ROOTS: What If... (Special Edition 2020)

WHAT IF...

Special Edition 2020 SENIORS Quarantine Collage IN LOVING MEMORY Lucas Alvarez

What's Inside

WRITING FIRST PLACE Liam Dunagan PHOTOGRAPHY FIRST PLACE Isabela Gonzalez ART FIRST PLACE Alexa Torres

WRITING SECOND PLACE Patricia Volpatti PHOTOGRAPHY SECOND PLACE Matias Gutierrez ART SECOND PLACE Ana Vega

roots

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all other things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Matthew 6:33-34

TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 WINNERS 6 WHAT IF I DIDN’T TAKE THE TRAIN? by LIAM DUNAGAN 7 WHAT IF I NEVER LIVED IN JUPITER, FLORIDA ON THE WEEKENDS? by MORGAN DUNAGAN 8 WHAT IF CHILDHOOD NEVER ENDED? by ASHLEY ORTIZ 8 GROWING UP SEPARATED by PATRICIA VOLPATTI 9 WHAT IF I WERE A BIRD? by JASON SCANTLEBURY 10 WHAT IS IT LIKE GROWING UP AS A DANCER WITH SCOLIOSIS by ISABELA GONZALEZ 11 WHAT IF YOU EAT SUNFLOWER SEEDS? by ALEXA TORRES 12 WHAT IF I QUIT? by MATIAS GUTIERREZ 12 LITTLE POTTED PLANT by ANA VEGA 13 WHAT IF SOMEONE ASKED YOU WHAT YOU LEARNED IN LIFE? by STEPHANIE CARRASCO 14 DECISIONS THAT CAUSE US TO GROW by KATRINA BOBSON 15 PÍNTAME BOLIVIA by FLORENCIA ROMANELLI 16 WHAT IF I WASN’T CLOSE TO MY FAMILY? by KATE POLO 17 WHAT IF LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE? by CAROLINE BOULRIS 18 WHAT IF I DIDN’T BELIEVE? by BROOKE DAVIDSON 19 WHAT IF HE MET YOU? by GIANNA BIRKELAND 20 WHAT IF MY BABY BROTHER WAS NEVER BORN? by SKYLAR RUBIDO 21 WHAT IF I COULDN’T SEE THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES? by SUSANA PEREZ 22 THE LIFE-CHANGING PRINCIPLE OF BALANCE by NINA PEREZ-DUBSON 23 REINS OF TRUST by NINA PEREZ-DUBSON 24 WHAT IF I NEVER PLAYED SOCCER? by AMANDA ANDREUS 24 WHAT IF I NEVER HAD MY OLDER BROTHER? by LIA GANLEY 24 WHAT IF I DIDN’T HAVE MY YOUNGER BROTHER? by LOGAN LOPEZ 25 WHAT IF I DID NOT CARE? by CAMILA PEREA 27 WHAT IF YOU CHOOSE FAITH OVER FEAR? by EMILY JANE STURGE

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29 WOODEN BARKS by DANTE MARTINEZ 30 WHAT IF, INSTEAD OF HOPE, ACTION? A CALLING TO SERVE! by NICOLE URDANETA 32 WHAT IF WE HADN’T TRIED ONE MORE TIME? by MRS. APRIL SHARPE-SHIRK 33 WHAT IF I NEVER AUDITIONED? 35 WHAT IF I DIDN’T GROW UP WITH SEVEN OLDER BROTHERS? 37 WHAT IF THINGS DIDN’T GO AS PLANNED? by SOPHIA VILAR 39 QUARANTINE COLLAGE: CLASS OF 2020 REDEFINES SENIOR YEAR 44 WHAT IF I DIDN’T COME TO WCS IN FIRST GRADE? by JULIA CORRADINE 44 A LETTER FROM MRS. ANGELA CASTANO 45 IN LOVING MEMORY OF LUCAS ALVAREZ 45 WHAT IF I NEVER CAME TO WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL? by LUCAS ALVAREZ 46 A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS

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WINNERS FIRST PLACE PROSE LIAM DUNAGAN ‘20 WHAT IF I DIDN’T TAKE THE TRAIN? SECOND PLACE PROSE PATRICIA VOLPATTI ‘20 GROWING UP SEPARATED FIRST PLACE ART ALEXA TORRES ‘23 WHAT IF YOU EAT SUNFLOWER SEEDS? SECOND PLACE ART ANA VEGA ‘21 LITTLE POTTED PLANT FIRST PLACE PHOTO ISABELA GONZALEZ ‘20 WHAT IS IT LIKE GROWING UP AS A DANCER WITH SCOLIOSIS? SECOND PLACE PHOTO MATIAS GUTIERREZ ‘21 WHAT IF I QUIT?

WHAT IF I DIDN'T TAKE THE TRAIN? LIAM DUNAGAN FIRST PLACE PROSE

To understand who I am, beyond just “Liam from school,” I think you should know why I don’t attend many parties, football games, or almost any other afternoon or school events-I live between two homes, each ninety-three miles apart, and have to travel by train between Miami and Jupiter, FL every weekend. My transient lifestyle often gets in the way of spending time with my friends outside of school.

