Beyond the Horizon: Volume 2 | 2024

Volume 2 2024

Clear your mind, and calm your soul.

As the winds whisper their mystic tales, listen deeply to the stories from nearby shores.

You have everything you need to venture forward and brave the unknown seas beyond the horizon.

Table of Contents: Writing

Table of Contents: Art

Lucy Panfiglio-Kekuewa | 6th Grade “writing.”

“Would you like to present your writing?” My teacher said out of the blue. I looked up at her and gave a very positive, “No thanks.”

“Okay then, anyone else?”

I slouched back down onto my plastic chair. The words I thought of surrounded me like a cold wind, and it sent shivers down my spine. Disgust, excuse, respond, large… It felt like it turned into a tornado that swirled around in my brain.

It was a simple everyday problem in my school for a 1st grader–writing. It just felt obscure and frustrating–the amount of effort I put into it just to see it all fly away in my report card. The blank paper seemed similar to the brussel sprouts my mom put on my plate at dinner–as if it were taunting me.

My pencil looked as if it was slowly dying because of the sharpening and re-sharpening and the fact that it had lost its eraser long ago. I wish I was more poetic and motivated, then I could be just like Roald Dahl, one of my favorite writers back then. Still, I scrunched up my face and looked at the paper in disgust. I decided that to skip this period, I would zone out, which wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Great, now I’m stuck for about the 100th time this year… I thought whilst the feeling of stupidity arose in my stomach.

When I looked up, I saw that five students had already finished. I got angry and began to stab holes at the top of my paper and drag my pencil across. The noise was a disruption to the eerie silence that filled my class. Some turned my way and scoffed at me.

Luckily, my teacher was right beside me, and she gave me small, but helpful writing tips: “Make it more descriptive. How about some more emotion…? Try experimenting.” This is what she said before she walked off to answer another student’s question.

I saw a shimmer of light that created an idea for me, so I started to scratch off the remaining words on my paper with my depressing eraser and began to scribble whatever came to my mind. This is gonna be so easy, I thought to myself as my paper began to be filled to the brim with words.

Kainoa Alcain

Tannara Brooks | 6th Grade

“The Paper Plane”

Light, gleeful feet covered in red rubber boots skipped through the Oakandale forest in east Montana. A child’s loud and joyous laugh rang out, twisting throughout the trees. The child sat down on an old log and admired the mushrooms which grew with a great bounty of delightful colors. She wore a large hat on her head that looked like a bear’s head, but it had flowers, frills, and pom poms sewn on. It was too big for her and it sagged down over her eyes, requiring her to tilt it back quite far over her head. She had long blond hair that was held up in a firm ponytail. But the most curious thing about her was her eyes; a deep rich blue with mysterious sparks of creamy white. These eyes were filled with soul; they seemed so hopeful and brimming with joy.

But there was a tang of sadness and grief left in her eyes like the bitter aftertaste of a sour pineapple. The girl sat on the log for a long time kicking up storms of green spring leaves with her little red boots.

Then upon a gust of crisp air flew a paper plane that glistened in the sunlight. Glowing a mysterious and enchanting silver. The young girl jumped off the log and chased the plane through the forest. A smile as wide as a banana spread across her face as she raced through the forest. After a few minutes of chasing, the glistening plane flew high into the air many feet above her head.

She began to leap, reaching as high as she could. Then, leaping her highest, the paper plane swooped below and caught her. It had expanded and continued to grow as it glided with great ease through the moist spring air. The child was overwhelmed with joy and excitement as it flew higher and higher. Soon the young child was looking over her town and she waved and squealed with glee as they passed her orphanage.

The winds had become harsher as they flew and the young girl gripped her soft wool hat tightly. Then slowly but surely she began to slip, she slipped right down to the crisp edges of the plane. And with one sure gust of wind, she fell, straight off

the paper. She shrieked and laughed as she tumbled and spiraled, but with one sharp turn, the plane came right back and caught her. The young girl was so thrilled at the feeling of flight that she fell right off the plane again! On purpose this time. After a couple more rounds of this short-term skydiving, the paper plane opened the center slightly and secured her position.

As the evening arrived they were above the creamy pink clouds of the sunset and heading towards the stars. The young girl had grown cold and tightened her brown scarf around her neck. The plane had left the earth’s atmosphere and now the majestic glory of outer space was revealed. The girl lay on the plane’s smooth, silvery surface and watched the billions of stars and planets go by. The brilliant colors of purple, green, blue, and black astounded the little one. And despite the driving urge to sleep, she danced on the little plane alone in the vast sea of stars.

The plane’s silvery coating slipped off and wrapped itself around the now silent sleeping child. The plane dipped and twirled for mere pleasure through the fast galaxy as she slept. Finally, after hours of soaring, the plane was preparing to arrive at its destination.

They had arrived at a cluster of planets each more colorful than the one before. Some had eight rings around them, others had swirls of white, and red dots covered some planets like sprinkles on a cheap doughnut. Each one had a shining white bridge connecting to the other.

The paper plane came to an abrupt halt in midair and then dived down towards the planets like a dolphin. The child woke up as the plane descended; she clutched her hat tightly and prepared herself for the unexpected. She envisioned a surprise circus trick like a loopty loop or barrel roll. But all that happened was a soft silent thud onto a soft landing pad. The plane glided down the landing and finally came to a gentle stop at the end. A dark forest, stark against the light of the stars lay right in front of her.

I had so much fun on that plane, but I am excited and ready to continue forward. The best is yet to come, thought the young girl, smiling to herself. With that circling through her head, the little girl smiled brightly and stood up tall. With the abilities of care, kindness, and joy, she was ready to face whatever came her way.

Chris Resurrection, Tomoe Shimazu | 6th Grade

“The Tale of Elise”

It’s a foggy Christmas Eve, so hazy that only the nighttime glow of street lamps can pierce through the dense fog. Flick! Flick! As the families of the New York outskirts start turning their living room lights off, somebody remains: the elusive, sly tabby cat, Elise.

Unlike most cats, tonight is Elise's least favorite day of the year, Christmas Eve. Like other cats, however, she sneaks outside the house and today is no exception. But those bright Christmas lights, oh my! Elise hates Christmas lights! Too much color, too much light! But Elise still sneaks out slowly, although the lights hinder her vision.

Elise passes by a house with five people singing songs in front of a medium-tall, pointed tree. “Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock! Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring,” sings the family. Elise runs away from the family, she just can’t bear the irritating sound of their loud voices. Not to mention, the voices are so out of pitch!

Elise passes by the local church. Inside, there’s a crowd of people packing gift boxes with lots of goodies inside. Not only is the sound of wrapping paper unpleasant to her ears, but why are they throwing their toys in the boxes? Even further confusion hits her face as she sees those same flat boxes being packed away in trucks and then those same trucks driving away to the post office! For her, it makes much more sense to share for a little while rather than giving it away to the post office forever.

Elise has now reached the end of Thymes Street. This is normally where she’d turn around and head back home, but no. There’s a star, a star that’s not supposed to be there in the night sky. Whoosh! A gust of wind hits Elise and now the star has moved eastward. A sense inside her body seems to activate, and she finds herself moving with the star. It goes eastward, then southward, and then finally eastward again.

She’s now at Gongitt Avenue, where all the stores are. She suddenly spots a man with a bushy, white beard and a huge, red sleigh with reindeer attached to it next to The Home Depot. The man’s sleigh is decorated with rainbow Christmas lights with oodles of Christmas presents. Elise finds herself gravitating towards the man and his sleigh. Although she hates those lights, he seems

so interesting.

“Ho ho ho,” says the man in a deep, but jolly tone. Elise comes up closer, still ignoring the bright lights. She knows that the man could be dangerous, but she still walks slowly. When she’s about six inches away, the man picks her up off the ground.

Elise squirms in his arms ready to attack, but… no, she doesn’t. It’s almost like there is an invisible force that is preventing her from doing effective scratches. After he climbs into the sleigh, the mysterious man plops Elise on his lap. Pretty soon, the sleigh takes off from the ground, leaving a trail of golden dust behind them.

