Jalen Tsang, Period 7, 5/22/23

Creativity & Fiction

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , USA

Rueben Carver lives in a small apartment with his newly wedded wife. He seems eager to speak with me when I greet him at the door.

I was only ten when it all started. I was in the living room watching tv when my parents came bursting through the front door. They ran around the house taking anything important before they finally grabbed me and got in the car. We drove for 30 mins before we arrived at the town hall and my parents told me to get out .We lived in a small town in New Jersey and the whole town decided to take shelter at the town hall. 

Once we got there my parents told me to go play with the other kids and meanwhile the adults boarded up the windows and doors. Soon after I heard some moans and as time went on the moans got louder. A few hours passed and I eventually asked my mom when we were going home. She said “Oh we’re not going home tonight. We’re having a sleepover.” That night we had spaghetti for dinner. 

The next morning I once again asked when we were going home and my mom admitted that we were going to stay a few nights. I complained for a bit before calming down. Although the moaning didn’t stop, it wasn't that bad of a situation. I was with my parents and I got to play with my friends whenever I wanted. We had grilled cheese that night.

Day after day my mom and I would have the same conversation, until a few days later I accepted that we would have to stay at the town hall for a while. That same night we didn’t have anything to eat. The next morning I woke up to the adults arguing. My dad noticed and put me back to sleep. The next day was the same. We didn’t eat and the adults argued.

Two days later the arguing had stopped. Apparently they had sent people to find food. That night we had stew. It was a meat I had never tasted before, but I was starving and didn’t care what it was. The next day we had the same meat. The day after we ate nothing and the arguing started again.

The next day we had that meat again, but it tasted slightly different and the portion was smaller. We ate that meat for three days. Then we starved again and the arguing restarted. This went on for a month. By then the arguing had been replaced by a weekly vote and we had stopped starving. They had also banned all children from the basement which had begun to stink.

The votes were to decide who would go out and hunt and since no one could get back in, there had to be a vote each week. I have always wondered how they got people out though. Everything was still boarded up and the moans never stopped which means the zombies never left. I guess they must have had some secret passage.

Week after week they would send people to go hunt and they would always succeed. We ate meat everyday and since there were less people each week the portion sizes slowly increased. This went on for years until we were finally saved by the army. At that point more than half the people had left to hunt including my dad.

After we got saved I went searching for my dad, but my mom didn’t seem to have any home. I eventually gave up and now I’m here. I do have a question though. What kind of meat do you think it was?

What kind of meat?

I’ve been trying to figure out what they were hunting. Before then I had never had any meat like that and even now I’m still trying to figure it out. What do you think? Deer? Bear? Maybe it was like dog meat or something. Maybe it’s an animal I don’t know about. It had to be an animal right? It had to be.

Maggie Li, Period 6, 5/4/23

 Maggie Li Pd 6 - FanFiction about Grendel 

Another celebration in the mead hall wakes Grendel up. His ears are ringing and he feels as if his head is being stabbed by a million small needles. 

“It just won’t stop. MAKE THEM STOP UGH!!” he roars. 

He starts charging in the direction of the noise and he reaches the edge of the town. But right as he’s about to crash into the hall, he hears a low hum that mutes the noise of the celebration and stops his pain. 

“And I could be part of your- ahhhh!” the voice suddenly stops and is replaced by a sudden scream. Grendel can sense the noises of the celebration coming back to torment him but then he hears, “Help me! Somebody please!” 

Grendel focuses on the soft voice and runs towards the coast as he hears the maiden continue to scream. When he gets there, he sees a body washed up on the shore. A petite girl with red hair, choking on water. Grendel hides behind a tree right by her, just out of sight and watches her as she tries to regain strength from almost drowning. Right as he’s about to step out to approach her, he remembers his grizzly and horrifying appearance and retreats. I don’t want to scare her but who am I kidding? I am a monster and she’s just a girl. I’ll never find love looking like this. These thoughts consume him and he doesn’t notice the girl talking to someone in the ocean until he hears an evil, guttural laugh. He stops pining over his loneliness and focuses on a woman in the water. Her hair is black and her skin is a washed out purple. He doesn’t notice at first but he sees tentacles poking out from underneath the water but it’s dark and he can’t see the source. 

