Sophomore Year by Lily Loewen

The school year is quickly coming to an end, and I'm pretty sure everyone can agree that this year went extremely fast. For me, this was definitely the weirdest year.

Freshman year was no doubt the best year of my life. It was the first year of high school, and I couldn't wait. I finally found my friend group and had relationships that I thought would last forever. I look back to photos and videos of freshman year and I've never seen me happier. That year was hard to top, and sophomore year miserably failed.

Socially, so much has changed from when I walked into the school year. There were some people that I was so close with when I walked into school and now I barely talk to them. But as much as I did lose a few relationships, I gained a bunch that will definitely last forever. The ones that I lost really hurt me, though and definitely contributed to me having a rough year. I didn't see it freshman year, but as I matured the year I realized that some of my friendships were really toxic and not worth saving. When I got rid of the bad friendships I was really happy at first, but soon looked back to old memories and got really upset. It hurt me what the people did to me, but it was so sad to let the happy times go and I started to get really regretful. If there was one feeling I felt this year, it would be regret. There were some decisions that I made that I wish I didn't, but deep down inside knew it was the better thing to do. 

Academic wise, this school year was pretty good. I loved all my teachers and my classes. I also got pretty good grades. A lot of my classes were really fun and I had a few friends in each. 

A great aspect of sophomore year are all the sweet 16's. A lot of my grade did not have actual sweet sixteen parties, but all my friends did something nice for their birthdays. They were all so much fun, and I can't wait for mine in June. 

Sports was also amazing this year. I did volleyball and track and these seasons were great. I got the coach's award in volleyball and I also did well this year in track. 

This year for spring break was also so much fun. My family and I went to Mexico, and had a blast. We made so many memories and had so many laughs. This trip was definitely a highlight of my year, and made it so much better. 

June is almost here and I'm so excited because that is my birthday month, so close to summer, and usually the most fun time of the year. One of my best friends and I have the same birthday, so I'm so excited to celebrate with her. I also can't wait for summer. My friends and I all have so many plans such as boat days, beach days, pool days, sleepovers, and hanging out with each other all summer long. Even though this year wasn't the best, it makes me want a great summer and I'm going to make sure that this summer with outweigh anything bad that happened this year. 

Here are some pictures of this year: 

My Family by Lily Loewen

I already talked about my family in my last blog post for the topic, "what is important to me", so I guess these two are going to be a little similar. My family consists of my mom, my dad, and I. When I just say that, my family seems pretty small, but when I think of my family it's a lot bigger. My dad is one of 6, and all of his siblings have at least two children, which leaves me with a lot of cousins. All of us live pretty close, so my cousins are basically my siblings. Most of my cousins are around my age, so that's why we are so close. We spend everyone's birthday, holidays, basically all of summer, and most weekends together. Even though I'm an only child, I've never felt like one, which I really like. If I had no cousins, I think I'd be so lonely especially at family events, but I've never felt lonely ever. My cousins are always there for me. We talk about everything together and I'm so thankful for them. Most people hate holidays or going to family parties because they have few cousins, and the cousins they have are nowhere near them in age, but I think I can speak for my entire family that family events are far from boring. We are always laughing together and doing fun stuff that have made amazing memories that I will never forget. My earliest memories are with my family, and my last ones are definitely going to be with them too.

The people I consider my family aren't just blood related to me, though. My best friend, Jenna, is also my family. I have been friends with her since we were seven, when we started dancing together. Ever since I met her, she and her family have also been considered my family. Our moms are also best friends, as being dance moms together really brought them close. Jenna and I are so similar that we are basically the same person. We think the same, generally do the same things, say the same things, and were meant to be best friends. Ever since we became best friends we've never gotten into a big fight or even thought about ending our friendship. We are inseparable. There is not many people that can say they have a friendship like we do, which is what makes it so special. Jenna comes to a lot of Loewen family parties and she is basically a "Loewen" in our eyes. My family, Jenna, and her family will forever be apart of my life and I am so thankful for the memories we have and the times we will have in the future.

