McNelis 1
McNelis 2
Table of Contents: Cameron’s eAnthologie The Tale of a Noble Cat
pg.2-4
A Leap of Faith
pg.5-6
Triumph
pg.7-8
A Wonderful White Journey
pg.9-11
A Bee For the Ages
pg.12-17
A Friend, Fall Weather, & A Game for the Ages
pg.18
McNelis 3
Bio: My name is Cameron McNelis. I am a 2nd year psychology major at the University of Indianapolis. In my free time I am a part of the men's soccer team here at school. I also worked for a landscaping company back in my hometown of Missoula, Montana. This has allowed me to learn things to help me in the future as a homeowner. Throughout my time at school, I have been able to encounter countless amounts of new cultures and see how we all come together to work as one. All of these things have helped me with creative writing, not only do they help me formulate ideas about possible stories, but they also help me bring life to some characters as they have come from personal experience. With all of those things together, you are about to indulge in my collection of writings throughout the semester, as well as a self reflection essay about how this class has changed my view as a whole on creative writing.
McNelis 4 The Tale Of A Noble Cat I was born on a sunny fall afternoon in Vicenza Italy, 1928. The leaves were just starting to turn a slight orange and red, and some were starting to fall off the trees already. I was born into a litter of 3 cats, Me(Jaque), my eldest brother by 5 seconds Benjamin, and my sister Lea. I was a unique cat. My brother was born brown with white spots covering his whole body, My sister was born white with brown spots all over her body, but I was born the color of the trees, a slight reddish orange color. This is what made my mother describe me as “Special”. Growing up in an alley with my mother and my siblings was hard. It was a sort of steal, or be stolen from place. Vicenza, being known for its beauty, was not all as beautiful as people sought it out to be. It was a town of thieves. My life started in an alleyway with my siblings and my mother. We used to make trips together to steal food and find a family to take us all in. But as days went by my time with them dwindled. They were either scouring for food for themselves, or trying to find families to adopt them. This became hard for me because nobody in the town wanted an orangish red cat. I was looked through, almost like a ghost. As my family members all found happy homes, I was left alone with nothing and nobody. Until one day. I was doing my usual rounds, I snagged an apple from a local outdoor food shop and I was caught. This beautiful woman with pale skin and perfect blonde hair spoke to me. “Are you lost pretty kitten? You look hungry!” I froze, This was one of the only people that has ever acknowledged my existence. As I looked up at her, frozen, I was encapsulated by her beauty. She had an aura like none other. She picked me up and spoke softly, “My name's Roselia, You're awfully dirty, Let me take you home and give you a bath and some food.” I was filled with immediate joy, had I finally found a home and someone to love me? The next few weeks felt like a dream. I was bathed, brushed, fed regularly, and even bought toys to play with. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I truly felt happy and loved.
McNelis 5 Roselia lived with her husband of 3 years Jack. They were everything you could imagine in a happy couple. Always smiling, and laughing. They loved to take me out and show me the town, as well as other close places. We traveled to Venice, Rome, etc. We were a completely happy family, and I knew that whenever they left me, they would always come back and show me immense love. This all changed on a dark and dreary day, September 22, 1932. Jack and Roselia were getting ready for their weekly date. They were all dressed and ready to go, they gave me some milk in a bowl, sat me in my bed, each gave me a kiss, and were on their way. As I waited patiently I couldn't help but feel unusual, like something wasn't right. I carried on, drank my milk and took a nap. I was awoken to morning birds chirping and the sunlight hitting my face. I was immediately startled and confused because usually I awake to my parents entering the door. I searched around the house and saw that they were nowhere to be found. I panicked, I went around the town and found no trace of my loving family. As I started to lose hope I overheard a group of people talking. “Roselia and Jake were taken last night, I'm not sure by who but I witnessed it.” My fur stood up as I heard this news. All of the happiness drained from my body and I was left feeling alone and depressed. The next two days were dreadful, I slept most of my hours and the time I was awake my body was incapable of moving. I had no desire to do anything and I was filled with depression. When I finally picked myself up off the floor I was overcome with a sense of heroism. I vowed to find my family and do everything I could to save them, and be reunited. My first mission was to search the towns, I had a great nose and I could sniff them out from miles away. I found a trail out of Vicenza that smelled just like them. I stuck to my nose and followed the trail. It led me to a town called Biron, 16 miles northwest from Vicenza. As I scoured the town I found that there was a king who was taking people as his servants from nearby
McNelis 6 villages. His castle had many guards and obstacles but I was certain that my parents were there. My goal was to train. Master the arts in swordsmanship, using my cat-like reflexes and quickness to make me unstoppable to save my family. I found a local swordsman, hiding in the darkness to train me. We spent 2 weeks mastering everything involved in swordsmanship. Then I was ready. I had to cross a moat to get into the tower, then the front doors were guarded by henchmen. My strategy for getting to the door was a slingshot, My light mass made it easy to fling me through the air. When I got to the door I easily took the guards out. When I made it into the castle I had a strong smell of Roselia and Jake, I knew all my time had paid off and I was in the right place. I came to a metal door and my nose was twitching. I thought that I was smelling things but when I cracked the door I was overwhelmed with joy. I couldn't believe my eyes, My family was right in front of me. As I picked the lock with my claws I was shaking, Was I finally gonna have happiness again? As my family and I started to run out of the castle the doors started to shut, we weren't gonna make it. Then a miracle happened, As the main door started to close, the side door started to open, giving us an opening through the moat and out of the castle. I felt relieved. This was the first time my fur went down in multiple weeks. As we escaped the castle and started our 16 mile journey home, My parents praised me for the work I had put in to save them and rebuild our family, they promised to never leave again and to provide anything I'd ever wanted. At this moment I was filled with that pure joy and happiness again. We found our way back to our home in Vicenza, everything went back to perfect and my family and I lived happily ever after.
