Heart or Mind?

One needs to be tamed before it escapes,
It twists you around and leaves you blind.
It mixes up reality with a fantasy world,
It stops time when hours need to go faster.
But it lets you live and it lets you fly,
It lets you do things you never thought you could.
It tell you never to give up,
It always finds a way to make sure you keep going.
Sometimes when you don't expect it,
It tries to replace sense.

The other one gives you doubts,
It makes you aware of all the haters.
It makes you wonder if you can do it,
Sometimes it shuts every door.
It turns you into a self doubter,
It makes you struggle to decide left or right.
It helps you tame yourself,
It tries to calm you down.
Sometimes when you don't expect it,
It tries to replace sensibility.

One is tame while the other is wild,
One is game while the other is mild.
One is left while the other is right,
But you need both of them :  both day and night..

Almost 2017.. The Heeling Year?

Wow! This year has been different........

-2016 has been the year of disasters. So many terrible things have happened this year!! We've lost so many lives, so many people had to say goodbye.. so many crimes, so many tests for families. Now I'm not not sure, but I bet we've lost AT LEAST 3,000-5,000 people this year, probably even more. This year has taught people that no matter what happens, we haven't achieved our level of a Utopian society. There are countless times when people didn't even know it was their time. I feel terrible for all those families who now have a reason to visit the graveyard with a bouquet of flowers. Imagine how many kids became orphans, how many women became widows and how many men are now alone in this world with nothing but a memory of the tragedy that changed their perspective on life. I hope those people have an AMAZING 2017 and the rest of their lives. They have already suffered from the loss of a loved one, I hope they never have a single problem in their life again. Also, R.I.P to those who we've lost. We'll miss you..

-Not to mention, the election... I read a news story on CNN in which a person mentioned that this election tore the country apart. I AGREE!! But what I don't understand is why people won't accept the results and move on! I mean, come on!! There were people crying because of the results, are you kidding me?! Don't ya'll have better things to do? I mean if someone came this far and dedicated their work to something, they know what they are doing, they aren't idiots. They are smart people who came who if could this far, they deserve this. People were trying to make decisions for others! That's a world I DON'T want to live in!! People should be allowed to make their own decision, so adults need to stop acting like babies - Grow up, dear adults.

-Something amazing happened this year, the first flower EVER was grown in space this year, thanks to NASA. I'm so glad that we are so far in technology that this was made possible. I hope we keep going and going and do more great things that exemplify the human race.

-Let's not forget the Zika virus..spreading to many places. I don't think I have t say anything else for you the get the idea.

-The Olympic Games were AWESOME!!!!! Those guys were just amazing!! And the taekwondo competition was so much fun to watch!!! Those guys are an inspiration and it's so great that they worked hard and got their goals!

-And what about Harambe, huh? R.I.P.... well, let's just stop there because there are tons of terrible memes made about the gorilla, come on people, where is your sense of humanity?

And that's just a few that I can remember.. 2017, you better be a good year because we need more of those now.

I pray that everyone has a great year and I hope that the wounds made in this year are healed with the passing of time.

I hope you have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! May God give you all you desire!!!!

This Election

Donald J. Trump for President

                “I will make America great again!” This statement has been linked to Donald J. Trump since this election began. He is the final republican candidate running in the 2016 U.S presidential election. When the U.S elects a president, the process is as stated; voters choose the electors, and the electors pick the president. Donald J. Trump is the better presidential candidate because he will lower taxes, reform health care, and combat terrorism.

    First, Mr. Trump will provide a way to battle terrorism in order to make the nation more secure. Many people think that his ideas are not actually going to do anything in society because his speeches often come across as unplanned. In fact, his ideas prove that he has something great in mind for the security of the nation because he has confidence in his campaign. Mr. Trump believes that a nation is in charge of its borders; it should uphold immigration laws. The U.S should prioritize its own people first (“The Trump plan”). He realizes that by making immigration laws stricter, the nation’s security will increase drastically. Not only this, but he will concentrate on an effective missile system in order to destroy threats by making the Navy’s cruisers better. He will also find a way to counter missile threats from Korea and Iran (“National Defense). Trump wants to find a way to secure the nation from missile attacks along with turning a new page for the Navy as well. He will do everything in his power to protect the United States from any kind of insecurity in any way possible.

