Write a piece of 200 words that is about the defining moment in your life thus far. It can be in any format you'd like. It is due at the end of the period.
Thunder roared over the hills like the low growl of a beast being awakened from its slumber. The group had set out to meet a group of Syndicate holdouts in the southern hills. Damian saw Gavin turn his head towards the sound of the thunder anxiously. Apparently no amount of muscle a man builds can hide his fear of that which he has no power over. Damian thought, could that mean that deep down, Gavin was still afraid of him? When you think about it, aside from physically overpowering Damian there was nothing Gavin could really do to stop him from unleashing a magical torrent of hell upon him, or Isaac for that matter. Damian was snapped out of his power trip when the trio came over another hill and saw what looked like the remains of a fire in a shallow valley. Tents were scattered around it with no lights inside, as one would expect from a camp in the middle of the night. The puzzling thing was that there was nobody on watch, the camp was completely vulnerable. Isaac drew a pistol from his hip and took point, advancing slowly down the hill and into the camp. Gavin drew his own pistol and followed Isaac, the right side of the small arrowhead formation. Damian focused his magic into his palms and completed the arrowhead formation by covering Isaac’s left side. As they neared the camp, Isaac gestured for them to fan out as he neared the closest of the tents. Gavin went to the tents on the right side, and so Damian took to the left tents.
The day I found out that I was supposed to have another sibling in my life it changed everything. I could have had another sibling. I guess things happen for a reason though. I was nine years old when I found out that I was supposed to have another brother, older then my current brother. My mother sat me down in my room. She grabbed my hands and told me about the day of my brother’s death. She told me that her biggest fear when she was pregnant with my brother and me was that she was going to have another still birth. My mother had gone through nine months of being pregnant and she was just around her due date when she felt the baby stop moving. My mother got extremely worried and she went to the doctors. The doctors immediately sent her to the emergency room without telling her what was wrong. When she got to the emergency room they told her that her baby was dead. At that moment, they told her that she needed to push out the baby. My mother didn’t take it so easy when she saw the baby she screamed for him to cry. After she calmed down, they told her that if the baby were to be born he would be handicap. Every year of the month of March I’m never usually myself until his birthday passes. From that day on I learned to appreciate my family and try and not take them for granted.
Wow, that is intense. It is great that you took something that is so traumatic, and learned from it. I try to look at certain events in my life that way, but I'm usually not strong enough to see it through.
On November 24th 2013 my life changed completely for the worst. Growing up my life and my family were perfect. We always went on family trips, my parents were involved in every activity me and my siblings did, and we were all so happy. This day changed my life because that’s the day my father left. It damaged my family emotionally and financially. It’s not like he left us just because he wasn’t happy, he left us because he found another family. It broke all of our hearts that he left and to this day things are very hard. My siblings and I have to split the bills because without my dad, we have no money. My mother is unemployed. Because we have no money, my family and I are going to move into a smaller house, or maybe even an apartment, when I graduate high school next year. It’s definitely not going to be easy to downgrade in the size of our house because were a big family. My older brother, Brian, became the main source of income in my house. He is only twenty one and instead of going out having fun, he has two jobs and he gives 70% of his money to my mother for bills. As much as it sucks to have no money to spend on fun things, I would rather have a house to live in and electricity than to be able to go out with my friends. My father does not even call any of us or ask how we are. It feels like he doesn’t even care about us and that’s what makes me upset.
I had nearly the same exact experience as this. I was slightly older, but I was left with the same feelings and questions. All I can say is that sometimes things change; for me, my father came back into my life and did a lot of work to address his problems. Whatever the case may be, remember how strong and wonderful your family has shown itself to be during this situation.
September 2003. This was the year my life completely changed. Actually, this one event did not just alter my life; the result of it continues to change my life in so many beautiful ways. I still remember visiting my grandparents for two weeks while my parents were in China. I was enthusiastic to see all of my cousins in Massachusetts, but the whole time I missed my parents. They were going to China to bring home my baby sister. At first she was adorable and just this little toddler that we had to watch over and take care of. And to me she will always be my baby sister. But as she has grown she continues to influence my life like I never could have imagined. She has grown up so much, becoming a very intelligent and unique person. She is very athletic, teaching me the rules to Basketball and even luge, which she picked up after just watching one game on T.V. She is a better chess player than I will ever be and she has perfect NJASK mathematics scores. It is truly amazing that this little toddler, who I now realize I still see as a toddler can become such a wonderful influence on my families lives, our families lives.
I had no motivation whatsoever to show up to school about a week ago. It was cold and I was so sleepy; nothing could possibly make me excited to commence my daily seven hour routine. It has been almost four years of seeing the same teachers, hearing the same students, and dealing with never ending work that isn’t even fun to do. Yes, I sound like a little child complaining about what is probably nothing compared to what is yet to come, but that is exactly how I was feeling. I arrived to school and three hours had passed by. I excused myself from the class I was in to go get a drink and Mr. Trafford, coming my way said, “Ahh, I was just about to look for you.” He gave me a pass and quickly I was at his office—I was happy to get out of class. He told me what I’ve been waiting to hear for the two years and a half. “You have been accepted to the New Brunswick Rutgers campus!” He blurted out with a smile. I was excited and could not wait to open up my e-mail account to check out the big news for myself. I clicked on the “accept” button and started texting my parents to let them know. They congratulated me and said that they knew along that I would get in. This was a defining moment in my life. I now have a direction to take and path to follow once I’m done with high school. Now to graduate and begin a new life at Rutgers University is my motivation to show up to school and just bear with these last couple of a months; it’s my motivation to enjoy what I have left. Getting accepted to Rutgers is a big deal for me. It’s not just the dorming at Rutgers, but that fact that I’m going to be part of such a diverse community that I haven’t even met yet and that I’m going to begin a new life style that I’m so not used to, that makes this moment important and relevant to my life.
