Real Knights Write (2017)
English 9 - Section G
Introduction - Mr. Donohue
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Never Forget Your Uniform By: Dontae Allen
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Never give up - By: Raymond Casey
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Never Leave Your Jersey - By: Jovone Cater
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Tackle Your Problems - By: Maverick Gazzillo
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My Life Lessons - By: Paul Guelleme
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Never Run Down the Stair By: Robert Guidice
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“You Need To Work to Get Money” - By: Thomas Houck
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The Life Lesson: Listening to Your Parents - By: Joseph Lachase
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The Life Lesson of Mine that I Will Carry Forever! By - Shawn W Moffatt
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Asking Questions: By - Kevin Moore
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“Work For It”: By - Christopher Palmisano
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I Learned From My Mistakes: By - Chris Pinola
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Stay Safe - By: Diante Pyram
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An Unforgettable Lesson- By: Matthew Smallman
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Being Neat and Organized - By: Carl Smith
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First Choice - By: Anthony Testani
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Me vs Grownups - By: Isaia Villata-Ortiz
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How I Learned to Play The Game I love - By: Zach Salerno
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“The day I was Irresponsible”- By: Jaeden Smith
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Give It Your All, or Don't Give Any - By: Kyante Watkins
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The Value of a Dollar: By - Stephen Bedosky
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Don’t Forget Your Equipment: By - Jaime Barrios
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Honesty Is The Best Policy: By -Antonio Mavrovic
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Lift Your Own Weight: By - Chase Duncan
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The Time I Cooked: By - Stephen Pottinger
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Stop Being Carless: By - Jakari Knolle
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Introduction - Mr. Donohue One of the more powerful tools that Google has added to its arsenal of lineup is the capability to publish the work you create instantly. The Freshman students at Holy Cross write. They write often, and they learn to write well. By the midpoint of the year, they have had many different experiences in both reading and writing. They are proud of what they have accomplished as am I. With this in mind, the class worked on a longer lesson in how to write a personal, reflective essay. According to the textbook, a reflective essay is one where the writer explores the meaning of an experience. In class, the students read an essay title “Carry Your Own Skis� by Lian Dolan. In this essay she explores the importance of the lessons she learned as a child. Using this essay as a model, the student wrote about their own childhood experiences and how these have shaped who they are today. When the class complete their first draft, they edited. And edited, and edited until they created hey version of their own story that they want to tell. They prepared their work for publication. What you see here is the result of all of their hard work and effort. Please read and enjoy. Mr. Michael Donohue
Never Forget Your Uniform By: Dontae Allen I started playing basketball when I was eight years old. It all started at a local gym down the block from my house. At home I loved playing on a mini hoop that my older brother had in our room, but my mother got tired of me always playing ball in the house so she signed me up for basketball. When I first got there, there was a lot of kids who I did not know very well, but that I recognized from school. The coach of the team did not know who I was and his son was possibly the best in the gym. At first I was so nervous and could not make in anything, but then the assistant coach came up to me and said, “Hey, I’m John, the assistant coach and it looks like you're struggling a bit. Well just remember everyone's nervous and just take your time with your shots kid.� All I could do was smile and nod because I was very scared. However, I followed his advice and started to make a lot of the shots I was putting up. After a while of shooting around the coach finally called all the kids to the center of the court and introduced himself. After we all learned a little bit about the coach he made us do a lay up drill. In the drill he told us he was looking at the way we dribble the ball and how we can score off of dribbling the ball. I knew I had to show out for the first drill so I tried my hardest. At the end of the whole practice the coach told us that we will all be getting our game jerseys soon along with our schedules. As I was getting everything ready to leave and go home the coach called me over and I was extremely nervous, he told me that he saw potential in me and hopes that I can bring good things to the team. The coach and I got closer and closer during every practice we had and I was getting better and better. At the end of our 10th practice which was our last practice before our first game we all got our game jerseys. The coach told us to try them on and to make sure we are ready for our game. When game day came I woke up early then usually, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast, I was extremely excited for my first game. Before I knew it, it was almost
game time so I threw on my jersey grabbed my sneakers and hopped in the car. We were playing Immaculate Conception and they had this one kid who was pretty good and I knew that I was going to have to guard him and that was all I could think about in the car ride to their gym. As soon as we arrived and my mom parked the guard I ran into the gym, all my other teammates were already there and so was the other team. As I go over to my team I notice the other team all looking over at just me and I couldn’t figure out why. Then as I was talking to my team my coach came over and pulled me aside and told me that I was not wearing my jersey shorts. I was so embarrassed and I felt terrible because I knew this was going to lead to our team getting a technical foul and the other team had an opportunity for free points at the free throw line. Luckily my mother came over to me and said, “You forgot these as home,” handing me my shorts. I was so relieved I gave my mom a hug, told my coach I had them, and ran to the bathroom to go change. I never forgot any part of my jersey ever again.
Never give up - By: Raymond Casey Our lives are filled with experiences and things we have not been taught yet. Everyone around us can teach us different things in different ways for example my dad taught me how to play baseball when i was young and my mom taught me how to cross the street by myself. There is always that one memory that you loved and remember someone teaching you. The one memory that i remember being taught was learning how to ride my bike. This was a really great day for me and it has affected me in positive ways since then.
