Sterling Cub Reporter: November 2017

CUB REPORTER

Sterling High School | Volume 4 | Issue 2 | November 2017

UPS AND CROWNS Pg. 7

Classifications change Pg. 4

Faith vs Law

A Savvy Soldier Pg. 8

Sterling High School |

Pg. 15

www.sterlingcubreporter.com

| November 2017

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EDITORIAL

www.sterlingstudentpublications.com 308 E. Washington, Sterling, KS 67579 Phone: 620-278-2171 • Fax: 620-278-3237

STAFF EDITORS: • McKiah San Miguel • Grace Rowland REPORTERS: • Morgan Anderson • Natalie Nichols • Andy Norez • Taya Wilson • Kaylie Zimmerman ADVISER: • Todd Vogts GRAPHIC ARTISTS: • SHS Graphic Design Class ADVERTISING SALES: • Sterling Publications Staff

POLICIES The Sterling High School Cub Reporter and all subsidiary publications are designated forums of free speech. The print edition is published October through May of each school year by the journalism class at Sterling High School. It is distributed for no charge throughout Unified School District 376 buildings and the Sterling community. The first copy is free. Subsequent copies will cost $1 per copy. For information about being added to the subscription list, contact Todd Vogts at 620-278-2171. Letters to the editor are welcome. Email them to journalism@usd376.com. All letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters subject to editing for legal, grammatical and factual reasons.

ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO Senior twins Camille and John Schweizer walk out onto the field prior to the Homecoming Crowning Ceremony. The Schweizer duo was named 2017 Sterling High School Homecoming King and Queen.

(Photo by Morgan Anderson)

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Stand up for patriotism When many people hear the National Anthem, their first instinct is normally to stand up and put their hands over their hearts. However, nowadays this simple, but meaningful, tradition is being questioned by players in the National Football League.

We believe the lack of patriotism and respect for our country is disrespectful and unnecessary. The fact they kneel for the same flag that gave them the right to do so seems ironic to us.

Some state the reason for the protest to stand is to spite President Donald Trump, but the fact of the matter is your patriotism, respect, and pride for your country and it’s flag shouldn’t be shown through disrespect of the flag. According to an article on CNN by AJ Willingham, NFL player Colin Kaepernick had this to say about the controversy, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country the oppressed black people and people of color.”

Yes, you do have the right to protest, but don’t forget the pain and sacrifices that veterans past and present have endured to keep you safe. Without them you likely wouldn’t be standing, or in this case kneeling, where you are today.

Many people don’t even realize the reason that we play the National Anthem is to honor the many men and

women that fought for this country. In an ESPN article by Luke Cyphers and Ethan Trex, it is suggested the reason for the playing of National Anthem at sporting events is because,”Our nation honors war. Our nation loves sports.

Our nation glorifies winning. Our national anthem strikes all three chords at the same time.”

A personal service announcement to all that kneel for the flag: You DON’T get respect by showing disrespect.

Kaepernick and others use the National Anthem as a platform, kneeling down to draw attention to themselves while kneeing the veterans holding up the platform square in the face.

As a publications staff, we encourage you to show respect for the sacrifice that others made to keep you safe. If you have a need to protest for something other than an attempt at spiting the president, then protest, but please find a different venue. Don’t take away the recognition that the National Anthem brings for the men and women who have served our country. We ask you to stand when you are asked to stand, and put your hand on your heart for the two minutes it takes to acknowledge the veterans, and the country that gave you the opportunity to do so.

— For The Editorial Board

BRIEFLY STATED Students focus on Class Leadership Junior Natalie Nichols practices writing uplifting notes with fellow junior Jillian Millhouse and meets new people during Class Leadership, October 3. “I enjoyed class leadership and liked meeting new people,” Nichols said.

Zeroto100 Have you ever wondered about all the cool stuff going on around SHS, and then thought of all the unfortunate stuff to happen? Here’s your guide to all the hot, and cold, stuff going on at SHS.

Lydia Miller qualifies for state. Miller placed 4th at regionals and finished 12th at state.

