This website gave me the insight I needed to make an attractive website.  I want my website to be something that we easy on the eyes and can still keep the interest of the reader.

"Tips to Make Your Website More Visually Appealing." Metroland Digital Solutions. N.p., 03 Jan. 2014. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://metrolanddigital.com/tips-to-make-your-website-more-visually-appealing/>.

I needed to find multiple sources on the same topics to see which ones were the most mentioned.  Since some tips were very repetitive, I feel that they were the most important to address and follow through with.

"Make Your Website Famous." Entrepreneur. N.p., 16 Aug. 2007. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/193476>.

Another thing every website needs is notoriety.  For my Capstone to make an impact on society, I had to learn how to make it a topic on everyday conversations amongst people.  Therefore, I needed to gain insight as to how to approach it.

"4 Creative Ways to Attract More Visitors to Your Website." 99U. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://99u.com/articles/7070/4-creative-ways-to-attract-more-visitors-to-your-website>.

To keep my website from being boring or generic, I used this article to find more extraordinary ways to present my website’s presence to other people.  I also felt that with a creative way to reach people, my site was bound to be remembered by them.

Bergman, Sirena. "Top Tips for Designing a Business Website." The Guardian. N.p., 22 Feb. 2013. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2013/feb/22/top-tips-website-design>.

This another source on how to build an effective site.  It contains tips on how to build a site for a business but I still think they can apply for my site/blog.

"The Complete Guide to Building Your Audience." Quicksprout. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://www.quicksprout.com/the-complete-guide-to-building-your-blog-audience/>.

Since I want to attract a diverse group of readers to my website, I needed to learn how to attract an audience.  This source really helps me understand how to readers will think and react to the different aspects of the sites they visit.

Smith, Jacquelyn. "14 Ways To Make Your Blog Get Real Attention." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, n.d. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/08/06/14-ways-to-make-your-blog-get-real-attention/>.

This is another source for achieving notoriety for your site.  I feel that multiple sources can it easier to determine which pieces of advice are the most important.

Gunelius, Susan. "15 Tips to Increase Blog Traffic." About.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://weblogs.about.com/od/bloggingtips/tp/TipsIncreaseBlogTraffic.htm>.

When I found this source, I thought that it would help my notoriety in an upward direction as the rest of them would.

"How to Identify Your Blog's Target Audience." One Cool Site. N.p., 01 Sept. 2013. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://onecoolsitebloggingtips.com/2013/09/01/how-to-identify-your-blogs-target-audience/>.

This article is different in terms of content.  This site gives the signs and giveaways of what audience your site attracts and how to change that if necessary.

Sabourin, Tori. "How to Build An Audience for Your New Blog." SHIFT Communications PR Agency Boston New York San Francisco Austin RSS. N.p., 17 Sept. 2014. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://www.shiftcomm.com/2014/09/how-to-build-an-audience-for-your-new-blog/>.

This source gave me the information I needed to build an audience.  It suggests reaching all parts of the demographic with universal, objective content.

Ingredients:

-Vegetable oil
-Garlic
-String beans
-Black pepper

1. Pour vegetable oil in a frying about the size of a quarter.
2. Lift the pan and move it around so that the vegetable oil coats the surface of the pan.
3. Add a spoonful of garlic to the oil.
4. Move the garlic around the pan same as the vegetable oil and let it simmer.
5. Pour string beans into the pan and cover them.
6. Take the cover off and move the string beans off with a spatula, fork, etc. and add black pepper
7. Let the string beans become a nice green and turn the pan off.
8. Enjoy!

Food Analysis:
I feel that my dish would only be considered "processed" because of the vegetable oil unnatural additives and properties.  The vegetable oil is taken through a lengthy process before being sold to supermarkets across the country.  Other than that, my dish is pretty healthy.  It is a vegetable and contains natural ingredients such as garlic and black pepper.

The dish is not fattening because it is vegetable-based.  Also, the garnishes and seasonings are natural and do not contain any added chemicals, additives, etc.  It also helps with bowel movement because of it's vegetational state.  If eaten too much, there will be limited to no waste inside of the body.

