12th Grade
1st Place – Jeb Harrilal
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I Shall Not Want"
I can recall when my mother was a glow of radiance, a bright burst that magnified all that surrounded her. These characteristics are still evident, but they have been scarred because she has undergone a major surgery. Because of her shaken faith, my personal feelings have also taken a downward spiral. This surgery has put an immense strain on me, but the difficult time has strengthened all aspects of my life.
My mother has the skin of light cinnamon that has not been dried, free of any mark or blemish. Her face is accentuated by deep caramel eyes that invite all kings of people to feel welcome, sit close, and talk deep personal truth. She has a particular attraction to and for children, and they who are not fooled easily, feel her strong love. She even goes to the extent of greeting them with a hug and smile and gives them a coin or candy or the "right word at the right time." Here's a dollar, Jahmal, and a word, "Patience."
These characteristics remained present until my mother had surgery. Bering a diabetic, the probability of contracting complications with her feet was becoming more than ever realistic. In due course, my mother began experiencing severe discomfort with her feet, particularly the little toe on her left foot. Eventually, the merciless pain became unbearable for my mother; she worried endlessly about the pain and where it would lead. With pessimism circling in her mind, she arranged for a doctor's appointment. The doctor's opinion was one that was predicted, amputation of the little toe on her left foot. After receiving this horrid news, my mother's face showed deep sorrow. She bent her head, and shook it back and forth, saying "Oh God, Oh God." A stream of tears began tippling off her eyelashes, nose and cheeks like a child that had just been gravely disappointed or punished. She was completely distraught, emotionally and mentally, and the series of postponements, some on the very morning of surgery did not help.
The day came, the surgery was a success, and my mother would be discharged the following day. I had mixed feelings. I could not tell the expression she would display after the surgery. After the surgery, my mother found it difficult to accept what had happened to her. She was completely fatigued, mentally, spiritually and physically, after going through such a major surgery. After the operation, she seldom spoke, and when she did, she did with discomfort, sorrow, and rage. She often shouted biblical phrases and religious songs. She chanted the first line of the twenty-third psalm repeatedly saying "The Lora is my Shepherd, I shall not want, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Her diction and emotional strength had deteriorated almost instantaneously. In addition, she expressed her desire to die and to be at rest with her deceased father and grandmother. Being her only child, I expected her dismal attitude but her death wish shocked me. I felt sympathetic for my mother, my heart bled for her, but I was glad to take her home.
This is where the power of love intervened. This is where understanding, consideration, and most importantly, love was essential. I had to maintain tranquility among the tremulous tides that crashed against my own fatigued figure. I had to be calm amidst the storm. I had to accept the responsibilities and roles of a parent, while still being a child to my mother. I, most importantly, had to be patient. I had to be able to respond to my mother's needs more than I ever imagined.
Sacrifice. I was faced with it time and again now. I had to sacrifice being on the football team, I had to sacrifice art classes, weight lifting, and doing voluntary work for my community, a requirement for graduation. I had to sacrifice my desire to get a job and earn some spending money, and the desire of having an intimate relationship. My entire being was solely dedicated to my mother. I had adapted to the role of the sole provider, but I was gravely disappointed, and saddened by this situation that had swallowed me.
Attending to my mother was not an easy task. Her inability to walk had made her completely bed ridden. I wept endlessly and deeply, both internally and externally. I never really thought anything would make me cry, but seeing my mother in her melancholic state made me cry. Though I often felt this way, I never allowed myself to be overwhelmed by this feeling of pity. Her helplessness as I went off to school matched my own helplessness wondering if I had done enough to make sure she would be ok until I returned. My return, after a few short hours of relief at school, meant returning to duty.