The Happiness of Others. By Gianna Gorvan

    This month's blog is supposed to be about something that is important to us, and when thinking about my life I came up with so many ideas. I have so many people and things in my life that are important to me. My friends, my family, school, happiness, cheerleading, these are all things on my list of most important to me but they all come down to one thing. The happiness of others is truly what is most important to me. This seems like the most generic, cliche answer ever but I honestly cannot find anything else that tops it.
    A lot of times, people will tell you to put yourself first because in the end, nobody is going to be there for you forever, except for yourself. Contrary to this idea, I see the good side in people, sometimes far too often, and when I develop a connection with someone it is so important to me that they are happy. It is hard to please everyone and try and put your best foot forward, even on your worst day, but I have learned how to do this no matter how I am feeling because I value the people in my life so much.
    If someone I love is not happy, or even content, I feel like I need to do something. Everyone says they want others to be at their best state but often don't do anything to help. I cannot let my friend's or family member's bad feelings sit there and eat away at them. It is important to me that I do everything in my power to help bring people up. When my friends are sad, I feel the weight on my chest. This is not because they guilt me into it but simply because I care for them so much that I wish they never had to feel such pain. When my family is angry, I feel a burden to lighten the mood and make everyone crack a smile, simply because I want what is best for them.
    Sometimes it is hard to put others so high up on the importance scale in my life because sometimes it ends up making me put myself second. No matter how hard this gets for me, I am sure that I will never change this trait about myself. The friends and family in my life hold too big of a piece of my heart and I am grateful I have people that I can care about so much and because of how much I cherish our relationship I will always make sure they are happy or in a good state.
    To me, I would stop the world for someone if I could. If I could do anything in life it would be to ensure happiness to those I love, and nothing more. I hope that everyone I do this for knows just how important they are to my life and that I really will do everything I can to make sure they are happy, because seeing others smile is what makes me happy.
 

Types of Friends By Nick Furnari

          Some friends come and go, and some last for a lifetime; either way, they all have distinct personalities that make them who they are. This past unit we were given the task to write an essay, either definition, example, or classification. For this post I will write a brief classification article on 6 types on friends based on Friends the TV show. (inspired by Kyle Sutton's Types of People (in terms of Office characters).

Type of Friend: Ross

A Ross is someone intelligent, but lacks most common sense. He loves to inform others on history and science often through long rambling stories. A Ross typically has a high ego with a strong sense of competition. Nevertheless, although he might have a fast brain, he doesn't have the brawn. Ross acts like a dork and is a push-over that's regularly joked with. A Ross is simultaneously really good and really bad at dating, and is terrible at flirting. He has a sturdy moral compass and will fight for what he wants. A Ross is successful and works hard for his accomplishments. He has a good sense of humor and likes to goof around but also can be very sophisticated. Deep down, a Ross is very considerate and cares a lot about the well being of his friends and family.

Type of Friend: Monica

A Monica is the friend that always wants to be in charge. She needs everything to go her way to be satisfied. A Monica is a very meticulous worker and even if you try to help, you are just getting in her way. Don't get me wrong, Monica is also a very sweet and light hearted person except when it comes to competition. A Monica always has to win. She always strives for perfection and never falls short for trying. She is so passionate and puts so much effort into everything, you know you can count on her. She will sacrifice her own happiness for her friends and is mostly underappreciated for all her work whether it be her perfect cooking, or constant hosting. She is super organised and by the book, but enjoys the little moments in life, spending time with friends and making the most out of everyday. 

Type of Friend: Chandler

The king of sarcasm. A Chandler is a quick witted fellow that always gets a laugh. Whether as a defense mechanism or out of pure humor, jokes, puns, and sarcastic comments flow through him like water. He obviously has a great sense of humor and although it might sting to be the butt of one of his jokes, you can't deny his charm and creativity. A Chandler is silly and fun around his friends but can be serious about his work and his relationship. He helps out his friends and lightens up the mood. Although sometimes he gets too goofy, he is a lovable jokester that everyone wants to be around. Although it seems like he is just a book of jokes, once you get to know a Chandler he is really nice, and down to earth. He doesn't search for competition or a challenge, he is the one that's laid back just watching the game. 

Type of Friend: Rachel

A Rachel is the friend that doesn't know exactly how her life is going to go, and she is okay with that. She still has goals and aspirations, but will often live life as it goes, one day at a time not thinking too far into the future. She can be fun, and sweet, but could also be nasty, and a brat, spreading gossip all the time. A Rachel is often moody, and needs alone time every once in awhile, but also likes to be comforted by her friends. She is a sensitive person but strong willed at heart. She will work hard if she truly wants to improve. She is a beautiful person inside and out, and also constantly finds herself in a relationship. A Rachel doesn't search for competition and if she finds herself in one, she might not be the best to have on your side, but nevertheless, she will try her best. In all, a Rachel can be a little nasty or annoying, but is truly a sweet, kind, and wonderful girl to be friends with.

