TWELVE WORLDS, ONE BOOK
An Anthology of Student Work by Amy Balogh's 2015-2016 ESOL Students, Chattahoochee High School
Compiled by Buffy J. Hamilton
Foreword by Amy L. Balogh and Buffy J. Hamilton
Original Cover Artwork by Hitoshi Akiyama
All compositions written by Ms. Balogh's 2015-16 ESOL Students
Each original piece of writing and artwork appears with permission of each student author.
©Copyright 2016 Buffy J. Hamilton
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized, in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the publishers.
*****
FOREWORD
Somewhere in the middle of first semester of the 2014 school year, as I was dragging my students through the Odyssey, I began to ask myself “why?” They were miserable and I was miserable and I’m pretty sure no one was learning much. This moment started a quest of figuring out a better way to engage my students in learning. While on my quest, a friend introduced me to the books of Nancy Atwell and Kelly Gallagher. Using their ideas, I started experimenting last year with independent reading books and better ways to teach writing. Those small successes led me to completely revise the way I taught this year by using a reading and writing workshop platform. We started the year with six weeks of reading and writing poetry, then six weeks of memoirs, and six weeks of fiction. Second semester we did six weeks of drama and six plus weeks of research. Students read an independent reading book every six weeks as well. They read more and wrote more than any group I’ve ever taught before. The results were astounding. My students blew me away with their willingness to stretch themselves and to be creative. They wrote amazing pieces. Everyone, and I mean everyone, did a fantastic job. They collaborated with and encouraged each other. The wonderful thing is that along with the learning, we had fun. This book is a collection of the student’s favorite pieces that they wrote this year. Please enjoy this sampling of our journey together in what is hopefully our first annual eBook of student authors.
Amy L. Balogh
ESOL Teacher
Chattahoochee High School
***************************************************************************
I have so enjoyed working with Ms. Balogh and her students during the 2015-2016 academic year. While I have mainly supported their research efforts and work with informational texts, I am deeply grateful to support their work as writers and authors with this eBook project. Their good humor, patience, and class camaraderie are truly inspiring and remind me why I love being an educator. Thank you for sharing your voices with me and the world at large.
Buffy J. Hamilton,
Librarian
Chattahoochee High School
*****
Table of Contents
Author Biographies
Chapter 1: Argumentative Essays
Death Penalty, Alexandra Silva
Death Penalty, Lucia Rutherfurd
Death Penalty, Pessi Lansirinne
Gun Control, Riku Araki
Gun Control, Christ Frank
Violent Video Games, Tom Kastoryano
Chapter 2: Biosketches
Character BioSketch, Vrajna Patel
Chapter 3: Memoirs
At Playground, Matthew Jeong
Bye Everything, Shuai Feng
Disneyland, Danyah Iqbal
Duck Does Not Swim, Shuai Feng
Inchon, Briana Kang
Memories of the Failing Dream, Phoebe Chen
Six Flags, Hyesun Kang
Chapter 4: Microfiction
A Boy, Shuai Feng
The Search, Alexandra Silva
Limits of Space and Mind, Hitoshi Akiyama
Chapter 5: Monologues
Sherlock Holmes, Christ Frank
Prince Louis, Danyah Iqbal
The Darkness in the Light, Shuai Feng
Monologue from Monaco, Tom Kastoryano
Chapter 6: Plays
Curious Incident, Hitoshi Akiyama, Riku Araki, and Christ Frank
Romeo and Juliet, Sohel Ali, Ren Araki, Phoebe Chen, Shuai Feng, Danyah Iqbal, Tom Kastoryano, and Alexandra Silva
Chapter 7: Poetry
"As Uncomplicated the Verb to Love", Sofia A Ribeiro
"Cloud", Riku Araki
"Fall Evening", Hitoshi Akiyama
"Fall", Shuai Feng
"Farewell", Sofia A. Ribeiro
"Firework", Ren Araki
"Fog Machine", Pessi Lansirinne
"Happiness Is", Matthew Jeong
"I am on the way to go home", Lucia Rutherfurd
"Ice Cream", Danyah Iqbal
