Letter to Descendants

Dear Future People,

I am not certain what you consider important, therefore I am not sure what I should tell you about my life. My friends, family, education, and lifestyle are the most important factors of my brief existence. Perhaps yours is computers. Maybe you are similar to me. Unfortunately, I will never know, but this letter may inform you.

It sounds cliché, but I am simply an ordinary 16 year old girl. I go to school, I spend time with my friends and family, I am involved with sports and school activities. I have hopes, dreams and ambitions. I want to do something with my life and my biggest fear is being forgotten when I’m gone. 

I feel that life is something we've been given, it’s not a right. Why wouldn't I want to live it to its fullest potential? Every day I waste sad, or afraid, I simply waste 24 hours. I’m not getting out of here alive therefore there is no purpose being terrified about the unknown. I choose to do what I want each day even if it scares me. Life is about risks. I believe that is a message my generation has embraced.

Rather it be inspirational, paradoxical Tumblr quotes, choosing to argue our parents at the dinner table because they simply can’t fathom the things my generation does, or staging  international protests because young people are tired of the world being cruel, my generation is making change. We've abandoned the theory that says we are capable of nothing as young people. We've upped the competition for the adults and are making them regard justice as an expectation, not a privilege.  My generation was the first to do this.

Right now my community is limited by the resources available. An economy change has caused Blackville to be one of the many New Brunswick towns to face changes and challenges. But we’re recovering. People of all ages are discovering the importance of receiving an education and are becoming resilient against any opposition. But my community is also fostering an abundance of issues. We accept drug use. We glorify acts which diminish self-confidence. Some of us give up our future before it even begins. We've come along way but we have even farther to go. The same applies to the world. The past decade (2004-2014) has been accompanied by major social changes and technological innovations. We evaluate our behaviors differently, visible through the actions of millions during the Arab Spring, the Boston Marathon of 2013, and the Russian occupation of the Ukraine of 2014. Politics and freedom are the major motivators of my world and it's creating change. We are just unsure if it is for the better or not.

Our society's are very different. But I am certain both will have made mistakes. Please learn from ours, and make your lives better.

Sincerely,
Ashlyn Moody

Letter to Committee

Dear Committee,

Our generation, world, community, and local village have caused positive and negative impacts in our world. We need to be remembered for both. We have to celebrate what we did right, and attempt to teach the future generations how to prevent similar mistakes. This time capsule must represent our time on Earth, and all we accomplished.

To begin, I first believe we must include a picture of our homes. Consider homes in 1914. Their style, structure, composition, and fabrication is completely different from homes today. With advancements in technology, this growth and change will continue to increase. To preserve our way of life, a visual representation of how we lived must be included in our communities time capsule. A picture is worth a thousand words. By including a photo of our living environments future generations will have the ability to compare and reflect upon the progressions made throughout the century.

Another expected piece of equipment found in any home today is a computer. What sense is it to prohibit future peoples from understanding a machine which dramatically altered our world? Computers have created careers, solved medical mysteries, aided in political revolutions, and have helped the impoverished find sanctuary. We must allow our descendants to comprehend the robot which shaped our planet. They may someday need to know how to duplicate its parts and functions, or how to destroy it if its power grows too strong.

Although I do not claim our actions to be morally sound, today's society is driven by hunger; a hunger to do more, to be more, to acquire more. We are also a society who will stop at nothing to achieve its goals regardless of the loss experienced in our pursuit of gain. From various trivia websites, experts claim that over 80% of the world's natural forests have been destroyed. Technology and innovation boast no signs of receding in the next century, therefore, what type of natural world will our children and grandchildren know? One of eco-friendly pavement? We must make them aware of nature. We must include pictures of natural landscapes in this time capsule. Our descendants have the right to know that trees and grass are meant to be green, and that weeds do sprout. They have the right to know that chemicals and machine parts are not the only formats in which change occurs.

Food is a major component of our life. It not only nourishes our bodies and provides us with the energy used to live, it is apart of our culture. We Canadians are known for our "modern age" dietary habits; fast food. What will the nourishment of the next century be? Will society return to old fashioned sit down dinners, or continue to embrace fast paced processed food? Regardless of the decision of our descendants, we must inform the future of our food culture. Mcnuggets are the property of McDonalds. The Whooper is the fine cuisine of Burger King. The Baconator is Wendy's foundation. In order to represent this cultural phenomena I would like to include the napkins of various popular restaurants. Although our descendants may view our habits as unhealthy, we must make them aware of our convenient,quick food. From this knowledge they can decide how to provide nourishment for their bodies, hopefully improving the lives of our descendants.