The Tale Of A Noble Cat: Revisions
McNelis 7 I was born on a sunny fall afternoon in Vicenza Italy, 1928. The leaves were just starting to turn a slight orange and red, I I was born the color of the trees, a slight reddish orange color. This is what made my mother describe me as “Special”. Growing up in an alley with my mother and my siblings was hard. It was a sort of steal, or be stolen from place. Vicenza, being known for its beauty, was not all as beautiful as people sought it out to be. It was a town of thieves. My life started in an alleyway with my siblings and my mother. We used to make trips together to steal food and find a family to take us all in. But as days went by my time with them dwindled. They were either scouring for food for themselves, or trying to find families to adopt them. This became hard for me because nobody in the town wanted an orangish red cat. I was looked through, almost like a ghost. As my family members all found happy homes, I was left alone with nothing and nobody. Until one day. I was doing my usual rounds, I snagged an apple from a local outdoor food shop and I was caught. This beautiful woman with pale skin and perfect blonde hair spoke to me. “Are you lost pretty kitten? You look hungry!” I froze, This was one of the only people that has ever acknowledged my existence. As I looked up at her, frozen, I was encapsulated by her beauty. She had an aura like none other. She picked me up and spoke softly, “My name's Roselia, You're awfully dirty, Let me take you home and give you a bath and some food.” I was filled with immediate joy, had I finally found a home and someone to love me? The next few weeks felt like a dream. I was bathed, brushed, fed regularly, and even bought toys to play with. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I truly felt happy and loved. Roselia lived with her husband of 3 years Jack. They were everything you could imagine in a happy couple. Always smiling, and laughing. They loved to take me out and show me the town, as well as other close places. We traveled to Venice, Rome, etc. We were a completely happy family, and I knew that whenever they left me, they would always come back and show me immense love. This all changed on a dark and dreary day, September 22, 1932. Jack and Roselia were getting ready for their weekly date. They were all dressed and ready to go, they gave me some
McNelis 8 milk in a bowl, sat me in my bed, each gave me a kiss, and were on their way. As I waited patiently I couldn't help but feel unusual, like something wasn't right. I carried on, drank my milk and took a nap. I was awoken to morning birds chirping and the sunlight hitting my face. I was immediately startled and confused because usually I awake to my parents entering the door. I searched around the house and saw that they were nowhere to be found. I panicked, I went around the town and found no trace of my loving family. As I started to lose hope I overheard a local shop owner talking, she knew my mother and father as they had been in close proximity with their shops. “Roselia and Jake were taken last night,King Henrys guards came through and took them ” She sobbed. My fur stood up as I heard this news. All of the happiness drained from my body and I was left feeling alone and depressed. The next two days were dreadful, I slept most of my hours and the time I was awake my body was incapable of moving. I had no desire to do anything and I was filled with depression. When I finally picked myself up off the floor I was overcome with a sense of heroism. I vowed to find my family and do everything I could to save them, and be reunited. My first mission was to search the towns, I had a great nose and I could sniff them out from miles away. I found a trail out of Vicenza that smelled just like them. I stuck to my nose and followed the trail. It led me to a town called Biron, 16 miles northwest from Vicenza. As I scoured the town I found that there was a king who was taking people as his servants from nearby villages. His castle had many guards and obstacles but I was certain that my parents were there. My goal was to train. Master the arts in swordsmanship, using my cat-like reflexes and quickness to make me unstoppable to save my family. I found a local swordsman, Enrique hiding in the darkness to train me, no one in the town knew his story but he understood everything surrounding swordsmanship. We spent 2 weeks mastering everything involved in swordsmanship. Then I was ready. I had to cross a moat to get into the tower, then the front doors were guarded by henchmen. My strategy for getting to the door was a slingshot, My light mass made it easy to
McNelis 9 fling me through the air. When I got to the door I used the skills I had learned, and my cat like reflexes to easily take the guards out.. When I made it into the castle I had a strong smell of Roselia and Jake, I knew all my time had paid off and I was in the right place. I came to a metal door and my nose was twitching. I thought that I was smelling things but when I cracked the door I was overwhelmed with joy. I couldn't believe my eyes, My family was right in front of me. We made our way through the castle and I was met by King Henry. We began a duel, I was outmatched and outnumbered, I felt that I was almost defeated and I looked at my beloved parents. All the energy was restored in my body, as I defeated King henry and his henchman, I gathered my family as we began our trek out of the castle.Running out of the castle the doors started to shut, we weren't gonna make it. Then a miracle happened, the underground swordsmen that taught me my skills was holding the door shouting my name I felt relieved. We made our way to the moat and he had a boat waiting for us. This was the first time my fur went down in multiple weeks. As we escaped the castle and started our journey home, My parents praised me for the work I had put in to save them and rebuild our family, they promised to never leave again and to provide anything I'd ever wanted. At this moment I was filled with that pure joy and happiness again. We found our way back to our home in Vicenza, everything went back to perfect and my family and I lived happily ever after.
