CU Upward Bound Speaks! by Cafe Cultura

CU Upward Bound Speaks! Cafe Cultura Community Speaks Project #16 Telling Our Stories Workshop Participants

CU Upward Bound Speaks! Copyright ÂŠ 2014 by Telling Our Stories Workshop Participants All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the author.

To the amazing CU Upward Bound students in our Advanced Creative Writing classâ&#x20AC;Ścontinue making your families, communities, and people proud.

Acknowledgments Thank you to CU Upward Bound staff for the opportunity to work with your students as they tell their stories of love, struggle, and celebration. Shout out to all Telling Our Stories workshop participants for sharing your energy with your/our community. Your words will continue to inspire others. Remember: “It’s our responsibility and choice to express ourselves and lift our voice, together building unity, leaders in our community. This is how we tell our stooorrrryyyy!”

Foreword It was a great honor to work with the CU Upward Bound program in teaching its Advanced Creative Writing class. This collection of stories comes from sophomores and juniors representing high schools located on or near Native American reservations. The power and potential of these young people was apparent both in class and when they performed at our Art in the Park event. As they return to their communities, we know they will continue walking in a good way, using their words to uplift those around them. We trust you will enjoy their poems and use them as examples of how you too can express yourself and tell your own story. For those who do not know about organization: Café Cultura is an award-winning arts, culture, and youth development organization in Denver that promotes unity and healing among Indigenous peoples through creative expression while empowering youth to find their voice, reclaim oral and written traditions, and become leaders in their communities. Café Cultura has been providing positive, creative, and engaging community spaces for the Denver metropolitan area for more than nine years. The idea for our organization emerged during the summer of 2004 with the passing of respected elder and veteran poet Abelardo “Lalo” Delgado. At that moment, we realized and accepted our responsibility to continue using our oral and written traditions to provide opportunities for creative expression not offered in schools or in the larger community. Café Cultura also drew inspiration from the movements connecting Indigenous people from throughout the Americas. In that spirit of Red/Brown Unity, we hoped to use creative expression to unify people representing southern Indigenous nations, known by terms such as “Chicana/o,” “Mexicana/o,” and “Latina/o,” with those Natives of northern nations, referred to today as “Native American” or “American Indian.”

Café Cultura’s most well-known event has found a home at the Denver Inner City Parish/La Academia, where we consistently attract 150 to 350 people the second Friday of every month. In fact, we host one of the best open mic venues in the Denver metropolitan area, and the only space focused on family and youth. We take pride in featuring amazing poets, musicians, and visual artists from the Denver area as well as those from outside the state. Café Cultura also conducts highly engaging and culturally relevant spoken word/poetry workshops for underserved youth throughout Colorado. Café Cultura partners with select organizations and schools to facilitate an intensive workshop series, publish youth poetry, and organize participant showcases. In an effort to develop young leaders within our community, we also coordinate a youth leadership program for Indigenous youth. If you or your organization is interested in collaborating, feel free to contact us. We hope to see you the 2nd Friday of every month. For more information: info@cafecultura.org; 720-394-6589 www.cafecultura.org; www.facebook.com/cafecultura

Table of Contents Me by Raelene.........................................................................................1 My Best Friend by Fallyn ......................................................................2 My Life that is Brown by Gabriella .....................................................3 I Am by Leonard ....................................................................................4 Shi (Me) by Crystanya ............................................................................5 My Journey by Cameron .......................................................................6 Memories by Jaiauna ..............................................................................9 Mom by Rene ...................................................................................... 13 Back Home by Abigail ........................................................................ 15 My Life by Tristan............................................................................... 16 Running Into My Future by Raelene ................................................ 18 Silence by Fallyn .................................................................................. 20 An Uphill Climb by Leonard ............................................................. 22 Grandma by Crystanya ....................................................................... 24 Worth of Million Words by Jaiauna ................................................. 25 It is More Than I Do by Gabriella ................................................... 27 My Boxing Match by Abigail ............................................................. 28 A Reflection of Myself by Tristan .................................................... 30 Life Can be Like by Rene................................................................... 32 Grandma's Letter by Cameron .......................................................... 33 My Niece by Raelene .......................................................................... 36 Motorcross by Fallyn .......................................................................... 37 Down the Court by Crystanya........................................................... 38