History is created by the events which impact our world. The current generations have caused ripple effects which have changed our society and behaviors. From 2010 onward the world has been shaped by various political uprisings and actions. The Russian occupation of Ukraine, The Syrian Civil War and suspected chemical weapon use, and the Arab Spring are all examples of what our generation will be known for. Like modern textbooks, we must ensure that our story is remembered. The "Time" magazine, featuring the events which shape the present, must be included in this time capsule. It is essential that our generation is remembered for our achievements and faults. The preservation of history aids peace in the future.

Our global and local community is shaped by technology, desire, and motivation. Our generation has failed multiple times, but we have also been successful. By remembering all, we will provide a solid foundation upon which future generations may learn and thrive.

Sincerely,
Ashlyn Moody

The Not So Mean Marshall: Be a Friend to Make a Friend

Marshall was always alone. He had no friends!

Marshall’s classmates were afraid of him because he looked different. Most grade one students were animals, but not Marshall! He was bright blue and had horns on top of his head.

Marshall was a monster! The other kids thought he was weird.

Everyday Marshall walked to school, hoping someone would talk to him.

“Maybe Kelly Kangaroo will play marbles with me on the sidewalk! Gina Giraffe could join! Then I could eat lunch with Spencer Snail! I’d love to share my cookies!”

But everyday, Marshall sat alone. He was the last picked for tag, and had nobody to eat his snack with. During gym, he hid in the locker room so the other students couldn't see his colorful legs. Marshall really wanted a friend.

One day, Marshall was walking to school expecting another sad, lonely day. All of a sudden, he heard a loud shriek!

“ AHHHHHH!! Somebody help me! Come quick, please!”

Marshall ran toward the sound of the screaming voice. All he could think of was helping!

With his strong, powerful muscles, Marshall soon arrived.

“Oh my, thank goodness you’re here Marshall! I need your help! Please, you have to save my poor kitten!”

Penny Peacock was panicking on the side walk. Her feathers were ruffled and she was making loud squawking noises.

“My poor kitten! He’s stuck under that van and he’s too frightened to come out! Oh, what am I going to do?! I have to go to school, but I can’t just leave him here!”

Marshall felt terrible for Penny.

“What can I do to help?” he said.

“I...I...I’m not sure Marshall! How are we ever going to get poor Fluffy unstuck?” she replied.

The two began to think.

“Maybe we could sneak through the drain system, crawl to Fluffy, grab him from underneath and then bring him to safety?” suggested Penny.

“Or we could hire a helicopter to lift the van in the air, you could grab your kitten, return him to home, and we could STILL get to school on time!” offered Marshall.

“That’s a good idea, but what helicopter company should we hire?”

The two continued to make plans late into the morning. All of a sudden, Marshall looked down at his watch.

“Oh no, Penny! School starts in 10 minutes! What are we ever going to do now?”

Penny looked terrified for her poor kitten. He knew she didn’t want to leave her precious pet. Marshall decided he HAD to help.

“Alright Penny,I’m going to rescue Fluffy,” he said..

Marshall walked over to the car. Leaning down, he began to lift the van! You could see Marshall’s muscles and his face began to sweat. Lifting a car was hard work!

The van began to lift off the ground. Penny could see Fluffy!

Bolting from underneath the van, Fluffy jumped into Penny’s arms. The kitten was saved AND they’d be on time for class!

“Thank you so much Marshall! You did it! I’m so lucky to have a pal like you!”

Writing 110 Apllication Letter

Mr.Carter,

Upon my own choice, this letter will serve as my application for Writing 110.

As a frequent past-time, reading and writing have always been interests of mine. I am attracted to many genres, however, modern and scientific fiction are the most frequent found throughout my own personal library. Writers such as Suzanna Collins and Ann Brashares occupy many places in the top shelf of my closet. I enjoy their use of description and personal portrayals within their stories, as the audience may figuratively “put themselves” in the position of multiple characters. For myself, such aspects of writing make stories adventurous and exciting, therefore I often attempt to imitate such style(s).