Volleyball split 1-1 on senior night, beating Center in two sets and loosing to Sedgwick in three.

“I have to be really careful about how I manage my time and I have to prioritize.”

Senior Katie Comley,

The homecoming football game was canceled mid game due to bad weather.

explains how she balances school, sports, work and extracurricular activities.

Sterling High School |

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| November 2017

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NEWS

KSHSAA announces 2017-18 divisions, classification changes for 2018-19 school year Taya Wilson The Kansas High School Activities Association has classified Sterling High School in the 3A division in all sports for the 2017-18 school year. Next year football will be competing in the 2A division in District 7 with five other schools which include: Cimarron, Ellinwood, Lakin, Lyons and Southwestern Heights.

Although sub-state and regional assignments have not yet been announced, many coaches see differences between 2A and 3A that could affect Sterling High School athletics.

“The obvious advantages to 2A is that you get to play smaller schools so sometimes that helps with depth issues, we have similar depth with some of the smaller schools, but you’re still going to have to beat the best in order to do the things that we want to accomplish,” Football and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Derek Schneider said.

Even with the differences in size between 2 and 3A schools there are always be competitive teams to play.

“I don’t know that there are advantages or disadvantages, 3A is tough. If you drop to 2A there is a chance of playing Central Plains and they’re tough. So wherever you go, I think, you’ve got to beat the best to be the best,” Jill Rowland, head coach of the women’s basketball said.

Along the line of divisions, talk has arisen about the new changes that will be brought in the next school year, due to the fact that KSHAA passed two proposals in June that will change the size and number of classifications in football and the size of classifications in all other sports at the beginning of 2018-19 school year.

While for the upcoming school year classifications will remain the same; in the 2018-19 school year, for all activities except football there will be 36 teams in 6A, 5A and 4A, 64 teams in 3A and 2A with the remaining 116 teams competing in 1A. “My coaches liked it, the HOA League Commissioner was in favor of it and I couldn’t find any reason not to vote for it. To me this decision was not a reinvention but a going back to what it

Reporter @_twils__ use to be,” Sterling High School’s Principal Bill Anderson on his decision to vote for the class changes said.

Although with different sports there were some differing opinions. Tennis coach Curtis Thompson sees some problems in how the new divisions will affect his tennis teams.

“Someone thought there were going to be too many schools in 4A tennis they moved more schools down into the 3-2-1A division which will make things harder with at least one extra school because players will have to win more matches to qualify (for state),” Thompson said.

Women’s Head Basketball Coach Jill Rowland notes that the division changes benefit basketball on the girls side.

“At first I didn’t know how it would pan out, but after looking at it a little closer I think that the new classifications could probably benefit us with the fact that we’ll be against schools more our size. There will always be competition and it won’t make it easier for us, but we’ll go from being the smallest 3A to being grouped with schools that are as competitive and more comparable to our enrollment,” Rowland said.

Others, like Schneider, believe that it shouldn’t bring about too many changes for the future.

“I haven’t looked super into detail about the new classifications, mostly because it won’t affect us until next year, but I do think that it’s good,” Schneider said. “It levels things out in the upper classes like 4A and as for us, whether we’re in 2A or 3A, we’ll still have really strong competition and will have good teams to compete against.”

Calculating the changes using the 2016-17 enrollment numbers classification ranges for all activities except football would be: 6A, 2,348 – 1331 students; 5A, 1,318 – 709 students; 4A, 699-319 students; 3A, 314 – 180 students; 2A, 179 – 107 students and 1A, 107 – 23 students.

With this year’s enrollment of 161 students, Sterling is projected to be in the 2A classification next year.