As the sleigh gains more altitude, Elise can begin to see the entire neighborhood below her. It looks dazzling. She can see the bright lights, warm hues from the fireplaces, and beautiful snow-capped chimneys. Elise finally realizes why they hang lights and sing songs. She realizes that they do it to get together and celebrate the tough year they’ve gone through. To be a community or family together. To love and appreciate each other.

The sleigh descends from the sky, back to the house she started her journey from. The man lets Elise off his lap and says, “Go, and enjoy your holiday! Ho, ho, ho!” The man and his sleigh fly away across the neighborhood, and Elise enters her house through the slightly opened door. She decides that she’ll enjoy her Christmas this year.

Madison Villanueva

7th Grade

オンライン授業から３年、やっと日本語学校の対面授業が 受けられる私。

新しい先生や、友達、そして今日から借りる新しい校舎。私 は学校が始まるのが待ちきれませんでした。ですが、思っていた のと違うことが起こりました。

校舎の中に入ると、魚のように瞬きをしない目がたくさん私 を見ているような気がして、怖くなりました。

私は先生にホームルームの場所を聞こうとしましたが、恥 ずかしさで立ち止まってしまいました。自分のホームルームにい る子がたまたまいて、その子について行くと無事にホームルー ムに着くことが出来ました。

名簿順に席が決められていたので、私は後ろの自分の席に 座ることができました。

「もしも私が誰にも話しかけなかったらおかしいと思われ るかな。」と私は席に着いてから考えていました。

正直なところ、私は友達を作るのは得意ではないので、どう したらいいか分かりませんでした。

新しく出会う人に話しかける時はいつも無視をされるので はないのかと思って気まずくなってしまいます。話しかけるだけ ではなく、手も振ったりしました。ですが、やっぱり無視されるだ けでした。

私はいったん、そのことを考えるのをやめて授業に集中しま した。

ある日、母と友達の件について話してみました。母は自分か ら友達を作った方が良いと私に言いました。ですが新しい子に 話そうとすると、私は緊張しすぎてお腹の中がまるで洗濯機の 様にグルグル回っている様な感覚におそわれます。「なぜ人との 関係を築くのはこんなに大変なんだろう。。。」

次の土曜日、私にとって、友達に話しかける三回目のチャン スがやって来ました。今度こそ話そうと思いながらやっぱりやめ ようとする考えが出てきました。それでも私は一人の女の子に 話しかけることにしました。そして私が聞いた質問は、 「どういう俳句を書くの？」

でした。私はその子に変だと思われたかな？と思いました。

It has been a whole three years learning Japanese online. I was eight years old when I started learning Japanese on Google Meet. But now, it was time for me to meet new teachers, students, and go to a new school that our principal asks permission to borrow every Saturday. I was really excited to go and learn, but it didn’t really turn out the way I thought it would.

When I got into the campus, I was really scared. What I saw was two eyeballs staring at me without blinking…like a fish.

“Oh no,” I tried to look away and avoid them by looking at the ground, but I felt like they were still staring at me.

I had no idea where to go or even where my classroom was!

“Excuse me…” I tried to ask some people for help but my feet stopped and held me away from people. But there was one solution. My idea was to follow a student that was in my class last year and in the same class as me this year again. Thankfully, my idea worked out and I got to my classroom successfully. I went to my seat and luckily, I got to sit in the back. I sat there, took out my supplies, and thought for a moment. If I never talk to anyone or make any friends in this class for the whole year, people might think I’m kind of…odd.

But honestly, I really don’t like making new friends. I’ve always had a hard time talking to new people. Whenever I say hi to new people, they seem to ignore me, and it feels awkward.

I even tried to wave my hands at them and try to talk to them. Nope, that is too complicated for me. Why do I have to make new friends, anyway? I stopped thinking and instead, I kept on doing my work.

I talked to my mom about making friends after school. My mom told me, “You should at least talk to someone. If you don’t, everyone is going to think that you're a lonely person or… what should I say?”

But, why? It’s so hard, and when I try, my stomach turns so fast like a laundry machine about to break. I sighed. Why do relationships have to be so hard?

It was the third week of school (which, for us, was the third time going to school since we only have class on Saturdays), and I decided to talk to classmates and try to be friends with them.

Half of me thought, No! It’s better being by yourself! While the other half of me suggested: Try to talk to them! Don’t give up, they might become a really good friend!

そして、その子はこう言いました。 「まだ分からないな。」

と、とても優しい返事をしてくれました。そして私はその子と少 し話しをしてみました。

その後、私達はどんどん仲良くなり、宿題をやったり、遊んだり しました。

数日してから、同じ中学校に行っている二人のお友達もこの 日本語学校に通っていることが分かり、一緒に宿題の話や、テス トの話をするようになりました。

その後、帰宅してから「友達をたくさん作ったよ。友達を作る ことはとっても楽しいことだね。」と母に伝えた私。

この様に次々と友達を作ることが出来たのでほっとしました。 友達がそばにいてくれるだけで、自分がとても幸せな気分になれ ます。たまに喧嘩もしたり、意見が違うところもありますが、それが 友達との関係を上手く築いていくということが分かりました。

It was such a difficult decision to make.

When I got up from my seat at the beginning of recess, my legs kept on walking and I found myself moving toward another girl in my class. I felt like I was getting controlled. My stomach spun, and my heart raced. I approached the girl and asked her, “What kind of haiku are you going to make?” Instead of saying hi directly, I asked her about the assignment that our teacher assigned which was about making haiku. Was that a good start to a conversation with someone new? I thought. Is she going to think I’m weird and never talk to me again? But… she didn’t ignore me, and she responded in a very friendly way.

“I still don’t know yet… how about you?” said the girl. I was happy that she replied to me but then I panicked again. I couldn’t just stand there, and I had to at least say something so I told her, “I…I still di..dn’t think… about it too…” Was that even a good reply? As time passed, we started to get closer, and our relationship got stronger over time. We talked, did our homework together, played together at recess, and more! Not just with her, I also talked to other classmates and got to be friends with them! It really was getting fun, and I was always excited to talk to my friends.

I also got to be friends with girls who go to Kaimuki Middle School and are in the same class in Japanese school, too! My friend and I talk a lot about Japanese school and about Kaimuki Middle School because we have these things in common and we see each other mostly everyday. We even continue our Japanese school conversations during the week at Kaimuki Middle.

Our conversations were about tests and homework, but we also talked about how school was going and about their teachers.

When I got home, I told my mom I made new friends in my class and other classes, too. I told her how enjoyable it was making new friends. Maybe now I understand why I was getting told to make new friends. I don’t feel alone and left out anymore! I also feel more comfortable being in the classroom and learning, now that I have friends by my side.

So I always need to try to have a little conversation because I never know where meaningful friendships can start. It’s actually interesting to make new friends or talk to new people that I’ve never talked to before. Making new friends is actually not that bad after all!

Sophia Damitio | 7th Grade

Kacie Kodani | 7th Grade

Elise Kim | 6th Grade

Kamalei Jacobsen | 7th Grade

Kadyn Reyes | 6th Grade

Layna Tanizaki | 6th Grade

Healy Visser | 6th Grade

Therisa Tuvera | 7th Grade

“Violin

Ian Taira | 7th Grade

Full score and MIDI realization:

Renee Lee | 7th Grade

The hours ticked by.

Every second, there was an improvement. Every minute, countless scientists performed essential tasks for the experiment to carry on. The plain white lab coats were a canvas for the blue, purple, and orange chemical stains. However, many of the paint-like splatters were a shade that resembled blood.

The laboratory was hushed. A single pin could drop and be the only sound echoing through the room, bouncing off the walls. Throughout the day, onlookers mistook the laboratory for a candy factory. It reeked of rubbing alcohol, chocolate, and caramel.

There was more to these candies than what meets the eye. They could preserve all the unanswered questions and precious memories for the near future.

