Laws of Life

2011 Essays

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ST. CROIX CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL


Laws of Life
by Shaher Saker, Grade 10

It saddens me to see how loyalty is treated as a commodity by many nowadays.  Through the ages, society has measured men’s value and dedication by his loyalty.  Loyalty has served as the bond between men during the good and bad times.  Many cultures depended on it for their livelihood; The Lords needed it from the Knights to protect their land and people.  The Indians needed it from one another to keep each other safe while hunting.  Loyalty is needed in other aspects of life as well, like amongst soldiers during battle to stay alive on the battlefield, or between couples to keep their relationship together.  Overall, loyalty is the glue that keeps bonds together such as trust, love, respect, honor, and most importantly life.

My whole existence is due to my family and friends.  Without them as my foundation, I would not be able to tackle life’s hardships.  Life has challenged me in so many ways that without the support of my family and friends, both physically and emotionally, I feel as though I could not have achieved all my goals until this day.  Knowing this, there is no doubt in my mind that these are the people who love me most and desire to see me succeed in life.  My family and friends are my backbone, and in return I am loyal to them as well.

I show my family and friends my love, and how much I care for them through my loyalty.  Some of the ways I show my loyalty to them is by being a man of my word.  I respect them in every way possible by treating them the way I would like to be treated.  Another way I show my loyalty to them is by being supportive no matter the situation, and trying to be a beacon of hope in times of grief.  Most importantly, I show my loyalty to my loved ones by being honest in every way possible.  I believe that honesty is the most important virtue because it always leaves a clear path of communication.

Being surrounded by loyal family and friends at all times, I have to admit that disloyalty comes every once in a while like a flat tire.  It is unexpected and hurts more when done by a loved one.  I have been lied to by a cousin of mine, who I thought really cared for me.  It was a bad experience, and it felt like chills going down my body along with a tingling sensation going up my spine.  It felt like my whole body went numb, accompanied by temporary amnesia.  It was an experience that I wish I had never experienced, but one I learned from.

I believe that loyalty is the glue that bond relationships.  Without loyalty there would be no trust or any way to determine how much someone cares for me.  It is also the discipline that teaches me to respect others.  Loyalty is important to me because it helps me determine who cares for me most and wishes me the best. Furthermore, loyalty teaches me to love, care, and respects my loved ones, while also keeping the close.

In general, it is safe to say that loyalty is the engine behind a successful relationship.  It drives people to try their hardest to make a loved one happy.  Great nations rose on loyalty as well as crumbled behind disloyalty.  However, just as nations have risen and fell so can we.  This is why
I keep my loyal friends and family close to me, so that I my rise.

Procrastination
by Chesley Mills, Grade 11

The urge to do something else besides this essay is strong, but I will forge on.  I am a procrastinator, and I have fallen into problems because of my constant procrastination.  So many people have fallen into this same routine of saying they are going to do something by a certain time and never follow through.  Procrastination is a trap everyone falls into every now and again, no one can say they have never succumb to it once before.  Procrastination had already been two types that describe it and quotes to help avoid it.

“Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”  A famous quote by Thomas Jefferson.  My favorite response to this quote would always be:  “Why do today, what you can put off till tomorrow.”  Most procrastinators know what they have to do is important, and other procrastinators could care less about the task at hand.  A great amount of time is taken up by procrastination is most likely due to the procrastinator’s lack of drive, with no drive for completing their task, the task is left undone.

The word procrastination stems from the Latin word procrastinates, which is the past participle of procrastinate that is derived from the pro meaning forward and crastinatus meaning of tomorrow.  Psychologists often say that procrastination is a device used to cope with anxiety stemming from starting or completing any task or decision.  Psychologists often refer to procrastination as task-aversion, which often misinterpreted as laziness, a lack willpower or loss of ambition.  There are types of procrastinators that range smaller cases, like blowing off a task for a couple of hours, to severe cases that that usually hinder productivity.

There are many different types of procrastinators out in the world, two types of procrastinators that I want to talk about, the relaxed procrastinators and the tense afraid procrastinator.  The relaxed procrastinator sees their task negatively and directs their energy towards other task.  Scott had a semester project to do for his biology class, but he chose not to work on it and go to the movies with his friends.  Scott saw his project as this big irritating job, instead of breaking it into smaller parts over his allotted time frame.  Scott having ignored his boring biology and went for the more pleasing task.  Eventually the deadline would approach then where would Scott be?

The second of the two types of procrastinator is the tense afraid procrastinator, or the jittery procrastinator.  This type of procrastinator tends to feel overwhelmed with pressure, unrealistic about time and uncertain about goals.  Daphne had to finish writing her manuscript for her latest book, but after writing two stories that did not sell she was feeling a bit down about this one.  She kept trying to write, but she finally convinced herself that she just lacked the ability to write her manuscript.  Daphne said get some rest and start afresh in the morning.  She woke up the next morning and she could not write anything.  Stress began to build because her deadline was the day after, and her stress escalated just as fast because she to that breaks the day before.  What will Daphne do about finishing her manuscript by the deadline?

Procrastination has both psychological and physiological cause involved based on different studies.  Psychological reasoning says that it may come from the anxiety, lack of self-worth, and a self defeating mentality.  Psychologist also say that the procrastinator has a lower than normal level of conscientiousness.  Having a low level usually means that they are more based on dreams and wishes of perfection or achievement instead of a real appreciation for their obligations and potential.

Physiological research states that the roots of procrastination come from the prefrontal cortex.  The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for planning, impulse control, attention, and filtering distracting stimuli, influences, from other parts of the brain.  Damage or low use of this area normally results in reduced filtering of distracting stimuli.  This rolls down to poor organizational skill, a loss of attention, and increased procrastination.  This condition is similar to ADHD, where activation is common.

