SUNY Memories A Reflection of Writing that Matters! “Here are a few of our Favorite Things!” You have written so much this year. Below are pieces you selected to both hold onto and release to the world beyond our classroom. I am so proud of your commitment to your writing and to this class. You are an amazing group of students and you have truly been a gift to me. I have learned so much from you and wish you all much happiness and success as you move forward on your journeys and continue the next chapter of your lives.
A Letter T o my Seniors, the Class of 2020, By: Jeanne Rose 1. “Drift Away” - Uncle Kracker 2. “You Can’t Always Get What you Want” The Rolling Stones 3. “My Wish” Rascal Flatts 4. “Humble and Kind” Tim McGraw 5. “What Doesn’t Kill you makes you Stronger” Kelly Clarkson 6. “I Will Survive” Gloria Gaynor 7. “It’s the Climb” Miley Cyrus 8. “I Hope You Dance” Lee Ann Womack 9. “Forever Young” Rod Stewart 10. “Good Riddance” Green Day 11. “Unwritten” Natasha Bedinfield 12. “I will Remember You” Sarah Mclachlan To my Seniors, the Class of 2020, I give to you a playlist of songs To remind you of how important you are to me and to teach you one more lesson. “I will Remember YOU” I want YOU to know this: you can persevere. You can overcome the odds. You can endure. The world will get better. YOU have the power to make that happen. And through this, whatever you may think, YOU are not forgotten. This moment, this time, has disappeared in a puff of covid smoke. Like clouds across the sky, your last months “drifted away” . I want you to know: YOU did not disappear. You are not the torn out pages left in lockers. You are not forgotten. Your year ended in a puff, “Not with a Bang but a whimper,” said Eliot. “This is how the world will end,” he said.
But it didn’t end, not all of it. The precious part of you that for 11 ½ years was your existence- - it did end. Time stands still. Hours, days and weeks fly by, But Hallowed halls stand empty and silent. No stomping feet stampede the center stairs. No laughter reverberates or high pitched expletives dance in the corridors; tiny remnants of you,only… littered crumbs of your life left behind in such a rush. Empty because you are gone. Absent of your essence. You left sneakers and sweatshirts and a season of games unplayed. Productions unperformed, projects unfinished, concerts unsung. Hopes and dreams went silent Traded for life behind walls binge watching O uter Banks and The Last Dance. But YOU are not forgotten. You are a Dragon. You have survived the unthinkable, unimaginable and unprecedented Pandemic of 2020. Silently screaming behind walls. Stoic and steadfast. You will go down in history. YOU have learned that life isn’t fair and every story doesn’t always have a happy ending. “You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you might find, you get what you need.” You have been given a gift. You don’t know that yet, but it’s true. The world - despite all the disappointment and the tears - keeps on going. And YOU - with your tender voices - Your Caring hearts - Your Power of empathy and understanding - Your patient perseverance. YOU will make it through shining. SO I created a playlist for you. A set of songs to remind you of who you are. “My wish for you” is that you “stay humble and kind” through your struggles
and in the knowledge that “what doesn't kill you makes you stronger” and you “...will survive!” Sometimes, “it’s the climb” - and the climb may be steep and dangerous and tough, but still, when you reach the top, and you will (you are a Dragon, of course) “ I hope YOU dance.” And know to, in my mind you will always, always “Be Forever Young”. Your leaving us is not “Good Riddance.” Rather, a sense of unfinished business. That is because the rest 9 “Today is where YOUR book begins, the rest is still unwritten” Write your story strong and fierce. “Be brave, honest and true” BE YOU. And always know this: “I will remember you.” ____________________________________________________________________________ The Truths of Life: According to Sophia Perez Although it turns out Columbus was wrong, I believe that the world may as well be flat when every section of earth is used as some sort of battlefield. I believe with all my heart that ketchup is a red gooey conspiracy, the most widely abused substance. It is simply a fact that immigrants should be made a national treasure-starting with Hispanic men. Let's be real...Modern music has done a substandard job of reaching the hearts of individuals as compared to the jams of the past. How am I supposed to get a good cry in without rock ballads?
Finally, I believe that the cross that has been made your duty to bear is the thing that makes you the strongest as long as you choose to embrace it. My submission came from the “What do you believe in?” assignment. I chose T he Truths of Life: According to Sophia Perez b ecause it represents me perfectly. There’s parts of my personality that are silly and often way too unapologetic in nature (my appreciation for latin men, rock ballads, etc.) while also my more serious side that recognizes that the world is only what you make of it. However, these complex ideas make me who I am. Just like seeing all of the other submissions from my classmates allowed me to really see them for their awesome selves. SUNY 102 not only helped me improve my writing, but allowed me to explore and love myself through that writing. For that, I will be forever grateful. Taking it One Day at a Time by Nina Creta Life moves faster then one may think. You could be looking forward to tomorrow and forget all about today. That is why I believe in taking every day one day at a time. Life is a river, constantly moving forward and people are a boat traveling down that seemingly endless stream. Sometimes we are so focused on our destination we forget all about the journey, so by slowing down and appreciating everyday as it comes, we get a chance to see little things we may have never noticed. Before my grandpa passed away he used to tell me all the time “If you have one foot in tomorrow and one foot in yesterday you will forget all about today. You must learn to walk before you can run.” This never made sense to me because I wanted so badly to grow up, go to
college, fall in love and everything that came with time, but I thought I didn’t have time. “What If I die today?” or “What’s the point of appreciating the little things when I have so much to look forward to?” I would say. But then when my grandfather died I knew exactly what he was always trying to tell me. Through my grief I realized I never appreciated the small moments with him and never noticed how much he meant to me. I wished I could have one more day with him if only just to tell him I loved him. I remembered our late night movie runs to try to find copies of Scooby Doo that we hadn’t already seen. Or playing sudoku at the kitchen table while he ate an italian hero from the little bakery down the road. I even thought of our early morning talks while walking the dogs. I used to hate our early morning talks because I wanted nothing more then go back to bed, but now I had missed them more than ever. I was so focused on the future I forgot to enjoy the moments I did have with him, but like a river there was no going back and I was pushed forward with the current of the water dreaming of a time now unreachable and long gone. So everyday, although it may be hard, I focus on what that day has to offer instead of what tomorrow holds because the truth is people can’t control their future, only their present. As a whole people should care about this because taking things one day at a time ensures that everyday will be spent appreciating t hat day. Instead of stressing about the past or thinking about what the future holds we should be enjoying all the little moments that each day has to offer. Life goes by so quickly so why not try and slow it down? In life we miss so much and then only value it once the time has past. That is why I believe in one day at a time. My submission is from my “This I believe essay” I wrote this essay my junior year. The reason I chose to submit it is because reading back this perfectly represents my senior year in a way I never knew it would. When it was written I was writing about losing a loved one
