Dream Team

Author's Note: I was trying to find a good idea for my next writing piece and I wanted it to be easy. I decided since my basketball season just ended that basketball could be a good topic to focus on. I didn't decide just to work on the topic basketball though, I wanted to make this essay special. This essay is all about the my basketball team and how we work together to be the best. 

It's funny how in your mind you want something to end, but deep down inside, you know you can't let go. I started playing select basketball at age 11 and knew once I started, I had to finish. It was hard at first getting use to playing basketball in general because I never really played when I was younger, but as time went on, I grew into a much stronger player. Not only did I begin to love the game more and more each year, but I gained 9 new amazing friendships that I could cherish for the rest of my life. We treated each other like sisters and maybe we weren't all best friends at school, but when it came to basketball we were as tight as a rubber band. Through all my years of select basketball, I may forget the games and the teams we played, but I know I will always remember the 9 phenomenal girls who were always there for me and truly made select basketball the joy it was meant to be.

The crazy thing is I have been playing with some of these girls ever since select started, which was in 5th grade. Obviously with sports there are many changes with teams such as, adding new girls and loosing some girls. Adding new girls to our team was never really a problem though because every girl on my team was friendly and good at making the new players feel welcomed. By the last year of basketball my team consisted of the most spectacular girls in the world! We all worked together and people may believe you don't need to be close with a team to do well, but our record for the last four years was 161 wins and 20 losses, which is really good. Our coach would always tell us, "Good teams always find a way to win." I know this quote wouldn't have worked if our team wouldn't have been so close.

It's interesting watching us work together on the basketball court, and then watching us together just hanging out. The personalities change drastically. For example, my friend MacKenzie could be one of the most competitive people I have ever met. She's aggressive on the court and doesn't stop working until the time runs out, but when it comes to just a normal conversation she is super sweet and just a regular girl. Another example is my friend Katie. She has a tendency to give people very dirty looks on the court, but off the court she's just a girl who loves everyone. The biggest change of person would have to be my coach because one second he would be screaming at us saying that we do everything wrong and the next second he would be hugging us saying were the best team he's ever coached. It was interesting watching the change in personalities with my team.

It really was amazing how well my team worked together. Not one of the girls on my team was ever bullied and we always stuck up for eachother. On the other hand there are many teams that do not work together. A team I know that doesn't work well together is the Pewaukee 8th grade boys football team. They all yell at each other and never work together. I believe that the reason why they have lost so many games is because they can't work together. Some people on the team boss others around because they think they're the best. The other half of the team just follows the people that think they're the best around. Our basketball team never really ran into anything like this. At the end of the day yes there is a best player, but we never bossed others around. We encouraged each other instead. 

As time went on, select basketball was coming to an end. Our last game was full of tears. Knowing inside you would never have this team again was heartbreaking, but you couldn't just think about the fact that this team was over, you had to be happy that this team was made in the first place. For the last four years my team and I had created many good and bad memories for the future. My main memory though, these 9 sensational girls, will truly be in my heart forever. This team was more than I could ask for. The way we all worked together and cared for one another was unbelievable. I could have been unlucky and joined a team that argued all the time, but I was blessed with 9 amazing girls that I will never forget. 

Dreaming What Can't be Seen

Author's Note: I'm really trying to improve my descriptiveness in my writing and be able to include some figurative language. This is a piece about a girl with no confidence and is scared of life. Her only desire is to go to Paris. Before she can really taste the true feeling of Paris, it vanishes before her eyes. I hope you enjoy my new piece. Comment below!

You can smell the freshly baked croissants as you watch the birds sing while flying in the bright blue sky that is always gleaming. Your eyes move to the little houses that stand by each other one by one, with barely any room; noticing the one lovely home that everyone drools over just because of a little window that presents the main beauty Paris can really offer.