Three weeks before the end of my junior year, four of my friends and I planned a weekend at my “north” house. The plan was to have them accompany me on the train. Once in Jupiter, we would hang out, fish, and do some of the things I do to pass the time during my weekends there. We left for the train station on time, but because of unpredictably brutal Miami traffic, we nearly missed the train. Sadly typical. When we boarded the train, I sat near the window I usually gravitate toward to do my homework. Once the train departed, we began discussing our plans for the next day-wake up early and go fishing. That weekend was an excursion for them that ushered in the conclusion of a long, arduous school year. They were so happy; I could see it in their eyes and hear it in their childish jokes-and I had the same giddy look and was telling those same moronic jokes too. But between the commotion of catching the train, the potential for rain during the weekend, and my sense of feeling trapped in that tedious train car, I couldn’t help but feel the burden of travel-even while I was having fun with them.

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The next morning, we woke up early to put our gear on the boat. My friends talked about how great living in Jupiter seemed. I could not believe what I was hearing; as I lugged my equipment across the dock, I asked myself how could traveling here and having to split my life between two parents-away from my friends and parties-be joyful? Once I was done carrying the equipment and the boat was finally ready, my father ferried us from the marina to my favorite fishing spot about a mile offshore. We spent nearly the entire day catching fish. It was insane. I had never seen that kind of joy on their faces-not on my friends’ nor my father’s! And, it was really nice to see my father connect with them while they each enjoyed every moment of that experience.

While I watched that scene unfold, something strange happened: I began to feel closer to my friends and my father-and really, everything and everyone else in the universe. It was a bit of a shock because the irritating sense of disconnect, the one that remained present with me for all those years, instantly vanished. Once I saw my reality through the unfettered eyes of my friends, I realized that the boat, Jupiter, and Miami, and every place else in the entire realm of reality were just places to be. We could have been anywhere, and it wouldn’t have mattered. The setting for any life event is just a place-and it is only part of the reality that we experience: the people, the love, the joy, the sharing, the moments are what matter. In the most beautiful way, once that clarity became part of my lens on that boat, I felt a kind of happiness I had not known. Being able to see my “daunting” lifestyle as a privilege and a gift was a power I never expected to feel. And, more importantly, being able to see that the same dynamic can exist for the entirety of my life is a gift I will celebrate and share with everyone I know.

MORGAN DUNAGAN

ASHLEY ORTIZ

GROWING UP SEPARATED PATRICIA VOLPATTI SECOND PLACE PROSE

As Robert Fulgham started, “Things change and come to an end.” I wish someone would have taught me that when I was in kindergarten. I took my time with my family for granted. I never thought that my visits home to see them would stop, until they did.

When I was four years old, I moved from Venezuela to live in the United States. It wasn’t a choice I made, but it was my chance for a better life. Venezuela was beginning to change for the worse, so my mother decided that it was time to leave. I was happy and felt safe, so I didn’t think much of Venezuela, or what was transpiring back home. I remember summers on my grandparent’s farm with my brother, where we would run around playing with the animals and cause trouble. One time, I went to our pig farm and brought back an adorable piglet. It was fun, but what a mess! And, do not get me started on the noise he made! I also spent time with my dad, playing with the dogs in the gated community. I was forced to practice my Spanish as I communicated with my family and the people of Venezuela. I learned so much through my time in Venezuela, but I wish I had been able to spend more time there. I can say through experience that Venezuela is very different from Miami. Although Venezuela 8

has changed from when I was a child, it’s still home to me. I would visit every three years and spend my time there causing trouble with my older brother. I soon noticed that the visits would happen less and less, and it has now had been five, long years since I’ve been back to the beautiful country.

I still remember the last visit: I heard that there had been some issues in Venezuela, but I didn’t think about it until I saw what had become of my home. The streets were filled with trash that the people were scavenging through. The trip had a very big impact on my perspective on life. I still have the struggle of not being able to contact my family. Sometimes the lights go out in the city and we can’t contact my father. That’s when we worry the most, especially because he lives in Caracas. I remember the time when the protests got so dangerous that there were bombings, gun shots, tear gas and sheer disaster in the streets. That’s when I finally understood the reason we left and the reason why I can’t visit. I finally realized that my family would never be the same. Living in the United States today, I still worry about my family, about my dad, and the fragile ability to contact him. I saw my mom’s struggles and worries about everything that was happening. I soon took on the responsibility of caring for my family to ease some of the burden off her. My childhood had forever changed. With the help of my grandparents, we got by, and my dad visits when he can. Unfortunately, months go by before we see him.

Melancholy still hits when I think about how I won’t be able to visit Venezuela for years to come. I will always cherish the memories that I made there. I now cherish the time I spend with my family and the calls I have with my dad. I have learned to love the little time I have with my loved ones and can’t wait for the day when I can return to Venezuela, my true home, and make a difference there

JASON SCANTLEBURY

WHAT IS IT LIKE GROWING UP AS A DANCER WITH SCOLIOSIS? ISABELA GONZALEZ FIRST PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY This piece is part of my sustained investigation for my AP art portfolio submission. My sustained investigation is a collection of works that are meant to answer the question, “What is it like growing up as a dancer with scoliosis?” They are meant to show the process of getting ready for dance class and then actually dancing in class and finally performing on stage. This specific piece shows me stretching before class. Dancing with scoliosis can be very painful so I wanted to show my journey of growing up as a ballet dancer with scoliosis and depict how it feels. However, if I had not chosen to dance ballet when I was younger, my scoliosis would be significantly worse now. I would probably have needed surgery, but because ballet trains you to have good posture you can’t even really tell that I have scoliosis.

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WHAT IF YOU EAT SUNFLOWER SEEDS? ALEXA TORRES 11 FIRST PLACE ART

WHAT IF I QUIT? MATIAS GUTIERREZ SECOND PLACE PHOTOGRAPHY

ABOUT THE COVER SECOND PLACE ART LITTLE POTTED PLANT ANA VEGA

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WHAT IF SOMEONE ASKED YOU WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED IN LIFE? STEPHANIE CARRASCO

In this moment there are approximately 7.53 billion people walking around this earth. Each and every one of us has a different story. We all come from different places, are born into unique circumstances and grow into our own individuals. Embracing who we are and evaluating where we stand at each stage in our lives is a very scary thing.