At one station in particular, stood a woman with a burning passion, as bright as fire. A pair of tweezers lay in her hand as she peered through the narrow, glass lens of the microscope. A notebook and three small beakers were strategically placed around the sanitized, marble counter. On the stage of the microscope, a small ruby-like gem idled, severed glassy pieces of it were dispersed around the platform. Every single movement the woman made, every minuscule detail must be precise. It must be perfect. Failures were unacceptable.

The seconds ticked by again, over and over. Those seconds turned into hours, then months. The woman held the gem to the bright, white light, and it glimmered like a star in the night sky. Every detail was evident, but the woman still wasn’t satisfied. She carefully placed the gem on the counter, sighing in defeat. The special click she was trying to find seemed so impossible. She decided to drop it, moving on to the next phase.

Over the course of a few years, three different subjects were brought in. Subject One was odd. It started off feisty, but as time went on, it started to mellow down. Instead of obtaining the power that it was intended to receive, it started to act much more loyal to its caretaker.

Subject Two was brought in specifically by the woman. A young girl who acted prim and proper, as if she were a princess, was disliked by the woman. She was too annoying. Subject Two needed structure in her life. The woman tried to build it but failed. However, this young girl being Subject Two could be the key to the woman’s

success. It was their blood connection that pushed the woman further into believing that she needed this girl to be Subject Two.

Subject Three was powerful. The woman could see it. She knew, as soon as the subject touched the gem, that she was doing something right. The experiments turned Subject Three into a hybrid-like creature. It was well-behaved but dangerous; however, nobody was able to figure that out until it was too late.

The three subjects shared something in common - bright white hair. Each had a different amount of bleached color, some more evident than others. It seemed to be one of the side effects of the experiments. In the end, after months of experimenting, everything started to collapse. Subject Two fell into a deep coma-like state, and Subject Three stopped the woman in her tracks. It set the woman’s plans, hopes, and dreams ablaze…. Literally.

The laboratory, a place the woman called home, was launched into flames. The light gray, ashy smoke, spilled out through any open crevasses as the building slowly collapsed.

That stupid bird, the woman would say aloud after the incident.

Yet, once the storm had passed, the woman persevered. She pummeled through it and came out even more unstoppable. After the lab reconstruction finished, the woman worked for hours on end. She took no breaks and invested her all into her work. Testing, perfecting, fixing, testing, perfecting, fixing. She repeated those three steps on an endless loop for days.

In the end, her original plan of “getting the right people to save the world” turned into “protecting all she had left” even if it meant risking her life. She wanted more from Project Gem. She knew that this would never be completed by her. She knew her legacy must carry on in the future.

She was back in the lab, her body tranquil, and she approached the gem. She was ready to risk it all, even her own life if it meant she could protect the only family she had left.

Her pride and joy.

Her son.

Therisa Tuvera 7th Grade

Elise Kim | 6th Grade

Sara Yokoyama | 8th Grade

Leilani Shimamoto | 6th Grade

Michelle Kabasawa | 8th Grade

“No Escape?”

my desk suffocates under mountains of lost stuff I mindlessly throw another paper onto it the metal legs creak under the strain the heaps of stuff left to rot forever blur into a hazy fog

shredded paper that didn’t quite make it into the trash discarded tissues like a quilt over my bed eraser shavings that never were swept away

I’m numb to it all objects’ piercing stares track my every movement their silent screams beg for acknowledgement as if they are the lost souls of what once was

before I can retreat out of the door the suffocating fog of chaos shrouds every corner of my room agonizing wails of lifeless objects become too loud to bear blurred towers of misplaced objects rise faster than I can move

darkness encapsulates my vision in a moment of despair I sink into the only untouched space left: the abandoned oak tiles coated in years of dust

the fog lifts to uncover the devastated ruins ignorance can reign no more; the room has no escape

a prisoner of my own body tortured to live in the horrid reality, eternally paralyzed by the chains tying me down only a monster could make this mess

the ghostly whispers turn into a storm of mocking laughter it pours down as the room floods there seems to be no escape from these chains of anguish

Kayla Awakuni | 6th Grade

“Steamed

Broccoli, Anyone?”

The sound of running water and banging pots permeated my room as I read. When’s dinner? I can’t wait any longer, I thought. So I decided to go downstairs. My stomach growled. I imagined it saying, “What’s for dinner?” I crossed my fingers. Please be something good. Please be something good.

“What are you cooking?” I asked anxiously.

“I’m making steak, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli,” Mom replied.

Yuck! I thought to myself. Three things that I don’t like. Especially broccoli. Why couldn’t Mom have just gone to McDonald’s again? A couple minutes later I got called down to the dinner table. Just looking at the heaping scoop of ice cream shaped mashed potatoes, and the soft, soggy piece of broccoli staring back at me was enough to lose my appetite.

Mom caught a glance of my reaction to the food on my plate and said, “Stop acting and try it, Vivienne. It really isn’t as bad as you think it is.”

Totally, because vegetables taste so good, I thought, while rolling my eyes.

Flashbacks of the time I tried celery came to my mind.

“Just try it,” my Mom urged.

I made a huge mistake trusting her, tried it, and ended up vomiting all over the dinner table. Bad idea, I thought to myself, debating if I should try the broccoli. It continued to steam as I made my decision. Try it? Don’t try it? What should I do? I debated heavily. I knew that if I continued to fight her on it, nothing would happen, so I did it. I tried the disgusting-looking and smelling broccoli.

As I placed the soft broccoli in my mouth, it took every muscle in my body to not regurgitate and throw up. I took a bite, expected the worst and, wait, it was actually kind of good! Confusion took over my mind as I took another bite. How could something I thought I hated be so good? I wondered while trying to hide how shocked I was. Every bite I took surprised me even more than the first, it was delicious! As I was finishing up the broccoli, a face appeared out of the corner of my eye. It was my mom with the “I told

you so” face. Darn it! I thought. I guess I didn’t hide my reaction that well.

“See, it wasn’t that bad after all,” Mom said.

Even though she was right, I didn’t care and was already reaching for seconds.

“Not so fast,” she said while moving the plate away.

“You’re trying mashed potatoes next,” she said.

Great. Just great, I thought. Here we go again.

Ziheng Lin | 7th Grade

Alexandra Knight | 7th Grade “Ode to Ramen Packets”

I trudge into the kitchen, Kneel onto the floor, wanting to stay there forever

Leaning against the cold tile And feeling the breeze seeping out of the fridge next to me. Opening the drawers weakly And seeing you.

I can hear the bright pink, crinkly packaging calling me, The faded ink and Japanese lettering I can’t understand. The instructions on the back seem useless, so I throw it out. Yet, the inevitable happens and I forget one detail, making me dig it out.

Your big blue arrow seems like a beacon of light

Your noodles on the package seem magical because of the detail But I have no idea how to do that

So I just listen to the instructions, and eat. Nourishment is all that matters right now, after all, Not presentation.

The river of opportunities flow out of your shiny, pink packet

Dry or cooked, plain or with toppings, the list goes on. So many different toppings to go with you Meat and eggs, green onions, and beyond.

But I’m tired

And I don’t want to be so fancy

I just want nourishment. But you’re fine with that, you don’t care what happens.

Sometimes, at night when I have no other ideas

And I don’t feel like eating another box of mac and cheese, I will make you a little fancy

With green onions, freshly picked from my garden. I don’t add many toppings, but each one adds a whole new world of flavor to you.

You’re there for me, no matter what,

Fancy or simple

Cooked or not

Toppings or none

And many more things I could go on and on about.

Your smell always pulls me into the kitchen–

A very distinct, strong smell.

The seasoning seems like it’s attacking my nose, but in a good way.

The way that covers all other smells

The way that each time a bubble pops, you smell a different spice

The way that heals your illnesses and injuries

The way that makes you want to wear it as perfume

The broth surrounding the noodles floating around the pot

I watch their venture, circling and circling

Being pushed around by the cooking spoon, or even just bubbles. The brown, frothy broth’s bubbles float and disappear

Again and again, endlessly until you’re in my bowl.

Your warm broth soothing me and my rumbling stomach

Sometimes, when I can’t wait, you burn me.

But it’s all worth it.