It is beyond me how I got past the first sentence and created this essay, but it is almost over.  After completing this essay I came to realize and understand some of the cause of procrastination.  I received insight on at least two different types’ procrastinators, and if I had to choose a type I would say mine is similar to Scott.  I have also learned that procrastination is not laziness, but a lack of ambition or loss of ambition.  Procrastination takes more than one form and by understanding it I might have learned how to overcome it.

Laws of Life
by Juan Sanes, Jr., Grade 12

What do you want to be when you grow up?  Many of us don’t even know how to answer that question, even those who are “grown up”, but I strive everyday to fulfill and live out all of my dreams and fantasies.  Fame and fortune are part of everyone’s fantasies, but being successful, living the good life, and most importantly being happy are my goals.  Acquiring a Bachelors degree in Sound Engineering and Label Management, along with a certification in Auto body Engineering and Refinishing, are how I plan to venture down the road to success.  Saying you want it, planning on getting it, and actually going after it are completely different things, and that’s how I plan to prove my worthiness.  Low self-motivation and procrastination can kill your dreams, so that’s why it is important to set goals in life and work towards the betterment of yourself.

To achieve the prestigious status of C.E.O. of my own company and live the life I want to, I know it will take all I have and I am prepared.  I know I must first visualize my goals and my success, because if you can see it you can believe it and if you can dream it you can achieve it.  I plan on attending the Full Sail University as the first step, in order to make the industry connections that I will definitely need in the future.  Networking is key to surviving and flourishing in the music industry and my peers in college will be future coworkers, business partners, and possible employees.  Taking what I’ve learned and built over the years in college and applying it not only in my work, but in life itself, will only further help me on my pursuit.  Through investments and business ventures such as clubs, auto shops, and others, I hope to secure my family with a secure future.

The obstacles I’ll encounter on my perilous journey will surely be the most challenging components of achieving my goals, and the ultimate test of whether I will or not, I anticipate a lot of negativity, hate, scrutiny as part of what I’m after and I want to achieve.  The truth is, there are more people that hate to see you doing good than there are people who wish you the best and want to see you achieving something.  I am prepared to take all the negativity with a smile and learn how to channel all that negativity into something that is a benefit, such as a reminder to stay focused cause many want to see failure.  Stress and Paranoia will also be large obstacles.  The lifestyles involved in this industry is a very fast paced one, not family oriented, which can alter your mind state and increase paranoia cause you feel you have no time and no one to turn to.  These can devour and man and his sanity and that is why one must stay focused on the bigger picture and work for what you want in life, not what others want. 

To reach my ultimate goal at eh top, I believe it will take about 5 to 10 years, depending on life’s course.  Starting at this current point, upon graduating from Central High and CTEC academy, I plan to begin marketing, advertising, performing my music, building my fan base at home.  Leaving to attend Full Sail University in Orlando will be one of the biggest steps taken, taking about 2 – 4years to complete.  Upon graduation, and before, I will hope to be building my network, hopefully acquiring useful connection for future ventures and opportunities.  The, with my business partners, I plan to begin building a label, starting small businesses and establishing a non-profit organization, or a foundation, for the betterment and enrichment for the youths in the virgin Islands, to help the do what we are trying to do.    Although the road is long, narrow and dangerous enough to lose yourself on, I strongly confide in myself and believe in my faculty, that we’ll strive to do the best we can, while trying to help others to the same.

Once again the stand before me with the same question, What do YOU want to be when you “grow up”?  I look them in the eyes, look the skies, and bow my head and answer, “Anything I want to be!”   The road to where I want to go, success and happiness, is a long and hard road to travel but with my persistence, goal orientation and focus, I plan to defeat all obstacles and become what they never wanted me to be.  I want to be able to look back on life with a content feeling, a smile, and be able to look at my children and family in the eyes and know and say, “Don’t worry, we’re good.”  If you don’t know what you want to be or achieve, you’ll never be anything, that’s why it’s important to chose goals and aim for success.

CHARLOTTE AMALIE HIGH SCHOOL


The Mind of a Victim
by Sheila Joseph, Grade 9

Have you ever been afraid to walk home alone?  Ever had your lunch stolen and spent the day without something to eat?  Did you ever have to face the taunts of peers or even taunts of those you look up to?  That was me in the past when I was a victim of bullying.  Being bullied had negative effects on my self-esteem, my emotions and my level of stress-but I overcame it.

First, maybe you’re why I was targeted for such cruel treatment.  It wasn’t because I was weak, quiet, or kept to myself.  No, I was picked on for being different.  So different that people felt the need to remind me every day.  How am I different you ask?  I’m different because I come from the misunderstood part of the Hispaniola-Haiti.   That in itself isn’t a bad thing but somehow my peers believed that all Haitians are horrible people.  I was pestered with terms such as “witch” and “ugly”.  It was simply enough to just forgive and forget but the words soon started to eat away at my spirit like a bad cavity, hurting more and more each day until I just couldn’t take the ache anymore.  Positive self esteem?  Ha! I didn’t even know the meaning of the phrase.

Then, I was subjected to all the classic types of bullying which are social, physical, and verbal; each of them were hurtful in their own way.  Being excluded from activities, being pushed around, and being called names (even by a teacher, no less) seemingly left no room for acceptance.  If emotions ran high, I would be in tears by the time I got home.  One day, I toll a pause and thought “Hey! Nothings’ wrong with me.  I shouldn’t have to deal with this.  I will not be a victim!”

Finally, I stopped stressing and caring about what others thought of me, I refused to allow bullies to reflect their hate on me and I did what most victims find hard to do.  I completely ignored the bullies’ existence and shared my troubles with a trusted adult.  Soon, the bullies faded into the background.  No more would my life be an emotional rollercoaster fated to be derailed and sent over the edge.  I set my future back on track and wrote the bullies out of the script.  