This is Where I'm From by Leonard ................................................ 42 When I Look in the Mirror by Jaiauna ............................................. 44 My Mom by Abigail ............................................................................. 46 Sounds Like Life to Me by Cameron ................................................ 47 Life with Struggles by Gabriella ........................................................ 51 Me, Myself, and I by Tristan .............................................................. 52

Me by Raelene I am the delicious blue corn mush made by my aunt with juniper and love, an amazing food from my childhood that brings health and happiness. I will always remember how each scoop made me feel stronger than before. I am the dish that brings my family together. I am my own home that fills me with happiness, strength, and unconditional love. I am Arizona with open space that strangers see as plain. But I see it differently. I see beauty and freedom. I am the desert that can fry you like a potato. My home is like no other place. I come from a hardworking, loving, and caring man. He is the strongest person I’ll ever know. He has given me his all, always saying, “Strive for the best shi yazhí.” I come from a man like no other, my father. I am the corn pollen that’s a gift from mother earth It helps, protects, and guides me.

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My Best Friend by Fallyn My best friend was hardworking, did everything in his power to make sure we were all taken care of. He always made sure we had food on the table, a roof over our head, and a smile on our faces. My best friend gave the hugs, as well as the best advice. Words of wisdom were his thing: “Nothing in this world lasts forever.” He would say, “I never want to hear the words ‘I can’t’ come out of your mouth. There is no such thing as ‘I can’t’.” Each time he said this, the words sank deeper. He followed it with, “nothing in the world comes easy or free. You have to work for the things you want.” He always recited these same lines whenever we were too ignorant, lazy, or stubborn. He never sugarcoated the truth of the world. My best friend, always there to tell when were wrong but never failed to be there to steer us in the right direction. Although our time with him was short, I am still grateful for everything he taught me.

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My Life that is Brown by Gabriella With each step I used to take, I would wonder if God could hear my prayers. But I’m happy every time my family brightens my day, turning the bad to good. I come from brown that can be beautiful, a celebration of mi familia and the history that passes on in my culture. The tasty, spicy, whitish brown tamale brings my family together to enjoy every second of pride. I recently came to a place that changed my surroundings from green to dry. This is where the new history would begin without the sound of traffic on the streets. My past was never simple, but we’ll just say that we’ll always be homies. My memory is a gift, my mother has given me. It starts out simple, but she knew it would bring out the beauty in me, cause my life starts with brown.

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I Am by Leonard I am many things. I am the delicious wojapi my father makes, reminding me that it is the simple things that can bring people together and bring joy to the most heartbroken people. I am the house my father built, strong and sturdy like him, reminding me that hard work and time can make amazing things. I am the necklace given to me by my tribe, the blue and white beads with a basketball on it, reminding me of my importance and that I do belong. It makes me smile and think, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am special.â&#x20AC;? I am inspired by my older sister Morgan who has a job, goes to college, and has a house. She is an amazing person who is determined to make something out of nothing, reminding me that dedication and hard work can take you many places and I can be however, whatever I amâ&#x20AC;Śme.

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Shi (Me) by Crystanya I am the delicious steamed corn my female relatives constantly make, the huge roaster full of stew, the taste you cannot resist. I am the beautiful turquoise necklace my mother always told me to wear, the gorgeous sacred color, the one thing a woman should always have. I am the canvass and the poles where I pray and sing along to help heal. I am the Navajo whose ancestors suffered the Long Walk, but now have our own land and our pride. I am the red rocks that make you see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ahead, what you accomplished, and what direction to take. I am my grandmother her smile, her strength, and her bravery. I am like no other but someone similar, my grandmother.

