Patriot's Pen

Patriot’s Pen

By Jacob Sklenar

What if you were in charge of the future of a country that could change the world? Would you make the right decision to help it grow? The founding fathers of the U.S. certainly made the right decision. They fought battles, and gave everything they could within their beings, so that you could be sitting here today reading this essay. I know that I am eternally grateful for what they have done for our country. If I could write a letter to our founding fathers, and send it back in time, it would probably sound like this:   

Dear Founders of the United States,  

Thank you so much for your commitment to this beloved land! I’m very proud to say today, that you have been extremely successful in the creation of this country. The United States of America is literally the freest, and the most unique country in the entire world. U.S. citizens can say what they want, at any time, do what they want, almost anywhere, and express themselves in any way imaginable. I wouldn’t be here right now, writing about this glorious moment in U.S. history if you hadn’t worked so hard on developing this free country. Thank you so much for doing all that you have done for this country.

With love and pride, Jacob Sklenar

            When first asked “Are you proud of your country”, I think that most citizens - considering its history - would immediately say yes. I would too, but when you take time to think of all we’ve been through; wars, depressions, terrorism, ect…. You can really get a grasp of what makes this country, downright amazing.  

            I’m proud to say that I can give my own opinion on any given topic. I’m proud to say that I can be a Christian, and my friend can be Jewish. I’m proud to say that my friends and I can assemble at a tailgate to celebrate a sport that we love. I’m proud to say that my sister can spend her money in any ridiculous way she wants, without forceful objection, and at the end of the day….. I’m proud to say that I am an American citizen.

Pi's Changing Life

Authors Note: This is a cause and effect about Life of Pi.

       
         In Life of Pi,  there are some major conflicts in this book that cause huge effects on Pi, and his survival. One of them is when his family is sailing to Canada to move their zoo. The ship makes a huge lurching sound, and Pi springs awake. Pi feels as though some thing is wrong. This causes him to go investigate. He tries to tell his brother to go with him, but he won't. The effect of this entraps his brother when the ship begins to sink. Pi is literally thrown into survival, and this gives him no way to save his brother. Pi's survival story starts the same as Torak in Wolf Brother. They are both unprepared to survive, after the death of their only family members. So another cause is: Their only family members die, causing them to go into shock about the entire situation.
         Later in the story, Pi row, and rows, and rows, until he finds an island. This island is inhabited by an abundance of Meerkats. Pi soon discovers that these Meerkats don't know fear, and so they are easy food. The effect of this gives Pi food which makes him stronger. In another effect, he regains his abilities to run, and think straight.These are mere examples, but when you dig through your book, you are sure to find dozens of causes and effects.
         You see, cause and effects can be tricky. Some can be good, and some can be bad.Causes determine what will happen in your future through your actions. Effects are the results of your actions. Some people try to find the silver lining of effects. Pi was extremely good at this, and that ensured his survival. 

Stay Back Tiger

Author's Note: This is a conflict and resolution piece of Life of Pi.  
       
         The conflict in my book, is a very tricky one. Pi is on a boat with a 450 pound Bengal Tiger, and needs to survive before it gets hungry again.He can try to kill it, which won't end well for Pi. He can try to stay on the boat, but then he can't escape. In the end he decides to make a raft to stay as far away from the tiger as possible. I'd probably do the same thing.
         In this book there are many conflicts. Conflict: Pi is stranded in a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Resolution: Pi gets as much food as he can, so he can survive as long as he can.Then, every time a sign of humans appears, he sets off flares so they know where he is. He does everything possible to get rescued. But the real thing that saves him is himself. This is just like Spirit Walker. They boy is stranded in the boat, but with a wolf. He has lots of food, so he can live for a long time in ther e. When ever he see people, he uses shouting and movement to show them his location. The only difference besides the tiger, is that another human besides himself saves him.Once you find the conflicts in your life, it is easier to find the resolution. Torak and Pi did it to survive. So then you can do it to thrive.
         

Dog Days

Dog Days

By: Jacob Sklenar

Authors Note: This is my Personal Narrative

         
            I can remember the first day I saw my dog like it was yesterday. The puppies looked like petite Shar pei dogs, because of how fat and puny they were. Their skin rolled over their faces and covered some of their eyes. It was so cute! We tip-toed into the kennel and the second I saw their little faces, I knew that I had to have one of them.

            “Do ya wanna hold ‘em?” (He had a country/twang accent) asked the breeder.

            “Absolutely!” my brother, sister, and I all replied in unison. He swung the cage open and we quietly peered in. They lay in the tubs with newspaper on the bottom. The puppies made little squeaking sounds and puffed like sneezes as they sniffed the air for us.

“They can’t see ya yet since their eyes won’t open for a cupla days.” explained the breeder, “They’ll have ta smell for ya instead.” So we cooed soothing “awws” and “it’s ok” to them as we swooped down to pick them up. We must have sat there for hours with the little fur balls caressed in our warm embrace. My little soon-to-be dog sat in my arms and fell asleep while sucking my finger. When she woke, she started sniffing and tickling my ears. She licked my face, but I didn’t care, because I loved her so much already. I didn’t dare disturb the beautiful, tired puppy. It was undoubtedly the cutest thing I had ever saw in my entire life. The day I met my dog, will always feel like yesterday.

The Legend of Conflicts and Resolutions

       Author's Note: This is a conflict/resolution piece on Legend
       
          The conflict in Legend is a seemingly impossible one. Day-the criminal-has a family infected with a horrible disease. The only way to cure this disease is buy an extremely expensive medicine. He is soon forced to develop a plan to get this medicine, and save his family. He decides to steal the medicine to resolve the conflict.
           I'd do the same thing in this situation. I'd do so because I'd figure that I'm already a criminal, and I have nothing to lose. Sitting there and letting my family die wouldn't be an option. That's why I think Day made a good decision. He wouldn't lose anything but his family if he got caught. The other option (to sit there and let them die) would ensure their death. Taking the risk would at least give them a chance. That's why taking the risk would be the definite best decision.