“I’ll do anything, Ursula, please. I just want to go back to the water again. The humans were not as nice as I had thought they would be,” the red-haired girl calls out to the older woman in the water. 

“Ariel, what’s done is done. You know I don’t do anything for free and quite frankly you have nothing I want. I was kind enough to let you keep your voice with the promise that you will give me your firstborn child but you have failed to seduce the prince and I want your voice,” Ursula grins evilly at Ariel and chuckles.

So her name is Ariel, such a sweet name for such a dainty and petite girl but why are they having this conversation and during the height of the night. And her voice? Why does the Ursula lady want it?

Ariel sits on the beach and starts audibly crying. The noise sends Grendel into a frenzy, his entire body compelled to attack the source of the noise that was causing him so much pain. Stop! No! I can’t hurt her! He tries to get himself under control but nothing works and he charges at her. Right before he’s about to rip her to shreds, she turns around and their eyes meet. It felt as if time had stopped when Grendel stared into her round blue eyes and the compulsion faded. He could tell she was scared. She didn’t blink and Grendel couldn’t even hear her breathe. 

“I’m so sorry. I won’t hurt you, I promise. I’ll leave,” Grendel lowers his hands and backs away from her before turning his back towards her. 

“What’s your name…?” a soft voice breaks the silence. 

“Grendel and you?” He turns around slowly to face her.

“Ariel, it’s nice to meet you,” she smiles as she wipes a tear rolling down her face.

Wow, she’s a literal angel. Grendel stares at her in disbelief but snaps out of it and says, “It’s nice to meet you too, Ariel. What are you doing here all alone?”

“I’ve just had the worst day but you know, that's just how life is. I try to see the bright side of it all,” she says this all with a smile but Grendel could tell deep down she was hurting.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Grendel sits down next to her and watches the waves hit the rocks.

“If I’m being honest, I just want to sit here and watch the water. I miss my home,” she stares straight ahead, eyes never leaving the waves.

Grendel doesn’t say another word and watches her. They sit in silence for a few minutes when all of the sudden, Grendel sees a mob approaching them. They’re screaming, “Grendel, the horrible beast will be slain tonight,” and Grendel goes to cover his ears. 

“What’s wrong?” Ariel reaches out to Grendel but he jerks away from her and she pulls back with fear in her eyes. Grendel goes to stop her and uncovers one of his ears but the noise of the mob chanting causes him to see red and then everything goes black. 

Grendel can’t remember what happened but the next morning he woke up to the ocean dyed red by the blood spilling into it from all the bodies of the mob participants and face down in front of him was Ariel’s lifeless body. She had been a casualty of Grendel’s madness and that made him want to die. He could not only not spend a peaceful ten minutes with a girl let alone a lifetime. In the end, a monster’s fate would always be followed by destruction.

Elan Rekhtman, Period 6, 5/15/23

 Elan Rekhtman

Period 6

5/15/23

Atomic Habits & Growth

As the school year comes to an end and summer break begins, I find myself reflecting on the goals and aspirations I have for this period of time. It is important for me to set specific standards that will guide my actions and help me make the most of this summer. In order to do so, I have identified three key areas: building relationships, reading, and learning money-making skills.

First and foremost, building relationships is a priority for me. With school out of the picture, I want to ensure that I maintain and nurture my friendships. I will actively invest time and effort into strengthening these bonds by organizing regular meet-ups, planning group activities, and keeping in touch through calls and messages. By being intentional about maintaining these relationships, I hope to create lasting memories and cultivate a support network that will enrich my life.

In addition to building relationships, I have a strong desire to spend more time reading. I recognize the immense value of books in expanding my knowledge and broadening my perspectives. To make this a habit, I will set aside dedicated time slots in my daily routine for reading. I plan to explore a range of genres, including personal finance, self-improvement, and literature. By exposing myself to diverse ideas and stories, I aim to develop a deeper understanding of the world and enhance my critical thinking skills.