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My Journey by Cameron “Come on Cameron! We have a long journey back to Oregon!” mom said as she was saddling up, and packing up the horses. We started on a cold Sunday morning, when I was just 6 years old. With my dad on my left and my mom on my right, we had nothing holding us three back except that rocky terrain under our horse’s hooves. After about three days of riding, we finally made it to Colorado. We had just about 1500 miles till we would finally be back to grandmas’ house, and we were so ready to be back with her. As I looked back to tell my dad where we were, he wasn’t there anymore. So I had to ask, “Mom, where did dad go?” And her response with a single tear, “Dad fell into the dunes about 200 miles back, and I haven’t been able to find him since he fell off.” And I knew something was wrong, because my horse kept jerking and trying to turn back around, and it seemed like he was trying to go get something but I just didn’t know what it was. My dad’s dark brown, quarter horse managed to stay with my mom the whole time, right up until we arrived at Pendleton, Oregon. Then that’s when he decided to spread his wings, and go back to see dad in Tennessee. As the horses finally see our ranch in Pendleton,

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they started to run a little bit faster, seeing the greener grass just on the other side of the hill. I had the wind and a sense of sweet freedom blowing in my face. Then, all of a sudden, it just stopped. My horse wouldn’t move a single muscle, but my mom’s horse wanted to keep going and make it the rest of the way, back to the ranch. But as soon as mom saw me on my horse she didn’t want to go back because she was afraid of what was going on with me. As my mom’s horse kept running through the rather large field, the sound of her hooves pounding against the hard pact dirt matched my heartbeat. Then, the worst happened: my mom and I got separated. As she was drifting away to the ranch, I wanted to return back home, the place I love, but knew I couldn’t just leave her alone. Day after day, night after night, I couldn’t stop thinking about my dad, with his gray hair and brown horse. I miss his old memories running through my mind, but I know that I won’t get any of that back any time soon. That’s just alright

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because I have new goals in life. I stepped off my horse to get ready for a long journey ahead. I plan to ride my horse right into the military and get ready for the craziest 8 second ride of my life.

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Memories by Jaiauna Dear Nali man, I miss you. We all miss you. Not a day goes by that we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of you. I remember you always told me to do good in school and finish. Well, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m trying. I remember always seeing you sit outside on a hot day, a windy day, any day, looking as far as you can see, just thinking. I remember taking your cane and you getting after me, telling me to behave. You always reminded me to keep our Navajo language alive, not to forget who I am and where I come from, not to be ashamed of my culture. I remember going into the peyote meeting with you and Sky. You told us to sing and harmonize together as one and we will have that one powerful voice. I miss your soft wrinkly skin, your smooth smile

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that lightens everyone’s day. I miss how you always told me I’m beautiful without hesitation and how you believed in me with almost everything. Your lectures motived me to do good, not just in school, but in life. We were very close. I loved being around you, wish you were still here. You would protect me from mom when I got in trouble. Nali man, you taught me so much in life that I will never forget. You taught me peyote songs that I now sing in meetings. When I sing, I think of when you would tell me it was beautiful. I miss everything about you. I remember mom and I were in the living room when she got a phone call. It was auntie Kenj. She told us you were in the hospital. We went to go see you that night. We walked in the room and I saw you laying there pale, coughing, in pain. I walked up to you. You smiled. Looking eye to eye, I couldn’t help but tear up. You held my hand and told me you were happy to see me,

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that you loved me. You were lying there in the cold hospital room getting ready to take your journey. I didn’t want you to go. I was praying to God to help you, but nothing. The next day, my dad took us to Arizona. My mom called and told me, “Nali man passed away.” I broke down in tears, asking god why. My dad didn’t take us home, which made me even more mad, frustrated, and confused. A week goes by, I missed your funeral and the peyote meeting the family did for you. I cried for weeks thinking of you. The last words you said to me replayed in my head. While crying, I remember you telling me to be the strong young lady I am and not cry. You always told me, “Ayóó Ánííníshní.” I miss you Nali man. When I think of you, my heart feels as if it’s getting stabbed. When I talk about you,

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my voice quivers or I cry, but with happiness and faith. You are always in my heart. I love you Nail man.

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Mom by Rene I have a mother who protects and values her family. For our culture, she represents everything. She decided to quit her job and move from state to state, all to raise a wonderful family. She is my best friend. We may fight but no matter what, she’ll know I love her and I know she loves me. My mom makes me feel like anything is possible. Without her, I would have nothing and I wouldn’t be here. She supports every little decision I have to make, from choosing a band tee to which school I’ll attend. Every little thing she does, she does it for us. I mean, she gave up her job. Nothing is more special than knowing that mom wants to spend her time with us. Not seeing her kills me. Not hearing her voice kills me. I miss my mom. I know she misses me. But in a few weeks, I’ll see her. From laughing to crying,

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I miss every little moment with her. Above all, I love my mom to infinity and beyond.

