Writing
To see some of my academic writings, you can go to the Humanities sections of each of my grades. Some pages of interest within those are my Creative Writing page from 9th grade, the It Factor page of my 10th grade year, the Mixtape Manifesto project from 11th grade, the Power, Privilege, and the Purse project from 11th grade, the On the Origin of Synthetic Species project from 11th grade Biology, and my 12th grade internship at the Salk Institute. Other than that, almost every project in Humanities has had at least one major writing piece involved with it. On this page, I will have independent writing pieces, and pieces that don't fit in on any other page. (More writing will be added in the future.) Also, look on our school's newspaper, the Raptor Report, for pieces written by me, as I'm now the Editor in Chief.
Valentines Day Love Letter
10th Grade
10th Grade
My Dearest Love,
Though I sit at my desk now, I long to be by your side. I only wish we could be with each other during every moment of every day. Alas! The war has torn our bodies apart, yet I know our souls remain linked. Having you in my life is at the same time the best thing that has ever happened to me, and, paradoxically, the worst. Though distance separates us, I could not love you more.
We are apart physically, which tolls on me for every moment you are gone, but you must know, you are never away from my thoughts. The sweetness of our stolen glances, the warmth of our chaste embraces, the tenderness shown through your actions - they are dearest to my heart.
I am unable to express with words how much I adore you, and how much I miss you. Please, keep yourself from harm, for I will surely be unable to live without you.
Though I sit at my desk now, I long to be by your side. I only wish we could be with each other during every moment of every day. Alas! The war has torn our bodies apart, yet I know our souls remain linked. Having you in my life is at the same time the best thing that has ever happened to me, and, paradoxically, the worst. Though distance separates us, I could not love you more.
We are apart physically, which tolls on me for every moment you are gone, but you must know, you are never away from my thoughts. The sweetness of our stolen glances, the warmth of our chaste embraces, the tenderness shown through your actions - they are dearest to my heart.
I am unable to express with words how much I adore you, and how much I miss you. Please, keep yourself from harm, for I will surely be unable to live without you.
Forever yours, mine, and ours,
If a story is in you, it has got to come out.
-William Faulkner
-William Faulkner
The London Times Industrial Revolution Editorial:
The High Cost of Low Living
10th Grade
The High Cost of Low Living
10th Grade
These are times of innovation; that is clear. With inventions such as the spinning jenny and the steam engine replacing practices such as hand spun yarn and the use of horse power, these last few years have been some of the most progressive ever in terms of growth and industry. However, there is a dark side to this progression. These industries that we as a country have created are rapidly crumbling.
The positives of this “Industrial Revolution” are obvious. New inventions, such as the aforementioned spinning jenny and steam engine, make work easier. People no longer have to work for hours on end at one tedious task. They can use an efficient machine to do it for them. The machines that we use today have also made our country’s exports much more widely varied, and much more important to the global economy. In fact, Britain contributes to over half of all steel, coal, and cotton exports in the world.
However, there is a downside to the industry that we’ve all loved for so long. The distinction between the rich and poor is unacceptable, more so than ever. While the upper class sits up on their pedestal, doing everything in excess, the lower class works in factories, with little pay and less safety in their work environment. Women and children, who are much less capable than men, are forced to work in these conditions as well.
This city that we live in has gone through a life-altering change as well. The population boom has led to an increase in housing demand, but the city remains the same size. More people in a small space has introduced crime as a massive problem within the city. In addition, diseases are shared, among the lower and middle class because of the cramped conditions and limited spaces shared between so many families.
These problems, however, can be easily addressed and solved with a simple plan. Return to and embrace the roots you, or your parents, or your grandparents, had before the industry. Consider the impact you can have by returning from whence you came. Having a closer control over farming, clothes making, candle making - anything you need, you make. Certainly a more gratifying and hands-on way to prosper.
The positives of this “Industrial Revolution” are obvious. New inventions, such as the aforementioned spinning jenny and steam engine, make work easier. People no longer have to work for hours on end at one tedious task. They can use an efficient machine to do it for them. The machines that we use today have also made our country’s exports much more widely varied, and much more important to the global economy. In fact, Britain contributes to over half of all steel, coal, and cotton exports in the world.