Type of Friend: Joey

A Joey is the lovable dummy. He is cool, charismatic, and always a little slow to the party. Although his intelligence is not on his side, he has the brawn to hold his own. He loves sports and is always up for a game. He could be very funny, either intentionally, or not. He is childish and fun to be around. A Joey is usually calm and takes life slow, typically not working 8 hour shifts everyday. Although Joey doesn't have much common sense, he has good looks and is irresistible to those who find him attractive. He is a true lady's man, great at flirting and always having a good time. Overall, a Joey is comforting to be around with a smile that's wildly contagious.

Type of Friend: Phoebe

A Phoebe is very strange, but in a good way. She is ditsy, goofy, and fun. A Phoebe is very spiritual and in tune with nature and animals. She is always happy and excited to whatever comes her way. A Phoebe is also not the sharpest tool in the shed, although she sometimes thinks she is. She is creative, and artsy but also has a serious side to her. She can be very persistent to get what she wants, and will not take no for an answer. She often uses this side of her to help her friends that could be too shy or polite to get what they want. Overall, a Phoebe is mysterious, interesting, and an odd but funny person who you always want on your side.

         

Thanks By Gianna Gorvan

   It is finally November. Only one more week until Thanksgiving. This time of year makes me realize how truly lucky I am, and not just on Thanksgiving. In the spirit of the holiday, I recognize how much I have been given in my life; friends, family, and experiences. I could not be happier to live the life I do. The life I was put into is one that I am genuinely grateful to be apart of. 

   To my dear friends, thank you. Thank you for teaching me my self worth. I would not be the person I am today without you. I wouldn't have the same sense of humor, the same happiness, or the same confidence if it were not for you all. You have taught me that there are good people in the world, people who want the best for you, and will fight for you and with you. You are all worth so much to me and I don't think there is any way to break our bond.

 
  To my family, there are not enough words to describe the amount of thanks I have for you. I have been lucky enough to grow up in a large, crazy family which has given me more unconditional love than imaginable. I have been given the blessing of having family members of all ages with all different ideas that they are able to share with me which has shaped me into the person I am. As crazy as the DeMuro-Gorvan 'clan' may be, I am more than happy to be a part of it. I would not trade it for the world. Thank you for providing me with the everything and for encouraging me every step of the way. I hope you know that you have given me every ounce of perseverance in my body, you are the drive behind it all. I love you all eternally.  

   My experiences, somethings that have changed me for the better. I am grateful for everything I have experienced so far in my life time and plan to continue my thanks for everything I have yet to experience. The bad days; I am grateful to have been able to go through these and learn that even the worst of times will pass, and that I am stronger than I think. The best of days; I am lucky to know there is something good in each day, some things that are simply unforgettable. School; I have been given the best education able to be provided for me, and because of that I enjoy learning and I want to strive in my academics. My sport. Though it sounds cliche, I really am who I am because of cheerleading. It has brought me through so many ups and downs, it has taught me so many lessons. I have made unbreakable bonds that would not have even began if it weren't for this sport. Thank you cheerleading for making me realize the greatest moments in life need to be worked for and can be done only with the help of others. 

   Thanksgiving is a time of year for giving thanks, (it's in the name), but it should not be the only time we stop and think about what is important to us and what means the most to us. As a society, we need to focus on what we love more than once every few weeks during a holiday. Instead of using Thanksgiving only as a time to post on social media about how grateful we are, let's use everyday to tell everyone we are thankful for just that. Tell everyone how grateful you are on Thanksgiving, but do not let it stop there. 

One Day, One Day by Liv Przydzial

And sometimes I venture to a special place in my mind, a special place that takes me to where I want to be more than anything. 

* * * 

I'm in a Volkswagen camper van, one covered in tie-dye peace sign stickers and painted in colorful shades of the happy colors. Although the van might be blue, we were anything but that. All the windows were down and the pleasantly warm summer breeze drifted by as we wound our way around the Pacific coast. Music blared from the radio, replaying old songs from our childhoods. Everyone knew all the words, and we all laughed as we attempted to reach a high note. Everyone wore a smile on their face, and the slowly setting sun cast golden glows upon our sunkissed faces. The ocean just a hop, skip, and a jump away reflected the rainbow of colors infecting the sky. 

As we climbed our way to the beach, songs by the Beetles blared. Our hands in the air, our wrists crowded from all of the friendship bracelets from old and new friends, we danced our way down local streets. A blur of people milled up and down the boardwalk. The ocean's salty aroma wafted to us, mixing with the chatter of the people and the seemingly distant crashing of the waves. 

Perhaps the stereotype of the recklessness of teenagers was true, but maybe a part of the story was forgotten. Why didn't anyone talk about how liberating it felt to ditch the heavy burden of material things behind and live for the moment? Why didn't anyone talk about how much more meaningful each day was when you lived in and for every second of it? Why didn't anyone ever talk about life as the new, colorful, make-it-what-you-want-it entity that it was, rather than the monotonous, day-after-day blandness that society made it out to be? 