As a result, I have conquered that stage of my life and I’m ready to move on, but some kids never recover.  Bullying is hurtful to someone’s sense of self and can really mess up their outlook on life.  No one ask to be bullied and no one should have to deal with the paid it caused.  One child bullied is one child too many.  Both you and I can make a difference by stepping in and lending a hand.  Bullies did not defeat me, I defeated them.

Glitz, Glamour and Riches:  Good for Some but Not for Others
by Sadiyah Ali, Grade 10

I was watching TV one night and Gabriel Iglesias, a comedian, was doing a stand- up show.  During his act, he said something that stuck with me.  He assured the audience that he was the same person on and off the stage and that it was perfectly fine to call him out anywhere, for anything.  Now that got me thinking.  This was a celebrity, someone well know, someone with talent, someone people like a lot, by yet he had to differentiate himself from other celebrities who may not appreciate fans approaching them.  Does fame really affect people?  Do we really change when we are celebrities?  It’s hard to understand how money, fame and publicity may change some people, sometimes for the worse.  Celebrities, although famous and wealthy, may live without privacy, inhibiting them from living happy, normal lives and eventually leading to behavior that’s not conducive to acceptable moral standards.

The word celebrity is normally synonymous with actors and actresses; at least that’s what I thought!  A celebrity, however, is anyone that is well known in society.  Celebrities may be politicians, athletes, musicians, supermodels, businessmen, radio personalities and even humanitarian leaders.

All of the latter careers are held by individuals who can be role models even if they are popular, but it doesn’t mean that they become role models automatically by being famous.  Headline celebrity, Lindsay Lohan is a good example of a celebrity that is not a good role model.  Lindsay, an actress, pop singer and model, who started her career at the young age of three, turned her life into a world full of drugs and court sentences.  She was very successful and many would have wished that their daughters turned out to be like her, but all that changed in 2007, when Ms. Lohan was found driving under the influence and entered rehab three times for that year alone.  This shows that money doesn’t always buy happiness nor does a celebrity become immune from adversities.  There are so many vices affordable, once rich, that many cannot resist subscribing to them.  So many of them and their family members subsequently fall prey and lose themselves in drugs and crimes.  President Barack Obama, however, possesses all the qualities that constitute an excellent role model.  A politician is always scrutinized by the public and has to ensure that everything that they do is of acceptable behavior.  Their position means that they have to be truthful and thus live a truthful life.  So far, President Obama has proven to have a flawless background and now he has even quit smoking, proving that he is a role model for the young and old.

Adult celebrities, often consumed in the work and irregular working schedules, may not have ample time to spend with their children, leaving them in the care of au pairs, or a caretaker.  In some cases like these, the relationship between the parent and child may be affected negatively leaving a neglected child and/or an unhappy parent.  To comfort them both, parents may over indulge with gifts and money in the hope of making up for the lost time.  This may keep both parties happy for a little while but because the disciplinarian was absent in the upbringing the now teenagers and young adults are more difficult to control.  The celebrity may not be faced with children making the wrong decisions right before their eyes without the ability to restrain them.

As headlines fill gossip magazines all over the world, I can only wonder how the paparazzi go that story. Knowingly or unknowingly, a celebrity’s life accomplishments and mistakes end up with the paparazzi.  This invasion of privacy is the biggest deterrent for me ever becoming a celebrity.  As a young child, I thought that a celebrity’s life was the perfect life to live.  I thought that being famous meant that anything and everything was easy to acquire, like designer clothing and a big house and that it inadvertently meant that I would live “happily ever after”.  When I examine the life of any celebrity though, it only it only then that I realize that simple tasks like grocery shopping, going to the park or even going to school is being watched by many lurking eyes who may publicize these activities for ALL to see.  The paparazzi and other media forms are always on the lookout, like a lion hunting their prey, waiting to pounce on the celebrities as soon as they slip up.  I don’t think I’d like my every move to be recorded for the world to see.  Then that would mean that I would have to act a certain way in public, just not to become a target to the news media.  It’s like being imprisoned by society and putting on a façade out of the safety on one’s home.  Do we really know these celebrities then, as well as we think we do- maybe not!

Talents and Contribution
by Muta Abiff, Grade 11

Everybody in this world is born with a special attribute or talent that he/she can utilize to his/her advantage.  Whether it may be music, artistry, or poetry, there is a special trait in each individual that may not be present in another.  What makes this trait special, however, is how each person uses it.  Some of the most memorable and influential people have used their talents for the good of mankind.  Such people are Nobel Prize laureates, community activities, and overall global contributors.  A person who has a beneficial talent but chooses not to use it or use it only for selfish reasons is a burden to this society.

An example of one person who chooses to use his talent for an extremely good purpose was the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He had a talent for speaking to and organizing people, and he wasted no time putting his special trait to work.  King grew up in a time when African-Americans were racially segregated from Caucasian-Americans and treated harshly.  Instead of become overly frustrated and lashing out physically against the status quo, he used his remarkable talent to assemble masses of African-Americans into non-violent protest and boycotts that eventually won African-Americans equal rights.  Although it cost King his life, he unselfishly gave back to the community that raised him and allowed him to express his talent in the fullest possible way.

From a young age, I had already decided what I wanted to do to give back to this community.  In the Virgin Islands, we suffer from a gross shortage of doctors and other medical professionals.  Even before this information came to my light, I already knew that I was set on having a career in the medical field.  Medicine has always fascinated me, and I could not think of any other way to give back to the society where I was raised.  I could have aspired to be a lawyer or another higher – paying job, but that would be a waste of my talents.  Besides, when an individual is doing something that he/she is truly passionate about, money should not get in the way.  This is especially true when it pertains to talents, as most of the talents we have do not guarantee a six – figure paycheck.