Micro essay- A Leap Of Faith In the summer of 2023, I found myself perched on the edge of a nearby rock, heart beating like a drum, as I watched my brother prepare to attempt the unthinkable. A 70 foot bridge lay in front of him, with 1000 pairs of eyes set on him, waiting for the leap of a lifetime. Only Bridger, Mark
McNelis 10 and I understood the magnitude of what was about to go down. As I gazed at my brother, his face was set with pure confidence, his eyes sparkled with all of the attention on him. He had spent months planning and practicing for this moment, a test to his love and dedication for extreme sports. The bridge was his canvas, and the triple backflip was to be his masterpiece. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and a hint of anxiety. Time seemed to slow as my brother climbed the 70 foot bridge, prevailed to the top, and stepped to the edge of the rickety, rusted metal beam. The audience fell silent, breaths held in unison. I could feel the weight of the moment, as if the world itself had paused to witness this incredibly bold leap of faith.Then, without a single thought in his mind, my brother launched himself into the baby blue sky. The initial second felt like an eternity, his body twisting and turning through the air. Each rotation brought cheers from the spectators who seemed to be amazed at this unfathomable jump. I couldn't help but be astonished at the perfect precision of his movements. It was as if he had defied gravity itself. As he completed the first flip, the crowd erupted into a symphony of cheers and applause. My heart soared with his trajectory. The second flip was just as flawless, and the tension in my chest eased slightly, replaced by complete exhilaration. It was as though the world had been reduced to this single moment of gravity-defying magic. The third and final flip approached, and time seemed to return to its normal pace. Every eye in the crowd remained locked on my brother, as anxiety filled the air, It seemed he wasn't going to make it. And then, with a perfectly executed twist, he completed the triple backflip, plunging feet first into the water below. The water erupted in a magnificent splash, and a thunderous bravo erupted from the 1,000 spectators that sat below on that same old bridge he had leaped from. My brother had done it! He had conquered the unimaginable, and in that moment, he was
McNelis 11 not just my sibling but very much a legend to the thousand people who had witnessed his daring accomplishment. As I watched him emerge from the water, exuding pure happiness and confidence, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration. I gave a mere second glance to Mark and Bridger and their eyes twinkled with pride. He had not only demonstrated unorthodox athleticism but also the courage to chase his dreams and adrenaline, regardless of the risks. In witnessing my brother's triple backflip off that towering bridge, I learned that Sometimes life's greatest risks, Have even bigger rewards regardless if it means triple backflipping off a 70-foot bridge in front of a thousand people.
A Leap Of Faith: Revisions In the summer of 2023, I found myself perched on the edge of a nearby rock, heart beating like a drum, as I watched my brother prepare to attempt the unthinkable. A 70 foot bridge lay in front of him, with 1000 pairs of eyes set on him, waiting for the leap of a lifetime. Only Bridger,Mark, and I understood the magnitude of what was about to go down. Bridger and Mark have been my brother's best friends since age 6. They grew up together all the way to college, they have seen
McNelis 12 my brother do unimaginable things, and have always given full support to his idiocy. As I gazed at my brother, his face was set with pure confidence, his eyes sparkled with all of the attention on him. He had spent months planning and practicing for this moment, The bridge was his canvas, and the triple backflip was to be his masterpiece. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and a hint of anxiety. Time seemed to slow as my brother climbed the 70 foot bridge, prevailed to the top, and stepped to the edge of the rickety, rusted metal beam. The audience fell silent, breaths held together. I could feel the weight of the moment, as if the world itself had paused to witness this incredibly bold leap of faith.Then, without a single thought in his mind, my brother launched himself into the baby blue sky. The initial second felt like an eternity, his body twisting and turning through the air. Each rotation brought cheers from the spectators who seemed to be amazed at this unfathomable jump. I couldn't help but be astonished at the perfect precision of his movements. It was as if he had defied gravity itself. As he completed the first flip, the crowd erupted into a symphony of cheers and applause. My heart soared with his trajectory. The second flip was just as flawless, and the tension in my chest eased slightly, replaced by complete exhilaration. It was as though the world had been reduced to this single moment of gravity-defying magic. The third and final flip approached, and time seemed to return to its normal pace. Every eye in the crowd remained on my brother, then on the third and final rotation, It seemed he wasn't going to make it. Anxiety filled the air and it seemed as though time came to a complete stop. And then, Finally, with a perfectly executed twist, he completed the triple backflip, plunging feet first into the water below. The water erupted in a magnificent splash, and a thunderous bravo erupted from the 1,000 spectators that sat below on that same old bridge he had leaped from. My brother had done it!
McNelis 13 He had conquered the unimaginable, and in that moment, he was not just my sibling but very much a legend to the thousand people who had witnessed his daring accomplishment. As I watched him emerge from the water, exuding pure happiness and confidence, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and admiration. I gave a mere second glance to Mark and Bridger and their eyes twinkled with pride. All the years they had spent together seemed like they clashed together perfectly, like a flawless painting. Throughout this jump he had not only demonstrated unorthodox athleticism but also the courage to chase his dreams and adrenaline, regardless of the risks. Although through the pride I had for my brother at this time, I couldn't help but think about the anxiety and stress that filled my parents bodies as he leaped from that 70 foot tall bridge. My mom always describes the leap of faith as, “The longest 5 seconds of my life”. In witnessing my brother's triple backflip off that towering bridge, I learned that Sometimes life's greatest risks, Have even bigger rewards regardless if it means triple backflipping off a 70 foot bridge in front of a thousand people.