Regardless, as soon as the van rumbled to a stop, I flung open the door and essentially spilled out. My legs like that of a newborn fawn, I stretched from the long ride down here. Even the pavement was covered in sand carried here by a million people, the thought of which made me happy, because I was now a part of this too. I was already in my bathing suit, as where the rest of my friends. We would race to the end of this world and the next together, all of our steps in synch, our feet creating a dust storm behind us, each footstep resonating within the earth. The sand between my toes was so fresh, so raw. I understood what it now felt like to be in touch with nature, myself, and the people around me - all at once, and it was simply exhilarating. We plunged into the warm water, emerging with salty hair and laughs. 


It was liberating, to be swept off your feet and into the sea. The ocean was such an unimaginably huge entity of unknowns, a seemingly endless expanse of secrets that would never be fully understood. Perhaps some would find this terrifying, but I was actually rather entranced. To me, the ocean was full of contradictions. The waves crashed with vigor and anger, while all the life dependant on it hung in a gentle balance that something as simple as a minor breeze could sway out of control. As unknown and scary the depths of the water below us seemed, I felt nothing less than free, with nothing dragging me down but gravity, which didn't even feel as heavy as it normally did. 

* * * 

With our salty lips and soaked hair, we sat side by side on the beach, watching the sun rest atop the horizon. How big was this earth? What was beyond that line? Perhaps I would never know, but the beauty was not in knowing, but in speculating what wonders one could find in such a mysterious thing such as this. 

It was easy to feel satisfied. Feeling exhilarated, wild, and free, and ultimately falling asleep happy all at the same time was a challenge so simple in nature yet so unattainable and out of reach for those afraid to break the chains of the weights on their shoulders. 

As the sun dipped below the cloudless sky and the first stars unmasked themselves, my fingers strummed the ancient strings of my mother's guitar, the vibrations flowing through each of my veins and into everyone else's. We sang whatever songs came to mind and laughed when we all forgot the lyrics and came up with our own. 


* * *

Although I dream of such a mental, physical, and soul-quenching liberation, I know that the value in such a phenomenon is only understood with a background in the opposite. To be free, you need to be in bondage, an unfortunate cycle that nobody has strayed far enough from to break out of. I hope that maybe one day, maybe just one day, I'll be the one to go far enough into the darkness to find the light switch to happiness in everything I do, but for now, the most I can do is at least attempt to be happy in as much as possible, until I reach far enough into the dark to light up this world.

Shortest Summer Ever by Lily Loewen

This summer might have been the shortest summer of my life. Last year was extremely stressful, and I needed a long summer to refuel and get ready for sophomore year, but I got just the opposite. Last school year ended June 30, which is normally two weeks already into summer on a normal year. When the summer started, I was so relieved as my first ever high school finals were over, and once summer started I jumped right into my vacation. I had as many sleepovers and hangouts with my friends as I could get because I knew this summer was going to be a short one, but I didn't let that stop me from having a great vacation. In July I spent most of my time with my family in Wildwood Crest where we stay at the beach. We went to the beach as much as we could, but by the end of July the weather started to get really bad with rain and wind. Even in the rain we would still have fun, though. We went fishing and crabbing, we went to the pool, and even on some bad days we would still hang out at the beach. My cousins and I also went to the boardwalk almost ever night which was so fun. But once July ended, and I was back home with my friends in Sparta, volleyball season started. We would have practices every day and a few scrimmages and even a tournament, which our team did very well in and go to the semis. Very quickly I could feel summer settling down and everyone started preparing to go back to school already. I just kept feeling it was too soon, though. I felt like we just got out of school and now we were already coming back.

Finally, the dreadful day came. All the summers before this one I was ready to get back to school, but this one was just so different. There were so many things I wanted to do this summer that I never got to. I wanted to go to the beach with my friends one day, and another time with my cousins. I wanted to go to New York with my friends, also and finally go to the sugar factory. But none of that ever happened. I just needed one more week of summer, but before I knew it I was walking back into school, where I felt like I just left. I wasn't ready for the work, assignments, tests, and quizzes. Once I walked into school, I felt like just yesterday I was taking my last final, and nothing had changed. But now as it is more into fall, I'm getting used to the weather, and school, even though it did take me awhile. Although, in the beginning of fall I was dreading it, now I'm so excited for it. I can't wait to wear jeans, sweaters, and get pumpkin spice lattes, and I love all the football games. I also can't wait for Halloween. So even though this summer went by way too fast, and it was way too short, I'm kind of happy that it is fall time.