There are two choices, fight or run from a situation. Most people tend to run just because it's the easiest thing to do. These people have no idea how to deal with problems and it shows their weakness.
Dill is a runner. He runs from the real world. He couldn't deal with how Mr. Gilmer was treating Tom in the courtroom so he started crying and left. Dill even wants to be a clown when he grows up so that he can hide behind that identity. He wants to laugh at other people instead of joining them in growing up.
Dill has been this way his whole life. He hasn't had good role model parents to show him how to fight; in fact, it's like he hasn't had parents at all. His parents have a hard time dealing with Dill so they run from him and just leave him. They do the easiest thing and buy him anything he wants and then say, "OK now go play with it." Dill has had a hard life and instead of trying to deal with it, he hides. He hides in his dreams, in his imagination, and in movies. He even hides in Maycomb where he goes when he runs away from home.
It is always easier to be a runner. It takes a strong person to be a fighter. My mom is a true fighter. She stands up for what she believes in and faces problems head on. My dad, on the other hand, is more of a runner. His favorite thing to do is sit on the couch, watching a movie with his computer in his lap, and his phone right next to him. He tends to hide from his problems in his electronics.
I have chosen to follow my mom's example of being a fighter. I will admit, though, I can be a runner sometimes. Literally, I go on runs when I get angry. It gives me time to think on my own and be in my own world. Usually the reason I run is because I get in fights with my dad. One thing that we fight about a lot is my brother. My dad will ground him, but then let him do whatever he wants even when he has three C's which is the reason he gets grounded in the first place. I always try to tell my dad that he needs to be doing his school and my dad ends up yelling at me so I go for a run.
Figuratively, I run from problems with my friends. If one of my friends does something that makes me upset I don't say anything. Then, they do it again, but I still don't say anything. I let the anger build up and then eventually I explode. I start off running from them, but in the end I fight.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Athletic Challenges- Rough Draft #1
"Come on, Cassie. You should really try it. I think you would love it," said my best friend Marley.
"Yeah, Cassie. You really would. And we really want you to be on the team with us. Please," pleaded my other best friend Hannah.
Marley and Hannah had been trying for a couple of weeks to get me to play lacrosse with them. I gave them every excuse I could think of not to play, but they were still pushing me to do it.
"Guys, I just don't know if I would like it," I said, trying so hard for them to let me off the hook. "What if I'm not good at it?"
"You will be good at it, though. We are going to work with you all summer and you'll be so good next season. Don't worry."
"Okay, fine."
I couldn't believe I had finally given in, but it was too late to turn back. They were already talking about when to practice and how they were going to teach me. Marley would invite Hannah and I over and we would bring our lacrosse sticks. We would walk over to a field in her neighborhood where there was a brick wall and lots of open space. They taught me how to cradle by using the wall and by playing wall ball I learned to pass and catch. Once I had learned the basics we would pass and catch together and that's pretty much how our summer went.
By the end of the summer I thought I was doing pretty well with it. I was really excited and couldn't wait to play on the team that year. School started up again and we were in seventh grade. Everything was going fine that year, but then, lacrosse season came.
"Marley, I really don't think I can do this," I told her on the first day of workouts. "Everyone will probably laugh at me because I'm not good. I just don't know anymore."
"Cassie, listen to me. You have worked so hard this summer and you have gotten really good. There are some eighth graders that are going to play this year that have never even picked up a stick in their life. Trust me, you know much more and are much better than them. You will be fine and Hannah and I will be out there with you. There's nothing to worry about."
I listened to her and went out there. She was right, too. Most of the eighth graders had no idea about anything and even had to start by learning how to cradle on the wall. I thought I was doing good since I could already cradle and pass and catch. I was starting to gain back the confidence I had during the summer.
But then, our first game came.
We were playing Williston which wasn't really much of a threat to us. I didn't start that game since the coaches had only seen me play in practice. I didn't mind it much; besides, I was still a bit fuzzy on the rules. Also, the only seventh graders that started were Hannah and Marley because they played on the team the year before.
"Cassie!" called Coach Verna. "Ready to go in?"
I just nodded my head and walked over to her. My hands shook and my heart pounded. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I most certainly was not ready to go in, but she had already called the other player over for me to go and it was done. I ran onto the field and into my place, still shaking. I heard Hannah and Marley call my name and I looked up to see them both smiling and giving me a thumbs. I could not remember anything I was supposed to do as nervousness and fear took over. I tried to concentrate on the ball and the things I had learned over the summer. I was trying so hard not to mess up and yet, every time the ball came to me I dropped it and lost it.
