Silver Linings End of the year holidays, the two weeks of ultimate bonding, a time where people gather together—virtually or in-person— to celebrate new beginnings. In this Essence issue, we asked for some submissions related to gratitude, growth, community, silver linings, and unexpected discoveries, particularly during the holidays. Read on to dive more into pieces of work that include and portray these themes during the holidays.
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“Untitled,” by Paris Clark (12th grade)
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“Endless Road,” by Nina Ma (11th grade)
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ART: “Untitled,” Brandon Ellis
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“Oh, How Time Goes,” by Sanaa Barron
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“Untitled,” Shaun Ayers (11th grade)
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“Change Will Not Change Me,” Maya Williams (7th grade)
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ART: Maya W. “Untitled”
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“Digital Celebration,” by Sarah Elizabeth Orlep (12th grade)
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“I Believe,” by Caden Brown (11th grade)
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“Untitled,” by Fabrice Cadet (12th grade)
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“Death Isn’t Forever,” by Elijah Desvarieux (11th grade)
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ART: Robert Jin
“Poem,” by Maya Harrison (7th grade) 18 ART: Milagros Cardenas 20 “Presence of Christmas,” Evelyn Choi (7th grade) 21 ART: Evelyn Choi 22 “Essence of Gratitude,” Gianna Caccialino (7th grade) 23 ART: Elijah Desvarieux, “Holidays are better with two 25 or more” “Christmas Magic,” McKenna Mirador (7th grade) 26 ART: Isabelle B. “New Holidays” 28 “Victorious Villain,” by Adeena Tinwala and Ynah 29 Delamerced (11th grade) 31 “Christmas,” by John Zhang (11th grade) 32 ART: Michael Bruno, “Out with the old, in with the 33 new” “My Lovely Christmas Holiday,” by Darian 34 Rahimzadeh (11th grade) “What Truly Matters,” by Aniani King (12th grade) 35 “Untitled” Aaron Xu (11th grade) 37 ART: Orenda’s “Nurse” 38 “Gratitude,” by Carla Villier (12th grade) 39 “My Daughter’s Christmas,” by Devin Moore (12th 40 grade)
Untitled Paris Clark 12th Grade Born into iniquity filled with sorrow. We must remember There is always tomorrow. Hard times will pass, they'll Come and go, but there is one thing all humans must know. No matter What obstacles life may bring, there's always a chance to view the Silver lining. The people that surround you wish to see you do best It is time we realized how we are blessed. Each day goes by and you continue To grow, take the right steps and your gratitude will show. There is always A chance to find something new, to love a little harder, embrace your hugh. I will Continue to be grateful for life and for living, it is so important to give thanksgiving. Not all things will be picture perfect, the gloomy days will come, but soon after that there goes the sun. Enjoy the precious moments presented to you, they won’t last forever So do all things with the mindset that you have the power to subdue.
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Endless Road by Nina Ma (11th grade) Everyone has been on this road before, This road is so long that it never ends. Some people think this road will help open a new doors
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Some people think this road is where happiness lands.
This road can be built up by anyone around you, Every step you walk, it makes you a better person. This road is a road that give people space to reflect, Every sound or action proves that we are not perfect.
When you’re walking, there is always be a chance you’ll fall, But we should stand up and move on. There are rules you must follow, There are roads you must walk alone.
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"Untitled" by: Brandon Ellis (11th Grade)
Oh, How Time Goes Sanaa Barron (7th Grade) Oh, how time goes. The new, the old, the things that we never thought would go away or happen, did. Christmas was the time of year that I most looked forward to, now not so much. Oh, how time goes. I was not able to see how Christmas was the worst time for some people and even for my family. Now growing older I realize how hard it is for the closest people around me. Oh, how time goes. Waking up before the sun comes up and falling down the stairs just to get presents. And thinking of the fat man that brought them. Now thinking is this fat man real. Oh, how time goes. Not caring about the presents but playing in the box thinking that's the present. Now caring about people at school liking the new things I got. Oh, how time goes. Going from house to house giving gifts to your closest friends. Now wondering are we going to go give presents. And who to. Oh, how time goes. Once thinking about will people remember that one thing from last week. Now knowing none of it matters because I have friends and family. Oh, how time goes. Remembering Jesus and what Christmas is all about and knowing that God loves me. Oh, how time goes
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"Untitled" by: Shaun Ayers (11th Grade) The Holidays are a very special time of the year, especially Christmas. Christmas is the day of the lord and to spend time with close family and give to others and create joy in the world. Over the past 2, almost 3 years it has been hard to see some family members due to Covid-19.
