Dzenana Salihovic Creative Writing, Portfolio Final Fourth Hour 12/18/2013
Nonfiction Essay http://prezi.com/yqo3hc5cobem/karate/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
Haiku Sets Nature Leaves are falling Colors are changing Autumn is here Watch as the snow melts The rain begins And the birds start to sing The sound of water As the waves collide with the beach While the sun shines on your skin Family The thing that has random screaming moments Lives two doors down My brother Welcome back Its been awhile Mom Silent house I wish Never with my family
School Senior year Im ready is it over Annoying freshman Annoying homework What s the point School such a drag Time goes so slow Is it time to leave
Sonnets She walks out in her long dress as she steps out of the car trying her best to impress little did she know she would be at a bar looking confused, she asked why as the driver looked and said oh my she finally arrived listen to the crowd say her name she had survived the people so loud she thought they were lame everyday seemed the same she was tired of this life The cold dark room she stared at the clock should she pick up the broom she couldn't sleep she was in too deep her mind felt blocked so many things to say knowing he didn't care
she lived day by day wondering if she should dare she took the rick as he came home she ended up with a broken wrist
Free Verse Poems Where Are You You said goodbye, As you left your home, Saving your country from fleeting war, You thought you would return, Much happier than before, Twelve days later, Your first child was born, You where no where to be found, A baby crying in the hospital, With its mother by its side,
A dad gone with no one knowing, Time passes, Eighteen years later, A teenager wonders, Will you ever be found? Where are you Homeland Hear the roosters in the morning Smell the warm coffee and croissants The breath of fresh air Without the pollution Seeing the mountains As the sun rises above them What a beautiful site Homeland Heaven The dark blue sky Watch as the angles leave Your body may be here But your soul is above Heaven
Odd Forms Poems Shaped like cotton candy,puffy, somewhat round Big and white, far up in the sky, Watch as the planes fly threw it, high up in the sky, as it changes shapes, Look at the cloud Math: such a hard thing will you ever use it in actual
life? is it necessary to know the value of x? or the square root of a certain number whats an imaginary number? math will i ever understand you? watch as the sun comes up above it, see how beautiful it looks? like a big rock, against the clouds do you see the gorgeous mountain
Developed Poems Watch as the snow melts The rain begins And the birds start to sing The cold dark room she stared at the clock should she pick up the broom she couldn't sleep she was in too deep her mind felt blocked so many things to say knowing he didn't care she lived day by day wondering if she should dare she took the rick as he came home she ended up with a broken wrist life? is it necessary to know the value of x? or the square root of a certain number whats an imaginary number?
math will i ever understand you? Homeland Hear the roosters in the morning Smell the warm coffee and croissants The breath of fresh air Without the pollution Seeing the mountains As the sun rises above them What a beautiful site Homeland Leaves are falling Colors are changing Autumn is here
Short Story Dzenana Salihovic 4th hour Creative writing The Last Year Every Day of school was just annoying. It didn't matter whether you had friends or not. High school is just a drag and I can't wait to get out of this disaster. Hi my name is Lola I'm 17 years old. I'll be turning 18 before I graduate and honestly I can't wait for the day. I'm sick of high school and people pretending that they are your friends. You would also think that through everything you would have your parents there right by your side. Well for me it's a different story. Welcome to my life. I woke up to my alarm clock as it rang. I glanced at my phone as the time said it was 6:05. I set my phone down and went back under my covers deciding on whether or not I should
get up. I finally got into the state of mind that it was time to get up and get dressed for the first day of senior year. I had a rush of energy as I was thinking about it. Thinking to myself maybe this year will be different, even though I knew I was only lying. I walked into my bathroom as I heard my mother yelling at my brother to get up because she thought he was going to be late. Annoyed I yelled down the hallway shut up its only the morning! I walked back into my room and slammed the door as i approached my closet. Standing there for literally five minutes just staring at it blankly; what to wear, what to wear.. finally I grabbed navy blue dress and a cardigan. Putting on the outfit as i took out my new black combat boots I stood in front of the mirror thinking maybe today would be a good day. I slowly walked down stairs to grab some breakfast I can hear my brother randomly screaming at my mom saying he doesn't want to go to school... god little kids can be such brats. Annoyed and not being able to listen to him anymore I decided to just leave. I left the house and hopped into my car and just sat there for a few minutes as I decided to go pick up Tess from her house. Took a look in the rearview mirror and put a smile on my face as I went to go pick her up. In front of her driveway as she walked out and said, "I heard we have a new kid this year he's apart of our senior class, I wonder who he is" I looked at her and said " we will find out I guess" "god I hate how school has started so early we should of gotten at least another week or something" she said as she stared out the window. I looked at her with a grin, "I wish but the sooner we start the early we get to leave!" Senior year was the last year and before we both knew it we would be graduating soon. Tess said " I cant wait! Just imagine, our life is finally about to start!" As Tess went on and on about how excited she was i couldn't stop to think that i was excited as well but also just a bit
