Sophomore.

I was not nervous before starting my sophomore year. By talking to some of my older friends, I was already prepared for how different high school would be from junior high. Even though it is not exactly what I expected, it has gone pretty well so far.

I have gotten used to the different students and teachers. Also, two of my more difficult classes have made me push myself to work much harder this year. For the most part, my grades have improved.

Leadership

Shakespeare points out many of the characters' leadership flaws in the play Julius Caesar. Caesar had defeated Pompey and many others in his scheme to become dictator of Rome. As this was taking place, Caesar's peers feared he was becoming much too powerful and ambicious, so they formed a plot and assisinated him. Some did this for loyalty to their country. They loved Rome more than they loved Caesar. These men, Brutus included, believed the only way to save Rome was to overthrow Caesar and find a new ruler. But others did this out of greed and hate, hoping to gain political power of their own.

Similar to modern times, citizens do not always agree with their nation's leader. Barack Obama, set to take office in January, is our country's President-Elect. People have very different feelings about Obama becoming the President of the United States. Unlike the men living in Caesar's time, we must only fight for what we believe in and hope for the best.

Sci-Fi as a Genre

I do not enjoy reading science fiction novels. I have read quite a few science fiction books, finding many of them dull and difficult to follow. There is one exception, though. I actually liked 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne. But I would usually much rather read a historial fiction novel or a book about something more realistic and true to life. Overall, the sci-fi genre is not for me.

MY PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT inspired by: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, by Sean Covey

Communicate with everyone around me; build strong relationships.

Assist people in need, volunteer, do my part.

Learn from my mistakes by becoming a stronger person.

Live as if today is my last day on Earth; take nothing for granted.

Invest my time in things that really matter (don't sweat the little things.)

Evaluate my choices and actions and take responsibility for myself.

I support Senator John McCain as a presidential candidate. He is the best choice for our country and the needs we have now. I agree with his viewpoint on border security and immigration. I also stand by his ideas about abortion and adoption. I would like to see him elected as the next President of the United States, along with Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin, who would make an excellent choice for Vice President. Our country desperately needs to make the most of any available resources that would allow us to become less dependent on foreign oil. Drilling in Alaska would definitely help to solve that problem. McCain has a great deal of experience in politics and foreign affairs. That is crucial in ending the war against terror. He is exactly the man we need to end the war quickly and successfully with a victory. This pair of politicians would help to get this country back on the right track.

Gemma Stone is a very admirable young lady, and three of her characteristics stand out above the others: loyalty, mind-reading, and beauty. Gemma loves her friends dearly. She is always there for them, helping with whatever problems they are facing. When the creatures of Jupiter come to attack Earth, Gemma tries her hardest to keep her best friends Caroline and Victoria safe. Gemma is one of the special humans that has acquired a super power by birth. She is able to know what others are thinking! There is a problem with that, though. Whenever Gemma is nervous or afraid, her power does not work properly. But the first thing you notice about the teen is her astounding beauty. She has piercing green eyes that appear to see everything. Her chestnut brown hair hangs down her back in thick waves. Along with her strong spirit, Gemma's heart and beauty charm everyone she meets, making her a great force to be reckoned with.