Every experience, task, and event plays a part in shaping us for the future. Therefore, everything I’ve ever accomplished, encountered, endured, and faced in my past has led me to where I am right now. Throughout my life I’ve learned that people are not always content with where they stand. We all get hurt, lose loved ones, watch people we love suffer, and suffer ourselves. Unfortunately, life often knocks us down, but it’s up to us to choose to get back up and show some resilience. Since the time I was a little girl my parents have instilled great values in me. They’ve taught me to be well mannered, love hard, treat others with kindness, be humble, never give up, and always give my all. I have applied all of these values towards everything I have ever done in my life.

Throughout my childhood I’ve always been a well-rounded, active, and involved kid. I played many different sports and have always had a passion for anything active, outdoors, and adventurous. My parents would always tell me “in life you have to finish what you start. You cannot just walk away because things get tough and don’t go your way.

When you commit to something you need to follow through.” All these little things my parents would say to me as I was growing up, I now realize are huge life lessons. I’ve lost people throughout my life and endured some hard times within my family. However, it wasn’t until October of 2018, that something rocked my world for the worse. My grandfather got diagnosed with liver cancer. Abuelito, as I called him, was extremely positive, hopeful, and strong throughout his three-month fight with cancer. My dad spent weeks in Spain, sitting long hours by his hospital bed. Everyone lost hope as abuelito lost strength and became dependent on the five children who viewed him as their superhero. However, I never did. He was a true fighter. I’d never met anyone able to always find the light in every situation. He never felt sorry for himself or complained. He was a man of wisdom who taught his family many valuable lessons. On January 18, 2019, I was awoken with the news that the strongest man I knew was finally in peace. I was desperate to find the strength I needed to overcome this tremendous loss. I was

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desperate to find the strength I needed to overcome this tremendous loss. I was able to do so by applying all the lessons I had learned throughout my past. It has not even been a year since abuelito passed, but I am very content with my mindset. I believe timing is everything and I continue to learn from him every day. He is teaching me that I have the strength and ability to overcome anything life throws my way. In order to truly live, you have to be able to fight. No matter how hard anything is, I have collected enough wisdom in these last 17 years, that I can apply to any circumstance in my life. As I am preparing to embark on this new journey of adulthood, I will be able to live fearlessly. I will not hold back; I will not quit. I will work hard, have determination, persistence, and passion towards whatever I do. I will set goals and I will do everything I can to work towards making them my reality. I realize I only have one life to live and the more I learn every day, the more able I will be to excel in this great world.

KATRINA BOBSON

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FLORENICA ROMANELLI

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KATE POLO

WHAT IF LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE? CAROLINE BOULRIS

“Sing.” That was my first thought in this moment of emotional cacophony. With the Pacific Ocean enveloping my body, a volcano to my left, friends surrounding me, and the sun marking the end to another Hawaiian day, reality crashed into my face with each wave. Time stood still, yet my whole life flashed before my eyes.

I am a planner, perfectionist, a thinker… more specifically, an “overthinker.” I have long come to recognize this in myself, but in this moment, I realized why. Planning provides me with a sense of control. My perfectionist mind overthinks about detail because my brain likes to intellectually dive into every possible scenario. At age 17, it seems as though I am supposed to know what my entire future is supposed to look like, and am expected to have all the answers. But as the whitecaps whirled around me and the sun set up its curtain call, I felt the unpredictability of life toss me around.

“He had a seizure.” Those were the words that stunned my friends and me on this tropical island day during our much anticipated choir tour. Learning that our classmate and friend back home now lay in a coma was enough to snap us out of the illusion of “paradise.” As that news traveled through my phone, my mind began pounding with questions like the surf. Why was I on a beach in Hawaii, and my friend was in a hospital bed, unable to wake up? Why did another one of our classmates and friends have to suffer when we had just lost one to cancer two months previously? Why do we act as if we know what is going to happen next? What is the point in planning for a future when it can be taken from you at any moment? What if life does not work out the way we want?

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This became an “aha” moment for me. With college approaching, I do not know where I will be in the next year. I am facing a lot of choices that have real significance.

I do not know what new friends I will make or where I will live. I do not know if I will even still be alive. As a planner, perfectionist, and over thinker, this reminder of life’s uncertainty challenged me to the core. There in the Hawaiian dusk, it dawned on me how little control I will really ever have.

Waist-deep in the Pacific, I made an agreement with myself: plan for the next step, but do not let the fear of uncertainty get in the way of making the most out of the present. As I stood there in the ocean, moving to the rhythm of the current, I began to sing. In public, in the ocean, in front of complete strangers from around the world, I began to sing my anxiety away. The song that came to mind was one about faith overcoming fear called “Dancing on the Waves.” All of my friends around me chimed in as though they were joining me in a declaration. The chorus just rolled off my tongue as I thought about my future: “We’ll be walking on the water, dancing on the waves.”

That agreement with myself has remained firmly in mind since returning from our choir trip and heading into my senior year of high school. As my friend continues to recover and re-learn how to walk, I am reminded that I too will face unforeseen setbacks. Although this will test me at times, I will not let it keep me from “dancing” -working hard and living passionately in the present. I am ready to brave the waves of life. I am diving in.