Even now, I have started to take steps toward achieving my goal.  During the summer I go to the Physician Scientist Training Program to receive laboratory training in the medical field.  I also volunteer here in the community at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.  In school, I am trying to take the most challenging courses to prepare me for pre-med in college.  Scouting out colleges that have an excellent record with pre-med students is also a top priority for me.  But most importantly, I am looking for medical positions in our community that have been sorely undermanned as well as the most common afflictions to the Caribbean race.  Hopefully these steps will pay off n the long run.

The Price of Courage
by Jhozna Gilbert, Grade 12

Courage, I believed was bequeathed to us by our ancestors.  It took remarkable courage for them to survive the brutal journey to destinations unknown in strange lands.  As our community experiences and increase in the crime rate, it takes incredible courage to attend school functions at nights, carnival activities or even go to the movies.  As a teenager today, it takes courage just to stay in school amidst the temptations of everyday life.  It also takes great courage to see our parents work two or three jobs daily to ensure that we can live comfortable without lacking the necessities we need to survive.  There are three fictional, historical and personal characters who have displayed immense courage despite difficulties and challenges that they’ve encountered in their lives that have inspired me to be courageous.

On fictional character, I believe displayed exceptional courage was Kino in the book entitled The Pearl.  Kino used enormous courage when he tried to break the barriers and withstood the many obstacles that he faced.  He had to face the oppression of his people who were deemed to be of a lower social class in his society.  It was an uphill battle that seemed insurmountable during that time period.  But Kino knew that a price had to be paid and someone had to pay the price for the cycle of unfortunate events to be broken.  Someone had to make great sacrifices to help others.  He was warned of the dangers and perils that would befall him.  Yet, he was willing even to make that great risk to save his son, family and community.  What courage along limited resources!

Historically, a person who displayed exemplary courage was Nathan Hale during the American Revolution.  He was a patriotic soldier who at the age of 21, was caught behind enemy lines spying for the Americans against the British.  As a consequence for his treason against Britain, he was hanged.  His last words, reportedly, were, “I only regret that I have but one life to give to my country”.  Hale showed an immense amount of bravery and courage in the time of war and revolution that I could only dream to possess as such a young age.  When I am 21 years of age I hope to be attending graduate school, owning my own house and a latest model car, not regretting the fact that I only have one life to give to my country.  His last words were not for his family or friends but wishing that if circumstances were to repeat themselves he would do it all over again.  He knew the risks would be great if he was caught.  The ultimate sacrifice would have to be paid but his courageous soldier did it without regret and was caught and hanged for the love of his beloved country which we now call “the land of the free and the home of the brave”.

Also my aunt displayed great courage in the time of tragedy.  He daughter experienced an untimely death at the peak of her life on her graduation night. The whole Virgin Islands mourned her premature passing.  My mother and I were devastated and could not sustain our grief but, my aunt kept us going with faith and courage.  She felt someone had to be strong for her other children and the rest of the broken hearted family.  She comforted me the many times when I broke down in tears.  My mom, who felt that she had to comfort her, instead had to find strength in her.  My aunt grieved more than any of us as she loved her daughter with a fierce passion.  But as she grieved, for I knew that she was hurting internally, she displayed a brave face to keep us all from falling apart. Her courage was evident as she remembered her daughter as a happy, lovely and intelligent young lady.  She had a very loving relationship with her daughter and knew that her daughter would have expected her to be strong and courageous when we could not find any reason or sense in the tragic and freak accident that caused her death.  It takes an immense amount of courage to stay strong at such a painful time.  At times whenever my mom and I feel depressed we call her and she reminds us that God has a plan for all and not to question that plan.  Her courage helped us accept the Lords plan for our lives and future.  We leaned on her when she needed us most.

Courage comes with a great pride, sometimes even the ultimate sacrifice.  One should be willing to make courageous decisions and actions in one’s life, whether it cines through fighting our oppressors, the system, the social classes, the poor, needy or the less fortunate.  As young people, we must take risks and be courageous like our ancestors and the many heroes that have used courage as their alias.  There is always a price for courage but, we must be prepared to pay that price to make our Virgin Islands a better place for all.

ST. CROIX EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX


Cheating
by Sabrina Jagroo, Grade 9

Cheating is a killer of success!  Cheaters will never succeed in life.  When you cheat off each other’s work you might pass the class but you wouldn’t know anything about the work.  Cheating off other people’s work can be detrimental to you in a lot of ways.

If you cheat in high school and get caught that goes on your permanent record.  Teachers will see you as a cheater, and they will not want to recommend you to any college.  In fact, and if you do make it to college it’s going to be hard for you to learn and pass because the habit of cheating has set in.

My advice to every student is to do your best even if you get a “C” you know you did it yourself.  In fact you will feel good about yourself.  Cheating has various consequences.  For instance, there are various effects of cheating in school.  Cheaters will get suspended for cheating on test, quizzes and class work.  In addition, cheaters will get detention or in school suspension and they will fail the class.      

In order to become someone in life you need to be honest to yourself and believe in yourself.  This will take you far in life.  Moreover, honesty is the key to your future as well as getting an education.

In conclusion, cheating will never get you far in life.  Cheating over a period of time can affect you psychologically.  Cheating is a bad thing to do.  If you are, passing the class and you cheated on a test and get caught that will bring down your grade.  I will never cheat in any of my classes because I saw people get caught for cheating and I am too disciplined to let down my standards.