Not just this, Mr. Trump will reform health care by changing many things to provide quality care for everyone. Many will argue that Obama care is the healthcare provider of the U.S so it must be the best. What they do not realize is; Obama care only provides quality care to those who can constantly pay for it. A person has the right to choose his or her own physician, have the best technology offered, and patient satisfaction. However; often times, quality care has only been available to those who can pay even though many cannot (“The Heart of Healthcare: The Right to Quality Care” 172). Quality care should be offered to everyone, not just those who can keep money flowing. This is not the only thing he has decided to change; he also has conservative ideas such as turning Medicaid into a block-grant program. This will destroy fraud in the system (Diamond). Trump’s vision is to see quality care become worthy of it’s title, and provide the nation with the best of it. He will change health care into something different and something more superior.

Along with everything else, Mr. Trump has also planned to reduce taxes, which will create more job opportunities for those in need of them. Many might say that job opportunities are already growing of because the big businesses. Big businesses are not the only ones that can provide new jobs, small businesses can give many jobs if only the stress of taxes is taken off their shoulders. Mr. Trump will lower taxes, for middle-income voters, and make the tax code simpler. Americans would be able to escape from the taxes of average child-care. He will also eliminate the death tax, which can be worst for small businesses and many farmers (David). He realizes that taxes can get in the way of businesses trying to prosper. He has also campaigned for upheaval of policy. Now, growth will be at a faster rate, the economic progress should be fixed, and the pay-to-play corrupt system; which favors the well heeled, should end (David). Trump clearly knows what can break down the economic balance, and what can build it back up. He will end the corrupt values in the system to guarantee everyone a fairer chance in economy.

                The decisions of the nation greatly depend on the leader of this country. The president will decide the future for the United States for the next four years, so it is important to pick the right one. This election has been on everyone’s mind for a long time. Which side will win? Republican or democrat? The decision is now in the hand of the voters.

People are very uninformed about politics, and they decide to side with whoever the majority sides with. In my opinion, people should learn about the candidates and then argue..

-Divyanshi Agarwal

Almost Winter!!!!!!!!!

I absolutely LOVE winter!!!
- Christmas
- the weather (duh)
- looking at Christmas lights and decorations
- Christmas break from school ;)
- Snow!! (If it snows, which in Alabama usually does not happen)
- Wearing Jackets and boots
- Buying a Christmas tree and decorating it with my family
- Buying presents for loved ones
- Waking up on Christmas day and finding presents under the tree!!
- New Year's Day!!!(btw, that's my dad's birthday!!)
- Most of all, I love spending time with my family!!!

This Christmas, I want you to do somethings;
1. Make someone's day
2. Tell someone that you love them
3. Volunteer somewhere
4. ENJOY it with loved one!! Because that's the best part, and before you know it, you'll be off to College and that's the only time you'll get to be home with your family:(
5. KEEP your New Year resolution!!! ;)





LIVE this Christmas to its best!

Black Belt!!!!!!!

Got my black belt!!!!

After 2 years of being loyal to taekwondo, I have achieved my black belt at last! Well, my black belt in training, I won't actually get my solid black belt with my name engraved on it until February. Getting my black belt is a huge milestone for me as a martial artist. My instructors have started to expect a lot out of me since this is an important phase in my martial arts career. I have to learn the black belt curriculum and the new board breaks this cycle! I had to also get ready for tournament, Regionals are coming this November! My first tournament as a black belt!!!! Wish me luck!

My Newspaper Editorial - Martial Arts Vs. Other Sports

Martial arts VS other sports?

Divyanshi Agarwal
Staff Writer

When mentioned the word “sports”, most people easily think of football, basketball, or soccer. Although it provides a good value towards life, martial arts is probably the last thing that people think of as a sport.

Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, etc, are all examples of martial arts. They all require determination and the mindset of not giving up just as any other sport does.

Martial arts develop a sense of quick thinking and reflexes that are required in the world we live in today. We all have seen those news stories where kids commit lethal actions due to physical bullying in schools, self defense provides a resolution to situations like that.

I was taught at a young age that when in danger, do whatever best to ensure your safety as well as of others around you.

Martial arts academies allow their students to develop valued life skills. Such as self-control, assertiveness, and dignity with which, any career would be unachievable.

