#8- Yasmin: The grass is always greener

 "The grass is greener on the other side" my mother always said to me. "You always think you have it bad, but you could have it worse". I always grew up thinking that I wasn't allowed to complain about what I have, because everything could always be worse.

      "The grass is always greener on the other side", right? But what about the fence? The fence that separates the good side and the bad side? The fence where you aren't always okay, but you aren't always terrible; a middle ground between the two? I am that fence. The fence between the house that is filled with joy and celebration, and the house filled with darkness and pain. 

      "The grass is always greener on the other side", but I don't believe it is this or that. The fence between the two is not a white picket, it is a short, unpainted wood, so easy to jump back and forth, or stand on top of. 

      The fence between the two is a symbol of constant uncertainty. I no longer live in a house where, outside, the grass is greener, or the grass is dead. I live a life hurdling the fence, back and forth,

     Back

    And forth

    because I can never decide if I am okay or if I am not.

    "The grass is always greener on the other side", sure, but I believe the fence is the truest tell of a human's life.

8 - Mel B - a gift of joy

     I don't have a favorite gift, but I do have many that are all tied to the same thing. Friends and family have given me baby Yoda gifts throughout the last two years since they know how much I love him. I started watching the Mandalorian not long ago, and I wasn't in the greatest of moods at the time, so it was a comforting show for me. I began to build a bond with Grogu, who is usually referred to as "baby Yoda" by everyone. Everyone thinks I'm obsessed with him, but I don't think so; instead, I view him with love. Almost all of the presents I've received for Christmas, are of him.To be honest, I love it. I love how something that makes me so happy is given to me, and how receiving them makes me even happier. Especially if they're unexpected. It makes me feel so special to be told "I thought of you" while being given a plushie. You name it, I have it: posters, lego sets, figurines, pillows, blankets, shirts, socks, phone cases, hand sanitizers, and so on. Don't get me wrong, I've bought a few things with his photo on them, but receiving them is special and warms my heart. This fictional character holds such a special place in my heart that it brought me much comfort while I was going through a difficult time. However, when I think about other people's reactions when they see him and give me these things, I think of how special they are to me, and I have a core memory to tell about each item since it means so much to me when I receive it.

 

Word Count 281

8 - Abhishek S: A Mile In Your Shoes

Despite how confident we may feel in our understanding of the world or our grasp on what goes on around us, our limited views of life gained through our experiences only allows for a fraction of the big picture. 

This limited view of the world should remind us to be slow to judge others.

The rich man could never fully understand the plight of the beggar…

those who reside in the comfort of the majority cannot comprehend the marginalization of the minority.

Our limited views should remind us to always have a tendency towards empathy.

Stepping into another’s shoes…

walking a mile.

The vastness separating those who exist in diametrically opposed sects of society shrink with each step.

One foot in front of the other…

marching towards a more unified future for all. It all begins with an acknowledgment of the fallibility of one's own judgments. This only comes when we are able to humble ourselves.

8 - Em Lin - Super men

 

I remember when I was growing up, the only superheroes I knew where people like spiderman, superman, and batman. They all had similar features, despite their different stories, personalities, and whatnot, they were all men, all white, and had nothing in common with me. It wasn’t until I finally watched mulan when I was like seven years old, where I finally found a character that I could look up to and in some ways, relate to. She was smart, strong, and beautiful, although she isn’t technically a superhero, to the seven year old me, she was a lot cooler than superman, batman, and spiderman combined. I looked up to her for as long as I could remember after watching that movie. I even wanted to start learning martial arts because of Mulan, however, I’m way too lazy to actually exercise. 

I think many young girls easily end up looking up to characters that they see in movies, shows, and etc. For example, many young girls have been wanting Luisa merchandise, a character from encanto, however, Disney wasn’t expecting the demand for Luisa merchandise, but they did prepare many Isabella merchandise. I thought it was quite interesting, how young girls prefer the stronger the more “masculine” presenting sister than the one that looks more like a typical disney princess. Just like how young boys often look up to superheroes that are the same gender as them such as superman and batman, young girls also need superheroes that are the same gender as them to be able to relate and look up to. This is just about gender, but there are other parts such as race, body types, and even disabilities that could be portrayed accurately and respectfully so that young children of all ages, shapes, and sizes can look up to and find a hero in a character that looked just like them.