I had to take care of domestic responsibilities, such as cleaning, cooking and grocery shopping. I also had to dress her wound daily, and make sure she was given insulin for her frequently high glucose levels. I had to bathe her and keep her company, to bolster her mood and hide my own. The most strenuous, but essential thing that I had to do for my mother was to transport her to and from the doctor. I had to lift her to and from the vehicle, onto the boat, off the boat, to the taxi, out the taxi and into the doctor's office, and then repeat for the home trip. Being a woman of a short, and moderately heavy build, I often found it difficult to lift her for such long durations. It was both a mental and physical struggle on my behalf. Often I said a silent prayer to myself saying "Lord, give the strength and courage to lift my mother both physically and emotionally." With the faith that the Lord has fixed within me, I never stumbled, nor did I fall with my mother in my arms. While I took care of my mother, I still had responsibilities of my own, many of which I found extremely difficult to accomplish. It wasn't easy meeting my high academic standards, nor was it easy to maintain poise with the poor productivity of work I had been producing. I gained humility when my mother lost her toe.
Though I open-heartedly accepted this role as the "sole provider", I was far from prepared. I often found myself locked in solitude; I became an introvert; I disattached myself from all social relationships. Despite the trying time I've experienced, the Lord has given me the faith to accept the situation, and to overcome what has happened in my mother's life and mine. We have grown strong, my mother and I, and through her mournful outcries and my silent prayers, I have adopted the twenty-third psalm as my law of life. In times of trial and difficulty, I resort to these words! "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." One day soon, my mother shall stand upright and walk out of stagnation.
2nd Place – Elroy Allen
Individual Metamorphosis
It was ninety-two degrees as I stood there with beads of sweat rolling off my face. There was more than one drill instructor shouting commands. He shouted, "A…bout, face, pa…rade, rest, stand at…ease." She shouted, "Present…arms, order…arms." Unable to comprehend these commands clearly, I became nervous and I started shaking uncontrollably. Thoughts of giving up frequently entered my mind as I stood on the drill floor. It was virtually impossible for me to execute each command with precision and grace. I turned left when I should have turned right, my salute was crooked, and I hesitated to execute commands much too often. I became highly frustrated and my body filled with rage. I sighted a senior cadet expeditiously making his way to my platoon. I shuddered to think what he might say about my poor performance. My knees buckled as a result of anxiety and my body became numb. I held my head high, refused to succumb to the pressure, and stuck it out. The first couple of weeks were a grueling test of my individuality, my sense of self. Determined to succeed, I did not give up. In doing so, the JROTC program instilled in me self-discipline, a strong work ethic, and an indispensa
ble amount of leadership skills.
Self-discipline is essential in assessing situations thoroughly, implementing plans, and meeting goals successfully. These are difficult skills required to complete tasks and meet deadlines. I had to complete each directive precisely. As a first year cadet, adapting to this new way of life was not a simple affair, however, I mastered the skills of assessment and precise implementation through self-discipline. I found that once I set a strong foundation of self-discipline, anything was possible. I began to excel in the program. As one of the three highest ranking first year cadets, I acquired the superior cadet medal. In the summer of that year, I attended summer camp and graduated as the distinguished cadet; the top one percent of all cadets at camp. By my second year, I became a team leader, and held the third highest position within the battalion. I gained awards each year, which set me apart from the group. By my third year, I held the highest position and rank achievable through the program. My rapid promotion through the ranks, and numerous awards, symbolized my good self-discipline. Success seemed to breed success.
Self-discipline and hard work go hand in had. Dreams can be reached and goals can be accomplished with hard work. The program gives each cadet the opportunity to grow as a positive individual. I looked up to the senior cadets as role models. I watched them closely, observing their work ethics. I mimicked their seriousness. They were the first to arrive to events and the last to leave. They gave up most of their personal life to contribute to the program. They made sacrifices to get the job done. I took this trait and applied it to my school work and my job. Shortly after I did this, I noticed an improvement in my grades, and my employers noticed my increased productivity. I recollect having an in-depth conversation with my Army Instructor, Sergeant Major Ward. From that conversation, I learned that I had to work hard to achieve goals. At that point, I made up my mind that I would work hard and strive to be the best in everything I did. It was at this point, too, that I realized I wanted to lead, not follow.