It was a great summer day and I had just got a bike for my birthday but I didn't know how to ride it. I went to my mom and told her I wanted to ride my bike and she came outside with me and we got my bike. I was 4 years old the first time I learned to ride this bike and it was a great day for all of us. We had my bike and my mom helped me up on my bike and I just went off and tried to ride it the first thing I did was fall off the bike. I sat there and wanted to stop and go inside but my mom told me I should try again and I can't give up or I won't get anywhere. We got up and I hopped on my bike again and my mom walking along beside me guided me and helped me balance. We rode for about 10 or 15 minutes until she let me go and I did it I started to pedal and ride all by myself. I was so excited and happy because I could now ride a bike. That day has affected me in great ways since then because I use my bike all the time to go places that are too far to walk to. I ride with my friends to the deli and places to eat and parks to have fun. I always remember that day riding my first bike. If I didn't learn to ride a bike when I did i don't think I would be riding right now and going to explore new areas with my friends. Now there are a lot of different kinds of bikes you can buy now and I have three which all have punctured tires at the moment. Even though they are popped and there has not been good weather to ride in i still enjoy biking around. These three bikes I have are one mountain bike and one BMX bike and one racing bike so I have all three different types of bikes and I love them all. As soon as I get these bikes fixed I will be riding again all over the place. never give up and keep trying and you will eventually succeed even if I takes a longer time you can always have someone to help you and support you. ​Never
Leave Your Jersey - By: Jovone Cater
I have been “balling� since I was 5 years old. My parents are my biggest supporters and I can never thank them enough. My Mom is my biggest fan, and always make sure I play the game right. She buys me whatever I need to play, and always tells me to play hard or go home. She makes sure I take at least 200 shots per day, five times a week. I will never forget what my mom is doing for me now, and with her help, I know one day I can make it to the pros.
Responsibility is a huge key part in my family. My mom and dad always tell me to be prepared for any type of situation. I have to always bring my Jersey to practices and games, and never forget your shoes. If I forget my shoes and Jersey, I cannot play, and if I cannot play I'm not happy. My dad is the one who tolerates me leaving something more, even though it never really happens. My mom does not tolerate me not being responsible. I can never forget my jersey, shoes, sandles, ball, and practice jacket. If I do not, only will my mom be mad at me, but my coach will not play me. One day when I was 10 years old, my mom drove me to my basketball game. I got to the game and found out that I had not packed my shorts. Luckily my coach had an extra pair and let me borrow them. I was upset at myself but not as upset as my mom. She said next time you do not come prepared, we will go straight home. I never have forgotten any of my things since then because I do not want to miss out playing the game I adore. You do these things it will have great affects of you in the future and will help you get places and experience things you have never dreamed about doing.
Tackle Your Problems - By: Maverick Gazzillo I first started playing football because my dad was a coach. I was hesitant at times. The equipment took some time to get used to. The helmet made me uncomfortable and the cleats were pretty tight. Also the running was non-stop. I had to run a lot of sprints. I also had to spend a lot of time in the hot sun which was exhausting. I kept practicing and my dad would tell me that if
I train hard it would be an amazing experience. I had to tackle my problems. I always tried my best and never gave up. It was hard work and I would sweat like crazy. I would keep reminding myself to always try my best. Sometimes we would have to run 10 laps around the field. It was hard work and was exhausting. Things were both hard and good times. Sometimes during practice I would get a strong connection with the guys. We all developed a special kind of brotherhood. I remember one kid who ran one lap and just gave up. Then after a while I got used to the equipment and running. I tackled that problem. I loved to play the sport more than ever now. Football taught me how to always try my best. In my life as a student there are some who work hard and others who don’t try at all. Those who tried come to school prepared. They always review their notes and practice. If they make a mistake they learn from it on how to do better. Those who don’t try at all act like they do not care. They forget their books and never learn from their mistakes. These are the differences on the people who try hard and those who don’t try at all. As for me, I try the best I can. I pack all my books and take as many notes as I can. I learned how to tackle my problems on and off the field.
My Life Lessons - By: Paul Guelleme In my life I have been taught life lessons on how to do stuff my parents and teachers and other adults have taught me stuff about how to live life. There have been many lessons that I can talk about. One time my parents talking to me about strangers and how if they ever offer you something never accept it. When they taught me the lesson about how I should never talk to a stranger, I felt like it would make me feel safe. This life lessons helps a lot, If my parents never told me this I would probably
have been in danger from talking to a stranger or accepting something from a stranger Another lesson that they taught me is that you should always save your money. If they never taught me that then I would have some of the stuff that I have today and saving up in my bank account for a car when I'm allowed to drive. These are some of the life lessons that my parents have taught me. These are not all of them but a couple and there are many more. My parents have gifted me with good life lessons to help me in life and be where I am today. I wouldn’t be here without my parents with all the good lessons they taught me and them helping me.
Never Run Down the Stair By: Robert Guidice When I was nine years old my dad taught me a very important life lesson.My dad tells me lot of things. He says: to brush my teeth twice a day, always tie your shoes, never chew with your mouth open, and to use a napkin when you eat. Most importantly my dad taught me to never, but NEVER run when I am going down the stairs. My dad explained to me that it was important to walk down the stairs because if you run down the stairs you might fall and get hurt. When there is a lot of steps, like 10,12,15 or even 20 you can fall so hard down the stairs that it can be deadly. My dad feels very strong about walking down the stairs because this has happened in the family and to me.
For the past years I never ran down the stairs, I always walked down the stairs holding onto the railing. One day when I was ten years old in the summer, on my parents wedding
anniversary, I was having a good day. It was a great day for me. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was a solid 70 degrees. But that day I forgot what my dad taught me; to never run down the stairs. So this is what happened, I walked up stairs to get my sandals in my room because my family was going out for my parents wedding anniversary. I was so excited.I put on my sandals, ran out my bedroom and I RAN down the stairs. I lost my balance and I hit the back of my head really hard.I hit my head so hard that I had to get stitches at the hospital. Eventually my head healed after a week. This lesson has still sticks with me today. I always remembered what my dad told me when I was nine years old to never run down the stairs. To this day when I am going down the stairs I always walk down the stairs. I even tell other people to walk down the stairs. At home I would even tell my two sisters to walk down the stairs.
