Literary Magazine

Written by

the middle school students of

Immaculate

Conception School

2014-15

Creation

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,

Which gave all life a new birth.

Then he created a special dome,

A sky that lies over the place we call home.

Next he created the waters and sea,

A place where all fish can be.

But God didn’t want the whole world to be wet,

So he created dry land and the two then met.

He thought dry land was way too dull,

So he created animals and birds; God was on a roll!

But he saw the animals had nothing to eat,

So he created plants that bore fruit to give them a treat.

God needed someone to take care of everything and would never leave,

So he created man and woman, Adam and Eve.

Kendall Jarrett

On That Day

On the first day, God made day and night.

He created sun and moon that shine so bright.

Let there be light, just one little line

Generated our world and the planets aligned.

On the second day, God made Water and Sky

For future animals to swim and fly.

He separated all water under the dome

So one day earth could be a home.

On the third day, God made all the land

Just with one tiny flick of his hand.

He made the flowers, the fruit, and the trees

Making them as vivid and beautiful as could be.

On the fourth day, God gave the galaxy rulers

Sun of day, Moon of night

Nobody thought it could get any cooler.

Birds would soon begin their sky-high flight.

On the fifth day, God made sky and water creatures

Each one with its own acts and features.

His creations were graceful and beautiful,

He told each one to multiply and be fruitful.

On the sixth day, God mad animals of land,

Even the ones who couldn’t stand.

He created the ones that crawl on the ground,

Along with the creatures who don’t make a sound.

On the seventh day, God took a rest.

For He made all of creation His best. Lauren Baker

Original Poetry

Come with me to my thinking place.

See the glorious thoughts and big ideas that come to mind

Hear the soft voices that speak to you.

Feel the excitement of dreams that will happen someday.

Smell the wonderful smells that creep in

Taste the air softly swaying towards you. Katie Gleeson

Come with me to NYC

See the skyscrapers touching the clouds.

Hear people’s shoes against the sidewalk as

they scurry to their jobs.

Feel the air from the cars flying by.

Smell the exhaust from the taxi at a red light.

Taste the funnel cakes from the street vendors.

Come with me to the Big Apple. Patrick Verch

Come with me to Bethany Beach.

See the umbrellas that seem never-ending.

Hear the crashing of each wave and the ocean calling your name

Feel the wave hug your ankles and pull you into the ocean and the Atlantic cold water after you fall off your

surfboard.

Smell the lunches at every umbrella stand that the moms have when the ocean is on break.

Taste the BLT at lunch while you watch the waves curl on the sand.

Come with me back into Bethany’s water. Sal Schiano diCola

Baseball is full of

Amazing plays that are

Sure to

Entertain as

Batters hit home runs

Around the world while

Letting the child’s fun in everyone

Live forever. Spencer Doyle

Besides being with friends or on the field, I

Enjoy a fun day with the ocean and sand

All day I play under the sun and in the

Chilly waves, and when I get tired I

Head back home after a great day at the beach.

Cindy Beauchemin

My puppy loves to play

Around my house night and day. She

Is sometimes crazy and sometimes lazy, but always

Sweet and is a treat.

You would love her, too. Holly Becker

Pi Day: 3/14/15

I was at my brother’s basketball game, fixated on the spherical basketball that they were playing with. As my brother

Ashley was playing with his teammates, I noticed how the different numbers on

the back of their uniforms. During their break, as Ashley and his two friends were

talking, I noticed that their uniform numbers made up the digits of pi. It was such

a coincidence!

It was very irrational of me, but it took an infinite amount of courage to ask

them if I could take their picture. They agreed, probably because of everyone’s

nonterminating love of Pi. Alexa

Aquino

To celebrate the monumental date of 3/14/15 and to emphapize the 3.1415 signipicance of the day,

I chose to capture the moment while “Pine Dining.” My friends, three, one, four, and I (plus the

endless guests that trail behind them) enjoyed a delicious meal. We had pizza, piles of pineapple, and

pie. The pie was very irrational and so were our dinner plates! We ended the evening around the

piano with a pint of hot chocolate. What a pirfect picture!