Important lessons on leadership are taught everyday in the JROTC classroom. We cadets share a mutual respect. Arguments held in public are impermissible. We are encouraged to have private meetings to discuss our problems, like civilized individuals. This method of problem solving taught us how to deal with issues effectively. We function with a high level of professionalism. We take full responsibility for our actions. This contributes to the making of great leaders for leadership ability is more than just giving orders. A leader is an ideal role model, able to think on his/her feet, and make decisions that are beneficial to many. Leaders must also be food followers. Knowing when to lead the way and when to step aside and follow are the abilities of a true leader. The JROTC program improved my leadership skills greatly. What I learned as a cadet aided me as a individual.
The JROTC program has molded me into a self-disciplined, hard-working leader. Self-discipline is an essential part of overcoming obstacles. Through the teachings of the program, I was able to overcome many obstacles that stood in the way of reaching my goals, namely, peer-pressure, uncertainty, and stress. I am able to identify goals which are of most significance to me, and utilize self-motivation to pursue these goals. The program has inspired me to work extra hard to gain positive results. It has assisted me in becoming a firm leader; enabling me to make crucial decisions. The JROTC program has transformed me into a well rounded, confident individual.
3rd Place – Mone't Francis
As Is Our Confidence So IS Our Capacity
Life is a journey filled with many tasks to accomplish. The amount of goals one achieves is determined by the person's will to do so. Self-confidence and determination are very important factors when achieving great things. Those two factors have helped me to accomplish many challenges and will continue to motivate me when achieving my goals in the future. "As is our confidence so is our capacity." (William Hector)
As young as four years old, I've had great determination. Although my parents were cautious and hesitant about teaching me to swim, I was determined and confident to do so. As a child, I can remember my father taking my siblings and myself to Coki Point Beach. My father is a great swimmer and has taught all my sisters how to swim. He would swim far out and dive into the water. He would pick sand from the surface and lift his hand out of the water to show us that he had dove to the bottom. Watching my father swim motivated me to learn and I was confident that I could. I would practice swimming around the shoreline with the assistance of my father, while my sisters and cousins swam and played games farther out. Even after swallowing a gallon of salt water in the effort of trying I remained persistent. I would practice for hours until my face was raw with sunburn and the sting of the salt water became unbearable. When I finally got a hang of it I was ready to dive and play with my sisters and cousins. Everyone including my mom was astonished when they was how well I swam at such a young age. I would follow my dad out in the water and dive with him until I got tried and he brought me back to shore. My determination played a great role in me learning to swim and I now consider myself to be a great swimmer.
Little accomplishments such as learning to swim have built my self-confidence and strengthen my determination. In the past 16 years of my life I have accomplish many challenges that life has toss my way. I am very proud of my achievements and they have shown me that "the difference between the impossible and possible is within the person's determination" (Tommy Lasorda). Individuals who lack confidence, and determination seldom, if ever, accomplish anything. I am confident that I will be successful in my future endeavors. Being that I set high standards for myself it would take great self-confidence and determination to do so.
The people that support you also amplify your self-confidence and determination. My family, friends, and teachers have played a great role in my life. They have supported me in all that I have set my mind to achieve and have helped me to make wise decisions. My parents have taught me to never back down from challenges and always stand tall while pursuing my dreams. The build up of self-confidence starts at a very young age and my supporters have built mines to the point where I have strong beliefs in myself. "No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings"; the support of my family and friends has helped me to be the confident and determined person I am today.
Although I have not won every competition that I have entered, the experience of participating in several activities such as art and writing competitions is a reward in itself. I am confident that I can be successful and I will achieve my destiny. "As is our confidence so is our capacity."
11th Grade
1st Place – Kassandra Sasso
It's OK to be different
Who are you calling stupid? Right from the start let's get this straight. I am not stupid. I am not dumb, lazy or retarded. What I am is different. I don't think and process things the way most people do. People always want to have their own special style when it comes to hair, and clothes but when it comes to personalities they think everyone should be the same. Well, I am not like everyone else. If I could have a theme song it would probably be "I Did It My Way." As a result, I often hear the comment "You're so weird". Some people say it in a negative way, trying to "dis" me. Others just say it to describe my behavior. And when people say these things about me it makdes me feel bad. I usually, don't let them know that it bothers me, but it does. It always has.