All of your senses,

All of your warmth

And all of your nourishment

Puts the pieces of my puzzle back together And gives me comfort.

To me,

You represent growth. Your growth, my growth

The world’s growth.

Your steps taken in time, the steps it takes to make you

My steps, using you as a rail to take them

New discoveries, new inventions, new emotions, new feelings

All discovered through you.

Olivia Chung | 7th Grade

“From the Perspective of a Rock”

I’ve been on Earth for millions, maybe even billions of years

I’ve watched how the world transformed into something bigger I’ve seen mountains grow and mountains shrink I haven’t missed anything, I think

I could’ve been anything I could’ve been part of a fossil from long ago creatures I could’ve been from a weapon of a great being Maybe even be a piece of history

Anyways, I do have quite a lot of hobbies

Like hiking except- backwards I went scuba diving before Unwillingly, I’m a geologist

I’ve fought through the harshest hurricanes, the worst storms, and the hottest summers Through oceans and lands Through fights until end Yet, I still stand untouched for the rest

I’ve seen the greatest of empires built Yet, they have decayed over the decades

I’ve seen the leaders of these great empires fight and die Sometimes maybe even bleed out and cry

I’ve witnessed brutal wars, one kind against another fighting for their lives, and the country they represent

The days I’ve lived have gone fairly quick, but the trauma remained It feels like there’s nothing to look forward to Nothing to believe in anymore

Although, from time to time, I feel a sense of hope

Maybe a new perspective of life

Because although I’ve seen the worst, I’ve also witnessed the best

I watched the sun rise and set, the moon shine gracefully above, the comets ripping the sky, and the stars rain its glistening tears

One day you’ll find me, sitting by the shore's dock, looking into the horizon

Sit by me and we’ll enjoy it together You may not notice me, but I’ll notice you

I represent love

But never for myself

Alexandra Knight | 7th Grade “A Flower’s Journey”

Always and forever for others.

I have many uses:

Lei

Bracelets

Bouquets

Wreaths

I start on the farm, a big, open field

Soft blankets of wind blow delicately against my stem

The blazing sun beats down upon me no clouds or other plants to use for shade

I can see every inch of the beautiful, bright blue sky And I’m surrounded by friends.

Then come the people, The shovels, The lawnmowers.

But me, I’m picked carefully, by hand.

The disease didn’t get to me.

Placed into a burlap sack with other flowers, neatly stacked Surrounding the lawnmower are the limp corpses of infected flowers.

Driving across the big field, through the piles of deceased flowers

We leave trails of lumps of green and brown

The farmer mutters to himself angrily

About his loss,

About the loss of his money and hard work, About the loss of the flowers, the products he could’ve sold

But has he thought about our loss?

Life, gone.

My friends, my family… gone.

It’s nature’s cycle

But not if humans took a part in it.

The big trailer comes to a halt.

A large hand snatches the burlap sack

Rustling and crinkling

Peeking through the holes, we move

Everything is just flashing lights,

Swinging back and forth

Flung from one side of the bag to the other.

With a thump,

We’re on a flat space.

The wind blows the bag open

Light shines in

I see a sink.

A huge, industrial sink.

Water begins to flow

It’s a giant waterfall

A deadly one.

A grubby hand reaches in,

Fumbling against our stems,

He grabs us

I’m lifted, up

Up Up.

I see light for a second

Then darkness, confusion

I’m rushed with water

Dirt is sent flying with the water into the swirling drain

My small roots straining against the water pressure

I can feel the the farmer’s hand grab my roots

And rip.

the roaring of the water sound fades

And yet again I am shoved into a rustling bag

A long, long journey.

Revving vans and cars

So much is happening, I can barely hear my own thoughts

Sometimes sunlight pierces through the rips and tears, But not often

Seconds Minutes

Days Weeks

Passing by

As we sit and wait

Light blinds me as I’m dragged out of the sack

Through halls And set down on an industrial metal table

I’m shoved together with some other flowers

Into a topless, crinkled bag I can see everything this time

I’m displayed on a stand with the others

Soaking our stems in a little water bucket beneath And we sit

Waiting again…

Later in the day, A man comes through the glass door

After a quick inspection, we travel through the checkout Through the outside world

And into his car

Propped up in the passenger seat, Hopefully a ride unlike the other. A short ride.

We wait for a bit, Then stop. He gets out, Opens our door And grabs us

We enter an unfamiliar space A home. A home for us. For me.

We turn a corner And a woman With a sweet smile appears Her face lights up even more

We’re handed off to her Her hands warm

We’re put to the side of them As they hug And kiss And thank each other

I worry,

An unfamiliar place

Being left aside Being forgotten,

I made her happy We made her happy I did my job.

Later, We’re picked up put into a charming vase And nurtured with water

As days pass by Friends wilt… I wilt.

They no longer have the same look on their faces when they look at us

One day, We’re lifted.

I have hope, because of her warm smile That I knew was once there But it’s faded Because I’m no longer perfect.

And into the trash can we fall falling down into the deep pit We hit the bottom.

Plastic bottles and bags surround us And we fade Fade from their memory

Michelle Kabasawa | 8th Grade

Katelyn Lee | 8th Grade

Zora Maurer | 6th Grade

“Wasting Time”

That can Of baked potatoes, Disposed of Oh, so poorly, Now floats among The ocean waves, While dolphins Reach for the dirty surface.

The fish, they swim Through barren reefs, And don’t forget: Humans, too, Wade among the Plastic filled, Polluted waves Of murky blue.

The skies used to Be cyan, Now, every single day–I’m a little afraid to say–They fade to More of a grey.

The buildings And the factories Release the Greenhouse gases. They make more heat Get trapped around us–

Can’t you feel The need for glasses?

Cars used to Be pulled By horses, Now–I’m shy to say–I find they’re Hurting the universe, Every single day.

The horses Were so peaceful–They never Caused any harm. But now, These motorized engines Also make the Earth feel warm.

We waste Our time On unicorns, While ponies live in barns. We waste Too much time Making promises. Now, we need to take the bull by the horns.

See, the humans say They’ll try to get better, They promise to Fix the problems, But we have already Created a hole of lying. Now, can we stop digging? I don’t want to reach the bottom.

Alex Blake | 8th Grade

Alexander Velacion | 7th Grade

“A Raindrop’s Perspective”

I don’t know what I am. I am significant, yet so insignificant So big, yet so small I can’t even decide my shape.

I come from a place most people know about, yet don’t know where I am from, Where others are copies of me, Or I am a copy of them.

So big and vast, the ocean is, Yet so tight and hot as well. It might seem fun, getting to see the people come and go, But really, most of us are stranded in the ocean, never able to see this “land”

Most people don’t know this, but I am not from Earth. I remember being in space, wondering when we would see something again Everyone thought we were staying in space, but I had kept my hopes up, Until we finally found a welcoming home.

The Earth has changed as if it is a person, Changing looks every day. I see planets get rings as shiny as diamonds, Or get a new friend. But Earth has changed so much since we came! Getting reshaped and remade into a new planet.

It was hot at first, so we could fly wherever we wanted. But now, the Earth is cool, and we can’t fly anymore.

We can only go where the wind takes us And if we get lucky, the sun might choose us to see others.

Even though we are important, I am not important. Even though we are big, I am small.

Even though we destroy mountains, I am weak. Even though we are thought of often, I am not. But together, we can shape our home.

But together, we can turn misery into happiness. But together, we can support life A thing so powerful and majestic, Yet so fragile and brittle.

I may be just a raindrop in the vast, open universe, There are others who are like and better than me, They even might have it better than me I might be a nobody, But I am somebody.

Jacqueline Daubner | 8th Grade

Mia Lu | 7th Grade

Madeleine Dunnhammer | 8th Grade

Sophie Waters | 6th Grade

Luke Waters | 8th Grade

Kaiason Lopez | 6th Grade

“Far Away, Across the Sea”

Far away, across the sea, boats return home. Hear the rising of the tide and feel the rhythm of the beat. The shimmering lighthouse calls to the sea as it welcomes all to its peaceful, glowing waters and this place of magic that is filled with life and music.