and wishing I got to spend more time with them, but looking back all I can think about is losing my last year of high school. What I wouldn't do for one more hug from a friend, one more day driving to school and running from my car to class because I was always on the verge of being late, for one more chance to be a senior. Time moves on, I've not only grown as a writer but as a person. I'm ready for college and wherever life takes me and I'm still enjoying all the little things that come along the way A Deceptive Dream By: Reilly Chin The road to success is not easy to navigate, but with hard work and drive, it was thought possible to achieve the American Dream. But, is this actually true in today’s society? In fact, was this ever true? American society appears amazing at the surface as the nation is notorious for providing civil liberties and bolstering what seems to be a realistic, successful dream. Although living on American soil does provide a better life than in other countries, it is not safe to say that America is equal. In today’s society especially, there are many areas that are very unjust. Forms of racial discrimination still persist as racism towards African Americans have transformed from slavery to now police brutality. In addition, women are still fighting for other equal rights such as earning the same pay as men. Therefore, being an unequal society, America is subject to social instability which thus limits the legitimacy of the American Dream in which individuals could get ahead if they worked hard enough. And ultimately, within the poems “Ballad of Birmingham” and “Let America Be America Again”, these beliefs and the idea that advancing to the upper tiers of society was not the result of strenuous efforts but was rather the work of receiving a helping hand are very clear. Within the poem “Ballad of Birmingham” by Dudley Randall, the author chooses to show the perspective of a mother who lost her daughter to the horrific bombing in 1963 at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. At the start of the poem, her daughter asks if she can march on the
streets of Birmingham to advocate for equal rights, but she does not approve of this decision because the protest could easily turn into a violent event. As another option she tells her “you may go to church instead // And sing in the children’s choir” (Randall 4). Unfortunately, her advice led her child to her grave as the church was bombed. This irony is so essential to this piece as it displays that there was no place for African Americans to feel safe. The mother thought that by sending her daughter to the church, a place which is supposed to be safe, her daughter could not possibly get hurt. However, the one place she had no concern for her turned out to be the exact place her daughter should have avoided as the “dangerous” streets turned out to be a safer location. Although this was decades ago and the nation has provided some equal rights, this illustrates how unequal America was. People should never have to live in fear of dying, especially not in this nation which promotes freedom and equal opportunities. In addition, in the poem “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes, the reality of truly fulfilling one’s aspirations in the U.S. is unveiled through the use of repetition. Specifically, this repetition accentuates that the ideals of the American Dream are most often an unrealistic idea for minorities. For instance, in the first three stanzas, Hughes describes his hopes and desires for the country as a destination that provides freedom and equal opportunity. Although depicting a very romantic America, he concludes each stanza with a contradicting statement, such as “America never was America to me” (Hughes 5). In doing so, he speaks not only for himself, but for the many voices who feel that America has not lived up to its core values of granting liberty and equality. This suggests that the individuals who are looking for success in this nation are most likely falling into a trap since their expectations are not as available as proclaimed. Furthermore, as the poem shifts from a hopeful tone to a more depressed tone, Hughes takes the perspective of the exploited individuals who have undergone laborious efforts to get ahead, but were unable to. In order to do so, Hughes reiterates the words, “I am”, followed by a faction in the population that experiences the falsifications of the American Dream in stanzas four and five. By embodying the oppressed, Hughes personalizes the plights of men and women
who embarked to America seeking something greater and presents evidence for how the country is not the ideal place as portrayed by the utopian dream. This repetition also displays how the ambitions of many individuals will be rewarded with poverty and hardships rather than a prosperous life. Even though the truth has been revealed, the idealistic dream continues to deceive people into migrating to the U.S. Unfortunately, without changes in the way society is managed, certain people pursuing the American Dream will fall into a continuous, unfair cycle of persecution at the hands of the elite. I can only hope that within my lifetime, there will be revolutionary changes towards more equality and a change in perspective on how we view this issue of discrimination. My submission is from the “What does poetry show us about our society and our history?” assignment. I chose this piece because I feel that it is imperative to talk about things that our nation supports, but fails to live up to. I remember writing this response with a feeling of disappointment towards our nation, but also a sense of optimism using phrases such as “how unequal America was”. However, now looking back at this piece, I find it extremely sad that within just a few months, my positive outlook has been overturned by the repeated injustices committed against African Americans. I cannot fathom how history is practically repeating itself and how “Justice for ___” has become a common phrase in our nation. Thus, I share this piece to shed light on an issue that continues to be overlooked, in hopes that one day one of us can potentially spark great change in our society.
This is me I am from board games, card games, writing By: Ally Ackerman games, loud games. Christmas is my favorite time of year. Game nights at my Nana’s house. I’m from Christmas Eve dinner at Nana’s Everyone looks forward to Nana’s cooking. house. Her meatballs are incredible. She is magical in the kitchen. The pine tree, giant ornaments resting on the I want to be magical too. branches that fall after a harsh snowstorm. Snow, snowflakes, snowmen, snowball Photos lining the walls of my house that fights. change with each passing season. The whisper of the wind as it hits my rosy Hershey trips and Disney World vacations. cheeks and my pom-pom hat. I’m from apple picking and egg hunting. My family once sled down a giant hill in one Crunchy leaves under our hiking boots. long line. Penney and Ackerman. I strained a few muscles that day. Moments frozen in time. I pull muscles every week at dance. Pulled fire alarms mean endless laughter. I am from the hair ties on the floor; black, The Halloween costumes my cousins and I round, hard underneath my toes. wore were hilarious. The t orn t ights and bruised bodies. Wedding weekends were constant at times. Always sore and complaining, but also The birth of my spoiled baby cousin in happy. 2015. I am happiest with my family. The fake smiles my cousins give to the 11 My cousins and I had an epic Jenga game cameras pointed at our faces. that lasted an hour. I laugh thinking about the shoe graveyard. Fallen relatives living once again.
Our tongues reach for a drop of winter. I’ve traveled to Maine and Florida by car. I end up in a pile of limbs with my cousins. I’ve seen the red sky turn to light pink. We all have matching outfits that my Nana I felt a boom in my skin on the 4th of July. made us. Water pouring onto tiny heads. The many posed pictures with my best My folders are ready to be stuffed. friend, my sister. My hair floats to the floor of my kitchen These are the stepping stones of my growth. each year. New outfits for a new beginning. My memories are my life. From “Bye, I love you” to “Bombs away” Old house being destroyed in a hurricane. Our feet stomp as leaves dance around. New house having my own room. My aunt's sit in a circle as they fight over Swimming in my cousin’s pool. ads for Black Friday. Water splashing my face at the beach. I see my brother once a year. Deep-fried ice cream is delicious. I shovel the snow because I like to. I was first stung by a bee at school. Fuzzy socks are my feet in the winter. My tooth went into my lip on the slide Craft fairs are my favorite place to go during recess; blood rained down my shirt. shopping. I've seen my mom cry over a loved ones’ I love movie days with my dad. body. I stress over the little things in life. The yelling and laughing of my aunts. Family drama is like goose poop; always Whenever I think about a favorite piece present and annoying. from Suny, I think of this one. I loved this I fell off the couch and onto a window sill piece because it lets me relive memories of when I was two. my life that make me happy or sad. This My cousin used to be my neighbor. poem basically embodies my thoughts and memories.