Seasonal Changes Football 48 teams 8 districts 6 teams/districts Volleyball 8 sub-states 8 teams/district 4

Cross Country 4 regionals 16 teams/regional Top 10 individuals advance to state

Track and Field 4 regionals 16 teams/regionals Softball 8 sub-states 7-8 teams/sub-state

Basketball 64 teams 8 sub-states 8 teams/sub-state Must win 3 games

Wrestling 4 regionals Top 4 wrestlers advance to state Golf No changes

ONE PAGE FOCUS

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ aims to impress audiences Natalie Nichols

Reporter @Natalie.e.n

Norman Jewison’s “Fiddler on the Roof ” is a story of family and tradition in the Jewish culture during the Russian Revolution in 1906. Tevye, played by junior Jacob Pieplow, has to marry off three of his daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, played by seniors Mia Stinemetz, Katie Comley, and junior Debi Schmidt.

This year’s musical, taking place in November, has many actors and actresses enthused for their big roles.

“I’m excited that I get to be on stage more than I’ve ever been on stage in any show. I get to sing; I get to work with so many fun people, iconic songs, and just this fun, happy, jolly guy that I get to play,” Pieplow said.

Despite the smaller roles, others are eager to put on the show and perform.

“The first opening night is my favorite because all the work is put into the first night. The opening night is like your jitters, and you’re excited to show everybody.” Stinemetz said.

It appears the loss of some great voices and talent won’t stop this from being a excellent production.

“We have a lot of senior girls who are soloists, and then Pieplow is a fine actor. We also have other guys who are character actors, and then a lot of leading lady types with nice voices,” play director Betsy Dutton said.

Great actors, directors, sets, and scenes will compile into an exceptional musical enjoyable for all.

“There’s a couple of scenes in there that are kind of goofy and scary and fun, so I think that people will enjoy that,” Stinemetz said.

If You Go

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Date: Nov. 9, 10, 11 Location: Sterling High School Auditorium Ticket Prices: $4 for children, $5 for adults

(Photo by Natalie Nichols) Senior choreographer Aniston Ramsey instructs cast members on the show’s opening number, “Traditions.” Overall, Ramsey is teaching dances to 38 cast members.

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| November 2017

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Naturally Enriching Lives

www.sterlingbulletin.com A proud supporter of

USD 376

Academics, Activities and

the Cub Reporter

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107 N. Broadway, Sterling

Have you ordered your yearbook yet?

The 2018 yearbook is on-sale for $40 until Christmas break!

See Mr. Vogts today!

NEWS Despite unconventional finish to game, students enjoy homecoming festivities Mckiah san miguel Editor @kiiaahhh Sterling’s high school homecoming took quite a different outcome than expected. To start off our usual Friday game, adjustments were already being made due to the poor weather that took place. The crowning of the homecoming king and queen was moved prior of the game, and was a success with Seniors John and Camille Schweizer as the winning canidates.

After the crowning, the homecoming game against Ell-Saline was cut short by an entire half, and a few minutes of the second quarter. Soon the game was cancelled and was to be rescheduled Saturday, but Ell-Saline decided to forfeit the game. Regardless of all the chaos, the homecoming dance was still to take place that Saturday evening.

“Due to the weather, delay of coronation, and game delay/ cancellation, homecoming was extremely chaotic,” sophomore Elizabeth Horsch said.

Although the original homecoming day was ruined with poor weather, the SHS student made the best of it.

“Getting to dance with my friends and spend time with them was great, and I can’t wait for other people to enjoy it like I did next year,” Horsch said.

Ro

yal

Cha

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(Staff Photo) Junior Lydia Miller plays air gutair to a song at the homecoming dance held on October 7th at Studio 96.

STAFF THANKS

Mrs. Carol Prather, You are an unsung hero of Sterling High School. Whether you are staying late to help students with projects or doing last-minute alterations of prom dresses or other pieces of clothing, you exemplify what it means to be a Black Bear!

You are a rock star in every way. Thank you for always being you and caring so deeply for the students.

— Black Bear Supporters Sterling High School |

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| November 2017

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FEATURE

Private Aniston Ramsey salutes in her uniform. She joined the United States Army Reserves last December.

(Photo By Kaylie Zimmerman)

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LEGACYTO

REPRESENT Student Joins Military, Experiences More Rigorous Summer Kaylie Zimmerman

Reporter @kayliezimm

‘I am nothing without my weapon, and my weapon is nothing without me.’