You can feel the heartbeat of this ʻāina from its sandy shores to luscious mountains. life fuels it this precious place like a pearl in the night like a diamond gives you everything it has, and more.

It welcomes voyagers from everywhere where they can grow and learn in this wonderland. Voyagers who will preserve, protect, and prolong The life and history of this land and its people.

One day, you go and grow there as I did. When the tide rolls back and The sand is fine and smooth, oh, this will be your day.

On a 10-hour flight to Boston, I don’t know what to expect, Or what to do,

But the bubbly, excitement-inducing in-plane sensation is already in effect.

9 hours left on this flight

Crossing the Pacific Ocean, Oh, what a delight!

It’s easy to tell, That the plane is in motion.

8 hours left on this flight

I watched 2 interesting documentaries, One about the history of Nintendo, And another about a plethora of celebrities from Sacramento.

7 hours left on this flight

Everyone got an aromatic and delectable in-flight dinner. When they gave the food to us, it sizzled vigorously. It was an egg laid flat, On some fried rice, And a circle of various shredded cheeses on it.

6 hours left on this flight

I made a new friend, His name is Mr. Dee, And he’s the guy who sits next to me. He’s a salesman from China, He sells wooden toys hand-carved by himself And we talked for the entire hour.

5 hours left on this flight

I read a bit of a book that Mr. Dee gave me, It was about the types of wooden toys

That he crafts for the girls and boys

The book was quite interesting, But then I fell asleep

I woke up after a 2 hour nap, And now there is only 3 hours left on here Everyone seemed to be reading the same newspaper, I suspected some special event happened on the plane so I went up and asked what was going on. The flight attendant handed me a copy. All of the different stories about our destination were intriguing and top-tier For none of them were carelessly committed to the paper.

1 hour left on this flight

I finally solved the sudoku and word search puzzles. I was extremely satisfied. Breakfast was served, My emotions were swerved, Because the taste of it was truly spectacular!

0 hours left on this flight

“Hello, Boston! I’m here!”

Let’s see what this place has to offer, ‘cause I’m moving here.

Vanessa Ching | 7th Grade

“When

I Was"

When I was 4, I was getting out of the car to preschool with my pillow and Hello Kitty jacket in hand. Letting the sleeves fall and roll down my arms since my parents bought it two sizes bigger. Ready to start and meet new friends.

When I was 6, I tippy-toed to get the cookies from the cabinet above. Wishing I could eat more cookies, even though my parents told me to stop. Clank! Cookies fall from the top cabinet as my parents walk into a big mess.

When I was 7, I was eating bubblegum during the dreaded iReady diagnostic. My teacher wasn’t supposed to give it to us, but she believed that everyone should have fun. After that, we even had an ice cream party. I thought having fun was one of the most important things.

When I was 8, I was learning simple multiplication. Striving to be the best in my class while struggling with imposter syndrome and having toxic relationships with friends.

When I was 9, I was taught to get the best grades, or I was a disappointment to the family. Living only to be the best of the best, while trying to enjoy life.

Now that I’m 10, I am graduating from elementary school, Jefferson Elementary. Dressed now in darker colors with shades of pastel. Hugging my friends goodbye as we depart for different schools. Still in contact with each other with phone numbers and email.

Now that I’m 11, I am still short, but tall enough to reach the cookies and a shelf higher than that, the ramen. Now whenever I’m home alone, I don’t have to survive off of just snacks.

Now that I’m 11, I wish all teachers gave us snacks during tests to help us concentrate. Wishing that we don’t have to stare at a screen all day without time to recharge.

Now that I’m 11, I am learning algebra and geometry. Hoping math could be that easy now, while I’m more focused on doing my best, rather than beating others.

Now that I’m nearly 12, I realize that a number, letter, or grade does not define how smart or successful I am as a person. People have strengths and weaknesses in life, and I am so much more than my report card.

Veta Li | 7th Grade

Therisa Tuvera

Angel Nevaeh Heaton | 6th Grade

Katie Tong | 6th Grade

Layna Tanizaki | 6th Grade

Quinn Quaccia | 6th Grade

Tanaiyah Luafalemana | 6th Grade

Anonymous | 7th Grade

To myself…

I want to forgive you, I really do

But I don’t think I can after what you did to me

You are a liar.

You made me believe I was worthless. You made me believe I wasn’t good enough.

Can I forgive you for making me feel like this?

Can I forgive you after all of the horrible things you made me think?

You are a tormentor.

For all of the times when you told me I was the problem, Saying that I'm the reason bad things happen. You told me that something was wrong with me, Saying that I was unworthy.

Can I forgive you for making me feel like this?

Can I forgive you after all of the lies you told me?

You are a thief.

You stole my confidence

Leaving me afraid to do anything.

Can I forgive you, for taking all of these things?

Can I forgive you after all the things you did to me?

You are cruel.

You kept me locked inside a cage away from society. You kept my inner child inside, hiding my real personality. Hiding away how crazy, loud, or playful I could be.

Can I forgive you for hiding the real me?

Can I forgive you for all of the things you kept inside of me?

You are a nasty person.

You made me insecure, Calling me “ugly,” “stupid,” “fat”

Making me nervous when I see older kids.

Can I forgive you for all these insecurities?

Can I forgive you for all of the things you called me?

You broke me.

You broke the last pieces of confidence I had. Just when I was starting to feel confident again, you came and brought my self-doubt with you

Causing my anxiety to come back even worse.

Can I forgive you?

Can I forgive you for all of the times you've hurt me?

You stopped me from accomplishing my goals. You told me that I'll never make it in life.

Can I forgive you?

Can I forgive you for all of the things you've stopped me from doing?

Can I forgive you?

Can I forgive you for all the times you’ve lied to me?

The times you broke my spirit

The times you stopped me from accomplishing my biggest dreams

The times you called me nasty names

The times you took everything and gave me nothing

The times you did nothing but watch me suffer

But maybe I can forgive you.

You pushed me to find the courage to make friends

Even on my darkest days

You’ve brought me to meet so many amazing people

You’ve brought me incredible memories

So for that, I forgive you, but I will never forget…

Aurora Sullivan | 8th Grade “My Voice”

if only my voice were louder this crowd would hear me their eyes would see me

perhaps if my voice were deeper people would listen their mouths would stay shut

yet when i strive for that voice my breathing struggles my throat runs too dry my voice remains so powerless drowned out by chatter lost to the clamor

a silent echo only i can hear

Zora Maurer | 6th Grade

“Star Collisions”

I will watch, As the stars collide, Such a dark, Mysterious sight, And I cannot help, But let out a sigh, ‘Cause I wish I was That star in the sky.

Oh, I think I am so lonely. There’s nobody By my side, And, then, I think of All those lonely nights, When I let all the stars All watch me cry.

The sun will explode One day. I think of when I’ll melt away, Of all the happiness, Of all the pain, Of all the days I sat, alone, in the pouring rain.

I think one day I might collapse, Another mindless day, Listening to music on full blast. Or, maybe, I might fall down, Like Jack, who broke his crown, Trying to gather the water People sent him to go fetch.

Though one day I might be destroyed, I’ve known for years I’ve had it coming, Like the two stars Up in the universe, Who, for years, Were slowly merging.

But, while the stars make Something beautiful: A giant Blinding light, I will be left, In clouds of dust, Out of sight And out of mind.