Life’s Good Truths By: Navya Suri I believe that lavender scented thing are calming I believe that flowers are more beautiful unpicked I believe that sunflowers are made from droplets of the sun I like daisies but not those of which are in a bouquet that a cliche but love those in a field I believe love is a storm inside a glass bottle that most people want to keep uncracked I believe that light will always beat the dark I believe that staying positive in the hardest times makes you strong I believe that silence in a fight is the best way to tell the other you have given up I believe hope is greater than any motivation I believe that music and art is a gateway to a new universe I believe that imagination is the key to new ideas and beliefs and that kindness is the solution to many of our problems. My submission is from “What do YOU BELIEVE in?” poem assignment. I chose this piece because it was something I relate to and think about all the time. The world inspired me to write this. There is so much bad and chaos in this world, sometimes one needs to take a moment and step back to see the good, the lightness at the end of a dark tunnel. The poem explains how such simplistic things can also have a deeper meaning behind them. I like this poem because it shows the type of person I am. I can be very optimistic in bad times but also
have a grasp on what the reality is. I choose to believe that everything happens for a reason and at the end of the day everything will work out. Chiari Malformation By: Olivia Ricci It all began the summer of 2016 on a beautiful warm day at the lake. I was standing under the bright sun waiting for my turn at the ice cream stand. At first, my friend noticed how pale my face looked and then I began to feel faint and disoriented. I stumbled over my own two feet, all noises sounded muffled, and my eyes began to pulsate. I almost fell to my knees due to the wave of weakness that quickly spread through my body. Unfortunately, this was just the beginning. I began to get excruciating headaches that impaired my vision and made daily tasks impossible. At times, I’d sleep the entire day with little to no relief. My mother begged my primary doctor for answers and he recommended an Ophthalmologist due to visual impairment issues. The ophthalmologist prescribed my initial MRI and the results were shared with my mother during an unforgettable doctor’s phone call. He calmly said, “Your daughter has a rare condition called Chiari Malformation” and she heard nothing else he said. Her heart was crushed. We immediately started researching this rare neurological condition which left us both in tears. It soon became clear that it can only be cured by a very complicated, lengthy brain surgery. Within three weeks we were meeting with a neurosurgeon who specializes in Chiari malformation. He set me up with more MRIs, CT scans, blood work, & a multitude of other tests to detect possible spinal fluid leaks. My life as a normal teenage girl was completely altered by this new diagnosis. My symptoms varied greatly from day to day, sometimes I’d wake up in the morning feeling completely normal, but then the next day I was barely able to perform the most simple tasks. These episodes continued for almost two years while the doctors tried different medications, including steroids, that came with their horrible side effects. On October 31, 2018, my daily episodes of varying symptoms became far too much for my body to withstand. I woke up with what some would describe as symptoms of a stroke. I was barely able to form words, could hardly lift my head, and my limbs were numb. My mother called my neurosurgeon’s office full of rage and fear demanding they see me immediately. She was not going to take “no” for an answer, so off we went to the hospital. The neurosurgeon met us in
the ER soon after we arrived, and confirmed that I had swelling of the brain causing my excruciating symptoms. I was quickly admitted to the hospital where I’d be monitored and prepped for brain surgery. It all happened so quickly, I went from a high achieving healthy student-athlete to a helpless brain surgery patient. This experience has molded me in unimaginable ways . I am now living a healthy thriving life and I am grateful for the excellent care I’ve received. My perspective on all things has changed dramatically and I’ve come to appreciate and value each healthy day. Throughout my lengthy journey, I’ve realized how fortunate I was to have such great support surrounding me. It helped my determination rise greatly and allowed me to push harder towards my recovery. Waking up in the morning and going to school was one of my biggest accomplishments. My surgery created a version of myself that I would’ve thought was unrecognizable a few years ago. I know that my future is full of undiscovered possibilities and I have what it takes to reach all of my goals. I chose to submit my college essay. I worked super hard to get it perfect and i’m super proud of it. It shows everything I've gone through and how strong I've become. I love to go back and read it because it was a crazy experience that I would never take back. Writing about my experience was super hard but it was worth it. I showed myself what kind of writer I am and how much I've changed since then. My surgery allowed me to see who I truly am. I’m so grateful to have such an amazing story to write and tell.
This is Home By: Laraine Arcangel Different time zones, opposite coasts. And yet, they both mean so much. When I look at these pictures, I no longer see two identities fighting for dominance. I see two parts of a whole, fitting together with unimaginable harmony. When I look at myself in a mirror, I now admire my sun kissed skin And my dark eyes that see with a newfound clarity And I smile, knowing that I am no longer at war with myself.
I am no longer the young girl who desperately tried to untangle herself from her roots The kid who refused to bring home cooked food for lunch to school Because she knew others would point it out. Instead of covering my ears to drown out the sounds of my family’s native language, I embrace it, listening to each word as if it were a harmonic masterpiece. The once shy whispers of my parents’ home--my home--have become proud exclamations. My heart ignites with purpose when I think of the skyscrapers of New York And the warm sands of Ilocos Norte. I see myself in these places-- I feel at home. I’ll be honest--I didn’t write this in class originally. In fact, it’s a new piece. However, it’s inspired by the “importance of places” assignment that we had in SUNY 101. I decided to take one line from that assignment (first stanza) and extrapolate it into something new. The past few years have been pivotal in terms of self growth--I believe that now, I can truly say that I am proud of my culture. And I’ve been able to see that--I would have never dared to speak about my roots the way that I do now, whether verbally or through my writing. The original piece was one of my favorite things that I’ve written this year because
there was an undeniable sense of pride, belonging, and clarity. There was a newfound confidence in my identity. I feel at home both in America and in the Philippines. I do not have to choose--in fact, it would almost be foolish to choose. I am not just American or Asian. I am both. And that is something worth celebrating. I believe now, more than ever, that our differences will always be a source of strength, even if we don’t always realize it. Every single culture deserves utmost respect and decency. The world has been incredibly brutal towards minority groups that have worked tirelessly just to call America their home. The current circumstances have been a stark reminder that we need to listen to each other, uplift each other, and speak up when fellow individuals are hurting. Everyone deserves a place that they can truly call home. A Universe With Two different Worlds By Maya Arora Mumbai, India It is the land of spirituality, diversity, and beauty lying within great struggle. My father was born and raised in India until the age of 17. His stories were fascinating, however incomparable to my encounter with the country that encompases half of my ethnicity. I entered a brand new universe filled with multiple worlds. I saw an endless sea of color, and an endless pit of people. The streets had no room for air; only suffocation Everyone had their own story.