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Back Home by Abigail Back home, where my grandma’s dark blue corn mush brings my family together where my mom shows me that there’s more to life than all the money in the world and all the pain. There are people who love you, who care for you. Back home where there’s a small black box with stickers on top. Inside lays one of my most precious treasures: my great grandma’s Navajo doll, which is only 3 inches tall but I keep so my memories won’t fade. Back home where I remember my eldest brother, strong and brave like a chief “The Eagle Chief” I say Eagle because his soul is free and proud! I also miss my dad and my 3 other older brothers, who cheer me on as I’m on this great adventure. Back home Soon I will be with my family, my pride and joy.

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My Life by Tristan The things I’ve seen will scar me for life. Growing up, I’ve seen wrong and very little of right. I hear a sad song and tears roll down my face. I look in the small mirror and feel so out of place. But then again, I say, “I will have a bright future one day.” I want to become something real and larger than life, Do they understand? Am I understood? Can life better? I wish that it could. Before I make a decision, I always think twice. They say, “what can I do to help you feel better.” I say nothing, because this is my life. I could tell a thousand tales about the ways I have struggled, but I don’t even find the time to rest or escape from this strife. There are no warnings, in a moment it can cut you like a knife. Is there a way out of this? Can anyone show me the light? Life is a lot of work. What is it that gives us the strength

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to continue when we are tired, burned out, and ready for submission? Sometimes an inspirational idea can help us renew ourselves and be filled with strength to fulfill our life’s mission. That thought inspires me every day. I see a little tiny light that gives me hope. Then again, I sometimes feel myself drifting into the sea of doubt. But, I see my inspirational light. It’s only the beginning now A pathway yet unknown At times, the sound of my steps may sometimes end in sorrow. But even on my darkest days, the sun will shine tomorrow. So I must do my very best and be ready for whatever life brings. I need to look beyond the winter chill to smell the breath of spring. Into each life will always come a time to start a new beginning for each heart. Although the cares of life are great and hands are held so low the storms of life will leave behind the wonder of a rainbow. The years will never take away the chance to start anew. It’s only the beginning now, so my dreams can come true.

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Running Into My Future by Raelene I just finished tying my bright neon pink Nike shoes, preparing myself for a bigger and challenging run into my future. I stretch my legs, preparing for the hardships, protecting myself. Music in my ears blocks everything out. As I start jogging, looking ahead of myself, I still hear the deep and motivational voice of my dad saying, “Shiyazhí, ayóo int-I, adaa’áhólyá, adaa áhonidzin, ashine shiyázhí.” The little things are getting the best of me. But I tell myself, “It’ll be okay,” and keep pushing forward. I get a little bit stronger up the hill. I fall down, but I get back up knowing better, learning from my mistakes. I think twice about what I do, wanting to slow down, but I’m almost to the top. I push myself with strength and determination. I get to the top thinking, sweat dripping down my face, I look back down at my failures, my accomplishments,

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my wrongs and rights, knowing this run will prepare me for bigger and better things. In the end, I tell myself “I did it, I’m an Arizona Wildcat with a bright future ahead of me.”

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Silence by Fallyn Silence… isn’t something these rooms and walls are used to. They remember the sound of laughter and life. Now, the deafening sound of silence is all they have grown to know. So loud and deafening that it’s painful. With each passing day, the more I have to resist the urge to curse and scream into the silence, wanting someone or something to blame for past tragedies. I’ve tried multiple times to do my part in mending what has been broken. But it seems as though all my attempts have failed. This leaves me with an agonizing choice, whether I continue fighting the silence or just accept it. I once had wanted to just accept it, give up. Pathetic, right? Soon, I reevaluated my thoughts. I conjured up the idea that this uneasy silence is just like broken glass,

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shattered pieces of something that was once beautiful. Like most broken things, it is possible to fit these pieces back together. A challenging task it will be, of course. Patience will be required. There is also that inevitable possibility that it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the same as before. But I know now that IT IS worth another try, another fight against this temporary silence.

