Speak Out Against Bullying

What is bullying? Bullying is the act of repeated aggressive behavior enforcing an individuals authority over another person creating an imbalance of power. There is emotional, physical or verbal, or cyber bullying. Some people are calling this time a "bullying epidemic" but is this reality or merely an overexaggeration caused by the media?

A school in Penticton, British Columbia, holds the truth of this matter. Princess Margaret has about 700 students, mostly caucasian, with some minorities mostly being aboriginal or East Indian. Princess Margaret Secondary has a "friendly, spirited atmosphere," says one student, who will remain nameless, "Bullying isn't' a major issue in our school. We all seem to respect each other." According to the media bullying has become such a huge problem now because of the use of Internet. Rachel Knoll, a grade twelve student tells us, "The other high school in Penticton, Penticton High School has way more bullying than our school. We're all family here."

Princess Margaret may just an exception to the stereotypical epidemic of bullying. We hear in the media about the unfortunate events of students committing suicide because of bullying which is not to be taken lightly, but could the media be exposing kids to the idea of suicide when being bullied?

Princess Margaret may not be the worst for bullying, but a few students admitted that some verbal bullying does take place. The question is if bullying will continue to get worse or if it has always been the same, maybe more emphasized by the media now. Bullying is wrong and will not be accepted, speak out against bullying.

My Perfect College Application

I am perfect. My alarm clock whispers the sweet melodies of Vivaldi and I awake with my dreams fresh in my memory as inspiration my day. I start my day off with the ultimate breakfast: pancakes, bacon, sausage, waffles, eggs and of course fresh fruit, all handpicked, prepared and served by me. With only enough food on my plate to fulfill the required calorie and nutrient intake to sustain a healthy diet, I begin eating, cutting my food into heart shape pieces and chewing each bite exactly 27 times before swallowing without a sound. I take a sip of herbal tea between each bite and dab the food that wasn't left behind off my mouth.

I proceed to put on an outfit inspired by my Vogue magazine. I beautifully curl my luscious golden locks and apply precisely enough makeup to accentuate my features. Once my outside appearance is as perfect as I am on the inside it is time to go to school.

School is my kingdom. I am involved in every activity possible including the chess team, the cheer leading squad and clown class. I am a straight A student. I am a volunteer to over ten charities. I am a superhero. I am a teacher's pet. My life consists of nothing but hard work.

I spend my nights as a legendary superhero. Not the kind of superhero that wears a cape and a mask. The kind that candy stripes the night shift at the hospital and various care homes where elderly need my assistance. The kind that works at a soup kitchen and homeless shelters so everyone can have a good nights rest. The kind that uses my everlasting energy to better the world for other people. All while maintaining my A average and good looks.

This is why you should accept me to your college.

A Day in the Life

I'm twirling and spinning and being flipped around as my owner is furiously trying to scribble down notes displayed faintly on the chalkboard. "Solve for 'x'," is what the messy handwriting seems to think is a math question. What's that supposed to mean? This student doesn't seem to know either, as I scratch out question marks around the statement. A pop quiz? Great, nerves have never been my favorite. I'm now being chewed like gum, and not to mention the sweaty palms that have me tight in their grasp, only letting me breathe when the teacher says, "Times up class." "DING!" and suddenly I get thrown into a dark, smelly place and shaken about for the next thirteen minutes, until "ZIP!" I'm put back to work. Paper usually means more notes, but not this time. I am forced to be part of the misbehavior of passing notes, but worst of all, it's a love note. I can't stand it anymore, so I decide to take a break, and break is exactly what I do. How inconvenient for this unfortunate teenager who hasn't figured out that love and highschool are not the best mix. The only time I get distracted, is when I see Bic sitting across from me. Now that is a beautiful writing utensil.