Word count: 312

8-Jacob Penrose- Through Perseverance

 Through Perseverance

 

Quote of the Week: “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it”

This is a quote from the former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher who served as the first woman to ever become a U.K. prime minister from 1979 and 1990.

What this quote is attempting to convince you that not every situation or problem can be easily solved. Sometimes, the solution can only be found through sheer repetition until you can finally understand how to complete it. 

This quote doesn’t also doesn’t have to always apply to battles between two countries. It can also be utilized in a multitude of different ways. 

For example, the message that the quote is trying to communicate to you can be used for when you are trying to solve a math test revolving around parabolas, a concept in which you may not fully understand. So if you do not fully understand how to effectively solve every problem in the test, you can request for a retake and study on the subject of parabolas more so that you can receive a passing grade on the test. 

Another example would be if you are struggling to build a piece of furniture in which the instructions provided to you are very cryptic. In this case, you would try to look up a much more clearer tutorial or guide that can help you along in the process of constructing a piece of furniture.

I believe that this quote isn’t trying to become a piece of life changing advice for people to follow by. Instead, I view the quote more as a basic revelation that someone could utilize if they are in the midst of situation that they are having a hard time understanding or solving.

(280)

7 - Mel B - A Scoop a Day

                                               

                                                                           A Scoop a Day 

People usually say that scooping ice cream is the worst job in the world, if you work at an ice cream store. When they have to scoop the ice cream, they say it hurts their wrists, and I agree. But I've never had that problem while ordering ice cream (well, technically sorbets), so I'm glad their wrist gets a rest when it's my turn to order. However, it's difficult to think that a hand-sized item can cause so much pain. But, when you think about it, the scoopers were not to blame. It's all down to the ice cream. It's their fault that they're so difficult. Don't get me wrong: I understand that ice cream should be cold, and how far can you go? Is it supposed to be rocksolid? Because if it has to be so hard, I feel pity the workers for the pain they have to go through simply to give us a scoop of ice cream. Ice cream scoopers, on the other hand, are cool. They give ice cream the perfect scoop, after all. It's quite satisfying to watch the perfect scoop of ice cream go into the cone or cup. It's strange that scooping ice cream is so painful, but everything comes out perfectly when it's time to eat.

word count 214

8 - Zack R - Something for Everyone

“You know one of the greatest things about Spider-Man's outfit, his costume? He’s completely covered. So any kid could imagine he’s spiderman.” - Stan Lee, creator of Spider-Man Spider-Man was created with the notion in mind to be a relatable character. He was a teenager with teenage problems. He had math tests, chores, and high school crushes. He was a character that the audience that read comics at the time, teenagers, could relate to. A whole new depth is added to a story that a reader can relate to. During the early 1950’s and on through the next decade or so, Marvel Comics went under many changes from hiring writers like Stan Lee, changing its name from Timely Comics, to Atlas Comics, to finally, Marvel Comics and more to put themselves out there and become even more of a major player in the comic industry. To do so they felt that they needed to make their heroes relatable. Someone that the reader could see pieces of themselves in and inspire themselves to be their own hero. This brought the start of Spider-Man and The Fantastic Four. Spider-Man, the relatable teenager, and The Fantastic Four, a dysfunctional family with their own internal conflicts. Comics became a mainstream type of entertainment and eventually made their way to movies and shows. Movies like Blade in the 90’s finally started showcasing diverse superheroes but it wasn’t really until Marvel’s own cinematic universe that diversity in superheroes became larger. They’ve introduced gay heroes like Valkyrie and will be introducing their first Muslim Hero Ms. Marvel this year. More and more people now can watch the shows and the movies and imagine that they’re the hero. They can apply the lessons in each movie to their own life instead of trying to connect fruitlessly to an archetypal character. Movies are made not only for entertainment but to teach lessons and visualize the creators message. For example Black Panther (2018) brought attention to the marginalization and oppression faced in areas of the world specifically on race in this case. Now kids, teenagers, and adults who’ve all felt the dehumanization talked about in these movies feel recognized. They can feel understood and that their issues are validated. Not only do they get to see themselves as a superhero with powers and abilities, but they can feel the deeper connection of social and global issues they face every day that may seem ignored or overlooked. One of the best things about superheroes is they give us someone to look up to. They give us the courage to face the challenges we haven’t been able to face before. The need for diversity is clear. It includes everyone to feel this inspiration for any issue they face. They no longer have to try to visualize themselves as something they aren’t. Diversity is what can motivate the next generations to create change and be their own hero. 484