You can see the glowing Eiffel Tower right before your eyes. Some can only dream to witness something so stunning, something so exquisite. Paris can make you believe like when you're a kid going to Disney World. Every possibility enters your mind, making you crave more and more of life. When your eyes first make connection with that perfectly tall monument your heart stops. You continue to stare and whisper to yourself, "Wow, this is truly beautiful." You look around wondering if anyone else feels the same way as you. Slowly, but confidently you walk to touch the Eiffel Tower. When you touch the Eiffel Tower all fears fly away. Suddenly, everything becomes a blur. "No!" You scream, but as you sit and fantasize your desire, the image slowly fades, showing your true colors: showing you're not where you want to be.

Waking from your dream, you look forward wanting to see the Eiffel Tower, but there's just the One Direction poster you got for your birthday. You turn your head praying to see the sight of the small buildings, but what stands before you is just a window: a window showing nothing but a tree. Closing your eyes and laying back down, you cry yourself back to sleep wishing you could see that sensational sight again, but with your confidence destroyed you know deep down in your heart you will never be able to witness Paris again.

I Took Her Away, Like She Took Me

Author's Note: In class we were told to write a creative writing piece and I was really excited about this because I love to just write for fun. My story is about bullying, friendship, and it has some supernatural in it. I hope you enjoy. 

Kathryn was her name. She was tall, lean, naturally beautiful; not to mention the perfect little sister. She could dance with so much grace; everyone knew she was gonna be somebody you would want to know  because she was gonna be important in the future. I remember her being happy. I use to think she was so strong: like nobody could brake her. It wasn't long until I was studying in my room for a big math test when I heard a scream. I ran to see what happened: laying on the floor was my 14 year old sister with a knife in her hand and a cut in her neck so big I could stick my hand inside her. There was blood everywhere. I didn't know what to do; I didn't know what to say. All I could do was sit there and watch my little sister die before my eyes. I called my parents and told them to immediately come home. As their car came in the driveway, they ran to see, but before I could explain, my mother fell to her knees and started balling. I've never seen my parents so sad before. My family was hurt and I knew I had to do something. I ran to Kathryn's room and right before my eyes was a letter. 

Dear Kathryn,

You know how were so called "best friends," well I don't want to be friends with you anymore. I just don't get it. Why would I ever wanna be best friends with such an obnoxious, immature, little wannabe like you. I hope you're happy the way we told Charlie you liked him. He laughed by the way: said you were a fat, annoying, loser and no one would ever wanna date someone so hideous. Funny isn't it? How honest he is, I truly admire it. We made-out by the way. That's right, the guy you've liked for years made out with me. How does it feel to have something taken away from you Ms. I'm beautiful and an amazing dancer, well now he's mine, and I never wanna see you again. If you were a good friend you would just leave me alone. I hope you die. 

Love, Maggie

P.S. Have fun not having me in your life. 

Tears were falling as I finished reading the note. It didn't make sense. The day before Maggie and Kathryn were hanging out and everything seemed fine. Then a flashback came back to mind, "Kathryn promise you won't get mad, but I really like Charlie." Kathryn replied to Maggie right away, "Maggie why would you do this to me you know I really like him and I'm waiting for us to finally work out." Maggie looked frustrated, "Well I can like who I want and I like Charlie." That's when I heard them yelling and walked in Kathryn's room, but they smiled at me like nothing happened. I thought everything was okay. I set down the letter and called Maggie instantly. "Hey Maggie, it's Kathryn's sister, Rebecca, can you come over?" Her voice sounded shaky, but she quietly whispered sure.