A moment that changed my life is when I found out that my parents were going got get divorced. I knew it was a long time coming but just hearing it be true really shocked me. My life completely changed after that moment. It seemed like my whole childhood was a lie and that my dad pretended to get along with my mom just to keep the family together. As I got older it was clearer to me how miserable my dad was but he went about it the wrong way. I will never forget the moment when my mom told me that my dad had a girlfriend yet he still lived with us and pretended to be part of the family. He told me the only reason he was staying around because he wanted to see me but this was not fair to my mom. She didn’t deserve to be treated like this. My dad still lived with us for a couple months after just because he had nowhere else to go but it still wasn’t the same. It was such a bad time for me because of all the fighting and arguing I just couldn’t take it. When my dad finally moved out it got a lot better for everyone. Of course I missed not seeing my dad everyday but it was what needed to be done I was so mad at him for what he did but he was still my dad. My family will never be the same and that is both good and bad. I guess things happen for a reason but this was just a lot to deal with a once for me.
I am honored that you feel comfortable enough to share this here. I went through the same situation at a much older age, but it was still very painful. I felt like I got blindsided in a way, even though all of the signs were there. You should feel proud that you are such a responsible, intelligent, mature young lady, despite the situation that you've had to experience.
She became weaker Her eyes slowly started to close You were able to still see her fighting through it But it was just not enough She’s gone I’m sorry they all say You’re too young to understand They tell me But I get it Now I did It hit me She was gone Never did I believe in death But now I do Never did I see this day coming Death was something I didn’t understand I swore people lived forever Well at least the people I loved did I just couldn’t believe it This really showed me something I never understood I get it now Everyone is temporary No one is here forever Everything eventually comes to an end I have to understand that And now I do This proved to me that we all have limited time on this earth We have to make the best of it As much as we’d like to believe that we all live forever or for very long We don’t We could all be gone tomorrow She showed me that you don’t stop fighting You push it out and make the best out of the worse My aunt made me understand so much I get it now I want to live my life as strong as she did I will I won’t stop fighting I will give it my all
The wisdom that this experience gave you is incredible. This is beautifully written. We erase a little bit of the pain of this world when we take something so terrible and create something beautiful because of it. That is exactly what you did here. Your aunt would be proud.
What thought typically crosses one’s mind when a hat is seen upon another person? “Why is she wearing a hat like that in this weather?” “Why is he wearing his backwards like a ninety-year-old Beasty Boy?” It might seem strange, but I feel that hats are as crucial to a person’s identity as a bold outfit or a pair of worn-out shoes. Hat-wearing is not only a fashion statement, however. It is functional, purposeful, and all-around logical. A hat can be worn for the sake of sun protection, rainy weather, ancient tradition, or even to display a proud set of pins collected over the years. In that sense, its function is similar to that of a bulletin board, posting the truths and tendencies of humanity. Simply, a hat is a gateway to the soul. Thus, the fact that this dude was bald and hatless in a blizzard was a striking image. I mean, who does that? I clearly found my guy: big, tough, and without feeling—apparently his head included. Looking up from my magazine—Happy Housewives or something like that—I spotted his shiny head making its way towards a dark alley. Man, I thought, you’re making my job so much easier. I set the magazine down and stood up from the table, leaving my jacket on the chair. I planned to return to my table and finish my meal, which was almost out of the kitchen at this point. It was an order of palmeni—my favorite—and I was hungry, to say the least. Following Mr. Hulky down the alley, I made sure to keep my footsteps feathery. Once I was positively in the shadows and out of sight from passersby, I spoke up. “Excuse me, sir?” I sounded sweet and innocent, like a tourist. Plus, the American accent and reluctance to attempt the Russian language added to my touristy vibes. He turned around, alarmed at first but then just impatient—typical for a guy like him, and especially with his reputation. “I’m trying to find a person. I was told they’d be here but I think I’ve mixed up the streets. He told me, ‘Petrovka Street.’ Could be perhaps point me in the right direction?” I smiled and looked hopeful. Since Russians do not smile to strangers, I seemed even more American. Clearly he bought it because he thought for a moment and pointed down the alley to the right. “It is two blocks to the right.” He spoke slowly. “Petrovka,” he repeated. And I took that moment to strike him in the throat and jump on his back, carefully putting him in the sleeper hold. After a couple minutes of him struggling and me grunting, he was passed out and I pulled my flip phone out, which was ringing. “It’s almost done. And stop interrupting me like this. I work fast but not that fast.” I hung up and, catching my breath, I fixed my dress and went back to the table to finish my meal.