Laws of Life
by Reneah Guzman, Grade 10

Experiences and memories last a lifetime.  You live and enjoy your life day-by-day.  Family, friends, and acquaintances brighten up your life.  Dreams are set and plans are mapped out to ensure they are lived out.  There is never a plan for disaster to occur.  But with the lack of luck, that unlucky individual does not have to plan.  They can easily end up spending two Mondays in a row in the Hospital.  They are so accustomed to having bad luck, that they never expect things could get any worse.  But when that day comes, there is no way for them to forget their life decides to take a turn for what seems to be the worst.

First being positive or negative about a situation plays an important role in the outcome.  They way adversity is handled has an effect on everything.  If you are sick and only think about the negative, the stress can make things worse.  However, by remaining positive and wishing for the best you can easily say things would work out for the better.

The person I am referring to is me.  January 19, 2011, marked the beginning of my adversity.  A series of chest pains and stomach aches with no clear answers o my problem.  My first episode began with my head spinning after baseball practice.  It was so bad that when I was asked,”Do you want to go to the hospital?” I answered, “Yes.” Something I never agree to.  After two EKGs and several blood tests, it was determined that I had a low heart beat rate.  The emergency room doctor recommended that I see a pediatric cardiologist.  This meant that I would be flying to Miami because there are no pediatric cardiologists here in the Virgin Islands!

Before I could make the trip, I had to get through my final week of class and final exams.  Talk about stress on top of stress.  I barely made it through that ordeal.  I also began to worry about second semester.  I would be missing at least two weeks of school.  All four of my classes would be honors and I feared that I would be too far behind when I got back.  Nonetheless, I got my assignments from my teachers so that I could try to keep up. 

The trip as mentioned was scheduled for two weeks.  A series of doctor appointments were scheduled.  My mom wanted to be sure we could out what was going on.  My visit to the cardiologist was nerve wrecking.  After taking another EKG and an echocardiogram, I have a mildly redundant mitral valve.  This means that I have leakage in my heart to work harder.  It also answered why I am feeling tired and drained all the time.  Hearing the news crushed not only me, but my family and friends.  Although the doctor was saying not to be too concerned, I was on edge.  “Would I play ball again?” “Is this doctor sure that I would be ok?”

My mother and aunt who were in the examination room read my mind.  They both explained to me that I should be more concerned with finding out what was wrong and getting better.  As usual my mom reminded me that if I don’t have a good health I could not play anyway.  She just wanted to know I was ok.  As much as she wants me to continue with my sports, that was the last thing she was worried about.  The questions she was asking were more important.  However, I could see the doctor eventually saying I had to stop playing ball.  When I was leaving the nurse and secretary also sensed I was uneasy and asked why.  They too explained to me that if was better to be healthy, and if playing ball had to stop then I should at least be thankful for my health.  I knew they were right, but I only wanted to hear that I was cleared to play again.  I felt I was going to have a total melt down!
The doctor had also mentioned that I had an infection that went undetected.  This was causing the pain I was feeling with the slightest touch to my chest.  I was given Motrin to fight the infection despite my mother’s objection, and informing the doctor that she doesn’t feel I should take it due to the possibility that I may be allergic.  The prescription was filled and my aunt who is a nurse recommended that I only take a half as a precaution.  Thank goodness I didn’t take the whole tablet.  I was swollen for two days!   I stopped taking the Motrin and the doctor was called.  The infection eventually cleared up on its own.

Since the news and my return home, I have surprised myself on how I am dealing with my crisis.  This medical problem can be fatal if it gets worse.  Right now I am monitoring how I feel and hoping for the best.  I proved myself wrong because I didn’t feel I could handle it.  The support of my family and friends is helping me through my dreaded fear. “Stay positive!” they keep telling me.  Crazy thoughts were flowing through my mind like a river.  I realize now that it’s better to be alive and unfortunately not playing ball anymore, that to be dead.  It finally sank in.  I am thankful that I’ve been cleared to play ball, but I’m taking it easy!

The reality of the whole matter is that there is no possible way to prepare oneself for adversity.  Adversity is like a time bomb getting ready to explode.  The best you can do it take it one day at a time.  When it hits you it will feel as if the world is standing still.  Family and friends can and do play an important role when dealing with a crisis.  Embrace their support and show you appreciate them being there for you.

Finally, you will never forget the day you life changes due to a disaster.  There is no plan for adversity.  The way an individual handles it when it comes knocking tells a lot about the character and personality, and ho the situation may turn out.  I am proud of how I have handled mine so far.  Although you can never know when you may face adversity, if and when you do, never let it get in the way of your life and the plans that you have for yourself.

Queen Bee
by Julisa Marcel, Grade 11

“I got this. No sweat.  Piece of cake.”  I sauntered on to the stage of the 2008 Virgin Islands Spelling Bee with the sure stride of a President.  In 2007, I won the territorial spelling bee by correctly spelling the word ‘drivel’.  At the time it was definitely a surprise to me.  Even though I had spent extra time studying, and could spell every word in my study booklet like name, I still, in no way expected to win.  Needless to say, I was thrilled when I did win.  The remaining month and a half before the National Spelling bee was spent diligently learning Latin and Greek suffixes and prefixes and going through lists upon lists of difficult words.  Words like bewussteinslage and marzipan did cartwheels in my dreams.  My hard work indisputably paid off.

I was eliminated in the semifinals, and ranked 16th out of over three hundred spellers.  This was the highest rank any Virgin Islander had ever achieved, and when I returned I was blessed with the opportunities to meet Addie Ottley, be a guest on his show and the first lady of the Virgin Islands, Mrs. DeJongh.  The following year I was in eighth grade – the last year I would be eligible to participate in the spelling bee.  I was ready to make a comeback.