“You Need To Work to Get Money” - By: Thomas Houck When I reached the age of 10 my dad started to make me start cleaning up around the house. I thought he did this because he got lazy and he realized he had two sons that were old enough to do the chores around the house. But as I grew up I learned that he was showing me the way that the real world works. You need to do your work to get money. He tells me, once he assigns my brother and I our chores, that if we were able to do our chores and keep the house clean every week we would get $50. My job was to clean the hallway, kitchen, which includes the dishes and taking out the garbage, clean my room and do all of the laundry. So the weekend came along and I was looking to go out with my friends so I went to his room and asked him for money. When I asked he replied to me, “Did you do your chores this week?” I then noticed that I didn’t so I replied to him “No, not yet.” So then he says, “Well if you want to get money you have to work for it.” During the summer going into highschool I wanted to go to the city with my friends but I didn't have money. So I figured my dad would spot me some money to go but when I asked he said to me, “Did you do your chores yet?” I replied no but, please I need money for the city.” His response to that was, “Well you better do your chores before your friends are ready or else your not going.”
I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to clean it all in that little amount of time. So I begged and pleaded for him to just help me out and I even offered to let him take that money out of my allowance. But he then said to me, “If you want me to give you money your gonna have to work for it.” I then started to clean faster than I ever did throughout the four years I’ve been doing it. I made sure that it was perfect throughout the whole hallway and kitchen. This lesson that my dad taught me at a young age has helped me throughout the previous summer when I got my first job. I learned that if I want to get my paycheck I needed to do all of my work and do it good. Even though I was only a camp counselor that rule still applies. It applies for everything. This lesson of having to work to get money is a lesson that can be used throughout the rest of my life.
The Life Lesson: Listening to Your Parents - By: Joseph Lachase Listening to my parents has always been hard for me and other teenagers like me. Whether it’s them giving me advice, or telling me what to do has always bothered me. However, I learned from this experience that I don’t know as much as my parents do and they are just trying to be good role models and guide me in the right direction. One cold, Friday in November and I came home from school, dropped my bookbag and ran out the door when my mom stopped me and asked me where I was going. I told her I was meeting up with my friends to go play street hockey at the park, she told me about a thousand times not to go saying “You shouldn’t go because it's cold, you shouldn’t go because it gets dark out early, you shouldn't go because you don't have a helmet.” Like any other kid would, I told her I would be fine and ran off to the park. I finally got to the park and I put the goalie equipment on without the helmet and we started the game. It was about twenty minutes into the game and we were losing and everyone was getting frustrated. When the other team shot the balI I dove out to block the shot and the rock solid, freezing cold ball struck me in the mouth. I got up and wiped the blood off my lip when I felt my lip stuck, and my
friends then started to panic when they told me my lip was caught around my braces and there was a gigantic hole in my lip. There was blood everywhere and my friends immediately called my dad to come pick me up and check out my lip.My dad took me back to my house where my mom was there upset that I didn’t listen to her and now I was injured. After getting seven stitches in my lip, I finally got home and I gave my mom an apology for not listening to her.Of course she forgive me but now I know to listen to her because she’s right since she probably experienced something similar to this before in her childhood and wants to keep me safe. After she constantly told me why I shouldn’t go and naming two reasons that actually came true which is how I don’t have a helmet, and it was cold which made the ball harder. From this day on I now listen to what she says because I do not want anything like that happening again. I hope kids my age do not go through this as rough as I did, but learn before something like this does happen. When I become parent I can only hope that my kids listen to me like I do now to my parents.
The Life Lesson of Mine that I Will Carry Forever! By Shawn W Moffatt When I was around the age of 5 or 6 like any other child, I went through the stage of shifting from a crib to a bed. Through this stage I learned to take care of my belongings, and to keep my room clean. Prior to being taught that it was my job to keep my room clean, I always thought that my parents would do it for me, that it was their job. They had up till then always kept my room tidy for me.
Two things were expected of my sister and I, keeping good grades in school, and keeping a clean room. Keeping a room clean and taking care of our belongings consisted of making your bed, and organizing your clothes in your dresser. If I didn't know how to do something I would ask for help, and I was taught how. We were taught that every object has its place in an organized room. Socks and undegarmets were to be placed in the top drawer, shirts in the second drawer, pants in the third, and the last drawer was for the miscellaneous items. One night, when I was around the age of ten, I really wanted to go over to my friends house and sleepover, and have some fun! I asked my dad that night and he replied, “That's fine, but don't make me or your mother clean your room or put your clothes away!” So I marched myself back up the stairs heading towards the second floor, I threw all my clothes in the closet , cleaned my floor of any miscellaneous clothes and threw all of that in the closet as well! I was rushing because of the fact that I wanted to go to my friends house for the night! I then ran down stairs told my dad hat my room was cleaned and he then looked at me and said “Are you sure it's clean?” I was so anxious I responded “yes!” I began to pack a bag for the sleepover, while throwing my toothbrush in my bag I heard a patient call from my dad. I ran back up to my room and saw all the clothes back out on the floor! My dad then said to me softly “Do it again”. So I then picked up my pride and began to do it correctly, put the socks in the socks drawer, the shirts in the shirt draw, and the pants in the pants drawer. I changed my sheets, made my bed, and learned to always organise the right way the first time! I learned that “chimping out” is not worth the second effort. Looking back on my special life lesson, I don't remember it as bad memory because of the fact that I was late to my friends for the sleepover, I learned that evening to take care of your things and to always be organized because having good organization skills can keep you running in time!