Finally, I said to myself, "Cassie, you can do it."
A ball came flying towards me and I caught it perfectly. I wasn't sure what I should do it with it so I just started running. I ran all the way up the field, weaving through all the defenders. I came to the goal and shot it. I missed just by a little bit, but that didn't matter so much because I had actually done something right. Everyone was cheering for me. I had all my confidence back and the next time the ball came to me I did the same thing and actually made it that time.
"Cassie, you did so good! I told you you could do it!" exclaimed Marley.
"I'm so proud of you!" chimed in Hannah.
I guess the coaches thought I did good, too, since I started the second half and the rest of the games that season and the next. Now, I have plenty of confidence when I play.
"Yeah, Cassie. You really would. And we really want you to be on the team with us. Please," pleaded my other best friend Hannah.
Marley and Hannah had been trying for a couple of weeks to get me to play lacrosse with them. I gave them every excuse I could think of not to play, but they were still pushing me to do it.
"Guys, I just don't know if I would like it," I said, trying so hard for them to let me off the hook. "What if I'm not good at it?"
"You will be good at it, though. We are going to work with you all summer and you'll be so good next season. Don't worry."
"Okay, fine."
I couldn't believe I had finally given in, but it was too late to turn back. They were already talking about when to practice and how they were going to teach me. Marley would invite Hannah and I over and we would bring our lacrosse sticks. We would walk over to a field in her neighborhood where there was a brick wall and lots of open space. They taught me how to cradle by using the wall and by playing wall ball I learned to pass and catch. Once I had learned the basics we would pass and catch together and that's pretty much how our summer went.
By the end of the summer I thought I was doing pretty well with it. I was really excited and couldn't wait to play on the team that year. School started up again and we were in seventh grade. Everything was going fine that year, but then, lacrosse season came.
"Marley, I really don't think I can do this," I told her on the first day of workouts. "Everyone will probably laugh at me because I'm not good. I just don't know anymore."
"Cassie, listen to me. You have worked so hard this summer and you have gotten really good. There are some eighth graders that are going to play this year that have never even picked up a stick in their life. Trust me, you know much more and are much better than them. You will be fine and Hannah and I will be out there with you. There's nothing to worry about."
I listened to her and went out there. She was right, too. Most of the eighth graders had no idea about anything and even had to start by learning how to cradle on the wall. I thought I was doing good since I could already cradle and pass and catch. I was starting to gain back the confidence I had during the summer.
But then, our first game came.
We were playing Williston which wasn't really much of a threat to us. I didn't start that game since the coaches had only seen me play in practice. I didn't mind it much; besides, I was still a bit fuzzy on the rules. Also, the only seventh graders that started were Hannah and Marley because they played on the team the year before.
"Cassie!" called Coach Verna. "Ready to go in?"
I just nodded my head and walked over to her. My hands shook and my heart pounded. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. I most certainly was not ready to go in, but she had already called the other player over for me to go and it was done. I ran onto the field and into my place, still shaking. I heard Hannah and Marley call my name and I looked up to see them both smiling and giving me a thumbs. I could not remember anything I was supposed to do as nervousness and fear took over. I tried to concentrate on the ball and the things I had learned over the summer. I was trying so hard not to mess up and yet, every time the ball came to me I dropped it and lost it.
Finally, I said to myself, "Cassie, you can do it."
A ball came flying towards me and I caught it perfectly. I wasn't sure what I should do it with it so I just started running. I ran all the way up the field, weaving through all the defenders. I came to the goal and shot it. I missed just by a little bit, but that didn't matter so much because I had actually done something right. Everyone was cheering for me. I had all my confidence back and the next time the ball came to me I did the same thing and actually made it that time.
"Cassie, you did so good! I told you you could do it!" exclaimed Marley.
"I'm so proud of you!" chimed in Hannah.
I guess the coaches thought I did good, too, since I started the second half and the rest of the games that season and the next. Now, I have plenty of confidence when I play.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Final Real Courage Essay
"Maria, you're so fat and ugly!"
"No, I'm not," Maria replied unconvincingly while looking at her hands in her lap.
"Yes, you are! And you're useless, too! Just go away no one wants you here!"