"Choosing America", Christ Frank
"Mosaic", Ren Araki
"My Day", Alexandra Silva
"Night", "Ren Araki
"Rainbow", Hitoshi Akiyama
"Road", Hitoshi Akiyama
"Song", Ren Araki
"Spot Kicks after a Tie", Matthew Jeong
"Sweet Candy", Briana Kang
"The Death", Vrajana Patel
"Wish", Phoebe Chen
"Winter", Alexandra Silva
Chapter 8: Problem Solution Essays
Death Penalty, Alexandra Silva Espinoza
No Money, No College, Pessi Lansirinne
Suicide, Sohel Ali
Time Management, Alen Kiyanovski
Teens and Negative Body Image, Lucia Rutherfurd
Chapter 9: Proposing Solutions, Five Ways
Five Ways to Hack Your Life, Sohel Ali
Five Ways to Apply to College, Christ Frank
Five Ways to Travel on a Budget, Alexandra Silva
Five Ways to Ride a Horse, Sofia A. Ribeiro
Five Ways to Better Sleep, Alen Kiyanovski
Chapter 10: Short Stories
"First Snow", Briana Kang
"Memory", Ren Araki
"Queen's Tear", Phoebe Chen
"What You Reap, You Sow", Vrajana Patel
Chapter 11: Speeches
Our Decisions, Our Future, Riku Araki
Think Fast Before That Food, Christ Frank
Author Biographies
Hitoshi Akiyama: My name is Hitoshi Akiyama. I’m from Japan. I have been in US for three years. My hobby is drawing pictures in computer.
Sohel Ali: Hey guys I am Sohel, I want to make it short and formal because I know my parents are going to read it. So, I am from state called West Bengal in India and I love pancakes and swimming in pools and skate boarding. Talking about my English class which made me do all these writing that you will read was stressful, but to be honest it was a heck of an adventure and I was lucky I got Miss. B as our guide so shout out to Miss. B and all the classmates for this amazing adventure, love you guys.
Ren Araki: I’m Ren Araki. I’m from Japan. I live in United States from about 3 years ago. I like to play games. I often play horror games with friends, so I often write stories of horror.
Riku Araki: I’m from Japan. When I came in the United States the first time, I would have only anxious and fear because I have not have English skills. Language made me frustrate when I have learned all of subjects. However, I am in Chattahoochee High School for three years. As a result, my English is improved extremely. After graduation, I have to go back to Japan in order to take an exam for a college. I believe that this experience lets me success.
Phoebe Chen (Yi-Chin): I was born in Taiwan. I’ve lived in the US for two years. I like drawing, writing, designing and music. My favorite quote is from Mother Teresa: “May God brake my heart so completely let the whole world falls in.”
Shuai Zheng Feng: I’m Ton
y. I’m from China. I have live U.S. for two and half year. My hobbies are fencing and play computer games. I am good at to write poetry and micro fiction. But I am not good at long stories and memoirs.
Christ Frank Gonzalez: I’m Christ Frank and I’m from Mexico City. I have been in The United States for the last two years when I decided to leave my family, friends, and home in order to come in the US and finish my high school studies. My interests and hobbies are exercise, study, listen to music, and pretty much anything that includes enjoy life every day in all the aspects. I consider myself a good writer because I had written a lot of stuff like poems, essays, memoirs, and fiction stories that reflects everything I had lived that always inspire me to write something new, unique and original.
Danyah Iqbal: Hi my name is Danyah Iqbal. I was born is London, England April 4, 2001. My mum was born in London too but my dad was born is Manchester. Both of my grandparents were born in Pakistan. My hobby is to paint, draw and be creative. I also like to get involved in out of school activities such as helping the environment. I have a cat her name is Twinkle and she is 1-years-old. I named her Twinkle because her eyes are always twinkling. I have two younger sisters and they are both annoying but I love them both. How can I forget about how much I love hanging out with my friends and family and going to the mall.
