I write because it makes me feel good. I write because it can help deal with problems. I write because it gives me something to do. I write because my teacher tells me to. I write because I want to. I write because I am in school. I write because it keeps my fingers moving. I write because it helps me think. I write because it is fun. 

I write for me and for others but mostly me. 
Letting my imagination run wild through my head and channel it through my pen onto the paper.
I write about adventures real and fiction. 
I write of romance. Connecting to a person with vivid descriptions of many things. 
I write about trust and teamwork. Showing that friends and family can overcome ANYTHING.
I write to build suspense. Leaving the reader on the edge of their seat, with descriptions so vivid they can see everything happening. 
I write to make people laugh. Always bringing some comedic relief. 
I write for the joy of making up stories, of fantasy, fiction, and many more.
Why I write there are so many reasons but the main one is this...

I write for the readers.

 

   People usually say "I write to express myself". And yes, that is why I do it in a nutshell. But it's deeper than that. I know for a fact that I don't like telling people how I'm feeling. I can't just say that I'm pissed, or heartbroken. Writing is my way to say all of that with out even twitching my lip. You'll find out more about me through my writing than I would ever let you hear me say. My journal listens to me and my pen is my translator. They don't judge me. And they never say anything back. This goes for analytical writing as well. I'm not perfect and sometimes I don't want people over my shoulder correcting my every move. Just let me write. I can breath and not be tense when I write, and that is why I do it.

Why do I write? I mostly write because I am instructed to, well then again depends on what type of writing you are talking about? I mostly write because a teacher in a class tells me to. There are much bigger aspects to writing to just this though. I write because it is a form of communication and expressing myself. Writing allows for people to say things they would rather not say out of their mouth, or maybe can't say. I write because it lets me share my story with other people. It allows me to tell others how I feel about things and why I feel that way. Writing is something that we absolutely need. We only know the history that we know today because somebody was smart enough to write it down. Some of the greatest stories are told through writing. Yes people can re-tell stories through talking but that way mostly messes up information, but if it is written down then that changes everything, you are getting the story from the main source. Writing is nothing but another form of talking, and since I love to talk I guess that's why i write. 

Why would any one write?
Why not just leave the page bare?
Why would anyone read it?
Why would they even care?
About what the put on a paper or in a word doc?
Why would people tell stories of an unknown world or hidden place?
Why do people feel the need to express themselves in this way?
O why o why?

Well dah,
People write because they feel like it,
Or because life is so dry,
Stories can add excitement to anything and make anyone feel alive.
They write because sometimes reality isn't enough,
Because there is an unlimited and an unlimited amount of stuff,
Of stuff that can be put on a page or told in a bedtime story
People write for the snaps or claps that comes at the end of the speech
They write because its a way for people to just be themselves or be anyone else who they want to be.

O, you meant why I write?
I'll tell you very simply,
I write because it is a possibly for me.
I write because I feel like it, I write because I'm me.
I write because I simply think its awesome.
To do anything with a page or a line
To simply show the world what I could be.

​     Do you play basketball? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that question. It’s because I’m tall for my age over 6’2’’ and only 15. One day last summer I was in the driveway playing basketball with some friends. This was kind of new to me because I'm more of a baseball guy. However, ever since my growth spurt last summer, people assume that I have to be a good basketball player.

 

It was 10 to 12 and my team had 10 points. I ran and dodged players until I got to the 3-point zone. With 5 seconds left in the game, I had a clear shot and there were players rushing at me I took the chance and shot the ball through the air. It hit the rim and circled and circled… and missed.

 

The players on the court were surprised.

“Yo how did you miss that you’re the tallest one here” My friend Mike said

“I told you I’m more of a baseball person I don’t play basketball a lot”

“Your 6 feet tall”

“I know I’m just not that good at basketball I told you already”

“Oh yeah you did, Oh well I’ll see you tomorrow”

“See you”

 

      It’s been happening a lot lately. Most of the time I just tell people no I don’t play basketball and they just drop the subject. I love being tall most of the time and the cons aren’t just that question I have to duck to get down the steps at dad’s house and I can practically hit my head on anything. But some pros are I can reach most stuff and I can get on any ride at an amusement park.