I couldn't believe what had come out of my brother's mouth. Before now, I had just heard through the grape vine the things that were said to Maria and now actually hearing it made me furious. I had told my brother several times to stop making fun of her and he had not listened to me. The worst part of it was that they all thought it was funny. I tried not to explode yet, so I said, "I'm going to get something to drink," and walked away.
When I came back, Maria was crying. In the time it had taken me to get my drink, they had made Maria cry. I walked over to her and said, "What's the matter, Maria?" She just shook her head.
"Maria, come with me," I said.
"No. I'm fi--ne," she replied between sobs.
"Maria, you're not fine. Come with me."
Walking away, I could hear the laughter explode again from our table. I took Maria's hand and lead her to the bathroom. I sat her down on the counter and began to dry her eyes with a paper towel.
"Maria, tell me what's wrong."
"Th--ey were ma—ki--ng fun of m--e," she sobbed.
"What?!" I shouted. "What were they saying?!"
"Th--at I'm fa--t and ug--ly and no one li--kes me and to just g--o a--way."
"Why would they say that? Maria, don't listen to anything they say. They are just stupid and immature. And do you know what? I love you. So that's all that matters."
At that, her eyes lit up and I could see the beginning of a smile.
"Do you really?" she asked.
"Yes, of course I do! Don't be silly! Now I'm going to yell at all of them," I told her even though I was halfway out the door.
I heard the door shut behind me, but a moment too late and I turned to find Maria following me.
"WHO WAS MAKING FUN OF MARIA!" I shouted.
All the fingers pointed towards Connor. Of course, I should have known it would be my brother. Some fingers drifted towards Lucas, too, which made perfect sense since they are best friends and partners in crime. I debated about whom to yell at first and decided on Connor since he is my brother.
"Connor! You stupid idiot! Why would you say those things to Maria?! She is not stupid or fat or ugly or useless and for your information I love her! Don't you ever, EVER say those things to her again. Don't you say those things to anyone! And Lucas... why do you always follow suit?! Do things for yourself and not what Connor does! I know Maria is difficult sometimes, but that's no reason to make fun of her!"
I didn't even give them a chance to try to answer before I turned on my heels and stormed away with Maria right behind me.
I wish I could say that no one makes fun of Maria anymore, but that's not the case. I still hear that Maria gets picked on a lot, but no one does it in front of me. Maria knows she has a friend now and that she can always come to me.
"No, I'm not," Maria replied unconvincingly while looking at her hands in her lap.
"Yes, you are! And you're useless, too! Just go away no one wants you here!"
I couldn't believe what had come out of my brother's mouth. Before now, I had just heard through the grape vine the things that were said to Maria and now actually hearing it made me furious. I had told my brother several times to stop making fun of her and he had not listened to me. The worst part of it was that they all thought it was funny. I tried not to explode yet, so I said, "I'm going to get something to drink," and walked away.
When I came back, Maria was crying. In the time it had taken me to get my drink, they had made Maria cry. I walked over to her and said, "What's the matter, Maria?" She just shook her head.
"Maria, come with me," I said.
"No. I'm fi--ne," she replied between sobs.
"Maria, you're not fine. Come with me."
Walking away, I could hear the laughter explode again from our table. I took Maria's hand and lead her to the bathroom. I sat her down on the counter and began to dry her eyes with a paper towel.
"Maria, tell me what's wrong."
"Th--ey were ma—ki--ng fun of m--e," she sobbed.
"What?!" I shouted. "What were they saying?!"
"Th--at I'm fa--t and ug--ly and no one li--kes me and to just g--o a--way."
"Why would they say that? Maria, don't listen to anything they say. They are just stupid and immature. And do you know what? I love you. So that's all that matters."
At that, her eyes lit up and I could see the beginning of a smile.
"Do you really?" she asked.
"Yes, of course I do! Don't be silly! Now I'm going to yell at all of them," I told her even though I was halfway out the door.
I heard the door shut behind me, but a moment too late and I turned to find Maria following me.
"WHO WAS MAKING FUN OF MARIA!" I shouted.
All the fingers pointed towards Connor. Of course, I should have known it would be my brother. Some fingers drifted towards Lucas, too, which made perfect sense since they are best friends and partners in crime. I debated about whom to yell at first and decided on Connor since he is my brother.
"Connor! You stupid idiot! Why would you say those things to Maria?! She is not stupid or fat or ugly or useless and for your information I love her! Don't you ever, EVER say those things to her again. Don't you say those things to anyone! And Lucas... why do you always follow suit?! Do things for yourself and not what Connor does! I know Maria is difficult sometimes, but that's no reason to make fun of her!"
