Oil Drilling in Alaska

Author's Note: I disagree with drilling in Alaska and in this essay I shared the dangers and risks of drilling. Also you will read quotes from different author's and their opinion's on drilling in Alaska.


Why do the majority of people in the U.S think drilling in Alaska will help themselves and their business, when we should also step into the view of the animals and wilderness? I strongly disagree with the idea of drilling in Alaska because of all of the animals that could be hurt. Tim Woody states on wilderness.org, “The first news from Alaska’s North Slope reads like the beginning of a disaster movie. Oil workers on a drilling rig hit a pocket of gas and quickly evacuate to avoid the hazard of an explosion as gas bursts from the ground. The well is out of control and an estimated 42,000 gallons of drilling mud spills onto the Arctic tundra.” In other words drilling may not only hurt the wilderness but the citizens of the U.S. Also if there were to be an explosion, animals and/or people may be injured by not escaping quickly enough.

“The areas have been open for drilling for years and the companies have paid billions of dollars to the federal government for the right to explore for oil and gas on them,” says Steve Hargreaves from money.cnn.com.” As said in the first paragraph, something could seriously go wrong and suddenly lead to tragedy, then not only would we lose work for drilling, but billions of dollars that were put into drill.

Not only is it money that could be a problem, but the transportation. While transporting oil to other destinations there’s a possibility of an oil spill that could hurt many animals in the ocean and cause a lot of extra work for our country. For example, last year in the Gulf of Mexico there was an oil spill that killed 11 workers along with many innocent animals in the ocean.170 million gallons of toxic oil was spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. Everyone pitched in to help wash animals and the beach, but the people of the Gulf still live with it everyday. “We cannot continue to place the lives of our workers, the health of our waters, the survival of coastal economies, and the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico at greater and greater risk to sustain our costly and dangerous dependence on oil.” Says nrdc.org. There are too many risks we are putting in front of these workers and it needs to stop before it gets too late.

Some economic issues can sometimes be ignored to resolve other issues. Although, when animals and citizens are jeopardy of losing money and possibly their lives that’s something that should be resolved immediately. As paragraphs above, is dangerous, risky, and harmful for not only the animals of the wilderness, but the U.S. Our country is already struggling with money more than we ever have and now is not the time risk it all, meaning our lives, money, and wildlife.

I believe that drilling in Alaska should not be allowed, for the purpose our countries safety. I hope all of the readers see the causes of drilling and immediately change their mind and think of the harmful effect it can have on the wilderness of Alaska. Imagine men and women coming in big yellow construction hats and big tractors and tools about to drill into your neighborhood! Having to watch all of the miserable and confused animals wondering what those workers are doing to their home? I also want the readers to think of the workers and their dangers of spills or explosions. Drilling in Alaska is a dangerous and risky task, and I do not believe the United States is in the right place to do so.

A Selfish King

Author's Note: This is a story about a very selfish frog king, named Toby, who keeps everything for himself and doesn't realize why none of the animals of forest don't like him. So Toby tries to find ways to make it up to the animals.

One day there was a frog name Toby. He was thinking of the forest, never did he have to worry about going hungry, or being cold, or having no where to live. He ruled the enchanting forest but there was on problem, none of the animals thought he was a good king! He would do his best to improve the forest and keep it safe and sound for all of the creatures that have lived amongst the forest since birth. On a dreary evening when everyone was moping around the forest Toby got an idea! He decided maybe the animals of the forest wanted to be entertained? So he went on his way and hired a chorus of turtles. Then Toby looked around to see if anyone was enjoying the music, but its seemed as if no one even noticed the turtles! Toby was very sad. Just when he was about to leave he noticed a group of young porcupines sitting on the ground with a ball in hand and very sad. Then it came to him! We need a playground for all the young animals of the forest, that will work for sure! So he hired the handy man, Monkey Joe, to come put up a play ground for all to enjoy. Once it was up the young animals didn’t even look at it! “Look you porcupines, did you notice the wonderful playground I have put up for you?”, “I don’t really want to play on the playground” moped a down porcupine. “Why I’ve given you everything you’d need to have a enjoyable forest!” Toby said questionably. “What else do you want?” “We want you” said the little porcupine. Me? Why would they want me? Toby thought to himself. “We want a king who cares for us, or who comes to spend time with us and not stay in his castle to play with his fancy things.” Right then Toby noticed he has been selfish, giving himself everything he ever wanted when people in the forest are very hungry, but they never ask for anything and I always ask for new things. From then on Toby would have festivals in the forest every week and would give to the hungry and thirsty animals. Everybody loves the forest now and so does Toby.  

Catching Fire

Author's Note: In this essay I explain the wonderful adventures you face in the book, Catching Fire. This book really realed me in and never once did I want to put it down. This book made me feel I was in the adventures right besides Katniss, Peeta, and the rest of the gang. I hope you enjoy it and it will inspire you to read the series!