There are many defining moments in a person’s life. They can be predictable or unexpected. Mine was a very unexpected defining moment. I was going to a summer camp for three weeks called the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. The tests and waiting to see if I qualified had been defining but they were predictable moments: moments to see what I could achieve. Well, as the date for departure got closer I began to get really nervous. I asked myself on multiple occasions if I actually belonged at a camp for “talented youth”. I was going to be taking an English course (English is my favorite subject) but I felt like I would be out of place. When I got there, my feelings only increased. Every person there looked like they’d been there before (most were returning campers from previous summers) and already had friends. I had a hard time getting comfortable but I did eventually. I was starting to make friends and I was gaining more confidence…until classes started. Everyone had impressive reads to talk about and I couldn’t remember any of my favorite authors. I had a hard time keeping up with the notes and conversation and was sure that I was alone in that. For the next few days I worked extra hard, trying to prove to others and myself that I could be as good as my fellow campers. Then one of my friends, Sophie, told me that she had done horribly on a quiz. Others agreed and we noticed that we had all done poorly. I wanted to believe in that moment that I was equal to them and that we were all struggling in the same way. For some reason, I wouldn’t believe myself…not until we had to read for three hours straight at nine in the morning. The book was boring and pointless (which is why we had to read it) and I looked around the room after an hour and everyone was nodding off, even me, one by one. In that moment, in the middle of a sleeping class, I realized that I did belong and that all I had to do to belong was be myself.
To be quite honest, I don’t think that I have experienced the ‘defining moment’ in my life just yet. I mean sure, I’m 18 years old and I’ve experienced quite a lot whether it be from sports, family, friends or even school, however I don’t believe that any of these particular moments have had any substantial impact. There have been many experiences in which I have been recognized throughout sports, but none have ever been life changing. Within my family I have gained new members as well as lost few, and the same goes for my friendships. And sure I’ve been recognized for my academic work, as well as some of my art. I guess I just don’t place any of these achievements as high priorities to my success, but rather just achievements that have built me together. I’m sure that my time will come, and someday I will have this defining moment that will change my life for better or worse, and at the very moment is when I will realize it. But for now, I am just going to take in all that I can, and do with it whatever is possible, in hopes that I am working towards a goal or life changing moment that will happen soon.
Life is filled with memorable experiences and unforgettable moments but there are some that stand out more than others, some that are defining instances whether for good or bad, they shape a part of who you become. Moving from Uruguay to New Jersey at just five years old was quite a defining moment in my life, it completely changed the course of everything and made me become someone entirely different then who I would be if we had we stayed. It was such a huge change- from being surrounded by my entire family to only having an aunt, uncle, and cousin here. Birthday parties, holidays, all celebrations were a lot smaller and seemed to be missing something. I did note a change for the better; we had more toys, clothes, even better food and a nicer home and school. I had to learn an entire new language and get used to an entire different way of life. It felt sort of odd at first but it only took me one school year to learn English and I adapted very quickly. It was a scary change for all of us but it was one that proved to be for the better.
A defining moment in my life would be what happened this same time of year, last year. In January of 2013, I got news that completely had me devastated. I found out I was going to be moving. I was living with my whole family, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I grew up with them my whole life and considered my aunts and uncles more like my brothers and sisters. They were always there for me no matter what. I still never knew if it was an overnight decision of us having to move out the big beautiful house we were all living in or if it had been spoken about and I was just the last one to find out and before I knew it, I was packing all my stuff in cardboard boxes. My aunts and uncles were getting all getting married with her spouse and moving in with them, so I guess that was one of the factors. My grandparents wouldn’t be able to afford the house alone. They got a small apartment which meant, no space for me. I moved in with my dad and lived with him for about a year and transferred schools as well. I just recently came to this town and moved in with my mom because I felt like I actually needed to be with her now. It’s crazy to think that so much can change in a year. I thought that with changing high schools, I wouldn’t be able to adapt but I’m actually pretty well adapted and I always keep in mind that patience is key and things get better.
“Do I wanna know?”,I said gripping the back of the chair until my knuckles turned white.
The Queen simply smiled and turned to the open windows. The light rained down on her casting her in a golden aura that made the jewels on her gown sparkle. Yes she was beautiful with her honey curls falling down her milky back, but she was dangerous. You would never guess she’s the enemy.
“I don’t know, do you want to know?”, she said smirking while twirling a one of her honey curls around her finger.
I hung my head and gripped the chair even tighter ,my anger was boiling. At any point I would snap and wipe that annoyingly beautiful smile of her face.
“My Queen,” I said my voice tight with control,”The people need your guidance, your tremendous power. What is it that keeps you in your room? What is it that you want!” I pushed the chair away from me in frustration. The Queen simply squealed with laughter and clapped her hands as if my anger was enjoyable entertainment to her. Her laughter finally stopped after several long minutes and she smoothed down her dress, composing herself.
“Julius there’s nothing to fret. We have a beautiful life, isn’t that enough? These people always want something from me, but I think it’s time they learned how take care of themselves.” She gave me devilish grin and turned away from me once again, signaling that the conversation was over. My frustration was no longer anger it was immense rage. I stormed out of the room for fear that I would do something regretful.
Me? I feel like the definition of me is knowledge of interest. I feel like I know more then I want but I don’t know enough. I may not take interest in school like that but I like to learn. I like to learn things that will remain in my mind forever, things that will help me move forward. I learn certain things in school. When I go to school i learn a little bit of school work but everything else I learn I learn about life and I learn about the people that surround me. Most people say that something is learned every day and I agree. I go to school to learn school work but I come out of school and learn more about the world than I learn actual school work. The things I’m taught in school goes in one ear and out the other but not by choice.