8 - Cecylia B: diversity amongst heros

When it comes to our many superheroes, whether it is an accurate real life superhero or our beloved comic book heroes that wear underwear on the outside of their spandex, I believe that we could have more diversity. When I say this I don’t mean some superhero that can turn anything into chocolate, although that would be cool, I think we should have heroes that advocate for equality across the world. Between the many social injustices and the fact that children, our future generations, are looking up to these superheroes, wouldn't you agree that the basic blueprint of “Superman” is a little outdated? We need superheroes that aren’t afraid to advocate for themselves and basic human rights. I would love to see a hispanic female superhero who advocates women's rights and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Or even a middle eastern superhero who could shapeshift into any animal to fight crime for their community. I want to see more minorities being represented in the superhero field. I want little kids saying “hey they look like me!” with the biggest smile on their face and I want them to be able to actually relate to that hero. Either way it is important to remember what is important in diversity, being different. As long as these new heroes aren’t anything like our outdated blueprint of what a hero “should look like” then I see no issue. If we show change then maybe things will actually start to change for the better. Word count: 251

8- Peyton Miller- The Perfect Gift

 

The Perfect Gift

The best gift I have ever received was something so small, yet so elegant and meaningful. A simple glass rose. My Great Grandmother was one of my favorite people to be around when I was younger. We used to build forts, eat snacks, play pool, enjoy a book every once in a while, play at the park, or even just sit on a swing and take a nap. The one thing that I used to always tell her when I was around 8-10 was that I adored this little glass rose that sat on the bedside table in her room everytime we would walk in there to get blankets for our forts. 

The glass rose was so simple and fragile. It had 2 little glass leaves painted a sweet sage green, solid but pastel red petals that laid about the top of the flower rose and on the stage it set on, to emphasize the petals falling. It had always reminded me of my birthday because of all the roses we would see during my spring birthday in may. But the one thing I always adored most about the rose is its simplicity and little chip broken out of it. I am not exactly sure why I was so amazed by how unique, yet common the rose was and why it had that little chip out of it, but I absolutely loved it and asked for it everytime I went to her house.

Then on some random day, she finally fell into my childlike begging, and gave me the rose. I was astonished by every detail and piece of dust that old rose carried. I took it home that day and put it on my floating wall shelf for everyone to see. Later on, on my birthday though, I decided to bring it out to show everyone but ended up getting chased by my cousin with a nerf gun and tripped over the leg of the couch onto the ground with it in my hand, shattering and cutting open my thumb with it. I was absolutely devastated seeing the one thing I always yearned for, laying there, shattered about on the floor. 

I believe that simple yet sweet little glass rose was one of the best gifts I have ever received because not only did it represent and remind me of the sweetest of times I had shared with my great grandmother, but also of things that matter most. She passed away a few years after that, and i still have the pieces from it because even if its broken, I still cherish it and the memories that follow. 

Word Count: 442

8- Genecis Z: Looking For Fears

        

          An observer is someone who notices every single detail in every little thing that catches their curious eyes. Being an observer sounds cool and it is for the most part. But it also means that we were trained from our early years to take in consideration everything about everyone. 

I would say I am more like an eye because I am an observer.  

I see things that I feel like others would never to think to look for. I am constantly retaining information of my surroundings through my sight. When I walk in a room I count how many windows there is, how many corners, how many doors, how many people, how many everything. 

I can’t feel peace when I am in the dark.

From a young age I was afraid of many things, and therefore to avoid those things I had to learn everything about them. How they move, how they breathe, how they walk, how they speak, how they simply do everything. 