Finally. That one-hundredth copy of the same sentence, written through physical and mental exhaustion, fighting to stay awake senior Aniston Ramsey would never leave her weapon unattended again. Not only was there the thought of getting smoked with physical muscle failure, but she had a legacy to represent.

She was part of something bigger than just herself. She was now a part of the U.S. Army.

“My dad inspired me,” Ramsey said. “I joined because it would continue a family tradition and help me with college.”

For Ramsey, being a member of the United States Army is a family legacy which she decided to continue in December of 2016. While her family has a lot history in the army, Ramsey is the first female in her family to enlist, and she is the first to enlist of three girls and and four boys from SHS who are considering joining the army. She was the only student last year who enlisted.

Her best friend, senior Hannah Vogt, was surprised by the announcement that Ramsey decided to join.

“It happened really fast,” Vogt said. “She was just like ‘by the way, I’m going to basic’.

So it was really crazy for me, but I was really proud of her for making that decision.”

She is a PV2, or Private Second Class, and wears the PV2 insignia on her uniform.

This is the second rank of thirteen in the enlisted army.

“I will rank up hopefully,” Ramsey said. “That will help with education in the military along with schooling.”

Sterling High School |

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| November 2017

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Photo By Kaylie Zimmerman Private Aniston Ramsey went to Basic Combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina for 10 weeks. “I was worried I wouldn’t make it but those fears are gone because obviously I made it,” Ramsey said.

Enlisted soldiers enter basic combat training as a private. Ramsey was promoted to PV2 for good test scores during her ten weeks of basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina this summer.

Her graduation was the big finale of basic training, and Ramsey got a little surprise to cap it all off.

“I went out there with her dad, Grant, for her graduation,” Vogt said. “It was like 16 hours. I surprised her, she had no idea I was coming. She couldn’t even really see me at first. I was hugging her and then she was like ‘oh my gosh it’s Hannah!’ She was really excited and we cried.”

The graduation itself had unique aspects, but also saw some traditional rituals that could be seen at any other graduation.

“It was a really big ceremony,” Vogt said. “There were hardly any spots for people to sit because it was so full. They had the soldiers come out of the forest and they had all this green smoke that

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they walked through. They had everybody walk up there in their platoons, and then they called their names.”

This ceremony is a big day for the graduates, as it marks the end of basic training, and is only earned by achieving good scores on the pass-or-fail testing grade.

“I had to pass all requirements such as training, weapons, and a physical training test, Ramsey said. “My physical training score was a 272 out of 300. I had the best score of my platoon and only one more female beat me in the entire company.”

A platoon consists of forty to fifty soldiers, while a company generally consists of about three to six platoons. Also due to Ramsey’s good physical training score, she was rewarded with ten minutes of phone usage, which was otherwise completely restricted.

“We could not use any technology,” Ramsey said. “No phones unless we did something right. We could send letters

though.”

However, it was difficult to find time to write letters. A normal day started with an air horn at 4 a.m. Physical training would fill the time until breakfast at 7:30 a.m., which was followed by training and weapon practice.

“We did many events,” Ramsey said, “like training for weapons, obstacle courses, and ruck marches.”

Before more training in the afternoon, there was lunch. Sometimes it was eating in the DFAC (Dining Facility), other times it was eating MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) while out training.

“The food was actually really good,” she said. “They had like stuffed cod and waffles and pancakes.”

After dinner at 6:30 p.m., there would be hydration formation until 9 p.m., then toe the line.

“My favorite part of the day was breakfast because we got waffles or pancakes,” Ramsey said. “My least favorite part was

getting smoked for other people messing up.”

‘Getting smoked’ is a form of punishment that consists of push ups, sit ups, bear crawls, or other hard physical activity until the drill sergeant says to stop.

“If we broke any rules,” Ramsey said, “we would be smoked or had to take extra shifts during the night.”

Still, for Ramsey, punishments weren’t the hardest part about basic. Ramsey and Vogt both mentioned the communication restrictions with friends and family.

“The hardest part was not being able to see Aniston or talk to her at all for about three months,” Vogt said, “and not being able to consult with my best friend.”