Looking back, I'
ve always known I was different. In elementary school all the kids loved to go to art class. Not me! I hated art. It was torture to me. A simple thing like cutting with scissors was a nightmare. Drawing was nearly impossible. I still don't do it well, because I don't see things like other people. I loved music, but playing an instrument was very difficult for me, because trying to read the music was very frustrating. I never had trouble when it came to memorizing things. Times tables, spelling words, poetry-no problem! So school was not very hard for me in the elementary grades. I got good grades. Young children are kinder and more accepting than teenagers and so I had lots of friends at school.
Junior high was the time that I began to really notice that the friends I used to have suddenly were changing. They were growing up and it seemed like I was staying the same. I don't like change at all. Change scares me. I feel most comfortable when I know exactly what is going to happen. I surely didn't fit the typical teenage image. I don't like to talk on the phone. I know that is strange. Conversations are hard for me. It's hard for me to get my thoughts out sometimes. I get so frustrated and then I just stop trying. The worse thing of all is that I cry. I will cry over anything. I don't mean to. I just do. Nobody wants to hang around with a "baby". Image is everything when you're a teen.
Just as I was going to high school I finally got the answer to why I was not like everybody else. I was diagnosed as having a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. This explained a lot of the things that I'd been trying to understand why things that were so simple to most people often seemed hopeless for me. Suddenly I had the answers, but it didn't make me feel better. In fact it made me feel worse. I didn't want to be different. That is what motivated me to focus on my grades. I worked really hard in my classes. I wanted to show that I was like everyone else. I made the honor roll each report card. I was inducted into National Honor Society. I was very proud of myself. What I hadn't realized was that in an effort to be like everyone else, I had made myself a part of another group of "different people." That helped me to understand that different isn't always a bad thing to be.
I had to find a way to look on the good side of being different. So what if I laugh a lot and people think I'm silly. At least I'm happy and stress free. My handwriting is still a mess and I still can't draw, but in this day and age that's what they've got computers for. Maybe I'M lucky not to be part of the in crowd. Would I be able to resist the peer pressure of sex, drugs, and liquor? Would I be passing all my classes or cutting class to hang out with my friends? I'm 17 years old, and I get mad because people often mistake my age for 12 or 13. But, when I'm 30 or 40, I'll still look like I'm 20.
This year I made a real effort to try to become involved with extra curricular activities. Social things are really hard for me, because I feel so unsure of myself. I joined the marching band. I wanted to be a majorette even though I had never twirled a baton before. It has been a real inspiration for me not to give up when things are hard. The marching band has also become a symbol of my new attitude. I will not longer stand back and wait for others to accept me on their terms. They can accept me as I am or not al all. I am me, and I can't change that.
I have adopted a quotation from Henry David Thoreau, a poet, author and philosopher, as my motto.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companion, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him keep step to the music which he hears, however distant or far away."
Oh yes, I have learned that my beat may not be the same, but my music is just as beautiful.
2nd Place – Cliva Prince
My Law of Life
My Law of Life is, you never know what you can do until you try. This is my law of my life and I will live by it for the rest of my life. This is my law of life because I feel you should never say you can't unless you gave it a try. If you did not try it how would you know if you can do it.
Once I was in class and we were doing an assignment, the assignment was to write a speech and present it in front for the class. I am a very shy person and when I heard that we were to present it, I said to myself there's no way I can do this, I'm too shy. So the day came when I was supposed to present my speech. Everyone in my class gave an excellent speech, no one was afraid to give their speech. They were all ready to present the speeches except me. So every time she came close to calling my name I would ask to use the bathroom. I did this to avoid being called to present my speech.
Two days later there were no more people to give their presentation except me. So I said to myself you never know what you can do until you try. I said that about five times before I got to the podium. When I got to the podium I took a deep breath and started to give my speech. About two minutes into giving my speech I realized that there was nothing to be afraid of. I realized that things aren't really what they appear to be. After finishing my speech my teacher told me that I did excellent on my presentation. When she told me that I felt really good, my self-esteem was sky high.