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WHAT IF I DIDN’T BELIEVE? BROOOKE DAVIDSON

What if I never came to Christ? How would I get through the day’s struggles? There would be no one and nothing to live for or look forward to at the end of the day. I believe I would be a totally different person if Jesus hadn’t entered my life. My conscience would be out of order like McDonald’s ice cream machine, and there’d be nothing to stop me from ruining my future or my reputation daily. School, friends and family wouldn’t have any common threads to link the three together in this braid we call life. I would be looking over my shoulder for Death to jump me at any given minute, since Heaven would no longer be an option. The future seems scary now, but my fear would quadruple if there wasn’t a God standing by my side every step of the way. What if I never prayed or read the Bible? Who could I lean on when I was too weak to stand on my own?

Bible and religion classes would go in one ear and out the other without a second thought.

Time spent at Church and Chapel would be like a frustrating stain on that week’s white shirt. My room would be bare without its many crucifixes hanging on the walls and bible verses my grandma painted for me on canvases. Forgiveness and love would become optional traits, and insecurities would haunt me incessantly, as there would be no Savior that I confidently could know created me in His own image and died for me. Years would be seen as mere revolutions of the Earth and inevitable cycles, not time I could spend becoming closer to God and celebrating each day He gives me. If I didn’t believe, life would be meaningless. Life would be empty. No goals of mine would be worth reaching if they weren’t in His Name, and once people I was close with became acquainted with Death, I would never have the hope of seeing them again.

But, the thing is, I do believe. I love learning about Christ and worshipping Him. Having friends and family that also believe makes our bonds infinitely stronger. No matter what, I always have someone to turn to in the face of adversity: things like my future, and ultimately death, no longer have to be feared because of the undeniable reality of Jesus and His sacrifice.

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WHAT IF HE MET YOU? GIANNA BIRKELAND

I stood there, in the silent twilight, watching the silver-fish reflect pale moonlight. The warm summer night wrapped around me like a plush blanket, concealing the dock as it dipped into the ocean bay. I stood there, breathing softly, as you dipped your feet into the pitch-black water, fish flickering at the impact. You laughed, a church bell chime, glancing up at my still form, eyes shining, eyes so familiar, childlike eyes, yet just like hers. What if, I had not seen her eyes?

Perhaps then I would not have experienced such painful happiness. Yes, your eyes, that delved so deep into your soul. Eyes that spoke without words. Eyes that shone just as bright. I turned from you, your haunting gaze burning my heart. Just like hers did. Just like hers spoke. You, our beautiful creation, an exact replica of her vibrant form. Your piercing cry echoed as you were born, but to no avail. All that your mother could do was laugh, a church-bell chime, weaker and weaker, until I could hear her no more. Until your voice overtook hers. Forever. Her eyes still went on, unspoken feeling from their dark iris, speaking of love, loss, and life. They shone this night, as they followed me to the end of the dock. Laughing once more, you splattered out of the bay, scampering across the old wooden dock. Gulls protested, screaming as they flew off into the purple sky. Your clammy hand met mind, dripping with salt water. Now I can only think; what if you could have met her, and seen her ocean eyes.

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WHAT IF MY BABY BROTHER WAS NEVER BORN? SKYLAR RUBIDO

What if my baby brother was never born? He has taught me so much and he can’t even speak yet. My life would be so empty without his happiness. But it would also be very quiet without his yelling, that I so dearly love and I deffinitley couldn’t live without. His “toofless” smile brings joy to everyone who sees it and his laugh can change the world. Even though I wouldn’t have so many stained shirts if he wasn’t here, he stopped throwing up so I will allow him to stay.

But in all seriousness, if he wasn’t around nothing would be the same. He brought my family closer than it has ever been. My older sisters come around more often and we have more family dinners. Waking up to him laughing in the mornings is what I need to start my day off right. He just makes me so much happier. He is also the only family member I can tolerate. Again, without him I would definitely have a lot more hair than I do now, and my stuff wouldn’t randomly go missing, but I adore him just as much as I think he is annoying. Little dude stole my heart from the second I held him. To be honest I wasn’t very happy with the news when I found out he was coming, and I told myself I wouldn’t love him. Oh, how wrong I was. I wouldn’t and I don’t ever want to live without him. I don’t know what could have happened if he was never born. I would have grown up faster and I probably wouldn’t have many reasons to come home so often when I go away to college. But like my mom says, “He keeps you young.” It still blows my mind this not so tiny creature that is my baby brother will be going with me to the movies in about 6 years.

I cannot wait for him to continue annoying me for the rest of my life. I am so glad that I get to watch him grow and teach him all I know. Also, when my mother starts to get a little crazy, I can save him from her and have fun with him. Because let’s be honest having a little person around all the time isn’t so bad. It can be fun at times and not so fun at times. Watching his amazement at everything new he sees every day is something I couldn’t live without. He is like my little doll and sometimes like a dog. He roams the house and gets lost in our rooms and I find him in the weirdest places sometimes. The other day I found him in my bathroom with my lacrosse stick.

Like I said so much joy and laughter. So, to wrap things up, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without Cruz. I will watch over him forever and love him unconditionally until my last breath.

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SUSANA PEREZ

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THE LIFE-CHANGING PRINCIPLE OF BALANCE NINA PEREZ-DUBSON

I vividly recall the day I asked to join the most physically and mentally challenging sport. I was only six and was bored by the monotonous ballet classes I was enrolled in. I sat on my bed and posed the question to my mom. “Can I do gymnastics?”

She replied astonished, wondering how I knew about it. Truthfully, I didn’t know much and was simply looking for a more thrilling experience than ballet. All I knew was that I’d be able to tumble and flip, both exercising the definition of fun in my young mind.