 

      I can’t blame them, actually I don’t know who to blame I thought I got my height from my dad but I’m taller than him and it can’t be from my mom because I’ve been taller than her since 7^th grade, so I don’t know.  Now wherever I go people take one look at me and instantly think that I play basketball. I guess that when people see one person who looks a certain way they set expectations for that person without knowing anything about them.

 

      I’m kind of good at basketball just not as good as other people would expect. I like baseball and soccer. Sure I could probably dunk the ball if I wanted to but I don’t play enough to know how especially if I cant reach the rim.  I’m used to it now but it’s still annoying when so many people who know I don’t play keep thinking I play. That’s just wrong in some cases. It’s a stereotype all tall people must be good a basketball that can mess up a friendship before it starts. For example If a coach saw me and drafted me onto his basketball team and I make friends before a game once I start playing and people see that I’m bad at this then I would start to lose friends. To sum this up I don’t like the stereotype that all tall people are good at basketball because it can ruin things like friendships before they start.

 

 

​There I was. In line ordering some food, and the lady asked me

"What would you like?" I responded by saying

"Can I have a....",

--But before I could even answer, the lady cut me off by saying,

"Oh my God! You're accent is so cute, where are you from?!? Do you speak any Spanish?"

 

Usually this question doesn't annoy me, but I just get so tired of answering it. When I answer that, then they ask me what's my ethnic back round, then it starts a whole debate on who I am. Then I have those who doubt who I am because of how I look on the outside. It's very stressful and confusing, but I’ll break it down for you.

 

I am Mexican, Italian and African American.  My father, who is more Mexican, is where I get my accent from. It was terrible when I was younger, so I had to go to many speech classes and finally, as of now, my accent is maintainable. After awhile though, when it comes out, people start to gush over it. “

Oh my gosh your voice is so beautiful!” 

“Oh my God where are you from?!”

Questions like this that tend to make me mad and upset that I even have one. Often times though, people seem to think I’m faking it, which I’m not. I have no reason to want to fake something as silly as a pointless accent. Also just because I am part Hispanic does not mean I have to know any Spanish. I get many mixed reactions to it; I have honestly never heard any hate towards it though.

If I could change having an accent, would I do it?

Probably not.

But if I could change something about the situation of having one, I would make it so that it’s not something that people gush over. I also would stop the judgments made about my race before being asked.  

 

 

 

 

​Sarybel Meléndez                                                                                      9-22-11

   I am a person that thinks that everyone should make goals for themselves. I always had some goals I wanted to achieve. My past goal was to enter into Puerto Rico's most advanced high school called Centro Residencal de Oportunidades Educativas de Mayagüez (C.R.O.E.M). This school is specialized in mathematics and sciences. It is a residential school; a school where you actually sleep in.

 

   Since I heard of it, I fell in love with the idea of being there, even though I knew I was not good at mathematics. After thinking about it, I decided to ask my parents. At first they were surprised at, but then they supported me, so I decided to go ahead and submit my request. A couple of weeks after, they told me that I was accepted! That was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. I was so happy, I could die.

 

   Finally that day came, my first day of school. I went to the school, unpacked my things and got to the main school office. The building and the area were very beautiful; everything was so clean and put together. People were studying at every corner. Everything seemed so perfect! It was like a dream come true. I met a lot of people, some of those ones who right now I consider my siblings. The teachers were so nice to my roommates and me too. I felt very welcomed.

 

  Through the year sometimes I felt like it was too hard for me, but suddenly, I said to myself, ”If I got the opportunity to be here, I can not waste it”. So I decided to go ahead, study and put a lot more effort to what I was supposed to do and I did it, hoping for the best. At the end of the year I graduated with one of the highest grades and with honors! That raised my confidence so much.

 

   This situation taught me a couple of lessons that now I consider them as fundamental for a better life. It taught me that if you have a goal, you have to go for it, and that when an opportunity arrives, you should not waste it. It also taught me that if you have confidence in yourself, you could go through any tough situation. You have to go ahead, follow your dreams, and beat the obstacles. If did it, I am sure you can.