I didn't even give them a chance to try to answer before I turned on my heels and stormed away with Maria right behind me.
I wish I could say that no one makes fun of Maria anymore, but that's not the case. I still hear that Maria gets picked on a lot, but no one does it in front of me. Maria knows she has a friend now and that she can always come to me.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Second TKAM Reading Response
“It’s not time to worry yet.”
These words that Atticus says to Scout provide her with a sense of safety. Scout knows that as long as Atticus is there for her to climb into his lap and tell her not to worry then she will be okay. For example, when Scout comes home from school the first day and tells Atticus that her teacher told her not to read with him anymore, she is very upset. She hadn't realized how much she loved ready until she was told she couldn't do it anymore. She climbs into his lap he tells her not to worry, that they will still read every night and that everything will be fine.
As Jem matures, he also provides Scout with a shield. When they are standing out by the Radley place watching Miss Maudie's house burn down, Scout is worried that their house will catch fire too and that Miss Maudie will lose everything. Jem looks at her and says, "It's not time to worry yet." Children need this sense of security. It shows them that there is someone that cares about them and no matter what everything will be fine.
There is going to be a point, though, when Atticus can longer shield Scout from everything such as racism. He can try to prepare her for what is going to happen and what to expect, but he cannot keep her away from it. In the courtroom, for example, Scout is hearing all the things that are being said, but Atticus has no control over the things that she hears. In part 1, Atticus can control where she goes. She has boundaries in the neighborhood and she feels safe there. In part 2, Scout goes down to the courthouse with Jem and Atticus can't really control that. She feels kind of out of place and scared because it's a new environment. Dill gets upset while they are watching the trial and Jem makes Scout take him out. While sitting in the square outside the courthouse, Mr. Dolphous Raymond starts to talk to them. He tells them that he really only drinks Coca-Cola out of his sack, but he wants people to believe bad things about him. Atticus would not approve of the things that Scout is hearing from him, but he is not there to stop her from listening.
My mom is my sense of security. When I’m scared or sad or upset I still crawl into my mom’s lap and she makes everything feel all right again. For example, sometimes I get really freaked out about what I'm going to do without my mom, so I start crying. I'll find my mom and climb into her lap and she rocks me and she just lets me cry for a little bit then she asks me what’s wrong. I'll tell her and she'll say, "Cassie, why are you even thinking about that? I'm not going anywhere anytime soon so don't you even worry." While she's holding me, everything becomes okay again. I am fifteen and still use my mom for my safety. I am not ready to give up this feeling and I probably never will be, but I know that there are some things that my mom will not be able to prevent me from.
These words that Atticus says to Scout provide her with a sense of safety. Scout knows that as long as Atticus is there for her to climb into his lap and tell her not to worry then she will be okay. For example, when Scout comes home from school the first day and tells Atticus that her teacher told her not to read with him anymore, she is very upset. She hadn't realized how much she loved ready until she was told she couldn't do it anymore. She climbs into his lap he tells her not to worry, that they will still read every night and that everything will be fine.
As Jem matures, he also provides Scout with a shield. When they are standing out by the Radley place watching Miss Maudie's house burn down, Scout is worried that their house will catch fire too and that Miss Maudie will lose everything. Jem looks at her and says, "It's not time to worry yet." Children need this sense of security. It shows them that there is someone that cares about them and no matter what everything will be fine.
There is going to be a point, though, when Atticus can longer shield Scout from everything such as racism. He can try to prepare her for what is going to happen and what to expect, but he cannot keep her away from it. In the courtroom, for example, Scout is hearing all the things that are being said, but Atticus has no control over the things that she hears. In part 1, Atticus can control where she goes. She has boundaries in the neighborhood and she feels safe there. In part 2, Scout goes down to the courthouse with Jem and Atticus can't really control that. She feels kind of out of place and scared because it's a new environment. Dill gets upset while they are watching the trial and Jem makes Scout take him out. While sitting in the square outside the courthouse, Mr. Dolphous Raymond starts to talk to them. He tells them that he really only drinks Coca-Cola out of his sack, but he wants people to believe bad things about him. Atticus would not approve of the things that Scout is hearing from him, but he is not there to stop her from listening.