Some were out to run errands, while some were laying on the sidewalk in their home. Tin roofs and tall apartment buildings all in the same block. It was a universe of two different worlds. I saw beautiful temples and breathtaking architecture. I was also a witness to suffering and poverty. Children begging for money with the face of fear. Beautiful beaches with hundreds of vendors selling sugar cane. A place to bring your family on the weekends. It was loud. Endless traffic encompassing every inch of road, While children wheaved their way through kicking balls and playing. It was a universe of two different worlds. However there is unity. Religion, culture, food. Appreciation for all the gods and love for the land they walk on. India is beauty lying within a great struggle. India is the spice on my tastebuds and the pigment on my skin. India is a part of me. India is one of my two homes in one universe with two different worlds. Trestle Living in Cornwall, New York from a young age has allowed me to appreciate the beauty in our rolling mountains, beautiful waterfronts and great sense of community. This is where my story began and continues. It is a small town in a big world.
It has four seasons, making way for budding trees and the colors of fall. The streets are winding roads of scenic views with a quiet whistle of the breeze. Everyone has their own story. Some people will be out running errands, while some spend the day working for their families. Historical buildings and new developments all on the same street. It is a small town in a big world. There are beautiful mountains and breathtaking views. It is also a town that will forever keep breathing. Children ringing doorbells to sell girl scout cookies, Leaving your doorstep eager to ring another door. Beautiful buildings a short distance from the city of skyscrapers. A place to bring your family on the weekends. It is quiet. Long days of sunshine and peaceful drives back home. The sound of children playing and leaf blowers blowing. It is a small town in a big world. However, there is unity in my community. Love, charity, kindness. Appreciation for the life we have and the nature around us. This town is the beauty lying within the valley. Cornwall is the home in me. Cornwall is a small town in a big world.
I chose to submit this piece from “The Importance of Places” because oftentimes I feel as though I forget to reflect on where my family comes from and how it affects my life. Both Cornwall and India are my two homes. Although they are on opposite sides of the word they both have a great sense of unity and love for their home. India has taught me to give back and understand struggle. India has also taught me to understand love and triumph. Cornwall has taught me community and charity, Cornwall has also taught me love and kindness. These two different worlds in one universe made me who I am today. What I believe By Isabella Fabrizio I believe that chocolate can make any day better I believe that \"dieting\" is foolish, but eating healthy is important I believe that exercising clears the mind and cooking and baking are therapeutic I believe that reading can be fun I believe that taking time away from computer screens is necessary, appreciating being able to live in the moment I believe that family, whatever your definition, is indispensable We need support and love, people we can count on I believe that superheroes do exist, not the flying men in capes, but the men and women who risk their lives daily to save thousands of others
Police, firefighters, service men and women, nurses and doctors I believe that people should be grateful for the little things that we take for granted every on a daily basis I believe in hardships, making us stronger and giving opportunity for self growth I believe that god has a plan for everyone and he doesn't give us things we can't handle I chose the “What I believe in” assignment. I chose this writing piece because it was the piece I enjoyed writing the most. I’m not very good at writing poetry and it was never really a big interest of mine. This assignment made me realize that anyone can write poetry and make it meaningful. It showed me that poetry doesn’t have to be full of metaphors and hard to understand to still have meaning and a message behind it. This poem expresses my take on life and my opinions. It's hard sometimes to share your thoughts and feelings but this piece was a great outlet to do so. I also enjoyed reading other people's poetry because I got to learn a lot more about my classmates that I would have never known. Photo Autobiography By: Nina Padilla We were so unaware of what would happen in the coming days when this photo was taken My best friend and I pose for a picture The light shining from the many windows
in the cafeteria made for the perfect photo She was sitting on left and I was on the right The sun was in our eyes but we didn’t care We procrastinated doing homework due that day You can see the pencil placed in the middle Left there because one of us gave up on homework We knew it was going to be a great day Or so we thought Just one day later who knew that photo Would be one of the last ones we would take If we knew it was our last day together for a while Maybe it would have looked a little different I know look at that photo with jealousy If only we would have known. I picked this particular piece because it is one of my favorite ones I have written this year. This poem just brings back so many memories of that day and what went on right before our whole senior year was taken away from us. It is also based on my favorite picture ever taken in mine and Avery’s many 1st period study hall photoshoots. It reminds me of what I looked forward to going to school everyday and what I miss most about school.
This Is What I Believe By Brendan Dineen I believe in having fun.I believe that if you're not having as much fun as possible then you are not living your potential life.I believe having fun is the key to happiness. I believe that there is no single better piece of food than a slice of pizza.The crispy,thin,hot slice is truly undefeated.There is nothing like a New York City slice. I believe that everyone needs to experience playing a sport.Sports bring character and joy to many people across the world.I believe sports are the best way to escape from reality. I believe in only being yourself.The famous quote says \"Be yourself,everyone else is already taken.\"I believe that once you learn to be yourself, no matter what goes on in your daily life,your path to success will become much easier. I decided to choose the ‘What Do You Believe in?” poem assignment.I chose this one because it is able to tell my fellow classmates a lot about myself.Everything I said in this assignment truly describes who I am as a person.This was probably my favorite poem we wrote because it was a way for our class to connect and discuss different opinions that we believe in.Overall,I feel that this poem really showed the different variety of students that we had in 6th period SUNY English.