Almost about four years later now, I go in and out of organizational phases but I still notice that when I'm organized I know where all my belongings are and I'm never late! While on the other hand, when I'm unorganized and rushing I can't find anything, and so I end of being late! The lesson to keep a clean room and organize your things had such an impact on me that even till this day when I go to visit my friends house and see a room, with tons of clothes in their closet, and beds umaid I think of the time when I was 10 and learned that organization is a part of success! That organization is a lifelong lesson that doesn't just have to do with keeping a clean room, you're writing, your academics, and your life all goes much smoother when it's organized. Part of the lesson to stay organized reflects in all the tasks I still complete! I always do things correctly and the right way because I personally think that it saves time and effort! Taking care of the things you are grateful to have shows pride for yourself and also for towards the people that gave you those items.
Asking Questions: By - Kevin Moore The message of my story is to not be afraid to ask questions. The essay we read in class tells the reader, using the perspective of a daughter learning an important lesson, to tell us why it’s important to ask questions or ask for help. The daughter is forced to learn various things through her childhood and young adulthood by her mother. It is these experiences, specifically, that shows the message to the reader.
I know this from personal experience. Learning not to be afraid to ask questions was a long process of trial and error. Asking questions in school or at home or anywhere else is important especially when you desperately need information. Now, whenever I don’t understand something, I always ask questions because of past experiences. I’ve concluded: because of past experiences, I have become wiser. I ask many more questions and I am more curious about things. The way I was raised and the teachers I have had over the years helped me to become who I am now. Because of the lessons i was taught by my friends, family, and teachers, I am a better and smarter person.
“Work For It”: By - Christopher Palmisano Was there ever a time you wanted something really bad? If so, then you should know that in order to get it you need to work for it. In life, nothing is given to you for free. If you want something you need to work for it. There are many things you mant want such as a new video game or a new pair of sneakers. However, this stuff isn’t free. Spoiled kids may think that they can get anything they want. If they demand it they think they are going to get it. Some kid’s parents give them whatever they want; no matter how big or how small the toy they want is they will get it. However, when they start growing up, they will realize that nothing is given to them. Not even a raise at their job. In order to get good things such as a good job or a raise, you need to work for it. Working for it may be that you are a good student, or you are a great employee. Working hard will get you far in life. Meanwhile, demanding things and not working could get you to the age of 11 at
the max. I was told growing up I could be anything I wanted to be. Therefore, I thought that if I wished for it, I got it. As time passed, my parents told me to do some chores. At first it was small things such as bringing up paper plates and dish wash soap. As time passed, it started to change. Have you ever shoveled snow for money? If you did, then you are just like me. I began making money when I was 11. I did this by shoveling. I helped out my dad if he asked me. I was given a few dollars for helping out. At first I thought this was a lot of work, but later on I started to realize it’s not that hard. I’ve been doing this since that time and now I make even more money by shoveling for my neighbors. Just last year, I got my first unofficial job as a little league umpire. I made a total of $20 a game and sometimes even $40. By doing this I learned why my Dad always used to tell me “If you want it I need to earn it.”. By taking these small steps I realized that it takes a while to get to the top of the hill and it also takes plenty of effort. Not only did I make money but I felt good about it. I felt like I accomplished something. Life is like a mountain; it takes a long time to reach the top and it also takes a lot of effort. Once you reach the top and hopefully get your dream job, you need to keep up the work so the wind doesn’t push you off the mountain. If you fail to keep working hard, you will end up falling down and possibly having to start all over again. In order to reach your max potential you need to work for it. Have you ever wondered where to begin? Well I used to wonder the same thing. You should begin by asking you parents if they need help. I know it’s a pain but it will help.If your parents are nice enough, you may get payed. If you don’t and you live in a place like New York where there is snow every year, you should ask your neighbors if you can shovel for them. Another easy way to begin is by doing community service. This can include but is not limited to working at libraries,
helping the elderly, and even watching your younger brother if you have one. Now it’s your time to start climbing the mountain. Go for it, there is nothing to lose. Always remember to work for it.
I Learned From My Mistakes: By - Chris Pinola Throughout the last year I have learned that money is important and I learned how to value it. I learned that I have to be wise when it comes to spending money. People work very hard every week to get money. Most people work seven days a week and they don't just go and spend it on the weekends. Those people work hard for it and they're most likely to spend their money on something important. Last year it snowed a lot and I decided that I wanted to go shoveling with my brother and a friend. We went house to house shoveling people's homes. We charged from $60 to $120 depending on how big the house was. By the end of the day I had about $350. I was very happy and didn't know what to buy. I had a friend who was celebrating her birthday and I decided to take her and some friends to Applebee's. I even brought this girl a present. I spent $150 that day and the birthday girl didn't even appreciate what I did. A few weeks passed, and I decided I wanted to buy a pair of sneakers and a hat with the rest of my money. I went to FootLocker (a sneaker store) and bought a pair of sneakers for $160. I also went to a popular street wear store called Supreme and bought a hat for $44. After a couple of days I realized that I didn't even like the sneakers and that I don't even wear hats. I worked so hard shoveling all those peoples home, and with the little bit of money that I made, I spent it all on things that I didn't like.It recently snowed again a week ago and I went shoveling. A made some money again with some friends, but this time I didn't spend it. I didn't want to make the same mistake. I still have my money and I'm going to be wise on what I spend it on.
Stay Safe - By: Diante Pyram A lesson my parents taught me is don’t associate with the wrong crowd. The wrong people might cause trouble. This taught me which crowd to hang out with and to not get into trouble. My mom told me “ You will only ever be as great as the people you surround yourself with, so be brave enough to let go of those bringing you down. People might convince you to do things you don’t want to do. They might say you don’t have what it takes. They don’t support who you are. They only respect you when you live their way. They create negativity and live on negativity. They aren’t there when you need them People who want to own or control you, make your choices for you. The wrong crowd makes you feel unwanted and they want their values to match your own. If you’re hanging out with the wrong crowd you will become negative just like them. In middle school I had friends who would get in trouble all the time and get me in trouble. I distanced myself from them because I had a feeling that they were the wrong crowd to hang out with. Through years I have learned about friendship and what it is. If I’m not in the right crowd I might do something that I might regret for my whole life. In years of my life, I learned that friendship is an important virtue. This lesson could save my life someday; you never know.