scared. I hated high school with my whole heart but there was still a part of me that knew i would miss it. As I kept my eyes on the road I looked at Tess and said "it's senior year, its time to have some fun." she said "yes when fall begins especially!" We had finally arrived at school; it had felt as if i hadn't been here in years but it was only three months. Just to think that last week i was in Europe living my life and now i'm back in this horrible prison with people I can t stand. I was excited to finally get this day over with. Walking into the office as i went to go pick up my new schedule, looking at it i it seemed as if it was going to be an easy year. The day had seemed to be going so slow it was ridiculous! Honestly I couldn't wait to go home and just take a nap. I was sitting in class as I got a text message it was from Andrew. Deciding on whether or not i should reply i decided to wait, it didn't feel right at the moment. Looking up and listening to Mrs.Robinson as she went on and on about the things that we will be doing this year and what this math class consisted of I was getting tired. I felt myself dozing off, and before I knew it I was asleep dreaming about Montenegro. Laying on the beach while the suns rays are hitting your skin.. When all of a sudden I started to hear my name "Lola" "Lola" "Lola" I had finally woken up. I had looked up as Mrs.Robinson was standing right in front of me "we'll it's good to have you back but don't think that you are going to sleep your way through school until Graduation" she said as she gave me a grin. She walked away the bell rang, I got up and grabbed my stuff as quickly as I could so I could leave before she could stop me to speak to me. I walked out of class and Amanda was standing there I had accidently hit her with the door she turned around and said "Lola hi, I havent seen you all summer how was your trip? It's so sad we didn't get to hangout." I looked at her and said, right it's a bummer but it's okay we will make up for the days that we missed. Vacation was amazing I wish I could go back." She smiled at me and said "well you always have next summer" I laughed as I said "yes but who can wait that long"
Tess was running down the hallway trying to catch up to us. Finally she did and the first thing that she had to say was "Lola have you seen Andrew yet? He was looking for you earlier", I looked at her and said no but he did text me.. I don't know I just don't feel like seeing him at the moment. Tess said shockingly "what,why I thought you guys were doing good" I started walking as I said to her "I did too before I left for vacation but now that I'm back I'm not so sure" "well Tess said, "I still think you should talk to him, maybe he feels the same way." I thought to myself maybe he did maybe he didn't but who would know. The bell rang and I was late to class, luckily for me tardies didn't count today. Finally it was time for lunch Tess, Amanda, Sam and I were walking down the hallway on our way to the cafeteria. Amanda turned around then looked at me and goes guess who's behind us, I said I don't know, I didn't really feel like turning around to see so I asked her who and she said, Andrew ; he was walking with the new kid apparently. Tess looked at me and said, go talk to him looking at her with a serious face i said, no if he wants to talk he can come up and speak to me. Sam nodded her head and said, I agree with Lola. I looked at her and said thank you. Finally we had gotten our lunch and we said down when here comes Andrew and the new kid. "Lola can I talk to you for a moment" Andrew said. I looked at him and replied I need to speak to you to but in private so can we do it later. His response was, alright but he seemed to be confused. He turned around and before he was about to walk away i said, would you like to sit with us" he smiled and said "yeah that's fine." I didn't really want him sitting with us but I had felt bad so asked anyway. The rest of the day passed and I had finally come home. I was exhausted and glad to came home to an empty house. As soon as I layed down my mom walked in, "Lola are you home, I need help! I yelled from my room "yes what do you need" and I got no response I had
