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.