I think that the food mostly comes from the Midwestern part of the country.  This part of the country is the most occupied with crops used to grow fruits and vegetables.  The food is conventionally grow but its organic counterpart can be purchased at stores that whole foods like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, etc. for a slightly inflated price.

This dish is better than any fast food that can be purchased.  This dish is healthier because of the lack of fats, oils, grease, processed additives and extra chemicals.  The only way that this dish can be used to make money is by the company it was made by or if the cook decides to sell it.

Since the food started on a farm, it had to be grown and washed by selling to different grocery stores.  Then the consumers buy those vegetables and take them home for preparation.  The problem is that it was taken through a lengthy process to be bought and eaten so if you were to grow your own string beans, garlic and pepper, you'll be saving gas from going to the grocery store and the money that you were gonna pay for the groceries.

Personal Reflection:

From this unit, I learned that some people do not have access to healthy foods because of their geographic location and their income.  Healthy foods are expensive compared to fast food which are seen as a way to not break the bank and feed yourself and the family, if any.  While realizing this, I am glad that I was taught good eating habits such as eating vegetables and starches and not just fats, oils and grease.

I also learned that the essential food knowledge that children should learn has to start at home.  With good knowledge on food, the child can take it everywhere they go and share it with others who may not be as informed.  The opposite can happen with little to no food knowledge which results in carrying bad habits throughout the course of life and imposing those habits unto others.  We all need to learn the basics of food in order live healthier lives.  That in turn will promote better living and in turn a happier nation.

“What class do we have next?” asked Reese.  Reese always forgets his schedule.  He likes to rely on his own thinking instead of “listening to a piece of paper”.

“History.” I replied.

“Oh, you mean naptime?!” replied Neil with a sarcastic tone.  Neil’s sarcasm in very important to our group’s dynamic.  It’s like how a clock’s gears turn; it’s a necessity for us.

“Essentially.” said Sam under a laugh that we all share together.

I enjoy this kind of sarcastic, humorous banter with my friends.  It always drives my mind away from all of worries.  I can always count on them to lift my spirits which is ironic since I’m the happy optimist in our group.  Their presence keep my mind off of what is truly bugging me: my family.

My parents always say to never keep secrets for they can destroy bonds that can never be mended.  Since that is a value in our house, we never lie to each other and always be perfectly honest with each other.  Sometimes, it can lead to hurt feelings and broken hearts but you get used to it after a while.

That is why I love my friends.  They are a second family to me and I can always trust them with anything.  As we walked down the hallway, we came across our mortal enemy and her henchmen acting like idiots; it’s the norm these days.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the lower-class beggars from the slums of Beverly Hills.” said Tina with a great amount of detest.

“Well if isn’t the bitch who thinks she’s entitled to everything.” I replied.  I try not to show emotion towards her comments to show her that she doesn’t get to me.

“Don’t be upset because I can afford it.  Daddy thought I deserved it.”  Even though my family is middle class, Tina thinks everyone who isn’t wealthy is poor.  I can’t imagine her attitude towards homeless people.

“I don’t think you should listen to everything your daddy says.” I replied.

“Like when he tells you you’re pretty!” said Sam with a devious smirk.

Sam’s comeback makes us and a surrounding crowd laugh uncontrollably and Tina walks away with a depressed look.  She knows not to have any interaction with Sam after what happened last year.  Tina was bullying another girl and Sam stepped in because she believes that nobody has the right to tease anyone for what they have or at all.  After she argued with Tina, she declared that she could do anything she pleases and continued to bullying the original girl.  She tried take her bag and Sam lost control.  I heard the words, “I’ll kill you, bitch!” followed by repeated slaps to Tina’s face and screaming. After the beating, Tina’s face was blood red and she had to go to the hospital.  Sam was suspended for a week but she thought it was worth it.  To finally put Tina in her place filled her with joy.  That is why I love Sam; she has spunk and morals unlike some people but what I really liked about her was that she had less compassion than the average girl.