Prose Poem- Triumph In the final chapter of my high school journey, on the fresh green grounds of the soccer field, destiny and determination met in a destination of triumph. It was the culmination of years of sweat and sacrifice, and the ultimate ending to my senior year, as well as my soccer career. As the sun dropped below the horizon, casting long shadows that stretched across the pitch, I
McNelis 14 stood at the left side of a defining moment. The grass beneath my cleats felt like an old friend, telling tales of seasons past, each blade a witness to my growth. The crowd, a sea of friendly faces covered in school colors, was a chorus of constant support. Their cheers echoed through the air, a symphony of hope and adrenaline filled my chest. This was the night, the State Championship, where legends were born, and 3 peats were upon us. The ball awaited my command. Its fresh leather told a brand new story of new beginnings and awaiting triumphs. With each touch, it was as though I was performing an instrumental solo in the final closings of my senior year. The defenders, with eyes sharp and determination in their brows, were ready for war. Their every move was a challenge, a trial thrown down before me. But I was not alone. My teammates, my brothers on this journey, moved in harmony, a force not to be reckoned with. The goal, framed by the white posts and crossbar, stood as the golden snitch, the final piece of the puzzle. It was there that dreams were tested and created or destroyed, where the heartbeat of the game became most prevalent. As I approached it, the world shrank to that sacred rectangle, and time itself seemed to slow to an almost complete halt. The crowd, with every chant and cheer, wove a tapestry of support around me. Their faith and passion surged through my veins, an intoxicating amount of motivation. They were not just spectators, but our partners in this epic tale. With every pass, every dribble, I navigated the fresh grass with my skills and techniques. The ball moved as fresh dough on a wood cutting board. I could feel the anticipation, the collective breath held in suspense, as I closed in on the goal. Then, in a moment of clarity, it happened. The ball left my foot, a missile guided by fate and purpose. The goalkeeper, a lone goliath, leaped with all his might, but the twine was tickled and I had scored. The crowd erupted, and I was overcome with an incredible amount of adrenaline and joy. The second goal was a reaffirmation, a testament to resilience. It was a ballet of skill and determination, and as the net rippled once more, I felt the ground tremble with the fervor of the crowd. As the game came to a close, I felt my body shake as once again, I was going to be a state champion. The final whistle sounded and tears filled my eyes as I rushed to my parents to
McNelis 15 embrace them in pure joy. As I raised the trophy above my head, surrounded by teammates and embraced by the roaring crowd, I knew that this moment was more than a victory, it was a testament to dedication, a symbol of perseverance, and a reminder that in the span of my high school career, I had left an undeniable mark on the soccer field and in the hearts of those who had shared this unforgettable journey.
Flash Fiction- A Wonderful White Journey The mountain loomed before Cam, a towering colossus of snow and rock. Its slopes stretched like an endless canvas of opportunity, promising adventure and adrenaline. The morning sun bathed the alpine landscape in a golden glow, casting long shadows over the pristine powder. Cam tightened the straps of his ski boots, his breath visible in the frigid air. He'd been dreaming of this moment for months, the chance to perform the perfect backflip
McNelis 16 on skis. It was a daredevil's dream, a maneuver that would cement his status as a natural born skier, just like his fellow friends. With his skis firmly attached, he set off down the mountainside, the first few turns a warm up for what lay ahead. The snow whispered beneath his skis, a soothing serenade that held the up and coming adrenaline rush. His heart pounded in anticipation as he approached the jump he'd been eyeing and creating for days. The jump, a towering mound of snow and ice, seemed to defy gravity. It was a leap of faith, a launchpad to glory, and it grew bigger and bigger with every heartbeat. Cam's friends, perched on the sidelines, watched with bated breath, their cheers barely heard because of the distance . As he hit the ramp, time seemed to slow. The world became a blur of white and blue, and the laws of physics became mere suggestions. With a powerful thrust of his legs, he propelled himself into the air, soaring like a red bull commercial. The backflip was a moment of pure talent and commitment. He felt weightless, free from the pressure of gravity, free of all the stress in the world. The wind whistled in his ears, and his heart danced to the rhythm of the snow-covered world below. In the midst of the somersault, he caught sight of the world spinning around him: the mountain peaks, the pine trees, the cheering spectators, all blurring together in a kaleidoscope of winter wonder. And then, Seeing the world return to his vision, he tucked his knees, And stuck the landing. He had executed the backflip flawlessly, landing with the grace of a professional gymnast. His skis bit into the snow, and he surged forward, the thrill of the flip coursing through his veins. The cheers from his friends and fellow skiers echoed in the crisp mountain air. Cam bathed in their admiration as he continued down the slope, scouring the mountain for new challenges. He knew he had conquered the backflip, but the thrill of the slopes was far from over. As the day
McNelis 17 wore on, Cam and his friends crisscrossed the mountain, exploring every nook and cranny. They stopped at a usual spot, took out their sandwiches and bit in. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mountain in shadow, Cam knew it was time to head back. He could feel the fatigue in his legs, the sweet ache of a day well spent. The mountain had tested him, rewarded him, and left him humbled in its beauty. As he rode the chairlift back to the base, he gazed at the mountain one last time. It stood there, silent and majestic, a sentinel of adventure and possibility. Cam couldn't help but smile, knowing that he would return to these slopes, that the mountain would always be there, waiting for the next daring backflip and the next unforgettable adventure.