An Unforgettable Lesson- By: Matthew Smallman When I was little one important lesson I learned that has stuck with with is money doesn't grow on trees. As I was growing up and I started gaining interest in more expensive items, I had no idea what the real value of money was, and how it is so
important to work for it to benefit not only yourself but most importantly your family members. I learned that money isn't handed to you in life, nothing is it is earned through countless hours of work and dedication to strive and achieve your goal. I learned that after you reach your goal to set more because anything is attainable through hard work. Through the years I have learned that money doesn't grow on trees. Money is a very important virtue. People work hard all day to make money, and not just to go out and spend it on themselves but for the ones they love. I learned this lesson from my parents. My dad works late almost every day, and he's not doing this for himself but for us to make sure we have a roof over our heads, food on the table, and clothes on our body. An example of this lesson is when I wanted to order something online and use my parents credit card to buy it. At the time I was really getting into soccer and I wanted a jersey of my favorite player. The jerseys were authentic meaning they cost more, the one I wanted was $80. At that time my parents said find a way to make money so you can buy it yourself. When they told me this the lesson of money doesn't grow on trees came back to me, and I thought yea maybe I have to work for what I want. It would also feel better knowing I bought the jersey with my own money I earned, making that jersey a whole lot more special to me. Growing up, I was taught that just because you asked for something doesn't mean you will get it. A valuable lesson I learned form this is money doesn't grow on tree. Nothing is handed to you in life, it is earned through countless hours of hard work, and dedication. We have to work hard, respect other people as well as ourselves, and we will receive your award. My dad always said money doesn't grow on trees and how in life nothing is free in life, meaning you have to work for it. You have to have the right mind to go out and make money encourage yourself to go out and work hard to make money because in life nothing is handed to you. I have younger cousins that don't understand the concept of money at all, they think money is handed to them and is easy obtainable because whatever they ask for they get. Now that they are growing up and become more mature they are seeing that
money truly is a valuable thing and isn't just handed to you it has to be earned. Since they didn't know the concept of money this will most likely affect them later in life like their behavior toward their parents and possibly grades in school. Growing up, another example of this is when I wanted an xbox. At the time is was brand new and everyone wanted one, all my friends have it and they would be playing it everyday. But knowing that money doesn't grow on trees I decided to save up for it, which would make that xbox mean more to me since I bought it with my own money that I earned. Another example of this is when I wanted a pair of expensive sneakers, again I had to save up to get them, even though it took me longer to get it I earned it through hard work. After getting the xbox and sneakers with my money I was proud of myself knowing that I can do it myself, through hard work and dedication I can achieve my goal. Being taught this lesson at an early age one thing my parents always told me was to ¨go to school and college¨ - not just to get out of the house but to build a future for myself. After i finish school and attend college will have a better paying job. My parents told me this so when I get older I can have enough money to afford a house, and provide for my family. The lesson that money doesn't grow on trees also taught me that money shouldn't make a person better than another. We are all people of God and he created us in his own image no one better or worse. Money isn't easy to learn it's a valuable thing and no one has unlimited money which means it should be spent wisely. This has greatly impacted my life showing me that hard work is a big part of life and without hard work you won't get anything to anywhere in life. Money is valuable and should not be wasted, it should be spend smartly and wisely not on yourself but the ones that you love. Money wasn't given it's earned through hours of work and education. That lesson has greatly influenced my thinking, and now I know that money truly is an important and powerful thing.
Being Neat and Organized - By: Carl Smith Growing up, I was not good at being neat and organized. It was actually hard for me. I was always to lazy to put things back or to throw things out. But, as I
started to get older and messier, my parents started to tell me to do little chores around the house to stay neat. This all turned out to help me understand a lesson. These chores that I would have to do were things like, cleaning the bathroom up on Sundays, taking the garbage out on certain days, and cleaning up my room everyday. Starting these chores was always hard for me because of how lazy I was. But, did my parents tell me how to do these things? Yes they did. Everyday when I came home from school, my dad would show me how to clean the mirrors in the bathroom. I had to get the windex and spray it on the mirror then, wipe it with a paper towel. There were times when I did spray the windex the wrong way and had to clean it up. When, I started to get the hang of this chore it moved swiftly. I was able to do these chores to help me become less messy and more organized and neat. As I did these little chores I was able to do them quicker and more efficient. I started noticing little changes in my character too, such as, putting papers in my folder instead of just throwing them in my bag, throwing things out after I was done with it, and just trying to stay organized and neat overall. The whole point of these chores was to help me with my responsibility and to help me stay organized and neat. I started seeing responsibility, when I was taking care of myself by staying neat and organized. If I did not take care of certain things like important papers for school, it was my responsibility to make sure I got them. So, I started to be responsible for putting them away neatly. Overall, these chores helped me become a better person by staying neat and organized and by strengthening my responsibility.
First Choice - By: Anthony Testani Ever since i was a student, (not preschool) but old enough to have graded test, before leaving the house my mom would always tell me, ”Always go with your first choice”. At the time i thought that would not matter because if you knew the question or not it won’t matter what you pick, but i couldn't be more wrong. On one Christmas break when I was 7 we were having company, and my mom said,”let's make some fresh homemade cookies.” I was in charge of measuring out the ingredients while my mom would heat up the oven and mix them. I knew the recipe by heart,3 cups all-purpose flour,1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, etc. As I was measuring spooning the flour cup by cup in the bowl my mom assigned for flower I lost count. I was thinking to myself how many cups I had left. At first I said to myself that poured in 2, which was correct, but I changed my mind and said I only poured in 1, which caused me to add a cup more flour than I should have. This made the cookies cook faster than they should have, burning them. My mother took them out of the oven and wondered what happened. I told her what I did and apologised. She said,” that's ok we'll make a new batch , just remember to go with your first choice next time ok?” I said “yes mom” and we made a new batch for everyone to enjoy. Now, in 2017, I am a teen in Holy cross and this lesson is still needed and used in my life. When I take my test I always remember to go with my first choice when I am unsure. I have been able to get principal's list in the first quarter and first honors in the second.