Yohwan Matthew Jeong: I am Matthew Jeong. I am from South Korea. I have been America for 2 years. During 2 years, I experienced and felt many things. When I came America first time, I was afraid of English so that I could not speak well. However, I have been practicing English so now I can speak English more than before. I am about to go college soon. Therefore, I will study hard for my future. I went to New York last summer. It was really good and amazing. I want to go there next time again. Also, I want to go California as well. My hobbies are listening to music and exercising. I really enjoy listening to music since I was young. I like all kind of music. I love to play soccer or basketball with my friends. When I was in high school in Korea, I used to play soccer.
Brianna Kang: I am Briana Kang. I’m from Korea I’m length of time in US 11 month. My hobbies is listen music and watch movies. I like K-pop songs and my favorite movie is Harry Potter. I don’t like insect. Because insects are gross and harmful.
Hyesun Kang: My name is Hyesun Kang I like to make sculpture and art. I want to do sculpture in here but I can’t. This is my first year for Georgia I’m here 10 month. I really try to do speak English. I will be next year and when you see me give high five. I’m happy to here and meet you guys. Also I really happy to make this book and the author was me! If we have a next time I want to make it again. Thanks for give chance for us Ms., Mrs. Hamilton.
Tom Kastoryano: My name is Tom Lev Kastoryano. I moved here from Israel about 2 years ago. I am 15 years old, and I should have been a sophomore now although I’m a freshman. I love playing tennis, ping pong, and basketball. I love playing video games and watching movies while there is nothing to do. And I know 2 languages.
Alen Kiyanovski: My name is Alen, I’m a junior from Chattahoochee high school. I moved here from Israel, 3 months ago. I moved here with my step dad, mom, little brother and little sister. My father lives in Germany. I love to travel the world with my father. I like to play soccer and every Sunday go to the Israeli scouts of Atlanta. I traveled to 14 different countries and different places. I love to play the guitar and go to the gym.
Pessi Lansirinne: I moved from Finland to Atlanta last summer. I’m now 15 year’s old and my freshman year is about to end at Chattahoochee. I’m interested in sports, music and science. I have swum, played piano, and designed and built things my whole life. I like writing and reading when I’m not stressed and I have time to write and read.
Kevin O’Neill: I am Kevin O’Neill, am 15 years old. I like to play volleyball and read, also I am interest in medicine. Am from Puerto Rico when I was 14 years old I move to Atlanta to start a new life. I have been 5 months living it the USA. I like being in the USA it's very cool I think is something different.
Vrajna Patel: Hey guys! I am Vrajna Patel. I am from India. The thing that I most like about India is Indian spicy food. I have been in America for one year. I love to dance, also I like to go for hiking. I like nature and quite place. I like to visit new places. The good thing about writing is you can express and share your feeling. There isn't any bad thing about writing. I like to write poems and real life stories. I hope this much information is enough to know about me.
Sofia Ribeiro: I’m Sofia Alves Ribeiro, a Brazilian teenager, who loves the fashion world and horseback riding, I came from Brazil two years ago (2014) and I would describe myself as a very determined person.
Lucia Rutherfurd: I’m Lucia Fernanda Thais Rutherfurd Solis, I'm 15 years old, a typical teenager from Peru, and I have too many hobbies, but my favorite is listening music and play guitar! I moved to America 1 year ago and I really like this country, but I also miss my family and friends. Another thing that I really like to do is write, I feel so great when I expressed myself, but in the same time is kind of stressful and complicated because I have to use new words and write correctly, but in the end in a pretty experience. I really like to write but I don't like when my writing is judged or rated by someone.