But what I didn’t know was the tough challenges I’d face ahead as a result of this simple question.

Two years later, I’d already been placed on the competitive team. My coaches saw great potential in me from the start. Many girls had either strength or flexibility, but I had both. At the time, I enjoyed gymnastics. Routines were simple and conditioning was not yet extreme. However, I wasn’t oblivious to some of the sport’s challenges.

Prior to competitions, I’d have overwhelming amounts of fear and anxiety. I feared the reactions of my coaches were I to miss a step or fall during one of my routines. While some of this originated from my own high expectations, a majority resulted from the overwhelming pressure coaches would place on us. I’d worry unhealthily and over time, this fear only became worse.

By the age of twelve, I despised the sport. I was in Level 7, my skills were more challenging than ever, and practices were 3 ½ hours daily. While I’d moved gyms with several others due to the unfair treatment we’d been receiving, this treatment only worsened at our new gym. Choosing to quit the sport though, was not easy. After a tiring six years, my body was gradually becoming worn out and defeated. Yet, it seemed foolish to give up the dedication and effort I’d put in all those years. I felt an overwhelming pressure from my parents and coaches to stay in the sport, disappointment being my greatest fear. It was my body’s destruction in the end, however, that brought my brutal end to the sport.

One day, a classic front-handspring, front-tuck forced a crack through my patella, leaving me in excruciating pain. For weeks following my injury, I suffered through misdiagnoses of doctors and was pressured to return to the gym. Upon my return, I was placed to do somersaults off the high bar, all with the lacerating pain in my knee

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NINA PEREZ-DUBSON

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still present. I was eventually referred to an athletic doctor whose eyes widened upon seeing the large crack through the center of my knee-bone on the x-ray. My leg was casted, and I knew that my time in the sport had to end.

While my coaches begged me to return, promising better treatment, I knew the future I desired. I wanted to continue being an athlete since hard-work and dedication were valuable to me. Tennis appealed to me, being a safer yet exhilarating sport where I’d apply these principles without outside pressure. I began playing, and less than a year later, I was accepted onto the middle school team at Westminster Christian. I feel proud to say the sport has happily been a part of my life for 5 years, and I’ve reached position number two on the varsity team.

In the end, I came to realize the importance of trusting my body and my wishes. I have learned how although it can be difficult, making a tough decision can be the choice that fuels your morals and the rest of your life. I continue to exercise principles gymnastics taught me like dedication, persistence, and responsibility through my tennis matches, school, and daily life. Most importantly, however, I have learned the importance of balance and how incorporating the principles of happiness and health serve major purpose in life as well.

LOGAN LOPEZ

AMANDA ANDREUS

LIA GANLEY

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WHAT IF I DID NOT CARE? CAMILA PEREA

Usually, I prefer the calmness that results from being alone. I do not consider myself a loner, nor do I hate people, but “me-time” is integral to my sanity. The thoughts that venture through my brain when I am not entertained are the ideas that make me feel the most vulnerable. This lack of activity exposes my true being and allows me to explore the depths of my thoughts. Often, it happens right when I am trying to go to sleep and my mind is tired from the day’s commotion. This fatigue makes it seem as though my thoughts are roaming freely, and out of my control.

During one of these occurrences, I finally realized the value of our immediate existence. In comparison to the rest of the world, we mean little to nothing. Our existence is only important to a handful of people. You could be at the top of the class or the person everyone likes but it would not make any difference in comparison to the grand scheme of things. This limitless idea scared me because I felt extremely belittled. Our whole lives are spent striving for mutable goals that most people do not accomplish. The people who do meet their own expectations, are later forgotten once they die. Only a few people remain relevant after their death. Personally, I have never longed for fame but I do fear oblivion. I will probably not even have the tiniest impact on the world.

Adding on to this fear, I am also guilty of shaping my life to fit the perfect image in my head which is a waste of time. Most of us have this motivation to be great in life, even if it might be for nothing. Others lose themselves after falling into this realization because they forget their path. I am left to wonder; why do we even try if whatever we seek will probably die with us? This same logic makes people lose control. Why not do anything you want if the consequences are temporary? Sure, everything is temporary, but generalization should not be used in a way to promote malicious behavior.

So what is keeping us away from this behavior? What is the point of applying to college if our hard work will only be temporary? Maybe temporary is just enough.

There is nothing keeping us in control except the fear of what happens after we pass.

This fear drives us to live our best lives and to better ourselves every day. The possibility of missing out in the future inspires us to be the best version of ourselves. There

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fore, the unknown is what keeps us sane. We cannot live in the generalization that nothing matters because nothing is guaranteed. If we knew all the secrets of life, we would lose our motivation to fulfill it.

After developing this chain of logic, I realized that it does not matter what we compare ourselves to but who we truly are that makes the difference. I am not too aware of how life after high school will be, but it seems as though right now we are treated as numbers. We are an average of all the times we forgot to complete an assignment or failed a test because we were having a bad day. This average defines us and declares our intelligence, but it never considers the exceptions. Everything is becoming generalized cause it is the easiest way for a society to function.

This leaves me with the hindrance that there might be no point in seeking success. However, dreading my failures should not be part of my routine. I would like to care less, but honestly, I am afraid that if I dip my feet into this pool of generalization, I will sink. I will choke and forget how to care. Therefore, for now, temporary is enough.

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WHAT IF YOU CHOOSE FAITH OVER FEAR? EMILY JANE STURGE

Does a warm yellow sunflower choose to bloom with astounding grace and dignity?