Furthermore, I am eager to learn money-making skills, particularly in the realm of stock trading. I believe that gaining practical knowledge about finance and investing can have a significant impact on my future. To pursue this interest, I will allocate focused time each week to educate myself about stock market trends, investment strategies, and risk management. By arming myself with this knowledge, I hope to make informed decisions regarding my own finances and potentially explore avenues for generating income.

Setting these standards for myself is just the beginning. Demonstrating resilience and staying committed to these goals will be crucial. I understand that consistency is key in achieving my standards. I will establish a daily routine that incorporates the necessary activities, whether it is meeting up with friends, reading, or studying finance. By making these actions a regular part of my schedule, I will cultivate discipline and build the habit of consistent effort.

Resilience also requires persistence. I anticipate challenges and setbacks along the way, but I am determined to maintain a growth mindset. I will view failures as opportunities for learning and growth, and I will bounce back stronger. Through persistence, I will stay focused on my standards and work towards them with unwavering determination.

In conclusion, setting specific standards for myself is instrumental in making this summer a period of growth and achievement. By prioritizing building relationships, reading, and learning money-making skills, I aim to create meaningful connections, expand my knowledge, and prepare myself for future financial success. Through resilience, consistency, and regular self-assessment, I will strive to reach these standards and make the most of this summer break.

Elan Rekhtman, Period 6, 3/13/22

 Elan Rekhtman

Period 6

3/13/22

Socio-political Consciousness

It is disheartening to see how many individuals settle for mediocrity and underestimate their own potential. They often prioritize small achievements and fail to recognize the vast possibilities that lie beyond their comfort zones. But I refuse to succumb to such limitations. I am determined to break free from the barriers that hold me back and strive for greatness.

While some people view inequity and inequality as predetermined, I firmly believe in challenging this perspective. I see oppression as a mindset, a tool used to make individuals believe that they cannot achieve and are inherently less than others. However, I strongly disagree with this notion. While it is true that some people are born into more challenging circumstances, I believe this should serve as an even greater motivation for success.

I refuse to accept a narrative of victimhood or use oppression as an excuse for inaction. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to prove the resilience of the human spirit. I am fully aware that the journey towards achieving my desires may be challenging, and I acknowledge the unique obstacles that some individuals face. However, these challenges should serve as a driving force, motivating us to overcome adversity and strive for what we truly want.

I am committed to embracing a growth mindset and critically reflecting on my own beliefs, assumptions, and values. This introspection allows me to overcome any self-imposed limitations and confront the external barriers that society may place in my path. I am willing to step outside my comfort zone, take risks, and pursue opportunities that many would hesitate to explore.

I firmly believe that to achieve great things, one must dare to dream and take bold actions. Complacency and settling for mediocrity are not options for me. I am driven by a burning desire to fulfill my potential, regardless of the obstacles I encounter. I understand that the path to greatness may be unconventional, and it may require perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failures along the way.

By embracing this mindset, I aim to challenge the notion of oppression and prove that it is possible to overcome societal barriers. I believe that each individual has the power to rise above circumstances and achieve greatness. The presence of adversity should serve as a catalyst for success, motivating us to strive even harder and prove that our potential is not defined by external factors.

In summary, I refuse to settle for mediocrity or accept a predetermined view of inequity and inequality. I believe that oppression is just a mindset used to discourage individuals from achieving their true potential. While some people may face more challenging circumstances, I see this as an even greater motivation for success. With a growth mindset, critical self-reflection, and unwavering determination, I strive to overcome obstacles and fulfill my potential.