A Wonderful White Journey: Revisions The mountain basked before Cam, a towering colossus of snow and rock. Its slopes stretched like an endless canvas of opportunity, promising adventure and adrenaline. The morning sun bathed the alpine landscape in a golden glow, casting long shadows over the pristine powder. Cam tightened the straps of his ski boots, his breath visible in the frigid air. He'd been dreaming of this moment for months, the chance to perform the perfect backflip on skis. It was a
McNelis 18 daredevil's dream, a maneuver that would cement his status as a natural born skier, just like his fellow friends. With his skis firmly attached, he set off down the mountainside, the first few turns a warm up for what lay ahead. The snow whispered beneath his skis, a soothing serenade that held the up and coming adrenaline rush. His heart pounded in anticipation as he approached the jump he'd been eyeing and creating for days. The jump, a towering mound of snow and ice,. was a leap of faith, a launchpad to glory, and it grew bigger and bigger with every gaining foot. Cam's friends, perched on the sidelines, watched with bated breath, their cheers barely heard because of the distance . As he hit the ramp, time seemed to slow. The world became a blur of white and blue, and the laws of physics became mere suggestions. With a powerful thrust of his legs, he propelled himself into the air, soaring like a red bull commercial. The backflip was a moment of pure talent and commitment. He felt weightless, free from the pressure of gravity, free of all the stress in the world. The wind whistled in his ears, and his heart danced to the rhythm of the snow-covered world below. In the midst of the somersault, he caught sight of the world spinning around him: the mountain peaks, the pine trees, the cheering friends, all blurring together in a kaleidoscope of winter wonder. And then, Seeing the world return to his vision, he tucked his knees, And stuck the landing. He had executed the backflip flawlessly, landing with the grace of a professional gymnast. His skis bit into the snow, and he surged forward, the thrill of the flip coursing through his veins. The cheers from his friends and fellow skiers echoed in the crisp mountain air. Cam bathed in their admiration as he continued down the slope, scouring the mountain for new challenges. He knew he had conquered the backflip, but the thrill of the slopes was far from over. As the day wore on, Cam and his friends carved through the mountain, exploring every nook and cranny.
McNelis 19 They stopped at a usual spot, And waited to enjoy the beautiful view. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mountain in shadow, Cam knew it was time to head back. He could feel the fatigue in his legs, the sweet ache of a day well spent. The mountain had tested him, rewarded him, and left him humbled in its beauty. As he rode the chairlift back to the base, he gazed at the mountain one last time. It stood there, silent and majestic, a sentinel of adventure and possibility. Cam couldn't help but smile, knowing that he would return to these slopes, that the mountain would always be there, waiting for the next daring backflip and the next unforgettable adventure.
A Bee For The Ages The annual 5th grade spelling bee was always the talk of the school. It was a day when students could showcase their vocabulary and language skills, and for me, a day filled with unexpected twists and turns that would eventually lead to a lesson in perseverance, sportsmanship, and the value of taking things seriously. It all began one bright morning in May, just as spring had come full circle . Our fifth grade teacher, Ms. Ferrel announced the upcoming spelling bee, an event that would decide who
McNelis 20 would represent our home room in the school wide competition. As a bunch of care free 10 year-olds, my friends and I initially took the idea of the spelling bee lightly. We laughed, exchanged jokes, and teased each other about who would be the first to mess up a word. But as the days passed and the spelling bee drew closer, we all began to realize that this wasn't just any ordinary classroom contest. It was a chance to prove our spelling skills and ultimately bring pride to our parents. We started out joking and purposefully messing up practice words given to us until we got out of the practice round. But, as the spelling bee carried on, the more we thought about it, the more we decided to step up our game and give our best effort forth. We began studying word lists and practicing our spelling, transforming our easy going personality into a competitive one focusing on the serious competition. As the excitement built, we decided to make a pact to encourage and help each other to the best of our abilities. It was an unspoken agreement that we were in this together. The day of the home room spelling bee finally arrived. The classroom was buzzing with anticipation, and I could feel my heart pounding as I took my seat, surrounded by my friends. Mrs. Ferrell, a kind but no nonsense teacher, stood at the front of the class with a list of words that seemed to grow more challenging with each round. As the spelling bee began, I was relieved to see my friends doing well, and one by one, we made it through the initial rounds. Our playful jokes and laughter from earlier in the week had now transformed into focused determination. We encouraged each other with nods and smiles, hoping to make it to the next round together. Round after round, the tension in the classroom grew. Words like "occasionally," "consequence," and "necessity" were thrown at us, and we spelled them with varying
McNelis 21 degrees of confidence. I could see the nerves in my friends' faces and feel them in my own shaky hands. But we held on, helping each other out when someone was unsure, and pushing each other to stay strong. Finally, after an intense hour of spelling, it was down to just three of us. Me, my best friend Simon, and a girl named Anica. Anica was known as the smartest girl in our grade. She was quiet, studious, and had an air of confidence that seemed undefeatable. Simon was given the word Equivocate. He gave me a look of “I have no idea.” At this point, I knew I was going to be in the final. As he spelled the word wrong he hung his head in despair and made his way to his desk. He gave me a quick glance, his eyes twinkled with hope for me and although I knew he was upset, I knew he was happy for me and how far I had come. As we entered the final round of the home room spelling bee, the words became even more challenging. I approached the microphone for my turn, and Mrs. Ferrel looked at me with a serious expression. "Your word is acquaintance,'" she said. I hesitated for a moment but then spelled it confidently, "A-C-Q-U-A-I-N-T-A-N-C-E." I felt a rush of relief as Mrs. Ferrel nodded in approval. It was Anica's turn next, and she approached the microphone with a calm demeanor. "Your word is rescind,'' Mrs. Ferrel announced. Anica paused for a moment, then began to spell, "R-E-S-C-E-N-D." There was a collective gasp from the classroom. As all heads turned to Ms Ferrel, noticed the shaking head she was giving. Anica, the smartest girl in our grade, had made a mistake. I couldn't believe my luck. If I spelled the next word correctly, I would win the home room spelling bee. The word was "surprised," and I knew it well. "S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E-D," I confidently spelled, and the room exploded into cheers. I had won our home room competition, and my friends cheered for me with enthusiasm. The next step was to represent our home room in the school wide spelling bee. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as I prepared for the next level of competition. Anica had been