When I got home, I couldn't wait to tell my mother the good news about my presentation. She told me that once you put mind on doing something nothing can stop you. I told her you got that right. She also told me that I should never settle for second best always shoot for highest. So about two weeks later a new girl enrolled in our speech class who had the same problem. So I called her aside and told her that I had the same problem and I worked with her. I practiced her speech with he every day until it was time to give her presentation. When the teacher called her name she went up and gave a wonderful speech also and I hold her you never know what you can do until you try.
In conclusion I would tell everyone that you should try something before you can say you can't. Most of the time when you try you end up doing that thing. So hold your head up high and reach for the stars and don't ever let anyone keep you down. This being my Law of Life and it will never change no matter what.
3rd Place – Quincianny Casimir
Disobedience Spoils Happiness
The lives of young people are drastically being taken over or influenced by peer pressure. As a teenager, one encounters various challenges, whether good or bad. Some of these experiences are life changing or life threatening. One had to decide, by his or her actions, what the outcomes of their experiences are going to be. Various experiences also occur at the prime of infantry. They may teach individual lessons that are vital for survival in that person's everyday life.
My first life changing experience came tome at a very young age but has been a part of me for the past sixteen years. I was always taught that disobedience spoils happiness, but I never listened. At the age of four and a half, I decided to turn away from my principles. When I came home from school on afternoon, I decided to go play a Red Ring of Roses all by myself. My mother was constantly telling me to stop, or I will fall and hurt myself, but, of course, I did not listen. I thought to myself that I could never fall and that she was totally wrong. As the disgusting and disobedient child that I was, I continued spinning. About five minutes later, the unthinkable happened. I fell face first into a solid, concrete floor. The fall was not a mild one.
The impact was so critical that a minute had not passed, and I was already engulfed in blood. My two front teeth went back and up inside my gum. They were so far up that it was as if I had never grown any teeth. I was immediately rushed to the nearest health center in my village. They confirmed what my parents ha
d already knew, that my jaw as broken; and I would be permanently scared. From that moment on I have been suffering.
Despite the fact that my gum is protruding, I am constantly teased and made a public display. I also have to endure the pain of braces and gum inflammation. My mouth bleeds superfluously and makes living unbearable. I now have to undergo a major facial surgery to try and correct what the fall has damaged. It has left a great dent in my heart and also in the pockets of my parents. This surgery will also cost me a period of six to seven months away from school. These are just a number of the consequences I am now facing because of my disobedience.
Obedience is one of the most essential laws of life. It is essential or rather should be a number one priority in the lives of people today. I have grieved and suffered for the past sixteen years and maybe many more to come because of my disobedience. Thanks to my accident, I have learned the true concept of obedience. My accident has brought out and made clear the true meaning of the law Disobedience spoils happiness. I have been anything but happy for the past sixteen years. My life has been made miserable by the people around me, which include my family, my friends, and most of all myself. I made it that way from the moment I decided to stray from the instructions of my mother. It has haunted me for as long as I could remember. I have tried every single thing, but because of my facial appearance, I cannot forget what it means to be disobedient.
Speaking from experience, a person's primary law In life should be to be obedient. It should be the foundation of one's everyday life. According to many, obedience could carry a person a long way, be it in school or at home. Take into great consideration the consequences of disobedience. They may be faced with very complex decisions, where obedience plays a major role, and not know what to do.
Nevertheless, there are many other laws that a child or people should be taught but obedience should be the first. It opens the pathway for all the other laws, for if a person acquires obedience there is no obstacle too hard to overcome. Laws are made to be kept; and if an individual keeps them, him or her will go very far in life.
10th Grade
3rd Place – Kaleen B. Moses
Always Appreciate What You Have
As long as I can remember my mom has always told me that no matter how bad I thought I had it, someone always has it worse. I always asked her, "Who could possibly have it worse that me." Yeah I knew about the homeless people who live on the streets, but I always figured that it was their fault, and if they hated life on the streets so badly that they would find some way to get their life back on track. My way of thinking soon changed after I visited my sister at work one day. My sister is a senior case manager for the St. Thomas St. John District, STD, HIV/AIDS, TB program. She deals with HIV patients; she treats babies, children, teens, adults, and if you can believe it, adults over the age of 60.
