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Table of Contents

Just Another 3
Reflection 4

Enough Is Enough 3
Reflection 4

We Say #Never Again Book Review 5

Reflection 6

M4OL Narrative 7
Reflection 10

Speech 11
Reflection 13

Enough is Enough Overall Reflection 14

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Just Another

“Oh, just another school shooting,” they said. “Just more thoughts and prayers,”

they thought. Little did they know this time it would be different.

Teens fighting while they cried. Mourning of their friends that died.

But that didn't stop them, it empowered them.

They raised their voices, made it clear for all to hear “Enough is Enough”

Enough Is Enough

Enough is Enough

Calling BS, Please no more

Something has to change

People are dying at work

Just living their lives each day

Piercing through the air

A shot rings, fear strikes the air

People, tears falling

Lives are lost in an instant

But they've made it clear to all

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Reflection

This piece seemed to just come together. I began writing lines and soon realized that it all

worked nicely as a poem. My poem uses different styles to tie it all together, including

dialogue, rhyme, and narration. The narration makes the poem relatable to the audience

and gives background to the topic. Additionally, the diction and word choice are very

specific, to show the power in a short number of words. The poem is based on the Never

Again MSD movement, and March for Our Lives along with numerous books on the subject,

and the theme of empowerment is previliant. By reading my poem, it shows power and

motivation; and intrigues the reader to learn more. I chose to write this poem, as it fits

nicely with the overall theme of my other pieces, gun control, and gun violence awareness.

The second poem began as a haiku. After realizing that I wanted it longer, I remembered

learning about Tanka, which follows a 5-7-5-7-7 format. I used two consecutive Tanka’s to

convey my second message, in which the last line of the second stanza leads to the title.

Following the Tanka format, the lines do not have to rhyme, however the words lives and

people appear in both stanzas, and stick out due to their connotation in the poem. I was

inspired for the second poem by the previous poem and emotion related to shootings. The

poem conveys and evokes emotion, using words that the audience relates to and makes it

clear that the topic is not lighthearted. We call BS and Enough is Enough are two of the

signature sayings from March for Our Lives, so they fit nicely into the poem. This poem

definitely evokes strong emotion, and causes the reader to think further about gun control.
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We Say #Never Again Book Review

After a major event, there is a plethora of news coverage. Oftentimes,

however, a majority if not all of the news coverage comes from mainstream

media sources like CNN, The New York Times, and USA Today. The book, We Say

#Never Again provides a unique insight into the experiences and perspectives of

journalism and broadcasting students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

in the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida shooting. Using a combination of

personal anecdotes, and articles from the Eagle Eye, the student newspaper, the

reader gains a perspective not usually perceived. The stories range from the

immediate aftermath of the shooting to students’ experiences as members of the

press at March for Our Lives in Washington, DC. Students also reflect through the

book how their experiences being approached by the media have changed their

approach to reporting, and the skills they learned, including how to empower

others through social media, how to manage personal bias while reporting, and

working with mass media. We Say #Never Again shows the true emotions felt by

students, how their once normal school changed in an instant, and how they took

the initiative. We Say #Never Again captivates the audience, making it a great

read.
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Reflection

We Say #Never Again is a captivating book. While reading it, I realized how much I enjoyed

the book, and that I wanted to inform others of the fantastic book. I began writing the book

review, formatting it as a article for my school's student newspaper. This piece doesn’t

have as strong theme as the other pieces since the book review is based off of a book with

its own themes. The themes present in the book review are gun violence awareness, gun

control and reflection. The book review provides important events and lessons from the

book, while still encouraging the reader to discover more by reading the book themselves. I

provide enough necessary background information that a reader could go in knowing

nothing about the topic except for my book review and still be able to follow the book.

Since the piece is a more professional piece, and based off another literary piece, there are

not many literary devices present, nor would I expect there would be. The word choice uses

a more complex vocabulary, possibly higher than what would traditionally be found in a

newspaper, but around proper level for the expected reader of the book I am reviewing. Due

to the complex vocabulary, the piece would most likely be found in a higher level

publication intended for a professional audience.