McNelis 22 gracious in defeat, and we wished each other luck. It was clear that we both took the event seriously, and there was no room for bitterness or rivalry. The school wide spelling bee took place in the gymnasium, and the atmosphere was incredibly tense. Students from all the home rooms filled the bleachers, and the stage was set for a dramatic showdown. The competition was savage, with each student putting their best effort into spelling increasingly challenging words. I knew that multiple students had spent every moment up until the spelling bee practice and continuously working to triumph in the Golden Bee. Round by round, competitors were eliminated, and I found myself advancing with each step. The audience was hushed, and my parents sat in the front row, their eyes flooded with pride. I was determined to make it as far as possible, not only for myself but also for Simon and my other friends who had supported me from the beginning. The final round of the school spelling bee was an intense battle between Ms, Johnson's homeroom winner, Jess and me. Once again, the words became more difficult, and we both struggled to keep our composure intact. The pressure was incredibly visible, and it was clear that the room was witnessing an epic showdown between Jess and I. Then came the moment that would determine the winner. Jess stepped up to the microphone, and the spelling bee conductor presented her with the word "acquaintance." My heart skipped a beat. It was the same word that had been my final challenge in the home room spelling bee. Jess, who had been so confident in the past with her vocabulary and spelling skills, now hesitated. She spelled it slowly, "A-C-Q-U-A-I-N-T-E-N-C-E." The gymnasium fell into a complete silence. Jess had made the same mistake Anica had made in the home room competition. The pressure was now on me. If I could spell the next word correctly, I would be the school spelling bee champion. I stepped up to the microphone with a racing heart. The spelling bee conductor announced the word "surprised." My mind raced with the memory of the home room
McNelis 23 competition, and all of the countless hours I had spent studying. I gave a look to Simon in the class. He and I both knew this word had stumped me before. But I was confident and determined to get this win. I spelled it as confidently as I could, "S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E-D." The gymnasium erupted into applause, and I had won the school spelling bee. Throughout this spelling bee, The lessons I learned from that experience were invaluable. I had entered the spelling bee as a joke, not taking it seriously, and yet, when the opportunity arose, I had persevered and triumphed. Anica, the smartest girl in our grade, had shown grace in defeat, as well as Jess from Ms Johnson's home room. This taught me the importance of sportsmanship and respect for my competitors. I had also realized the value of hard work and preparation. Taking the time to study and practice had made all the difference. I had initially laughed and joked with my friends, but we had come together and supported each other when it mattered most. The power of teamwork and encouragement was undeniable. This is something that I will never forget. Winning the spelling bee was a moment of triumph, but it was also a moment of humility. I had been so close to losing, and I knew that luck had played a part in my victory. It was a reminder that success often holds on to the tiniest threads of cloth, and that we should never underestimate the power of determination and perseverance. As I stood on the stage with the spelling bee trophy in my hands, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey I had been on, perseverance, hours of studying, friendships I made, and kept, and eventually the trophy I had won. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter and jokes to intense competition and nail biting moments. The spelling bee had taught me about the value of taking time to do things, as well as the value of hard work and sometimes a little luck. But overall the biggest thing that the spelling bee taught me was school actually teaches you useful
McNelis 24 things, and although sometimes it may seem dumb, or useless, its main job is to prepare us for the real world.
A Bee For The Ages: Revisions The annual 5th grade spelling bee was always the talk of the school. It was a day when students could showcase their vocabulary and language skills, and for me, a day filled with
McNelis 25 unexpected twists and turns that would eventually lead to a lesson in perseverance, sportsmanship, and the value of taking things seriously.
It all began one bright morning in May, just as spring had come full circle . Our fifth grade teacher, Ms. Ferrel announced the upcoming spelling bee, an event that would decide who would represent our home room in the school wide competition. As a bunch of care free 10 year-olds, my friends and I initially took the idea of the spelling bee lightly. We laughed, exchanged jokes, and teased each other about who would be the first to mess up a word.
But as the days passed and the spelling bee drew closer, we all began to realize that this wasn't just any ordinary classroom contest. It was a chance to prove our spelling skills and ultimately bring pride to our parents. We started out joking and purposefully messing up practice words given to us until we got out of the practice round. But, as the spelling bee carried on, the more we thought about it, the more we decided to step up our game and give our best effort forth. We began studying word lists and practicing our spelling, transforming our easy going personality into a competitive one focusing on the serious competition. As the excitement built, we decided to make a pact to encourage and help each other to the best of our abilities. It was an unspoken agreement that we were in this together.
The day of the home room spelling bee finally arrived. The classroom was buzzing with anticipation, and I could feel my heart pounding as I took my seat, surrounded by my friends. Mrs. Ferrell, a kind but no nonsense teacher, stood at the front of the class with a list of words that seemed to grow more challenging with each round. As the spelling bee began, I was relieved to see my friends doing well, and one by one, we made it through the initial rounds. Our playful jokes and laughter from earlier in the week had now transformed into focused
McNelis 26 determination. We encouraged each other with nods and smiles, hoping to make it to the next round together.