finally gotten up to go see what she needed I said "what" she looked at me as she was putting the plates away and said "never mind now." I was annoyed and walked away. A couple months later... "Lola could you get me a glass of water please" my mom had said as she was laying down on the couch. She had just come home from the hospital. My brother was staying at my aunt s house for the weekend until my mom had started to feel better. There was a lot going on between school and home and the fact that finals are coming up just made everything worse. I was on my way to school and before I had left i said "mom do you need anything?" She looked at me and said "no I think I'm fine, have a good day sweetie" as I left I said "I'll try," Finally at school and it was still awkward, it had been two months since Andrew and I had broken up and it was still weird seeing him around school. I walked into my 7th hour class as Mr.Hobbins said "you are wanted in the office" I replied "should I go now?" "It would be nice he said. Walking out of class thinking I had done something bad but knowing that i probably didn t: I had walked into the office as I see three other kids in line to see the principle as well. He had finally came out of his office and said "Lola" I stood up as i walked in, I heard the door behind me close. "Well how are you today" he said I simply replied with "I'm great, but I don't really see why I'm here. Looking at his computer as he typed in my name he said "your grades" I looked at him with a confused face because the last time I had checked them they were good. I said to him "what do you mean my grades Mr. Puff?" He turned his chair around as he was facing me "you are currently failing three classes" with shock I replied "I really didn't know how, I'll try my best to raise them up." He smiled and said "that's what i like to hear, you may go back to class now." School had ended and I had came home and the first thing that I did was do my homework. Before I left school I talked to my teachers about turning in late assignments so I
decided to catch up on school work. Laying on my bed as I started with my math I hear "Lola can you come down here" I had ran downstairs as my mom was on the floor, she was in pain and couldn't move, I had panicked and the first thing that had came to my mind was to call ambulance. "Mom don't worry you will be fine, they are on there way." Hearing the sirens as I looked out the window to see that flashing light. The door opens as four paramedics walk in. One of them runs over to my mom and noticed that she is running out of oxygen, the paramedic looked over and said to the other, get her to a hospital quick! The coldness filled the dark hospital room as my mom was fast asleep. Staring up at the T.V as Harry Potter had just come on; i couldn't stop to think if she was ever going to be okay.to think that just acouple of months ago my life was normal. I got up and decided to go take a walk down to the vending machine, i took a look at my phone as the time read 1:30 A.M. Walking down the halls was creepy, but it was still better than being in that dark room and having to watch your mom suffer. After an hour of walking around i had decided to go back upstairs. The elevator stopped at floor seven as i walked down the hall to room 7008. Slowly opening the door and trying my best not to make any noise, i still managed to wake my mom up. She looked over at me and said could you please hand me that cup of ice i walked over and handed her the cup. She took a spoon fool and ate it. I walked over to the other bed as i layed down and went to sleep. 9:08 A.M, the doctor walked into the room as he came up to me and said, her CT scan results have come in, and im sorry to be telling you this but your mom has Pancreatic Cancer. As tears filled my eyes and stared at him and said, you say that as if its going to be okay, but yet you re not considering that you are talking to a 17 year old girl that has already lost her dad, and all she has is her mom. He responded with im sorry we will try to do the best we can. I had
walked out of the room as he continued to talk to my mom. By this point all the worst thoughts were going through my head. Four months later.. Can you pass me that box of pizza my cousin Amy said as she decided on what movie we were going to watch. Ryan sitting down trying to avoid the fact that his phone wouldn t stop ringing said, who else is coming? I walked into the living room saying, the rest of the family and then Sam + Tess. I couldn't believe that it was already february. Today was my birthday and I decided to have a couple of cousins over and my closest friends. It had seemed like a good thing to do in helping me get things off my mind. Sam and Tess had arrived; I opened the door and they both ran in yelling, Happy Birthday! I mean i guess it feels kinda good to finally be 18, I mean come on im finally legal, I said. It was good to be around all the people I cared about and that i knew cared about me but at the same time i wished that my mom could of been out of the hospital. Three months later.. I couldnt believe it school was almost ending and graduation was just 2 weeks away. My mom was out of the hospital and doing better but we all knew she didn't know much time left. I didn t try to think about it too much because in reality things were going good and it was nice to be living on the moment instead of worrying about the future. Lola have you done your homework? yes mom i have, don t worry well im just wondering you need to continue to keep your grades up! It had seemed like everything was back in its place. Waking up to go to school was still a struggle but what got me up was thinking only a week left I walked into school the next morning as Tess, Amanda and Sam came up to me. Are