Does a naïve caterpillar encase themselves in a chrysalis before choosing to spread the wings of a monarch?

The astounding answer, “No” But nature trusts in God’s plan, and I would rather trust in God’s plan than my own.

Begin each chapter with wonder and curiosity Step into the light of each day with the passion of a warm embrace And interlude your aspirations with the caress of the pearlescent moonlight For God did not create the beauty of the world to see it flounder.

Do the crystalline eyes of a Siamese kitten choose to mature into the ferocity of a slender feline?

Do the turquoise waves of the ocean choose to crash onto the white-washed sand among the coast?

The natural answer, “No” But creation trusts in God’s plan, and I would rather trust in God’s plan than my own.

If you find yourself aimlessly wandering, He will guide you If you step off your beaten path, He will grasp your hand So hold your chin up and have more faith than fear Because you would rather trust in God’s plan than your own.

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Beauty in the petals of the sunflower, absorbing the warmth of the sunshine Strength in the delicacy of the wings of the butterfly, elegant with traces of blood-orange Dominance in the cat, prowling with sovereignty and lurking with supremacy And immense power in the waves, energetic with force and capable of action Accumulate shapeliness in God’s ultimate plan.

It is often the choices that daunt us the most, Those that keep our eyes conscious in the dead of night, That lead us to our glory.

It is often the challenges that concuss us with shock, Those that loom with flames of warm tones in our eyes, That ignite that same fire in our soul and allow us to prosper.

Fear can be delightful, Kindling temporary flames that will be overcome.

For if you begin to leave things in God’s hands, You will eventually see God’s hands in everything.

Beauty in my wonder, Spark in my curiosity For if it were not for my wide-eyed nature and child-like innocence in trusting God, I would never have found my strength and independence.

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DANTE MARTINEZ

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WHAT IF, INSTEAD OF HOPE, ACTION? A CALLING TO SERVE! NICOLE URDANETA

From a very young age, I was confronted with the harsh reality that health is fleeting. At the age of 8, I experienced my first encounter with cancer. Not one, but both of my cousins were diagnosed with cancer; one was diagnosed with brain cancer, the other in the small intestine. The conversations with my parents that followed implicated the possibility of my own health being at risk, as well as the potential of losing my cousins. Most understandably frightened, my mother took me to have various tests conducted to ensure the problem was not genetic. Fortunately, I received a clean bill of health and my cousins have been successful in their battles against cancer.

However, the experience left an unforgettable mark on my person.

I would once again be faced with the cruelty and pain that comes with cancer when lost two friends to cancer; one in sixth grade and another in eleventh. It has been through these experiences where I truly developed emotionally and spiritually.

I was deeply affected watching my peers who, up until that point, led similar lives to my own go through such traumatic events. I experienced incredible pain seeing people I love go through such hardship that it inspired in me a deep desire to learn more profoundly about the realm of health sciences. I also realized that wanting to make a difference and the ability to do so are two different things. Accordingly, I found that I could do things within my reach; Westminster holds a blood drive once a month, and every month I donate blood. It is through this very intentional effort that I strive to contribute. Towards the end of my junior year I decided that I wanted to do something more. I decided to run a fundraiser at my school to raise money for cancer research studies, in honor of my cousins and friends who fought cancer. The fundraiser, a car wash, while simple in its concept rallied a large group of people together in support of an important cause.

I believe in the importance of community outreach in order to positively effect change in our health care system. Accessibility of healthcare is of paramount importance. This lesson I know intimately from experience. As a daughter of an immigrant from Venezuela most of my father’s family still resides within his native country. During

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the recently occurring crisis, my father has been pressed to assist my grandparents to ensure they receive the necessary medical supplies which are often difficult or expensive to obtain. Due to the hardships resulting from the governmental and economic crisis, I learned to appreciate my own fortune in life.

By pursing an education in the medical sciences, I hope to be able to profoundly contribute to the health of others. Through my own experiences I recognize the value medical professionals bring to our communities. Further, I understand that access to medical treatment is paramount. Because of the events that occurred in my adolescent, I feel compelled to study in the field of medical sciences. I wish to build off my past experiences in a meaningful way.

In my own future, I hope to build off opportunities afforded to me by advocating for underprivileged immigrant populations. Specifically, within the realm of accessibility to health care, I would like to concentrate my efforts. Often recent arrivals face fear and hardship in communication as well as having trouble in understanding the American healthcare system. I feel my own experiences will aid in assisting recent immigrants in acclimating to the system here.

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MRS. APRIL SHARPE-SHIRK

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WHAT IF I NEVER AUDITIONED? ANONYMOUS

It was a cold rainy day, and I had woken up with a sore throat. My mom asked me, “Are you sure you want to go?” The thought of not going never crossed my mind.

As we arrived, there were hundreds of people wrapped around the stadium. We joined the massive line; eventually, we cleared security, entered the stadium, and we were escorted to seats. I struck up a conversation with a woman named Rachel. She was thirty years old, and it was clear that she had a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Our conversation calmed my nerves and gave me confidence. I was then escorted to another area of the stadium with ten other people. My mom was asked to join us since I was a minor. The ten of us entered a room and were greeted warmly by Tameka.

With her words and actions, she created an open, creative, and encouraging environment. The ten of us were so different-from appearance to age, and style. I was in awe of those that went before me. Before I knew it, Tameka said, “Brianna are you ready?”