Growing up as a kid around the age 4-12 years old I looked at Christmas as the day of getting presents from Santa Claus which isn't at all the case. Maturing as I get older I start to value things a little bit more than I did when I was a child because a child wouldn't think about anyone else but themselves having fun, but now as I get older I see Christmas time as the time to spend with family and show love and give to those who are in need because people aren't in the same place as us, and wish to be in our shoes which I always have taken for granted. As you grow older you start to cherish the little things in life more than the big things. Covid really helped me open my eyes to plenty of things and realize not everything is guaranteed and when we went into lockdown, you realize how much family really means and how tight of a bond you have with them and how unbreakable that bond is.
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Christmas time is a time to celebrate the Lord, and celebrate the life of the Lord and what he has given to us in this world. Not about the gifts we get under the tree, and not about how much money you get. The holidays are my favorite time of the year and every year I feel like it isn't the same as the year before because as I started to get older I began to see the true value behind things which is better than what I saw everything for when I was a child.
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Change Will Not Change Me Maya Williams (7th) I am a lion in a zoo trapped in life taught how and when and what to do. Endless optimism is like a lie in my eyes. I’m still young, mindsets change, youth is a time not a mind set. However good things happen, change is like a tornado in a jar. I’m still young, I’m still me, I cannot change me, I cannot change time. However my look on time is changing like the wind changes course. Traditions make holidays, traditions and routines make time. Midnight mass is my tradition like my hiraeth. No amount of words can describe its beauty or feeling it is the sun. Lovely but cannot stare too long like a solar eclipse. When we are together we cover our faces but cannot cover our hearts. We are still the same but farther apart like gas particles. 11
Untitled
Maya Williams (7th)
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Digital Celebration Sarah Elizabeth Orlep (12th) The smiles through my laptop screen Lonely, yet together. As we sit waiting Tick, tick tick.
The laughs in my headphones, I sit in solitary But playing with friends Click, click, click.
I remember years past Where we were together Playing Uno, and Life Then we get our parents to play charades.
But now the cards Are just little rectangles of light And the spinning wheel 1 to 10 Behind my blue light glasses, its color fades.
Although we cannot see each other We are grateful To be here together Ending the year
But I am so alone Haven’t left my house in weeks And they haven’t either,
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I wish they were here.
I Believe
Caden Brown (11th) Holiday wonder is magical to a child It makes them giddy in the morning for that special day that comes once a year I believed and it brought so much joy; I wonder where it went for me What was once a moment of forcing parents out of bed to start the day is now asking for more time to sleep What was once a powerful flame is now a spark in an unforeseen whirlwind. I used to think I liked the quiet Now the quiet is far too loud How I wish I could go back to where the magic lived I believe my joy will come again I want my joy to come again but I have yet to find it
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Untitled
Fabrice Cadet (12th) The past two years have like no other There is nothing else to say We’ve been through lockdown Going through the motion and repeating everyday
But in the difficulty of the isolation We learned to be grateful for what we got Food, shelter, and a loving family All during christmas time Is still a whole lot
But for those who lost loved ones We must not forget Those who have lost their jobs and homes And are growing in debt To them it is as if the world is falling apart
With the coming of the virus The world seems to have changed forever But if you keep your faith We will all get through this together
So before you begin to lose your pious
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Remember that God is always beside us
Death Isn't Forever Elijah Desvarieux (11th) Death is sad and sounds forever. It’s a feeling many can’t endeavor. Many people will cry and grieve. Trying so hard not to believe. Someone they know underground and alone. Nothing else but their name on a stone. However death doesn’t have to bring so much pain. It is sad, yes, but what’s crying going to gain? Life isn’t everlasting and eternal. Those that don’t believe those lies are infernal. Think of Death as a way of life seeing someone go home. After many years of interacting with them and watching them roam. Sure you don’t want them to go and leave you alone. They may want you to continue and journey the unknown. You’ll meet them again Death isn’t forever. Everyone will get through and will all be together. 16
Untitled Robert Jin
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Poem
Maya Harrison (7th) Hope is the first bud of green shoot sprouting in the wild winter weather Hope is the taste Of cherished childhood comforts Family is the caring caress of a loved parent And the feeling you get when listening to a homely song Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
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God gives us challenges With deeper meanings With motivation Purposes With separation Our hearts Come closer together When this disgusting disgraceful disease Tore families apart We rebelled Becoming stronger COVID gave us something to stick together for A powerful feeling of connectivity Exuding hope and family In hand with God His purpose for us To walk in his image Thank the Lord
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Untitled Milagros Cardenas (7th)