When we get to History, I immediately feel a change in my persona since this is the “nap zone”.  It’s so boring that it makes watching paint dry or the grass grow more exciting.  Seriously, who’s bright idea was it to relive pass moments and compress it into a core requirement to graduation?  Sounds like a placeholder for something else and for my sake it’s something better than learning about people who are dead and don’t know that we exist.

. . .

My friends and I always find ways to be together.  We love being alone together because we understand that we all wish for a non-judgmental atmosphere.  We eat alone together, study together and sit at the same tables during every class, well except for the teachers that like to break us up.  We even all get off at the same stop because we live in a Cul-De-Sac and we all are neighbors.  It’s pretty quiet most of the time but we always try to liven it up even if it means tagging a few houses.  

When I arrive home, my parents’ talking quiets down to a whisper.  I hate it when they do that.  What are they talking about that’s so important? And if it was so important for them to quiet down why can’t they be honest about it?  Isn’t that the core value of our home or have I been living a lie all of these years?  Good thing, it’s Friday because I can go upstairs and take a nap because homework is a Sunday problem.  

I fall down on my bed hard enough to bounce a few inches in the air.  I wrap myself in my sheets like a burrito and fall asleep and when I awake, my phone says 6:23pm.  My mom and dad call me and my two brothers down to the dining room.  My brothers and I are a set of triplets.  River is the oldest of us, while I am the middle child and Tyde is the youngest.  What I don’t understand is why they have names from nature while my name is ordinary: Quinn.  I understand that the myths about middle children are unnoticed are fact now, but seriously?  I didn’t think it would be this bad.

When we all sit down at the table, my parents look worried about something.  Maybe what they’re about t tell us is going to change our lives forever.  I hope not because I am in a happy place right now.  I am about to graduate in a few months and go off to University of Richmond next fall.

“How are you kids?” asked my father with concern.

“I’m ok but I’d be better if River would put the toilet seat down!” I say with a scornful look on my face.

“Why is it my responsibility to make sure that the bathroom is prepped to your liking?!” asked River with slight aggression.

“It’s your responsibility because every time I have gone to the bathroom after you, the toilet seat was up and I have fallen into the toilet!  Do you have any idea how disgusting that is!” I asked with fiery passion.

“Not my fault you have sit down just to pee.” said River.  He says it so quietly that I barely overhear him and slap him in the face.  Surprised that I reacted so violently, he feels his face, feels the sting and heat of the slap and gets angry.  He practically  throws his chair out of the way to lunge at me but Tyde stops him in the nick of time.  Tyde has always been my favorite of the two, he isn’t much of talker but he will always have more maturity and integrity than River.

“What are you doing?!” said Tyde.  I can tell that he was slightly angry by the furrowing of brows and the look he was giving River.

“Did you not just see what happened?” said River.  He was confused that Tyde jumped up so quickly to protect me.  I have never had any physical altercations with my siblings but Tyde and River used to fight a lot when they were younger and Tyde would always easily overpower him.

“Dude, chill. When are gonna grow up?”

“Are you serious?!”

“I’m not smiling am I? She’s your sister, do not put your hands on her or I will hurt you. Understand?”

“Whatever.”

The bleakness and seriousness in Tyde’s tone is normal but it was never like this before.  I thank him for saving me but I’m worried that Tyde will do something that he won’t regret but River will regret.

“Other than that situation, are you guys ok?” asked my father.

“Yeah.” replied River, Tyde and myself.

“Good because we have something very important to tell you.” said my father.

“You guys know we love you right?” said my mother.

“Yeah.” we all replied.

“But we haven’t always been completely honest with you.”

“What do you mean?” asked Tyde.  He usually can keep an emotionless face but the tension in this conversation gives him a look of worry.

“We are a part of a secret race that have special abilities that we are born with because of our genetic makeup.  The name that society use to describe us is “EnerGenes”.” said my father.  We all look at each other with saying anything because we couldn’t believe what we just heard.