We were even moved to pietry: If inside a circle a line

Hits the center and goes

spine to spine,

and the line’s length is “d,”

The circumference will be

d times 3 point 1 4 1 5 9.

Charles Suter

Pi is everywhere. In honor of Pi day, I offer up my humble picture in an

attempt to bring to light the magnificence and wonder of

the truly transcendental number known as Pi. As you can see, I have

recruited my beaten-down, navy blue converse for this particularly thrilling

task. Converse is well known for its motto, All Star, which is represented on the

inside of the shoe with a flaming red star, stark against the cloth of the shoe.

Now, astronomers, philosophers, doctors, and scientists alike have been

marveling for hundreds of years at the sheer abstruseness of our universe.

Some believe that there could, quite possibly, be an infinite number of stars in

our solar system. I know that infinity freaks some people out, and I get it.

How could something never end? The idea that there is no limit, no finish line,

nothing that could grant comfort to our restless curiosity, no definitive answer. The idea of infinity can bring chaos to

even the most brilliant minds. So, Pi being an infinite number is. As we say today, “mindblowing.” Hence the need for a

designated day to pause and think about the mathematical madness known as Pi.

Gretchen Beernink

Fireworks on the Fourth of July: An Eyewitness Account from Tyler Cahill

Boom! Boom! The fireworks blasted into the sky of downtown Baltimore. Rich-colored fireworks, shooting through

the sky like rockets. My family saw the action, too. We couldn’t believe how grand the experience was.

I had seen fireworks in my neighborhood before, as I’m sure you have as well, but they were never as ostentatious as

these. These fireworks stated what Baltimore is all about: Go big or go home! So big, my cousin’s dog Thunder was

going absolutely insane when he heard the noises, running around the field like a ferocious beast.

Prior to the flashy explosions, the sun seemed to descend swiftly. It was night before we knew it, and the fireworks

went off and blew up before our eyes. The first few began as singulars, but then they started doing three or four at a time,

and it really got noisy.

During the array of brightness, I glanced at my cousins who were just as astonished looking at all of the breathtaking

colors. The colors ascended and transformed into circles, miniature dots, and other magnificent shapes of scarlet, teal, and

lavender. Getting closer to the finale, they really kicked it up a notch, throwing three or four fireworks into the picture as

explosions of art, paint flying anywhere the fireworks flew.

The finale had to be the most preeminent showcasing of fireworks I have ever seen, because it was just rapid-fire.

Four rockets shot up, and as soon as they died, the next ones came to life. It was a firework wonderland, and when it

finished, I couldn’t help thinking, “We have to do this again!”

That experience told me why I really love Baltimore, and why I’m glad our country won independence for us.

American soldiers put their lives on the line so we could have an extraordinary terrain they probably didn’t know would

still be in use more than 200 years later. The newly freed colonists probably thought, “In respect to our brave soldiers,

let’s blast some rockets into the sky! Let’s give them some color, too, and call them fireworks!” Thus, our fireworks have

lit up the night on the 4th of July ever since. Let our people, or fireworks, in this case, be free!

A Reflection by Morgan Gurley

I can feel the warm sunrays on my face. The sun just rose, and I have a perfect view of the pink

and orange sky from my uncomfortable steel chair high in a tree. As I take a deep breath, we hear

something move in the brush about 50 yards out. We both stare at the brush. One of us is hoping

there is nothing there; the other is thinking about dinner.

My dad is a hunter. He goes every chance he gets. I myself could never ever stop the heart of a

deer, duck, turkey, or dove. Even if I was on a remote island, I would have a tough time killing

something that has done nothing to me. But if I was starving, would I do it?

I am from stacks of yellow-paged Harry Potter novels

And jeweled picture frames filled with memories

And knick-knacks on the mantelpiece, each one with meaning.

I am from a cold stone wall

And a big black dog that will love you forever

And a fountain that springs liquid crystals.

I am from deer and groundhogs

And friendly neighbors

And Labor Day block parties.

I am from pumpkin pie and cold vanilla ice cream

And hotdogs and hamburgers laced with the taste of summer

And egg casseroles on Christmas morning.