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Presence of Christmas Evelyn Choi (7th)
When I think of Christmas, I think of joy The merry, the cheer when we do things we enjoy We wish for new toys and make a whole list And wait for the day that we open the gifts Visiting cities and skating on ice We build our own memories on holiday nights But this year it’s changed Something new, something strange We can’t go outside A chilling virus spread wide Sudden news of disease, cities shut down Confusion arises and panic breaks out But amid the darkness we still carry hope Vaccines and new methods to help people cope Although we are distanced, Christmas will shine The colorful lights I see as I drive by Sit by the fire, the flickering flames Holding hot chocolate and red candy-canes Mouths of the smiling, can’t see for now But smiling eyes above masks are allowed Large family gatherings we have no more But calls can be made to the people next door You pick up from far but you know you will hear
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The words “Merry Christmas” will melt away fear
Untitled
Evelyn Choi (7th)
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Essence of Gratitude Gianna Caccialino (7th)
The guardians of Christmas past, and present came to me And told me of things that were and will be. Family and friends and gatherings day and night To celebrate and appreciate the times and to see the true light For weeks before, there were more smiles, more laughs and more love They call it the Christmas miracle because it comes from above. Friends and strangers are bonded together to celebrate and cheer And my heart is full as we are blessed with another beautiful year. But things changed and nothing was right I knew Christmas was there but it seemed less bright. People distanced and stayed far away Too scared of what might happen and the price
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they might pay.
Masks covered smiles and eyes were so sad It made me confuses ; then it made me mad My mom reassured me and said “Honey it will be ok” “The love from above will surround us everyday” So things are different and it doesn't seem as warm as before But the house is decorated and we celebrate with an open door. I remember that Christmas is in your heart, spirit and soul and everywhere in between And nothing can change that, not even Covid-19
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Holidays Are Better With Two Or More Elijah Desvarieux (11th)
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Christmas Magic McKenna Mirador (7th)
I used to think it would never change, Until the holidays were rearranged. The world announces that holidays must be put on hold, As if the joy of Christmas and Thanksgiving can be withheld. There used to be a 100 relatives in the room, And it was never a question of whom. The hustle of the city was no more, The streets were much emptier than before. Instead of scavenging for gifts at a store, There would be an online holiday shopping war. But the magic of Christmas was still displayed, for families would decorate everywhere, even outdoors.
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From brightly colored lights, to wreaths hung on doors' The spirit of Christmas was present more than ever before. And while I’ll always miss the times shared years ago, I’ll make new memories and share what I know. So, when the twenty-fifth of December finally arrives, I’ll look around the tree, As I rapidly tear paper off of boxes, eager to set them free. And even though it may not look like the Christmas celebrations I am accustomed to, All I need is a few loved ones together by my side. And from me to you, even a pandemic can’t stop the magic of Christmas from coming true.
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New Holidays Isabelle Bjorgvinsdottir (11th)
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Victorious Villain Adeena Tinwala and Ynah Delamerced (11th grade) A moment in our lifetime that was unprepared for, a year that got flipped upside down one news broadcast at a time. A moment that caused chaos and paranoia in the brains of many across the world. A moment like this that brings the most unexpected together.
A villain that forces opposites to set aside differences A villain that’s not visible to the human eye, forces us to cooperate with one another. Moments like this that make us value community and support, Although received by the ones we would never 29
expect.
Enemies working hand in hand, A surprising combination of those who would normally never get along, Proves to be the solution in this war to save the people. In order to ensure the safety of these people, We must set our differences aside, We must work together, And we must have hope.
We will achieve victory in the end.
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Christmas John Zhang (11th) It’s seven o’clock Sumptuous dinner is ready Brother read quietly Presents lay quietly under the tree In laughter of family New year has come
It’s seven o’clock Sumptuous dinner is ready Brother lower the controller Presents don’t know where are they Mommy wash the dishes Daddy watch the TV Brother pick up the controller Insensibly Old year has come
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It’s seven o’clock
Out With the Old, In With the New Michael Bruno (11th)
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My Lovely Christmas Holiday Darian Rahimzadeh (11th grade) I got Covid during my Christmas break and my holiday became empty and gray, It has now gone far away.
As I recover from murky waters, I am blessed for having my mother and father, my dreams are now clearer even though I had high fevers.
I learned to be more patient and kind As the simple things that used to be boring, Are now worth exploring.
I'm thankful to have recovered quickly And hope to never again become too sickly 33
What Truly Matters Aniani King
A year as crazy as 2020, Can possibly leave one feeling lost, Believing they were robbed of their dreams and desires, Still wanting their old life back at any cost.