However, I made a crucial mistake.  If you had asked me about being proud then, I would have staunchly denied. But looking back now, I realize I had the attitude of a ‘Queen Bee’ with a buzz of over confidence and a stinger I thought could use for intimidation.  I studied a lot less that I had for the previous spelling bee, thinking that I was already far ahead of all the other spellers, due to my experience.  I entered the 2008 Virgin Island Territorial Spelling Bee with a self- assured smile, but, after misspelling the word croustade, left a fourth place trophy.

Laws of Life
by Chennel Howell, Grade 12

Courage is one of the few things people are unable to recognize in this day and age.  Courage is an act of bravery in a situation where all you want to do is flee.  Courage is standing up for many people when it doesn’t even affect you at all.  Courage is being able to think like another person who is having hard times and have empathy to help them.  By showing courage, you take risks that may potentially harm yourself for the greater good of others.  It is hard to achieve this state of confidence in you actions and it may take years to build, but when something needs to be tackled head on and no one seems to step up to the plate, a courageous person will find any means to take on the struggle to help others around them.

Courage is the in soul.  It is a timeless effort that may take years of oppression to burst forth.  Take for instance lady ninja Warrior Lady Chiyome of Japan.  Mochizuki Chiyome was a member of the koga Clan in 16th century Japan.  Her husband, Mochizuki, died in the Battle of Kawanakajima in 1561 in the Sengoku period.  The history of Japan and all its periods were bloody wars fought to gain power over the Japanese government.  In a time and country where women were looked down upon as nothing more than playthings, Lady Chiyome raised an army of female ninja warriors to gain an advantage for her side.  After the death of her husband, she was taken in by her late husband’s uncle, a powerful territorial lord, Takeda Shingen.  Though illegal at the time, she was taught literature and martial arts.  When assigned a mission to recruit ninja warriors, she chose to save young women who were orphaned, prostitutes, victims of war, lost, or abandoned and took them into her home.  She cared for these ladies, clothed them, fed them, sheltered them and raised them to be powerful.   She taught them in the way of the ninja and to only pretend to be subservient.  These ladies held very high positions in the households they were sent to.  All were taught to be highly intelligent and religious shrine attendants, giving them access to virtually anywhere in the country.  These women became to take on powerful enemy leaders.  The extensive networks of women all owe their lives to Lady Chiyome for passing on her courage and wit to them.  If it wasn’t for their teachings, life in Japan would have been a lot harder for females of all kind.

Courage is the heart, as the case of Uchiha Itachi.  Ichiha Itachi is a beloved character
on the Japanese animation Naruto.  Originally the worst villain to ever come onto the show, Itachi showed courage to take on tasks that any other ninja would have coward form.  Uchiha Itachi and his younger brother Uchiha Sasuke were both members of the head house of the famous Uchiha Clan belonging to the village hidden in the Leaves.  When the Uchiha clan wanted more power over the village, they planned a coup d’etat to overthrow the village leader and take power for themselves.  Itachi was charged with the talks of spying on the inner workings of the village because he was a high ranking ninja in good favor with the village security.  Though, hearing about a village takeover planned by his father sent up red flags to Itachi, He abhorred violence and meaningless slaughter since he was four years old and trapped in the idle of a ninja war.  For this reason, he took his problems to the village leader. If the Uchiha revolted, a civil war would start, killing thousands of civilians and creating another ninja war.  

The village council decided that the only way to remedy the situation is to kill the entire Uchiha Clan.  Itachi himself was assigned to this task.  He took the job, in loyalty to his village, and to save the most important person to him, his younger brother.  Despite his status as a wanted criminal, and having wiped out his clan, Itachi took no enjoyment in violence or combat, instead preferring to avoid battle or, if this was not possible, end it as quickly as he could.  Itachi was powerful and thought ten steps ahead of his opponent.  Even with a lifelong respiratory ailment, he was the most powerful person in the village.  At age thirteen, he committed genocide to his own kin, except Sasuke.  To ensure the villagers trust in their government, he took the entire blame as mental instability and fled the village only after ensuring his brothers safety. Itachi lived the rest of his life as a rogue ninja, secretly supplying the village information about the outside world and protecting his native village from terrorism while the villagers, civilians and his brother gained strength to protect himself, and staying off of medication.  When his vengeful brother finally caught up to him, he took the hatred and condemnation in stride and died by his sibling’s hands in repent for his deeds.  Susuke found out about his brothers fake betrayal only days after his brother’s death.  Though only fiction, it is on e of the courageous acts that one can take upon himself.  The ridicule and disposition he let cast on his name was the most horrible that a man of his caliber and heart could be classified as.  Itachi himself was not a major character in the plotline of Naruto, but the eponymous character is best friends with Itachi’s brother and when Sasuke left to seek power to avenge his clan.  Naruto’s bond with Sasuke was broken and with Naruto’s will and personality, he will never stop chasing Sasuke until he gets his closest friend back, no matter how evil said friend had become.  Itachi’s courage set off many chain of events in the Naturo world because of his mysterious, emotionless, compassionate demeanor which makes him so strong.

Courage is in the mid state, and parents must have a very composed mind state to deal with children.  John Howell is the strongest man I know and I am proud to call him my father. Orlette Howell is the most independent I know, and I am proud to call her my mother.  Along with my two brothers and sister, they took care of us, supported us, stood by us, gave us anything that they could manage and, to me, it means the world.  It takes a village to raise a child but parents are the ones to give affection and attention to the child that the world can never give.  Staying with each other through thick and thin is a feat in itself and this couple is as good a mix as oil and water.  It takes strength to deal with the trials of daily life; work and play. It takes courage to take care of four children, especially when three of them are college aged.  My parents talk to me whenever they can and listen to me and my silly problems, even when I have my teenage mood swings and attempt to shun them away from me.  I am never embarrassed by my parents because the person you are reflects who raised you and my parents raised me well.  If I am embarrassed by them, I should be embarrassed whenever I open my mouth to speak, and I am not.  My parents show immense love and care, but little compassion.  Yes, my homework takes hours to complete, but my parents often go into the every so familiar tirade of the hours it spent to get water from the wells in Nevis, where they were both raised, or how much they had to sacrifice to make life all the more livable for my siblings and me.  They want us to become smart, worldly, independent individuals.  They push us to do our very best in anything we do, but they know where limits lie and maybe they will test the water with those limits or they would understand to draw the line.  Either which way, we get where we want to go with the help of my parents.  And one must have a courageous mind state to deal with their own children, to take full responsibility over them and make certain of their position in life.  The continuously put their well-being in jeopardy for the greater good, and by greater good, I mean their children’s safe lifestyles.  Taking care of four completely different children, with constant fights and loads of family time takes the composure and strength that makes parents fit to be called man and woman.