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An Uphill Climb by Leonard I am told where I come from. in history books who “know” our history and with statistics who “know” who I’ll be. Life, for our people, is like an uphill climb. We were forced to the bottom from birth, but we are rising, climbing. This uphill battle may never end. Racial slurs and government blurs, of our people. My family is strong, my culture is strong, I am strong. I’m taught from two worlds, two books: a book that rewrote our history making us the bad guys. The other showing the culture and spirituality of our people. History books degrade us, hurt us, remind us, remind us of how much pain we have been through. But the strength of my family drives me up this hill to prove them wrong with my will, my need, to succeed in this world,

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Through all the racism, hate, and stereotypes, we stand united.

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Grandma by Crystanya Why did she have to go? She meant absolutely everything to me. She was my closest friend, kindly helping me whenever I needed her. She raised me, teaching me right from wrong. She generously took care of me, feeding my hunger. Most of all, she loved me. She would attack me with hugs and kisses. So young, I just didn’t know why. She was beyond beautiful, with soft wrinkles and weak dimples. She was always happy, showing it with the biggest smile and cutest laughter. She was fearlessly brave, always standing up for her grandchildren. Most of all, she was very strong, fighting to live another day. Although she’s no longer here, I know she’s in a much better place. But, she is still in my dreams and always on my mind. She will forever be in my heart. R.I.P. Cynthia Marie Descheny Grandmother Daughter Mother Aunt Sister Wife

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Worth of Million Words by Jaiauna I used to not like my name. It made me feel incomplete. Kids and teachers pronounced it wrong and everyone would laugh. I hated my name! My mom was always by my side. She told me it was special and unique. I love my name now. It shows who I really am. The negative thoughts made me stronger and made me love myself even more. I say “I’m Jaiauna” with confidence and joy, as it was a gift from my mother. She had a rough past, being beaten by the man she once loved. He turned our lives from paradise into a darkness of hell. I always tried to help my mother up but (SMACK) I got knocked down. We didn’t give up. I got up. So did my mom. She is a strong beautiful woman who isn’t afraid to fight for her life. We’re happy now and life is good. We’re gathered together as a one big happy family getting ready to take a family picture. We walked to the canyon which has an amazing view.

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We stood side by side backs to the canyon, looking west toward the bright yellow sun. We smile. (Click) One pictures says a million words, capturing a special moment and memory, just like the earrings my grandma beaded for me. They are black and white with zebra prints in the middle. They hang from my ears as light as a piece of paper floating in the wind. I will cherish them forever.

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It is More Than I Do by Gabriella Music is my life, but it’s not what I do, it’s who I am. My energy flows through the lyrics like ink soaking through the paper. I consider the life I have with a pen in my hand. Writing is the choice I made and reject the past that I once had: too ghetto, too misleading. I thought my life wouldn’t change. With every oppression I had to bare, I heard daddy tell me “what happened to hope?” or “have faith mija, never doubt yourself.” Writing is what helps me to get out of this rage. With the lyrics I write, I’m going to set my feelings free. My family’s love and support lets me have this expression, with words that can be definitions of myself, normal.

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My Boxing Match by Abigail I’m in one corner and life is at the other. As the bell of the first round rings, the crowd of my family cheers me on. On the other side is a crowd full of random people, who don’t believe I could last the first round, but I’m here. I’m facing my fears head on, while they’re running from theirs. As I take a few steps forward, so does life. But instead of a fist bump, It’s a swing to my rib. As I feel the pain, I see what alcohol has done to my family. I’ve lost loved ones to that hit. So I raise my head, block the blow, I swing back at it, not with anger, but with love, care, and faith. One hit to the face could save them, so I keep on swinging with my words. A few hits here and there, telling them “No!” it’s not good for you. The first round ends. (Ding!) “Round Two,” a person yells from the crowd. I hold my hands up blocking every hit, as I use the bible as my shield.