Instructors dedicate their entire lives to ensure an enriching and safe environment for people to learn to be self advocates and be independant.

I have done taekwondo for a while now, and it has prepared me to face anything that the world throws at me.

Not just on a regular basis, but even in the 2016 Rio olympics, taekwondo and judo didn't make the most popular headers in the news.

The south loves football, maybe even is passionate about it, but does it really help the athletes develop skills other than good stamina?

So why neglect the one sport that teaches you and insures your safety in real life situations?

World Championships 2016!!!!

This year, the world championships were in Baton Rouge, LA. I had gotten a masters invitation to them and was very excited. Knowing that I was a higher rank this year also meant the challenge would be harder. Now I'm always up for a good challenge, but wanting to impress my masters and parents presented me with a great will to give it everything I had...

First, I went to the board breaking ring to compete in my board breaking competition. I had to do my breaks in under 15 seconds. I went up there and set up the units to the height desired, and got ready to break. I finally finished my breaks and it turned out I did all of them with 5 seconds to spare, and with a silver medal around my neck. Now only the traditional competition, and agility would be left...

Before the match started, I was nervous beyond question. I was competing in the masters invitation, which meant I was up against everyone who had gotten gold at either districts or nationals. So, I was up against all gold medalists, me being one myself. Being the shortest person didn't exactly help the situation. All the other competitors looked fierce, but I was focused on one goal, and one goal only: that gold medal. Some of the people that I knew that went to tournament had said that they would settle for silver or for Bronze. However, to me, as soon as you lower your expectations, you prove to yourself that the goal was never important to you in the first place. I know going to world championships and having a mindset of only getting gold can seem as maybe too overconfident, but when I'm in the ring, knowing that the person I'm going against is the only thing in the way of me and that gold medal just amps me up. I was shaking and I was nervous, but I was ready...

We did forms first and then sparring. In forms, I was the 5th person to go, so far the highest score was 11 ( the highest you can get in a 15). It was my turn next and I started my form, my heart was thumping loudly, and I was out of breath. The judges then scored and guess what?!! I got a 13! And that was the highest score in the ring!! So after the sparring and the rest of the competition, the judges asked me which state and city I was from and which school, turned out, I had gotten gold!!! The judges told us that there were 2 rings with competitors the same rank and age as us in the whole championships, so the gold medalist from our ring and the gold medalist from their ring would compete in the finals. We basically had a battle for the crown of the masters invitational. After the competition, the judges had to pick either me or the other competitor, and guess what?!! All three of them picked me!!!!!! Joy overwhelmed me and tears filled my eyes! I had done it, I got gold at the masters invitational. Dinner that night and the 6 hour ride back home would be much sweeter now....

Last but not least was the agility course. We had a series of obstacles which we had to cross.
Everything was fine with me except the 7 foot high target pad we had kick, I was so close but a person my height can only kick so high until it presents a challenge. We got 3 tries, then had to move on to the next obstacle. It took everyone about 2 minutes to complete the whole thing. The highest number would get the medal. You would get 2 chances to run through it, and your best time stayed. My time was 1:17:11. I got so excited, but then I saw someone did it in 42 secs!!! I figured I wouldn't get that one..

The whole experience provided me with a stronger will to work harder for next year, 2017 world championships, I'm coming for you.....

Challenge Of The Week!

Hey everyone! I've decided to post a challenge every week (mostly on Mondays) on my website. I'm going to come up with a challenge that will improve our world (or at least I think it will). Throughout the week, I would like y'all to try this challenge and write comments about how you did it. You don't have to comment, just do it!

Alright, here it is! - This week, I want you to make someone's day, let's say, they are having a bad day, cheer them up. Write a anonymous note for them. Give them a compliment.

I know this seems unnecessary, but these small steps can lead to our own perfect world, our utopia!

So, try this out and post comments!! I look forward to seeing them!

My Favorite Songs That You Should Totally Hear!!!

1.Ready or not - By : Bridget Mendler
2.Immortals - By : Fall Out Boy
3.Battleships - By : Daughtry
4.Eyes wide open - By : Sabrina Carpenter
5.Stand out - By : Sabrina Carpenter
6.The middle of starting over - By : Sabrina Carpenter
7.Jet black heart - By : 5SOS
8.The Phoenix - By : Fall Out Boy

In The Face Of Danger

I open the door, ready to face you,

but then you knock me down.