I carved that knowledge deep into my roots so that I would know exactly when to fight or fly. 

Observing is the only way I feel a sense of security, it’s like looking if the coast is clear every minute of every hour. 

My fears never leave, they linger behind every corner I turn to. But with my observation I know what pleases and displeases them therefore if I stay clear of them then I remain unharmed. 

Observing has kept me alive this long and therefore I shall always feel more as an eye then anything else. 

Word Count: 261

 

8- eliya A- A ear for a ear, an eye for an eye

 

An ear for an ear, An eye for an eye 

To be able to understand a subject by just listening to a person speak would be a big accomplishment. Unfortunately, I can only really understand by having it actually demonstrated in front of me. So, in saying, I would believe that I am more of an Eye rather than an ear. when learning (more specifically math) I can only learn something when there are demonstrations or examples. for that reason, I was a bit behind last year because the most we could really do for explaining subjects (I.E., weight training, math, geometry, etc.) was to just watch videos or to explain it by talking, both of which are hard to do for me. 

another example would be when I took my lifeguard training. After taking the prerequisite test, they required us to complete an online portion by the end of the week. if I'm really being honest, I was completely lost. I was confused when it came to learning CPR and using an AED, but when the in-class learning came around at the end of the week, I felt like I understood all of the steps, I understood all of the rescues, I learned how to use and AED and could perform CPR. at the end of the in-class learning, the written test that I had taken was way better than the one that I have taken when I was required to take the online class because of the fact that I could actually understand what I was learning during my in-class learning.

254

8- Destiny D: Crimes Against the Minority

 

Crimes Against the Minority

When looking through a list of the current popular superheroes it is to no one’s surprise that they are mainly white, heterosexual men. Women have slowly been added to the list of popular superheroes, but of course they are also white and straight. 

Adding diversity to the comics and heros that the youth enjoy opens up a whole new world for them, a world that they should have always been included in.

 Acceptance is something that is hard to access. Hateful speech and actions towards those in different communities is a serious issue that is often overlooked. 

Nobody cares enough about the minorities to fight for them, let alone include them in events that they have every right to be involved in. Crimes against communities are constantly ignored, even by people who have a platform big enough to make change.

Individuals who are people of color and a part of the lbgtq community lack the proper representation they need. It is hard to find people similar to you alone in the world most of the time, they do not need to be excluded from imaginary worlds as well. 

Lack of representation can lead to lack of understanding. The people involved will only feel as if they are different. They do not fully understand themselves because there is no representation for them, they have no role models like themselves to look up to. 

While this may seem like a minor issue, Including these people in the expanding list of superheroes will show the world that these people are capable of much more, as well as provide the individuals with the proper exposure to others like them.

Word Count: 275 

8- Aaron P: Perspective is Reality

 

With my upbringing the phrase “perspective is reality” has been repeated numerous amounts times. Normally being said to me when I feel discouraged or feel like the workload for the week is too hard. 

It was a monday morning when I logged into  canvas, my college “google classroom” and realized that I had ten assignments and a take home test due that week. Apart from this I had my normal load of assignments for high school and also an application for a summer program due that week as well. 

I quickly became anxious and worried that I wasn't going to be able to complete everything on time, and if I did It wasn't going to be my best work due to me rushing at the end. I knew I had to finish everything on time, but in all honesty I did not want to do it anymore. Seeing the amount of work I had to complete made me feel as if I couldn't cut it, as if I didn't have what it took to excel in these tasks. 

After  sharing how I felt with my uncle he repeated a phrase that I had heard so many times, but never really understood what it meant. As he told me that going into the week with the mentality that I had was not a wise choice, I somewhat was able to grasp the meaning of the phrase "perspective is reality".

When one understands that perspective is indeed reality one begins to go into everything with a different mindset and attitude. After seeing how these assignments are fulfilling my college and highschool requirements, I looked at it as an opportunity to get ahead in my educational journey rather than a burden. In relation to my summer application, rather than seeing it as an obligation I instead was grateful that I have the opportunity to even apply for such a prestigious program. 

Now weeks later, I am glad to say that not only did I complete everything that was due that week, but I am sure that I will be getting good news from everything that I completed.