Grounded By Emma Zwickel Even if we do not last forever, I ask you to hold onto our history for it is the past that grounds us when we believe the future isn’t in the cards. What is done cannot be reversed. What we have cannot be erased. So I ask you to live with the knowledge that although we might one day be a memory, we were real once, you were mine once and despite them claiming that we must forget and move on, the past is what grounds us. And you have grounded me. 5/15/2019 I had a very difficult time deciding which piece of mine to include in this final celebration of our writing. Honestly, every little thing I write whether from this year or past years, has a strong meaning. Therefore, I decided to go back to my roots and pull a piece that has made all the difference in my life: “Grounded”. This poem is all about remembering the
people and moments who have built your character and grasped your heart. As I let go of the best class I’ve ever taken part of (surprise, it’s this one!) and let go of people and memories I dearly love, I still hold onto them. “The past is what grounds us.” Every one of you has made an influence on me. You have inspired me to love myself more fiercely and simultaneously hold on and withdraw from my past. Moving on to college has never felt so refreshing and I will continue to post poetry on my poetry page via Instagram and become the best person and poet I can. Thank you all for having grounded me. Love always, Emma <3 What I Believe By Michael Dulaney I believe that everything happens for a reason and that the reason will only become clear later on I believe that the most important person in one's life is a teacher and that a good teacher teaches while great ones inspire I believe that traveling teaches you more about yourself then anything else and that is the most important lesson in one's life I believe that there is nothing better than watching the sunset on a beach and that it can only topped by mint chocolate chip ice cream I believe that there is no better feeling then being loved and that this world is running low on that powerful thing we all so desperately crave
I believe that the universe has a funny sort of way to keep people from forgetting about each other and that as the universe keeps moving, spinning, and expanding infinitely we will keep running into old friends, past coworkers, and estranged family members in surprising places But mostly I believe that war and hate are proof that there is no god and forgiveness is the only way one can heal. I picked this poem because this is one of the very few pieces of writing that I've done that I don't vehemently hate. Most of the time I write I despise my work because it seems so basic and pointless, but when writing this poem I was truly inspired. Therefore I truly believe in everything I put into this piece. The importance of places By Sarah Caoili My childhood dream was to be able to fly To touch the puffy clouds in the sky As I grew up I never knew That one day my wish would come true There are two places in my life that mean a lot They taught me the most more than I thought They brought me pain and many tears
They taught me how to conquer my fears These are the places I had the most fun Not a worry, not a care about anyone One’s close to home, one’s in the school But I think both are equally as cool It’s these places that I truly soared On my trampoline and the school diving board Why I chose this essay: I had the most fun writing this poem. I really enjoy poetry and all the fun poems we read this year. I like how much freedom we had for this assignment. H eartbroken but Determined By: Jason Palmer Unquestionably, failure is an obstacle in life that everyone will have to face. It’s very true that if you have yet to fail at something, it means you aren’t trying to reach higher heights. I for one had actually failed making a sports team in my sophomore year of high school: that sports team was the basketball team. Around the summer of 2017, which was after my freshman year of high school, I was really thinking about trying out for the junior varsity basketball team. Basketball was always my favorite sport, as I have been playing it recreationally since I was 8 years old. I knew that not playing for the team in
middle school would lower my chances of making the team, but that didn’t stop me from trying to achieve my goal. In order to achieve my goal, I had to go practice a lot by myself. Once the first of August hit during the summer, that’s when I started practicing mostly by myself. I had to go outside and work on what I felt like I needed to improve. I was only able to practice on a basketball hoop my neighbors had set up years ago since no one could drop me off at an actual basketball court, but that only increased my motivation. My main priority was my jumpshot. I made sure I took fifty jump shots from the two corners, the two elbows, and the top of the key. Initially, I felt as if it was too difficult, since I was missing a lot of the shots I took. But, my innate determination helped me improve my jumpshot everyday throughout August. After the school year started back up, I made sure to find out the tryout dates. I found out about a month in advance that they were in early to mid-November, so I made sure to keep on practicing until then. Surprisingly, I was almost late to the first day of tryouts since my cousin came and picked me up five minutes before attendance was taken, but I was able to make it there since I’m about three minutes away from the school. The tryouts lasted for about a week, so I was actually suffering through some wear and tear after the first two days. But that didn’t stop me from showcasing my abilities to the coaches. Once the last day of tryouts ended, we all had to sit in the hall and wait for our name to be called up. It was a very intense moment for me. At times I was doubting myself, wondering if I would even be considered, but I had to keep myself confident since I believed I had the potential to be the best on the team. After many people later, my name was finally called. I went into the room, and sat down in front of the junior varsity coach and the varsity coach. The world came crashing down on me when I was told that I didn’t make the team. I’m not even going to lie, I was very upset. I thought I was better than most who even made junior varsity. It made me wonder if I was ever going to make a basketball team in my life, knowing that I didn’t make the team over people that I was better than. However, that didn’t stop me from working even
harder. This experience taught me that even if you don’t accomplish your goal, you must work even harder in order to get back up onto your feet and prove everyone wrong. Ultimately, I can proudly say that I have actually improved so much more to the point that I’m always asked, “Why aren’t you on the team?”. I’ve truly learned that you always have to get back up, no matter how many times you’re knocked down. If you don’t, you won’t be very successful. This is from the personal narrative essay assignment in September. I chose this one because it accurately describes my character. I usually feel like I’m treated as an underdog in most situations, and I’m hard on myself, so I usually work as hard as I can in order to prove others wrong and make sure that I’m satisfied with my own improvements. What I liked about my writing here was that I was able to reveal how I work towards my goals and how I take criticism and failure. One final thing I like about this is that I feel like my story could be used as motivation for those who have failed at something and feel like they’ve reached rock bottom. All in all, I’m grateful for everything I have been taught this year, as it has helped me improve as a writer, and I’m grateful for all the experiences I’ve had with everyone. A Viewpoint on Life: by Jamel Usen I believe that a peanut butter sandwich is good without jelly I believe that cereal is better without milk The sweet satisfaction of morning breakfast I believe in late night text waiting for the person you care about to respond
I believe in staying after school, you can discover something amazing. I believe having a black out helps bring people together and develop a memory of a lifetime I believe that dreaming is a way to escape our reality and help us discover who we are I believe staying up in the nighttime allows you to see more dazzling sights than the day time I believe we’re all born with a choice that can be viewed as good or bad I believe we all make bad decisions that may hurt us at first, but it’s what we need to help us grow and learn. I believe to do what’s right, we have to give up on the things we want to most, including our dreams I believe hearing the many voices of youth continue to laugh and chatter creates a sense of warmth within the person I believe that optimism is the ultimate form of an open door My poem came from the “What do you believe in?” assignment. I chose A Viewpoint on Life because it represents how I see life. This writing helped me flesh out a bit of who I am. Showing the many layers of my character. Though I seem one dimensional. However, I’m more complex and my writings helped me show my ideas and opinions in bigger depths. I only learn to grow and tackle the many obstacles in life to only embetter myself. I like to learn and understand, this helps me grow. I want to see where it goes during my tears I’m college. Seeing my classmates' writings helped me understand them a bit better and how they see things and their understanding of it.
SUNY 102 helped me greatly improve my writing, it helped me realize that a passion for writing with meaning and depth. I will be grateful for the class showing me my interests in writing. A Magical Place By: Christina Coppola The best trip of my life with my best friends, my cousins. The excitement we felt walking out into the open, salty air. The warmth kissed our skin, a feeling that seemed so foreign in the cold month of January. Our eyes met the picture perfect destination, the beautiful island of Sint Maarten. The sight was something you see in a magazine or a famous movie. Deep green mountains filled the island, hugged by the sun's golden rays, glistening off the crystal clear water like diamonds. My feet sunk into the warm silky sand. A yellow banana boat floats on the water in the background. Little did I know that boat would be one of our favorite memories to this day. Smiles beaming across our faces, arms wrapped around one another, our skin getting darker by the minute. We were as happy as a little kid trying chocolate ice cream for the first time. Oh how fortunate we were. My poem was written during the ‘’What is in a photo? Sharing our stories through poetry’’ assignment. I loved writing this piece as it felt very freeing. There were minimal
guidelines which allowed the writer to be as created as they wanted. I think writing while looking at a photo sparks ideas that you would never come up with. My Best Friend By Colin Aleci This photograph was taken a few months ago, in the gym of Monroe's high school. I'm sitting next to my brother, looking out at the four mats in front of us. We're both sitting and eating the chicken cutlet sandwich and chips that my mom made for after we wrestled. He's talking to me about the match that's going on in front of us. Breaking down the different moves and what's happening in the match as I listen and nod my head. This is all happening shortly after my last career match. I couldn't be more proud of the kid sitting next me though. In just a year and a half he's improved tremendously. And because of the sport we're the closest we've been since we were little kids. I won't ever forget this day or the photo. This came from “What's in a photo?” assignment. I chose this piece because I liked not having too many restrictions and being able to choose something that mattered to me. This picture reminds me how important my brother is to me. This sport brought us closer than we have been in a long time and I’m glad this piece gave me the opportunity to reflect on this.