My mom is my sense of security. When I’m scared or sad or upset I still crawl into my mom’s lap and she makes everything feel all right again. For example, sometimes I get really freaked out about what I'm going to do without my mom, so I start crying. I'll find my mom and climb into her lap and she rocks me and she just lets me cry for a little bit then she asks me what’s wrong. I'll tell her and she'll say, "Cassie, why are you even thinking about that? I'm not going anywhere anytime soon so don't you even worry." While she's holding me, everything becomes okay again. I am fifteen and still use my mom for my safety. I am not ready to give up this feeling and I probably never will be, but I know that there are some things that my mom will not be able to prevent me from.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
First TKAM Reading Response
Everyone has an addiction of some sort, whether they are good or bad. People have addictions for a number of reasons. Some to feel good, some to escape, and some to just have something to do. Mrs. Dubose’s addiction started because she had to take morphine for her illness, but it soon developed into a need. She needed it to escape the pain of this world and to just feel normal for a short period of time.
Mrs. Dubose wanted to break her addiction because she wanted so badly to die without it. She wanted to die without having to depend on something. By doing this, she proved herself to be a strong and courageous person; although, she was not proving it to anyone but herself. She was not seeking to please anyone, but instead to feel a little bit better about herself before she died.
I have many addictions. One of my big addictions is makeup. It’s not cheek makeup or lip makeup or even eye makeup. I’m addiction to cover up. Since about fifth grade I have had the worst acne. I’ve been on a number of different medications for it; so many I can’t even remember them all. I have tried and tried to get rid of my skin problem. In seventh grade, I begged my mom to get me some cover up to try and eventually she gave in. At first, I didn’t use too much of it, but I started to like the way I looked so I used even more. I would add more and more each time I applied to create a better image of my face. It made me look better, or so I thought. My mom and brother started to tell me not to use so much and that I looked better without it, but I didn’t give in.
I still use cover up now, even when my face is not breaking out. It’s become so much of an addiction that I just can’t stop. I want to get rid of this addiction, but I know that as long as I have acne and acne scars I won’t. I want to have pretty skin that’s not covered in makeup. I want to prove to myself that looks are not everything and that I can live without looking perfect.
Even though Mrs. Dubose and my addictions may seem very different, they are alike at the same time. Both addictions are used to feel better about ourselves and both addictions are wanted to be broken to prove to ourselves that we are better then that.
Mrs. Dubose wanted to break her addiction because she wanted so badly to die without it. She wanted to die without having to depend on something. By doing this, she proved herself to be a strong and courageous person; although, she was not proving it to anyone but herself. She was not seeking to please anyone, but instead to feel a little bit better about herself before she died.
I have many addictions. One of my big addictions is makeup. It’s not cheek makeup or lip makeup or even eye makeup. I’m addiction to cover up. Since about fifth grade I have had the worst acne. I’ve been on a number of different medications for it; so many I can’t even remember them all. I have tried and tried to get rid of my skin problem. In seventh grade, I begged my mom to get me some cover up to try and eventually she gave in. At first, I didn’t use too much of it, but I started to like the way I looked so I used even more. I would add more and more each time I applied to create a better image of my face. It made me look better, or so I thought. My mom and brother started to tell me not to use so much and that I looked better without it, but I didn’t give in.
I still use cover up now, even when my face is not breaking out. It’s become so much of an addiction that I just can’t stop. I want to get rid of this addiction, but I know that as long as I have acne and acne scars I won’t. I want to have pretty skin that’s not covered in makeup. I want to prove to myself that looks are not everything and that I can live without looking perfect.
Even though Mrs. Dubose and my addictions may seem very different, they are alike at the same time. Both addictions are used to feel better about ourselves and both addictions are wanted to be broken to prove to ourselves that we are better then that.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Real Courage- Rough Draft #1
"Maria, your so fat and ugly!"
"No I'm not..."
"Yes you are! And you're useless, too! Just go away no one wants you here!"
We were at church one Sunday and some of the kids were being mean to Maria. They usually do that every Sunday, but this time in particular made me furious. We were all sitting at our usual table in the Hellenic Center during coffee hour and eating the cookies and other snacks they had that day. My best friend Alex, her brother Pantelis, my brother Connor, Maria, her brother Pantelis, Lucas, Peter, Koula, her brother Yianni, and I were at the table that day. We were laughing and talking and having a good time together, as usual; nothing was quite wrong yet.
"I'm going to get something to drink," I announced.