Round after round, the tension in the classroom grew. Words like "occasionally," "consequence," and "necessity" were thrown at us, and we spelled them with varying degrees of confidence. I could see the nerves in my friends' faces and feel them in my own shaky hands. But we held on, helping each other out when someone was unsure, and pushing each other to stay strong.
Finally, after an intense hour of spelling, it was down to just three of us. Me, my best friend Simon, and a girl named Anica. Anica was known as the smartest girl in our grade. She was quiet, studious, and had an air of confidence that seemed undefeatable. Simon was given the word Equivocate. He gave me a look of “I have no idea.” At this point, I knew I was going to be in the final. As he spelled the word wrong he hung his head in despair and made his way to his desk. He gave me a quick glance, his eyes twinkled with hope for me and although I knew he was upset, I knew he was happy for me and how far I had come. As we entered the final round of the home room spelling bee, the words became even more challenging.
I approached the microphone for my turn, and Mrs. Ferrel looked at me with a serious expression. "Your word is acquaintance,'" she said. I hesitated for a moment but then spelled it confidently, "A-C-Q-U-A-I-N-T-A-N-C-E." I felt a rush of relief as Mrs. Ferrel nodded in approval. It was Anica's turn next, and she approached the microphone with a calm demeanor. "Your word is rescind,'' Mrs. Ferrel announced. Anica paused for a moment, then began to spell, "R-E-S-C-E-N-D." There was a collective gasp from the classroom. As all heads turned to Ms Ferrel, noticed the shaking head she was giving. Anica, the smartest girl in our grade, had made
McNelis 27 a mistake. I couldn't believe my luck. If I spelled the next word correctly, I would win the home room spelling bee. The word was "surprised," and I knew it well. "S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E-D," I confidently spelled, and the room exploded into cheers. I had won our home room competition, and my friends cheered for me with enthusiasm.
The next step was to represent our home room in the school wide spelling bee. I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as I prepared for the next level of competition. Anica had been gracious in defeat, and we wished each other luck. It was clear that we both took the event seriously, and there was no room for bitterness or rivalry. The school wide spelling bee took place in the gymnasium, and the atmosphere was incredibly tense. Students from all the home rooms filled the bleachers, and the stage was set for a dramatic showdown. The competition was savage, with each student putting their best effort into spelling increasingly challenging words. I knew that multiple students had spent every moment up until the spelling bee practice and continuously working to triumph in the Golden Bee.
Round by round, competitors were eliminated, and I found myself advancing with each step. The audience was hushed, and my parents sat in the front row, their eyes flooded with pride. I was determined to make it as far as possible, not only for myself but also for Simon and my other friends who had supported me from the beginning.
The final round of the school spelling bee was an intense battle between Ms, Johnson's homeroom winner, Jess and me. Once again, the words became more difficult, and we both struggled to keep our composure intact. The pressure was incredibly visible, and it was clear that the room was witnessing an epic showdown between Jess and I. Then came the moment that would determine the winner. Jess stepped up to the microphone, and the spelling bee conductor presented her with the word "acquaintance." My heart skipped a beat. It was the
McNelis 28 same word that had been my final challenge in the home room spelling bee. Jess, who had been so confident in the past with her vocabulary and spelling skills, now hesitated. She spelled it slowly, "A-C-Q-U-A-I-N-T-E-N-C-E." The gymnasium fell into a complete silence. Jess had made the same mistake Anica had made in the home room competition.
The pressure was now on me. If I could spell the next word correctly, I would be the school spelling bee champion. I stepped up to the microphone with a racing heart. The spelling bee conductor announced the word "surprised." My mind raced with the memory of the home room competition, and all of the countless hours I had spent studying. I gave a look to Simon in the class. He and I both knew this word had stumped me before. But I was confident and determined to get this win. I spelled it as confidently as I could, "S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E-D." The gymnasium erupted into applause, and I had won the school spelling bee.
Throughout this spelling bee, The lessons I learned from that experience were invaluable. I had entered the spelling bee as a joke, not taking it seriously, and yet, when the opportunity arose, I had persevered and triumphed. Anica, the smartest girl in our grade, had shown grace in defeat, as well as Jess from Ms Johnson's home room. This taught me the importance of sportsmanship and respect for my competitors. I had also realized the value of hard work and preparation. Taking the time to study and practice had made all the difference. I had initially laughed and joked with my friends, but we had come together and supported each other when it mattered most. The power of teamwork and encouragement was undeniable. This is something that I will never forget.
Winning the spelling bee was a moment of triumph, but it was also a moment of humility. I had been so close to losing, and I knew that luck had played a part in my victory. It was a
McNelis 29 reminder that success often holds on to the tiniest threads of cloth, and that we should never underestimate the power of determination and perseverance. As I stood on the stage with the spelling bee trophy in my hands, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey I had been on, perseverance, hours of studying, friendships I made, and kept, and eventually the trophy I had won. It had been a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter and jokes to intense competition and nail biting moments. The spelling bee had taught me about the value of taking time to do things, as well as the value of hard work and sometimes a little luck. But overall the biggest thing that the spelling bee taught me was school actually teaches you useful things, and although sometimes it may seem dumb, or useless, its main job is to prepare us for the real world.