I personally believe my writing strengths lie in expository and persuasive essays. Frequently used in my current academic courses, practice has formulated certain strategies which I use to produce appropriate pieces. Although developing thesis statements, creating appropriate transition sentences and properly applying certain grammatical rules once was very challenging to me, frequent practice has made it easy to create convincing, intelligent responses. Writing application letters such as this one, and historical essays, however, are extremely challenging to me. As the writing is typically based upon fact, and generally does not contain opinion or “voice”, producing an unbiased piece is difficult. My preference of writing includes dramatic explanations and various details, not used in application letters, and factual essays.

Upon writing any writing assignment or speech, I often seek inspiration from my surrounding environment and from novels I have previously read. By morphing common ideas/thoughts into my own by adding details and/or characters, I am able to create lands and stories which extend beyond Earth. As a perfectionist, however, these ideas and stories are often altered multiple times. Typically I write two to three draft copies of any story or essay I write. In this process, the details of the story may be extensively altered. Such tasks take great amounts of time, but I believe produce the best final results. One of my most tedious, yet successful works, was my grade nine oratory speech on Canada’s unlimited but fragile resource, water. This speech explored global issues such as pollution, corporate greed and society’s stupidity, while presenting water in a new light; a “money maker.” By analyzing the economic standings of several countries, the industries/resources available to such countries, and planet Earth’s current state, my essay contained various details which supported a basis theory: the future’s leading countries will not rule due to threats of nuclear warfare, rather, will be determined by WHO has the resources essential for survival. The unique factor of my speech, however, was the fact it was written in French, yet contained the same depth and vocabulary which I use in my English writing(s).

As I plan on taking academic courses throughout my grade eleven and twelve year, and into post-secondary education, I believe this course will provide me with many benefits. I have been a dedicated student for many years. Learning how to develop different styles of writing will prepare me for my future, as I must produce various writings, such as informative, indifferent texts. I believe Writing 110 will serve as a guide and preparation tool, so that I may meet my future goals.

                                                                                                Sincerely,

Ashlyn Moody

Analyzing Children Stories

Based on the stories I read, "Invisible Alligators", "The Journey of the Noble Gnarble", and "The Littlest Knight"children stories often follow various patterns. Children stories are notorious for their basic plot lines which exhibit the challenges of one major character. To appeal to the imagination of the respective audience, characters often tend to be animals or fictional figures, as they fascinate children.

Stories tend to present an opposition force, developing the conflict of the story. Rather it be lost pets or a mystery waiting to be resolved, stories are filled with problems the average 4-8 year old may face. These problems may also relay important morals/lessons; For example, Invisible Alligators by Hayes Roberts hints at important values such as treating others kindly. The resolution of children stories often end in favor of the protagonist, as the issue(s) the main character faced are overcome through faith, hard work, and the aid of friendship. Stories often leave youth with a happy, satisfactory feeling.

Children stories often are told in third person perspective, however, include dialogue. Instructions, character conquests, and plans are told from a narrator's point of view to avoid confusion. The character's dialogue often puts the plan(s) into action, or includes motivating phrases. The author of the story combines narration and dialogue to produce an easily understood composition.


Children Stories include generally happy themes, as problems are solved in pleasant ways. I believe these stories appeal to children as the happiness relates to the innocence of youth.

How to Change the World at 16

The world’s ratio of problems to adults is extremely unbalanced. To compensate we as teens need to begin solving problems which our parents did not face until their late 30s. Issues such as disease, malnutrition, poverty, illiteracy, and social injustice are global epidemics within our society, however, the flexibility and ingenuity of adolescents are key resources. Learn how to be a teenager whom impacts the world and creates change for the better...it isn't as complicated as you may think!

1) Identify a Problem Which Fascinates and Provokes You

You have emotions, opinions, and thoughts. You have talents, innovation, and problem solving skills. You can achieve more than you possibly imagine. The daily news boasts abundances of issues which are left unaddressed by government or charity aid, therefore problems are left to multiply. You can be the solution to these difficulties. Find a problem which motivates you. Does the lack of education for African girls infuriate you? Then make this issue your project!

2) Find Others Like Yourself

Chances are you are not the only one enraged by your chosen issue. Find others who share similar thoughts and opinions about the education of African girls.  Research community volunteer organizations or school clubs that work to create social and political change, and get involved! There is strength in numbers!