"Okay!" everyone replied.
I grabbed my plate and my cup and walked over to the trash can first to throw away my plate. Then, I walked over to the drink table to pour myself some fruit punch. When I got there, there was a little girl about 4 years old attempting to pour herself a drink. She was wearing a beautiful white dress and in an effort to save the dress from turning red, I grabbed the bottle from her and poured it into her cup. Then, I carried her cup back to her table so she would not spill it. I talked to her for about 10 seconds before she noticed her little brother and ran off to go play with him. So, I walked back to the drink table to pour myself a drink again. I was successful this time and began to walk back to the table with all my friends. As I approached the table I noticed that everyone was laughing except for Maria. Upon closer inspection, I realized that Maria was crying. I walked over to her and asked her what was the matter. All I got in reply was the shake of a head.
"Maria, come here," I said.
"No. I'm fi—ne," she replied between sobs.
"Maria, you're not fine. Come with me."
I finally persuaded her to come with me. As we were walking away, I could hear the laughter explode again from our table again. I had no idea what had happened, but I could tell it was not good and by then I was already mad. I took Maria's hand and lead her to the bathroom. I sat her down on the counter and began to dry her eyes with a paper towel.
"Maria, tell me what's wrong."
"Th—ey were ma—ki—ng fun of m—e," she sobbed.
"What?!" I shouted. "What were they saying?!"
"Tha—t I'm fa—t and ug—ly and no one li—kes me and to just g—o a—way."
"Why would they say that? Maria, don't listen to anything they say. They are just stupid and immature. And do you know what? I love you. So that's all that matters."
At that, her eyes lit up and I could see the beginning of a smile.
"Do you really?" she asked."Yes, of course I do! Don't be silly! Now I'm going to yell at all of them," I told her even though I was halfway out the door.
I heard the door shut behind me, but a moment to late and I turned to find Maria following me. I assumed she just wanted to see what happened to them so I continued toward the table. It was later that I realized that she was trying to stop me from what I was about to do.
"WHO WAS MAKING FUN OF MARIA!" I shouted at all of them.
All the fingers pointed towards Connor. Of course, I should have known it would be my brother. Some fingers drifted towards Lucas, too, which made perfect sense since they are best friends and partners in crime. I debated on who to yell at first and decided on Connor since he is my brother.
"Connor! You stupid idiot! Why would you say those things to Maria?! She is not stupid or fat or ugly or useless and for your information I love her! Don't you ever, EVER say those things to her again. Don't you say those things to anyone! And Lucas... why do you always follow suit?! Do things for yourself and not what Connor does!"
I didn't even give them a chance to try to answer before I turned on my heels and stormed away with Maria right behind me.
"Cassie, thank you so much for doing that," Maria said when we were far enough away from everyone. "No one has ever stood up for me. It makes me feel like someone actually cares about me. That was so awesome of you to do. Thank you!"
"No I'm not..."
"Yes you are! And you're useless, too! Just go away no one wants you here!"
We were at church one Sunday and some of the kids were being mean to Maria. They usually do that every Sunday, but this time in particular made me furious. We were all sitting at our usual table in the Hellenic Center during coffee hour and eating the cookies and other snacks they had that day. My best friend Alex, her brother Pantelis, my brother Connor, Maria, her brother Pantelis, Lucas, Peter, Koula, her brother Yianni, and I were at the table that day. We were laughing and talking and having a good time together, as usual; nothing was quite wrong yet.
"I'm going to get something to drink," I announced.
"Okay!" everyone replied.
I grabbed my plate and my cup and walked over to the trash can first to throw away my plate. Then, I walked over to the drink table to pour myself some fruit punch. When I got there, there was a little girl about 4 years old attempting to pour herself a drink. She was wearing a beautiful white dress and in an effort to save the dress from turning red, I grabbed the bottle from her and poured it into her cup. Then, I carried her cup back to her table so she would not spill it. I talked to her for about 10 seconds before she noticed her little brother and ran off to go play with him. So, I walked back to the drink table to pour myself a drink again. I was successful this time and began to walk back to the table with all my friends. As I approached the table I noticed that everyone was laughing except for Maria. Upon closer inspection, I realized that Maria was crying. I walked over to her and asked her what was the matter. All I got in reply was the shake of a head.
"Maria, come here," I said.
"No. I'm fi—ne," she replied between sobs.
"Maria, you're not fine. Come with me."