Giving us no other choice, To come as one and use our voice, To rejoice, On what really truly matters. Equality matters, Finding our purpose matters, And even all the thoughts in our mind that scatter, 34
They matter.
Untitled
Aaron Xu (11th grade) It was several years ago, when I was a 12-year-old kid, I received my Christmas gift as I always had. But this time it was not the favorite toy I wrote on my “wanted list”, instead, it was a book. “Why didn't Santa send me my favorite toy this time, he had been sending me my favorite toy for all the time. Why is this time different?” I asked my mom.
My mom explained a lot to me and told me that I am a growing boy now, I should focus more on improving myself and that’s why Santa sent me the book “The 38 letters from Rockefeller.” I was so mad after hearing this. I had been waiting for one year to get the toy. However, the thing in my gift bag was a huge book.
“Santa is fake! He didn’t even get me what I wanted this time.” I shouted at my mom.
“Times will tell. You will know what Santa thinks as you grow up.” My mom replied to me.
After that time, I received whatever I wanted for Christmas but I never think about gratitude to Santa, the secret man who kept sending me what I wanted.
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This Christmas, I turned 18, I was sitting on the roof of the house and thinking about this “story”. Yes, I finished reading the book as I grew up and every time I think about my behavior at that time, I laughed at myself. There is no Santa in the world, or probably yes, but our parents are the people who always want to bring the “world” to us. And I was shouting at my mom, blaming why I did not get the toy I wanted. The first word comes to my mind this Christmas, and my 18th birthday is Gratitude. We really need to think of this in our life. People shouldn’t only care about what “they want” during Christmas, they should think about giving and being thankful for others. That’s probably what “Santa” brings to us. Christmas shouldn’t be just receiving gifts, it should be a platform of sending love and gratitude to who loves us.
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Nurse
Orenda Zhan Ching (12th)
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Gratitude
Carla Villier (12th grade) Gratitude is the eternal feeling I have for my family. The countless hours of strenuous work Endured to provide a life of abundance By two immigrants who fell in love, And created their own “American Dream” without reluctance Forming a life they have never dreamed of
Gratitude is to give thanks Thanks for teaching the importance of faith The ability to know that everything will fall into place
Gratitude is love The unconditional adoration my family shares, Is as beautiful as a dove
Gratitude is reflection Reflecting upon the slew of sacrifices made to ensure my happiness
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Despite their level of weariness
My Daughter’s Christmas Devin Moore (12th grade) She woke up to the smell of cookies. The sound of her parents walking around, arranging the presents so that it’s perfectly set up, and the feeling of utter joy ran through her. It was really a burst of joy that caused her to get up and run down the stairs. “Merry Christmas!” her parents said. “Merry Christmas!” the girl responded. She quickly opened her gifts. The doll, make up kit, rock collection, stickers, and bracelets she wanted were all there. Her eyes lit up so bright. And it was just a few minutes after that her grandparents and cousins came to celebrate the rest of the day with her and her parents. This day was perfect.
Her 8 year old self had always looked forward to this beautiful day.
Well this beautiful day was actually just a memory. My daughter’s memory this Christmas, in 2021, is that of a 16 year old girl. I’ve seen her grow so much. She is a beautiful girl with long, curly, black hair. Her grades are always high
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and she appreciates the little things.
So when we got her gifts this year, it was a surprise of how she reacted when opening them up. She opened up the present with a phone in it and said, “Thank you, Mom and Dad,” but she had a sad look on her face. She opened up some make up, a new artbook, and chalk to draw with. She looked at us and said “I appreciate and love you both. Thank you for what you got me…” Then I heard a “but…” and couldn’t deny the fact that something was wrong. “I miss being with the rest of the family. I wish this pandemic didn’t shut everything down.” When she said that, I realized it wasn’t just her. My mom said she couldn’t come, her cousins were sad and all had the virus, and we were the only ones who didn’t have it. With my fatherly instincts, I grabbed my computer, created an online phone call, and texted all the family. It was 20 minutes after this and I got everyone on the call. Her aunts, cousins, grandparents, and even friends came. This lift in her spirits showed me how to get over some obstacles. The pain can be reduced
We have discovered that we can work around the obstacles. We can avoid the majority of the emotional pain caused by lack of hugs and caused by lack of physical interaction.
Those who aren’t able to celebrate with their families can just go to a community setting, still socially distanced. We can still see our family members, just online. We can mail our presents to each other. And call and open them up.
Through the pandemic, we can still love and support each other.
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Essence February, 2022