Even a few weeks back I remember My global teacher, Mr LaGrecca, said,”I was kinda disappointed because people crossed out the right answer and put a wrong.” Because of the lesson I learned with my mom, I know that changing your mind is bad and was able to spare me from a bad grade.
Me vs Grownups - By: Isaia Villata-Ortiz When I was little, I always thought that grownups were the coolest to be around. I always observed the specific things that they would do such as drink, smoke, party. These were things that I thought were “adult things.” I've always had a great desire to be just like them except I was only seven at the time. In reality, I honestly didn't know what they did throughout the day and if their life was really as cool as it seemed. Looking back at it now, some of them are really miserable non-productive people. Since I am older and have experienced more, I am able to really to appreciate my childhood and why it was so important for me to focus on being a child with less desire to be an adult. One day, My mother had invited some of her childhood friends for dinner at my house. Everyone loved Mom’s cooking. My mother had interrupted me, to inform me that her friends were coming. At the time I was 7 years old so usually I would be buried in my room playing with toys and video games. When her friends arrived my mother had to drag me out of my room to introduce me. I was very shy at the time and also very quiet. At that time, I was an only child and it was just my Mom and I. I had a spacious bedroom, with a bed that seemed like a giant endless cushion that
was so comfy. A lot different from having to share a bed with my mom before we moved. I would get lost in my room with my Marvel action figures and my 1000 piece lego models for hours. Mom would have to interrupt me for lunch and dinner and sometimes force me to sit with her to talk. My grandpa would always get on the floor with me to play. He understood why I loved my space. I guess stepping out of my comfortable world is one of the reasons I was so shy. I was taught to always minded my own business and stayed in my own “kid lane”. Children were never to butt into adult business. This was part of the reason I wanted to be an adult. I wanted to be on the other side for once. While my mother was in the dining room entertaining her guests, like always I would escape to my world to play an intense game of Rock Band or Mario Kart, secretly wanting to stay to observe the “adult behaviors.” Sometimes, I would be pleasantly surprised and my cousins Sean and Kaden would come by and boy was that a treat! It gave me a chance to forget about wanting to be an adult to actually focus on being a kid. These were the times that I started to realize that it was probably really sad being an adult. I forgot all of the other things I would witness Mom do like go to work, cook, clean, wash clothes and study for school. Looking back it now, the life of an adult is pretty sad. There are no opportunities to escape to play with toys or video games. Life seems to consume adults and the times they do get to themselves, they sit to talk, eat and drink. Like my grandfather always told me to enjoy my childhood and don't be in a rush to grow up. I now see why…
How I Learned to Play The Game I love - By: Zach Salerno
When I was little, and I was finally able to walk, my dad taught me how to play baseball. My dad loved baseball and that was why he wanted me to play. He would wanna watch me
play on the field just like when he was little. I knew from that moment i wanted to play in the MLB I was only three or four when I started learning. I started off by having a catch with my dad. I remember we would always play in front of the house everyday. Then he would always take me to the field and let me hit. I would always love to play the sport and I would never wanna go inside after practicing because I was having fun. By the time I was old enough to play on a team I had already known the basics of baseball. I knew how to throw and I knew how to hit and it was all because of my dad. Just playing with him not on a team was really fun and I couldn’t wait till my first game I remember my first game like it was yesterday. I was told to carry my own bag and I didn’t want to. I would always ask why I had to carry my own bag and my dad would always say “when you grow up no one is going to do it for you.” That quote stuck with me till this day. I was also told that I had to get my own stuff after the game because my dad said as you get older you are responsible for your own things. I still carry my own bag this day and I gather all my stuff after the game. As you get older you have your own responsibility. My dad said I need to work hard to get to a high level of baseball. He said that's it's not gonna be a free walk on for anyone. He told me as a get older the competition get harder. He says that if I don't work as hard as I can someone else will be picked over me. This had made me think of how bad i really wanna play in the major leagues. Ever since then my goal is to be in the MLB and my dad always says if I work my hardest and focus on the sport I could make something of myself.
I have learned a lot from what I was told when i was little. I am more responsible and I have also learned that it's not easy to play a sport. I have to focus on what I want to do most and don’t worry about what anyone else says or thinks.
“The day I was Irresponsible”- By: Jaeden Smith “Think of others rather than thinking of yourself.” I say this because most people don’t bother taking any responsibility into doing or completing their task. This is due to the fact that they think of only themselves rather than think of others and their responsibility that they already have. My story will support this theme, or central message, is the time that I decided to not shovel up the snow off of my property. This showed me what I should’ve done rather than do the opposite. When I was eight years old there was no school, I had more time to sleep, and I could finally relax with no School work or bullies to deal with, due to the Blizzard outside. Then I saw my dad shoveling the snow, I wanted to help him but he said,”until you can carry a shovel, I got this”. Years later, My dad decided I was old enough to help shovel up the snow that covered the front of the house, he went near the basement and passed me a shovel. Soon after, My dad was shoveling one side of the sidewalk and the stair near the basement, while I shoveled the main stairs and the other half of the sidewalk. I always thought it seemed easy because of how I saw it in the cartoon but it definitely Isn’t. On February 11 of 2017, The same Blizzard has return to bury Brooklyn, Queens, and other boroughs in Snow once more. The whole house was as cold as outside and I didn’t even attempt to get out of bed without rushing back under my covers. Throughout the whole morning until 6:00pm in the afternoon I
was procrastinating as if I didn’t have any work to do. My mom came home after a long day and was upset because the snow was still laying on the ground outside and had form into ice, making it impossible to shovel it up. My mom and dad had to go to work and since I was home for the day I could’ve shoveled up the snow, but because I was focusing on me I didn’t. From there on, I realized that My mom and Dad can’t do everything. They both rely on me to take care of the house while they were gone seeing how I wasn’t doing anything important. Besides, the next day I had no school so I could’ve done all of my procrastinating the next day rather than during the Blizzard. I didn’t think of no one but myself that day and I didn’t think twice before making a stupid mistake. After that day I promise to myself that I won’t think of myself but I must think about my parents as well. Now, I see that thinking of other is better than being selfish like some people. I have to be more mature and make wise decision, no matter how much work and time I have to put into it. This concludes my story and why,“Think of others rather than thinking of yourself.”