When the doorbell rang, I went to get it. My mom and dad were in their room crying their eyes out while I was investigating. Maggie looked terrified, but at the same time mad at the world. I asked her, "Maggie what is this note?" She looked at the ground and tears were in her eyes, "I didn't mean it. I was sad, I liked Charlie forever too and she always said she would get him. I wanted him too, you know. She got everything, looks, athletic abilities, everyone liked her, then I was stuck with nothing. I walked in her shadows and I'm sick of it! I want to be something, I want to be somebody!" She stopped and looked at the ground. I waited for a couple of seconds and looked up at her while crying. "Maggie, congratulations, you got what you wanted," but before she could ask what I meant, I motioned her to come in my house. Awkwardly we walked to the kitchen. Laying on the counter was a long black sheet. I lifted the sheet reviling my dead sister. Maggie's mouth dropped open. She looked at me and back at the body, "This isn't funny Rebecca, why are you playing this joke? I'm sorry okay, I'm sorry Kathryn! I don't want you to actually be gone." I looked at the ground balling. Maggie continued, "Please Kathryn, please get up! Stop faking! I didn't want you to actually be gone. Oh my gosh I'm a terrible person, look what I've done." Maggie fell to the ground and balled with me. Our eyes met and she tried to speak, but I walked out the room and the last words I spoke to her was, "My little sister that was so "perfect" is now dead, and this is all because of you." 

Time went on and things got easier, but there wasn't a day I didn't think about Kathryn. People don't understand what bullying is, or how far it can go. What happened to my sister happens everyday around the world and it is not okay. I promised myself to always stop bullying and be there for others who have been bullied. I lost what I loved and this feeling I have inside me is unspeakable. I never want anyone to ever have to go through what my family and I had to go through. 

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Maggies point of view-

I starred at the brick wall remembering the date of today: I killed my best friend. Who knew just a few words could force someone to kill themselves. I miss her. I miss everyone. Ever since that day Kathryn died, I never looked at myself the same. I realized bullies go through the hard time too. I may have caused Kathryn to kill herself, but think of the guilt and pain I have to go through myself. My plan didn't work, it was suppose to turn out perfect. Kathryn was meant to leave, not die. I would get Kathryn's dance scholarship, all the boys would like me. None of that happened. Hurting my friend did nothing, but make me a horrific person. Everyone hates me. For a whole year I have been stuck in a mental hospital, but what I did to Kathryn is not right and I'm never going to be the same person I once was, so why should I live? Suddenly a shadow rose from the side of my eye. "Hello?" I spoke, no answer. I quietly got up and walked to the bathroom and I couldn't believe the sight in front of me. I looked at the ground and spoke slowly, "Hello Kathryn."

Rebecca-

Happy birthday to Kathryn, happy birthday to you. Today was March 22nd, Kathryn's birthday. She would have been 15, off to regional's getting noticed for her dancing. "Rebecca come look at this!" I heard my mother scream. I quickly ran down stairs and my mother was in shock. She slowly spoke, "Death of Maggie." Everything around me went silent. I grabbed the newspaper my mom was holding and ran upstairs to read it,

News Paper

14 year old Maggie Roads was found dead in her bed waking up this morning. With her being in a mental institute, no one knows how her death is possible. The nurses don't understand . It says about a year ago Maggie wrote a letter to Kathryn Simon explaining her hatred for her and later that evening, Kathryn was found dead. The main concept why this story is so big is a note was found hanging above Maggies bathroom.

Note

I took her away, like she took me. The pain, the hatred, it's all gone, but the main question is, how was I able to do this? How was I able to come back? Don't ask me, but I would recommend to you all to keep your eyes open and to listen like a hawk because I'm walking this earth and no one and nothing can stop me. 

xoxo,

Kathryn

"You Break My Heart in the Blink of an Eye"

Author's Note: The song, "The Last Time" by Taylor Swift featuring Gary Lightbody, shows excellent use of point of view.The main concept of this song is explaining a relationship that has gone through a lot of tough times. Gary, (singing the guys part) is continuously leaving Taylor; therefore she's left heartbroken. Right when Taylor feels she can get over him, he shows up at her door making her fall for him all over again. The lyrics are below. 

In life one of the main things every person wants is love. The thing is, love is a game: you either win or loose. When you win, you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. When you loose, the relationship you thought was forever, didn't work out the way you planned. Taylor Swift  and Gary Lightbody sing in the song, "The Last Time".  The way Taylor sees this relationship is her falling head over heals for a man, but he takes her for granted and leaves her. Suddenly when everything is better, he shows up again making her want him even more than before. 