3) Be Apart of Fundraisers and/or Protests While Using Your Talents

The only way to create real change is to take action. You can not remain idle and expect social justice to come.  Use your talents to contribute to and organize fundraisers such as auctions, bake sales, dances, and benefit concerts, and donate the funds raised to your mission. For example, if you can sing, volunteer to be a performer at a benefit. If your cause requires a social revolution or change in public attitude, stage a protest with your colleagues. Make the public aware of the injustices involved with your issue(s). Gain support!

4) Remain Faithful to Your Cause

Do not drastically alter your opinion or speak ill of your cause. People choose to support organizations who consistently remain dedicated and faithful to their mission and intentions. Swaying opinions cause people to question the truthfulness of the organization they are asked to support.

5) Remember to Have Fun!

Changing the world can become very stressful and challenging as you are guaranteed to face opposition. Remember that you are setting examples for society and making the world a better place! Have fun with your peers and enjoy the time you spend with your colleagues; it will make your mission much more enjoyable and worthwhile!

Review of “How to Get a Fun Summer Job”

As many teens struggle to find employment during their free months, tips, tricks, and advice are always welcome. This article offers general instructions on how to successfully gain part-time labor.
Access article here

From reading the selection and based upon my own experiences, this article offers concise but effective steps for job searching. The reader is not confused throughout any part of the selection as it offers intelligent suggestions meant to impress potential employers. The advice provided is clarified with brief explanations which thoroughly describe the intended steps. In my opinion the article could be improved through MORE tips. The author could suggest more ideas which would aid adolescents, such as instructing what information to tell potential employers during interviews or ideas on how to present oneself (body language).

A good “How To” article provides incisive information which clearly states benefits and rewards. Each section of the report concentrates on one main idea, while elucidating details of this point. It’s language is appropriate for the respective audience and the report is written in second person perspective to allow the reader to better comprehend the instruction(s). Finally, the general tone of an effective “How To” article should empower the reader as it offers practical advice meant to aid and simplify a task.

Score: 18/20

I believe the following statement should be added to the marking rubric:

“The article simulates a generally helpful tone while providing concise, efficient advice.”

Writing 110 Editing Exercise

1. Thomas had called Lily and told her the news; he said he wanted her to be in the wedding. He invited her to the house to meet Alice to discuss the plans.
2. She knew she was beautiful. It was, however, nothing compared to the bride’s radiance; she bet he realized that too.
3. The cool wind coming off the mountain burns his eyes and the water from the pond continues to  drip onto him, but he notices none of that. All of his focus is on the chase.
4. I sit up, confused as to why I don't hear the sweet hum of my mother’s voice.
5. Suddenly, it all becomes too much to handle. I feel myself running away, but it is as if I have lost control of my body.
6. Tonight I have the chance to make that dream a reality.
7. They do not concern themselves with other human beings. Therefore, they certainly do not wave, grin, nod, glance, or even allow a thought to waver toward me.
8. The illuminated numbers stung the back of my mind; the 58 which labelled us and the greater 60 which the other team took advantage with, left a lasting impression.
9. As the puck glides across the slippery ice surface of the rink, it lands directly on the tape of my stick.
10. Like anything though, minor problems are bound to occur. However, let me tell ya, that doesn't stop me from keeping the RPMs high and the adrenaline even higher.
11. It begins laughing at me. I lose control of my anger, and quickly pull over to the side of the road.
12. Then your heart sinks. You have  only tied the game; it’s not over yet.
13. Hot tears began to spill out of my eyes, leaving water stains on my cheeks.
14. As I fall, unable to move, I think back to the summers of my homeland and its comforting warmth.
15. The black ice came out of nowhere; I remember that clearly. It was as if the snow had sensed our arrival and had immediately begun to melt. In a split second the melting snow had frozen just in time for my boyfriend and myself to come around that sharp, narrow turn.
16. I can almost taste the metallic substance of blood on my tongue. I’ve only heard half of the conversation yet feel as if a ton of bricks has hit me in the face.
17. I remained quiet, but inside me, I was pumping adrenaline through my body,just waiting to be unleashed at the drop of the puck.
18. Looking straight ahead I can see the moon reflecting on the water as the glow of the reflection dances on the water ripples. It sure is a sight to see. It’s too bad I’m the only crew member awake to see it.
19. Having no place to go and no money, I was in a terrible condition.
20. As I stand,I smell fries cooking and hot chocolate brewing; it’s delightful.
21. A year ago, I was at the top. I had eleven, five-star hotels all across the country.