Today, I have my first job interview. I’ve had other small jobs before. Like last year, I worked as a waitress for a short period of time. Conveniently enough, it was on my same block, just a few houses down my own. When I would walk my dog around the block, I would continuously see people opening up and working on the restaurant. I took the chance, and asked if they needed someone to work for them. The woman was very kind and enthusiastic and she said yes, and she gave me the job. My mom wasn’t working at the time, and wanted a job too, so she also asked the lady for work. My mom became one of the chefs. Working with my mom made things very easy, also, the lady was extremely nice. I really liked the job, and my friends were supportive by going to eat there. Sadly, the restaurant wasn’t a great success, and eventually they had to close. My second job like this was over the summer, at an ice cream parlor. I used to eat ice cream there all the time, and the lady had once offered me a job, I said I would work for her but then regretted it because she offered me very little money. The following year, she asked if I knew anyone who needed to work, I told her I would work, but for at least the minimum. So this became my summer job. It was fun, although at first scooping was harder than you’d expect. But eventually I got the hang of it, and made amazing milkshakes! I also perfected the banana split and practiced on how to make a perfect swirl of soft ice cream on a cone (also harder than you’d expect). But, as you can tell, it was never a legit job. I was never interviewed and was always paid under the table. Today I have to actually make an effort to dress appropriately and be prepared to answer questions. I’m actually very nervous that I won’t know how to answer the questions. I’m excited for this job because if I get it I will finally have a legitimate schedule instead of simply being called in or told the day before if they needed me. I’ll also have a great discount! I’m hoping for the best. I’m not sure if I really want to work. At times I do, to become more independent and to help my mom out a bit, and also I think it’ll be a great distraction. Other times, I think I shouldn’t work, my cousin would always tell me that there’s no reason to work now, I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life. I’m also very scared that if I do get the job, the people won’t like me, or I wouldn’t know how to act if customers were mean to me. If I do get this job it will possibly be a defining moment in my life. Wish me luck!
A really big moment in my life that changed me was when my grandfather passed away. He was a big part in my life and was a shining light in my younger years. When he lived near me and my family in Jersey I would always be excited to see him. Not only because he had a pool and two pit bulls (that we’re amazing btw), but because he always found a way to make me laugh. Every time I was at the house I always remembered everyone being happy and smiling. Even when he and his wife moved down to Texas he still managed to send smiles all the way up here. Then my mother got the phone call that he was in the hospital. I don’t remember specifically what happened, but I know he always had issues with his weight and something caused him to have to stop on the side of the road while making a delivery. He was stuck in the hospital for a while and I remember them saying he had to get his leg amputated. Most people would be sad to hear this news, but and my family were just happy that he was going to be let out soon and would be fine. After the surgery something went wrong. The surgery was successful, but during recovery (only a few hours later) my grandfather was dead. The morning after it happened my mother told me and I can truly say I have never cried so much in my life. For a good year the mention of his name or seeing a picture of him reduced me to tears. That was a defining moment in my life because it showed me that soon everyone is going to be gone and you have to enjoy the time you have with them now. It showed me I have to enjoy my life because there’s no telling when it can end and also that no doctor can TRULY tell you when someone/you is going to go.
A really big moment in my life that changed was when my mom and my dad got a divorce. It really is life changing because you have to get used to something completely different from what you’re used to. Like the simple things like waking up and your dad isn’t there. My dad used to come home for dinner and now we’re eating dinner without him there. Just the little things change. Basically you have to start living without that other person. I mean, in the beginning, I missed him a lot. We used to always go to his house. He tried to spend as much time with us as possible so we didn’t feel like there was a big change, but we knew there was. But that’s all different now because something bad happened and it’s rare when I see my father, but that’s a different story. My mom and my dad’s divorce really changed everything in my life and I believe it made me stronger and my brother and sister stronger as well. Sometimes I miss the family times, but seeing how happy my mom is now, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. So yeah it sucks when your family gets a divorce, but you learn to get through it.
My defining moment would be two years ago in 8th grade while in school. I say that is my defining moment because that year is when I realized I was a really nice person. I say that I am nice because I have had many people tell me that. It all started off when my 8th grade year started. I had all my friends in my classes and I would always be the first one to all my classes. Then the teacher would come and unlock the door and everyone would try to swarm in at the same time and I would just stay back and hold the door open for everyone. I would do this for all my classes and be the last one in because I would hold the door open for everyone. It was like two months into the school year and I was absent. The next day like three off my teachers approached me and said, “Oh are you ok? We were missing a gentleman yesterday to hold open the door for us.” It felt good to know that my teacher thought I was a good person. I have never got in a fight with anyone or anything in my whole life. Then the end of the school year ended and I got one of my teachers to sign my yearbook and he wrote in it, “Douglas have a good summer, it was a pleasure to have such a nice person in my class to be able to hold the door every day.”
Thunder roared over the hills like the low growl of a beast being awakened from its slumber. The group had set out to meet a group of Syndicate holdouts in the southern hills. Damian saw Gavin turn his head towards the sound of the thunder anxiously. Apparently no amount of muscle a man builds can hide his fear of that which he has no power over. Damian thought, could that mean that deep down, Gavin was still afraid of him? When you think about it, aside from physically overpowering Damian there was nothing Gavin could really do to stop him from unleashing a magical torrent of hell upon him, or Isaac for that matter.