 "And all the times I let you in, just for you to go again. Disappear when you come back, everything is better." What Taylor means by saying this lyric is, Gary always comes back for her, making her feel as if nothing has happened; making her feel as if it's all okay. Before Gary has time to come back for Taylor, she will hide so he can't find her and hurt her all over again. "You break my heart in a blink of an eye." Right when Taylor finally believes everything will change, Gary goes and breaks her heart all over again. "This is the last time I'm asking you this. Put my name at the top of your list." Even though they have fallen in love, Taylor still finds Gary choosing others and other things before he chooses her. 

While Taylor believes this is all Gary's fault, he has a completely different way of viewing this relationship. "And you open your eyes into my, and everything feels better." Gary believes no matter what has happened in the past, he can always get Taylor back. He concludes that this is okay to constantly hurt her and come back thinking everything is okay.  "Found myself at your door, just like all those times before. I’m not sure how I got there, all roads they lead me here." This line of lyrics shows the proof that he is always coming back for Taylor, but the way he sees it is, he loves her and can't let her go. When he's lost, she's the only person he can think of. "This is the last time, I won't hurt you anymore." While singing this part, Gary is thinking to himself that he can do this, he won't hurt her anymore.

Taylor and Gary's love is on and off because of Gary always leaving Taylor. This same concept happens in the book, Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks. Dear John is about two people that fall in love during the summer, but the guy, John, is in the Army and has to leave when summer ends. This makes Savannah and John's relationship really hard to work out. "The Last Time" and Dear John are similar because John is always leaving Savannah while they both have huge feelings for each other. Savannah is dying inside because John is always gone and questions how she can love a guy when he's always leaving her. It's the same with Taylor, but Gary chooses to leave, where John has to leave for the Army. 

Sadly for Taylor and Gary, they loose the love game, but for Savannah and John they win the love game. Taylor and Gary don't work out because Taylor knows Gary won't treat her right in the future. "Right before your eyes, I’m aching, run fast, nowhere to hide. Just you and me." They both can agree that they love each other and always will, but for all the times Gary has hurt Taylor she doesn't want to love Gary anymore. "This is the last time I'm telling you this." This is the last time Taylor will make the same mistake; therefore she's sick and tired of his games and ends their relationship forever. 

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"The Last Time"

(feat. Gary Lightbody)

[Gary Lightbody:]

Found myself at your door,

Just like all those times before,

I’m not sure how I got there,

All roads they lead me here.

Gary thinks it's okay to leave and continuously come back for Taylor

I imagine you are home,

In your room, all alone,

And you open your eyes into mine,

And everything feels better,

He's okay with coming back all the time because he believe when she opens her eyes into his.. everything will feel better. 

[Both:]

Right before your eyes,

I’m breaking, no past

No reasons why,

Just you and me.

This is the last time I’m asking you this,

Put my name at the top of your list,- They choose others over each other.

This is the last time I’m asking you why,

You break my heart in the blink of an eye, eye, eye.

[Taylor Swift:]

You find yourself at my door,

Just like all those times before,

You wear your best apology,

But I was there to watch you leave,

Gary comes back for Taylor all the time, but when everything is right, he leaves again

And all the times I let you in,

Just for you to go again,

Disappear when you come back,

Everything is better.

She would always fall for him again thinking he wouldn't hurt her this time, but he always does. Next time he comes back to hurt her, she'll try to hide so he can't find her. 

[Both:]

Right before your eyes,

I’m aching, run fast- Taylor tries to forget him, but he keeps coming back. 

Nowhere to hide,

Just you and me…

This is the last time I’m asking you this,

Put my name at the top of your list,

This is the last time I’m asking you why,

You break my heart in the blink of an eye, eye, eye…

This is the last time you tell me I’ve got it wrong,

This is the last time I say it’s been you all along,

This is the last time I let you in my door,

This is the last time, I won’t hurt you anymore.-He tried to tell her he'll change. 

Oh, oh, oh,

This is the last time I’m asking you this,

Put my name at the top of your list,

This is the last time I’m asking you why,

You break my heart in the blink of an eye.

