Places I want to visit

New York City
Niagra Falls
The Grand Canyon
Australia
Spain

My creative writing final...

Hitting two birds with one stone..My final is going to be writing all my scholarship essays.

Community Foundation Essays:
1. essay (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages) describing the most influential person in applicant's life and how this individual has helped the applicant become the person he or she is today and has helped shape applicant's goals for the future.



When most people sit down to ponder who their personal inspiration is, most faces that cross their minds are those of much older role models. Most don't realize how peers can sometimes be the biggest heroes of all. My best friend growing up has to be my biggest hero and role model.

It all started on my very first day of 6th grade. I cautiously walked up the steep stairs into the school bus. On the verge of choosing one of the empty seats, a scrawny, freckled, frizzy-headed boy offered me the seat in front of him. At first, I was unsure. The kid seemed a little dorky. At that age, I wasn't the deepest person. This scrawny, freckled, frizzy-headed boy's name was Tanner Heath May. Nevertheless, this day was the beginning of a friendship that would grow into the best relationship I have had with the opposite sex thus far. Remembering back to that day, I am so proud of my little Tanner for coming so far.

He and I lived on the outskirts of our tiny podunk town within walking distance from each other. Tanner would walk over to my house after school several times during the week. We stuck up for one another and whenever anything interesting happened he always called. We were always together and in some ways, I took this for granted. Now that he is off with the city folk at Franklin College, I realize that I can't ever replace our friendship. However when I start to miss my Tanner, I just remember that true friends are always connected, even when they are apart.

Tanner didn't have the greatest childhood; growing up in a broken home that is centered around drugs is not the best place for a kid. He didn't have the benefit of a strong foundation to shape his values and morals. His relationship with his parents was poor. Growing up, he didn't have the stability of a supportive family. Sometimes I wonder if this is why he pushed himself so hard and kept so busy. I never questioned his seemingly distant relationship with his family. Whenever he was upset about it, I would crack a joke in an attempt to help him forget. Even though Tanner came from a dysfunctional household, he never let it hold him back from becoming everything he wanted to be.

Name any club or sport in our high school and there is a huge chance that Tanner was involved in it in some way. Once he entered high school, our after school "hang out sessions" didn't happen quite so much. To name a few, Tanner was involved in choir, band, Spanish club, B.P.A., graduation committee, prom committee, S.A.D.D., national honor society, yearbook staff, track, swimming, key club, tennis, student government, and the hometown competiveness youth council during high school. I remember the days that he didn't have any meeting, practice, or game after school and he was simply shocked. Thinking back, I don't think he wanted free-time. It meant that he wouldn't have an excusable reason for being away from home. Also, Tanner knew from the beginning that he would not be able to afford college by himself. From the very first day of high school he started preparing to impress colleges and scholarship committees. Constantly worrying about every detail, Tanner was almost obsessive about perfecting his every move in school. I had to calm him down several times when he would frantically run to me, boiling over with emotion about a B+. His ambition, although overwhelming, is something I've always looked up to. A successful person always strives to be their best, and I saw that quality in him very early.

At the end of his senior year, Tanner won the Eli Lily Scholarship. The scholarship awards High School students a full ride to college. When Tanner told me he got the long-awaited phone call, I was so proud that I felt tears start to grip the edges of my eyes. In that moment, I realized what a transformation my scrawny schoolboy friend had made, from a twiggy, auburn-headed boy to a strong, intelligent young man. Put simply, Tanner Heath May is a rags to riches story.

For these reasons, Tanner is truly my personal hero. He inspires me to strive for success and he reminds me to be grateful for everything I have. Altogether, any high-school student could consider Tanner May a role model. He may not have the wisdom of elderly advice or the power of persuasive politicians but he has the ambition of a young man that will not cave in to failure without a fight.



2. Statement of Aspirations and Educational Goals (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages)

Everyone has a dream. Some dream of being rich and famous,being intelligent and successful, or having a loving family of their own. My dreams do not include any of these things. But in a way, my dreams include all of these things. If I could, I would choose several careers instead of just one. The reason for this dilemma is because I have such a vast array of interests and passions that it is hard to narrow my decision down to one field in particular.


My name is Kayla Michelle Mason and I am a native of the small town of Petersburg. Growing up in a country setting makes it even scarier when the inevitable “moving out” stage of a person's life comes around. Even so, I am ready to conquer my fears of living in a big city.


