Eighth Grade English Essays
BulletproofEnglish Narrative Essay (full)
I made my way down the dark road, the cool evening breeze dancing across my goose bump covered skin. I hesitantly opened the heavy, rusted metal gate that led into the swimming pool. Nerves took hold of my stomach, flipping over and over like a pancake. I stared down at my wavering figure, the cool, glassy water that was reflecting my emotions. The surface of the water was still and serene, but underneath the surface I knew there was chaos. Like the water, my facial expressions appeared to be composed, but my thoughts shot inside my head rapidly like little bullets shooting at a target. Why can't I be as good as them? Why do they have to assume everything? I used to think I was good enough. What happened to that? I never knew what would come out of just a pair of goggles and a cap. I never knew until I tried. Rows after rows people sat on the bleachers, eyes wide with anticipation and mouths gaping open, screaming and shouting for their team's swimmer. It seemed as if each set of eyes glared at me as I walked in, judging me. I could almost hear their bullet thoughts, targeting my head with insulting thoughts. I forced myself to look away, to not think about them. I turned to the swimmers in the 8 lane pool, all with perfect strokes and steady kicks. I could swear they were mocking me, telling me I wasn't good enough and that I didn't belong here. Perfectly aimed bullets were constantly being shot. Bullets that hit where it hurt the most. Breathe, Lizzy. Breathe. I tried to regain composure. Bubbles. My anger began to bubble. I knew bubbles weren't good. I will not let them get to me. I came here to do my best. "Event 46. Stage now." A round woman sneered into the microphone, her cold eyes seemingly to bore into mine, like she could hear my thoughts. I looked at the floor, dodging the bullets I knew we're being aimed. I quickly walked away with my eyes burning holes into the wet, cold cement underneath my feet. I clambered onto the dividing board, my feet unsteady. I slid my goggles on, viewing the world from a different perspective. "Good luck." The girl next to me sneered sourly, her nose crinkling as she chuckled to herself. My fire immediately sparked. I could feel my anger igniting, it's flames flickering as a deep red. She'll be the first one to be shot down. Promise. "Swimmers on your mark." I coolly bent over, clutching the board edge and waited for the prolonged beep. I ignored the girls' eyes burn holes into the side of my head. My pent up anger raged from red to a dangerous blue. I could see the vibrant blue flames dancing across the water's surface, soaring higher and higher and soon engulfing the dark black sky. "Get set..." I inhaled deeply. I was unsure whether I could do this. I didn't trust myself. But my anger kept me going, motivating me. "BEEEPPPP!" I instinctively lunged off the board. Right when I pierced the surface, I was certain this was the right thing to do. Swimming was always there for me. I knew I could rely on it when I needed to get away from the busy world and just think. It was like my secret place where no one else could get to me. Under the water, it was magical. my flames were instantly calmed as I focused on the lights blinking ahead of me. I slowly exhaled and round, plump bubbles formed. The slowly drifted above me, floating on the surface as I glided through the water. I released my anger through these bubbles, sending them away from me. I knew this was my moment. I could feel it. I was determined to do my best and show the shooters who I really was. I pumped my legs hard and whipped my arms through the water. I can do this. I really can. Show them who you really are. I flew by the other swimmers, weaving in and out of the water. As I raced through several laps, my lungs burned for oxygen and my muscles ached for rest. But I wasn't even close to stopping. I was resolute. I wouldn't quit fighting against the bullets now. I finally reached my last lap, exhausted. I pushed through and grasped for the wall. I finished second place, beating my personal record by 13 seconds. I was proud of my improvement. "Nice try", the same girl snickered, "but I still beat you. Better luck next time." I willed myself block her bullets and not let them get to me. "Congratulations." I smiled at her. I calmly lifted myself out of the pool and walked away, leaving her sitting there with her face twisted in confusion. After everyone left, I peered at my reflection in the water. But this time was different. This time I was stronger. This time I bit the bullet before it could pierce me. This time I didn't care. This time, I was bulletproof. |
The Faults Within UsAn Excerpt of my English To Kill A Mockingbird Literary Analysis Essay
The examples in this novel and their realistic setting make the message of blindspots within hypocrisy releatable and understandable. If a person does not acknowledge his own faults or biases, then he will never fully understand other people. This person will be ignorant to other people’s circumstances and way of life because of his unwillingness to see the world from their perspective. This ignorance can lead to false judgments and assumptions based on race or religion or appearance. These stereotypes would corrupt society, filling the world with hate and ignorance. To prevent the world from becoming jaded, one must understand his own faults before attempting to understand someone else’s. |