Old Books and Wooden Shelves by Lila McPherson My favorite smell is old. Trapped in plain sight. It has traveled far and wide, Telling stories of Knights in shining armor, Princesses in distress, Fairies causing mischief. My favorite smell is wise. Stagnant in the shelves, It contains knowledge. Words from lost eras About everything all at once. My favorite smell is kind. Most prominent at my grandfather’s house, Locked in time. The smell reminds me of my youth, My adventures. I didn’t need to leave the room to be whisked away. In tales of heroism and fantasy That my grandmother read so often, I find myself right beside her when I inhale.
The smell allows my mind to soften and dream Of the past I don’t want to escape. I chose this piece because it creates a scene in my head. Reading through my notebook of works, some were good with words yes, but this piece evoked memories. I can feel the warmth around me as I gaze upon the words. I don’t often write about my grandmother as it brings back the past but in this piece, I can picture her sitting in her armchair with the sun shining perfectly on her hair with a smile upon her face. During both SUNY courses, I was able to find my own rhythm and develop more as a writer, and I would never wish that away. Thank you Mrs. Rose for giving me a voice! <3 The Family Photo: By Lizzie Ercolino The summer of 2019 I was 17, I am still 17. It was my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary and We had a huge party in my backyard. All my family and their friends were there. There was a huge white tent, tables and chairs, a dance floor, and an enormous speaker that we used to blast music until 3 am. Sorry neighbors. It was hot on August 17.
My nanny and grandpa stand in the middle as my nanny insisted to stand next to my sister because she favors the younger ones. But I stood with my grandpa on my left with his glasses that change with the lighting. We both have terrible eyesight. My sister of course is wearing my shirt because she left all her good clothes at my dads. The youngest cousin in front with the fun uncle wearing hand me down clothes that are as old as me. The two goofballs of twins standing on opposite sides, and both have their eyes simultaneously closed. I, along with only half of us looking at the correct camera. I purposely stood where I am. The floral pattern of my dress hiding behind plaid and leaves. I had changed 11 times and my sister got to wear whatever she wanted. That's just how life goes I guess. It was a lovely August 17th. I chose this poem from the assignment “what is in a photo?” I really enjoyed bringing this memory and photo to life in the way I viewed it. It expressed creatively my thought process and how I felt when I saw the flash of the picture being taken, with all those thoughts bouncing around in my head. My family is a huge part of my life, and has shaped me into
the person and writer I am today. These English courses have taught me how to express my thoughts, emotions, and feelings through writing, and I will take these lessons I have learned from you and my class to the road that lies ahead. Thank you Mrs. Rose for helping me become the writer I am today. :) I am From playing catch inside the house when By: Vanessa Perez Mom went to sleep early on Friday nights. I am from the background I am from my earliest memory recording the From quite and sincere weather in preschool. Helpful and diligent Where teachers now included adults other Meek in public yet juxtaposingly outgoing than my parents. with friends. My belief that education is a gift. With every small achievement Education is one thing that someone cannot I emerge closer into the spotlight. take away from you From realizing that teachers have one of the I’m from playing baseball with Dad in the most important jobs in the world front yard, trying not to break a window. I believe that too many women fought for From playing volleyball in the backyard my right to learn for me to take it for And being “chosen” to get the ball from the granted. woods or the creek. I’m from Abner and Sheny
The Christmas present that arrived three I’ve visited 5 countries within the span of 2 weeks early weeks. From hard work and Dunkin Donuts Long plane rides munchkins during the holidays. Long bus rides Saturday night movies and oven Short sleeping schedule. “You’re a smart girl” and “bella.” I’m from moments with siblings I’m from America and Puerto Rico From stealing each other’s clothes From Lysol and Fabuloso Sister secrets Pepperidge Farm and Goya Singing at the top of our lungs Pumpkin Pie and Flan The little moments that will turn into eternal New York Style pizza and tostones memories. Burgers and rice and beans From the mainland and the island. I’m from scrapbooks filled with cringy childhood memories. I am from my love of traveling. The hyperbolized devastation of not getting From admiring the beauty of architecture, a pastrami sandwich in Puerto Rico. landscapes, and works of art The disbelief that my sisters ate my face And learning about new cultures. from the cake. Bermuda, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada The tears streaming down my face at the England, France, Switzerland, Italy lack of my fountain hair.
An account of the heartfelt moments that this poem is a culmination of the people shaped who I am. and memories that make me who I am. These individuals and memories have I merged the “I am” poem and the “What created a solid foundation that will form do you believe in” poem to show a deeper who I become in the future. insight into my world view. I liked how Strength By Paige Wilkinson The white lines, the mud patches, the long grass, the bright orange goal staring at me as if it is watching my every move, the sound of the whistle that blows as a draw control goes up in the air: the lacrosse field. The lacrosse field is where I have belonged for over half of my life. I reside there, I feel at home there. I know the game like the back of my hand and throughout my years playing, I have only gotten more comfortable and confident with a lacrosse stick in my hands. I have now brought my level of play to college campuses, and have only gotten happier with where I am. This sport has taught me to never give up, keep my head held high and remain faithful until the last second. Simply, nothing in life is over until it is truly over; until the last whistle or the last beep of the buzzer, so keep fighting and never lose hope. I have carried these lessons with me and applied them to situations in my life on and off of the field. My most important messages have been sent to me through this sport and I plan to carry them with me and remember them throughout my whole life.
This is a paragraph from a project much earlier in the year. We wrote about places and where we feel most confident and comfortable. I chose to include this piece because it includes very key points about me and my love for this sport. Lacrosse has given me strength as I grew up and I could not imagine my life without it. I’m looking forward to playing for another four years, as it will help me through college the way it helped me through grade school. The End of Everything Clodine Franco Right now, this very moment can be the last time we all will be able to breathe, to feel things, to experience the sensation of livelihood. Living in the moment may be easier said than done. Take the first step of not taking things for granted. Anywhere you are, take a moment to breathe the fresh air before it is all gone. Take a second to snap a mental picture in your head and admire the sight. Pretend that your current location is your most cherished spot. It is between you and right now to evaluate the special meaning of life. This could be the end of everything, somewhere only we know. This is from the first journal entry of SUNY 102 where we pick our favorite line from a song. The line is \"this could be the end of everything\" from Somewhere Only We Know by Keane. I think it is important to never take things for granted. We never know when it will be our last time for anything. To see experience something to its fullest potential, we can
create the most special moments. A fulfilling life is not about what you make of it, but how you live it. “Contentment” by Eli Watson Contentment sits, legs crossed, on a worn, wooden bench in the middle of the woods, rays of golden sunlight bleeding through the leaves above her. Contentment has long, flowing, sandy hair and wears a simple yet elegant yellow sundress. There is a light, gentle breeze passing over her, and around Contentment, there is life of all kinds; beautiful flowers, excited squirrels, and pleasant melodies of bird chatter permeate this little world in which Contentment sits, at peace. But also surrounding Contentment, a little further off, is a fire burning, swallowing up some of her world. She remains sitting. Elsewhere nearby there is a crowd arguing, shouting vulgar things at one another, consuming precious airways of Contentment’s world. And somewhere else still, there is a couple deciding that maybe they don’t love each other any more, eating up a portion of Contentment’s heart. Still, she does not move. Now The sun is setting, her world slowly being plunged into darkness. She still sits, admiring the splendor of the setting sun, thankful that she gets to see it at all, listening to the fire burn. The arguing has grown to a clamor, and the doomed romance has transformed into nothing more than a bitter expression of hatred.