In the fall semester of 2011, I plan to attend the University of Southern Indiana to major in the field of nursing. I hope that I will be accepted into the nursing program in the first year, but it is very rare. Only eight students were accepted early in the fall of 2010 so I will have to strive for my best. I have always had a passion for helping others, so a career in the medical field is a perfect fit. Currently, I plan to specialize in neonatal care. Yet, I may change my mind when I start my clinical hours. After graduation, I am pondering whether I will stay in the Evansville area of move to a different location.

After I am a nurse and settle down for awhile, I would like to pursue my ultimate dream of publishing my own fictional book. Then I would like to become an editor for a book publishing company so that I will have the chance to make others' dreams come true. Hopefully I will be able to go back to school part-time to achieve this dream.

Also, I have a passion for photography and would especially enjoy having a side-job as a photographer. In the fall of 2010, I photographed four different seniors for their senior pictures. To my utter shock, two of them even offered to pay me for my service. The moment I snapped the first picture that autumn, I felt better than I had ever felt before. I know that I belong behind the camera. It is my hope that I will have enough time to take photography classes in college in addition to my nursing major.

For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. Honestly, I would feel lost if I did not attend a university. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.


3. Written essay (not to exceed two typewritten, double-spaced pages) describing applicant's short- or long-term missions experience or similar community service activity, the impact it has made on the applicant's life, and the most important lesson(s) learned.

Since I can remember, I have always been involved in community service. My father was the inventory and warehouse manager at the Bread of Life Ministries, a food and clothing bank. The value of helping others was instilled in me since I was only about four years old. For several years growing up, I would volunteer at the Bread of Life during the summer by sorting food and helping load or unload donated items from the trucks. Every winter, I dressed up in an elf outfit along with my dad, Santa Clause, and we handed out the toys to unfortunate families.

Even when I started school, I continued helping out in the best ways I could. In elementary school, I created a singing group that sang at the Amber Manor nursing home every Wednesday. When I reached High School I started volunteering at Somebody's Place in Petersburg once a week. I was inducted into the National Honor Society my junior year and began service work with them.

Most recently, I have been helping me father collect toys and cash donations for Toys for Tots. Once again, he dresses up as St. Nick and I play as one of the elves. The first fundraiser we did for Toys for Tots was held on a truck and four-wheeler trail. Instead of cash admission, we asked for toys. We had great success, with a total cash value of nearly $2000 in toys. The second was held at A Kneaded Touch in Huntingburg, a massage business where my dad works. For their donation, we gave them a free picture with Santa, me being the photographer. Seeing the children's eyes light up in joy allowed me to imagine the faces of the children receiving the toys. The holidays are my favorite time to volunteer my time.


Reflecting back, I honestly didn't realize how many things I was involved in throughout my life. Considering how I grew up, I suppose it is just second nature to me. The most important lesson I have learned from this is that giving oneself for the sole benefit of another is quite impossible. You always get something in return, an emotion that can't quite be explained. I feel as if volunteer work is the best therapy out there.



4. Statement (not to exceed one typed page) describing your familial or relational connection to the Winslow, Indiana community (either past or present), if any.


My name is Kayla Mason and I am a resident of Petersburg, Indiana. Although I have never actually lived in Winslow, I attended the Winslow Elementary school from pre-K to 5th grade. Up until I was four, my family lived in Spurgeon, Indiana.

The year I was starting kindergarten, we moved to Petersburg, merely a 2 minute drive to the elementary school there. Even so, my father decided that he would rather have me attend the Winslow school rather in Petersburg. Even now, I know the 15 minute ride every day was worth it. The childhood memories I have from that place are irreplaceable. Some of my favorite memories from that time would be music class with Mr. Clark, the anual "rainbow colored parachute" day in gym class, Little Debbie Day (don't forget your quarters!), kickball at recess, star lab with Mrs. Stewart, fall festival, splinters from the "wooden equipment", and of course my 5th grade class field trip to Lincoln Boyhood Memorial.

In short, I would just like to say that my connection to the Winslow community is a memorable one. I am proud to say that the Winslow Elementary school has helped shape and mold me into the student I am today. After all, the passion I have for learning began in that very building.