you guys ready for finals? Amanda had said. I closed my locker as i responded I have been studying so i hope i end up doing good, Tess started talking about summer and how great it was going to be! well guys you have to agree that senior year has been one heck of a year and that was something we could all agree on. The days passed by and it was finally the last day of school, well for us seniors at least. to think that next week we will all be graduating was just shocking. We all dealt with the ups and downs together and now its all coming to an end. I came home and the first thing i hear is you are lucky! Why can t school be over for us too? My brother seemed to be a little bit mad that he still had another week left of school. My mom laughed and said oh hush, its not like you even do anything at school anyway the last week. He looked at her and said, yes I guess you are right, but come on third grade has been hard! Im ready for it to end I couldn t help but laugh, the fact that he s in third grade and is already considering school to be hard is ridiculous. Lola! Hurry up are you trying to be late I'm coming it takes time to make sure that everything is perfect, I yelled downstairs to my mom as she was getting everything ready for graduation. Ugh why is nothing going right? I can t get my hair the way i want it im sure you look fine my mom replied as she was still trying to get me to hurry up. I promise ill be down soon. Looking in the mirror; I can t believe its here after 12 years it's finally time to graduate. I walked out my room as I closed the door and walked down the steps. My brother looked as me, you look terrible! shut up you brat, I replied. My mom looked at me as I could see the happiness in her eyes. you look beautiful, now can we leave? I nodded my head as I said, wait wheres everyone else? Her response was they are meeting us there, now don't worry no one would miss this day. We walked out the house as I took a look at my mom and was thankful to still have her here with us, but I still felt a bit empty because it felt weird not having dad here.
We had arrived at the school, as i walked out of the car to see all my aunts and uncles. I thank you all for coming, but i have to go in now! I ll see you all after I said as I walked away. Tess wait up I yelled across the parking lot as she turned around. Can you believe it, the day has come she said with excitement. I know, its great but I feel bad because my dad's not here She looked at me and said, he is with you he always has been right in your heart, now turn around and see the rest of your family they are ALL proud of you as well as your dad! I smiled and said thank you for everything she laughed and said we made a promise in fourth grade that we will always be there for eachother didn t we? It was a good feeling to know that we had made it through everything together. Yes we had ups and downs but in the end we made it. Lifes been a struggle but through everything I still have my bestfriends and my family right there by my side. Sitting on the stage as I looked around I realized that yes I wasn t excited about this year and yeah its been rough, but as I looked out into the crowd I knew that these past 12 years were something that i'll always have remembered.
Short Story Final Draft Dzenana Salihovic 4th hour Creative writing The Last Year Every Day of school was just annoying. It didn't matter whether you had friends or not. High school is just a drag and I can't wait to get out of this disaster. Hi my name is Lola I'm 17 years old. I'll be turning 18 before I graduate and honestly I can't wait for the day. I'm sick of high school and people pretending that they are your friends. You would also think that through everything you would have your parents there right by your side. Well for me it's a different story.
Welcome to my life. I woke up to my alarm clock as it rang. I glanced at my phone as the time said it was 6:05. I set my phone down and went back under my covers deciding on whether or not I should get up. I finally got into the state of mind that it was time to get up and get dressed for the first day of senior year. I had a rush of energy as I was thinking about it. Thinking to myself maybe this year will be different, even though I knew I was only lying. I walked into my bathroom as I heard my mother yelling at my brother to get up because she thought he was going to be late. Annoyed I yelled down the hallway shut up its only the morning! I walked back into my room and slammed the door as I approached my closet. Standing there for literally five minutes just staring at it blankly; what to wear, what to wear.. finally I grabbed navy blue dress and a cardigan. Putting on the outfit as I took out my new black combat boots, I stood in front of the mirror thinking maybe today would be a good day. I slowly walked down stairs to grab some breakfast I can hear my brother randomly screaming at my mom saying he doesn't want to go to school... god little kids can be such brats. Not being able to listen to him anymore I decided to just leave. I left the house and hopped into my car and just sat there for a few minutes as I decided to go pick up Tess from her house. Took a look in the rearview mirror and put a smile on my face as I went to go pick her up. In front of her driveway as she walked out and said, "I heard we have a new kid this year he's apart of our senior class, I wonder who he is." I looked at her and said " we will find out I guess" "god I hate how school has started so early we should of gotten at least another week or something" she said as she stared out the window. I looked at her with a grin, "I wish but the