I finally persuaded her to come with me. As we were walking away, I could hear the laughter explode again from our table again. I had no idea what had happened, but I could tell it was not good and by then I was already mad. I took Maria's hand and lead her to the bathroom. I sat her down on the counter and began to dry her eyes with a paper towel.
"Maria, tell me what's wrong."
"Th—ey were ma—ki—ng fun of m—e," she sobbed.
"What?!" I shouted. "What were they saying?!"
"Tha—t I'm fa—t and ug—ly and no one li—kes me and to just g—o a—way."
"Why would they say that? Maria, don't listen to anything they say. They are just stupid and immature. And do you know what? I love you. So that's all that matters."
At that, her eyes lit up and I could see the beginning of a smile.
"Do you really?" she asked."Yes, of course I do! Don't be silly! Now I'm going to yell at all of them," I told her even though I was halfway out the door.
I heard the door shut behind me, but a moment to late and I turned to find Maria following me. I assumed she just wanted to see what happened to them so I continued toward the table. It was later that I realized that she was trying to stop me from what I was about to do.
"WHO WAS MAKING FUN OF MARIA!" I shouted at all of them.
All the fingers pointed towards Connor. Of course, I should have known it would be my brother. Some fingers drifted towards Lucas, too, which made perfect sense since they are best friends and partners in crime. I debated on who to yell at first and decided on Connor since he is my brother.
"Connor! You stupid idiot! Why would you say those things to Maria?! She is not stupid or fat or ugly or useless and for your information I love her! Don't you ever, EVER say those things to her again. Don't you say those things to anyone! And Lucas... why do you always follow suit?! Do things for yourself and not what Connor does!"
I didn't even give them a chance to try to answer before I turned on my heels and stormed away with Maria right behind me.
"Cassie, thank you so much for doing that," Maria said when we were far enough away from everyone. "No one has ever stood up for me. It makes me feel like someone actually cares about me. That was so awesome of you to do. Thank you!"
Real Courage- Focused Freewriting
"Maria, your so fat and ugly!"
"No I'm not..."
"Yes you are! And your useless, too! Just go away no one wants you here!"
We were at church one Sunday and all the kids were being mean to Maria. They usually do that every Sunday, but this time in particular made me furious. We were all sitting at our usual table in the Hellenic Center during coffee hour and eating the cookies and other snacks they had that day. My best friend Alex, her brother Pantelis, my brother Connor, Maria, her brother Pantelis, Lucas, Peter, Koula, her brother Yianni, and I were at the table that day. We were laughing and talking and having a good time together, as usual; nothing was quite wrong yet.
"I'm going to get something to drink," I announced.
"Okay!" everyone replied.
I grabbed my plate and my cup and walked over to the trash can first to throw away my plate. Then, I walked over to the drink table to pour myself some fruit punch. When I got there, there was a little about 4 years old attempting to pour herself a drink. She was wearing a beautiful white dress and in an effort to save the dress from turning red, I grabbed the bottle from her and poured it into her cup. Then, I carried her cup back to her table so she would not spill it. I talked to her for about 10 seconds before she noticed her little brother and ran off to go play with him. So, I walked back to the drink table to pour myself a drink again. I was successful this time and began to walk back to the table with all my friends. As I approached the table I noticed that everyone was laughing except for Maria. Upon closer inspection, I realized that Maria was crying. I walked over to her and asked her what was the matter. All I got in reply was the shake of a head.
"Maria, come here," I said.
"No. I'm fi--ne," she replied between sobs.
"Maria, your not fine. Come with me."
I finally convinced her to come with me. As we were walking away, I could hear the laughter explode again from our table. I had no idea what had happened, but I could tell it was not good and by then I was already mad. I took Maria's hand and lead her to the bathroom. I sat her down on the counter and began to dry her eyes with a paper towel.
"Maria, tell me what's wrong."
"Th--ey were ma--ki--ng fun of m--e," she sobbed.
"What?!" I shouted. "What were they saying?!"
"Tha--t I'm fa--t and ug--ly and no one li--kes me and to just g--o a--way."
"Why would they say that? Maria, don't listen to anything they say. They are just stupid and immature. And do you know what? I love you. So that's all that matters."
At that, her eyes lit up and I could see the beginnings of a smile.
"Do you really?" she asked.
"Yes, of course I do! Don't be silly! Now I'm going to yell at all of them," I told her even though I was halfway out the door.
