Believing in Yourself

I was fifteen when I got the news. I had cancer. In the five seconds it took the doctor to tell me my life had completely changed. My focus was no longer on school and friends and shopping, it was focused on getting through all the surgeries and treatments. I had to take a year off of school while I was getting chemotherapy and going through numerous surgeries.

I suddenly had to grow up really fast. I could no longer let the small things bother me in life and I couldn’t allow myself to focus on the immature and petty things in life that normally can surround a person in high school. I had to focus on getting better and always thinking positive. While I knew my life would never be the same I also realized that I could learn and grow from this experience. I had to grow up fast, but in the process I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of.

Before having cancer I never really took anything too seriously. I didn’t have to try hard in school and everything came easy to me. But missing a year of school and having to make that up so that I could graduate on time made me realize I had to take things more seriously. I started setting goals for myself and working hard to accomplish all of them. Because of having cancer I realized what was really important in my life, and I know that I can do anything that I set my mind to now.

I believe that you can accomplish anything if you work hard and believe in yourself. 

word count: 277

Generation I

The generation of the I. IPhone, IPod, ITouch, IPad, it’s everywhere and anywhere you go nowadays. These technologies have shaped our generation immensely by paving the way for quicker and easier communication and access to things that can be vital for us. Talking to friends has been made easier, as well as getting homework assignments done. The letter I for our generation signifies the value and importance we give to technology and how vital it is for our everyday lives. Our generation needs these technologies to thrive in this new age where technology can get you ahead in the world.

word count: 100

Place Matters

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, was built in 70-80 AD. It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater. It is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.  It was capable of seating 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public activities. Today the Colosseum is used as one of Italy’s main tourist attractions, receiving millions of visitors every year. The Colosseum should be preserved because it has major cultural and historical relevance and significance on the world. It is a huge asset to humanity and the world. It shows that we as humans do have a history and history is a thing that needs to be preserved for future generations and for ourselves. The Colosseum serves as a type of portal between the present and the past. And a place where people can go and see for themselves exactly what it is and what it meant. When I went and saw it two summers ago I was in complete awe at what I was witnessing and seeing. It shows me there is so much out there in the world that is important and vital.  Preserving the Roman Colosseum would mean that for generations to come people will be able to go and witness and learn about the past directly and for themselves, instead of just through a textbook. Preserving the past means paving the way for the future and continuing in our present. 

word count: 250

Place Matters Draft

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, was built in 70-80 AD. It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater. It is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.  It was capable of seating 50,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests and other public activities. Today the Colosseum is used as one of Italy’s main tourist attractions, receiving millions of visitors every year. I think the Colosseum should be preserved because it has major cultural and historical relevance and significance on the world. It is a huge asset to humanity and the world. It shows that we as humans do have a history and history is a thing that needs to be preserved for future generations and for ourselves. The Colosseum serves as a type of portal between the present and the past where people are able to go and see for themselves exactly what it is and what it meant. Preserving the Roman Colosseum would mean that for generations to come people will be able to go and witness and learn about the past directly and for themselves, instead of just through a textbook. Preserving the past means paving the way for the future and continuing in our present.