ReplyDeleteDamian was snapped out of his power trip when the trio came over another hill and saw what looked like the remains of a fire in a shallow valley. Tents were scattered around it with no lights inside, as one would expect from a camp in the middle of the night. The puzzling thing was that there was nobody on watch, the camp was completely vulnerable.
Isaac drew a pistol from his hip and took point, advancing slowly down the hill and into the camp. Gavin drew his own pistol and followed Isaac, the right side of the small arrowhead formation. Damian focused his magic into his palms and completed the arrowhead formation by covering Isaac’s left side. As they neared the camp, Isaac gestured for them to fan out as he neared the closest of the tents. Gavin went to the tents on the right side, and so Damian took to the left tents.
The day I found out that I was supposed to have another sibling in my life it changed everything. I could have had another sibling. I guess things happen for a reason though. I was nine years old when I found out that I was supposed to have another brother, older then my current brother. My mother sat me down in my room. She grabbed my hands and told me about the day of my brother’s death. She told me that her biggest fear when she was pregnant with my brother and me was that she was going to have another still birth. My mother had gone through nine months of being pregnant and she was just around her due date when she felt the baby stop moving. My mother got extremely worried and she went to the doctors. The doctors immediately sent her to the emergency room without telling her what was wrong. When she got to the emergency room they told her that her baby was dead. At that moment, they told her that she needed to push out the baby. My mother didn’t take it so easy when she saw the baby she screamed for him to cry. After she calmed down, they told her that if the baby were to be born he would be handicap. Every year of the month of March I’m never usually myself until his birthday passes. From that day on I learned to appreciate my family and try and not take them for granted.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is intense. It is great that you took something that is so traumatic, and learned from it. I try to look at certain events in my life that way, but I'm usually not strong enough to see it through.
DeleteOn November 24th 2013 my life changed completely for the worst. Growing up my life and my family were perfect. We always went on family trips, my parents were involved in every activity me and my siblings did, and we were all so happy. This day changed my life because that’s the day my father left. It damaged my family emotionally and financially. It’s not like he left us just because he wasn’t happy, he left us because he found another family. It broke all of our hearts that he left and to this day things are very hard. My siblings and I have to split the bills because without my dad, we have no money. My mother is unemployed. Because we have no money, my family and I are going to move into a smaller house, or maybe even an apartment, when I graduate high school next year. It’s definitely not going to be easy to downgrade in the size of our house because were a big family. My older brother, Brian, became the main source of income in my house. He is only twenty one and instead of going out having fun, he has two jobs and he gives 70% of his money to my mother for bills. As much as it sucks to have no money to spend on fun things, I would rather have a house to live in and electricity than to be able to go out with my friends. My father does not even call any of us or ask how we are. It feels like he doesn’t even care about us and that’s what makes me upset.
ReplyDeleteI had nearly the same exact experience as this. I was slightly older, but I was left with the same feelings and questions. All I can say is that sometimes things change; for me, my father came back into my life and did a lot of work to address his problems. Whatever the case may be, remember how strong and wonderful your family has shown itself to be during this situation.
DeleteSeptember 2003. This was the year my life completely changed. Actually, this one event did not just alter my life; the result of it continues to change my life in so many beautiful ways. I still remember visiting my grandparents for two weeks while my parents were in China. I was enthusiastic to see all of my cousins in Massachusetts, but the whole time I missed my parents. They were going to China to bring home my baby sister.
ReplyDeleteAt first she was adorable and just this little toddler that we had to watch over and take care of. And to me she will always be my baby sister. But as she has grown she continues to influence my life like I never could have imagined. She has grown up so much, becoming a very intelligent and unique person. She is very athletic, teaching me the rules to Basketball and even luge, which she picked up after just watching one game on T.V. She is a better chess player than I will ever be and she has perfect NJASK mathematics scores. It is truly amazing that this little toddler, who I now realize I still see as a toddler can become such a wonderful influence on my families lives, our families lives.
You are incredibly lucky! And you seem like such a great big sister. It's awesome to see how inspired you are by her.
DeleteI had no motivation whatsoever to show up to school about a week ago. It was cold and I was so sleepy; nothing could possibly make me excited to commence my daily seven hour routine. It has been almost four years of seeing the same teachers, hearing the same students, and dealing with never ending work that isn’t even fun to do. Yes, I sound like a little child complaining about what is probably nothing compared to what is yet to come, but that is exactly how I was feeling. I arrived to school and three hours had passed by. I excused myself from the class I was in to go get a drink and Mr. Trafford, coming my way said, “Ahh, I was just about to look for you.” He gave me a pass and quickly I was at his office—I was happy to get out of class. He told me what I’ve been waiting to hear for the two years and a half. “You have been accepted to the New Brunswick Rutgers campus!” He blurted out with a smile. I was excited and could not wait to open up my e-mail account to check out the big news for myself. I clicked on the “accept” button and started texting my parents to let them know. They congratulated me and said that they knew along that I would get in. This was a defining moment in my life. I now have a direction to take and path to follow once I’m done with high school. Now to graduate and begin a new life at Rutgers University is my motivation to show up to school and just bear with these last couple of a months; it’s my motivation to enjoy what I have left. Getting accepted to Rutgers is a big deal for me. It’s not just the dorming at Rutgers, but that fact that I’m going to be part of such a diverse community that I haven’t even met yet and that I’m going to begin a new life style that I’m so not used to, that makes this moment important and relevant to my life.