Finding Forrester (2001)

Directed by Gus Van Sant

Produced by Columbia Pictures, starring Sean Connery, Rob Brown and F. Murray Abraham, Finding Forrester is an inspiring film. By systematically creating major conflict based on where characters come from and what they are expected to do, the producers of Finding Forrester ingeniously use minor characters to highlight the struggles of the lead character Jamal. This film explores issues which derive from a character’s  talents  and  background, offering a message of success and hope; Finding Forrester offers a unique outlook on reaching our goals, regardless of obstacles.

        The plot of the story follows the experiences of 16 year old black youth, Jamal Wallace. Living in the Bronx, Jamal is blessed with a gift for athletics, intelligence, and a natural skill for writing, but must hide the latter two in order to be accepted by his peers. Scoring highly on state tests, Mr. Wallace is offered a full paid trip to Maylard Academy, a prestigious private school. At the same time, Jamal meets Mr. William Forrester, a notorious author with reclusive and isolated ways. As Jamal begins studying at Maylard, William begins to mentor the young prodigy in the writing process. Jamal’s abilities and background combine to produce numerous conflicts with others, especially his English teacher, Professor Crawford. Jamal’s written work is considered “too good” in regards to his status. This story exhibits the problems both Jamal and William face and how they are overcome, while the two unlikely comrades develop a strong friendship.

        Finding Forrester is an excellent example of performance and setting. Distinct social barriers are explored through the use of both physical settings, such as the differences shown between the Bronx and Maylard, and the use of characters to portray the cultural differences. This distinction allows for Jamal’s transition  to create major conflicts within the film, excellently portrayed through the actor’s performance.  Sean Connery, Rob Brown and F. Murray Abraham all produce excellent presentations of their stereotypical characters as their facial expressions and diction allow for their character traits to be strengthened. The problem with Finding Forrester is the budget. The quality of  work  produced does not allow for the story to be accurately presented as the inspirational message  it is. The low budget produces low quality scenes, easily witnessed in the cinematography. Images are not high grade.

         

Although produced over a decade ago, Finding Forrester is similar to multiple famous novels and  book series which are currently popular. Its core themes and conflicts are like those of the Matched novels by Allie Condie. Both works explore controversial subjects as the main characters feel the urge to overcome society’s fixated beliefs. While Matched contains much more violence and danger than Finding Forrester, the idea of being more than what others expect is simultaneous in both presentations. Finding Forrester is difficult to compare to other novels as it places the bar so high. It is an exceptional film, worthy of a trip to the theatres.

Lights, Camera, Don't Tell Me the Entire Story: Review of a Movie Review

I chose the film review of "Catching Fire" by "The Guardian: The Observer", because of its strategic film explanation and reference to other films. Written by Mark Kermode, this review allows the reader to understand the basic plot of the story, while not revealing all memorable aspects of the story. Unlike other reviews, it does not contain bias opinion(s), rather, allows the reader to format their own thoughts about the movie.

This review explains the themes and main events of "Catching Fire", while not revealing every tear jerking scene. As it elucidates Katniss's current situation, Mr.Kermode does not provide psychological evaluation for all of her behaviours/actions. Rather, he allows the audience to create their own ideas about the main lady, providing only facts. The result of this humorous review allows suspense to occur in the film, even when a viewer knows the story's plot.

As the author of the review makes allusions to other fictional works, comparing the similarities and differences between novels such as “Twilight by Stephenie Meyers” and “Catching Fire”, a mood for the film is established. The notorious “love triangle” theme and the conflicts of the two works can be assumed to be similar, as Kermode reflects on the like reactions from the fans of both sagas. These comparisons allow readers to understand the general tone of “Catching Fire”,based on the suggestion of similarities from other well known books.

I enjoy science fiction films. These movies are often action packed and have thick plots, changing by each decision a character makes. Suspense is a guaranteed element of this genre, as often the conflicts experienced in the movie do not exist in the actual world (problems with advanced technology, certain diseases, ect.). The unknown allows the movie to be surprising and exciting. Personally, I would enjoy doing a film review on “Divergent”. Based upon the novels by Veronica Roth, this film is set in an apocalyptic future, in which society is divided into factions. As the majority of the novel is based upon love, choices, and decisions in a strange world, it would be very manageable and exciting to write a review on this film.

Yellow and White Plaster

Yellow and White Plaster by Ashlyn Moody

Photo credited to Globe and Mail.