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M4OL Narrative

I walked past the White House chanting and singing. It felt so powerful, and I

was so proud (and also excited) to be part of the group. As we grew closer to the

Capitol Building the crowds grew thicker, but that didn't stop us from singing.

Apparently, a large group of Jewish teens all singing together is a rare sight since a

bunch of random strangers began recording us. Eventually, we broke into smaller

groups to get closer to the stage (though we were still pretty far back) and only then

did I realize how big the march was. There were signs reaching as far as my eye could

see.

It felt amazing just to be standing there. I didn’t know what to expect. But,

what I did know is that I wanted my voice to be heard, and attending the march I

would be with others who felt the same as I did. I first became aware of the

unfortunately common reality called mass shootings in December of 2012. My

parents realized after trying to hide the newspaper from me that they couldn't shield

me from everything in life. I was aware of shootings such as Pulse and Las Vegas, and

each mass shooting I read about broke my heart, but there wasn't much I could do.

However, on my way home from school on February 14th, 2018, NPR was discussing

the most recent school shooting. When I questioned what the news was discussing, I

realized how common mass shootings had become. I was told, “oh, just another

school shooting.” No shooting is just another, but MSD1 hit the closest to home for

me. High school students just like me suddenly had their lives turned upside down.

1 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida

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In the following days, each of my classes discussed what to do in the event of a

shooting. I learned the best place to smash a window and how far away from the

school we should get. These are conversations that have no reason to occur in

schools, I along with more than 50 million students across the US shouldn’t be afraid

to attend school. Clearly, my view that no shooting is just another is shared by

others. MSD students took charge and started a movement. Almost immediately they

were all over the media, speaking out and making it clear that thoughts and prayers

aren’t enough. On February 18th news broke that these determined students were

planning something more. Much more.

News of the march was showing up in my newsfeed and all over Instagram. I

knew my parents would never agree to go to DC if it involved missing school, let

alone the week after spring break for a march with thousands of other people. My

best hope was that there would be a march in Columbus, and I would be able to

participate without traveling far. However, on March 1st, I received an email

announcing that the national body of my youth group would be participating in DC.

It took a bit of convincing, a bit more challenges with logistics, United Airlines

phone system not working, and countless promises that I wouldn't fall behind on my

work. But, 4 days later I registered, booked my flights and tried to mentally prepare

for one of the most meaningful 36 hours of my life.

As the march grew closer, my anticipation grew bigger. I was nervous and

excited, but most of all I was eager. Eager to be part of something big, gaining

attention across the world; eager to make my voice heard, eager to show that I wasn’t
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going to sit around letting those in power think that kids are powerless and that

thoughts and prayers are all we need.

Finally, Friday, March 23rd came. I couldn’t stop talking about was the march,

and I could barely focus in my morning classes at school. I headed off to the airport

around noon and knew soon I would be roughly 400 miles away from my home,

showing the world that I cared. I was nervous, not nervous about flying alone, but

nervous about meeting the other teens from my youth group, and nervous about

finding the correct Starbucks at BWI.

The following hours were a blur, but filled with meaningful discussion,

emotions, and hope. Each and every speaker was meaningful and inspiring. I

chanted. I cheered. I cried. But most of all, I made sure my voice was heard. After the

march, we passed through a plaza near the White House. My sign joined the

countless other signs weaved in between fence posts, leaving my mark.

I was part of something big, I represented not only myself, but also teens

around the country who are fighting for gun control. After all, enough is enough.
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Reflection

I chose to write the narrative based on my experience at March for Our Lives in March of

2018, and the associated feelings and events. I never directly name the march, but give

enough context clues that the reader can infer or research what I’m talking about.

Additionally, I never mention actual school shootings (Sandy Hook and Marjory Stoneman

Douglas) or shooters, but provide dates that the shootings occurred, giving the audience

enough context clues to infer. The diction and word choice are very specific for the piece,

playing a strong role in the narration and message provided in the narrative. Hope and

power are themes present throughout the piece, but life experiences do not always have

traditional literary themes. Additionally, similar to the other pieces in the collection, gun

control, and gun violence awareness are both prevalent in the piece. The narrative is

written in a style that allows the reader to feel part of the story and encourages imagery.