“Why is our race secret?” I asked.

“Because, we have tried to make peace with humans but they usually fear things that are new or different and our kind qualifies.” replied my father.

“Are you an EnerGene Dad?” asked Tyde.

“Yes.”

“Why did you decide until now to keep it a secret?” asked Tyde.

“Because this is the time of maturity when your powers will start to manifest.” said my mother.

“Wait...so basically we’re a bunch of freaks?!” asked River.  I can hear the sarcasm in the pacing of his voice.  His sarcasm in obvious in the highs and lows of his voice and his facial expressions.

“We are not freaks, our kind have been on this world before humans.  How dare you address this this way!” replied my father.  He never shouts but whenever he does, he’s always talking or scolding River only.

“What did you expect?! We’re about to start living our own lives, we’re going to college and beyond and then you tell us about our heritage that could ostracize us from society?! Man, this is some old bullshit!” replied River.  After that, he walks out of the house mad that he now may potentially won’t have a future.

“Ugh. What do we even bother talking to him?” asked my father.

“I stopped ages ago.” replied Tyde.

“Don’t worry Quinn.  You and Tyde haven’t experienced anything out of the ordinary with your bodies have you?”

“Not that we know of, right Tyde?” I asked.

“Negative.” he replied.

“Ok, well since you guys have just been hit with this, why don’t you guys take it easy for the weekend?” asked my mother and my father agrees.

“Fine by me.” I said.  

“I’m cool with that.” said Tyde.

With that, we went into our rooms for the rest of the day.  I’m mad that my parents kept a secret from us because we were raised not to keep any from them.  I thought we were all supposed to live by that principle but I guess I was mistaken.  But what makes even more disgusted is the fact that River is being so selfish.  This is big change for everyone and he is behaving like a baby.  Whereas Tyde, he realizes this and does not want to cause our parents anymore strife because things are already complicated enough.  Supposedly, River is the oldest and Tyde is the youngest but from this scene, maybe their powers accidentally made them switch brains or something.  This needs to be further verified.  But since our powers haven’t manifested yet, maybe River was born to be an immature whiner and Tyde was born to a be a strong leader.  

I don’t know how I will function at school on Monday.  I don’t know if my powers are triggered by emotion, whatever they are, I don’t want to accidentally blast anyone by mistake, well maybe except for Tina.  Mom and Dad never said that I couldn’t tell anyone but even still, I think it was implied in the conversation about the conflict between humans and EnerGenes.  The worst part about the whole thing is that I can’t tell my friends.  My dear, dear friends that I have known since middle school cannot know who I truly am and that makes me sad.  I unintentionally squeeze out tears into my pillow, stifling my sobs.

. . .

It’s been two weeks since my parents revealed their secret to me and my siblings.  I haven’t felt like myself lately.  Knowing that I have had more power than I realized all these years makes me feel uneasy.  I feel like my secret is so obvious that everyone can see it.  It makes me feel like an outsider.  I’ve never felt this way before and it’s definitely not a feeling that I want to get used to.  My friends have noticed that I have been acting differently and consistently try to check up on me.  Since I try to avoid them at school, afraid that I might hurt them without trying, they text me nonstop.  Reese texts me the most which is admirable but I can tell that he has a huge crush on me.

At lunch today, I sit at the table I share with my friends without realizing it.  I try to get up but they sit just in time and I don’t want to look like I abandoned them so I stay seated.

“Quinn, have you been feeling ok lately?” asked Reese.

“Yeah.  What’s makes you say that?” I asked.

“Well for starters, you’re eating your soup with a knife.” said Neil.  He chuckles slightly after but I know he means well.

“No wonder why I’m still hungry and the inside of my mouth is bleeding.” I say and I can’t help but laugh but I know that I can’t get comfortable.  I have to leave but I cannot come up with a legit excuse since we have all of classes together.  Instead, I reach into my pocket while they’re not looking and go to the ringtones menu on my phone and click one to make it seem like my parents were calling.