Separation can have good effects and bad effects, and this was something that was a worry for the two friends when it came to their unique relationship.

“We operate like an old couple,” Vogt said. “We fight a lot but she always takes care of me and I take care of her. Being away from somebody is really hard, but I think that we were both able to grow in different ways.”

This growth included being able to be

separated but still share experiences with each other when reunited.

“We were both worried about what it would do to our relationship,” Vogt said, “but ultimately I think it made it stronger.”

Ramsey said besides being unable to talk to family and friends, special expeditions were the worst.

“The hardest thing was the FTXs [Field Training Exercises],” Ramsey said.

“They were big camping trips and I felt gross and we got smoked the most. And the sand and dirt got in our weapons.”

If you are headed to basic combat training, Ramsey says to be prepared mentally, respect other soldiers, and recognize the big picture of helping protect our country. If you have considered joining the army, but aren’t sure if it is for you, she says it’s a good idea to weigh your options carefully.

“I did it too fast. I thought about it and within two weeks I was enlisted. I wasn’t thinking about how huge of an impact it would have on my life. It’s nice to be in because I’ll be able to help others, and I’ll be able to be a part of that one percent

that’s hopefully changing the world in some way. But definitely think about it before you just jump into it. There’s a lot to think about,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey was changed when she returned from basic, and these changes did not go unnoticed by her best friend. Both of the friends grew in many ways.

“I think she was able to see things differently,” Vogt said, “from being part of something bigger. She really has a lot of respect now for our country and people who fight.”

Aside from physical and army training, basic also included training in honor and respect for our country and troops.

“You have to be respectful and you have to be nice to others,” Ramsey said.

“Once you put that uniform on you can’t think about yourself you have to think of everyone as a whole and you have to treat them like they’re your best friend. You’re representing that flag and you’re representing the patch that says U.S. Army.

You’re a part of something bigger than just yourself.”

Persons interesting in joining the miltary should talk to counselor Tina Wohler.

Courtesy Photos Above: Recruits enter the gas chambers during the final, red phase, of Basic Training.

Left: Ramsey and fellow recruits prepare for their next drill at Basic Training.

Far Left: Ramsey poses in her uniform for individual photos.

Sterling High School |

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| November 2017 11

INFOGRAPHIC

Autmn Guilty Pleasures

‘Tis the season for big scarves, pumpkin spice everything, and fantasy football excitement as the season begins to transition from summer to fall with changing colors and crisp air. (Percentages taken from 62 students) Horror Movies- The thrill. The suspense. The horror.

Horror movies are a great way to get in the mood for the Halloween season with monsters and thrillers beyond your wildest imagination.

58%

National Football League- For all those football fans,

football is a great way to start off the fall season with the Super Bowl ahead and great times spent with your friends and family rooting for your favorite team.

54%

Fall Candles- The sweet smells of freshly picked apples,

pumpkin spice, and cinnamon is always something to look forward to during the autumn season. Surrounding your house with these sweet smells always adds happiness to the season.

90%

Leaves Changing Colors- As the cool summer breeze

changes to crisp cool air, the leaves begin to change from bright green to shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown, creating childhood memories of leaf piles and laughter.

Apple Cider- Apple season is here! The strong combina-

tion of cinnamon and apples gives the fall season a sweet drink. A warm cup of cider will surely heat up your insides during the cold months.

68% 12

95%

Pumpkin Pie- Nothing beats a good Thanksgiving meal

without the delicious taste of pumkin pie for dessert. Top off a slice with a spoonful of whip cream and celebrate with your family.

53%

Pumpkin Spice Lattes- Starbucks is back with its favorite

fall drink to enjoy while studying for those long tests. What else screams a basic white girl than pumpkin spice lattes?

81%

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| November 2017 13

SPORTS

THE SHS

The Cub Reporter strives to cover everything we can, but with so many things going on in fall it can be difficult.

And so: The SHS Extra Inning was born. Here we cover everything we can fit in this space.