I am from the grandmother with enough liveliness for us all

An understanding mom and a smiling dad

And Hope, my sister, my best friend, my listener.

I am from “be kind’

And “just do your best”

And “don’t worry; just breathe”

The kind that helps you sleep.

I am from catching buzzing fireflies

And loud games of football

And relaxing by the beach, hearing waves crash on the sand.

I am from a shoebox full of moments that’s under my bed,

And snapshots that decorate the closet shelves

And in myself, in more detail and number than any frame could ever capture. Libby Thompson

I am from mismatched furniture,

Brightly-colored rooms,

Splatter paint basements and

Many stray socks and shoes.

I am from dead and gloomy fig trees,

Luscious and freshly cut grass,

And half-eaten pine trees with only top halves.

I am from old, smelly neighbors,

Rusty street lamps

Carnivorous coyotes,

And dogs with long, golden hair.

I am from pasta

A half pound of bread

Lots of delicious carbohydrates,

And tiramisu.

I am from a do named Chance,

My sisters who are twins,

And my Aunt Lina and uncle Tony.

I am from “stop farting around”

I hate Walmart but sometimes you have to go in them

And “it ain’t over til it’s over.”

I am from staycations

Sharknado,

Marathons of Chopped

And big vocal ranges.

I am from dust-filled closets, two-decade old cardboard boxes

And pink cowgirl boots.

Francesca Capizzi

Better Than a Book Report

Storm Runners

Tossing, tumbling, and turning

My mind in the waves. Thinking about what my life’s become,

And that I need to be brave. Chasing storms after my mother died,

Being pulled to each and every one. In my father’s eyes, this is something fun.

Danger, danger, danger, is my life’s motion, Sinking to the bottom of this horrible ocean.

Life or death is my choice And now is my time to voice

Which way I shall go, the turns I make, the actions I’ll show. My mother’s not here.

I don’t have any sisters. My father’s alive

And all his mind is focused on Are life taking twisters.

I’m wondering what my life has become As I live through the worst each and every day.

Feeling that my mind will burst. Tossing, tumbling, and turning

With the thoughts of a tsunami, an earthquake, or a storm, Protecting people and their lives from natural disasters

And then thinking of my own life as my thoughts start to form Because currently I am stuck in the eye of a storm,

A mighty hurricane. My mind is tossing, tumbling, and turning in the waves

Of this mighty ocean And thinking of all the graves

Of the people i lost, and sorrow, or the horrible pain Of death. In this darkened night, is it possible to see the light

When my mind is tossing, tumbling, and turning in the waves of what my life’s become,

And all the help I have done that saved people from storms, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Tossing, tumbling, and turning,

My mind in the waves. Samantha Rehak

The Age of Miracles

The earth is slowing its trip around the sun.

But we continue to let the 24 hour clock run.

The birds that once flew drop to the ground.

The magnetic field is making a weird cracking sound.

The birds’ sickness is spreading to others,

And there are sick children, fathers, and mothers.

The sun’s harmful rays really shine bright,

Especially during a long, white night.

Will Julia and her family survive?

Or will there be no more people left alive?

The whales are beaching themselves on the sand.

The slowing is the greatest disaster to hit our land. Elizabeth Cucuzzella

Out of My Mind

I’m in a bubble of words, phrases, and songs Thinking about what’s right and what’s wrong, and wanting to speak

My words that I have waited for weeks To be spoken,

but I am broken. My body is weak

And I’m known as a freak Because all I can do is squeak here and there

And not even share My ideas and thoughts,

for I have lots, but one cannot pay

For me to say One single word.

I cannot talk. Samantha Rehak

To Kill a Mockingbird

E.E. Cummings’ poem “In Just”...... a model for our own.

In Just Fall….