It was a boring Saturday morning and I had nothing to do. So my sister decided that I should help her out in her office by filing and answering the phone, things like that, in order to gain some community service hours. When I got there it seemed like any old office. But as I got more into it I started seeing little booklets containing information about different STD's. I picked one of the booklets up, the one I chose was about HIV/AIDS. The booklet mainly discussed how the disease is spread and the different ways to treat it. When I finished the booklet I started to think, but it didn't hit me as yet. I just thought of the book as any other book talking about a disease.
After reading about the disease I saw a couple of picture brochures. After reading what I had just seen I was a little skeptical like any person would be. So right before I opened the brochure I crossed my fingers and took a deep breath. Finally I opened the brochure; this brochure was about all the STD's like chalamydia, herpes, hepatitis A & B, syphilis, etc. it then showed picture of how the STD's looked (in theory). I will never forget one of the comments I read, "In all my days in working with patients with herpes the biggest one I have ever seen was one the size of a sugar apple." When reading this my eyes opened wide, and thoughts started going through my mind. "How do people deal with this?" was one of the many questions running through my head.
Finally I realized that the only way I could understand about HIV/AIDS and other STD's and the way people deal with them every day was to ask the pro. When my sister wasn't busy I went into her office and started asking questions. The first thing that came out of my mouth was "why?" It took her a while to understand why I asked that question. She let me know that she couldn't tell me wy, but she could try to help be understand it a little more. She got up from behind her desk and pulled out a sheet of paper. She stared describing the STD's and the parts of the body they attacked. It felt like I was in school but it didn't bother me.
After she was finished with her "lesson" she went into her email address and showed me some pictures she got from a co-worker that worked for an orphanage in Jamaica. What was significant about these pictures were that all the children in the orphanage were children that were HIV positive. I saw babies with bumps on their faces and all over their bodies, I saw children who were eight and nine who looked like they were three or four. What really captured my att4ention was that in every picture they took, the kids were always smiling. I couldn't believe it, after all that happened to them, they could still smile.
After watching these pictures I became disappointed with myself. Here I am every day, complaining about washing dishes, wanting to buy the latest fashion in clothes, having to go to school when all I have is a little cough. Yet half of these AIDS children will never get to wear Tommy Hilfiger or FOBU, and all of them wish that they could call their cough a little cough. Because they know that in their condition a little cough could kill them.
After this experience I firmly appreciate my mom and her life sayings. Because I know any of those children would change places with me in a heartbeat. Also now I volunteer my services to an organization called HOPE (Helping Others in a Positive Environment.)
9th Grade
1st Place – Ronaqua Russell
The Importance of Friendship
It does not matter what is on the outside, but the inside is what counts. I learned the law-of-life in the summer of 2002 visiting my Aunt Sandra in California. One of my grandma's nieces, named Hillis, called my grandma in the middle of our stay asking if my grandma, Aunt Sandra and her two babies, and I could visit her in Yucaipa, California. My grandma said yes, hoping that since we were going on a Sunday, maybe I could sing for the church's 25th anniversary.
When we reached Aunt Hillis' house in Yucaipa, we introduced ourselves, waited until Aunt Hillis was ready, and left for the church. When I entered the Church, I immediately realized that the church's congregation was predominately white, with about ten black people. I'm not racist, but I felt out of place, because the only black girl that was around my age acted like an "oreo." (An oreo is a person who is black, but acts white.) I was just about to sit, when this white girl came up to me smiling away. She started talking to me and asking me questions about myself. She also brought me food from the back of the church.
I was surprised and scared of this church. I was surprised, because you could feel the pure love in this church, and yet scared, because these people didn't even know me, but were extremely kind to me. In my mind I thought they were just patronizing me. The girl whose name I found out was Crystal was trying so hard to make me
feel welcome, but just because of her color, I did not want to become friends with her.
