Creative Writing
Nora Ali
"The Last Goodbye"
Rays of sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows and blinded Josephine as she opened her eyes to the new day. The tree branches swayed softly to the rhythm of the wind and birds sat upon those branches chirping to one another. Josephine thought back to a time when the chirping of birds outside her bedroom window excited her and symbolized the wonderful song of life. Now, she only wished her husband would make use of the revolver under his pillow instead of letting it lie there, forgotten.
Hailey Lexi Almond
"Making Mistakes, Mental Health, and What it Means to be an Honors Student"
Today I am presenting you all with a brutal, naked reality. The reality is, our health is more
important than our school work. Some of you may think, “well duh,” and shake your heads, but
I am sure every one of us has stayed up until 2 am to finish one assignment or another.
Eli Burlison
"God Bless You"
Jane started to sneeze again. One, two, three, ten. Whenever she sneezes she does it ten times in a row. Can you believe that? Her poor nose. It’s ridiculous. I couldn’t bear to watch her sneeze ten times in a row—god knows I’ve seen her do it before—so I left and rode the elevator down to the lobby then walked to the pub.
I sat down on a stool at the bar and ordered a whiskey. “Make it neat,” I told the bartender.
I finished my drink. Ordered two more. Went home.
She was still sneezing by the time I got back to our apartment, her nose dripping and eyes watering. I wanted to put her out of her misery or comfort her in some way. But, I didn’t. I walked back to the pub and ordered three more whiskeys, instead.
Caeli Hall
"Almas de las Rosas"
Rosa woke up at the rooster’s crow. Sitting up, she felt her blankets slide off her and onto the floor as she looked straight ahead. She felt the weak rays of the sunrise dance across her, and saw the mighty sun timidly peeking over the hills of her farm. Sunrise. That was good, that was nice.
She used to have to get up before the sun rose to get everything ready in time. It was easier now, though, that Abuela was back and could help again. Rosa smiled and rose, her warm feet sliding into colorful sandals and dancing across the worn earthen brick floor. Loosing the tie of her nightgown, she pulled a simple dress, blue with red and yellow embroidery, out of her drawers and slipped it over her head, inhaling the scent of green coffee beans in every woven fiber that passed over her nose and mouth.
Kim Linman
"We Shall Hear Angels"
The wake of Teddy Volkoff went off as expected. There was a small crowd using the
death of an acquaintance to cash in AA chips for cheap beer and worse company. The neighborhood Masonic Center was chosen because of its religious neutrality, as Aunt Vikki was
organizing and she was even less religious than Dad had been. His coffin sat in the back of the
center’s multipurpose room, and the crowd was made to look even smaller as they jostled over
the basketball lines that adorned the flooring.
Noel Mora
"Democratic Impropriety and What it Means for Future Progressive Millenials"
The scandal consuming the Democratic party as of late, reminds me of exactly the reason why I, like so many other millennials in my generation, registered with no political party affiliation. This decision was not the result of some naïve understanding of the policymaking process. I completely accept that parties are an inevitable and necessary component of a vibrant and constructive democracy. Rather, it is that I simply do not condone the rampant hostile and spiteful attitudes and actions on behalf of members from both parties. The younger generation cannot be expected to participate in an organization that does not welcome participation or reform. It is likely the reason why about 50% of all millennials age 18-33 identify as political independents (Pew Millennials). This continuing integrity bashing, is particularly detrimental to the Democratic party because it has historically found a very sizable support base in the younger generation. In 2008, Democrats had a 32 percent lead over Republicans, in terms of young voter support. By the end of 2009, this percentage lead had dropped drastically to 14 percent (Pew Democrats). I have no doubt this percentage continues to decrease, especially amidst the recent revelations regarding Democratic party campaign information for 2016 presidential primary.
Peter Platon
"Judgment Night"
Enforcers are synthetic humanoid organisms, bioengineered and grown by Godson Corporation.
Their enhanced strength, durability, reflexes, and agility give them superior combat aptitude, making enforcers ideal for use by the government as peacekeepers in volatile areas.
Recently, Godson Corp has begun experimenting with the new batches of enforcers, giving them new cognitive functions, with the goal of expanding the enforcer’s uses.
Zero is the first in the new Delta Series. It is also the most controversial enforcer to date.
Samaria Sylvester
"Travel Agents"
Reflecting and reminiscing on the past has been a common pastime among humans from
the beginning of time. I myself have countlessly let my subconscious run free as I reveled in
sweet memories; replaying moments in my mind while creating new ones. Humans, however, are
not the only species to perform this function. Animals are also capable of transporting
themselves mentally from one place to another; recalling old events while strategizing and
planning for possible future scenarios. Scientists call this experience mental time travel.