There are a few ways in which one can go to a reality that isn’t the one she or he is in now, or at least that’s what it feels like. Movies and books can take you from one place to a different one in an instant. My favorite way to get out of the reality in which we live is books. Books are my favorite pastime and the easiest way for me to get sucked into a completely different … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Waking nightmares: Sleep paralysis
One of the scariest nights I’ve ever had was a little over a year ago. I woke up, but not in a typical way. Despite being alone in my room, I heard a loud voice in my ear. There was also a loud ringing noise building up by the second. My eyes were closed and refused to open. A light seemed to flash behind them, showing blurred imprints of what could have been a face. A … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Weight lifting
By Paige Bennett In recent years my high school has incorporated a year-round weight training program that includes both in-season and off-season workouts. Many of our school sport teams have seen major improvements as a result of it. No matter what sport you participate in, you can benefit from weight training. Having physical strength is key to preventing injuries, being … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: The world’s most powerful gesture
By Kiera Olson Don’t worry, be happy! We’ve all heard this phrase before, but as many of you know it is much easier said than done. However, what many people don’t know is the truth and importance behind this famous motto. Smiling has a powerful effect on our brain and lives. In fact, it has been called “the world’s most powerful gesture.” Not only can smiling can help us … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Off to college!
When you go to college, in most cases you will be going away and not living at home. While at college, you can choose to live in a dorm room or in an on or off-campus apartment. Living in a dorm is generally cheaper than renting an apartment. When living in a dorm room, you will be around more of your friends, people your own age and classmates. In either situation, you can … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: The time I ripped my pants
When I was just a wee lass I made a number of embarrassing mistakes. But, I did learn from them! So hopefully by sharing this story, you too can learn, and maybe not make the same blunder. I believe it was coming up on the first day of fourth grade, and my mom had taken my sister Maegan and I school shopping. I was looking at clothes, you know, for my first day outfit, and I … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: Being the new student
I am the official professional school changer of the world. Okay, maybe not of the world, but I have had my share of changes. I have transferred schools eight times in my life. Now that has to be some kind of record. When I lived in New York state, I transferred twice, and then when I moved to Iowa, I moved to six more schools. Since I am an experienced school jumper, here … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: What is emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse (also referred to as psychological abuse or mental abuse) is a form of abuse, characterized by a person subjecting, or exposing, another person to behavior that could result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, chronic depression, or PTSD. Unlike physical abuse, the people doing it and receiving it may not even know it’s happening. In some cases, it … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project ~ Alexis King
By Alexis King Music, it’s the gateway to your soul. It makes you dance, sing, cry, or even feel better. Music can have a lot of effects on us. Music is what I feel is everyone’s true best friend, even if it isn’t a real person. I guess in a way it can heal emotional wounds. It helps sometimes when you’re down. Just listen to an upbeat song, and it could just lift your mood. … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project: A day in the life of a slacker
I, a high school senior, have troubles with putting things off until the last minute. Shocker, right? I’m the type of person who will wait until I have to do a project rather than get a head start on it. If the homework isn’t due until Friday, you can bet I’m doing it Thursday night. I’m not the only one who does things like this, though. There are actually a lot of people who … [Read more...]