This is the last time I’m asking you this (this is the last time I’m asking you this)

Put my name at the top of your list (put my name on the top of your list)

This is the last time I’m asking you why (this is the last time I’m asking you why)

You break my heart in the blink of an eye (You break my heart…)

[x4]

This is the last time I’m asking you,

Last time I’m asking you,

Last time I’m asking you this...

Pretty much this is Gary coming back to Taylor telling her he'll change and won't leave her, but Taylor leaves him and doesn't fall for it again. 

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What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Author's Note: In school we have been understanding the concept of writing about theme. This topic can be very challenging, but I feel like I have grown as a writer by being introduced to theme. My essay is about coping with death. I used the books, Heaven is for Real, A Walk to Remember, and The Hunger Games to show the connections of coping with death as the books theme's.  

What is the most distressing moment every person has so cope with? A lot of things in life are hard to cope with, but by far the hardest thing is death. The feeling of loosing someone you love or care for is the hardest thing a person can go through. While reading books, Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, you can really relate to the theme of the books. Every character in these novels goes through a death or hearing about a death they have to learn to cope with. By coping with death we learn to become stronger and are able to  overcome anything.

"Daddy, I died and went to heaven." Imagine those words coming from your five year old son. How would you respond to that? In the book, Heaven is for Real, you hear the exquisite story about a young boy, Colton, dying while he was in surgery; how he went up to heaven and met Jesus. Colon then came right back to earth and explained what he witnessed. Visualize how Colton's dad managed to understand how his son went to heaven and came back to earth. Not only did Colton's father have to comprehended to his son meeting Jesus, but when Colon starts talking about how he met his grandpa in heaven his father starts to understand his son did go to heaven and he's thankful for him coming back to life. Even though Colton and his family had troubles understanding the fact that Colton died, their family becomes even closer than they ever were. 

In Heaven is for Real, the people were fortunate enough for Colton to come back to life. This was a different story in the book, The Hunger Games: everyday you're forced to either kill someone or you could be killed. Katnis is a poor girl who is entered into the The Hunger Games or what I call it: the killing games. Picture being in an arena and knowing anyone could be anywhere about to kill you. The meaning of the Hunger Games is you can't get close with anyone because for all you know they could die in the next minute. Katniss teamed up with a young girl named Rue and they became very close. Sadly, Rue dies and Katniss feels many emotions and doesn't understand with how she's suppose to cope with the loss of her friend and still be the last one standing in the Hunger Games. Lastly, Katniss doesn't only have to live with the memories of all the people dying in the Hunger Games, but she also had to go through her dad dying. This effected her a ton because her mother became depressed and Katniss had to step up and take care of the family. If I was in Katniss’s position I would just give up, but with Katniss being so strong, she learns to fight through the pain.

It's hard to watch someone die by being shot or being stabbed, but it's a whole different feeling watching someone you love die slowly from a sickness. While reading, A Walk to Remember, I remember crying: envision a young man falling in love with a young girl and coping with her having cancer. We can relate sicknesses to the book, Heaven is for Real. This is a connection because both characters, Jamie and Colton, are very ill and the people surrounding them have the same fear of them dying. Lucky for Colton he lives, but Jamie gets so sick she passes away. With being heartbroken Landon, the boy in love with Jamie, he understands that if Jamie was still alive she would want the best for him. Landon then learns to deal with Jamie's death by becoming a very successful doctor just like she would have wanted. Jamie too went through what Landon went through. At just a young age Jamie's mother was diagnosed with cancer just like Jamie. It was hard for Jamie, but she did as Landon did: she moved on.  

All the books, Heaven is for Real, A Walk to Remember, and The Hunger Games have the similarities of death. Colton and his family became stronger as a family, learning more about each other from Colton’s death. Katniss grew as powerful young girl who could take down anything from seeing death. Lastly, Landon was going nowhere and being inspired by Jamie changed him into becoming a successful young man. Death can cause pain at first, but as time goes on people learn to understand that death is in the present; therefore they develop a tough mind and are able to challenge themselves to defeat everything. 