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Round Three comes. I'm tired but I'm not going down without a fight until I'm the last one standing. I will go on to round four fighting for my dreams and fighting for what’s right. Like the saying goes, I’m going to “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

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A Reflection of Myself by Tristan As I look to find myself, I see another, someone different. But we look so much like each other, as if she is a twin. She follows every move I make I see the beauty that she hides. Never will I see what’s inside. I don’t think of it only as a reflection. It’s like a window to a different dimension. My sister is a reminder of our beautiful mother, an outstanding mother, a woman like no other. She is willing to give hugs and snuggles to help you pull through the struggles. She is an outstanding mom, so gentle and calm, who makes all the pain go away with just a touch of her palm. She is an outstanding mama through all the trauma who is willing to love me for infinity and guide me despite all of my drama. No matter what I call her, she is still a mother to me. She is still outstanding, beyond understanding. In my heart, there is a place where no one else can go. Only there I see your face, one that I’ll never know.

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I never touched your little face or saw your first step, only in my special place, where your memory is kept. I remember your birthday and the day I found out you were here. The true pain since you went away will always bring a tear. I hold your memory with me. The pain somehow I must face. In my heart and dreams you’ll be with me in my “special place.”

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Life Can be Like by Rene Going to a concert can be a perfect example of life. Waiting in line for your ticket is a huge obstacle to overcome. Waiting for a ticket can be difficult, it's the one way ticket in life you take in order to enjoy the show. Once you're inside, you enjoy the fun while it lasts. If you fall, you know you have people to depend on, to pick you up, to support you when you're at your lowest. You sing and enjoy the moment of life, knowing you fit in and there's no worries. Going to a concert is like life. It doesn't matter what size, ethnicity, sexuality, or religion you are, because we are all there for one thing, music.

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Grandma's Letter by Cameron Grandma, I’m so sorry that you had to leave us. I will never forget when I was just eight years old. I walked out of uncle’s room and saw a trail of dark, red blood that led to your body. Since I didn’t know what to do, I just wandered back to the room and waited for mom to finally arrive. As I was able to get one last glimpse of you, with your dark black hair and darker skin tone, mom showed up. She told me to get out of the house until we can get help. She was the one who had to call 911 because I didn’t know what to do. As the paramedics showed up, I was scared for your life and of what was going to happen. Then, you were flown to Seattle, unconscious and barely having any life left. That’s when it all got real. Your final words to mom and I were, “My final resting day will not be the day of my birthday, but the day that god needs me to come home.” You died the day after your birthday. It was hard to see you in that terrible condition. As you laid sick and pale on the hospital bed, we were all praying for the best, even though we knew the outcome was going to be the worst.

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I’m so sorry there was nothing I could do! I could only wait outside, as the Medics were taking care of you. She told us that there were 15 trauma specialists and doctors standing around your bed wearing gowns and masks. Mom and uncle Aaron were the only ones standing in the room with you. They told us, “It was a nightmare to see what was going on. As one was performing CPR, another was pumping blood into her.” Then, out of the blue Uncle Aaron said, “Just make it stop! My mother should not have to live like this!” The doctors stopped what they were doing and asked him, “Do you really want this?” His response, with tears falling from his face, was, “Yes, the creator’s arms are open, and he is waiting for her now.” With a flip of a switch, you flat-lined, and you were gone. I will always remember our good memories. I can’t wait to see you again and listen to your old cheesy jokes that came from your elderly mouth! You were my everything, and I lost you because alcohol decided to take over. Just know, I will always love you, and I can’t wait to see you again. Love,

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Cameron, aka, your little cowboy. Now, if you guys take anything from this, please know that alcohol is never the way to go! Like I said, I lost my everything because of alcohol, and I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to see any of my CUUB family go the same way. You guys have too much to live for just to throw it away with alcohol. Please just stay away from that junk, and I promise you, life will be so much easier and so much nicer in the long run. Thank you.

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My Niece by Raelene For Kaylee Marie Birdmen-Blueeyes Close your eyes my little one, close your eyes and dream big. Imagine your bright future ahead of you. Imagine yourself walking to class on the University of Arizona. Bear down! You can be anyone, anyone you dream to be. You can go anywhere, do anything, be anyone. Just close your eyes and dream your dreams. With every step you take, know that I’ll be right by your side, guiding you. When I’m with you, there’s no place I’d rather be. One day, you’ll open your eyes to bigger and better things in life with loved ones around you. I love and miss you.