ReplyDeleteYOU GO GIRL! I guess maybe you won't have to check the site so much during class.
DeleteA moment that changed my life is when I found out that my parents were going got get divorced. I knew it was a long time coming but just hearing it be true really shocked me. My life completely changed after that moment. It seemed like my whole childhood was a lie and that my dad pretended to get along with my mom just to keep the family together. As I got older it was clearer to me how miserable my dad was but he went about it the wrong way. I will never forget the moment when my mom told me that my dad had a girlfriend yet he still lived with us and pretended to be part of the family. He told me the only reason he was staying around because he wanted to see me but this was not fair to my mom. She didn’t deserve to be treated like this. My dad still lived with us for a couple months after just because he had nowhere else to go but it still wasn’t the same. It was such a bad time for me because of all the fighting and arguing I just couldn’t take it. When my dad finally moved out it got a lot better for everyone. Of course I missed not seeing my dad everyday but it was what needed to be done I was so mad at him for what he did but he was still my dad. My family will never be the same and that is both good and bad. I guess things happen for a reason but this was just a lot to deal with a once for me.
ReplyDeleteI am honored that you feel comfortable enough to share this here. I went through the same situation at a much older age, but it was still very painful. I felt like I got blindsided in a way, even though all of the signs were there. You should feel proud that you are such a responsible, intelligent, mature young lady, despite the situation that you've had to experience.
DeleteShe became weaker
ReplyDeleteHer eyes slowly started to close
You were able to still see her fighting through it
But it was just not enough
She’s gone
I’m sorry they all say
You’re too young to understand
They tell me
But I get it
Now I did
It hit me
She was gone
Never did I believe in death
But now I do
Never did I see this day coming
Death was something I didn’t understand
I swore people lived forever
Well at least the people I loved did
I just couldn’t believe it
This really showed me something I never understood
I get it now
Everyone is temporary
No one is here forever
Everything eventually comes to an end
I have to understand that
And now I do
This proved to me that we all have limited time on this earth
We have to make the best of it
As much as we’d like to believe that we all live forever or for very long
We don’t
We could all be gone tomorrow
She showed me that you don’t stop fighting
You push it out and make the best out of the worse
My aunt made me understand so much
I get it now
I want to live my life as strong as she did
I will
I won’t stop fighting
I will give it my all
The wisdom that this experience gave you is incredible. This is beautifully written. We erase a little bit of the pain of this world when we take something so terrible and create something beautiful because of it. That is exactly what you did here. Your aunt would be proud.
DeleteWhat thought typically crosses one’s mind when a hat is seen upon another person? “Why is she wearing a hat like that in this weather?” “Why is he wearing his backwards like a ninety-year-old Beasty Boy?” It might seem strange, but I feel that hats are as crucial to a person’s identity as a bold outfit or a pair of worn-out shoes. Hat-wearing is not only a fashion statement, however. It is functional, purposeful, and all-around logical. A hat can be worn for the sake of sun protection, rainy weather, ancient tradition, or even to display a proud set of pins collected over the years. In that sense, its function is similar to that of a bulletin board, posting the truths and tendencies of humanity. Simply, a hat is a gateway to the soul.
ReplyDeleteThus, the fact that this dude was bald and hatless in a blizzard was a striking image. I mean, who does that? I clearly found my guy: big, tough, and without feeling—apparently his head included.
Looking up from my magazine—Happy Housewives or something like that—I spotted his shiny head making its way towards a dark alley. Man, I thought, you’re making my job so much easier. I set the magazine down and stood up from the table, leaving my jacket on the chair. I planned to return to my table and finish my meal, which was almost out of the kitchen at this point. It was an order of palmeni—my favorite—and I was hungry, to say the least.
Following Mr. Hulky down the alley, I made sure to keep my footsteps feathery. Once I was positively in the shadows and out of sight from passersby, I spoke up.
“Excuse me, sir?” I sounded sweet and innocent, like a tourist. Plus, the American accent and reluctance to attempt the Russian language added to my touristy vibes.
He turned around, alarmed at first but then just impatient—typical for a guy like him, and especially with his reputation.
“I’m trying to find a person. I was told they’d be here but I think I’ve mixed up the streets. He told me, ‘Petrovka Street.’ Could be perhaps point me in the right direction?” I smiled and looked hopeful. Since Russians do not smile to strangers, I seemed even more American.
Clearly he bought it because he thought for a moment and pointed down the alley to the right.
“It is two blocks to the right.” He spoke slowly. “Petrovka,” he repeated.
And I took that moment to strike him in the throat and jump on his back, carefully putting him in the sleeper hold. After a couple minutes of him struggling and me grunting, he was passed out and I pulled my flip phone out, which was ringing.
“It’s almost done. And stop interrupting me like this. I work fast but not that fast.” I hung up and, catching my breath, I fixed my dress and went back to the table to finish my meal.
(New Piece)
DeleteUntitled at this point
Awesome! So wildly creative. I am getting impatient about seeing this finished.