Local Scholarship Essays:


2. Brief description of an experience or event in the past four years that has been significant to you and your decision to attend college, describe post-secondary plans, explain need for scholarship


Hoping desperately, I stare out at our vacant driveway. Surely he will come back. Surely he can't be serious. I observed the space where his bright blue Saturn should be parked. Autumn leaves had fallen all around it, creating an empty concrete rectangle. The space will be filled again soon enough, I'm sure. However, in the back of my mind, I knew the inevitable truth.

The night that my father left our family is one of the most significant events that has occurred in my life the past four years. The event left my mother and I with a temporarily unstable atmosphere. My mother, unable to work or drive for several weeks after, was not able to support us under her condition. While she recovered, I worked as much as a 15 year old can and strived to get her feeling better.

Living through that painful time, I realize that it is undoubtedly important to be an independent person. No matter what, you can only really rely on yourself to be sucessful. For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. Honestly, I would feel lost if I did not attend a university. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.


3. 300 word essay "Why I'm going to College"
Why would someone want to go to college, anyway? It’s just an overpriced version of High School, right? Wrong. Many students today do not realize the importance of a quality education. However, the majority of students do not realize how deeply education affects our lives. Education is not all about teaching us facts and dates. It is about leading us on our chosen paths and helping us to find our true passions in life.


In this age of technology, it is extremely important to continue learning after High School because of the way our society is rapidly changing. Before, many jobs were centered on manufacturing. However, the introduction of robotics into factories has eliminated many of the manufacturing jobs. Since the job openings for unskilled labor are beginning to decline, it is necessary to further education to specialize in a certain field.


I plan to attend the University of Southern Indiana in the fall semester of 2011. There, I am going to graduate from their nursing program and hopefully start out my career at an Evansville hospital right away specializing in neonatal care. I have always had a passion for helping others, even since I was a child. Therefore, any career in the medical field is a dream job for me.
Also, I have a passion for photography and would especially enjoy having a side-job as a photographer. It is my hope that I will have enough time to take photography classes in college in addition to my nursing major.For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.

4. Brief letter stating desire for scholarship, name of university, and career choice



To whom it may concern,

Hello. My name is Kayla Mason and I am in the senior class of 2011. I plan to attend the University of Southern Indiana to major in nursing. After college, I hope to specialize in neonatal care.

However, in this day and age, coming up with money for college seems quite impossible. The large numbers could make a person faint. It may not be fair to put a price on education, but fretting about the prices will not make the debt go away.
For this reason, I strongly ask for your consideration of awarding me the scholarship. I would like to thank you for your time and commemorate you on making this opportunity possible.

Sincerely,
Kayla Mason

5. 500 word essay explaining goals, why you deserve it, achievements, financial need
In this age of technology, it is extremely important to continue learning after High School because of the way our society is rapidly changing. Before, many jobs were centered on manufacturing. However, the introduction of robotics into factories has eliminated many of the manufacturing jobs. Since the job openings for unskilled labor are beginning to decline, it is necessary to further education to specialize in a certain field. In my situation, my single mother is striving as hard as she can to support she and i. Although she is employed, she is finding it hard to save any money for my college funding because she is barely making ends meet.


Nevertheless, I plan to attend the University of Southern Indiana in the fall semester of 2011. There, I am going to graduate from their nursing program and hopefully start out my career at an Evansville hospital right away specializing in neonatal care. I have always had a passion for helping others, even since I was a child. Therefore, any career in the medical field is a dream job for me.

Also, I have a passion for photography and would especially enjoy having a side-job as a photographer. I photographed four seniors in the fall of 2010 for their senior pictures, and 2 of them even offered to pay. It is my hope that I will have enough time to take photography classes in college in addition to my nursing major. Along with photography, I have a particular interest in writing, specifically short stories and novels. It is my dream to one day get one of my works published.

I possess many diverse skills that are necessary for success. From taking dual-credit speech, I have obtained excellent communication skills including expressing my ideas clearly, reading nonverbal clues, and positive self-talk. By starting good study habits early, I have refined my work habits. These include strategic planning, time management, and leadership. I am aware of my strengths, but I am also aware of my weaknesses that I need to improve on, such as finding a balance between work and my personal life and being more outgoing and friendly towards people I am not familiar with. I have participated in many extracurricular activities so as to pursue my true passions. I have achieved many accomplishments, seen and unseen. In my junior year, I was the co-captain of the math academic team. We placed 3rd in the mathematics portion and 1st in the interdisciplinary portion. Also in my junior year, I was inducted into the National Honor Society and accepted into the Swing Choir. Along with these accomplishments, I have achieved finding some of my greatest passions thus far, expressing myself through music and lending a helping hand for the sole benefit of others.