Mana Takimoto 7th Grade

Eunice Kim | 8th Grade

“the end of the beginning”

i thought i wanted to grow up to drive and venture alone to finish school and meet unseen faces to discover the unknown

i imagined what it would be like just home in solitude with nobody else waking up among Monet’s water lilies without a mother who yells

then i remember how i am only 13 studying, crying without reason, clinging on to precious memories no longer a child, but a fledgling teen

somewhere between preteen and now i wish i was stronger and prepared to bear emotional stings because every time i feel a tug in my heart the little girl inside is not safe under her mother’s wings

through this lens i view heavy doubts and foreboding fears crawl toward me losing control of thoughts that consume me growing up just seems like a scary forced reality

Kalie Kawaguchi 8th Grade

“i remember when”

and all i cherish is long forgotten Aurora Sullivan | 8th Grade

i remember when verdant meadows stretched beyond what vivid eyes could perceive the scent of fresh cut grass transports me back to a simpler life

i remember how birds sang upbeat melodies echoing rhythms ride on the wind comforting laughter

forsaken today those vast, lush hills now bear concrete higher than mountains cold and callous

in this modern age those blissful birds full of hope drowned by the hustle of a city’s clamor no harmonious words to hum

dismay drains my emotions dry i ache for days of the past replaced by modernity’s hollow gleam a fraud of life

“The

Wounded Knight”

Countless demons had been slain over time. They’ve left battle scars. I’ve needed to hide.

"You'll never be married With such hideous and atrocious cuts!" "Scars are signs you’re still weak!"

But it is as Lady Katherine Clarembaut has proclaimed,

"That which fails to end thy life, only strengthens one's skill in all attributes."

Expertly, I’ll conceal my wounds

With subtle sleeves. No one will suspect a thing And that’s how it’ll stay.

I continue through the village With a simple smile and tired eyes. No one will suspect a thing, And that’s how it’ll stay.

I seek advice from skilled and respected knights. How do I cope with the scars? I only receive comparisons and scoffs.

“This is nothing.”

“Wait until it gets difficult.”

But, good sir, I can’t slay the dragon While battling the troll beneath the bridge.

When shown the slightest act of infirmness, I take the role of the spoiled princess, Fragile and naive. Should I have trained more vigorously?

Have I not slain enough enemies in battle? For even a short while, Doesn't a knight need to rest his mind?

Michelle Kabasawa | 8th Grade

Alexandra Knight | 7th Grade

“Where I'm From”

Growing up in Hawaiʻi,

I have not been asked the question “Where are you from” much But I know I will one day Because I will move, And people will be curious. And I think my answer to that question will be:

I’m from changing and being lost Telling myself,

“People have it harder than you,” and “Stay happy for them. Make it look real.”

I’m from legs bouncing faster than you can imagine And tap-tap-taps of pens and fingers I know it annoys some But I can’t stop moving

I’m from stuttering And a quiet, squeaky voice That breaks constantly

“I have to be brave, I need good grades” But I never could.

I’m from the scratches on my legs. Wet faces, pillows, and hair

Broken, chewed-up nails

Bleeding fingers and lips

I’m from sucking my stomach in And lifting my thighs away from the chair

From staring in the mirror for too long And having a red face from picking at the imperfections

I am from the people who only smiled when I did their homework

Or when I fed them my snack

So I would always make sure to do so

I am from the teachers who would say “you’re so funny!” when I complained about my anxiety

And never actually took me as a real person, with feelings

Just as a cute, funny little girl they could put all their extra tasks and emotional weight on

Because she would never speak up against them or disobey the rules in any way

But I’m also from progress.

Moving forward, seeing light

Loving myself

Forcing myself to eat

Changing everything. Which means…

I’m also from the good times

Pride, joy, and pure happiness

Flowers in my hand

Lei piled up beneath my nose

Awards stacked up on my other hand

And a medal around my neck

I’m from spinning my little brother around

And eating enough to actually be healthy

Happy faces, happy tears

And being OK with being sad for a bit

Or feeling any emotion other than happiness and motivation

And most of all, Knowing how to change

And how to reset.

And since I know how to reset, I can look at my physical side of where I’m from.

I’ve taken the time

Looked through memories

Talked with my parents about it

Though I don’t know it all I might never know it all.

But from what I know,

I am from the streets littered with small, sweet-smelling flower petals

And the snowy tip of Mount Fuji

I am from the pristine wooden floors of each house

And the wooden slippers lined up at the steps

I am from mochi pounding every year

Each year, the hammer getting lighter

The delicious end result with azuki beans

And the plain mochi, though not my favorite, It is still part of me

I am from a land with such wide variety throughout the states

50 states, all different and unique.

Each with flaws,

But each with benefits

I am from the rocky beaches

I am from the smooth beaches

I am from both and all.

The waves crashing over the sand,

And the people throwing their surfboards into the waves

I’m from the hot musubis burning my hands, fresh from the food warmers

Topped with things from shoyu to ume.

Shaped into cute little animals with takuan bows

Sprinkled with shiso fumi furikake

The spam still sizzling, straight off the stove

I’m from the butter mochi that’ll have you craving one more bite each time

And always tastes better when my mom makes it

The edges are cut off, but always eaten first because it’s the best part.

And yes, I know I’m not Hawaiian

But I am from Hawaiʻi.

Born and raised.

All my life, Surrounded by shakas And tourists And surfers

But I know I won’t be able to say all that Especially the emotional stuff Because some people don’t care to listen. I know they don’t I’ve tried getting them to.

And I’ll never be able to remember all that, anyway Because changes bring new memories, overlapping others So I will say…

I am from the sunny beaches of Hawaiʻi And the delicious mochi of Japan

And many other places I have not discovered are part of me yet

But overall, I am from life And wherever it began.

I am from discovery, failure, and change.

これは私が中学校入学した最初の週の話です。これはみんなにと っても初めての中学校。私の気持ちは楽しみで緊張していた。なぜ私 が緊張していたのかというと親が毎回私にこういうのです。「場合によっ て、君を友達グループから仲間外れにさせられることもあるだろう。ひど い嫌がらせを受ける時もあるかも分からないけど頑張って欲しいと思 う。もう６年生だよ！」

それを聞いたとき、私は前よりももっと怖くなりました。私が初めて 中学校に行った時、私は一人も友達が居ませんでした。私の周りには いっぱい人がいましたがみんな同じ、みんなお互いのことはまだ知らな い。

みんなもこの学校が初めて。みんな私のように緊張している。そう私 は自分に言い聞かせてた。

私にはワイアラエ小学校に通ってた頃の友達は沢山居た、でも私 の親は新しい学校で新しい友達を作って欲しいと思っていた。私は学 校が始まった一週間目は初めて会った人と友達になったり話たりする、 すごく大切な一週間目だと思ったけど初めて会った人と喋ったりする 勇気はありませんでした。ホームルームに行った時、何人か知ってる人 はいた、だけど全員じゃない。私のクラスメイトみんなはお互いの事は知 らない、だけどまだ私は恥ずかしくて怖く、初めて会った人になんて話 せないと思ってしまった。

私は一人で静かに座ってる女の子を見かけた。その子の顔が見え て、多分アジア人系の子かなと思った。小学校の頃からは知らなかった けど、もしあの子が日本人でいくつか授業が一緒だったら気軽に喋れ るはずだと思った。私は彼女に話しかけに行ったら、驚いたことに彼女 は日本人だった。

少し喋ってそこから良い関係が始まったと思います。

「もしかしてあなた日本人？間違ってたらごめん。どう？」私は恥ず かしがりながら聞きました。

「そう！あなたは？」彼女は片言な英語で私に聞きました。

「私もなの！」私はそう興奮して返事した。

私は先生が「学校の中を回ってみよう。私が学校の中を紹介する ね！」と言ったのが聞こえた。

学校の中の紹介ツアーで、歩きながら勇気を振り絞って、「友達に ならない？」と聞いた。

彼女は私にニコリと笑い、「ホントに？！うん！喜んで！」と言った。

私は新しく日本語が喋れる友達が出来たことが嬉しかったけど、私 の第一言語は日本語なので英語の勉強も必要だと思ったから、英語が 喋れて日本語が喋れない友達も作らないといけないと思った。私は大 勢の人の前で喋る勇気がなくて苦手なので、私は恥ずかしがらずに喋 れる人が必要だと思いました。 大西

“Her

Courage Made Me Stronger”

It was my first week of middle school. This was the first middle school experience for everyone in 6th Grade. I knew that, but I was a little nervous and excited at the same time. I was nervous because my parents kept on telling me things they heard about middle school. “We're sure that sometimes people can leave you out of the group. You could be facing a lot of harassment and could get bullied by someone but, I'd like you to do your best. You know, it’s middle school!”

