Stream of Consciousness

Character: Kyle Hilderbrand

I walk in to see a whole bunch of middle schoolers tapping away at computers. We don’t have computers down in Goshen, I think to myself, and we’re high-schoolers. Hanging from the ceiling I see several paintings, most of which look like they were painted with something other than paint. I also see a net hanging, with several fish and turtles and other thing hanging off the net. Strange.

It took me a while to find the teacher. He was sitting behind a podium typing away as well. He reminds me of Mr. G back at Goshen; just for some reason that I can’t place my finger on. The only difference between him and the rest of his students was the computer he was typing on, and the fact that he was much older than the rest of the people in the room. But it was almost like no one noticed me, like I wasn’t there.

The teacher called time up, and they all finally saw me, and I feel awkward. I think I was better off when no one paid attention to anything around them. I gulp. As the teacher talks, apparently to me, I don’t hear him, and I start to walk away. I walk out the room.

Patriot's Pen Essay

Topic: What does Patriotism mean to you?

Patriotism. It’s why we launch fireworks every 4th of July. It’s why we fly our red, white, and blue flag high above our homes, and our schools, and it’s why we Americans are who we are. It’s why we serve our nation overseas, protecting the ones we love. It’s why we are proud to be Americans. But as much as the superficial, fun things like fireworks on the 4th of July are great, real patriotism is about a deep love for your country. A deep love, and a commitment for serving your home.

John F. Kennedy once said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” This is so important for us as Americans, so that we can support our nation, even in the simplest ways.

We could do this on any scale. You could go on a mission to a place devastated by a natural disaster and help in the clean up, or you could just donate to the Red Cross to send aid to the area. You could volunteer at a 4th of July Parade, or simply attend one to show that you appreciate your country. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, or donate to help one. But being a patriot could just be as simple as putting up a flag at your house; as long as you show your love for your country. But no matter how grand your deeds are, you can still be a Patriot. This is what Patriotism means to me.

Matthew Trotier