My future was chosen by the heavens. I was never held accountable for any of life’s twisted actions or decisions, rather they were thrust upon me with the delicacy of a lightning storm.  My dreams, my hopes, my ambitions, and even my few feeble plans, destroyed by the Divine Creator, the universal energy, or whatever other higher power our stoic society chooses to bow to. Oxford, the world renowned intelligence, quotes my name as “victim of fate.”

I watch the cream corn lead paint shrivel to reveal the confining metal of the nutrition baby carriages. Accompanied by a shriek, and preceded by a monogamous tone of unoiled wheels, this is my life...my career, my one “greatest” pride. A bell hop for “no frills” grocery carts.  

Everyday I stagger the tarnished asphalt, a ghost to those who pass by. Mothers cradling infants, smothered with fleece blankets like butchered crabs served at high society dinners, march by as they hiss on their cell phones. They complain of the “indecency” of neighbors who had not acknowledged them within the store. Teenagers accompanying their grandparents, scuff their feet behind elders who have hips much more ancient than they. They do not concern themselves with other human beings, therefore, they certainly do not wave, grin, nod, glance, or even allow a thought to waver toward me. After all, I am only an employee of “no frills”. The unlucky soul sent to collect shopping carts in any tragic gift Mother Nature sees fit to offer.

Day in and day out, my schedule remains unchanging. Herd the carts, march them to the China-produced, yellow and white, banana covered signs, and repeat. I have certain special tasks, such as ignoring the snot covered toddlers who poke at chewing gum stuck to the fake plaster posts; they’re somebody else's problem. Greet the aged,the withered, the ones who struggle while holding their aluminium canes, especially on old age pension day...we survive from their business. Finally, don’t injure the four wheeled metal fortresses, “protected” by the three faded white lines...scrape the paint, and it comes off my paycheck. Day in, day out, only the squeak of dated plastic wheels acknowledge my existence.

I dreamed of a life which brimmed with much more than this bland grandeur. As a child growing up on the Canadian coast, all things natural and pure inspired the “little man” who spoke within my head, while hindering my development. Every Sunday, I prayed to a reverend God, asking him/she/it to provide me with a life stuffed with adventure. While the congregation demanded world peace and the end of child hunger, I begged for airplanes, heros and time travel. My destiny did not exist here on Earth.

The blue and white which hung above the world’s head, terrifying so many, would become my slave. I would navigate the many cotton candy canals, leaving my own fume clouds as a marker of where I had been. The tyrants, oppressors and villains of the world, would fear me. Swings of my sword or a pull of my gun trigger would provide the death blow which no other mortal seemed capable of offering...I would be a liberator, a hero. Even time itself, a dimension which perplexed the Einsteins of any era, would kneel to me. It would offer all the secrets it had withheld for five billion years, exposing them to me. Dinosaurs would be my playmates...cavemen would be test subjects for my early scientific experiments. At ten years old, the world was mine. But real life had a tendency of getting in the way.

I did not become a pilot, a noble man, or even a world traveller, much less a time traveller. Rather, life handed me a mouth to feed when I had not yet managed to obtain a slip of paper from my local high school. It gave me a habit of subjecting those around me to drunken rages, which involved obliterating cheap wood furniture and decimating multiple bottles, angered quickly from the situations fate offered me. Life provided an unfaithful partner, stacks of paper covered in numbers which proclaimed I owed money to men I had never met, and finally, the departure of the little mouths I cursed over, but only because I loved them so dearly.

“no frills” was my saviour. It gave a drunk, wife beating, child abusing man, a ten dollar per hour job. I was worth that. For pulling carts I could now provide myself with a 200 foot by 200 foot cage, heat for certain intervals of the day, cheap, polyester t-shirts and jeans, and an endless supply of frozen cuisine...the essentials.

“Danny, don’t you dare touch that!”

“God, I can’t believe she did that! The nerve of some people!”

“Anne come here, your father wants to speak with you on the phone! HE can handle this! You tramping around the streets wearing this abomination, is NOT my issue to handle! Who is it you want to impress, huh?! Creeps like him!!?”

Day in, day out, I hear the conversations, but they do not include me. Our company sign is the only constant in my planned life. Clean and brightly colored, the florescent yellow stands out against the pale plaster which it bethrones. The arrangement of letters looks comforting, as if it guarantees shoppers a pleasant shopping trip. One without stress, one accompanied by smiling faces and friendly words... a trip to enjoy. In reality, I knew they were hollow.