A Friend Caring Heart so kind and true,
McNelis 30 A friend to lean on when skies are blue. Moments of joy is your company, Every day is brighter that's the key Moments of joy in your company, Radiating warmth, your smiles a sunbeam On this journey of life, you're a cherished dream Never ending support, like a steady stream
A Friend: Revisions Poem #1: A Friend Caring heart so kind and true, A friend to lean on when skies are blue, Moments of joy in your company, Every day is brighter that's the key Radiating warmth, your smiles a sunbeam On this journey of life, you're a cherished dream Never ending support, like a steady stream
Fall weather Falling leaves of gold, Whisper stories of the past, Autumn's tapestry.
McNelis 31 Crimson, amber, brown, A mosaic on the ground, Nature's artwork blooms. Rustling in the breeze, Their dance is a symphony, In the fading light. A fleeting moment, Before winter's icy breath, Blankets them in white
Fall Weather: Revisions Falling leaves of gold, Whisper stories that have been told,, Autumn's tapestry. Crimson, amber, brown,A mosaic on the ground, Nature's artwork blooms. Rustling in the breeze, Their dance is a symphony,In the fading light. A fleeting moment, Before winter's icy breath, Blankets them in white. The Worlds Game In a world of green and endless dreams,
McNelis 32 Upon the field, where hope and passion gleams, We gather beneath the sun's inviting grace, To chase a ball, in this enchanted space.
The Worlds Game: Revisions In a world of green, and endless dreams Upon the field, where hope and passion gleams, We gather beneath the suns inviting grace, To chase a ball, in this enchanted space,
Self Reflection: Looking back on my journey throughout this creative writing class it has been a transformative journey, throughout this class I havent just found my self expression through writing, but I have also found things such as, genre exploration, and an evolving understanding
McNelis 33 of the difficulty of storytelling. As I celebrate the end of the year mark of this life changing experience, I find myself reflecting on the evolution of my writing, the surprises encountered within various genres, and the aspirationsI had for writing stories that have changed my outlook on writing for the future.
This creative writing class opened doors to a wide variety of genres, each with its own set of conventions, challenges, and surprises. One of the most relevant aspects was the realization I had that my writing could extend beyond the boundaries of a single genre. From the creation of landscapes and all sorts of characters from fantasy, to the raw emotions and imagery of realistic fiction, I discovered a new found appreciation for the plethora of substance that each genre offered.
Surprisingly, when diving into genres I initially deemed unfamiliar or challenging proved to be the most rewarding. Poetry, with its compled emphasis on imagery, demanded a refine expression of emotions and ideas. The use of imagery and desciprive words in poetry taught me the power of simplicity and imagery, a skill that I now put into all of my works of writing.
In exploring science fiction, I was fascinated by the limitless possibilities of storytelling. The genre encouraged me to stretch the boundaries of my imagination, urging me to ponder the societal implications of technological advancements and alternative realities. This newly found appreciation for science fiction has influenced my writing by adding an element of unpredictability and exploration of futuristic and modern themes. Over the course of the semester, my writing style has undergone a new form as well, shaped by the guidance of this creative writing class. Through extensive reading, constructive feedback, and dedicated practice, I have channeled my ability to craft captivating narratives, paying careful attention to voice, tone, and pacing.
McNelis 34
One significant revelation has been the importance of authenticity in storytelling. By embracing my unique voice and experiences, I discovered that my writing gained depth and resonance. The class facilitated an environment where individual perspectives were celebrated, fostering a sense of authenticity that elevated the emotional impact of my work.
The creative writing process is a delicate correlation between creation and revision, a rhythm I have learned to appreciate and refine. At the outset, the creation of a piece often involved a spontaneous outpouring of ideas, unburdened by the constraints of perfection. This initial burst of creativity allowed me to capture the essence of my thoughts without the idea of self doubt.
Upon completing a draft, the revision process became a finite examination of every word, sentence, and paragraph. Feedback from peers and the instructor played a very large role in identifying areas for improvement and refining the narrative structure. The specific nature of revision has instilled in me a sense of resilience, teaching me to view constructive criticism as a pathway to growth rather than a critique of my abilities.
The arrangement of my writing was a deliberate choice, influenced by the narrative structure and the desired emotional impact. In shorter pieces, I experimented with storytelling to create a sense of intrigue, while longer narratives were used to storyteller per say, to a more traditional arc to ensure a satisfying resolution. The class provided valuable insights into the art of pacing and structure, enabling me to construct the flow of my stories with greater precision.
As I look towards the future, the creative writing class has inspired a plethora of aspirations. The exposure to diverse genres has instilled a curiosity to explore hybrid forms of
McNelis 35 storytelling, combining elements of fantasy with the raw authenticity of realistic fiction. I aspire to create narratives that challenge conventional boundaries, pushing the limits of creativity while maintaining a profound connection to the human experience.
Additionally, I am eager to look deeper into collaborative writing projects, drawing inspiration from the collective creativity of a community. The collaborative nature of the class, where ideas were shared and stories unfolded in unexpected ways, has fueled a desire to engage in joint ventures that amplify the richness of storytelling through diverse and new perspectives.
Overall, the semester long journey through the creative writing class has been a beautiful image of exploration, growth, and self discovery. I found writing as a way to express myself instead of it being a burden. From the initial uncertainties of genre exploration to the refined artistry of narrative construction, each phase has contributed to the development of my writing identity. As I celebrate this very fun and exhilarating class ending, I am filled with gratitude for the insights gained and excited for the unwritten chapters that await in my ongoing creative writing crusade. The class has not only equipped me with the tools to navigate the intricate landscape of storytelling but has also ignited a passion that will continue to guide my pen in the years to come.