You get home after a situation where you’re most likely to be slaughtered. Then the next thing you know, you’re forced back in the arena were you where promised you’d never have to step foot in ever again. The nightmares, memories, both physical and emotional scars that, that arena has brought you, you must and will repeat them. Catching Fire, as some of you may know, is the second book in the Hunger Games series. I couldn’t have thought of a better ending for the book, or both the books for that matter; leaving you running to the nearest book store to get the next book in the series. The Hunger Games series, by Suzanne Collins is by far my favorite series. She makes you really think on what will happen next and has an amazing talent with writing and reeling in the reader.

Suzanne Collins did an incredible job writing the series, one thing she did that made the book as famous as it is today is the character development. I have never been able to imagine a character so clearly in my mind while reading this book. For example, when the capitol started to target her she had to become a real woman and act mature, because it was the capitol of the country she was dealing with and not a friend she's known since birth. Also Suzanne did a beautiful job when she was describing Peeta and his unconditional love for Katniss. Every scene and setting from every chapter seemed so surreal like I’ve been there before. During the Quarter Quell, or the Hunger Games, is when a lot of the setting detail really started to form in my mind. That’s why it was really fun to see the movie trailers, because once it showed all the characters and settings I was so excited I was like, “That’s exactly how I pictured him or her to look like!” I’m very impressed with how great of a job she did and I’m excited to see how it all come together in the movie to connections with how I imagined the setting or characters to be.

While reading Catching Fire, I couldn’t help but notice how throughout all the chapters of the book during the games, Katniss never once saw an injured tribute and walked away. She would help them up and nurse them back to health with all she had, even though they were put into that arena to compete and win. I really admire her about that and hope that I can be like that and put myself aside to help others when they’re helpless. For example when she saw Mags she couldn't help but fish her out of the lake while she was drowning and help her. In the book she always had troubles finding herself and what her gift is. I believe Katniss's gift is to lay down her life to help others and put them first when they’re in need.

From the beginning to the end of Catching Fire, not only were the characteristics a phenomenal feature in the book, but also the thrilling adventure. As pages and pages went on, I couldn’t help but repeatedly think to myself I wouldn’t be able to put the book down until I found all the answers to my questions. There was never a moment in the book, or even the series as a whole that I was thinking to myself, Okay this part is kind of boring, speed it up. It always kept me entertained and I never felt like I had something better to read.

Catching Fire was a fantastic book; I never thought that I could ever read a book so quickly! It was a concoction of happiness, adventures, and danger. I would recommend it to anyone who’s up for a thrilling ride. To be honest I’ve never been a big reader, but once I got my hands on this book, I felt as if I was a completely different person reading for so much. Catching Fire is a great book for people of all ages, strap your seat belt and get ready for an adventure once again, and maybe you’ll enjoy just as much as I did.      

The Hunger Games

Author's Note: This essay is explaining the joys of reading the book and the excitement it will bring you. You will experience adventure, romance, anger, and joy. I hope you enjoy the thrilling twist and turns the book will bring you.


Death or small chance of life. Those were Katniss’s two options when she faithfully took her sisters place of going into the hunger games. As I was reading The Hunger Games I felt like I was in Katniss’s situation. When she felt sad I did, when she was excited I was too. Suzanne Collins did a wonderful job of reeling in the the reader and giving them the feeling they are right beside Katniss and Peeta in the arena.

In addition to the hunger games, as the book went on I really started to admire Katniss. The way she was known in district 12 is a way that I’m sure everybody wants to be known as. Her bravery and courage really inspired me and it almost made me want to be in the games! There’s something about the way she carries herself, silent but strong, petite but tough. The more I read the more inspiration the book was feeding me, leaving me feel as if I had the strength to climb Mount Everest.

While admiring Katniss’s bravery you can’t ignore the scariness in the book. Out of all of the situations that Katniss and Peeta were put into during the games there were some quite frightening parts during all of the action. The Hunger Games was a life or death situation and as a reader I felt like I was a character and I was also in the danger of the games and that was one of many things about the book that kept me reading.

Comparing is one of the biggest things I was doing while reading The Hunger Games. Before beginning to read the book I was in my big warm home with yummy food in the pantry, but once the second I started reading I was also a character. We were poor and had no food, lived in small houses that when you inhaled you could feel the heaviness from the hot, dirty room. You wake up early every morning and go hunting beyond the legal boundaries. Take your bow and arrow, knife,or spear. Whatever you were more handy with and you would hunt for your families week supply of food. After that you could go to the illegal trading market to trade what you have killed. Then you would go home and rest from a long days of work. Today all you have to do is dive to the nearest market, pick up what you need with no struggle, buy your items and go home. Sure we too have our struggles but its not near as bad as living in a country where everyday is a struggle to survive.

The Hunger Games is by far now my favorite series.The way the book captures you in it’s adventures amazes me and keeps reading. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for a thrilling ride facing fear, anger, joy, and also a little bit of romance. This book changed my perspective on reading and now that’s all I ever want to do. I guarantee you will love this book and won’t want to put it down for a single heartbeat until your finished. So sit back grab the book and get comfortable, because you’ll be reading for a while.