For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.





6. 300 word essay describing vocational choice, choice of college, and skills

My name is Kayla Michelle Mason and I am a native of the small town of Petersburg. Growing up in a country setting makes it even scarier when the inevitable “moving out” stage of a person's life comes around. Even so, I am ready to conquer my fears of living in a big city.

I plan to attend the University of Southern Indiana in the fall semester of 2011. There, I am going to graduate from their nursing program and hopefully start out my career at an Evansville hospital right away specializing in neonatal care. I have always had a passion for helping others, even since I was a child. Therefore, any career in the medical field is a dream job for me.

Also, I have a passion for photography and would especially enjoy having a side-job as a photographer. I photographed four seniors in the fall of 2010 for their senior pictures, and 2 of them even offered to pay. It is my hope that I will have enough time to take photography classes in college in addition to my nursing major. Along with photography, I have a particular interest in writing, specifically short stories and novels. It is my dream to one day get one of my works published.

I possess many diverse skills that are necessary for success. From taking dual-credit speech, I have obtained excellent communication skills including expressing my ideas clearly, reading nonverbal clues, and positive self-talk. By starting good study habits early, I have refined my work habits. These include strategic planning, time management, and leadership. I am aware of my strengths, but I am also aware of my weaknesses that I need to improve on, such as finding a balance between work and my personal life and being more outgoing and friendly towards people I am not familiar with.

For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.

7.Brief statement of financial or family need of scholarship

Hoping desperately, I stare out at our vacant driveway. Surely he will come back. Surely he can't be serious. I observed the space where his bright blue Saturn should be parked. Autumn leaves had fallen all around it, creating an empty concrete rectangle. The space will be filled again soon enough, I'm sure. However, in the back of my mind, I knew the inevitable truth.

The night that my father left our family is one of the most significant events that has occurred in my life the past four years. The event left my mother and I with a temporarily unstable atmosphere. My mother, unable to work or drive for several weeks after, was not able to support us under her condition. While she recovered, I worked as much as a 15 year old can and strived to get her feeling better.

Living through that painful time, I realize that it is undoubtedly important to be an independent person. No matter what, you can only really rely on yourself to be sucessful. For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. Honestly, I would feel lost if I did not attend a university. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.




8.500 word essay describing goals, benefits from scholarship, achievements, favorite memory at Winslow

My name is Kayla Mason and I am a resident of Petersburg, Indiana. Although I have never actually lived in Winslow, I attended the Winslow Elementary school from pre-K to 5th grade. Up until I was four, my family lived in Spurgeon, Indiana.The year I was starting kindergarten, we moved to Petersburg, merely a 2 minute drive to the elementary school there. The childhood memories I have from that place are irreplaceable. Some of my favorite memories from that time would be music class with Mr. Clark, the annual "rainbow colored parachute" day in gym class, Little Debbie Day (don't forget your quarters!), kickball at recess, star lab with Mrs. Stewart, fall festival, splinters from the "wooden equipment", and of course my 5th grade class field trip to Lincoln Boyhood Memorial. Because of my memories at the school, my connection to the Winslow community is a memorable one. I am proud to say that the Winslow Elementary school has helped shape and mold me into the student I am today. After all, the passion I have for learning began in that very building.

Since my elementary days, I have participated in many extracurricular activities so as to pursue my true passions. I have achieved many accomplishments, seen and unseen. In my junior year, I was the co-captain of the math academic team. We placed 3rd in the mathematics portion and 1st in the interdisciplinary portion. Also in my junior year, I was inducted into the National Honor Society and accepted into the Swing Choir. Along with these accomplishments, I have achieved finding some of my greatest passions thus far, expressing myself through music and lending a helping hand for the sole benefit of others.

In this age of technology, it is extremely important to continue learning after High School because of the way our society is rapidly changing. Before, many jobs were centered on manufacturing. However, the introduction of robotics into factories has eliminated many of the manufacturing jobs. Since the job openings for unskilled labor are beginning to decline, it is necessary to further education to specialize in a certain field.