Contentment turns her head to the sky above her, sparkling, shining stars lighting up the black tapestry of night. Below, a rustling sound in the brush beside her catches her attention. A small rabbit tentatively crawls out, sniffing Contentment’s feet. She smiles. Sitting back, Contentment closes her eyes, and breathes in deeply, catching the fresh scent of the forest, and just a little bit of smoke. She still hears the fire, the crowd, the sour death of love. But louder is the soothing rhythm of the wind, the scampering of the rabbit, and the ambient peace of night. Not soon after, but soon enough, Contentment opens her eyes to watch the golden sunrise. She is still smiling, gazing, and listening. The fire still burns, but it's a new day, and the fire is not stronger than the forest. Contentment stands and walks toward the flames. There rises a gladiolus from the scorched earth, untouched. Contentment raises from the ground an iron watering can, And pours life over the flower and dirt. This was the poem I wrote from the assignment where we looked at personification of different emotions. I enjoyed writing this poem because I think it’s important to remember that even in a tumultuous time in your life, ultimately you have control over how you react. We should always appreciate all the good around us even if that is not the most obvious thing at a given time. I wrote this way before any of the current events we are seeing today, but I still find it relevant. Control what you can in your life, but be at peace with what you
can’t. Know that even if life is looking dreary and hopeless, there is always something you can do, whether that’s through action or the right mindset. Seek Discomfort By: Joshua Caufaglione During Freshman year of Highschool, everyday I’d wake up at 6:40, throw on my glasses, eat breakfast, and run off to the bus. At school, I’d talk to the same friends and sit in the same seat at lunch. Then when I came home I would do homework and watch the same TV shows. This constant routine was nice and easy but, there was something I didn’t like about it. I felt like I wasn’t living my life to its fullest potential. When you look at your past, what do you remember? Probably not every single day of school and work. It's more likely the special days, the days when you went on an unexpected vacation or had your first kiss, that shape who you are and are remembered the most. I believe that taking chances and getting out of your comfort zone bring about the most blissful moments in life. One summer morning after freshman year, I woke up and realized I was very bored. At fifteen I was too old for my previous summer camps, didn’t want to play video games and all my close friends were on vacation. So as any other teen would do. I pulled out my phone and sat on it all day. Little did I know that this day would change my life. Around 7 pm, after watching 11 hours worth of Youtube. I found a video that caught my eyes. “ Using TINDER to Live in Europe FOR FREE | Yes Theory” It was an interesting video and fun to watch but, that's not the most important part. After clicking on this video, more Yes
Theory videos started to pop-up in my recommendations, and as anyone may suspect, I clicked on more of them. Surprisingly, these videos were special. They weren’t just another useless 10 minutes on my phone of me absorbing information that I would never remember. These videos actually taught me a lesson. The lesson being, “Growth and Genuine happiness comes through overcoming adversity and taking chances”. For example saying yes to something you don’t want to do or don’t know the outcome of. Shortly after watching the video, summer came to an end and my Sophomore year of high school began. This time I was determined not to stick to my same routine. On the first day of school one of my friends said to me, “ Hey Josh! You should totally join the track team, you’d be good at it.” My first reaction was immediately no because I didn’t know who was on the team, I was scared to feel the pain of running, and knew that I’d get nervous before every meet. However, the Youtube channel Yes Theory came to my mind and the words from one of their videos played back in my head, “Growth and Genuine happiness comes through overcoming adversity and taking chances” and I realized that this was my moment to take a chance. I told him , “You know what, I will join the track team” Now looking back on my Sophomore year, I can strongly say that it was a time of genuine happiness and growth for me as a person. Not only did I join track and end up falling in love with it but, I asked out my crush, sang Karaoke at two alices, and decided to wear contacts. All of these experiences were nerve racking at the time but, by overcoming the nerves, it has made me a more outgoing person and has filled my life with more friends and memorable moments then I would have ever had. I challenge YOU, the reader or listener, to follow my belief and take a chance by getting out of your comfort zone.
This was my “This I believe” essay from Junior year and reflecting back on it a full year later is one of the coolest things to me. Seeking discomfort used to be the most important belief I had. Now, one year later, that has already changed, however, looking back on that belief, I have learned that beliefs never disappear, they adapt into better more complex beliefs as you understand and learn more about life. Now, to me, the term “seek discomfort” is the belief that you inevitably have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations and overcome your fears in order to achieve what you really want in life. I have also learned from this belief that the more I put myself into these awkward and uncomfortable situations, life becomes easier. I always compare new uncomfortable situations to old ones and I find myself saying, “Nothing will ever be as awkward as that time I did this…”. I Am From By Katie Geraghty I am from beach umbrellas From poly pockets and silly bands I am from the cluttered furry, welcoming, different shades of blue bi-level I am from pink impatiens, Planted around the mailbox I’m from not putting the tree up until til Christmas Eve and big smiles From Erin and Victoria I’m from barbecuing in the winter, and falling down the stairs. From being told I was the only one with a belly button and being told I was adopted. I’m from prayer coins in the mail, shoved in our wallets
I’m from Manhattan, Potatoes, beer From the time we lost my sister in the mall The fact that Erin refuses to get her hair cut, Hallways lined with baby pictures, Holding thousands of memories. I chose this piece because reading makes me truly happy. I think it's from SUNY 101, but I could be wrong. I believe this poem demonstrates how important my family is to me. They made me who I am today. When we were assigned this poem I was not that excited because I thought I wouldn’t be able to fill all the spots. I also felt that jolt of excitement that I always get when we get to write a creative piece. The excitement lasts all day, as I brainstorm ideas to write about and what direction I want to take the piece in. Little did I know this would become my favorite piece from the entire year. I Believe in Bananas By: Sereen El Jamal I believe in bananas... and performing surgery on them, apparently. Surgery is my passion. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I dream of standing in front of the operating table with a scalpel in my hand. I dream of performing the most complex of procedures. I dream of becoming a world-renowned neurosurgeon. I dream of saving lives. We all know those cliché stories about hardships, obstacles and struggles. We hear about dreams and success and the harsh yet bittersweet reality between the two. Without needing to say much, though, I quickly want to clarify that through the blah blah blah of my life et cetera et cetera, I have learned that success comes only with hard work. For this reason, I incorporate medicine into every aspect of my life. I pretty much just practice medicine for the fun of it. I mean, I'm sitting here dreaming about cutting people open and how e xhilarating it must be to