sooner we start the early we get to leave!" Senior year was the last year and before we both knew it we would be graduating soon. Tess said " I cant wait! Just imagine, our life is finally about to start!" As Tess went on and on about how excited she was i couldn't stop to think that I was excited as well but also just a bit scared. I hated high school with my whole heart but there was still a part of me that knew I would miss it. As I kept my eyes on the road I looked at Tess and said "it's senior year, its time to have some fun." she said "yes when fall begins especially!" We had finally arrived at school; it had felt as if I hadn't been here in years but it was only three months. Just to think that last week I was in Europe living my life and now i'm back in this horrible prison with people I can t stand. I was excited to finally get this day over with. Walking into the office as I went to go pick up my new schedule, looking at it, it seemed as if it was going to be an easy year. The day had seemed to be going by so slow it was ridiculous! Honestly I couldn't wait to go home and just take a nap. I was sitting in class as I got a text message; it was from Andrew. Deciding on whether or not I should reply I decided to wait, it didn't feel right at the moment. Looking up and listening to Mrs.Robinson as she went on and on about the things that we will be doing this year and what this math class consisted of I was getting tired. I felt myself dozing off, and before I knew it I was asleep dreaming about Montenegro. Laying on the beach while the suns rays are hitting my skin.. When all of a sudden I started to hear my name "Lola" "Lola" "Lola" I had finally woken up. I had looked up as Mrs.Robinson was standing right in front of me "we'll it's good to have you back but don't think that you are going to sleep your way through school until Graduation" she said as she gave me a grin. She walked away the bell rang, I got up and grabbed my stuff as quickly as I could so I could leave before she could stop me to speak to me. I walked out of class and Amanda was standing there I had accidently hit her with the door
she turned around and said "Lola hi, I havent seen you all summer how was your trip? It's so sad we didn't get to hangout." I looked at her and said, right it's a bummer but it's okay we will make up for the days that we missed. Vacation was amazing I wish I could go back." She smiled at me and said "well you always have next summer" I laughed as I said "yes but who can wait that long" Tess was running down the hallway trying to catch up to us. Finally she did and the first thing that she had to say was "Lola have you seen Andrew yet? He was looking for you earlier", I looked at her and said no but he did text me.. I don't know I just don't feel like seeing him at the moment. Tess said shockingly "what,why I thought you guys were doing good" I started walking as I said to her "I did too before I left for vacation but now that I'm back I'm not so sure" "well Tess said, "I still think you should talk to him, maybe he feels the same way." I thought to myself maybe he did maybe he didn't but who would know. The bell rang and I was late to class, luckily for me tardies didn't count today. Finally it was time for lunch Tess, Amanda, Sam and I were walking down the hallway on our way to the cafeteria. Amanda turned around then looked at me and goes guess who's behind us, I said I don't know, I didn't really feel like turning around to see so I asked her who and she said, Andrew ; he was walking with the new kid apparently. Tess looked at me and said, go talk to him looking at her with a serious face i said, no if he wants to talk he can come up and speak to me. Sam nodded her head and said, I agree with Lola. I looked at her and said thank you. Finally we had gotten our lunch and we said down when here comes Andrew and the new kid. "Lola can I talk to you for a moment" Andrew said. I looked at him and replied I need to speak to you to but in private so can we do it later. His response was, alright but he seemed to be confused. He turned around and before he was about to walk away i said, would you like to sit with us" he smiled and said "yeah that's fine." I didn't really want him sitting with us but I had
felt bad so asked anyway. The rest of the day passed and I had finally come home. I was exhausted and glad to came home to an empty house. As soon as I layed down my mom walked in, "Lola are you home, I need help! I yelled from my room "yes what do you need" and I got no response I had finally gotten up to go see what she needed I said "what" she looked at me as she was putting the plates away and said "never mind now." I was annoyed and walked away. A couple months later... "Lola could you get me a glass of water please" my mom had said as she was laying down on the couch. She had just come home from the hospital. My brother was staying at my aunt s house for the weekend until my mom had started to feel better. There was a lot going on between school and home and the fact that finals are coming up just made everything worse. I was on my way to school and before I had left i said "mom do you need anything?" She looked at me and said "no I think I'm fine, have a good day sweetie" as I left I said "I'll try," Finally at school and it was still awkward, it had been two months since Andrew and I had broken up and it was still weird seeing him around school. I walked into my 7th hour class as Mr.Hobbins said "you are wanted in the office" I replied "should I go now?" "It would be nice he said. Walking out of class thinking I had done something bad but knowing that i probably didn t: I had walked into the office as I see three other kids in line to see the principle as well. He had finally came out of his office and said "Lola" I stood up as i walked in, I heard the door behind me close. "Well how are you today" he said I simply replied with "I'm great, but I don't really see why I'm here. Looking at his computer as he typed in my name he said "your grades" I looked at him with a confused face because the last time I had checked them they were good. I said to him "what do you mean my grades Mr. Puff?" He turned his chair around as he was facing me "you are currently failing three