I plan to attend the University of Southern Indiana in the fall semester of 2011. There, I am going to graduate from their nursing program and hopefully start out my career at an Evansville hospital right away specializing in neonatal care. I have always had a passion for helping others, even since I was a child. Therefore, any career in the medical field is a dream job for me.For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.

For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.

ELI LILLY ESSAY

Submit an essay (maximum 250 words) describing your goals for the future and how education will play a role.

Why would someone want to go to college, anyway? It’s just an overpriced version of High School, right? Wrong. Many students today do not realize the importance of a quality education. However, the majority of students do not realize how deeply education affects our lives. Education is about leading us on our chosen paths and helping us to find our true passions in life. Growing up in a country setting makes it even scarier when the inevitable “moving out” stage of a person's life comes around. Even so, I am ready to conquer my fears of living in a big city.
I plan to attend the University of Southern Indiana in the fall semester of 2011. There, I am going to graduate from their nursing program and hopefully start out my career at an Evansville hospital right away specializing in neonatal care. I have always had a passion for helping others, even since I was a child. Therefore, any career in the medical field is a dream job for me. Also, I have a passion for photography and would especially enjoy having a side-job as a photographer. Along with photography, I have a particular interest in writing, specifically short stories and novels. It is my dream to one day get one of my works published.
For these reasons, I cannot imagine my life without a college experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity of higher learning and I will never take it for granted.

Letting go

As I reach forward to weld the pieces of metal on the army tank, beads of sweat begin to form on my forehead. Habitually, I take out my yellowed, stiff rag to wipe the droplets away. I wonder if my husband is any better off. Off to the second world war, he is serving his country in one of these very tanks. While I am suffering through my last few minutes of my shift, is he suffering worse? Where is he? What is he seeing? What is he doing at this very moment?
Back at our aparment, I have an overwhelming urge to try on the jewelry my beau gifted to me prior to his deployment. I trail my fingers around the outline of my heart-shaped locket until I reach the golden hinge. Opening the glittering pendant, I gaze into a portrait of him and I. My face relaxes instantly and I feel a breath of blissful memories gently breeze past me. A knock at the door breaks me from my tranquil trance.
Who can that be? I crack the door open and a tall, official man is standing in front of me. The man is so high in stature that I have to peek my head outside to look directly into his face.
"Yes?" I ask. "May I help you?"
The towering man looks down into my eyes with a somber expression. Searching for words, the officer removes hat.
"I regret to inform you that..."
In an instant, I realize what has happened. "Thank you for informing me, sir,"I turn away from him rapidly, slamming the door in his face. Like a disturbed child, I drop to the floor with a thud and wrap my arms around my knee caps. Unclenching my hands, I glance down at my necklace and remember the last words my soldier said to me, "A locket substituting for a ring. The minute I arrive back from Germany, I will buy you the most beautiful diamond ring in all of North America." Clenching my fist again, I realize that I will never have the twinkling band around my finger.

Letter of thanks

Dear Dustin,
Thank you for making my friend a beaming bundle of joy. I approve of your relationship completely, even though you are practically near retirement age. Also, I appreciate your quirky sense of humor. For example, you told our hostess at the pizza place the wrong last name and you told our sales associate at the clothing store that you were my friend's brother. All this for a laugh!

It is sweet how you buy everything. You took us out to eat, took us ice skating, and took us to the mall. In addition, you even bought my girl a complete outfit. I must say, you are the perfect gentleman and you treat her like a royal princess. Frankly though, I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your presence. Thank you for being alive!


Your friend,
Kayla

Thanksgiving blues

Usually Thanksgiving is a time for family. But for me, it is a time to remember how broken my family is. I really don't want to go anywhere for the holiday. Why can't we all just act like it is any other day? I want to see my mamaw but my step-grandpa makes me feel extremely uncomfortable. Even though that is the only thing keeping me from going, I am going to have to think of an excuse to get out of it. What's worse, telling her how I feel and leaving her other questions unanswered, or straight up lies? Maybe lying isn't such a bad thing in certain circumstances. Wish me luck.

Meet Willow

Quiet, seventeen-year old Willow is a senior girl in highschool that spends most of her time inside her own mind, accompanied by reflective thoughts. Unexpectedly, Willow's mind is overwhelmed with a certain someone. This certain someone that she becomes enchanted by happens to be another girl. Will Willow pursue her unusual feelings? Will she ever accept who she really is?