Additionally, the narrative focuses more on leading up to the march, and less on the march

itself.
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Speech

Nobody can ever determine what their life will hold. Most likely, 10 years ago

you didn’t know you would be sitting here listening to me, and right now you don’t

know where you will be in 10 years or the path you will travel. Life can change in an

instant. Countless lives have changed in an instant because of one person's decision

to end lives in a place that youth ages 5-18 spend 8 hours a day in. That place-

schools. The lives lost- in school shootings.

In April of 1999, 13 lives were lost in the Columbine school shooting, and since

then there have been more deadly school shootings due to little to no change in gun

laws. On the contrary, since the 1920’s there has never been a sinking as deadly as

the Titanic due to tougher maritime regulations. Something has to change.

In the aftermath of the Parkland, Florida shooting at Marjory Stoneman

Douglas High, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey and found that 57% of

teens are worried about the possibility of a shooting happening at their school. Fear

has no place in schools. Schools should be a place of learning writing skills, and

chemistry; not learning how to break glass and where to run to in the event of a

school shooting. And, some people believe that arming teachers is the solution. But,

our schools teachers should be armed with pencils and books; not weapons.

But what else does not belong? Assault-style rifles such as the AR-15 and its

spinoffs in the hands of civilians. These weapons were designed for military use, and

I cannot think of a possible use for them in the United States I live in. But, AR-15s and
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similar weapons have been used in countless mass shootings across the world, and

are not effectively regulated.

Keeping all of this in mind, what can we do? Elected officials are elected by YOU

the people. Be an informed citizen, know who you are electing and be informed on

their opinion of gun control. And if you are sitting in the audience and are eligible to

vote and NOT registered to vote, register NOW. You have no authority to complain if

you don’t exercise your power. Regardless of if you can vote or not, contact your

representatives and senators and share your opinion.

Don’t be afraid to exert your voice. Don’t be afraid to be loud and speak up.

Something has to change and ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

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Reflection

I choose to write a speech realizing how persuasion can affect people's opinions on topics.

The uses a variety of research and action steps, balancing nicely statistics and opinion. It

also uses very specific diction and emphasis to get the point across. Additionally, the

speech motivates the listener to take action and appeals to listeners emotions. To further

the emphasis, the speech utilizes a series of questions to the listeners, later providing the

answer. The questions lay out action steps, which make the listener feel empowered and

want to address the issues set forth in the speech. The themes of the entire collection, gun

violence awareness and gun control are extremely prevalent, as is the theme of power and

responsibility. Having written the speech, I feel I could actually speak to a group using this

speech, and my point would be conveyed clearly and effectively.

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Enough is Enough Overall Reflection Commented [1]: this was really good! i liked your
overarching theme!

Each and every piece in the collection is captivating and compelling. Most of

the pieces evoke strong emotion, and encourage the reader to discover more into the

topic. Writing the pieces, I tried to connect to the reader, while still providing a

unique perspective on the topic. The pieces are all based on my personal experience

and a topic I am passionate about. Gun violence is something that almost the entire

world is aware of, and my writing makes it clear that it affects many. Through my

writing, I hope that the reader gains a deeper understanding of the effects of gun

violence, its prevalence in society and my personal view on the topic.

While writing the pieces, I had to constantly stop to reflect on my work and

figure out where I wanted to go. It was definitely a challenge to figure out the theme

for each piece, but it did help that all of my pieces are related. Each piece is definitely

unique and conveys its own message, but in the end they all come together to form a

collection with a common theme throughout.

The free-verse poem was the easiest since it came into my mind and came

together easily. I wouldn't say any of my other pieces were hard persay, but each

presented its own unique challenges. The begging of the narrative also came together

nicely, but I did not know how to end it. The book review was also relatively

straightforward, and I realized that it is okay that it uses complex vocabulary, since it

does not need to be intended for a normal newspaper. I had the most fun writing the

speech, since I was able to use all of my opinion and show what power means to me.
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In the end, the collection of creative writing pieces are powerful, meaningful,

and personal; and I am proud of how my work turned out, and would not hesitate to

do this project again.