As my heart raced, I took a deep breath. I stood up and glanced over at my mom who gave me a reassuring look. I closed my eyes for a moment. I had envisioned this moment so many times. Each word. Each breath. When I was done, I had the inner satisfaction of knowing I nailed it. Tameka complemented me, along with those in the room. They complimented my voice and the song selection. As I walked out of the room, I felt a jolt of adrenaline and could not believe I had just auditioned for The Voice.

Two months prior, I saw that The Voice was holding auditions in Miami, and I immediately registered to audition. It was something I wanted to do for myself. It was something that would push me out of my area of comfort. I usually do not enjoy public speaking, yet this was something that I knew I needed to do. I told no one because nobody knows I sing. I am the rather quiet girl who takes it all in. While I express myself creatively in other ways like dance and visual arts, I have never sung in public.

Yet, music serves as the engine to my creativity. It is always in the background.

This experience taught me that it is important to listen to your inner voice and take risks. It also proved to me that there are some moments in life that you do to grow as a person-not for the number of likes you can get. I learned that it is essential to find your strengths and accentuate what you can do well regardless of the task. As I

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prepared for the audition, I knew I had to be strategic. The audition was a capella.

Although I am not a powerhouse singer like Ariana Grande, I am good at creatively interpreting and connecting to the song. My voice does carry emotion and connects with the lyrics. It was very hard to find the perfect song. I rehearsed and creatively adapted several songs before I selected what I wanted to sing, “Changes� by X. I was able to mold the song to fit me and highlight my voice. It was an unexpected choice which is what I enjoyed about it.

This experience taught me that a person’s positive attitude and mindset are essential. From the moment I saw the opportunity, I took it. I worked hard at something that was outside my comfort zone. Although it was a competition, the people that surrounded me were kind, talented, and encouraging. Regardless of the situation, I learned that it is important to be positive to oneself and others and to enjoy every moment. Most importantly, I learned that although I may be quiet, I found my voice.

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WHAT IF I DIDN’T GROW UP WITH SEVEN OLDER BROTHERS? ANONYMOUS

Whenever people ask me what it was like to grow up with seven older brothers, I will usually respond with a generic “I love it.” Of course, that’s true, but I neglect to mention the hardship it was growing up constantly being told to “toughen up.” Throughout my life I’ve been forced to hide my femininity and emotion, but that’s taught me to believe in the strength women hold even when they’re told they are weak.

Imagine you are six years old and learning to ride a two-wheeled bike. Suddenly, the front wheel is hit by a soccer ball and you tumble off onto the hard cement.

It’s only natural for a six-year-old to cry at a moment like this, but my brother, Nicky, told me to “rub some dirt on it.” I quickly wiped the tear from my cheek and got back onto my bubble gum pink bike. My cheeks were painted red with the embarrassment while I pedaled away. That’s when it clicked. If I wanted to prove myself to my brothers, I would have to hide my emotions. Flash forward to two thousand-thirteen. It was a warm day, like most days in Miami, and my brothers and I were in the pool escaping from the scorching heat. I sat near the edge with my legs dangling in the water.

The sunlight shone on my legs which illuminated the little hair I had begun to grow that summer. My brother screamed with disgust “Chewbacca!” I was horrified. That word, that now I’ve learned to laugh at, made me feel so ashamed of my body in that moment. “I guess if I want to be pretty, I should shave my legs,” a thought my twelveyear-old self wrote in my furry blue diary. My brother didn’t realize that Chewbacca could have degraded a sixth grader, but it did.

I felt it necessary to try to impress my brothers, whether I measured it in my capability to throw a ball or what I wore to church on Sunday. I took all their comments to heart. That began to change once I turned thirteen. I came to the realization that no matter what I did, or said, I’d never be good enough for my brothers nearly impossible expectations. So, I stopped trying. I dressed the way I wanted to, and I stopped doing the things my brothers expected from me. I felt myself slowly drifting from them. It wasn’t any of our faults; we just started growing up.

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As the time for high school drew near, I was nervous of the thought of going into a new school. The summer leading up to my freshman year, I began to confide in my brother, Max, for guidance on high school. He was entering his senior year, so I knew that he would be able to help me. I began to open up to all of them and once I was able to show them my heart, it became easier for them to come to me for advice.

I learned that although my brothers constantly felt that I needed to be tougher, what they needed from me was compassion and love.

My seven brothers needed, and continue to need, the strength and love only a sister can provide. They look for the strength that can help mend their broken hearts or recover from the loss of a relative. They have now realized that they can find this strength to overcome their obstacles hidden in their little sister. So, yes, when people ask what it was like to grow up with seven older brothers, I will always respond with, “I love it.�

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WHAT IF THINGS DIDN’T GO AS PLANNED? SOPHIA VILAR

I believe that all things in life happen for a reason. Many times situations occur that make it seem detrimental and horrific, but can actually be a blessing in disguise.

That small mistake, the delayed flight, those new earrings; all these little things add up in the bigger picture and can prove to be what God had intended from the beginning.

No matter how small or big these moments are, never take them for granted because these things are what make you who you are. Every path that life takes you is for a reason, even if you don’t think so at the time.

“Everything in life happens for a reason.” This applies to both negative and positive situations. In life, one cannot constantly be questioning the reasoning behind everything. Even though there are no explanations for illness and random murders or mass bombings, fate must be placed in God’s hands and faith must guide you and comfort you in believing that everything happens for a reason. For example, my brother was recruited by numerous universities to play baseball and his entire life he wanted to play at the University of Miami. Many coaches had contacted him, and he had begun making plans for unofficial visits when the University of Miami contacted his summer travel ball coach saying that they were interested in Anthony and wanted him to come in for an unofficial visit. He had already made travel plans to visit the other schools but made the appointment to visit UM when he returned. Even though he really liked the other schools, his dream was to always play at the University of Miami, and luckily, they were interested in him and they also gave him an athletic scholarship.