classes" with shock I replied "I really didn't know how, I'll try my best to raise them up." He smiled and said "that's what i like to hear, you may go back to class now." School had ended and I had came home and the first thing that I did was do my homework. Before I left school I talked to my teachers about turning in late assignments so I decided to catch up on school work. Laying on my bed as I started with my math I hear "Lola can you come down here" I had ran downstairs as my mom was on the floor, she was in pain and couldn't move, I had panicked and the first thing that had came to my mind was to call ambulance. "Mom don't worry you will be fine, they are on there way." Hearing the sirens as I looked out the window to see that flashing light. The door opens as four paramedics walked in. One of them runs over to my mom and noticed that she is running out of oxygen, the paramedic looked over and said to the other, get her to a hospital quick! The coldness filled the dark hospital room as my mom was fast asleep. Staring up at the T.V as Harry Potter had just come on; I couldn't stop to think if she was ever going to be okay.to think that just acouple of months ago my life was normal. I got up and decided to go take a walk down to the vending machine, I took a look at my phone as the time read 1:30 A.M. Walking down the halls was creepy, but it was still better than being in that dark room and having to watch your mom suffer. After an hour of walking around I had decided to go back upstairs. The elevator stopped at floor seven as I walked down the hall to room 7008. Slowly opening the door and trying my best not to make any noise, I still managed to wake my mom up. She looked over at me and said could you please hand me that cup of ice I walked over and handed her the cup. She took a spoon fool and ate it. I walked over to the other bed as I layed down and went to sleep. 9:08 A.M, the doctor walked into the room as he came up to me and said, her CT scan
results have come in, and im sorry to be telling you this but your mom has Pancreatic Cancer. As tears filled my eyes and stared at him and said, you say that as if its going to be okay, but yet you re not considering that you are talking to a 17 year old girl that has already lost her dad, and all she has is her mom. He responded with im sorry we will try to do the best we can. I had walked out of the room as he continued to talk to my mom. By this point all the worst thoughts were going through my head. Four months later.. Can you pass me that box of pizza my cousin Amy said as she decided on what movie we were going to watch. Ryan sitting down trying to avoid the fact that his phone wouldn t stop ringing said, who else is coming? I walked into the living room saying, the rest of the family and then Sam + Tess. I couldn't believe that it was already february. Today was my birthday and I decided to have a couple of cousins over and my closest friends. It had seemed like a good thing to do in helping me get things off my mind. Sam and Tess had arrived; I opened the door and they both ran in yelling, Happy Birthday! I mean i guess it feels kinda good to finally be 18, I mean come on im finally legal, I said. It was good to be around all the people I cared about and that i knew cared about me but at the same time i wished that my mom could of been out of the hospital. Three months later.. I couldnt believe it school was almost ending and graduation was just 2 weeks away. My mom was out of the hospital and doing better but we all knew she didn't know much time left. I didn t try to think about it too much because in reality things were going good and it was nice to be living on the moment instead of worrying about the future. Lola have you done your homework? yes mom I have, don t worry well im just wondering you need to continue to keep
your grades up! It had seemed like everything was back in its place. Waking up to go to school was still a struggle but what got me up was thinking only a week left I walked into school the next morning as Tess, Amanda and Sam came up to me. Are you guys ready for finals? Amanda had said. I closed my locker as i responded I have been studying so i hope i end up doing good, Tess started talking about summer and how great it was going to be! well guys you have to agree that senior year has been one heck of a year and that was something we could all agree on. The days passed by and it was finally the last day of school, well for us seniors at least. to think that next week we will all be graduating was just shocking. We all dealt with the ups and downs together and now its all coming to an end. I came home and the first thing i hear is you are lucky! Why can t school be over for us too? My brother seemed to be a little bit mad that he still had another week left of