Crystal told me she liked me and wanted to be my friend. She said I sang beautifully, and even invited me to go on stage and sing with them after church. I didn't want to be rude, so naturally I said yes. I think she probably knew I did not have any intention of being friends with her. Crystal never gave up; she kept on trying during and after church. Her family, who plays all the instruments in the church even wanted me to choose the songs. The pastor's wife also came to my grandma and said she liked the two Caribbean songs I sang better than their church songs.
I realize now that I could have made a new friend in Yucaipa, but my stubbornness stopped me. We would have to go through the same criticism for being Christians so young, and could have e-mailed each other. In spite of all their kindnesses and efforts to make me feel welcome, I was still cold to them. I wish now that we could be friends, and I wish for a second chance. If Crystal forgave me for shunning her, because of the color of her skin, I would like to get in touch with her and become friends with her. One day I would like to meet Crystal again and tell her I'm sorry and also tell her thanks. She probably does not know this, but Crystal taught me a very important law-of-life last summer. It doesn't matter what is on the outside, but the inside is what counts.
2nd Place – Angelina Jovan Prince
Violence is Not the Way
Life teaches its lessons. It has taught me some, but it will teach me many more. Even though I am young, my experience is great. I have been told many times by my grandmother that "life is treacherous. It is full of surprises and you must always be prepared. Be as prepared as a medieval knight going into battle. Your sword must be drawn, your shield in position." I remember these words because they are wise. Life will tech me and I will learn from life. For it is from like that I have taken and will take my "Laws of Life."
It was on a cool, spring night in Rialto, California that I learned not my first, but a very important Law of Life: living a violent life is no way to live and there is never a reason to kill. It was on this night, that I looked into the face of death for the first time. It was on this night, that I saw the cruel, vicious, evil side of life for the first time.
I woke up around 12:00 a.m. to the sounds of muffled voices. As I walked down the hallway to my parents' room, I heard someone cry out as if they had been struck. When I walked into my parents' room, the first thing I remember seeing is my mother with tears streaming down her face clutching the phone in her hand. My six-year-old mind was in shock. I had never seen my mother cry. "Mommy what's wrong," I asked innocently.
"Come here," my mother replied.
Never will I forget the next words that my mother spoke. With her voice cracking she said, "Your cousin Rayshawn is dead."
"That's impossible," I thought. People were supposed to die when they were very old. Rayshawn was only sixteen. All I could do was look at my mother and father with my mouth open. At that moment my father drew me onto his lap. On his face was a look like that of a wounded soldier who has just come out of battle. He looked into my eyes. My muteness finally left me, and I whispered "But how, I mean what happened? Was he sick? I don't get it." In my utter confusion I began to cry. I sat crying on my father's lap and eventually fell asleep.
It wasn't until the next morning that I got the full story. Rayshawn was a t a party when a few guys walked in with guns. There was some kind of conflict in which Rayshawn was not involved. Shots were fired. When it was all over, my sixteen-year-old cousin had been shot. He was taken to a hospital, but he didn't make it. Of the few men that walked into that party, one of them was Rayshawn's brother. And of all the shots that were fired, the bullet that killed Rayshawn was fired by no other than his brother. No, Rayshawn's brother did not intentionally kill him. He was under the influence of drugs. Living a violent life is no way to live, and there is never a reason to kill. For even though Rayshawn's brother is sorry for what he did, what he did is done, and what he has done cannot be undone.
Rayshawn has been gone for about nine years now. His brother has spent many years in jail, and will probably spend many more. What he did was wrong, but everything in life is not right. It is often said that in life you must take the pleasure with the pain. Do you deeds and suffer the consequences. I remember these words because they are wise. I will always live by my Law of Life; living a violent life is no way to live and there is never a reason to kill.
3rd Place – Elisha Jno-Baptist
Don't Take Loved Ones for Granted
The loss of loved ones in many ways can make us realize how we often take their lives for granted. I can personally relate to that fact. I did not realize how much my grandmother meant to me until I lost her. I had to learn that lesson the hard way.