Zhu Liang Yan, Period 6, 5/31/23

Craft a piece of FAN fiction related to any of the reading we’ve done in class that addresses one or more of the following:

Literary elements (i.e. structure, tone, diction, mood, irony, and figurative language) to craft a narrative. Structural features of drama (stage directions, character attributions/tags, dialogue, monologues, and/or soliloquies) to craft a script. Multidimensional characters to develop themes and create socio-political metaphors. Wickers are very common in nature, they are the creations of the all-seeing. Wickers bears pale skins, long limbs, and beautiful faces. They are omnivores, they enjoy vegetables and animals. Since the Great Collapse, Wickers have taken over the natural world. They have civilized most of the planet, whether it was the South Beam or Noviajar. In the town of Elsmere, a forest town resided in the west of Poli, a small civilization of Wickers resides. The town is bustling with activities and livelihood, the shepherds herds their sheeps across the town square, the ironsmith sturdy in his hammering, creating a loud melodic clinking noise that blends into the backdrop of the town along the merchants’ haggles. One day, the seamless flow of the town was suddenly disturbed. The bell tows loudly at the bell tower. “Quick! Quick! Someone’s at the door!” “What is that?!” “Call the defensive force! Quick!” The Wickers howl in simultaneous confusion. Below the bell tower, a stranger stands shrouded in capes. Unknowing of the ruckus he had caused, he stepped into the perimeter of the town. However, he is quickly stopped by a titanic wicker who was almost thrice his size. “Who.” He bellowed. The Stranger unhooded himself, staring at the curious wicker towering over himself. “Beowulf.” The stranger proclaimed with a hint of fear. Suddenly, a crowd of curious wickers surged behind the large wicker, amused at Beowulf’s presence. The large Wicker named Grendel suddenly took a aggressive stance as this creature in front of him is like nothing he had seen before. He doesn’t bear long limbs, pale skin nor a beautiful face. In fact, the first thing Grendel noticed about the stranger, was his hideous face. “Where to.” Grendel demanded. “I don’t know, I just want companionships.” “So you want to be let into the town, huh?” “Yes…I need food..” Beowulf spoke in a startled manner, his hand tremoring and his feet felt like they’re about to turn into rubbers. He was afraid, very afraid. Grendel pummels the visitor in the head with his worned fist and Beowulf fells to the floor bleeding from his skull. He looked up intensely and let out a cry “I MEANT NO HARM! PLEASE STOP.” “No, you are hideous. For all we know, you might be dangerous.” Grendel spoke calmly, then he proceed to throws his large feet straight at Beowulf’s chest as he attempts to get up. The impending forces crushed Beowulf’s ribs painfully as the blood gushs from Beowulf’s bleeding head and ribs. “PLEASE NO MORE!” Beowulf cried. “Get out of here, you saddening monster. I saw you this very day of every year, trying to steal our herd of sheeps.” Grendel spoke with a cold malice. The villagers cheers him on, “YEAH!!” “GET OUT OF HERE!” “MONSTER, GO FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE!” Beowulf got up on his knees and crawled away from the villagers’ protest. As the blood start gushing out from Beowulf’s head and ribs, he noticed his wounds became further infected. Beowulf cries in pain as he attempts to get up on his feets, but it no use. He wanted to live. But he knew he was going to die, alone. What did I do to derserve this? He wondered. Is it my skin color? Is it my size? Is it the way I looked? Why am I born this way? He begans to tear up silently. As the tear flow down his cheek, it merges with the blood that trickled down his cheeks. The blood and the tear created a very unique sort of taste, a salty drop and the heavy taste of iron with a hint of sweetness. He thought the mixture tasted weirdly good in that instance. He suddenly realizes he have trouble breathing. The shock he have received mentally and the physical trauma he have endured have rendered him with suffocation. He stares quietly at the town in the distance as he cries. And then, as if something cracked inside of him. He began screaming on the top of his lung. He screams in anguish as the stinging pain from his upper chest punish him further more. He felt as if no one else in the world understood him. As his voice became hoarse and his throats give up on him. Beowulf decided to lay his body down as the pain becomes unbearable. He wondered about his differences and his meanings. His pupil aims at the sky’s beautiful lushness as his body is ravished by pain, sadness, and hunger. This how he felt every second of his existence so he thought no different of it.

Allison Gandlin PD7 4/24/2023

 Allison Gandlin

○ Literature Circle - TWO BLOGS (2023)

■ Choose one of the texts to read, partner up with other students who are

also reading the book (can be across classes).

■ Write two blogs - one during your reading and one after you’ve

completed the novel.