school. My mom laughed and said oh hush, its not like you even do anything at school anyway the last week. He looked at her and said, yes I guess you are right, but come on third grade has been hard! Im ready for it to end I couldn t help but laugh, the fact that he s in third grade and is already considering school to be hard is ridiculous. Lola! Hurry up are you trying to be late I'm coming it takes time to make sure that everything is perfect, I yelled downstairs to my mom as she was getting everything ready for graduation. Ugh why is nothing going right? I can t get my hair the way i want it im sure you look fine my mom replied as she was still trying to get me to hurry up. I promise ill be down soon. Looking in the mirror; I can t believe its here after 12 years it's finally time to graduate. I walked out my room as I closed the door and walked down the steps. My brother looked as me, you look terrible! shut up you brat, I replied. My mom looked at me as I could see the happiness in her eyes. you look beautiful, now can we leave? I nodded my head as I said, wait
wheres everyone else? Her response was they are meeting us there, now don't worry no one would miss this day. We walked out the house as I took a look at my mom and was thankful to still have her here with us, but I still felt a bit empty because it felt weird not having dad here. We had arrived at the school, as i walked out of the car to see all my aunts and uncles. I thank you all for coming, but i have to go in now! I ll see you all after I said as I walked away. Tess wait up I yelled across the parking lot as she turned around. Can you believe it, the day has come she said with excitement. I know, its great but I feel bad because my dad's not here She looked at me and said, he is with you he always has been right in your heart, now turn around and see the rest of your family they are ALL proud of you as well as your dad! I smiled and said thank you for everything she laughed and said we made a promise in fourth grade that we will always be there for eachother didn t we? It was a good feeling to know that we had made it through everything together. Yes we had ups and downs but in the end we made it. Lifes been a struggle but through everything I still have my bestfriends and my family right there by my side. Sitting on the stage as I looked around I realized that yes I wasn t excited about this year and yeah its been rough, but as I looked out into the crowd I knew that these past 12 years were something that i'll always have remembered. The next morning, Mom, im home I slowly walked into my living room as my aunts and uncles were sitting there, they each had this sad expression on their face it had looked like they were crying. whats wrong I said. my uncle came up to me and hugged me we are so sorry, he said. it had finally hit me my mother had died, I mean I knew it was going to happen but I had no idea it would happen this soon. Get away from me, i said as ran up stairs to my room. This can t be
happening, why me, I cried into my pillow. (knock, knock) Go away, i don't want to talk to anyone the voice responded, but i need you. It was my brother, i got up and opened the door as he ran in and hugged me. We stood there crying as I took a look at him and said, don t worry, everything will be okay we still have each other. From that point on I knew my life would be different, I was the adult to my brother but luckily for me i had a supportive family right by my side.
Original Work Dear High School, Well it s been a long four years, and soon everything will be coming to an end. We have had some rough times, from the tears to the laughs. It feels like just yesterday it was the first day of freshman year, and now i'm a senior waiting for graduation. Looking back i'm happy for the things that have happened these past years, you truly taught me a lot. From freshman year having to deal with losing one of our classmates to the time when Polar Pops were banned, I mean I survived it all I guess you could say? Life has changed a lot and not just that I know i've changed too, you taught me who my real friends are and that things get hard but throughout it all you have to stay strong. Everyday I sat there just waiting to get out, you felt like a hell hole literally, you were nothing but drama! Yet, i'm thankful for all that because if it wasn't for you I wouldn t be as strong as I am today, you knocked me down a couple of times and I learned that I had to get up by myself without help from others. Its a sad thing; i honestly feel as if i'm going to miss you. You are a part of me, you created the memories. I have said I hated you a million times, but i feel like it was all out of bitterness; I was to young to realize that things happened
because they were meant to happen. All the people that left my life, made me see that you don't need a lot of friends to be happy, also that you couldn't trust everyone. These were all lessons learned. The times i stayed up all night doing homework thinking i had so much because the teachers hated the students, but it was really because they wanted us to learn something, hoping that it would help us in the near future. Looking back it all makes sense, i m thankful for all the heartache as well as the happy moments, and if it wasn't for you i wouldn't be where I am today. Its true I will miss you and hopefully ill be back after I graduate as well. I may be leaving but you will always be with me. Sincerely, Dzenana Salihovic