Teen Ink Magazine, February 2005: Nonfiction Articles Cracking the Curse by Liz L., Cape Girardeau, MO    It all started on my first day of high school. I was determined to be a cool, confident freshman. Continue... Long Division by Christine D., Auburn, NY    Not too long ago, I met a frustrated fourth grader trying to do his math homework. Continue... Wild Release by Heather A., Roscoe, MN    I had a good book. I had a great spot; I was waiting for the right person. With My Antonia in hand, I slowly made my way to B. Dalton, my heart skipping a beat every time I passed a store. Continue... Dysfunctional Family by Katy C., Stafford, VA    Psychiatrists spend excessive amounts of time and energy (and a lot of the public’s money) trying to convince the world that a family is necessary to help anyone make it through life somewhat sane. I say that your family is what drives you farther and farther from sanity. Continue... Swing by Julie F., Portland, CT    Kick, pull. Kick, pull. “My mother has breast cancer,” I exhaled rapidly, pumping back and forth on the vinyl swing high on the hill of my elementary school. With this single sentence, I began sobbing. Continue... Chance of a Lifetime by Michael F., Phoenix, AZ    Who would ever have thought that I would get to say the words “Pat, I’d like to buy a vowel?” Well, that’s what happened to my friend Oscar and me. Continue... The Best Policy by Kristin N., Oswego, IL    Any other days you could work this week in addition to the ones you’re scheduled for would really help us,” the store manager said. I nodded and walked out into the frigid December night. What just happened? I thought. When I started work at five, there were nine people working but by the end of the night I was the only one left. That day, I learned how far honesty and integrity can go, and what happens when you have none. Continue... Crushed by Samantha O., Iola, WI    That night, excitement kept me awake, and my thoughts kept me smiling. I couldn’t wait. It was the big day. I had anxiously waited for that day, dreading it at the same time. Continue... You Don’t Know by Craig L., Clarence Center, NY     You don’t know it, but Sometimes I go to a hill that overlooks The glorious landscape of the city’s lights For a glimpse of momentary beauty Continue... I Always Pay Attention in School by Adam S., Montz, LA    I always pay attention in school. I don’t sleep in any of my classes because I don’t want to miss anything. Lately, I’ve been enjoying my classes, but my parents aren’t exactly thrilled. Continue... Boys & Goldfish by Mary Lauran H., Newton, MA    It’s hard, because boys are difficult to deal with. Sometimes I want to be loved so badly that I curl up at night and clutch my sheets so hard that just for an instant, there’s a strong, handsome boy there with me. Continue... I Am My Own Worst Enemy by Brad I., Waukesha, WI    It all started when my girlfriend, whom I shall call “Sally,” decided it would be great if she invited herself to my house after school. Well, I didn’t want her to come over, but in our relationship, it was always her way or the highway. So I nodded and walked to class, mad that she had invited herself over and even madder that I let it happen. Continue... No Pressure by Eric K., No. Wales, PA    We were sitting across from each other on a typical autumn day; the sky was gray and the cold wind bit at my hands and face in that tiny, low-key and most unromantic coffee shop sipping warm, bitter cappuccino. What about her drew me in? What about her made my heart race? Continue... Bleeding Hearts by Dandelion D., New York, NY    My wet jacket felt heavy on my back. Cold drops of water trickled down my face. My hair dripped. Water splashed beneath my saturated sneakers. Continue... Love? by Dominique A., Cohasset, MA    You know, there’s something I have to get off my chest. I’m really sick of everyone being so in love. I swear if I see one more I.L.Y. or 1-4-3 on a profile or senior yearbook write-up, I’m going to have to do something about it. Continue... The End by Michelle M., Patten, ME    So, I guess this is a true story. I don’t know where it begins or ends, but here’s the middle. Bored and feeling morning-ish, I’m in the school library listening to some of my senior friends present their portfolios. Continue... Reversed Roles by Josh M., Lexington, KY    Dude, have you ever noticed that women seem to do everything they can to make you mad, and just when you are ready to give up and drop them like a bad habit they go and do something amazingly cute so that you have to forgive them? Continue... Always There by Kristi S., Cleburne, TX    Love would be a sweet thing if everyone knew how to use it. I learned the hard way. It started full of happiness, special times spent together and magical memories. Continue... Goodnight by Cameron B., Mason, OH    When was the battle lost? So many dates build to that final release the seal of approval left by lipstick and Cupid’s bow. Continue... More Nonfiction Articles from the Teen Ink Archives