Give It Your All, or Don't Give Any - By: Kyante Watkins “100 percent all the time Yani” those are one of the many phases I’ve had heard throughout my life. But that phrase has been stuck in my head thought out my life. Never settle keep on pushing 100 percent all the time. When I was growing up my mother always told me to give it 100 percent all the time if I really want to be good at something. So when I did sports or anything in general I tied my best to do it at 100 percent. For example in middle
school I wasn't the best artist around. I really sucked at it. So after my first marking period average in getting a 70% on it. I just barely past it. The pain inside me really hurt. It was like someone was inside of me yelling, ”YOU COULD'VE DID BETTER, YOU SHOULD HAVE PUT MORE EFFORT.” The guilt of letting myself down was too unbearable. From that moment on i decide to go 100 percent every time I was I in that art class, busting my butt sweating working hard. I stayed up late working on projects. I went to extra help. Then at the end of that marking period I made comeback by getting an 85 on my art grade. This effort was telling me that from now on if I want to succeed I must give it my all. My 100 percent. But there are people out there who has not learned lesson like me. People who don't give it 100 percent, are the people who are okay with where they are. They are okay with that 70 average because its passing and all they got to do is pass. Those people won't make it in life. People like that are the people who refuse to thrive. They just want to survive. People like won't win in the battle against life. Do you think that life will reward for halfing it?........ No you must come at life with everything you got. Everything you do you have to give it one hundred percent. Because one of the worst feelings in life is the feeling of not giving enough,”did I do enough?” Or, “was that the best i could have done?” Or, did i give it my all out there?” Or, “Did i leave all in the field?” In life you have to give it you all. push your limits to the max then surpass them. Break your boundaries. You don't know what you're capable of if you don't push yourself. Because by pushing your limits you find out your true potential.
The Value of a Dollar: By - Stephen Bedosky Growing up in a house where your father works for Goldman Sachs people assume that you are spoiled and get everything that you want. If you don’t know Goldman Sachs is a big company on Wall Street who makes millions of dollars. My dad however does not make millions but he makes good money. He went to college and worked his way up
in the company. He works many hours a week and even on weekends. He works very hard to provide for his family. He was taught at an early age that if you want something you have to work for it. He began working in a supermarket when he was fifteen and went on to work in a pizza shop as he went through college. His lessons of money has been passed down to me and my sister. Growing up I was taught that just because you ask for something or want something doesn't mean you will get it. My dad's famous saying is “money doesn't fall from the sky.” Nothing is handed to you. We have to work hard in school, help around the house, and respect ourselves and each other and then we will be rewarded. It is our responsibility to respect the hard work that it took to earn that money. An example of this is when I want a new pair of sneakers or a new Xbox game I have to save up money to get it and when I do get it I better take care of it because I will not get a new one. My sister had a big sweet 16 party and wanted this really expensive dress and my parents told her that if she wants to spend that much money on a dress she had to pay for it herself. She did get that dress but it took her a whole year just to save up for it. I have to say she was proud of herself and so were my parents. Another lesson about money is that don’t spend what you don’t have. I have three older cousins who have no idea what it means to work for what you want. They get everything handed to them. Whatever they ask for they get. Now they are in high school and they are the laziest kids I know. Their grades are terrible and none of them play a sport and they have no respect for my aunt and uncle. Having been taught at an early age that money is something that you have to earn will definitely help me in the future. I have to work hard in school, go to college and when I do get a job I have to do it well or I will not have any money to enjoy other parts in my life. I know not to buy a house that I can’t afford, pay your bills off every month and always put money away for retirement.
Don’t Forget Your Equipment: By - Jaime Barrios Baseball has been an important part of my whole life. My parents have always supported me and still do. My Dad is my biggest supporter and buys me everything I need for the season and offseason when doing conditioning workouts. He has
always been tough on me for gathering my things and not leaving anything behind because if I do, it will be like wasting money. I learned to be very responsible with my baseball equipment at a young age. If I left something at home, he would say to me “borrow it from your teammates or don’t play at all”, just to teach me a lesson of responsibility. I would carry my two different baseball cleats, my glove, bat, batting gloves, helmet, etc. Then of course you cannot play without a uniform including: a hat, pants, shirt, belt, socks, underwear with a cup holder. If I forgot any of these things, my dad would yell at me, might punish me, and take away privileges that I was planning on going to or attending. My mom on the other sometimes gets mad when I do something she thinks I’m doing wrong. One time I forgot my baseball bag with all my equipment inside at `home. I had never done this before and is the the only time I have ever done it. When I noticed a told her, she yelled at me and turned back around. She yelled at me for the rest of the car ride and kept on saying she was going to tell my dad. She too buys me things I need for baseball, but only if it is absolutely a necessity. She has bought me and bat before that I needed and I always thank her being there and supporting me. She, my aunt, and my uncle love watching me play, even if it doesn’t go so well. I love it when they come to see me play because I get prepared to play with an 110% mentality as I do even when they don’t come. But just them being there gives me more adrenaline and more of wanting to do really good, but not even just good, just amazing. So even though both my parents are strict with responsibility, I overcome it because I just don’t want to get punished or yelled at. I also wouldn’t want to miss a single second of playing the sport I love. I only miss about 2-3 practices a year which in my book is great responsibility. No matter where I go, I have the equipment necessary for the task
I need to complete, because when my parents taught me with responsibility, they taught me to be prepared for what you are going to do next. This has helped me get to the places I want to be, like a good school, with good grades, and great responsibility which leads to being a good ball player.