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Motorcross by Fallyn Everyone has their own point of view and comparison as to what life is like. As for me, Life is motocross. Like life, throughout your course, anything can happen, so be ready. Yes, there are other people in the game, some even praying that you fail. Focus on you. Deliberate on what it is going to take you to succeed. Give it your ALL. Face the washboards and high jumps head on at high speed, without fear. Have your mind set on the best outcome. Everyone slips and falls at one point or another. Dust yourself off, get back on, learn from your mistakes, and keep going. Give it your ALL, so that when your course comes to an end, you won’t have any regrets as to what you could’ve or should’ve done better.

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Down the Court by Crystanya I am one who believes in nothing but myself. I overcome what you least expected and fight against competition, but wish the best for others. I am whole when it comes to loving what I do with those around me. If you see me, believe that I have faith. Believe that I am not alone. I will not fear what comes upon me for I am excited for what is now. Basketball is my game. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doubt that I have game. So join me as we grab it and grip it because you have control of your own life. Live life as if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a basketball game. Lace up and stay on your feet. If you fall or trip, get your ass up and get back in the game

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Move your feet! Move like you want to be number one. Run like you want to be on top. Wear your jersey proudly. Your number and last name will make you known. Use all your strength. Use your body and mind to get through the struggles. If you get pushed around, be aggressive and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let up. Sharing is caring, so share what you have. Share the ball and share joy with the team. Treat people right Bond with one another and create memories to cherish. Listen to family sitting in the crowd. They want the best for you. They motivate you. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go through the game without teammates. It takes teammates. Help one another. Believe in yourself. Take advantage of precious minutes.

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Don’t always pass the ball, take a shot. You never know, you might make it. Jump high catch the rebound, and put it back up. Don’t throw away chances. Pain will only last for a while, so keep playing and don’t give up. Treat every loss and missed shot as a failure and learn from it. Do better next time. Improve. Time will go by quickly so enjoy the game. Smile, laugh, and have fun. Every shot counts. Every shot is an achievement and you should be proud. Offense is like an opportunity. Take it and give it a shot. Defense is like learning from others that are also reaching for a goal. Focus on the game.

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Know what you’re doing. Know your next move. Be alert. Think twice and quick. Make good choices and watch out. The game won’t last forever so play with no regrets. Play your hardest and with all your heart. Don’t pay attention to what they say. Run, dribble, drive, and get to your goal. Love life and love the game.

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This is Where I'm From by Leonard I am from spotless blue and white tiled flooring in my kitchen, yellow Pine Sol, and blue dish soap that I use to clean my house every night. I am from the green and white trailer on the ranch surrounded by cows with a friendly feel, the tumble weeds scattered around, and the poisonous rhubarb growing in my yard, where the snakes hide. Home, this is where I’m from: movie nights dark, walnut colored eyes, from brothers and sisters. I am from sibling competition, arguing, and joking. Family, this is where I’m from: “Potatoes growing in your ears” if you don’t clean them, “the hand” chasing you down the hall if you were pouting, and “These Little Piggies”. I am from nine years of sports, mainly basketball and baseball, practicing every day for at least 2 hours. Childhood, this is where I’m from: Rapid City, South Dakota, the Lakota tribe. I am from my sister starting her room on fire

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and leaving me in there on accident; from the picture of my sisters and I as babies with our faces covered in ice cream on my sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s neatly constructed wall. Memories, this is where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from. I am from two families: my traditional family that resides in Kyle, South Dakota and my ranch family that lives in Oelrichs, South Dakota, both places I call home. I am from a broken family trying to become whole.

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When I Look in the Mirror by Jaiauna When I looked in the mirror back then, I saw a little girl desperate for help trying her best in school, ignoring the people who made fun of her name and the scars on her body. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a little girl who fought the man who violated her. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop fighting. She fought like she was fighting for life. When I look in the mirror now, I see a young lady who forgot about the bad memories in her past, but cherish the good ones. I see a girl who mostly wears dark, no longer bright happy colors. I look in the mirror, into my own eyes. I see the battles I fought, my accomplishments. The good memories make me smile when I think of them. The past will always follow me but will never appear in my present or future. When I look in the mirror, I see how my hair got darker and shorter, because every now and then, people need a change. When I look in the mirror now, I see a young lady who is getting over her past

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and is going to make things better for herself and others. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look in the mirror in the near future, and see myself having a good life and accomplishing more of my goals. I will forgive and forget the people in my past.