Mistakes Can Lead To Danger

Author's Note: For my prediction piece I decided to change the story up a bit. I did this because I wanted people to see a side of Cody's life that a lot of people don't have. At the end I wanted to put a twist to keep you wondering what happens next. I hope you enjoy this prediction piece about a young boy stealing treasure and a hook. 

Cody Miller looked down at the treasure and hook feeling many emotions. "What have I done?" He thought to himself. A pinch of gilt went through his stomach. "Cody! Where are you?" His mother called. Quickly Cody hid the treasure and the hook. "Hello mother." Cody responded shakily. "We're in luck! Someone had a feast last night and threw a lot away. Your father found the food in the garbage." My mother said with joy. I smiled at the fact that I was actually eating tonight. Grabbing, a slice of bread and a petite chicken piece, I walked to our family room: a room with a table and a couple of chairs. "It's nice to have food tonight." My mother spoke. When suddenly I got an idea. 

After dinner I went to where I hid the treasure and hook then ran to my mom. "Mother! Look what I found!" My mom turned and saw what I was holding. "Cody! No! You must return that to where you found it!" I looked down in confusion.   "Why can't we keep it? We need food mother. We only eat once every two days." She just stood there. "This is Clarence Buchanan's, don't you understand: if we're found with this we could be arrested." I looked at her with frustration. "We can be rich mom! Isn't that what you want?" She teared up and pulled me in for a hug while whispering. "I know, and your father and I are trying, but you need to understand this treasure and hook belongs to someone else." I looked at the items I was holding and anger struck through me as I ran out of my home and into the woods. I could hear my mom screaming for me to come back, but I kept running. I can't believe this I thought to myself. And with that thought, I ran to the one place where I knew someone would want this, the police. 

Change Can Happen

Author's Note: For my character analysis I decided to do the book, A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks. It shows the changing of Landon Carter by just one girl. 

Landon Carter from A Walk To Remember, was a cocky bad boy who didn't care about anyone, but himself. His poor decisions made everyone know he was the guy no one wanted to mess with. Landon and his friends went through everything together and caused the trouble throughout the whole story. "I like your sweater" Landon's friend spoke to Jamie Sullivan. She responded quietly saying, "Thank you." With a smile on her face. As Jamie walked away, Landon and his friends mocked her and held in bursts of laughter to be sure she couldn't hear them. It would be hard to believe, but Landon Carter really does change throughout the book, A Walk To Remember. 

Jamie Sullivan was a sweet girl who always wore the same sweater while holding a bible in her hands. She was an easy target to get made fun of. It wasn't long until Landon and Jamie were properly introduced. "Landon, as your punishment you must be in the spring musical." Landon Carter walked in the drama room and little did he know that one moment would change his life. As time went on Landon began to slowly change by practicing his lines until he could say the lines with perfection. His biggest change was the opening night of the musical. He spoke his line and out came Jamie. She pulled off her cape and Landon was speechless. He finally realized her true beauty and instantly knew he had to have her.

While making Jamie want him as much as he wanted her, he tried everything. After a couple of days, Landon realized how much he cares for Jamie. Landon deals with his friends making fun of Jamie and Landon for having feelings for Jamie. Soon Landon finally gives up on his friends and stops talking to them. When Jamie and Landon finally are dating, Landon changes his ideas for the future by wanting to go to college and being a doctor. "I love you" spoke Landon. After those words everything really did change in Landon's life. He finds out that Jamie is sick, very sick. He takes his life and gives it to Jamie: by constantly only being with her and making her the happiest person. 

Jamie changed Landon's life by showing him there's more to life than being a cocky bad boy. Landon soon fines his way because of Jamie with first wanting to perfect the musical to making a list of 10 things he wants to accomplish before he dies, and most importantly he leaves his friends he's known his whole life. Isn't it amazing how much someone can really change throughout just one book? I know it really amazed me in, A Walk To Remember, how much Landon Carter really did change.