Honesty Is The Best Policy: By -Antonio Mavrovic An important lesson I learned is that honesty is the best policy. Being honest takes a lot of courage and responsibility. To be honest is to tell the truth. At a young age, I was taught to treat others the way I would want to be treated. I always try to treat others with respect. Although sometimes it might be hard, I was taught to believe in myself and do what is the right thing to do. From a young age, I was taught by my mother to always tell the truth. I believe that my family is someone that I can trust and would never lie to me. Through the years, my teachers also influenced my decisions in life. My grandmother also would constantly remind me to follow the right path in life. Truth will lead you in the right direction. One example of this is when I put a dent on my mother’s car. I was playing soccer in the driveway with my friends when the ball hit the car. She warned me to be careful and not to kick the ball hard. I assured her that nothing would happen. Minutes later the ball went right for the side of the car and made a loud bang. I checked the car to see if there was any damage and there was a small indent in the side of the car. I thought nobody would notice, so I didn’t say anything. The next day was bright and sunny. Later that day, my mother questioned me if I knew why there was a dent in the side of the car. I felt that I had to tell the truth because I felt so guilty.
Although she was upset, she was proud of me for being honest with her. My older friend constantly lies to his parents about where he is and where he’s going. I understand that he doesn’t want to get in trouble, but I feel that when he gets caught he loses respect from his parents. I don’t think the benefit will be worth the consequences. As I get older, I realize how important it is to me to gain trust from my family, friends, teachers, coaches and others in my life. Being taught to be honest with others and myself at an early age will definitely help me in the future. I value other people’s opinion and want to be successful in life. To be honest allows me to be a strong person and someone people can trust.
Lift Your Own Weight: By - Chase Duncan When I was young and only perceiving the little things in life, I found out that there was this one lesson that was very important to learn. That lesson was to be able to lift your own weight in life when needed. My dad taught me this lesson was I was younger to let me know that life wasn’t going to be easy if I didn’t acknowledge that lesson. I was beginning to start to learn to do things on my own like making my own food, brushing my teeth by myself, and locking the door when I leave, but one day I realized that there would be more to the lesson I learned than that. When leaving school to go home, I would walk by myself to catch the MTA bus for a ride home. This helped me to depend on myself to get myself home when I needed to, and it was satisfying for me. I would even go out to eat before I came home if I wanted to, or I would go out to stores and buy things if I wanted to. When at home, I would also clean up my room. Cleaning my room was something I’d always end up being lazy with but I’d still get the job done at the end of the day.
When I thought about it, I felt like the only one going through this type of responsibility being so young. I would see other people being driven home by their parents, or their parents would buy things for them, but it would be completely different for me. Sure, my parents would provide for me: money and other things I’d need, but at the end of the day the responsibility would be up to me and I had to take this burden willingly. I didn’t mind living with this burden, but I thought and an I said “ Is this really how life has to be ?”, and it tied back to the lesson I was taught. I already knew that life was going to be this way, and I couldn’t change it if I wanted to.
The Time I Cooked: By - Stephen Pottinger One time my mom was making eggs for
breakfast. I paid attention so one day I could make my own eggs. About a year later i was home alone and i was a bit hungry. I decided to make myself an egg.(it was about 12:30). Ii made my egg perfectly and had a good breakfast. I was so hungry I forgot to turn the stove off when i took my egg out. At this time I had a cold so I couldn't smell smoke. My Mom walked through the door screaming at me. “STEPHEN THE STOVE IS STILL ON!” I ran to the stove and turned it off. The pot and spatula was ruined. It was completely burnt off on the bottom. My mom took away my MacBook and my games. She said I hope you learned your lesson. Don't cook untill you let me know. I noticed this same lesson with my friends. My friend tried to make sausages and he almost burned the house down. When she told me this I understood right away because if she didn’t walk through that door when she did something
really bad would have happened. Now at my age my mom alternated the lesson. Now the lesson/rule is if you want to cook something you never have then make sure you have an adult watching you
Stop Being Carless: By - Jakari Knolle There have been many times when I have did something stupid or bad as a child and have learned from my mistake and took responsibility for the mistake and it has never happened again. An example of this is when i lost my football jersey. It was two days before the game and I had everything prepared and ready but I didn’t know where it was or what i had done with it. That night I had practice, but I didn’t notified my coaches that I couldn’t find it because at the time i thought it would be found eventually. But it wasn’t. After practice my mother picked me and she asked me if I told the coach that I couldn’t find my game jersey. “No” I told my mother sadly. “Why,” she asked looking confused. I explained to her that even though the jersey was missing i still had a chance of finding it before sunday’s game. She gave me a look that was confused but understanding at the same time. Throughout the drive home I couldn’t stop thinking about the jersey. Where could it be. Why was it there. Why don’t i have it. As I sit there and think about it my mother stops at a light and she looks at me with a curious face. “Where did you have it last,” she asked. I answered back by saying i don’t know maybe in my room, but in reality I knew nothing of it’s whereabouts. When we got home before I turned on the tv or anything else I looked under my video game and there it was. Now I don’t lose my stuff.