Girly Girl

We must always be the fairest of them all
barrettes in curls and days at the mall
Emotional roller coaster mascara all a mess
Girls Girls you couldn’t guess any less
Come on you can’t disagree
The only girl words are me, me and me 

Deserving

I walked with my head down on the street to school. Praying and hoping no one will see my bruises today. My mom has abused me since my father left my mom and I hopeless, no money, food, or hope.My mom started getting involved in drugs and alcohol since, and has taken her stress and anger towards her ex-husband out on me. With bruises up and down my arms I could  tell my friends wondered but never ask. I  started to notice my beatings feel like they’re getting more frequent. Although the aches, bruises, and scars are from the hands of my mom, I still care for her dearly.”This is just temporary”, I lie to myself. I hate to see my mom in this pain, but all I feel I can do is wait. Wait and take the abusive and alcoholic mother. When I didn’t know I had the chance to speak up and leave her. “What if she finds me? What if she punishes me?” The thoughts in my mind are very painful.

I started secretly searching for different ways to escape and ask for help.”Past the barber shop and across Ms. Wilkinson's house.” November 17Th, that was the day. I kept thinking to myself if I was making the right choice. My mom was already left once. “I saw the pain she was in, but then she  took all out on me” I said quietly to himself.

I woke up at four o’clock on November 17Th more nervous than ever. I grabbed my bags and was about to open the door until I thought of my mom. I walked up to her bedroom, sat down and watched her sleep. This would be the last time I would see mom.  It was all for the best and for my safety. I made sure that my mom had coffee for when she woke and I walked out the door. The first few steps were painful, my mind filled with memories. I knew I couldn’t go back now or my mom would hurt me. I went to Ms.Wilkinson’s house, I have recently told her my story and about my mom. I rang her doorbell and she assumed I had ran away.  We sat down and I told her I plan on going to the local orphanage about a half an hour away and I all I need is a good night sleep to start my adventure. She nods with her delicate smile. Mrs.Wilkinson has always been a very gentle old women, with her soft white hair and rosy cheeks. She started telling me her story and how she lost her husband at a young age. One thing she has never mentioned to me before is that she has two kids. Rachel and James. Both young and married, just starting out their lives, and that James is soon going to be a dad. Mrs.Wilkinson teared up saying that Rachel recently was told she wasn’t able to have babies.The more and more she spoke longer I wanted to stay. I felt home.
The next morning I woke up ready to go. Still nervous to start my long trip ahead of me. I left early while Mrs.Wilkinson was still asleep. I walked for about an hour until I saw the orphanage sign. i walked in and told them that I had recently escaped my abusive mother. They showed me to a room of all boys, they looked friendly but quiet, you could tell they all had a long and tough road.
Waking up the next morning I thought of my mom and what she was doing at first I thought she may be too drunk to notice I was gone. The next morning at breakfast a young lady with a pale face and long blond hair wrapped in braid came to tell me I had a visitor. The other kids looked a little angry since it was my first day and I already had someone to see me.I walked out into to the lobby to a beautiful woman with short brown hair and a lit up face, beside her a tall man who looked like he does very well in business. Soft tears started rolling down her face once she saw me. “May I ask who you are?” I said. “My name is Rachel”, she said with a smile. “My mother told me about you and she was very worried. She said you stayed at her house but then you left right away in the morning?”. At first it didn’t click with me that this is Rachel Mrs.Wilkinson’s daughter. I remembered her telling me she couldn’t have kids and a crazy thought came to my mind, but Rachel is most likely just here to visit.” Mrs.Wilkinson, Rachel said, She’s my mother. I was wondering if I could talk to you for a little bit?”
We sat down in the dusty lobby chairs. Then she asked me something that I didn’t think I would hear for a while.”I’m here to ask if you would like to become apart of our family?” A gigantic grin came upon my face.

It was my second and last night at the orphanage. The next morning I planned on getting picked up at noon. That gives me time to shower and get into my nice clothes, we were going to be on our way to court to give them parental rights over me. After all of the boring things I got to see my new home and family. As I walked into my new room I looked up at my new mom and told her “I love you so much.” She gave me a huge hug. “Now come on you’re missing your own party!” I walked down stairs to see my new family and their smiles and joyful tears. I sit down with a cupcake in my hand that my Aunt made. Then I see Mrs.Wilkinson, with my hands touching her cheeks I tell her, “You did something so big I never thought anyone would ever even think about doing for me, you gave me a family.” I kissed her forehead and told she was the best grandma anyone could ever ask for. Walking through my new house meeting my family members I knew were just going to be one of very many wonderful memories made in my new life.

Three years later I sat next to my wonderful dad after a long day of playing catch in the backyard. He sat down with the newspaper and I with my new Sponge Bob book. I peeked at my dad until I noticed a picture in the newspaper. It was my mom she was married on the 24Th of July. I hope she is happy and I wish her the best, and I just wanted to let her know I am doing just fine here in Danville Illinois.

Dear New Student

 Dear New Student,

At our school it is the opposite of ordinary

swinging monkey, homework junkies

And sometime quite scary

Animals roaming the the hall

creepy critters that crawl

and a whole lot of explosions

Between witches with potions

and stinky erosion's

I guess you could say it’s a mad town

but to all the students here

it’s just a typical day at school

if you ignore the goo and gore

and come you may enjoy it just a little bit more.

Sincerely, New Fellow Student