When I was a young child, about three years old, my grandmother was my world. My mother would often take me to spend weekends with her, and I couldn't remember any other moment when I was happier. As she and my grandfather was local farmers, she would often take me on walks through her garden, and I will never forget how she would give me my bath in which she added special herbs from the garden. She was not rich, and her house was small, but I would not have preferred to be any other place than at that house with my aunt and uncles. There was always laughter and someone to play with there.
When I was to begin preschool my grandmother was there with me on my first day. She gave me my first dollar and my parents constantly accused her of spoiling me, but she did not seem to mind. I concluded that my parents were jealous of our relationship, and I took great pride in that fact. As time passed, we became inseparable. She bailed me out of trouble so many times. I remember on one occasion my mother was chasing me for a bath. I did not want to have one. I ran behind my "Granny" as I called her, and she stopped my mother from catching me. I victoriously stuck out my tongue at her from behind my granny's legs. She accused my grandmother of spoiling me, but my granny just smiled, and carried me for a bath, which I willingly took. I always felt loved in her presence, as if I belonged nowhere else.
Three years later, my parents moved us to a new island. I missed my granny at first, but this new place was so much more modern that I soon found new interests. I grew father and farther away from my granny, but she never gave up on me. She always called to see how I was doing, and she always said that she missed me. I missed her too, but for some reason, if felt like a lie to tell her so.
She moved to my hometown a few years later, and I was overwhelmed to see her at first, but it was only temporarily She called me so many times, but I used school as my excuse for always being busy or I was either not at home. In truth, school did indeed take up all pf my time, but if I had wanted some more time with her, I could have easily made the effort. I felt that I was too busy for her tasteless conversations. I rarely visited her, but whenever I went over, she always had something for me even if there was none for my brothers. She always gave me money and I am ashamed to say that I always accepted it. I was not worthy of this woman's love or generosity and I began to feel as if I had taken advantage of her kindness.
I slowly grew tired o the constant meetings, practices, and events that led to my busy lifestyle and the guilt that I felt. I missed the happiness that I had once felt, the only love I'd ever known. I longed for that small house and our walks through her garden, but I could not go back now. That is when I realized that the simple th
ings are sometimes what bring the most happiness. I decided to get back my grandmother.
When I called her this time, it was her turn to be busy or out. She was not at home. She rarely called now and when I did catch her we spoke for a short time. There was always an awkward tension in our conversation, as if either of us did not know what to say. She sounded the same, looked the same, but she was not the grandmother I knew. Had I been paying more attention to her life, I would have known that she was going through a hard time. She was experiencing personal problems and was going through menopause, but was not handling it well.
One day she got dissilutionated and was taken to a doctor. We learned that she was losing her mind, or simply put, my grandmother was going senile. She was treated, and for a while appeared to be improving, but she took a sudden change for the worse. I guess it was all too much for her to handle. She got so bad that she was treated on several more occasions. When I went to visit her, it broke my heart to see her. She looked so tired and depressed. I asked her how she was doing and she looked up at me with tear-filled eyes, eyes that were once bright and filled with life. She replied, "not so good Lilly," (Lilly was what she had always called me.) But the name sounded foreign to me as it left her lips.
My father, aunts, and uncles, decided that it would be best if she were moved back home. To get her into the car and plane was a great challenge both mentally and physically. She dragged herself, and my father and grandfather had to pull her up. She did not wish to go, but it was for the best. She would have too much on her mind if she remained here. I tried to comfort her on the way to the airport, but it didn't help much. My father traveled with her and come home on a later flight that day after she was settled with the family.
I don't think that I have ever cried as I cried to se her board that plane. I felt the pain in my very heart as the tears rolled down my cheeks. I realized that I had truly lost my grandmother, but not to death, through neglect and insanity. The only person who had ever shown me what it meant to be loved and happy was leaving me, and when she had needed me, I was not there to help and that is a constant pain I must bear. I took her life and love for granted and I can't help but wonder if things would be different if I had not. When I close my eyes, I can see her smiling down at me as we walked through her garden. That is the grandmother I took for granted and I now want back. I talk to her on the phone every now and then and she is sometimes doing extremely well or poorly. She is slowly progressing and if she gets better I hope I can tell her the words that I cannot bring myself to say. "I'm sorry."
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