Outside Reading NINETEEN

Today I read an article in People Magazine titled Australian Stars Support Heath Ledger Scholarship by Associated Press. This article was about how many high powered Australian stars are coming together to create a scholarship in Heath Ledger's name. The stars are donating the money to a good cause and never forgetting their close friend. The message of this article was that well you live your life, think about what people will think of you when you are gone. This means how would you like your friends to describe you to someone else. Be conscious of your actions and how the show who you truly are. Actions speak louder than words is really true in many cases. Act responsibly and remember people are always watching, people wanted to remember Heath and form this scholarship because he was a well behaved respectable man. This article showed me be careful how others portray you and the message you are sending out from your actions.

Outside Reading EIGHTEEN

Today I read another short story in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II called What I Wish I'd Known Sooner by Meredith Rowe. For my response I am going to choose a quote from the story and comment on it's significance. The quote I choose was "You never know when your making a memory." This quote jumped out at me for a couple reasons. One reason is because even if and we all have been in those awful situations where you are like why am I here? Well those situations eventually lead to memories and good times to laugh about! Another reason I liked this quote is because it also in a way says you never know something until you try it, even if it is awful it will be something to look back on and laugh about in a few years. This quote also showed me just how important memories are. Always cherish funny moment and never forget anything that makes you laugh! Those funny memories can really brighten a dull day! This was a great story with some awesome lessons and a great quote that really enlightened me. 

Outside Reading SEVENTEEN

Today I read a short story in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II called Andrea's Fresh Start by Peg Verone. The story was about a girl who isolated herself from everyone else and wore all black to school. She became very suicidal and felt shut off from the rest of the world, mostly because she shut herself off. She began to wish she was dead or head a life threatening disease. Only a few months later she was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The moment she became diagnosed she turned her life around and realized life was under her control, and she only had one life to live so she should live it. From that day on she did her best to be positive all the time and fought the battle against cancer and won. This story taught me to never dwell on the small things. I also learned that if you feel shut out or lost there are answers. Lastly i learned life is what you make it and its short to be mad or angry, have  a good time and live with no regrets. 

Outside Reading SIXTEEN

This week I read a short story in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II titled Donna and Claudia by Carol Gallivan. The story was about how Donna was in a car accident and suffered a lot of head trauma, and had to shave off all her hair. As a result she had to get a wig, and look a little silly. Donna was occasionally teased by this one girl, and this girl made her feel awful. Claudia did her best to stick up for Donna and in then end it still was not enough. Finally Claudia made a decision she decided to shave her head and get a wig too. When she came to school the next day with her wig she set everyone straight, and no one teased them again. Claudia cared so much about her friend she was willing to do whatever it took to make her happy. This story showed me that a good friend does the unexpected and never wants you to suffer, and if you are they will suffer with you.

Outside Reading FIFTEEN

Today I read an article in Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul II titled A Call for Help by Jill Maxbauer. The story was about a girl and her very best friend and how her bestfriend called her before she attempted to commit suicide. The story taught me many important lessons. One lesson the story illustrated for me is the importance of close friends. Friends can get you through anything and when in doubt call them. The second thing i learned is no matter how big or how many problems you have they are always ways to fix them. Her friend had more problems than anyone could count but she somehow managed to work through them and become happier than ever. Also i learned that life is never as bad as it seems, someone always has it worse and even if you are going to complain just think about someone who is really in a bad place. This girl might have had it bad but it was her choice, someone with cancer doesn't have a choice. This story was depressing but taught me a lot about life.

Out Side Reading FOURTEEN

Today i read a story in Chicken Soup For the Teenage Soul II titled Hero in the 'Hood by Paula Mcdonald. The story discussed the Life of a boy Mike born in a rough part of South-Central Los Angeles. His life was less than perfect, when he was born his father was in jail for drug dealing and his mother was only fifteen. When his father was released from prison he was very strict on Mike and often hurt him. His mother left him and then began dating a cocaine addict and eventually became addicted herself, and had multiple children. Mike was forced to move out because his mother and his father were abusive and sold everything they had for drug money. Mike had to quit elementary school and some how support the family. He was strong and kept the kids of the street. He remained positive until one night he attempted suicide, but then a woman helped him back out. After his attempted suicide he went to a church and got help, eventually moving in with his grandparents. One quote that really struck me in the story was, "Whatever you have, be grateful, for it! Even if you have nothing, be grateful you're alive! Believe in yourself. Nobody is stopping you. Have a goal. Survive!" This quote taught me just how lucky I am and the simple things i take for granted.  This story was eye opening and inspirational. I realized that no matter the situation you determine the outcome.

outside reading THIRTEEN

Today i read an article in People magazine titled Barack Obama's College Years by Associated Press. This article was about the newly published article in Time Magazine about Obama's glory years. The article talked about how he once was a college boy and probably did some partying. There are many central messages to this article one including when you are young live life and do not have any regrets. I think this is a message of this article because even if you do some embarrassing or crazy things when you are young you can still be successful like Barack. Also I believe a message of this article was be careful what you do in your past it could haunt you. Although nothing shocking came up about Obama this sent red flags to people with dark pasts how easily that can be uncovered. Basically do not forget your morals in order to have fun.