The Red Planet

We weren’t meant to live here. At least, that’s what some say. They say that our bodies weren’t designed to live on our home, the planet Mars. They say that it isn’t fate, that God or evolution or whichever higher powers you believe in intended us to only live on Earth. Those who inhabit the planet we have made our home think differently. We know that instead of physically evolving, the first humans to cross the stars instead evolved with their minds. It is because of their advanced technology that we can now walk freely without space suits, and breathe the air. Being cooped up in suits or oxygen containment units is distant history. The children born today can’t imagine life anywhere else and hardly believe that humans are originally from the blue dot, faraway in the sky. The story of the first people to travel through the stars is one that inspires us and makes people believe that anything is possible. The original star-travelers were a group of 5 brave souls who knew their planet was in trouble and stepped up to save it. Their captain was named Perseverance. She was chosen for her importance and leadership skills. Many people believe she was the most important member of her crew, but that was a highly debated topic. It was also a popular opinion that her right- hand man, Technology, was the most important. He was the one who made the trip possible, with his innovation building the means to get to the planet we were always meant to go. The rest of the crew are all crucial to the mission as well. Agriculture himself made life on Mars possible, and he single-handedly fertilized the soil on Mars which was thought to be impossible. Even though she didn’t have much experience, Compassion was vital to the mission, and no one would’ve survived without it. She helped the crew work together to solve problems and helped them realize that they were all important and they didn’t have to compete. The last crew member was named Curiosity. Nobody would’ve even dared go out into the stars without her. She drove everyone forward, and some argue she alone was responsible for the idea of going, the rest of the crew volunteering, and all the effort that was put into making the first steps towards what is now our home. They left Earth, and it is said they were lifted by the hand of God. God could only take them so far, because he had to watch over the rest of the people left on Earth. They were on their own, but Perseverance and Curiosity helped the rest through. They narrowly avoided asteroids and comets, and even the Sun threatened to end their journey. The biggest threat they faced was a stowaway named Fear. Fear tried to get them to turn back and tried to convince them that it wasn’t worth it and they were never going to get there. Fear was starting to get to some of the crew members’ heads, creeping in when they were weakest. Just as they became sure that they should turn around, they saw the red planet rise in front of them. It was everything they imagined, and it gave Perseverance her strength back. She banished Fear from the ship, and they continued to the planet. As you can see today, their colonization is now the great civilization that we live in. Although we lost contact with Earth over a century ago, we still believe that they are out there and they may come to us. We offer our  thanks the original 5 members every day for making our world a reality.

Martian Bill of Rights

If and when humans colonize Mars, there has to be a government. They need to protect the people and their rights. It seems inevitable that there will be issues within the colony regarding power and laws, due to past examples of colonizing new areas. There are certain inalienable rights that Martian colonists should retain. In my opinion, the rights should be the following:
1. Right to self-govern; in the future, when the colonies on Mars are stable and independent enough to have their own government and laws, they are immediately no longer a colony of the Earth and are their own government if they should so choose. This will happen without dispute from countries on Earth and have no negative consequences regarding relations to the countries and governments of Earth.
2. Freedom of speech, petition, press, religion, and assembly; taken from the US Constitution, this right should remain an important part of government on Mars because being able to voice your opinion is one of the most important freedoms a person can have.
3. Right to public education; anyone on Mars should have access to a high standard education to help make the future better for a Mars colony.
5. Freedom from inequality: every single person will have equal rights no matter their gender, race, and religion. They will be afforded the same opportunities and will be treated equally.
6. Right to form individual colonies: anyone on Mars may establish their own separate colony if they believe they can be independent
7. Right to a speedy and public trial: also included in the US Constitution, anyone arrested on Mars will receive a trial as soon as possible and anyone can access the information about the case.
8. Right to a fair portion of resources; everyone has a right to the resources possessed by the government for their needs.
9. Right to communication with Earth; everyone must be provided some way to communicate with Earth if they so choose.
10. Freedom from weaponry; no weaponry will be on Mars so they safety of all the citizens will be ensured.

The Sky is Not the Limit

When we say 'the world', we are always referring to the planet Earth. It is the only planet we as humans live on and it is the only world we have ever known. Many people go through life not even asking themselves if we could make another world. Recently, I have been asking myself that question. I believe the human soul yearns for adventure and exploration. I certainly do.

I come from a family who consistently supports my interests and helps me discover more. Having an older brother gives me a competitive edge because I have an example to which I constantly compare myself. I have been at Laguna Blanca since Kindergarten, which has helped me become an intelligent and well-rounded person. The small community and class size make it possible to work with the teacher individually and always feel like you have someone in your corner.  I have played sports since the age of 4, and it has very much improved my teamwork skills, which will be crucial during a mission to Mars. I show an aptitude for this adventure because I have a sense of how to keep a group together and I can problem solve while staying calm and collected.  I have always wanted to travel, and I have realized that I excel when put in unfamiliar situations and I find it exciting. I would very much appreciate being considered for this mission.