You look into my eyes and tell me I can't,

changing every smile into a frown.

I ask for just one more chance,

you still deny me, it's the same stupid dance.

I start to walk away,

but feel the coldest chill.

I have to do this,

I can, I must and............I WILL!!!

I look at you, then start to scream,

"You can't stop me, this is my dream!".

I swing open the door, I change my path,

I stood up for myself, with all I had.

If I didn't do this, I couldn't look myself in the eye,

There's no going back now, it's do or die.

But suddenly, walls surround me, I'm put back where I was,

The light in my heart has turned off, just because.

The mud's too deep, the light too dark,

"Should I stop?", I start to ask.

Feeling that you were right, I start to back down,

But I remember how you treated me back in town.

I break down the wall,

I walk on top the sand,

I turn on the light, so bright!!

I walk on, with hope in my hand.

" I can do this, I can, I can, I can", I start my trek,

I've proved you wrong, there's no going back, there's no going back!!!!!!

My Thesis on - To Kill A Mockingbird (By : Harper Lee)

A World Gone Wrong

    Harper lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird provides a story of a girl coming of age and understanding a society with mixed morals. Scout sees the innocent get punished, and the guilty set free. She learns that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Racism is deep rooted in people which makes them judgemental.

All throughout the novel, Racism is instilled in kids at a young age. They are Racist, but just don’t know it. This is revealed when when Dill gets upset after seeing the way Tom Robinson was being treated. But, he was told it wasn’t a big deal. Mr. Raymond told them, “things haven’t caught up with that one’s instinct yet. Let him get a little older and he won’t get sick and cry. Maybe things’ll strike him as being-not quite right, say, but he won’t cry, not when he gets a few years on him.” (Lee 269). This means that, as kids grow up, they see that being racist is not wrong, everyone is. They learn that at a very young age. This is important because when someone is taught a certain way so young, it becomes hard to change their way of thinking. Although racism was very widespread throughout this book, there are still people that know it is wrong.

Racism is battled by those who try to uphold morality no matter how hard it may be. Jem beats himself up on the inside about the whole case, and Atticus revealed himself being shook up as well. Atticus says, “You couldn’t, but they could and did. The older you grow, the more of it you’ll see. The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow, but people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box. As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it-whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.”(Lee 295). This means that even is a world full of judgement, there are still those whose heads work the right way. This is important because, Atticus has set an example for his kids, a way to live life, and he wants them to walk the right path in a world gone wrong.

Racism can be viewed both ways, and each has its own reasons. In conclusion, racism is deep rooted in people, but choosing morality can make a difference. When taught a certain way so young, change can become a hurdle. In a world gone wrong, setting an example, and doing the right thing is of importance. So, while racism is instilled throughout childhood, some minds think differently.

A Poem Feels Like A Cloud

When my pen moves across the page,

Every line writes as if from a sage.

Words turn into a maze inside my mind,

As if the ink spilled onto the paper just starts to rhyme.

Every day turns into a journal I just have to explain,

It’s as if emotion is in my every vein.

My blood turns into the story; the purpose is the heart,

I never want to stop, but always want to start.

Every moment has the need to have its own story,

In addition, as if every story wants to be free.

The best feeling in the whole world,

For which to describe, there isn’t a single word.

Eyes set on the goal,

Turning every half into its whole.

The end nears; the words start to fade away,

Now for a new beginning, a new day....

Our World : The Truth....Sadly

I wake up and the world’s in peace,

The beautiful music, on the release.

Every tree seems greener than ever,

Birds singing as if will forever.

Clouds being the sweetest blue,

Seas so calm, no one has a clue.

I wonder if it is real or fake,

I wish it were real, no matter what it will take.

Then I realize a threatening chill,

The world cannot be perfect and it never will.

I have been dreaming all my life,

The perfect world for which I strife.

Crime is overtaking our beautiful nation,

Scared to get on the train, wondering if I will miss the station.

No one trusts, thinking it is a scam,

Every door needs need to slam.

However, I tell myself that dreaming is not a fraud,

The world is not perfect; dreaming is all I’ve got.

So, for right now, I will put reality at stake,

One day the world will be perfect, no matter what it will take.