“Sorry guys but I have to answer this.  I’ll see you later.” I said.  Reese grabs my arm before I can get up from the table fully.

“Quinn, you know we’re here for you if you ever need us, right?” he says.  Sam and Neil nod in agreement.

“Yeah. Thanks.” I reply.  When he lets go, I quickly speed-walk out of the cafeteria.  My bland tone when I responded doesn’t make me sound to keen on the idea of them providing me with some type of closure.  I don’t want them to stop trying to help nor do I want to lose them but I can’t risk them finding out about me being an EnerGene.  I am so confused that I break down in the girls’ bathroom.  I guess I am crying so loud that someone comes in to check on me but luckily, it’s Sam. 

“You are definitely not ok.” she said.

“No I am, don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” I reply.

“You know you could never lie to me right?  I’ve known you since the fifth grade.  I know when something is bugging you and by the sound of your crying...something’s bugging you.”

“Listen I’m fine. Let’s just drop it ok?”  Before she can say anything else I leave.  Sam is extremely persistent and I knew that she wouldn’t budge until I finally spilled the beans.  It saddens me that I can’t tell her or any of my friends.  She’s the only girl in our group besides me and we have always been able to talk about anything even if we couldn’t tell Neil and Reese.

. . .

It’s been days since I had my conversation with Sam.  Things are already awkward between them and me and I don’t want to flare it up anymore.  I’m riding the bus home and my friends are sitting in our usual seats and since we’re the last ones to get off the bus at our stop, it feels weird to look in their direction.  I don’t want to come off as snobbish and rude so I pretend to do something on my phone.

When our stop comes, I quickly rush off of the bus with my friends right behind me.  While I’m walking, I lose sight of them and quietly think about them.  All the things that we’ve been through together was about to be thrown away and all because of my stupid heritage.  Just thinking about it gets me so worked up that I can’t control and a bright light beams from my fingers which causes a transformer to explode.  I stop it and just before anyone could look to see what happened, I run as fast as I can to my house and slam the door behind me.

Tyde greets me at the door but I’m so frantic that he has to drench me with a bucket of water.  He carries me up his room and questions me.

“Quinn, are you with me?” he asked.  Even though Tyde is younger than me he will always be a better older brother than River.

“I couldn’t control it! I didn’t mean to-” I replied but he interrupts me.

“What happened? Are you ok?”

“Yeah but the transformer...I accidentally shot it.”

“Did anyone see it?”

“No. I ran before anyone could see me at the scene.”

“Good.  We have to keep our EnerGene heritage a secret.  Let’s just keep this incident between us ok?”

“Ok. Thanks T.”

“You’re welcome.  I’m glad you at least have one brother you can count on.”

“You and me both.”  It’s a shame to say but it’s true.  I can’t trust River like I can trust Tyde.  And I definitely don’t have that type of relationship with River either.  We just aren’t compatible like me and Tyde are.  With Tyde’s soothing words, I go to my room, start my homework and go to sleep.  I don’t even want dinner and it’s times like these when I want to be by myself.  But something Tyde said doesn’t sit right with me.  Why do we have to keep our powers a secret?  What if we weren’t meant to live in hiding?  Maybe we all can live together in harmony but by the way things looked when I accidentally destroyed the pylon, there’s a very slim chance.

When I awake the next day, I feel like I shouldn’t go outside because of yesterday’s incident.  It’s as if people can point me out as the culprit from a mile away.  But I can’t stay cooped up in this house either so I get out of bed and go to the park.  I am sitting on the bench with my phone in my hands when my friends walk up to me.

“Hey Quinn.” said Reese.

“Hi guys.” I almost forgot that I’m supposed to be avoiding them to stop myself from hurting them by accident.  Before I let the conversation get too long, I’m going to have make up a fake excuse to leave.  I don’t want to but I have to limit their contact with me physically.