DeleteThere are many defining moments in a person’s life. They can be predictable or unexpected. Mine was a very unexpected defining moment. I was going to a summer camp for three weeks called the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. The tests and waiting to see if I qualified had been defining but they were predictable moments: moments to see what I could achieve. Well, as the date for departure got closer I began to get really nervous. I asked myself on multiple occasions if I actually belonged at a camp for “talented youth”. I was going to be taking an English course (English is my favorite subject) but I felt like I would be out of place. When I got there, my feelings only increased. Every person there looked like they’d been there before (most were returning campers from previous summers) and already had friends. I had a hard time getting comfortable but I did eventually. I was starting to make friends and I was gaining more confidence…until classes started. Everyone had impressive reads to talk about and I couldn’t remember any of my favorite authors. I had a hard time keeping up with the notes and conversation and was sure that I was alone in that. For the next few days I worked extra hard, trying to prove to others and myself that I could be as good as my fellow campers. Then one of my friends, Sophie, told me that she had done horribly on a quiz. Others agreed and we noticed that we had all done poorly. I wanted to believe in that moment that I was equal to them and that we were all struggling in the same way. For some reason, I wouldn’t believe myself…not until we had to read for three hours straight at nine in the morning. The book was boring and pointless (which is why we had to read it) and I looked around the room after an hour and everyone was nodding off, even me, one by one. In that moment, in the middle of a sleeping class, I realized that I did belong and that all I had to do to belong was be myself.
ReplyDeleteTo be quite honest, I don’t think that I have experienced the ‘defining moment’ in my life just yet. I mean sure, I’m 18 years old and I’ve experienced quite a lot whether it be from sports, family, friends or even school, however I don’t believe that any of these particular moments have had any substantial impact. There have been many experiences in which I have been recognized throughout sports, but none have ever been life changing. Within my family I have gained new members as well as lost few, and the same goes for my friendships. And sure I’ve been recognized for my academic work, as well as some of my art. I guess I just don’t place any of these achievements as high priorities to my success, but rather just achievements that have built me together. I’m sure that my time will come, and someday I will have this defining moment that will change my life for better or worse, and at the very moment is when I will realize it. But for now, I am just going to take in all that I can, and do with it whatever is possible, in hopes that I am working towards a goal or life changing moment that will happen soon.
ReplyDeleteLife is filled with memorable experiences and unforgettable moments but there are some that stand out more than others, some that are defining instances whether for good or bad, they shape a part of who you become. Moving from Uruguay to New Jersey at just five years old was quite a defining moment in my life, it completely changed the course of everything and made me become someone entirely different then who I would be if we had we stayed. It was such a huge change- from being surrounded by my entire family to only having an aunt, uncle, and cousin here. Birthday parties, holidays, all celebrations were a lot smaller and seemed to be missing something. I did note a change for the better; we had more toys, clothes, even better food and a nicer home and school. I had to learn an entire new language and get used to an entire different way of life. It felt sort of odd at first but it only took me one school year to learn English and I adapted very quickly. It was a scary change for all of us but it was one that proved to be for the better.
ReplyDeleteA defining moment in my life would be what happened this same time of year, last year. In January of 2013, I got news that completely had me devastated. I found out I was going to be moving. I was living with my whole family, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I grew up with them my whole life and considered my aunts and uncles more like my brothers and sisters. They were always there for me no matter what. I still never knew if it was an overnight decision of us having to move out the big beautiful house we were all living in or if it had been spoken about and I was just the last one to find out and before I knew it, I was packing all my stuff in cardboard boxes. My aunts and uncles were getting all getting married with her spouse and moving in with them, so I guess that was one of the factors. My grandparents wouldn’t be able to afford the house alone. They got a small apartment which meant, no space for me. I moved in with my dad and lived with him for about a year and transferred schools as well. I just recently came to this town and moved in with my mom because I felt like I actually needed to be with her now. It’s crazy to think that so much can change in a year. I thought that with changing high schools, I wouldn’t be able to adapt but I’m actually pretty well adapted and I always keep in mind that patience is key and things get better.
ReplyDeleteAlternate Assignment:
ReplyDelete“Do I wanna know?”,I said gripping the back of the chair until my knuckles turned white.
The Queen simply smiled and turned to the open windows. The light rained down on her casting her in a golden aura that made the jewels on her gown sparkle. Yes she was beautiful with her honey curls falling down her milky back, but she was dangerous. You would never guess she’s the enemy.
“I don’t know, do you want to know?”, she said smirking while twirling a one of her honey curls around her finger.
I hung my head and gripped the chair even tighter ,my anger was boiling. At any point I would snap and wipe that annoyingly beautiful smile of her face.
“My Queen,” I said my voice tight with control,”The people need your guidance, your tremendous power. What is it that keeps you in your room? What is it that you want!” I pushed the chair away from me in frustration. The Queen simply squealed with laughter and clapped her hands as if my anger was enjoyable entertainment to her. Her laughter finally stopped after several long minutes and she smoothed down her dress, composing herself.
“Julius there’s nothing to fret. We have a beautiful life, isn’t that enough? These people always want something from me, but I think it’s time they learned how take care of themselves.” She gave me devilish grin and turned away from me once again, signaling that the conversation was over. My frustration was no longer anger it was immense rage. I stormed out of the room for fear that I would do something regretful.