Silvia Alexandra Silva: Alexandra is how everybody calls me; I’m from Peru where one of the seven wonders is. I like to learn new languages because I like to meet new friends. At the beginning my experiences as writer in English was difficult because for me always was complicate to learn English but now I’m so happy because I know that I put all my effort to be better each time and now I can say that I feel comfortable as writer and I like to be in this country.
Death Penalty
Alexandra Silva
Nobody should end another life. No one should take a life and gives it an end. But what if does? Stay in your house; one person comes in and kills your family or friends. Everybody knows that the person needs to be punished for what he or she did so if this person is going to be punished for murdering someone. Why does the government want to do the same and end another life? How can people just decide to stop a person’s life? The answer is that even though the murder needs to have a serious punishment for what he or she did; the death penalty is too extreme and it is a chain which repeats the same crime. The death penalty is an easy way to punish murder, but is it a good way?
Innocent persons died a cause of death penalty. According with J. Budziszewski,
Professor of Government and Philosophy “No system of justice can produce results which are 100% certain all the time. Mistakes will be made in any system which relies upon human testimony for proof” ("Should a Death Penalty Moratorium Be Implemented?"). This argument is not valid because just one life is so important, the government needs to be 100% sure before execute someone, if not they can’t take a decision just to take it. The death penalty is not a game; a life is going to be loose. The website procon.org shares “The reinstatements of the modern death penalty, 87 people have been freed from death row because they were later proven innocent. That is a demonstrated error rate of one innocent person for every seven persons executed” ("Should a Death Penalty Moratorium Be Implemented?"). This is justice? Clearly is not, if the person who is going to be punishment with death penalty, finally is innocent but is too late and he or she is already dead. How government can respond to that? Government can’t repair that, the person is already dead and nobody can give a solution. For example the testimony in Oklahoma “Greg Wilhoit spent five years of his life on death row for a crime that he did not commit. He received a full exoneration in 1993. A second trial was held in 1993, but after the prosecution presented their case (without the bite mark evidence) the judge issued a directed verdict of innocence and Greg was cleared of all charges” ("Innocent and Condemned to Die: The Story of Greg Wilhoit"). In this case a life was safe because at the end they didn’t give him the execution, but, What about
the time expended? Who rewards what happened? The answer is so easy, no one can reward neither return the time. This person lost many years of his life, the opportunity to raise his two daughters, his livelihood, and his physical and mental health. This is one of the terrible consequences of death penalty.
People who agree with the death penalty assert that it will preserve law and order and the perpetrators of crimes never have an opportunity to cause future tragedy. They believe that death penalty will cause people to stop making disorder; they want to say that people are fear nothing more than death, so they are not going to do something bad neither a chaos. According to the conclusion of the effect of the deterrent “Capital punishment produces a strong deterrent effect that saves lives” ("Deterrence"). This reason is unfunded; there is no evidence that capital punishment deters crime. Research reported in Homicide Studies, Vol. 1, No.2, May 1997, indicates “Executions may actually increase the number of murders, rather than deter murders” ("Law Enforcement Views on Deterrence"). Produce the dead to somebody, produce more violence. Why more violence in the world? Why more number of murders? What example they teaching? The answer is simple, respond to a crime with the way of the death penalty is to increase and give an example of more brutality and contradictory of punishment bad things. A good example is the testimony of Delane Sims, “My brother was murdered but I strongly oppose the death penalty. More than anything, I want to live in a safe community; where my six sons and my daughter are able to pursue all of theirs dreams without fear of becoming another number in the city homicide count. However, I would not have wanted to relive my brother's murder over and over again, as happens in death penalty cases. The stress, pain and hurt that could riddle my body and mind just does not serve me nor honor my brother's memory [...]” ("I Want to Live in Safe Community without the Death Penalty"). Why more violence? Must these families suffer an agony? In the world, the number of violence goes up each year. Contribute with the executions is just to be agree with violence. The long process prior to executions can extend the agony experienced by both sides’ families.