8 lessons to live by from a graduating 8th grader

1) Don't take for granted the little things people do for you: Make sure you say thank you every once in a while, when people go out of their way to do something nice for you make sure you appreciate it and genuinely give back thanks.
2) Give back to the community that raised you: You grew up in a community of people. It may be a neighborhood, it may be a special school. Try to give back to that community in a special way. Say hi to that elderly neighbor, go for a walk with the guy that you see walking by your house every day, leave a friendly note for the mailman, take a minute to realize how lucky you are to have such a wide range of people around you as you grow.
3) Take a step back and breathe: Things will get overwhelming and you will be stressed out, just breathe, it will all be okay.
4) Make every moment count: You only have so much time to take risks, take them now, make your time of innocence great!
5) Don't worry if you're still trying to find out who you are or what you want to be: This will come with time, don't rush it, you've got a lot of life to live.
6) Sometimes silence is stronger than words: Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Don't talk back, listen don't speak, hear others first, save your words for later.
7) Make sure you tell your family you love them, don't shut them out, you want them to be there when you need them, you will need them: This is pretty self-explanatory, but make sure you go out of your way to make sure they know you love them.
8) Always stay humble and kind: Don't be mean. It doesn't help you. Do your best to make others feel appreciated and needed.

Hey readers! Sorry to break the news to you, but this is my last post.

Adios,
Natalie

Goals, Dreams, Achievements, Failures, Perseverance, Determination. Luvenia, from “The Glory Field” by Walter Dean Myers, Atticus, from “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, and Elie, from “Night” by Elie Wiesel, all face challenges, they all face negativity, and they all persevere through it. Whether those challenges are reaching goals of starting a business, fighting a battle that you have already lost, or keeping your heart pumping through the death camps, they all have something in common. These characters all broke through and found the courage and strength deep within themselves to push through their physical and emotional battles. Without these qualities, mankind would not be at the point they are today. People have gone through struggles and have needed to jump over hurdles. These three characters and three of many people that have acquired this quality and there are many more people to come. As seen in Luvenia, Atticus, and Elie’s stories, self confidence and strength can help transform the world for the better.

There have been many innovations that have transformed the world, but I think the internet has transformed the world the most. The internet connects people all around the world. We use it for learning, politics, entertainment, and communication. Think about it... Without the internet, you would not be able to read my blog. Without the internet, you would not know what is happening on the other side of the world. Without the internet, it would be almost impossible for our world to advance. I use the internet almost every day. Millions of people are on the internet right now.