Me? I feel like the definition of me is knowledge of interest. I feel like I know more then I want but I don’t know enough. I may not take interest in school like that but I like to learn. I like to learn things that will remain in my mind forever, things that will help me move forward. I learn certain things in school. When I go to school i learn a little bit of school work but everything else I learn I learn about life and I learn about the people that surround me. Most people say that something is learned every day and I agree. I go to school to learn school work but I come out of school and learn more about the world than I learn actual school work. The things I’m taught in school goes in one ear and out the other but not by choice.
ReplyDeleteToday, I have my first job interview. I’ve had other small jobs before. Like last year, I worked as a waitress for a short period of time. Conveniently enough, it was on my same block, just a few houses down my own. When I would walk my dog around the block, I would continuously see people opening up and working on the restaurant. I took the chance, and asked if they needed someone to work for them. The woman was very kind and enthusiastic and she said yes, and she gave me the job. My mom wasn’t working at the time, and wanted a job too, so she also asked the lady for work. My mom became one of the chefs. Working with my mom made things very easy, also, the lady was extremely nice. I really liked the job, and my friends were supportive by going to eat there. Sadly, the restaurant wasn’t a great success, and eventually they had to close. My second job like this was over the summer, at an ice cream parlor. I used to eat ice cream there all the time, and the lady had once offered me a job, I said I would work for her but then regretted it because she offered me very little money. The following year, she asked if I knew anyone who needed to work, I told her I would work, but for at least the minimum. So this became my summer job. It was fun, although at first scooping was harder than you’d expect. But eventually I got the hang of it, and made amazing milkshakes! I also perfected the banana split and practiced on how to make a perfect swirl of soft ice cream on a cone (also harder than you’d expect). But, as you can tell, it was never a legit job. I was never interviewed and was always paid under the table. Today I have to actually make an effort to dress appropriately and be prepared to answer questions. I’m actually very nervous that I won’t know how to answer the questions. I’m excited for this job because if I get it I will finally have a legitimate schedule instead of simply being called in or told the day before if they needed me. I’ll also have a great discount! I’m hoping for the best. I’m not sure if I really want to work. At times I do, to become more independent and to help my mom out a bit, and also I think it’ll be a great distraction. Other times, I think I shouldn’t work, my cousin would always tell me that there’s no reason to work now, I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life. I’m also very scared that if I do get the job, the people won’t like me, or I wouldn’t know how to act if customers were mean to me. If I do get this job it will possibly be a defining moment in my life. Wish me luck!
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK! Well, actually, I know you already got it.
DeleteA really big moment in my life that changed me was when my grandfather passed away. He was a big part in my life and was a shining light in my younger years. When he lived near me and my family in Jersey I would always be excited to see him. Not only because he had a pool and two pit bulls (that we’re amazing btw), but because he always found a way to make me laugh. Every time I was at the house I always remembered everyone being happy and smiling. Even when he and his wife moved down to Texas he still managed to send smiles all the way up here. Then my mother got the phone call that he was in the hospital. I don’t remember specifically what happened, but I know he always had issues with his weight and something caused him to have to stop on the side of the road while making a delivery. He was stuck in the hospital for a while and I remember them saying he had to get his leg amputated. Most people would be sad to hear this news, but and my family were just happy that he was going to be let out soon and would be fine. After the surgery something went wrong. The surgery was successful, but during recovery (only a few hours later) my grandfather was dead. The morning after it happened my mother told me and I can truly say I have never cried so much in my life. For a good year the mention of his name or seeing a picture of him reduced me to tears. That was a defining moment in my life because it showed me that soon everyone is going to be gone and you have to enjoy the time you have with them now. It showed me I have to enjoy my life because there’s no telling when it can end and also that no doctor can TRULY tell you when someone/you is going to go.
ReplyDeleteA really big moment in my life that changed was when my mom and my dad got a divorce. It really is life changing because you have to get used to something completely different from what you’re used to. Like the simple things like waking up and your dad isn’t there. My dad used to come home for dinner and now we’re eating dinner without him there. Just the little things change. Basically you have to start living without that other person. I mean, in the beginning, I missed him a lot. We used to always go to his house. He tried to spend as much time with us as possible so we didn’t feel like there was a big change, but we knew there was. But that’s all different now because something bad happened and it’s rare when I see my father, but that’s a different story. My mom and my dad’s divorce really changed everything in my life and I believe it made me stronger and my brother and sister stronger as well. Sometimes I miss the family times, but seeing how happy my mom is now, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. So yeah it sucks when your family gets a divorce, but you learn to get through it.
ReplyDeleteMy defining moment would be two years ago in 8th grade while in school. I say that is my defining moment because that year is when I realized I was a really nice person. I say that I am nice because I have had many people tell me that. It all started off when my 8th grade year started. I had all my friends in my classes and I would always be the first one to all my classes. Then the teacher would come and unlock the door and everyone would try to swarm in at the same time and I would just stay back and hold the door open for everyone. I would do this for all my classes and be the last one in because I would hold the door open for everyone. It was like two months into the school year and I was absent. The next day like three off my teachers approached me and said, “Oh are you ok? We were missing a gentleman yesterday to hold open the door for us.” It felt good to know that my teacher thought I was a good person. I have never got in a fight with anyone or anything in my whole life. Then the end of the school year ended and I got one of my teachers to sign my yearbook and he wrote in it, “Douglas have a good summer, it was a pleasure to have such a nice person in my class to be able to hold the door every day.”
ReplyDelete