How does the book’s format and multiple perspectives affect your understanding of the novel?

‘A Thousand Ships’ explores the Trojan War and Greek mythology & culture from many

women’s perspectives. Similar to World War Z, it tells the experiences rather than the statistics.

It is an attempt to evoke emotion and create understanding for the way humans react. In some

ways, this reveals more about the event than the latter. A recurring theme is heroism, yet it is

not portrayed in the way that society has defined ‘a hero’. While most may expect a warrior

emerging through the flames of a battle victorious, many don’t think of the women who had

raised children as single mothers or were taken as slaves. Haynes’ writing style therefore allows

the reader to experience all sides of the war: Greek, Trojan, and divine. She redefines what is

‘heroic’ by exploring many aspects of life at the time that are disregarded.

At first, the names and places and relationships between characters were confusing. The

constant switch in setting and mood created a roller coaster of emotions that I couldn’t keep

track of. Haynes forces you to get attached to one character so quickly and then cuts off the

short story. However, once the characters start coming back to continue their stories, it

becomes very easy to develop a holistic view of the culture of the time. For instance, you begin

to understand that everyone has a relationship with the gods. They take myth as fact and

rumors spread like wildfire. The singing bards tell stories from their mind and it is as though

nothing else could be true. Most had consistently acted on lust and instinctual desire as self

control is seemingly pointless in a society where death was so near at all times. They fight and

take pride in animalistic characteristics. They idolize the warriors. People bow down to ‘strong’

men and blindly follow the performance, the circus. The women are where the men are weak.

The women understand the facades and the nature of human actions. The women know how to

survive amongst the men who believe they themselves ‘allow women to survive’. And yet, a

kidnapped daughter of a priest, who is bid off to a round old king, makes her way back home. A

nymph, who’s husband goes off to steal another king’s wife, causing the war and ruin of Troy,

remains unbothered and raises her son on her own. The structure of this book is developing my

connection to the time period and allows me to see women at different ages/stages in their

lives and in different positions of power being their own heroes. I believe that it is almost

impossible to tell from one perspective. However, if it was, it would not be nearly as impactful

and could entertain but definitely would not teach me about feminine power the way it has. It is

allowing me to reflect on all of my inner women, the hostile warrior princess resembling the

Amazonians but also the softer nurturing queen. This book could not have come at a better

time in my life, as I am finding myself and growing into who I want to be.

Connor Lee, Period 6, 5/2/2023

 Connor Lee, Period 6, 5/2/2023

Creativity and Fiction

Dear Diary,

I’m not sure if anyone will ever be able to read this, but with everything happening around me, I need to write this down. My name is Jake, and I am twelve years old. In just a few months, the lives of everyone in the world changed. The stories of the undead rising and attacking mankind was unheard of and only something seen in movies and books, but it was a reality now. The city I lived in was overrun with zombies early in the outbreak. An evacuation was ordered that led to my 6 year old sister, Kate and I to be separated from our parents. With communication systems down, I can only hope that they are doing well and that we will be able to meet again. 

Learning to adjust to our surroundings and make do with what we have was not an easy task. To be quite honest, I don’t even know where we are right now. We have been from abandoned city to abandoned city, constantly moving to avoid zombies and to keep looking for more food and water. It has been a challenge living off of mainly canned food and leftover bread, but it’s been enough to survive off of. We also occasionally run into other people. Some of them are quite nice and offer us some food and water. One man we met even gave us a picture book that used to belong to his daughter. Though Kate has now read that book a million times, she still smiles and giggles when the knight goes to save the princess. 

Kate isn’t old enough to understand the situation that we are in. She often asks why we can’t eat more food like we used to or why mommy and daddy don’t come help us. I try my best to explain things in a way that puts her mind at ease. I always tell Kate that there will be an end to all of this, that one day we will be able to reunite with our parents and go back to living life before there were any zombies. I try to tell her this everyday, even though I’m unsure myself if it will ever happen. Regardless, all I can do now is continue to keep moving forward and doing the best I can to keep Kate and I safe. As long as we are together, I can have hope. 

Until we meet again,

Jake