EXTRA INNING Andy Norez

Reporter

@andy_norez

Another Chapter

Sophomore Brady Myers

Sophomore Luke Harding

Junior Nikki Clark

Who plays what?

Senior Kelsie Boeken

The Cub Reporter takes a look at absences from sports

16%

0% 44% 40% Work/Home Conflicts

Just don’t want to

STATE TENNIS Lydia Miller preparing to return the ball at the K.S.H.S.A.A. State Championship.

(Photo by McKiah San Miguel)

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Other School Activities

Other

As Volleyball comes to a close this year some familiar faces will not be returning. While some people think that sports won’t have an impact on your life after High School.

Many athletes will be able to take the skills that they have gained from sports with them into the real world. For example skills that might have been aquired; teamwork which will be

a very useful skill that they will need to order to become successful. Determination that will allow them to continue to be persistant in their future endeavors even in tough times. Some might even have developed leadership, which is not an easy thing to achieve.

Not all Volleyball players will have achieved these by the time they become seniors but they will have developed useful skills.

Q&A

XC Runner Colton Sant

CUB REPORTER: What’s been the biggest change from Jr. High XC to High School XC? Colton: How competitive it’s become, in Jr. High it was about getting a personal best while in High School is about competing in Varsity.

Trying to get the best spot and pushing yourself to get better.

CR: What do enjoy most about XC? C: I enjoy getting out and supporting others while they’re running.

CR: Why did you decide to do XC? C: I didn’t have a Fall sport and I might as well stay out and do something active, I also get to know more people.

CR: Are your teammates very supportive of eachother?

C: The team is very supportive and go out of their way to support one another usually.

OPINIONS POINT / COUNTERPOINT

Christianity VS Education

Christianity plays a key role When does religion over step in lives of Sterling students in a school environment?

Christianity has been an apparent aspect in Sterling High School for many years as coaches continue to put passages of scripture on the backs of shirts and the freedom to talk about Jesus in classrooms.

With this, a problem arises as it is against school policy for expressions of religion to come from faculty and staff. In my opinion, I believe religion should be able to be expressed regardless of the policy. New Superintendent Jim Goracke believes that the policy should be followed as he is more worried about this than our student beliefs.

We’ve been able to show our religion freely for many years, so why change it now?

On the flip side, if there ever was a complaint from a parent about it, then it no longer is allowed, but if everyone is on board and OK with it, then I believe it should be given authorization. Even though our school isn’t classified as a “Christian” school, we always have been by nature.The majority of Sterling’s community has always been religious in the Christian aspects, and it then later rubs off in our educational institutions as we go to a small school.

For example, Sterling is well-known for Sterling Services Call Center, which allows people to call in and receive prayers for their daily struggles.

COLUMN BY MORGAN ANDERSON @_morgs.__ Religion is everywhere in this town and in a way defines who we are as a community.

We never force our religion upon students who don’t believe, but we do enjoy showing our love for Jesus in sports.

For example, teams always pray before they leave for away games, and if anyone doesn’t want to, they are free to not pray or even leave the bus.

Teams also enjoy putting passages of scripture on the backs of warmup shirts in order to show their faith on the court or field. Many students feel the importance of Jesus as it helps them excel in sports and their academics for they rely on the power of Christ.

Church and State are the two biggest driving forces of America.

Because of this, they’re bound to clash on occasion, especially in an educational environment.

While religion in schools is an important part of a education, there comes a point that it makes an appearance too often.

Religion has many beneficial aspects, but it also has some negative aspects as well, which is why there are guidelines that the state set to prevent a school from forcing their beliefs on a student.

This is especially important in small schools. One religion may be dominant, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only one.

Even so, it often crushes others. This can have the

Sterling High School |

COLUMN BY ANDY NOREZ @Andy_norez repercussion of students being unable to share their ideas because people are quick to jump on anyone who has a different opinion.

If religion is too present in a school, then a lot of opinions and viewpoints from students who believe different things than the majority are lost.

This robs people of being able to think on things and see things from someone else’s point of view.