Knocked down

Part I

You can let people knock you down. You can even let them step on you. But never, ever let those people keep you down. This is advice that I think holds true in any situation in which you are not in control of. No matter your age, race, or even sexuality, these simple words apply.

"Willow! Are you with us today?" my teacher snaps at me. My daydreaming trance is shattered instanteously. Don't get me wrong, I try my very hardest to focus in class. When I do pay attention, I prove to be quite bright. However, I tend to be a bit too reflective on life. Analyzing details has to be my favorite extracurricular activity. The bell signaling the end of class rings, saving me from the wrath of my snooty teacher.

I make my way jubilantly to my choral class. Choral has to be the one thing that can cheer me at any moment, on any given day. The world could forget my birthday, but by the end of that hour I would forget about my own birthday. There is just something about that room. Maybe it's the way music fills the room vibrantly, allowing no room for sadness. Maybe it is just the fact that such a diverse group of young people can create something so remarkably beautiful together. All I know is that it makes me happy. We begin practice with a song so sweet, it reminds me of a lullaby. My section, the sopranos, and the altos sing the first several measures of the song. The sound of passionate womanly harmony floating through the air brings sudden comfort to all of us. My voice blends with the girls around me and my arms are aroused with goose bumps. One newbie soprano in particular has a voice so similar to mine, sometimes it sounds as if we are one person. Her name is Mel.

Without warning, the music stops abruptly and my teacher slams his hands on the piano keys, creating a horrendous sound. "Pay attention! I'm not going to tell you again, that note is held out for 5 counts. No more, no less!" Mr. Hendrix informs us in frustration. Mr. Hendrix is one of those people that have utter control over the room. He's the most respected man in our little town of Brentonville. When he speaks, you listen. When he listens, you better be doing the best you can. Mr. Hendrix is a perfectionist with the highest expectations, and that is why I like him. "I'm done with you for today," he ends the lecture in a disappointed tone. I glance beside me at Mel and realize she is cringing.
"Don't take what he says personally. He just wants us to be the best we can be," I whisper to her. Smiling , she whispers, "Thanks." As we make eye contact, I can't help but to get caught up in her stare. Her green eyes sparkle like precious gems. Before she takes notice of my creepiness, I look away.

Part II

It has been only 1 week since my split-second infatuation. Already, that insignificant moment between us has become an overwhelming issue. What is wrong with me? I feel like one of those men that stare at women like pieces of meat. Disgusting. What is it about her that I find so engaging? Now that I am sitting down to ponder this, the answer comes easily. With her quirky charm, her melodic voice, and the way her eyes seem to dance when she's happy, how could anyone not fall for her? I can't feel this way. What would Mel think if she knew? If she knew my true emotions, there would forever be an awkward tension between us. My feelings must remain undetectable. However, I realize that these emotions aren't going away. I continually push them out of my mind only to find that they have multiplied.

Part III

I am nervous. Now that I am here, I nearly regret inviting her. I am hosting a bonfire/camping event at my house and I invited her. She's going to figure it out. Can I make it any more obvious? Come on Willow, why don't you just tell the world! That sounds like a lovely idea; I'm sure it will go smoothly. Not! Suddenly snapping me out of my 'lecture to self', Mel snuggles against me. "Aren't you cold?" she says, teeth chattering. "You're brave by not standing by the fire. I'm about to freeze my butt off. Come on, I'm here to rescue your poor freezing limbs!" Without debate, I begin to follow her back to the fire. "Let's go slowpoke!" Mel squeaks, grabbing my hand to drag me along. The warmth from her frail, tender hands absorbs into my icy, stiff palms and I melt. Our fragile fingers intertwine and she cradles my hands. Appreciating her in the light of the fire, I watch her hand brush her hair out of her face, sending layers of deep brown hair cascading down her shoulders. I attempt to bottle up before she realizes what this means to me. I can't keep going on like this. Why can't I just be regular ole me again? Why can't I be normal?

Part VI

"Anyone who is interested in auditioning for the Christmas play this year, please come pick up an audition sheet, fill it out, and turn it in to me,"Mr. Hendrix calls out. Myself, I'm not much into acting. I once starred in a play as the one and only gingerbread man in first grade and I am scarred for life. Let's just say it didn't work out. I'd rather just stick with the singing. Mel, however, couldn't be more thrilled about the play. Honestly, I could see the girl getting the lead. She's beautiful, talented, and simply has a certain aura about her. I tell her this. I'm not sure why, but I just blurt it out without even thinking.