This just shows that even though they were not the first school to make a move, it was ultimately the school he chose. We don’t know the reason or the why, but we do know that he is very happy to be living out his dream and he believes that this was where he was supposed to be.

As I begin my search for colleges to play soccer at, I am hoping that I end up wherever God plans for my future. I believe that I will end up wherever I am meant to be and place all my faith in the Lord in guiding me in choosing where I will spend my college years.

In today’s world we are faced with many challenges and we must look towards the Lord for answers. Although God does not make bad things happen to us because

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humans have free will, He is always there to guide us and help us get through even the most difficult situations. Romans 8:28 “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God uses all things that happen to us for our good. He is willing to guide us, and we must trust in his love. Believe that you are where you are supposed to be because “everything happens for a reason!”

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QUARANTINE COLLAGE CLASS OF 2020 REDEFINES SENIOR YEAR

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JULIA CORRADINE

CLASS OF 2020,

YOU are extraordinary! You pioneered remote learning and led our school through an unprecedented pandemic which prevented you from spending your last nine weeks of your senior year on campus. You persevered, signed onto class each day with a smile on your face, prayed with your classmates, shared heartwarming videos and stories, and asked for one thing collectively- to be reunited with your fellow classmates on the WCS campus. While we are anxiously waiting for that time to come, may I say on behalf of the faculty, staff and underclassmen at WCS, YOU have been an example of what being a warrior at WCS is all about. You demonstrated love and support for each and every person that God placed in your path, even when you had to do it from a distance. God has incredible things in store for you, Class of 2020. Enjoy these photos, and never forget that “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus� (Philippians 1:6). We are all cheering you on as you enter that next phase of life that God has planned for you.

God bless you all!

MRS. ANGELA CASTANO LITERARY MAGAZINE SPONSOR

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IN LOVING MEMORY LUCAS ALVAREZ ‘20

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

WHAT IF I NEVER CAME TO WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL? LUCAS ALVAREZ

If I never went to Westminster I would one hundred percent not be the type of person I am today. My personality would for sure be different probably even the way I dress, and my look would be different. If I was never forced to take the test to get into Westminster, I probably would still be alone, at my house, being homeschooled. I would probably never have met the people I’ve met and done the things I’ve done. Since I’ve been here, I have never met a group of teachers that have cared more for me and my future, unlike where I was before where I was on my own. Since Westminster I’ve learned what’s it like to gain many friends but at the same time lose so many. Since Westminster I’ve learned what’s its like to be in a relationship with someone and learn the ups and downs of having a relationship. And since Westminster I’ve been able to find and grow closer to God, which I was never really exposed to him, until I came here in 7th grade.

Westminster has been such a blessing in my life because I am one who struggles with learning disabilities.

Westminster has helped and guided me along the way and has taught me the proper methods to help me understand how to learn in the way that comes easiest to me. Also, being at this school it has shown me what is best for me after high school. Being here I found out about the tech school (Universal Technical Institute) I will be attending in August. Ever since I was young, I always felt lost and confused because I didn’t know what I would do after high school was over. Westminster saw that I was interested in a different path than the other students, and they worked with me and found that a trade school for mechanical engineering would fit me best for my future. Who would’ve thought that I would be going to a trade school and being the first known graduate from Westminster to be attending a technical school? I find it very fascinating how everything sort of falls into place with time, the right things start to come together and begin to shape your future. So, what if my mom never took me out of elementary school and began to homeschool me? What if my mom didn’t decide to hold me back a grade when I applied for a new school? What if I didn’t have the right people to guide me throughout my high school career, and find the college that fits me best? What if I never attended Westminster Christian School?

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A NOTE FROM THE EDITORS ALYSSA ANDREUS ‘20 What if… My inspiration for this magazine’s theme was through a conversation I had with my friend about what we thought our lives would be like if we had gone to school together. I was so curious as to how my life would have played out if my parents didn’t decide to send me to Westminster. I wanted to know if I would still be going to the same college, would I have gone on the same summer vacations, or if I would have dyed my hair so much throughout high school. It was a silly conversation at the time, but when I got home I started thinking, thinking about how different my life would be if I didn’t come to Westminster four years ago. I know I wouldn’t have the same friends, I wouldn’t have the relationships I have with my teachers and I wouldn’t be the person I am today. This conversation made me realize how much Westminster impacted my life, and I thought it would be a great way to realize how it impacted our peers lives.

AUSTIN JONES ‘22 This is my first year taking part in the crafting and editing process that goes on before you get your hands on the final copy of the magazine, and I loved it! I am both a graphic designer and creative writer so having the opportunity to be a literary magazine editor this year was a huge privilege. This year’s issue was a big one, and designing and formatting it was probably one of my biggest projects. I had an idea to make the magazine not only a literary one, but an artistic one as well, incorporating elements of design into the layout itself, making a new logo, creating graphics that unify the magazine, and blending the writing with the art to make a new volume of Roots that stands out and represents the writing and artistic talent of Westminster Christian School in a whole new way.

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Created by the Literary Magazine Staff at Wetsminster Christian School. Roots is the high school literary magazine of Westminster Christian School, publishing unique fiction, non-fiction, artwork, and photography created by current WCS high school students and staff. Roots is edited and designed by an all-student staff, sponsored by the English Department and funded by Westminster Christian School. Š2020 Roots. Printed in the United States. All rights reserved. No reproduction or use without permission.

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