When the world is cool

The toddler trees of green branches give way to green leaves

And children come running from beach towels and vacations of summer and it’s

Fall

When the world is colorful and quiet

The adults of colorized trees of green and yellow

And cars of warm air come driving to dew-ful fields of energy and it’s

Fall

and

the

old trees of bark

give way to

color mixtures

of glee. Kelley Scott

in just- winter when the world is freeziful the children shovel the snow, red-faced and chilled and the families stay home from ice and snow and it’s winter when the world is playtastic the cold children play, red-faced and chilled and adults stay inside watching tv and sipping hot chocolate and it’s winter and the

tired children sleep soundly warm and dreamfilled. Douglas Oakley

In Just

Winter

When the Arctic is crystallized

The tiny but wide penguin waddles close and near

And the children come running from fires and hot-ish chocolate and its

Winter

When the Arctic is powder-mazing

The children play and dance

And the animals come prancing

To igloos and forts and it’s

Winter

And

The

Old man dreams

On

And

On…. Max Sullivan

In Just-

Spring

When the animals come out and see the light

The newborn bunny hops around munching on grass

And the once playful children are out once again, and it’s

Spring

When the world is waking from its slumber

The fabtastical-luscious animals finally see the sun

And Piper and Hazel come out to feed the coloricious animals, and it’s

Spring

and

the

crystalized dew

begins

to melt. Arianna Budny

Formal Art Critiques

This painting is called The Cover Illustration of The Last of the Mohicans. It was

painted by N.C. Wyeth (1882-1945) in 1919. In the painting there is a Native American in

the foreground; mostly in the middle, but a little to the left. He has a tattoo of a snake on

each arm, and one of a wheel on his stomach. He is wearing a brown loincloth. There is a

knife and a hatchet on his belt, and he is holding a bow and arrow. In the background there

is a large cloud behind him as well as mountains and a lake toward the bottom. The

mountains are dark purple, dark blue, and a tan color. The lake is a light blue, and the sky is

a light green at the bottom and steadily changes to a dark blue at the top.

This painting was made with oil paint on canvas. To emphasize the man as the main

subject in the painting, the painter contrasted the white color of the cloud against the dark

brown of the man’s skin. The painter also outlined the man with very dark lines. Also, he made the man take up a fair

amount of space in the painting. The brush strokes are very short, and it looks very choppy in most places. The man’s skin

has some red, green, blue and other colors to make it stand out more.

I think the painter was trying to demonstrate the power, control, and seriousness of the last Mohican and what the

whole tribe was like. The posture of the man combined with his various weapons definitely gives the impression that he is

strong, powerful, and can defeat everything that crosses him. He is the last of his tribe after all.

I think the artist was successful in portraying his message. The combination of colors, the way the man was

painted, and various details make the man seem very important. I also think the different colors in his skin do a good job

of making him stand out. All together, I really like this painting. It is painted very well and in a different way than I have

personally seen. Olivia Russell

This painting is called Flowers in an Urn and was made by Jan van Huysum in 1720-22. The background is a

shade of pale green with detailed flowers and plants in one orange vase. The flowers and plants are

colors such as green, white, blue, orange, red, and yellow. To the right of the vase there is a brown

nest with three light blue eggs inside. All of this is on top of a brown table. There is one orange

butterfly resting on the flower at the very top of the painting, and another orange butterfly at the

corner of the brown table to the left of the vase. The flowers and plants are various shapes, sizes, and

types.

Flowers in an Urn is oil on panel. The paintbrush had smooth strokes, but you could see

where Jan van Huysum started and ended the strokes. The painter used precise lines to show the

details of the flowers and plants. The colors of the flowers and plants are divided and are very

accurate comparing the painted ones to the actual ones. It was a smooth textured painting.

Flowers in an Urn has various flowers and plants all combined into one vase. All of these beautiful flowers and

plants are slowly dying. They are all droopy and falling onto the table. The message is that all good things will eventually

come to an end. You know that these flowers and plants were once lively and beautiful. Their colors will fade and they

will not be beautiful anymore.

I loved learning about the painting. I think Jan van Huysum used precise details and beautiful colors. I think he

was painting this just like someone would see it in a normal house. I think he obviously got the message across in this

painting. You can see that the flowers and plants will die soon. They are droopy and are starting to shrivel up. Jan van

Huysum is an amazing artist, and this is an amazing painting.