When I heard that, I was more scared than before. When I went to school that first day, I had no friends. There were many people around me but they were all the same, they didn't know each other. Everyone is new to this school. Everyone is just as nervous as you are. I kept telling that to myself.

I had a friend from Waiʻalae Elementary School but my parents wanted me to make a new friend at my new school. I thought our first week of school was important to make and talk to new people, but I didn’t have any strength to talk to new people. When I went to my homeroom class, there were a few people who I knew, but not all. I knew that all of my classmates didn't know each other, but I was still shy and I thought, I’m scared. I can’t talk to a new person.

I saw one girl who was by herself sitting down quietly. I saw her face, and I thought she was part Asian. I didn’t know her from elementary school, but I thought that if she was Japanese and if I had a few classes with her, I might be able to talk to her easily. I went to talk to her, and to my surprise, she was Japanese! We talked for a little bit, and then I think a good relationship started to form.

“Are you Japanese? I’m sorry if I was wrong. Are you?” I said shyly.

“Yes! How about you?” She said in a little broken English.

“I am, too!” I replied excitedly.

I heard my teacher say, “Let’s go around the campus and I’ll show what our campus looks like!”

While walking around the campus tour I took a plunge and said, “Do you want to be my friend?”

She smiled at me and said, “Really?! Yes! Sure!”

I’m very happy that I have a new friend who speaks Japanese, but I still feel that I had to make a friend who doesn't speak Japanese so that I could practice speaking English. English is not my first language, and I need help to learn more English. I don’t have a lot of courage to speak English out loud in front of people. I thought I needed a person who I

ホームルーム、理科の授業、歴史、算数が同じクラスの人が居た。

最初は彼女の名前は知らなかったけどホームルームの授業で名前を 覚えるテストをしなければいけなかったので、その日から彼女の名前を 知りました。スタディーホールで自己紹介をしていた時彼女はすごく素 敵な笑顔を見せてくれました。その時私は初めて彼女と話しました。算 数の授業のときにも話しかけてくれました。彼女は私と一緒に席に座ろ うと誘ってくれたり、分かりにくい算数の問題についても話し始めまし た。

「意味分かんない。これ分かる？この問題難しい！」彼女は言った。 うおぉぉぉ、この子めっちゃ質問聞いてくるじゃん、そう私は思った。彼

女はすごく優しくて面白い子だと私は感じた。彼女はその後も私に質問 をいっぱいして来た。私はこの日、いっぱい喋って、すごく話しかけやす い子に会えてすごく嬉しかった。

私が話そうとした途端、彼女が私に、「友達になろうよ！」と言った。 それを聞いた時、すごく嬉しかった。彼女は私と同じ思いだった。彼女 はいっぱい友達を作りたいらしい。私はすぐに、「うん、もちろん！」

私はいっぱい話し始めた。私は彼女にあなたみたいにいっぱい友 達を作りたいと言った。

「うん！一緒に新しい友達作ろう！」彼女は興奮して言った。

算数の授業が終わって荷物をまとめてた時彼女は私に、「コア、準 備出来た？」

私は何を言ってるのかさっぱり分からなかった。私は戸惑って彼女 を見たら、「今から私達は新しい友達探しに行くよ！ほら早く、コア！行こ う！」と彼女は言った。

私は嬉しくて靴紐を結びながら彼女を見上げて、「うん！」と答えた。

私は幼稚園の頃からの友達がいたけど、その子は５年生の時に転 校しました。新しい友達は転校した友達のことを思い出させた。彼女は 元気がいっぱいあって、彼女はいつも私の味方になってくれた。彼女が 違う学校に転校したのはすごく悲しかったけど、今私には彼女のような 新しい友達がいる。

休み時間が始まって彼女は彼女の友達グループに私を連れて来て くれて、私は彼女の友達に話しかけ始めた。私は少し緊張してて怖くて みんなが何話してるのか分からなかったけど、私は大丈夫って確信し た。

その日から私は勇気を出して色んな人と話すことが出来るようにな った。彼女にはすごく感謝をしています。彼女の勇気のおかげで、私は 新しい人に会って色んな人と友達になることが出来た。本当に私は彼 女に感謝しています。彼女の勇気が私を強くした。

can talk to without being shy.

There was a person who was in my same homeroom, science class, social studies class, and math class. I didn’t know her name at the beginning, but we had to take a name test in homeroom, so I knew her name from that day. She had a great smile when I met her during Study Hall when we introduced ourselves. That was the first time I talked to her. She started to talk to me in math class, too. She invited me to sit with her, and we started to discuss the confusing math work.

“It’s not making sense. Do you know what this means? This work is confusing me!” she commented. Whoa, this girl asks a lot of questions, I thought. I realized that she was a nice person and she was funny. She asked me many questions after that, too. We talked a lot that day, and I was happy that we met each other and could talk easily.

I opened my mouth to speak, but then suddenly, she said, “Let's be friends!” When I heard that, I was both happy and relieved. I thought that she was the same as me. She said she wanted to make many friends. I responded to her immediately, “Yes, of course!”

I started to talk to her a lot. I told her that I want to meet more people like her and make more friends too.

“Yeah! Let’s make new friends!” she said excitedly.

After we packed up at the end of math class, she said, “Koa, are you ready?!”

I had no idea what she was talking about. I looked at her with a confused look, and then she added, “We are going to find a new friend! Come on, Koa! Let’s go!”

“Ok!” I said happily as I looked up from tying my shoelaces.

I had a friend from when I was in Kindergarten, but she transferred to another school in 5th grade. My new friend reminded me of her. She had a lot of energy and she always became my ally. I was sad when she went to another school, but now I have a friend like her with me here.

When recess started, she invited me in her friend group and I started to talk to her friends. I was a little nervous and scared and didn’t know what they were talking about, but I knew I would be fine.

From that day forward, I got the courage to talk to even more people. I am very thankful for her. Because of her strength, I was able to meet new people and become friends with others. I am very grateful for her. Her courage made me stronger.

inertia grips, freezing all I knew

beads of humiliation reveal a flushed face motionless – caught in a deafening hush the spotlight blinds – piercing stares humiliate paralyzed, all but my heart’s rush

curtains draw – signaling relief eternal chains are shed lungs expel the blunder fear whispers "Finally the End"

paths explored – attempts in vain a failed pursuit to impress theater, music, academics, sports affirm I’m worthless

blinded by dissociation lost in a void – direction unknown no time, no bearing, no familiar scene alienation’s weight – a burden of my own

still, a glimmer emerges piercing the night drawing nearer – a light in the rough "You are worth it" a calm voice whispered "with Me, you are more than enough"

이 세상에서

이 세상에서 나는 엄마를 제일 사랑한다.

"연아야, 힘들어도 힘내고 걸어" 라고 엄마가 말한다.

아침 새벽부터 열심히 밥을 차려주시는 우리 엄마.

힘들어도 최선을 다하는 우리 암마.

나는 이제 열네살이 됐으니, 나의 인생이 바뀐다.

하지만, 매일 엄마를 생각하고 열심히 학교를 다니는 나.

할머니도 매일 생각하는 나.

돌아가신지, 일년이되었다.

엄마도 많이 보고 싶어하겠지?

하나님이 잘 지켜주니, 엄마는 걱정 마세요.

이 세상에서 엄마는 나의 제일 친한 친구다.

이세상에서 엄마는 나의 소중한 보물이다.

이 세상에서 엄마 같은 사람은 없다.

이 세상에서 나는 엄마를 제일 사랑한다.

“In This World”

In this world, I love my mom the most. “Yeona, even if it’s hard, keep strong and walk,” Mom tells me. From early mornings, working hard to prepare meals, that’s my mom.

Despite being tired, she keeps working, that’s my mom.

Now that I’ve turned fourteen, my life begins to shift. But, I think of my mom everyday and go to school.

Everyday I think of my grandmother, too. From the day of her passing, it's been a year. My mom must miss her a lot too, right? But God is watching over us, so no need to worry, Mom.