save a life, yet my whole family just questions whether I am the up and coming long lost sister of Frankenstein. Nonetheless, they are extremely supportive. On my 15th birthday, my sister bought me my first pair of scrubs (navy blue Grey's Anatomy scrubs, just like the ones they wear in the show!), a lab coat, and a stethoscope. See, I do not necessarily have any real purpose to wear them just yet, but banana surgery can pass, right? I mean, real surgeons practice sutures on bananas all the time, and for what it's worth, I a m going to be a real surgeon one day. So, bananas it is for me!! My house is like a hospital. All three of my living grandparents live with me, and all three of my living grandparents need constant medical care and attention. My family moved to Jordan after leaving Palestine, and the medicine practiced there is less than optimal. They came here to get the best medical care possible. After suffering from a stroke and dementia, my 97-year-old grandfather is now on Hospice Care, and although he is extremely ill, having the opportunity to take care of him gives everyone in my family a sense of happiness. I flush his Foley catheter every day, my sister in law takes care of his medication, and we all pitch in keeping him squeaky clean at all times. Helping him and my grandmothers has inspired me to practice surgery on my pretend patients. My banana patients receive optimal medical care. I have implanted apricots and grapes into them and have used every possible tool I could find. I fished betadine out of my medicine cabinet, an X-Acto knife (scalpel) out of my sister's art supplies, forks (rake retractors) out of my kitchen, and a needle and thread from my mom's drawer of sewing stuff. The implants were kept in an ice tray until they were ready to be implanted. It took me fifteen minutes to curve a sewing needle to make the surgery as realistic as possible, but it was totally worth it. Since then, I have learned an unbelievable amount. I was taught how to do r eal sutures b y a real doctor a t a r eal hospital.Now my bananas are put on saline drips, given medication intravenously, a nd t hey get proper sutures with proper dressing, all done by the famous Dr. Sereen El Jamal, Chief of Banana Surgery at The Hospital She Apparently Made Up in Her Mind, and soon to be a world-renowned neurosurgeon at a New York City hospital (hopefully, hopefully, hopefully). Although I still have an extremely long way to go, I would like to believe I came a long way. I would also like to believe that my belief in bananas helped me get this far.
This is my college essay… I chose it because I feel like it says a lot about me as a person. It’s definitely the piece I worked hardest on in SUNY. Because of this essay, I got accepted into my top school. I’m extremely grateful for it, and it’s a good reminder for me to work harder when I’m feeling down. It also mentions me living with my 3 living grandparents… a lot has changed since then. Today, I have one living grandmother. I lost my grandpa on March 29th, and my grandma on May 1st. They were my biggest motivation when it came to pursuing a career in medicine. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. This submission is a tribute to Sito Alia and Sido Salim. I owe all that I have today to you. Thank you for teaching me resilience, strength, patience, passion, persistence, and faith. I love you both with my everything. May we meet again. Seaside Respite By John Ward This photo is less of a photo and more of a moment to sum up series of moments. Me, my dad, and my brother pose around this \"No Swimming\" sign at Robert Moses Beach sometime last summer I think. The weather was good that day, and you can tell from the lighting that it was right before sunset. My dad and I were holding our surfboards, thumbs raised, eyes squinted at the sun descending behind the camera. The waves were kinda choppy that day and we, at least my dad and I, looked a bit whooped afterwards, but felt the exact opposite A decent portion of our summer was spent on the waves, and he and I bonded a lot over our shared passion. I was getting ready to be an adult by then, which meant that the long wait before the next wave became a window to conversations that I never had before. I was told a number of things about life that both excited and uneased me about growing up, and I always had vastly different thoughts and realizations going through my mind
each trip back to our tent The exaggerated poses were manufactured, for sure, but the smiles we wore weren't. My brother, who does not surf, holds a boogie board and grins. I chose this piece for two reasons. The first is that it’s one of the only pieces I could find that I managed to have below two pages, and the second is that I had a nice time writing it. I’m not too good at poetry, and if I had written this today I would have definitely written it differently, but I never would have thought about writing poetry in any shape or form before this class and the fact that I made something remotely serviceable makes me feel a little bit proud. Beyond that, it was just a pleasant memory, and I think I was able to capture it fairly well in writing, enough that reading it over again makes me smile. Hopefully all things go well, and I get to live out this poem again this summer, but this time 6 feet away from the beach crowds I never wanted to be near in the first place. MÉXICO By Kaylee Sánchez Axochiapan, Morelos Not the safest place to live in México It’s actually on the list of places you should reconsider traveling to It’s my second home My whole family is from México The people and energy are bright It's sad to see a lot of dogs in the streets And it's sad to see little kids working countless hours in the streets… But the sunset is beautiful
And the memories I've made each time I visit will be cherished forever The warm atmosphere that isn’t unbearably hot The random little zoo in the hills of Jonacatepec The dangerous roads, at night no lights illuminate the streets Lighting up fireworks after fireworks in the streets with my cousins Walking to the corner store to buy a ton of junk food Walking over the not-so-safe bridge to get to the fair a town over Looking over my shoulder cada cinco segundos to ensure my safety The best tacos de chorizo I have ever tasted I wish to visit México and bask in all its glory very soon This piece is from “The Importance of Places” from SUNY 101. It’s only one of the two poems I wrote for it but I feel that this poem expresses who I am. I am proud to be
Mexican-American. I would always have the most fun when I visit my family in México and would get the best tan ever which is a plus. I would also have to be aware of my surroundings though and who I was with. Going somewhere alone in México was never an option. The last time I visited my family was last year in January for my cousin's wedding and that was the first time in 9 nine years that I had gone to México. The weather was so nice and the sunsets were beautiful. I miss it so much and hope that after quarantine is over I can visit my family again, and maybe even go to Cancún while I’m there. Change? By Loundy Martes Society is cruel and unfortunately, history does repeat itself. Time and time again, we see people suffering and change barely happening. The poems read in the class allowed us to see how much pain and agony the people of America have endured. In Tony Hoagland’s “America”, through many metaphors and similes, we see how the people suffered but were ignored and never believed. The last 2 couplets of the poem expresses how bystanders watch others suffer but ignores them, letting them drown in their own pain. In the last 2 lines, it says, “And yet it seems to be your own hand Which turns the volume higher” People know there is hurt in the world and many hardships. They acknowledge that stuff needs to be done to make it better but don’t act on it, they ignore the cries and are just selfish. In “Let America Be America Again”, Lanston Hughes describes the suffering many African Americans faced when trying to build a life in America, the place many dream of coming to because of the opportunities and freedoms they may get. Hughes allows the readers to see that the dream everyone wanted was not true. In his poem, he writes, “I am the man who never got ahead,” They suffered and worked hard for others but barely got anything in return and when they did, they had to fight for it. This also applies to other groups of people who came to America, hoping to find something good but had to work endlessly and barely get anything in return. This piece is from one of our weeks of poetry, specifically the one where we talked about society and history. I chose to share this poem because I think it really relates to what is
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