I heard the door shut behind me, but a moment to late and I turned to find Maria following me. I assumed she just wanted to see what happened to them so I continued toward the table.
"WHO WAS MAKING FUN OF MARIA!" I shouted at all of them.
All the fingers pointed towards Connor. Of course, I should have known it would be my brother. Some fingers drifted towards Lucas, too, which made perfect sense since they are best friends and partners in crime. I debated on who to yell at first and decided on Connor since he is my brother.
"Connor! You stupid idiot! Why would you say those things to Maria?! She is not stupid or fat or ugly or useless and for your information I love her! Don't you ever, EVER say those things to her again. Don't you say those things to anyone! And Lucas... why do you always follow suit?! Do things for yourself and not what Connor does!"
I didn't even give them a chance to try to answer before I turned on my heels and stormed away with Maria right behind me.
"Cassie, thank you so much for doing that," Maria said when we were far enough away from everyone. "No one has ever stood up for me. It makes me feel like someone actually cares about me. That was so awesome of you to do. Thank you!"
"No I'm not..."
"Yes you are! And your useless, too! Just go away no one wants you here!"
We were at church one Sunday and all the kids were being mean to Maria. They usually do that every Sunday, but this time in particular made me furious. We were all sitting at our usual table in the Hellenic Center during coffee hour and eating the cookies and other snacks they had that day. My best friend Alex, her brother Pantelis, my brother Connor, Maria, her brother Pantelis, Lucas, Peter, Koula, her brother Yianni, and I were at the table that day. We were laughing and talking and having a good time together, as usual; nothing was quite wrong yet.
"I'm going to get something to drink," I announced.
"Okay!" everyone replied.
I grabbed my plate and my cup and walked over to the trash can first to throw away my plate. Then, I walked over to the drink table to pour myself some fruit punch. When I got there, there was a little about 4 years old attempting to pour herself a drink. She was wearing a beautiful white dress and in an effort to save the dress from turning red, I grabbed the bottle from her and poured it into her cup. Then, I carried her cup back to her table so she would not spill it. I talked to her for about 10 seconds before she noticed her little brother and ran off to go play with him. So, I walked back to the drink table to pour myself a drink again. I was successful this time and began to walk back to the table with all my friends. As I approached the table I noticed that everyone was laughing except for Maria. Upon closer inspection, I realized that Maria was crying. I walked over to her and asked her what was the matter. All I got in reply was the shake of a head.
"Maria, come here," I said.
"No. I'm fi--ne," she replied between sobs.
"Maria, your not fine. Come with me."
I finally convinced her to come with me. As we were walking away, I could hear the laughter explode again from our table. I had no idea what had happened, but I could tell it was not good and by then I was already mad. I took Maria's hand and lead her to the bathroom. I sat her down on the counter and began to dry her eyes with a paper towel.
"Maria, tell me what's wrong."
"Th--ey were ma--ki--ng fun of m--e," she sobbed.
"What?!" I shouted. "What were they saying?!"
"Tha--t I'm fa--t and ug--ly and no one li--kes me and to just g--o a--way."
"Why would they say that? Maria, don't listen to anything they say. They are just stupid and immature. And do you know what? I love you. So that's all that matters."
At that, her eyes lit up and I could see the beginnings of a smile.
"Do you really?" she asked.
"Yes, of course I do! Don't be silly! Now I'm going to yell at all of them," I told her even though I was halfway out the door.
I heard the door shut behind me, but a moment to late and I turned to find Maria following me. I assumed she just wanted to see what happened to them so I continued toward the table.
"WHO WAS MAKING FUN OF MARIA!" I shouted at all of them.
All the fingers pointed towards Connor. Of course, I should have known it would be my brother. Some fingers drifted towards Lucas, too, which made perfect sense since they are best friends and partners in crime. I debated on who to yell at first and decided on Connor since he is my brother.
"Connor! You stupid idiot! Why would you say those things to Maria?! She is not stupid or fat or ugly or useless and for your information I love her! Don't you ever, EVER say those things to her again. Don't you say those things to anyone! And Lucas... why do you always follow suit?! Do things for yourself and not what Connor does!"
I didn't even give them a chance to try to answer before I turned on my heels and stormed away with Maria right behind me.
"Cassie, thank you so much for doing that," Maria said when we were far enough away from everyone. "No one has ever stood up for me. It makes me feel like someone actually cares about me. That was so awesome of you to do. Thank you!"
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