This is a huge part of being a grown up, listening to others, seeing from their viewpoint and not jumping on them and yelling, “you’re wrong,” based simply on what your God says.

It prevents people from having a stable stance on their beliefs.

It’s normally viewed or justified by, “I think this because it’s what my religion thinks.”

Too much of it prevents people from being able to have conversations on touchy subjects because they have grown up around stubborn people, and they can’t connect with different minded people.

Religion in school is not a bad thing, but allowing the state to have a larger opinion is just as harmful.

There is such thing as too much of a good thing.

www.sterlingcubreporter.com

| November 2017 15

ENTERTAINMENT NOTE: Killer Serial Fiction is a part of Sterling Student Publications. It is the home of creative writing by Sterling High School creative writing students. Stories appearing here are works of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. These stories are presented for entertainment purposes only and are not intended to be read as being part of Sterling Student Publications news coverage. For more stories, visit www.sterlingstudentpublications.com/fiction.

The Forgiving Storm

BY SHELBY DRIER Standing on the shore and watching the waves come closer to my little pink toenails used to be my favorite thing to do.

I watched as the powerful waves knocked over sand castles and pushed surfers off their boards.

I remember thinking of how cool it would be to have the ocean come closer, today I would push the ocean far from land and run from rising tides.

Today was a beautiful day.

The depths of the ocean cried silently to the shore, and the palm trees swayed just enough to give your hair a slight flow.

It was early enough in the morning it would be perfect for a surf.

I grab my things and my dog Cocoa and make my way to the shore.

Over my overused swimsuit I slipped on my surfing suit. I began paddling out into the water, gently riding the waves waiting for the one to bring me to my feet.

I hung my legs in the water and feel as the tiny fish nibble on my bare toes.

The clear blue tint of the ocean exposes its secrets as turtles and starfish a line the sandy bottom.

Deep in thought I was quickly alarmed by the rising tide.

The tide showed strength and power. My adrenaline shot through my body as I got in my starting position.

I paddled quickly towards the upcoming wave. I approached the wave with excitement running through my veins.

I used all my strength to push my body weight up on my board. I watched as the now aggravated sea animals move around frantically from the unwanted excitement.

A few seconds into gliding on the ferocious water I feel my balance begin to slide as the power of the ocean over takes my body.

My board begins to crack from the angry tide.

I gasped as my face hits the salty water. From up above, the sky begins to turn a dark grey and the ocean’s secrets now are hidden.

I struggle to come up for air as the tide gets higher, my body tossed around like a rag doll.

I can feel as the knot begins to form in my stomach as I am short on breath.

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My eyes fill with salt water creating a burning sensation.

I hear the faint call from Cocoa barking from shore, but the water eventually swallows the sound as the water seeps into my ears.

The ocean creates a break in excitement and allows me a chance to escape.

I rise to the surface gasping for air.

I look behind me and see the next and more powerful wave approaching fast.

I frantically paddle back to the shore, the wave creating a shadow above my tired figure.

My eyes were slow to open. The salt burned the inner corners of my eyes as I watched the stormy clouds vanish and the sun peak through. My tired body coming to conclusion of the defeat the ocean had on me. The sand sticking to the back of my head causing it to itch, but I couldn’t feel anything.

I was numb.

The seagulls soared high above as my tired body laid on the deserted beach. I wanted to call for help, but I knew the only response I would get would be the sound of the water hitting the rocks at shore.

With all the force I had, I lifted my upper body of the velcro like sand and began to get up.

I felt my blood begin to flow again and with nothing but adrenaline I stood up.

As I stood at the very edge of shore I looked myself up and down and began to realize my battle wounds.

My once pink toenails were scratched and showed signs of bleeding and bruising.

My left leg had been sliced by what I was assuming was the aftermath of the ocean breaking my board.

My body had been used as the oceans rag doll.

Tears began to pour down my face leaving trails as they fell to the sandy bottom.

I stood there for several minutes looking out past the waves and water and looked to the sky.

Reds blues and purples painted a canvas above the now light blue water.

With one more deep breath I turned my back on the ocean and began walking back home.