Dylan's English blog

  Prompt: Write about something that you heard that you wish you could unhear. I once overheard a conversation where someone said awful things about another person without knowing I could hear. It stayed in my mind and changed how I saw them. I overheard hurtful words that changed how I saw someone It taught me that words have power and can leave a lasting impact, even when they aren’t meant to be heard.

  Prompt:  Reflect on a time when you or someone you know had to choose between fitting in and staying true to their identity; what was gained or lost in that experience? There was a time when I felt pressure to fit in by acting like everyone else and wearing this expensive clothing, even though it didn’t feel like me. When I chose to stay true to myself, I felt more confident, but I also felt a little left out. I gained self-confidence and lost acceptance from others. Choosing to stay true to my identity helped me understand what really matters to me. Even though fitting in can feel easier, being myself gave me confidence and taught me that self-acceptance is more important than approval from others.

  Prompt:  Much of this section focuses on Cheryl’s physical exhaustion and discomfort. Describe a moment when your body limited what you could do, and explain what that experience taught you about your mental strength. My body was so tired that I couldn’t do much. That taught me that mental strength is about not giving up, even when your body feels exhausted. My body reached its limit, but my mind helped me keep going. This experience showed me that determination can be stronger than physical exhaustion.

  Prompt:  Write about a time you didn’t feel like yourself. One time, I didn’t feel like myself the first day at a new school. I was nervous and unsure, even quieter and more withdrawn than usual. It felt strange, but as I got to know a few classmates, I slowly started to feel more comfortable and like myself again.  Being in a new environment made me feel different and unsure.  I learned that it’s normal to feel out of place at first, and that patience and small connections can help me feel like myself again.

  Prompt: Describe a place where you feel the most at peace and explain why. The place where I feel most at peace is my room. Surrounded by my books, music, and familiar things, I can relax and think without distractions. Being there helps me feel calm, safe, and in control of my thoughts.  My room is my peaceful place because it gives me comfort and quiet.  I’ve learned that having a personal space where I can unwind helps me recharge and face challenges with a clearer mind.

Prompt: Reflect on a time when you had to rely on someone else. How did it feel? One time, I had to rely on my younger sibling to help me with a school project when I was sick. At first, it felt strange and a little uncomfortable; I was used to doing everything myself. But as they stepped in and helped, I realized that trusting someone else could make a tough situation easier and even meaningful. Asking for help from my younger sibling felt unusual, but turned out to be helpful. I learned that relying on others isn’t a weakness; it can strengthen relationships and make challenges easier to face.

  Prompt:  In  Wild , Cheryl Strayed writes about the difference between deciding to do something and actually committing to it:  “There was the first, flip decision to do it, followed by the second, more serious decision to actually do it.”  Reflect on a time in your own life when you made a quick or casual decision that later required a deeper commitment. Describe what changed between the first decision and the moment you realized you truly had to follow through. What fears, challenges, or responsibilities became real once the decision was no longer just an idea?  I once decided to apply for a position casually, thinking of it as a low-risk opportunity. When I was actually offered the role, I realized the decision now meant real responsibility, time, and accountability, which made the commitment feel serious. What began as an idea evolved into a challenge that required facing fears of failure and persevering even when it was uncomfortable. A quick decisio...

  Prompt: Write about a moment when you had to step out of your comfort zone.  One moment when I stepped out of my comfort zone was when I had to speak in front of my class. I felt nervous at first, but I practiced and did my best. Afterward, I felt proud of myself for trying something new. I stepped out of my comfort zone by speaking in front of my class, even though I felt nervous. This experience taught me that facing my fears can help me grow and feel more confident.

  Prompt: Describe a hike, long walk, or outdoor experience you have had and explain what it was like physically and mentally. If you have never been on a hike, describe a time when you were outside your comfort zone or had to rely on yourself in a challenging situation. Explain what you learned from the experience. I went on a long walk in a park, and it was tiring because my legs felt sore. Even though it was hard, being outside helped me feel calm and clear my mind. This experience taught me that I can push myself and feel better afterward. Overall, the long walk was challenging but enjoyable because it tested my physical strength and helped me feel relaxed mentally. This experience taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone can help me grow. I also learned that spending time outdoors is a good way to reduce stress and build confidence.

 In 2–3 well-developed sentences, reflect on how you spent your Holiday Break. Then, identify four personal you would like to achieve this year and briefly explain why each goal is important to you  (Copy and paste your completed response from Writable into your blog). During my winter break, I went to New York City to visit my grandparents. I spent time with my family and enjoyed being together. We also went out to see the city and had a lot of fun. Overall, my winter break was enjoyable and relaxing because I got to spend quality time with my family. This trip reminded me how important family is, and I was thankful for the time we shared together.