the remnants of my flesh. As I hobbled along the steep winding trails, I literally wept from the pain. The leather seams of the cursed boots cruelly gouged into each wound on my feet with every step. None of the vil-lages had health care or supplies of any sort.

The act of moving became a juggling act. I devised a multitude of variations on that thing we call “walking.” I walked on the sides of my feet, on my tiptoes, with socks, barefoot, sideways, and so on. When I walked barefoot through the snow, I cackled to myself- envisioning how the folks at home would ask me if I was out of my mind. The numbing effect the snow exerted on my feet provided a compelling break from the pain. Do not get me wrong, there was a limit to how long I could walk barefoot through the snow- as that scenario also lead to a painful sensation!

One night while racking my brain about what I could use to treat my feet I recalled reading somewhere that pre-vious generations of peoples had cau-terized body parts to kill infection. An idea entered my head. Of course! I would simply cauterize the infected wounds on my feet! I had always held the medical profession in high esteem and I reveled in the opportunity to deliver my own treatment. I gloated, about how clever I was to bravely re-sort to such a primitive medical “treatment.”

With terminator like determination, I pointedly purchased several candles at a village market. That night in the privacy of my guesthouse room, I

fanned the flames to enable maxi-mum wax melting. I enthusiastically poured a pool of hot wax into one of the deep wounds on my foot. The phe-nomenal burst of pain rendered me incapacitated for a couple of minutes. I collapsed in a writhing ball of ag-ony, as the hot wax seemed to sear through the very marrow of my bones. The pain seemed to stop my ability to produce sound for a time. The blood-curdling scream remained suspended somewhere deep in my chest. The walls in the room seemed to bend and sway back and forth, as I clutched my foot and hopped up and down like a circus performer on a pogo stick. When the pain subsided to a thunder-ous dull thud, I repeated the process with each remaining wound...

The following morning, I donned the famous boots, anxious to deter-mine whether the treatment was suc-cessful. Much to my delight the “treatment” granted me modest relief. I continued my hobbling for the re-mainder of the trip. I swore aloud many times that I would purchase a comfortable pair of hiking boots as soon as I returned to the urban world.

Permanent scars decorate my feet and ankles to this day. My trek in the Himalayan Mountains taught me several important lessons. I learned about survival and persever-ance in the face of adversity. I learned that vanity has definite pit-falls. I learned that I have a tenacious spirit. Moreover, I learned the in-herent value of wearing comfort-