Bsmith+Diary+entry

Dear Diary, Today I was asked to skip my senior year of high school and to go straight to the NBA. My mother feels that I should stay in school and focus on receiving an education. I understand where she is coming from. Every mother wants to see their son get an education. She also feels basketball is not everything, but for me it almost is. I am being offered a lot of money to go to the NBA as soon as possible, but I don’t know if I am ready. I am only 17 years old and am nervous! I also don’t want to give up on my team. I have played with these kids my whole life, they are my best friends and I feel like I will disappoint them. I would like to win another State Championship with them before I leave. I hope I am as good as people are making me out to be. Those are men in the NBA, I’m just a kid! They are the greats; I look up to those players like Jordan, Magic, and Bird. I grew up wanting to be them, and now they want me to go follow in their footsteps as a 17 year old. I don’t know if I can do it. __** Criteria- **__ Title Date Signed

__** Characteristics- **__ Written as a young kid

** Examples ** ** Oct .17 Entry #4 An Inside Look at the Cafeteria Workers ** Volunteering with the Food Recycling Program is such a rewarding experience. Throughout the week, I really look forward to Wednesday, a time that I can take a break from my daily activities to help others. The simple routine of what I do brings such an exciting and joyful feeling to my heart. I have never seen so much food in my life! Today I think we counted 36 buckets. WOW! This is great! Do you know how many mouths this is going to feed? I am so glad that Glenn Hutchinson started the Food Recycling Program, because it helps so many homeless and starving people.

Through the food recycling program, I not only learn about helping others, but I also learn about other people and their feelings., e.g., the cafeteria workers. Many people perceive cafeteria workers by their outside appearance, but once you get to know them, you see what’s on the inside. There is one lady that works in the cafeteria that is so sweet and caring. As my friend and I are doing our "daily duties", she is talking to us about her grandchildren and asks us how we are doing. Then there is the energetic lady that always makes me laugh. She always does crazy things to put a smile on my face. Today, I went to the back room to bring the workers the dirty dishes, and the energetic lady had the radio on and was dancing and singing. It was so hilarious and fun to watch. Through their own individual way, these workers show that they really do care about us. The appreciation and care that I receive makes me grateful for the cafeteria workers and what they do for the students. ** Oct .19 Entry #5 New Insights, New People, ** My perception of life has changed since I started this volunteer program. The Food Run has shown me reality and the other sides of life. Through the Food Recycling Program, I get to experience teamwork, charity, and suffering. Working together and talking to other volunteers and cafeteria workers allows me to form a team with others and at the same time, allows me to develop friendships. Charity is seen through the donation of time of the volunteers and the food given to the soup kitchen. I am so glad that there are so many people willing to donate their time to help others. Every Wednesday as we arrive at the soup kitchen, I always see this one man on the sidewalk with his same pair of worn-out shoes and same raggedy, plaid shirt. He is sitting there like there is no hope in life. As we are unloading the food, I always look over at him, smile, and say, "Hi sir. How are you doing today?" He always smiles and replies, "Thanks for asking ma’am. I’m trying to get along, but doing just fine." For some, it is easy to ignore the homeless, but when you see the same man or woman sitting on the side of the street week after week, you take the initiative to see how they are doing because ignoring them is impossible. The Food Recycling Program has helped me realize what life is all about and has helped me appreciate life more. Through working with the Food Run, I have developed new qualities as well as new friendships. I really enjoy the time I spend each week volunteering and helping others.

Dear Diary, what have I done wrong to be treated this inadequately? I’d rather be treated like a dog, kicked and refused, since the truth is less embarrassing than being in these deceitful teases. I would accept Demetrius for his teasing behaviors, for I do disturb him in such a way, but I do not understand why Lysander is making fun of me. What disgusting acts have I done? What laws have I broken? I am humiliated by all my friends, and this sorrow rips my heart apart. Thoughts are crossing all over in my head,