A State of Wonder by Caity Rose V., Chester, CT It was almost 6:30 p.m. in Florida, the perfect hour for the sun’s date with dusk. I glanced to the left and fixed my eyes out the window. I was immediately drawn to the sunset. It radiated colors weary from a long day: deep maroon, devious red, scorching orange, and jealous mauve. Continue...
Alfresco in the Tetons by Warren K., Essex, CT I hadn’t showered for almost two weeks, but the odor from my body was neither putrid nor repulsive. Instead it was exactly what nature had intended; we’ll call it earthy. It wasn’t as though I couldn’t have showered; I wasn’t in a barren land, but I chose not to. Continue...
Arachnophobia by Corianne H., Naperville, IL In the midst of a turbulent storm on the savage coast of Bretagne, France, my host family and I sped along in their new Peugeot. Nelly and Francois chatted as I gazed lazily out the window, daydreaming and ignoring their conversation. Continue...
Miss Red Cliff by Mariah D., Ashland, WI My heart was pounding faster than even the drums were beating. Time seemed to pause as I stood next to my family. It was my third year in the running. “And our winner … Miss Red Cliff 2005, Number 183!”
My heart seemed to skip a beat. I stood there, frozen. Continue...
My First Day of School by Sai P., Newark, DE Fear started taking over. I was walking into my first school in America. I had traveled a long distance from India in order to join my mother, who had been here for three years, hoping America would help my future. Continue...
Pioneers by Heidi H., Rockville, MD I gently tug at my grandmother’s hand as we push through the crowds of the morning market in Urumqi. The vendors’ cries hover at a certain pitch, blending with the aroma of fresh dim sum and spicy meat. I steer her toward my most anticipated destination – the naan stand. Continue...
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