Shannon Donahue

This self-portrait was painted by Vincent van Gogh in 1889. The title of the painting is

literally Self-Portrait (he must have had trouble with the name). In the painting, van Gogh is

looking to his right with a glare. He has a long, pointy nose, and reddish hair. He is wearing a

blue cape and holding a few paintbrushes. The background is a deep blue color, and the light

seems to be coming from the top right corner.

It looks like van Gogh was using short, quick brush strokes in the painting. The

shading he used for his face transitions from dark to light very quickly. Van Gogh used oil on

canvas for this painting, so it probably took him a long time. He uses a few blonde strokes in

his reddish hair. It makes the whole color of his hair a little lighter. His cape and the

background are the same color, so they both blend in together.

Since van Gogh painted several self-portraits, I can probably infer that he liked himself, but that is not all. I

believe that he was trying to show the world what is true character was. The way he looks out with a cold glare gives me a

chill. It seems like he is trying to show that he wanted to be considered superior. His facial expressions give me the idea

that he was very serious about art and considered himself to be one of the world’s best artists.

I think that the interpretation fits. The looks he gives himself somewhat scare me. His glare and the dark, lifeless

color of his eyes give me the impression that he wanted to be great and important. He also gives me the impression that he

is better than me. I am almost scared of a painting. If he can do that, he must have really accomplished his goal.

Patrick Droney

A Dutch painting that I saw at the National Gallery of Art is the River

Landscape with Cows. It was painted by Aelburt Cuyp in 1645-50. There are

nine cows laying or grazing at the bottom of a hill. There is also a family of

three farmers walking on the top of the hill. A river is located behind the cows,

and a few sailboats are docked or sailing there. The clouds in the painting block

the light; the river with boats is fully illuminated, and the cows and farmers are

not.

Aelbert Cuyp made this painting with oil on panel. You can clearly see

his brushstrokes. His strokes gave the clouds texture. They looked very

realistic. So much so that I thought I could reach out and touch them. The grass

also had texture; it also looked realistic. The painting was divided diagonally from the top right to the bottom left. The

bottom half is in darkness, and the top is in light. His attention to lights and shadows made the painting draw your

attention to one half or the other.

I think that the artist was trying to convey what life was like or what his town looked like. His painting is very

rural. If this is where he grew up, I think it would be very peaceful. If it is not where he grew up, maybe this is his

peaceful place or a dream place to live. I felt very relaxed looking at this painting; it made me feel peaceful inside. He

may have loved nature and wanted to show it in this painting.

I think that this painting was very successful in conveying his message. I enjoyed this painting, and his message

was clearly shown. The river gave it an element of peace. The cows made it feel rural. The people on the hill make it

relatable. All of us may have walked up a hill or stood upon a hill in triumph. All of these make it successful and pleasing

to the eye.

Reagan Burke

Having Fun with Vocabulary

Bob and Jeff were good friends who ran a business. To increase profit, they formed a syndicate. Bob would sell faulty

cars that broke down. Jeff would repair those cars for a high price. Since they were the only sales and service around,

everybody went there, and they had full jurisdiction over that business.

One day they received a subpoena because they were being hit with a lawsuit and would be litigants in a case against

them. As soon as they received this news, they fled the country. They traveled to a small village on the coast of Africa

where they lived the rest of their lives with impunity. John Sommers

Mark and Bob were two very successful businessmen, and they decided to form a syndicate. They wanted

to expand their company’s jurisdiction to world-wide. Bob studied jurisprudence to help them negotiate with

other international companies. Mark spent his time looking at popular countries that had international

influence. Bob felt that he was doing all the work, so he fired mark. Mark was enraged and threatened to start

a litigation against Bob, but Bob called his bluff. Mark then decided to form an autonomous business. Today

each is a nemesis, and they compete against each other.

Ethan Sasaki

Kevin had never done anything illegal before, so he thought he had just robbed a bank with impunity since he would

never be suspected. The bank had formed a syndicate, and one of the owners was Kevin’s nemesis, so Kevin had felt most

inclined to rob that specific bank.