However, there is a downside to the industry that we’ve all loved for so long. The distinction between the rich and poor is unacceptable, more so than ever. While the upper class sits up on their pedestal, doing everything in excess, the lower class works in factories, with little pay and less safety in their work environment. Women and children, who are much less capable than men, are forced to work in these conditions as well.
This city that we live in has gone through a life-altering change as well. The population boom has led to an increase in housing demand, but the city remains the same size. More people in a small space has introduced crime as a massive problem within the city. In addition, diseases are shared, among the lower and middle class because of the cramped conditions and limited spaces shared between so many families.
These problems, however, can be easily addressed and solved with a simple plan. Return to and embrace the roots you, or your parents, or your grandparents, had before the industry. Consider the impact you can have by returning from whence you came. Having a closer control over farming, clothes making, candle making - anything you need, you make. Certainly a more gratifying and hands-on way to prosper.
How to Become a Dictator in Five Easy Steps!
(9th Grade Creative Writing Number 11)
(9th Grade Creative Writing Number 11)
Has your country degenerated beyond your liking? Have revolutionaries begun to pop up more and more? Do you think you have the ability to repair the inevitable decline of your country’s success? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, consider the path to dictatorship! To become a dictator, all you need to do is follow these five easy steps!
Step 1: Gain support
No matter how much you think you can do on your own, you will need support. Someone to handle money, someone to do your dirty work (more about “dirty work” on page 9), and someone to write instructional guides to keep the masses in line are some of the things that come to mind. Also, having more people supporting you can give the illusion of a loyal majority, which can work in your favor.
Step 2: Take control
Next, you must take control. Whether it be by marriage, trickery, or force, you must take and hold the main position of power in your country. If there is none, or taking it is too daunting of a task, you may rise up in the ranks slowly. When using this method, however, you must be careful to let no one (especially those that may oppose you) get in your way. (See page 12 for more on this)
Step 3: Subdue those who do not support you
Once you have secured a position of power, there will be people who do not support you. You must gain the proletariat’s support, as they are the ones who will lash out at your government if they are unhappy. If your political equals are unhappy with you, discreetly use diabolical hit men mentioned earlier to your advantage. However, when using this method, be sure that there are no trails of evidence pointing at you. (More about hiding trails and pointing fingers on page 24)
Step 4: Make intended changes
Next, invoke your intended changes. If you try to take too much from the rabbling masses, however, you may end up being overthrown long before your time. To maintain a successful dictatorship, you cannot confiscate everything the public holds dear, especially not all at once. You may only take portions of things like education and plumbing. People value their plumbing. (For more do’s and dont’s on things to change, see page 31)
Step 5: Profit!
Congratulations! You have now become a successful dictator! For tips on keeping your authority over your country, check out my other book: An Idiot’s Guide to Staying in Power.
Step 1: Gain support
No matter how much you think you can do on your own, you will need support. Someone to handle money, someone to do your dirty work (more about “dirty work” on page 9), and someone to write instructional guides to keep the masses in line are some of the things that come to mind. Also, having more people supporting you can give the illusion of a loyal majority, which can work in your favor.
Step 2: Take control
Next, you must take control. Whether it be by marriage, trickery, or force, you must take and hold the main position of power in your country. If there is none, or taking it is too daunting of a task, you may rise up in the ranks slowly. When using this method, however, you must be careful to let no one (especially those that may oppose you) get in your way. (See page 12 for more on this)
Step 3: Subdue those who do not support you
Once you have secured a position of power, there will be people who do not support you. You must gain the proletariat’s support, as they are the ones who will lash out at your government if they are unhappy. If your political equals are unhappy with you, discreetly use diabolical hit men mentioned earlier to your advantage. However, when using this method, be sure that there are no trails of evidence pointing at you. (More about hiding trails and pointing fingers on page 24)
Step 4: Make intended changes
Next, invoke your intended changes. If you try to take too much from the rabbling masses, however, you may end up being overthrown long before your time. To maintain a successful dictatorship, you cannot confiscate everything the public holds dear, especially not all at once. You may only take portions of things like education and plumbing. People value their plumbing. (For more do’s and dont’s on things to change, see page 31)
Step 5: Profit!
Congratulations! You have now become a successful dictator! For tips on keeping your authority over your country, check out my other book: An Idiot’s Guide to Staying in Power.