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My Mom by Abigail Through all the pain and pride, my mom shows me that even when things donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go as you plan, the darkness will never last. The light will shine again. She has shown me wisdom, care, and love. She showed me that there is more to life than all the money in the world and pain. For that, I thank her with all my heart. A mother and daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love is everlasting.

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Sounds Like Life to Me by Cameron Life, it’s what you decide to do on a daily basis. We are made to believe that some people have a “perfect” life, which means they don’t get into arguments with their parents, their parents love each other, and they all have a good amount of respect for one another. Then, there are people like me. My parents are divorced, and life just feels like a living hell. I don’t even know why either. Maybe it’s because my dad and I haven’t gotten along for almost eight years! Nobody knows the real reason and no one ever will. Life, now I am fifteen years old. I am a hard worker, an active FFA member, and a future soldier of America, who will be ready to fight for your freedom when you need me. Life, I will work my ass off from sun up to sun down, without giving up. Guess who taught me that? No one else but my own mother.

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She has to be the strongest woman I have ever met and ever will meet. If you want to talk about starting from the bottom and working your way up, talk to that young lady right there. Life, she has been there every second, and every minute of my life, even when I’m not home. For instance, she supports me now while I’m at Upward Bound, getting a better education for myself. She calls me. If she can’t, she will be the first one to text. My father, on the other hand, could care less about whether we talk every day, or not. Just as long as I’m not dead, he doesn’t seem to care. I’m not saying that he doesn’t. He just makes it seem like he doesn’t anymore. I have tried everything to try to get him off my mind, and make me feel like I’m actually wanted in this world! Life, it can suck at some points. I have tried chewing tobacco, smoking, and drinking. But you know what? That doesn’t help the cause,

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because life isn’t about drinking the pain away, or putting some chew in your mouth. It’s truly what you do on a daily basis. You decide what to do with the challenges LIFE is going to throw at you. Life, call me crazy or call me stupid. You can even stereotype me if you want! I am who I am, and I will stay me, no matter what anyone says! Life! Don’t give up your dreams because someone says you can’t. Don’t try to drink the pain away, or do drugs. The consequences, in the end, are just not worth it. That will only get you three places in life: jail, six feet under, or back to where you started. Life, the struggle is real at some points. For instance, just about a week ago, I had 3 family members pass away. So, I had to ask myself, “What should I do?!” One side said, “You can’t do this,

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and you have no point in living anymore, so why should you keep trying?” My other side was saying, “You can do this, just work it out.” In the end, I just had to tell myself, “Sounds like life to me,” and keep moving forward.

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Life with Struggles by Gabriella A struggle in mi vida is a virus feeling like I’m in a cell, in my body destroying every part in me until there’s nothing left. A struggle in mi vida is like a broken wing from a poor bird that can’t fly, like it’s slowing it down, down, down until it crashes in pain. A struggle in mi vida is like a thorn that sits upon a rose only to damage its beauty. It is a precious, beautiful rose until it is no longer as it was, but sharp and unbeautiful. A struggle in mi vida is like a difficult time I had but I can’t get through it until the struggle in mi vida would become my past once for all. Finally, when I set it free!

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Me, Myself, and I by Tristan Me, Myself, and I combine the best you’ll find, ready to help a sister or a brother. We form one of a kind. Me, Myself, and I stand tall at 5 foot three with confidence that seems to say just get a load of me. Me, Myself, and I are a joy to behold, a tribute to the human race. We’re worth our weight in gold. Me, Myself, and I form a trio of sheer delight. We share the same brain, no need to explain why we’re all so bright. Me, Myself, and I, so humble in every way. It’s not an easy way to be when you get better looking each day. Me, Myself, and I, what more could anyone need? We have it all and we have a ball, just the greatest, yes indeed. Me, Myself, and I will now be on our way.

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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re good, who knows, you could possibly meet us one day.