Later on, Kevin received a subpoena to appear in court. Surprised, he read and worked to understand jurisprudence.

When he realized that he would never understand the law, he decided he would have to perjure. Kevin had a good lawyer

who had also been a litigant in many attempted litigations, and Kevin was found not guilty for robbing the bank.

However, it was discovered later that he was guilty of perjury and he received punitive actions anyway.

Holly Beauchemin

Traveling to Europe Via Research

Paul Macdonald experienced.......

Italy:

......Since the Di Pasquas were so close to the Vatican, we frequently walked about the three miles to St. Peter’s

Square. My favorite part of the Vatican was the Sistine Chapel, famous for its frescos painted on the walls and ceilings by

famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo. The walls speak of stories from the Bible. The chapel is truly breathtaking. I

could have stood there for the whole day looking at the walls and ceilings and I still would not have seen all its beauty.

Everyone was tilting their heads up to look at the frescos, but I just lay on my back to look at the ceiling. Johann Goethe

summed up the chapel best. “Without having seen the Sistine Chapel, one can form no appreciable idea of what one man

is capable of achieving.” It really is close to impossible to think someone painted it.

Netherlands:

The coolest thing I did in Amsterdam was go on a canal cruise. The De Havens, my host family, booked a private

table on a “saloonboat,” where we were served a gourmet dinner as we floated down the canal. It was awesome because

we saw the sights of Amsterdam while indulging ourselves in some of the best food I will ever taste. One of my favorite

foods was poffertje, small, fluffy pancakes that you smear with butter and top with powdered sugar. Even though

poffertjes are usually eaten only in the fall and winter, the De Havens thought I had to have some to properly experience

Amsterdam. I thought thy tasted best with syrup, whipped cream, or strawberries.

Olivia Russell visited.......

Italy:

....I found the courtesies in Italy fascinating. One that stood out to me was when greeting someone you know, it is

traditional to air-kiss on both cheeks, starting with the left. Another courtesy is the type of gifts that are proper to bring to

a social gathering. Good quality wine, chocolate, and flowers is customary. The flowers are very interesting – you

shouldn’t give chrysanthemums because they’re used at funerals. Do not give red flowers because they indicate secrecy.

Yellow flowers indicate jealousy. Also, it is not polite to keep your hands in your lap during a meal, but you can’t rest

your elbows on the table, either!

One of the attractions I went to in Italy was the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was built over a period of 177 years, starting

in 1173. It started leaning because of the poorly laid foundation and was left alone for almost 100 years. Tourists from all

over come to climb its 296 steps. Another famous attraction is the canals of Venice, the “City of Water.” Venice is

stitched together with over 150 canals, and it is normal to see gondolas gliding down them. I think my favorite landmark,

though, was the Colosseum in Rome, the largest and most famous amphitheater in the Roman world. The Colosseum was

capable of holding 50,000 people who could enter from any one of the 80 entrances to watch all kinds of entertainment:

gladiator fights, plays, etc.

Portugal:

I was only in Portugal for a little while, but one of the holidays I participated in was Carnaval which is celebrated the

last few days before Lent starts, and it livens up the country with colorful costumes, parades, food, and other fun things.

The high point of Carnaval, though, was definitely Entrudo, the last day. There is street theater, parades, and all kinds of

entertainment. And it’s all free!

Another national holiday in Portugal is the pilgrimage to Fatima. On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary made an

appearance to three shepherd children – Jacinto, Francisco, and Lucia – in a field near Fatima. Today, more than 4 million

people go to Fatima to take part in a candle-lit procession on May 12. The procession ends on the following day, and as

the statue of Mary is carried from the alter to the Chapel of Apparitions, the crowd waves farewell with millions of white

handkerchiefs. It is an amazing and extraordinary sight.

Chip Stembler toured........

Germany:

I really enjoyed my visit to Germany. My family is German, so it was interesting to see where some of my ancestors

came from. I didn’t enjoy the German food because it is very rich. One popular dish I tried was eintopf, a soup that

contains meat, vegetables, and sometimes fish. I really liked a dessert called apfelstrudel, apples flavored with sugar,

cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs. It became popular in the 18th century and is still popular today.