Courage is hard to recognize indeed and few people realize a courageous act while it is in their midst.  Courage is many, many things.  Every day, one would show courage, even if they don’t realize it for themselves.  Everyone has a courageous bone in their body; some people. Like Mochizuki, Uchiha Itachi, and my parents have bigger, whiter and stronger bones.  The components I list as courage characteristics are soul, heart and mind.  Any act that includes any of these components is a sign of a courageous person.  Courage is not something that someone decides to have.  It is built strong over years and hard times, like Martin Luther King, Jr., or responsibility and duty like a teacher showing up to work each day.  All forms of courage should be recognized and praised because it is people with courage that make life easier for those people without.

IVANNA EUDORA KEAN HIGH SCHOOL


Laws of Life
by Uris George, Grade 9

Who would have ever thought that something like peer pressure would be the thing to change my whole life?  As a 12 year old, I arrived at middle school with lots of expectations of myself, but I never expected to actually get into a bank.  Many time I thought to myself, “What if they don’t like me” or What if I make a fool of myself.”  Well with all these thoughts going through my head, I decided to stick with the art class I had been given.

I sat day after day drawing and cutting tile, and for that whole semester I regretted not following my mind.   I thought really hard about it, but couldn’t decide on what I should do.  I decided to go and listen to the band in the music department area.  I fell in love with the songs and the motion of the players.  As I stood by the door with an eager look to join in and play, my friend approached me. “You look like you are enjoying the music.”  “Yeah, I wish that I was as good as you are.”  “You can be.  If you like what you hear and want to be a part of it, you should go and see the instructor.”  “Hmmm, I will think about it.”  Well day after day she kept on asking me to join, until one day I gave in.

The next day I took a trip to the counselor’s office and the class for the second semester.  I remember the look on the instructor’s face as he saw all the children in the class room.  It was a happy look, almost as if he wanted to share a laugh with us.  He came in front of the class and started to speak, “Do any of you have any experience with music.”  I raised my hand with excitement.  “What experiences do you have?”  “I can play the piano.”  “Oh really, what is a treble clef?”  I could not answer the question so I sat back down with shame.  “That’s alright; we all will learn about that when we begin.”

I began to love the class, but I could not play like the advanced children.  I stood in the class and tried and tried and tried again, but none of my efforts seemed to work.  I heard a voice from behind.  “Why don’t you come to practice in the afternoon?”  “I don’t know, I’ve never thought of it.”  “Well you should come; maybe you can actually learn the songs.”  “Well I don’t know.”  “Come on it will be fun.”  “Well ok, I’ll come.”  From then on I showed up to practice and became familiar with most of the songs.

On afternoon, I saw a girl get in front of the microphone and begin to sing.  She was horrible.  I thought that maybe I should try.  I suggested it to my friend.  “Do you know I can sing really well?”  “Well why don’t you go up there?”  “I hardly know the part”.   “Try! You’re always afraid of doing new things, who know what might happen.”  “Ok Ok, I’ll try.”  I got in front of the microphone and began to sing.  The room went silent and everyone stared.  The instructor turned to me, “Good job, but you can use some work.”  I was determined to build my voice, and the time came for me to show my progress.

The day of my first concert came, and I was so scared.  Regardless of my fear, I got up on the stage and performed.  The crowd was awed.  As I entered the room, everyone began to cheer and congratulate me on a job well done.  For once I felt like I belonged, like the band was a place for me.  From that day, I became a member and lead singer for the steel band.  This opened many opportunities for me as I entered the 8th grade.  I sang at big opening events, assemblies, government parties, etc.  I even went as far as to sing on a cruise ship called the princess of the Seas.  I was enrolled in an advanced chorus.  Many other bands up to this present day want me to perform with them.  I have received awards and great praise for my achievement. 

Now as a ninth grade I sometimes think back and daydream about these glorious memories.  Suppose I didn’t take on the pressure I had been given by my peers, where would I be no, or would I ever have gotten the chance to show people the talent that I was given from God.  Now, you see peer pressure has its good depending on how you chose to use it.  And now, because of peer pressure, I have a great future ahead of me.  Now as you can see, peer pressure can carry you to the stars or maybe even further, just like it did for me.

The Accident
by Randy Amparo, Grade 10

My father was involved in a very serious car wreck about three years ago.  This accident really took our family by surprise.  One minute my dad was on his way to the work related meeting and the next minute he was on his way to the hospital.  Since our family had never experienced a tragedy like this before, we were all initially in shock.  When something happens that you are not expecting, you have no idea what the family reaction will be.

The accident presented our family with many life-challenging events.  First of all, we were brought very close together as a tremendous support team for my dad.  He was very distraught for the first time I can ever remember.  He was always the strong one that our family looked up to for guidance and support.  Now, the turn of events had him looking to us to support, comfort and guide him.