"Yeah right," she shrugs and giggles. "I have no chance."

"No, really. I'm serious! You may not have the experience that some of the other girls have, but you have that "it" that everyone strives for. That "it" thing that is nearly unnattainable. You either have it or you don't. And you, Mel, you have it."

"Melanie Green! You're next!" Mr. Hendrix shouts out.

"Well, I guess we'll find out!" Mel proclaims, giggling nervously. Just then, I unexpectedly lean in close. Even I don't see it coming. Our lips meet at a rapid speed and I end up giving Mel a peck.

"Wow." I gasp. "I'm so um. Sorry. I don't even know where that came from." Mel just stares at me in wonder. Without hesitation, she begins to lean into me. Before either one of us realize it, we kiss again. Leaning back, Mel whispers to me, "I don't mind. Really, it's ok." The coy tone in her voice makes me beam.

"Good luck!" I call to her just before she enters the audition room.

Part V

The cast list is up! Unfortunately, none of my teachers will let me leave class to see it. Don't they understand? This is important! Finally, the bell sounds for lunch and I scurry to the bulletin board. Scanning the list, I immediately realize that Mel's name is further down. "Girl #1: Melanie Green," I read to myself. Girl #1? This is just not possible. Mel should at least have a supporting role. I mean, she is a SENIOR! This is her last chance and now it is ruined. Somehow it just doesn't make sense.

"Problem?"Mr. Hendrix comes up behind me, making me jump.

"Well, since you asked, yes. Why didn't Mel get a bigger part? She has the talent. Yet, you traded her off for underclassmen that have plenty of chances left."

His bitter, icy stare stings me and sends a chill down my spine.

"You and Miss Green did something against school policy. Do you know what that something is, young lady?" he sneers.

"You have got to be kidding me. Is this about the-"he cuts in.

"Yes Willow, this is about the kiss. Kissing in my classroom is strictly prohibited,"he continues.

"You have got to be kidding me! Have you not seen Annie and Cory all ov-"I'm interrupted once more.

"Look, my mind is made up so you shouldn't bother arguing. And before you even think it for a minute, this has nothing to do with the fact that you are both girls,"he informs me clearly.

"I just simply cannot have people like her ruining our reputation."

Anger starts to spew out of me, sending flames in every direction. I wait for him to leave before I even think about bursting. How could he say that it has nothing to do with us being girls. It has everything to do with it. If he was being fair, Cory wouldn't have the lead. But of course, no one notices boys and girls kissing. No, because that's normal. What hurts the most is that I'm the one to blame. If it wasn't for me, Mel would have the lead role. Occasionally, adults surprise me. Who knew a respected man could be so utterly pathetic.

Part VI

I find her already sobbing. He got to her first. Even under these circumstances, I can't help but to notice how beautiful she looks when she is crying. Before I can say a word, she dries her tears and collects herself. "The thing that gets me the most is that someone I deeply respected has let me down. I mean, yes, I wanted that part, but that is not what matter. It's unfair, it's all so unfair!" she starts up again. The pained look on her face torments me and I find myself holding her, rocking back and forth. "What now?" she asks me.

I ponder for a moment, "Now, you are going to steal the show, Girl #1."

At last, a crinkled smile appears on her face. Giggling, she says, "We'll show them!"

Part VII

The audience lights dim, and the stage becomes alive. Even through a sea of costumes and props, she stands out. It's not just me. I feel the crowd's eyes follow her. Mel's radiance and charm shines through effortlessly and her every emotion is portrayed clearly. The distinct tone of chuckles among the crowd are heard and I know it is the way that she delivers her line. Finally, the curtains close and the performance is given a round of applause.

As soon as I catch a glimpse of her through the mass of proud parents, I run to her. "You did so great!" I compliment.

She blushes, "Thanks!"

"Can I get an autograph?" I tease

Rolling her eyes, she embraces me in mid giggle. "Thank you," she tells me. "For everthing. She leans in and brings her lips to mine and kisses me even though we are in a crowd of people. All I can do is smile.

Part VIII

You can let people knock you down. You can even let them step on your. But never, ever let them keep you down.