One of the most famous places to visit is Neuschwanstein Castle, the primary retreat of Ludwig the II who was the

King of Bavaria. I also visited Europa Park, the biggest theme park in Germany. I loved this place. It was basically a giant

Hershey Park, but with a lot more rides.

Ireland:

The next stop on my journey was Ireland. When most people think of Irish food, they think of potatoes. Since Ireland

is surrounded by water, there is a lot of seafood on the menus. The usual meat is lamb, pork, and beef, and Ireland is

known for its soups and stews. I didn’t care much for the food and often wished I was back in Italy!

A famous landmark I visited was the Cliffs of Moher. They are 214 meters tall and stretch 5 miles with spectacular

views. I also went to Dunluce castle, which legend says is haunted because people have seen ghosts in the ruins of the

castle. I didn’t see any ghosts, thank goodness.

Optimist Club Oratorical Competition Local and State Winner!

Danielle Escobal

“How My Optimism Will Help Me Press on to Greater Achievements in the Future”

I was once told that I was brave and confident. I laughed silently to myself thinking “Hahaha! That

was a good joke!” What I was told was not true. At the time, I felt and was considered a pessimist. I did not

feel brave and confident. I felt very self-conscious and afraid. I definitely was not who I am today.

My optimism has given me an outlet from the reality of life. It has shown me that the power of

positive thinking can make wonders. I have gained confidence and strength. Optimism has given me the

hope that I can survive tough times. Robert Schuller, a well-known motivational speaker, once said, “Tough

times never last, tough people do.” When I am faced with hardships in my daily life, like my relationship

with my peers, optimism has taught me that I can handle more than I think I can. Through the toughest of

times, I know good things will come out of it. In doing this, it can strengthen my character and how I

respond to situations.

According to Helen Keller, “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done

without hope and confidence.” Let me put my personal opinion on what she emphasized. You cannot just

have optimism and automatically achieve all your goals. Achieving your goals has to come with hard work

and determination. Have you ever heard of someone that has achieved extraordinary things without hard

work? Highly unlikely. For me, optimism is a marriage between hard work and being hopeful. I hope for

good grades, but I cannot get there without studying hard.

I want to have a good career in the future, and be happy with what I will be doing. I want to live my

life with no regrets. My optimism can play a big role to achieve these goals. This is how I see it: My

optimism leads to positivity. My positivity leads to confidence. My confidence is the key to unlocking my

goals.

As a twelve year old girl, I can truthfully say I have not made a very big impact on today’s world,

yet. But a person who inspires me too make that impact is Malala Yousafzai. Malala is a teenager who has

been fighting for girl’s education in Pakistan. Let me repeat that she is only a teenager. Her life is so

different from ours. Our life consists of an automatic education. She had to fight for her education. In fact,

she even got shot in the head, fortunately she survived. She has given a voice to the voice-less. A voice that

will change not only her life, but lives of girls who are just like her. She is also the youngest person to win a

Noble Peace Prize. What is her secret? All it took was her optimism, determination, and hard work to change

the life of others forever.

Optimism is contagious. It can start from someone and can immediately cause a chain reaction. I

want to be that someone. I can inspire others to show their optimism through difficult times. Optimism

brings out the best in us. It is that pushing force that gives us hope that we can achieve something. And

that one little achievement, can spark into something greater.

In the end, being optimistic is a choice. It is my choice. It is your choice. There are factors I cannot

control, and I accept that. But what I can control, is how I respond to the situation. I have come up to my

parents on multiple occasions saying, “I have a problem.” They will not help nor respond until I rephrase it.

Instead of saying “I have a problem”, they want me to say “I have a challenge.” It is less intimidating and is

more approachable to find a solution to. You cannot run away from your problems. You can approach them

with your optimistic attitude and work for the best. It is a matter of perception. A problem or a challenge.

Someone recently told me I was brave and confident, and now I believe them. Here is a simple rule of

optimism I try to live by, that is as contagious as it is simple: If you meet someone without a smile, give

them yours!