Declaring Independence

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for me to dissolve the bands which have connected me with the dress code regulations, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that I should declare the causes which impel me to the separation. They are oriented in a way that isn't gender neutral, so it affects girls more than boys. Of course breaking them to the extreme shouldn't be allowed, but I disagree with many of the rules. I don't understand why we're not allowed to wear short shorts, which is ridiculous to me because short shorts are so common. I have been dress coded for unfair reasons, including a shirt that was called "a little too short" when it was well within the dress code rules of not showing any skin on my stomach. I have also been dress coded for shorts that I know other girls have worn to school, and shirt that wasn't even advertised as a crop top when I bought it. I'm declaring independence from dress codes because they are too strict and limiting. 

Where I'm From (ATDOAPTI)

Where I’m from (Rowdy)

I am from my dad coming home too late

Stumbling through the door drunk and already angry

I am from throwing punches at the rain

When it feels like the whole world is against me

I’m from my best friend drawing me comics

Talking about our silly unrealistic dreams for the future

I’m from the unspoken rules of the Spokane tribe

Fighting anyone, and fighting everyone

I’m from the one person who believes in me when I don’t even believe in myself

I am from climbing the biggest tree on the reservation

Near the deep cool pond that creeps Junior out

I’m from the honor of knowing that dork with the glasses and the big head

With water on the brain and still smarter than everyone

I’m from the comics that everyone calls childish

My favorites that make me laugh and distract me from the world

I’m from tough love and tough basketball

I’m from sometimes hating my tribe and the way I live

But I will always be from the Spokane reservation, and I am proud.

Where I’m From (Mary)

I am from the powwows

all bright colors and bright spirits

I am from “could’ve been something” and “had potential”

Scarily similar to the way I think about my parents

I am from my secret love for the books that no one takes seriously

Stashing them under my mattress when I hear someone walk by my room

I am from the short man with glasses and a funny nose who was the only one who knew

I am from worrying constantly about my little baby brother

The world threw everything at him and he took it all bravely

I am from the trips to the ER whenever Junior had a seizure

I am from my dad keeping his saxophone polished as if waiting for his chance to play it

I am from being called “Mary Runs Away”

I am from crying in the basement

Feeling broken, feeling defeated

I am from finding the strength to get out of that poor place full of alcoholics

I am from surprising people with my choices

Always doing the opposite of what they expect

I am from my parents doing their best to raise us

I am from the tribe of depressed people, and I am from the tribe of defiant people

I am from writing about a dreamland and wanting to live it

I am from running away.

Mary is a strong character who makes bold choices, and she lives up to her nickname "Mary Runs Away". She proves everyone who was thinking she would never get out of the basement wrong by actually running away. She lived a short and bright life.

Rowdy is a leader in his own peculiar way. He is tough and mean, but he always protect Junior.  He's determined and angry, but he helps Junior with the unspoken rules of the tribe and is a good friend. When his dad is abusive, Rowdy stays strong and wears the bruises proudly as 

"war paint". 

Colonial Lifestyle Comparison

Hey guys,
In class we're learning about Colonial Times. Today we're writing a post about comparisons between our lives and life in the colonies. There are many differences. I'm lucky to be alive at the time I am because I'm receiving a good education. In those times, not many children got any formal education at all. It's also different because I'm free to believe in whatever religion I choose, or even no religion. Forced worship was common in Puritan communities. The third difference is the amount of rights I have. If I lived in Colonial times, I wouldn't be able to vote or own land. Today I have a lot more freedom and rights. I'm lucky to have been born in this modern day.

Emily's tribes

In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, the main character talks about belonging to many different tribes. He belongs to the tribe of the Spokane Native Americans, the tribe of basketball players, and so on. We all belong to our own tribes. I belong to the tribe of Laguna Blanca. I've been here since Kindergarten along with Maria, Harrison, Jillian, Gus, Ben, and Conley. This is now our 9th year at Laguna. I also belong to the tribe of softball players. I've played softball since I was 4 years old. I made really good friends on my teams over the years and traveled all over California. My third tribe is my tribe of friends. I've known some of them for a really long time and some of them are kind of new but they're all important to me. I belong to many more tribes, but those are a just a few. 

8 Facts About Me

Hey everyone,

Welcome to my blog. Here's a few facts about me to start off my first blog post.

1. Where I'm from: I'm from Santa Barbara and I've lived here all my life.
2. What matters: getting to sleep in, John Lee's beach camp, friends, the Hemsworth brothers, my phone, binge-watching, and my family.
3. What I love: all of the above, listening to music, turkey sandwiches, my friends again, the ocean, and mochas.
4. Where I am going: I'm still not sure where I'm going for high school, and I have no idea where I'm going to college.
5. What I dread: getting disorganized and not doing well in school, anyone being mad at me, and getting up early.
6. What I hope for: I hope that I do well in 8th grade, have a good summer, and have fun at whatever high school I go to.
7. What I need: I need sleep, my laptop, my phone, sports, ice cream, my family, and my friends.
8. Who I am: talkative, friendly, sometimes moody, basic white girl, dog and cat lover, Patriots fan, and sleepy.