The problem with stepping into a role such as this challenged each of us I our own way.  My dad needed us more than ever and yet we were all scared.  He not only had physical injuries to recuperate from, but he also had emotional damage related to the accident.  Here we were, the five of us huddled together as one.  We spent time together reflecting on the importance of loving each other and never taking a day for granted.  We also spent time alone trying to figure out why this had to happen to my dad.

We can never understand all of the whys in life.  Yet, we all try to gain wisdom from the ups and downs we each experience.  My dad soon learned that he did not have to go through this alone.  Our family had always been there and would always be there to stand behind each other.

Families have a tremendous responsibility to each other life.  I would certainly hope that my family would always be there to help me when I need it.  Yes, families should always work together to support one another and uphold each other in times of need.  Sharing our lives for many years builds relationships that only time and experiences can grow and mature.

I am sure that many of the specifics of the accident were kept between my mom and dad.  They wanted to maintain a certain level of discretion to avoid scaring my brother, sister, and I.  However, I do remember that emotions were up and down for many months after the accident.  My parents did teach me something valuable through this that I will never forget.  Life is too precious to waste our time feuding over the minor inconveniences and situations we encounter.  It is more important to build relationships with each other that will last a lifetime.  Every day is a new beginning to show kindness and love toward those most important to us.

Laws of Life
by Rena Innis, Grade 11

It was my first day at school and knew nobody; everybody had their little friends and cliques, talking, laughing and having fun.  I had nobody and I was shy to make new friends.  I sat back and watched my classmates Rand S laugh and tease a girl named A. that always sat by herself and trouble nobody, I sat there and watched the tears streaming down her face and I did nothing.  S and R were the best of friends and they were the center of attention.  I thought they were cool, but why would they trouble that poor little girl.  

One day, I was tired of being shy and I decided to he S and R with their work, since they did not understand and ever since then we became friends.  Months pass and I noticed they still troubled A, still I did nothing about it.  I would hang out with them and laugh with them but when they were bothering A I would just watch because every time I saw her cry, I didn’t  want to be person to make her feel bad.  I did not realize with me just standing there I was just as bad as S and R.

S and R noticed I didn’t take part in there cruelness and told me they had a prank to play on A.  They were going to steal her bag and throw her stuff in the toilet.  I told them that I would not be taking part in the little prank and they said that I was just afraid and I was always a “goody two shoes”.  Determined to prove them wrong I told them I would do it.

Monday came and it was lunch time, it was time to do the prank.  I grabbed A’s bag from where she always left it when she goes to the cafeteria to eat and ran to the bathroom with it.  I began pouring all her stuff in the toilet, while S and R stood back an laughed.  They gave me a high five when I was done and the we returned to class when the bell rang.  S and R began laughing when they say A going crazy looking for her bag.  A saw them and approached them and said “GIVE ME BACK ME BAG!” S stopped laughing and said “it looks like we have your bag?! Go look in the bathroom!”  A ran to the bathroom and came back with tears in your eyes.  I felt so bad.  She looked at s and R evilly.  Then she went to the teacher and told on them.  They got so mad that when they were going down to the principal’s office R said “we didn’t do it” R did!” The teacher looked at me with a surprised expression on her face.  She asked me “did you throw A’s bag with her stiff in the toilet?”  I told her yes I did it.  I got suspended for three days and I had to buy A all her things back.

I came back to class and S and R acted like what we did to A did not happen at all and they went back to teasing her.  I finally stood up and told S and R they had done enough damage to the girl and to leave her alone.  Instead they got mad at me and started calling me all kinds of names. I ignored them and I apologized to A.  Soon we became friends.  S and R kept teasing us but I taught A to ignore them and crying, that actually gives them control over you and showing them that just fuels them.  Pretty soon S and R stopped because they saw that we were giving them no attention.

Forgiveness
by Jarvon Stout, Grade 12

"Father" they say, "Daddy "they say
Words I never had the comfort to say
Why would I?
These past seventeen years without this important figure
Have left their mark.
His name was all I ever knew.
No pictures, no phone calls, no answer to my letters.
For years I grew oblivious to his possible existence.
Then this,
A message from Facebook. "Hi Son" he says "I hope you're doing well", he says.
My thoughts are lost.
My words are blocked.
Hate, a feeling I have long forgotten, has forged its way bad into my heart.
How dare he call me "Son."
Him, the deserter, stranger to my world.
Whatever care or compassion he is trying to show means nothing to me now.
I think to myself, "What does he want?"
Then the answer to my question is answered.
Forgiveness is what he wants.

How can I give, what I do not know?
“It's okay.", he says
"I won't pressure you" he says

I stare blankly at his words
What am I to say?
I type back “ Maybe”
To me my words are more like a lie than a promise.
Though he should be happy enough that I even answered him.
For as much as I resent him,
And wish to just walk away,
I know in my heart that he is human.
As human beings we all make mistakes.
And as human beings we all deserve a second chance.
A chance at life, love, and peace.
As much as I hate him, I know that I will never be at peace
Knowing that I ignored him, when he finally reached out to me.
I feel that something is different,
Something has changed in him.
Where once I thought him a demon
He seems regretful, tormented by what he had done so many years ago.
I can see it and somehow feel it in his words.
It is with this realization that I decide
Though it may pain me to do so,
I shall forgive him
One day.
When my soul is content
And my mind is at peace.
I shall see him face to face,

And utter the very word l taught myself to forget.
After such a long pause I type back,
"Yes, I will,
But it will take me some time.
He replies
"Thank you Son, thank you so much."
Strangely enough, I don't feel hate, or indifference
But a need for healing.
A need to help him heal inside as well.
And show him that even without him, I have grown into the strong man
That I need to be.
Forgiveness
A term as alien to my mind as death,
Yet one that can determine whether we as human beings have learned to grow
And live the lives that are worth it.

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