“How have you been lately?” asked Neil.  I have never seen nor heard him this serious before.  It’s surprising because he’s the snarky, sarcastic and prankster of our group and his seriousness is messing with our group dynamic.

“I’ve been ok but I gotta go.  My mom wants to take me shoe-shopping so I’ll see you guys later.” I say quickly getting up from the bench but this time Sam grabs me instead of Reese.

“Quinn, we know what happened?” she said.

“What are you talking about?”

“The pylon explosion?  We saw your powers.” said Reese.

“You’re an EnerGene, aren’t you?” asked Neil.

I already have my head down because I can’t bear to look at them.  Then the tears start rolling down my cheeks and my face turns red.  I start sobbing into my hands but Reese presses my face to his muscular chest, using his shirt to wipe the tears away.  I am so close to him, that I soon start smell his cologne.  The scent is familiar which makes me feel safe around him: sweet, fresh and clean.  They all soon start to embrace me and I finally feel the love I once had with them before I found out I was an EnerGene.

“Is that why you’ve been avoiding us?” asked Sam.

“Yeah.  I don’t want to hurt you guys by accident.”  I replied.

“Yeah we saw what happened to the pylon.” said Neil.  We all laugh and I chuckle a little bit.  The sarcastic tone is back and his voice is normal again.  I’m glad this Neil is back but I never knew he had a serious bone in his body.

“If I did, I wouldn’t be able live with myself.”  I replied.  The thought of them being hurt or killed because I can’t control my powers makes me cry again and Reese pulls me to his chest again.

“Are you guys gonna tell everyone about my powers so they can call me a freak or turn me in to the police?” I ask them.

“No, Quinn, you’re our best friend and we’re work through this with you, together.” said Reese as he kisses my forehead.  Neil and Sam nod in agreement sealing our the deal on this agreement.

“I guess this is another adventure for us to embark.” said Sam as she smiled at me.

“Yeah.  We’re never going to leave your side Quinn, no matter how times we get zapped!” said Neil.  That actually makes me laugh uncontrollably, making me forget all of my worries.  I almost forgot how we used to act.  Always laughing, always happy no matter who saw us or said about us.  All we need is each other and we always have a great time together.

“We’re a team now.  Put your hand in if you’re in!” said Sam.  When she stretches her hand out, we all put our hands on top of hers.  We had a pact now and there’s no way it could be broken.

“Do you need some time alone?” asked Reese.

“I’ll catch with you guys later.” I replied with a smile.  Sam and Neil both walk away and Reese kisses me on my lips.  His lips are soft and warm against mine and after he leaves to catch up with Neil and Sam.  My cheeks are fire red and I am literally blushing at what just happened but I didn’t know if it was because my friends are so amazing that they accepted my heritage or that Reese actually kissed me.  I guess it’s both.

I switched middle schools in the seventh grade which made it hard for me to find myself.  Since I was twelve turning thirteen, it was a transitional period into something different.  It was the stage from child to teenager where you find out who you are as a person, a member of society, where you are classified in the school’s popularity contest and ultimately who you will be for the remainder of your life.  I did not know who I was, I flew under the radar so I was not a member of society and I was not popular but teased and isolated.  This led to not having a lot of friends and evasion of socializing with my peers most if not all of the time.  The only thing I had to help me cope with this void I had inside was art.

I loved art because I was able to express what I was feeling with paint, charcoal, and clay.  What made it better was my art teacher, Ms. Debby.  She was an older woman with curly hair with gray streaks but nonetheless, one of the kindest people I have ever met.  She was always smiling which would sometimes suppress my somber, distant persona.  She was warm and she accepted me and at the time, this was an alien concept.  Usually I showed carelessness and neglected to work with anyone, whether it was mandatory or not.  My emotional coldness and lack of empathy for others was immediately dismissed whenever she was around or I was making art.  Another thing art gave me was a circle of friends who felt the same social awkwardness.  They were all in an oddity that was unexplainable to the people who were apart from it.  Art was an outlet that gave some happiness and people who were in a similar place as I was.