In this world my mom is my best friend. In this world my mom is my precious treasure. In this world there is no one like my mom. In this world, I love my mom the most.

Kaiason Lopez | 6th Grade

“Is Hope Lost?”

Darkness, a consuming plague of fire; All have lost hope with evil lurking in every corner. Where is eternal joy when this world is eclipsed with deceitfulness and untrustworthiness?

We still fight. We pick sides.

All we do is fight. Where is the justice in the government, the love, the humanity? How long shall our hope be tested?

This question must be asked to all: if you were rich and ruled the world would you be content or would your greed consume you until the end of time itself?

“Why be selfish?” ask the needy. “Wouldn't you do the same if you had the money?” scoff the rich.

We may be human and always want more but if I know the world and its people we can change.

Ailey Yamada | 8th Grade

Chloe Loi, Olivia Leo | 8th Grade “The

As the sky darkens and the light fades, I stand in awe of the coming shade.

The eclipse, a symbol of change, to me, A chance to be the person I want to be.

The moon and sun engage in a cosmic dance, A symbol of the turmoil within my stance.

My older brother, a star shining in my life, Yet, our relationship, veiled in secrets and strife.

The eclipse, a moment of truth and clarity, A chance for me to break from family disparity.

I perceive the moon and sun as a glimmer of hope, In the struggle within me, I can't elope.

The darkness, a veil of fear and doubt, Yet, an opportunity for me to figure it out.

The world pauses, and I feel my heartbeat, As the eclipse unfolds, a chance to retreat.

The eclipse, a symbol of hope and change, A chance to break free from the peculiar and strange.

I see the world bathed in a new light, And embrace the chance to soar to new heights.

The eclipse, a moment of profound transformation, A chance for me to escape the grip of damnation.

I perceive the world with fresh, honest eyes, And embrace change, free from deceitful ties.

Alex Blake | 8th Grade

“The Crow”

See The little crow

As he cries

As his mother Dies

A falling star Against the sky

See The nest

As it falls

Shaken by The squalls

No mother to react

To the little crow’s calls

See The little crow Desperate to fly He is falling He will die If he cannot Learn to fly

See The nest

As it hits the floor

Anything in it Is no more

But the little crow was gone He was off to explore

See The crow

Flying and free

Gliding on

An evening breeze

Watching landscapes unfold

Revealing

Calvin Pham | 6th Grade

“Life's Journey”

In life's grand tapestry, we find our way, Through ups and downs, we dance from day to day. With every rise, a moment to embrace, And in each fall, we find a saving grace.

The peaks, like mountains, touch the sky so high, A chance to spread our wings and learn to fly.

We savor victories, our spirits soar, In happiness, we yearn for more and more. But valleys deep, dark shadows, cross our path, They teach us strength, through their wrath.

Through tears and trials, we find the will to rise And from the darkest depths, we reach for skies. Life's melody, a symphony of change, Like a rhythm of seasons, rearrange.

With every note, a lesson to be found, In ups and downs, our hearts become forever bound. So let us cherish every twist and turn, For, in life's ebb and flow, we live and learn.

Through joy and sorrow, we become more wise, In this grand journey of life, under endless skies.

2023-2024 Editorial Team

Alex Blake enjoys reading. She also likes to procrastinate. She procrastinated on this note.

Tannara Brooks enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, reading, free diving, traveling, taking nature photography, and writing, and she has kayaked competitively for many years. She believes that writing and art can connect many different people and bring them together over experiences.

Kaia Chang always wants to do her best to help others and to succeed in life. She enjoys playing with friends and tries to do her best in school. She is happy and excited to continue being a Voyager for two more years.

Skylar Chang thinks that believing in yourself and believing in what you’re capable of doing can help you achieve anything you set your mind to. She enjoys hanging out with friends, collecting stickers, photography, and all things Sanrio. Although this is her last year at Kaimuki Middle School, she wants to enjoy it as much as possible.

Julianna Fujimoto resonates with the quote from Jennifer Donnelly’s Stepsister: “I think we all make mistakes. What matters is that we don’t let our mistakes make us” (pg. 213). Julianna believes that a creative and inspirational world can be found among the spontaneous and messy drafts.

Naya Furuyama believes that everyone has many amazing talents that haven’t been explored yet. Naya spends her free time looking at all sorts of artwork and writing pieces, trying to wrap her head around math problems, and often forgetting the names of friends. Right now, Naya wants to see and experience life from its good side and smile at every opportunity she gets.

Elizabeth Huang wants to achieve great things but has yet to learn what those things are. She has explored many different places and interests throughout her life, although she has yet to find one that pulls her. As for now, she spends her time playing tennis, reading mysteries and thrillers, enjoying music, and doing anything Pokemon-related.

Risa Jumawan is a dreamer, a musician, an artist who likes to sketch in her free time, and is very passionate about orchestra. She is a very big procrastinator and gets distracted very easily. She tries to do things with a schedule but never gets to it.

Michelle Kabasawa aspires to be some sort of artist one day. For now, she uses her leisure time to write spontaneous poems, window-shop, walk through art galleries, attempt to learn languages, and write countless todo lists that are never completed.

Kalie Kawaguchi dreams of doing everything, all at once - somehow. Chaotic at heart, while seemingly reserved, her mind is a rampant whirlwind of both creativity and a drive to meet expectations. She aspires to do exceptional things! In the meantime, she enjoys sleeping in, laughing with friends and family, lounging with her pet dog Leia, drawing, music, and taking up hundreds of new hobbies and skills (which she can never find the time to master).

Alexandra Knight is a dedicated, hard worker who sticks to her hobbies while also somehow managing to get all A’s. She is mostly a rock drummer, archer, and volunteer, but is also sometimes an artist, writer, and rollerblader.

Lily Kuroda enjoys immersing herself in works of art and literature, even when it doesn't all make sense to her (yet). Lately, she has been playing the trombone, reading excessively, and taking part in school activities like Beyond the Horizon.

Renee Lee makes everything she sets her mind to a focus for perfection. She can be fairly bitter at times, but her sensitive and sympathetic nature usually overrules that. Oftentimes, she tries to see the connections in stories or artwork, knowing each piece contains a perspective-changing spirit.

Atticus Lin has dedicated his life to all sorts of art mediums, constantly drawing at unconventional times just to get his mind off things. He’s always willing to take on new opportunities to change, goes over the top with every project he takes on, and there’s never a moment where he’s not

daydreaming about something. Most of the time, you can find him listening to a variety of genres such as goth, British rock, alternative, and indie, or binging an anime series, most notably, One Piece.

Brooke Lopez spends her time reading, watching horror films, and drinking Mogu Mogu. She loves her friends—despite how incredibly loud they all are.

Noah Matsuda enjoys creatively expressing himself and his ideas. Born as a girl named Akala, he wishes to inspire others with identity struggles to be proud and confident about themselves. He enjoys reading, drawing, dancing, socializing, fashion, and listening to music, which he’s highly obsessed with listening to Straykids and Måneskin.

Zora Maurer spends her time listening to music, reading, writing, and practicing photography. While her view of the world has highly evolved in the past few years, she is curious how the future will change things.

Kalea Starr has been traveling around the world since the moment she was born, getting to experience a wide variety of different cultures and ideas. She visited more than 20 places before she was two years old. Kalea believes in hard work and the 6th dimension, and she has enjoyed getting to create and edit in Beyond the Horizon with her fellow editors.

Rohm Takamoto has always loved reading, playing sports, and meeting new people. She hopes that all readers enjoy Beyond the Horizon.

Jacob Wada loves writing long sentences. That’s it.

Susan Zheng loves cats, bunnies, ducks (all animals basically :D), reading, writing, and in general, any creative art. She has enjoyed editing the pieces that you’ve read or seen, and hopes you were just as delighted by them!

Advisor | Dr. Matthew Tom has hope that when the world begins to listen deeply and earnestly to the stories and experiences of others, we’ll find that we’re not that different from each other after all. We’re all looking for acceptance, love, friendship, and a brave space to belong and become.

You are important. Your story is important. You have a story worth telling.