The school’s popularity contestants were all befuddled that I and the rest of my fellow peers did not want to belong to their group.  This is a group where everyone is the same, have the same ideals, have same hobbies and many other similar compatibilities.  It is funny how the people who are at the “top” of the ladder want to include your presence when you find something more and sometimes even better than what they have to offer you.  In a way, they only want to see you feel better or make friends if it is under their terms and principles.  I found out soon after that I deserved better than that and decided to still be the “lone wolf” of the circle in my head.  I can honestly say that most of my friends have very distinct differences with me hence the phrase; opposites attract.  I can look back and say that the “clique” within my dreams did help me cope with the harsh reality that I dealt with everyday but scarred me psychologically with anti-social tendencies.

Ms. Debby’s inviting and welcoming personality changed me for the limited amount of time that I was with her.  During regular classes, I was the child/teenager who sat in the back and did not say anything.  Having an idea or a question would result in laughter and discrimination against me.  That is why people did not know who I was by name but as “the boy who we laugh at”.  But when I would go to art, I would always feel reinvigorated with energy.  Her infectious persona filled me with bravado when we talked about art or as person/member of society.  But all of this went down the drain when my principal decided to be a wet blanket and did not renew her contract.

By doing this, he was restricting her from coming back in the fall.  Many students already had an immediate disliking of the principal and this stunt was considered the last straw for us.  I usually do not follow the crowd but at that time, I didn’t have much of choice.  I had my own objectives and was not conforming to anyone even though they were allies in this case.  They were enemies that I had a temporary truce with until we could destroy the monster who wanted to spread unhappiness amongst all of us. 

We petitioned to have the renewal followed through as planned.  Since it was a known fact to everyone in my grade that I was semi-great at art (because of the time spent with Ms. Debby) I was assigned to design posters and picket signs.  When using words and understanding did not work, we proceeded with a bang: striking.  Almost every student did not do any work until we received word that Ms. Debby’s contract was renewed.  Something that was surprising during this entire experience is that not single punch was thrown.  Some of the students were very upset with the monster’s (my principal) decision and were bloodthirsty enough to start a riot but there was not.  He said that it was a lack of money because the school was relatively new.  Although, I knew that that was true, nobody except Ms. Debby was going to lose their job and some people were even gaining jobs as administrators. I can gladly say that even though I did not like or have anything in common with my peer group, they did show decorum and handled the situation like young adults instead of insane teenagers.  The only reason I did not feel anything any emotion towards Ms. Debby’s firing was because I was used to things falling apart and the amount of instability at my school.  Since Ms. Debby and I had a close connection, she understood what it meant.  She understood that I was internalizing it and known that opening up or showing weakness was not my strong suit.

Sadly, our concerted efforts did not work and Ms. Debby still left in the fall.  The next year when we met our new art teacher, I strayed away from art because I only had Ms. Debby’s bright aura to help me continue on.  Without it, I felt lost again in an oddity I cannot explain just like in the seventh grade.  Even though she was gone, she was not forgotten and I knew that she did not forget me as well.  Soon after this happened, I came to an absolution.  

Some things do not last forever but at this time, I did not want Ms. Debby’s employment to be terminated.  Therefore, I felt obligated to do something, but not just for me, for her and the entire administration.  I wanted to show people that I and my peers have a voice and that we should be heard since we are the resource that qualifies the establishment as a “school”.  By trying to change something, I went out of my comfort zone to fight for someone and something that I truly care about.  I partnered with people who I had nothing in common with but fought for a common purpose with and I can honestly say that they fought a hard battle.

As for Ms. Debby, I cannot say what happened to her but I know that she remembers my effort to fight for her job.  Wherever she is and whatever she may be doing, I hope that her co-workers treat her with respect and dignity.  But one thing that I will never forgive, is my principal’s stupidity in handling the situation.  He caused the uproar that made the students act like a pack of rabid wolves, smelling nothing but blood.  In the end since we fought alongside each other, I guess you may be able to say that we are a “pack”.