"My Dream Job"-- a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is a rapper

Dear Sarah, I want to be a rapper because I love music and I love vibin and I want people to be able to bumb my music and be able to understand me I want the world to know my name and I want people to want to meet me and be me and I want to have money for my family. Id be a good rapper because I can rap fast or slow and spit really good and can come up with stuff pretty quick and I want to be rappin with all rappers so that's my dream job.

AS, age 17

"My Dream Job"-- a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is tatoo artist

Dear Sarah, I want to be a tatto artist because I love drawing. When I draw it makes me feel happy. When I give some one a tatoo I forget about every thing else and I really concentrate on the tatoo Im doing. And being a tatoo artist will just make me happy.

EA, age 15

"My Dream Job"-- a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is tatto artist

Dear Sarah, I want to be a tatto artist because I love tattos and I love to draw and I've done then of theme so far they came out really good and I got my own tatto gun I love seeing it go from paper in to a tatto and i like seeing the joy people get wene I finish ther art my dream is to own my own tatto shop. I bleav that if i really want to all i got to do is keep my mind to it.

SR., age 16

"My Dream Job"-- a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is to be a swat member.

Dear Sarah,

My dream job is to be a swat member. I wanna be a swat member because I like guns & I wanna help
out my community & save peoples lives that are under hostile danger. I also want to prevent terrorist attacks which causes wars & also just ends up killing more people. Swat will be a fun, good job for me that I will enjoy because I like to shoot gun & I don't like jobs that you sit around on a chair because its boring which would cause me to wanna quit, Id rather be out there physical training, shooting guns, & saving lives.

SB, age 17

"My Dream Job"-- a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is to be a famous jockey.

Dear Sarah, I want to be a famous jockey when I grow up cause I been around horses since I was small and I life to ride horses I like to see horse racing a lot my dad took me to my first one when I was 12 since then I like to watch horse racing It look pretty cool to be a jockey but at the same time it can be dangerous.

AP, age 15

Locked Up on Christmas

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel sad but happy at the same time it makes me apperatiate my family more and makes me choose better disisons."

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel lonely & like I can't do things right. I want to change and fix my wrong doings. I can't wait to see what happens."

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel very sad and kind of upset and made and that i want to cry and be sad every day of my life until I get to go home and stay their."

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel kinda sad because i cant be with my family and my girl for the holidays but im staying because i rather miss this Christmas than all of theme I know i'll be home soon."

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel very disappointed with myself because i feel like I have made my mom feel like it's her fault that Im in here I feel bad because my sisters don't even get to spend Christmas with me so its very hard."

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel Homesick. I terribly miss my family. My mom, my family are going to miss me. I love them very much, and this is the only year I won't be with them. My folly, my punishment, I love them extremly."

Locked Up on Christmas

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel very unfortunate and guilty because I know my family feels very sorry for me, and I feel very unfortunate because I am not with them celebrating the holidays and my girlfriends birthday." 

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel upset & deppressed. I need to do my duty to stay good. I feel realy bad that I am not at on Christmas. I will miss my mom."

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel sad because I can't be home with my family to see what everyone got & I can't thank everyone for everything they have gave me. I also feel angery at myself for making stupid mistakes." 

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel superduper awesome. it doesn't really matter or care about being here on Christmas. Doesn't make much difference to me because I don't get gifts on the out anyways." 

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel pretty good because I not going to miss it. At least I alive in stead of dead. I lucky to be locked up in ona ensted of being bad on the outs." 

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel really sad and I wish I was at home with my family. I wish they knew that Im really sorry I messed up." 

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel really sad and frustrated. I feel like I am a failure to my family and an of my friends." 

"Because I am locked up at Christmas, I feel very mad! I look forward to Christmas every year. It's a time of giving and a jolly time. A time of peice and joy. And caroling." 

Class Poetry: "The world doesn't understand"

The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
I work hard to have
a good destiny
I always look forward
to the future as far
as the eye can see
but the world doesn't understand
what's going on in me.

AS, age 17

-------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
The world can only comprehend what's going
wrong with me
well obviously
even a young man could point at everything
wrong with me
do you want me to show you how
much of a bad man someone can be
I can pull out a video clip and show you how
visually
Looking at me with that dumb smug look, casually
Judgin a book by its cover, pfft, honestly
This is why the world doesn't understand
what's going on in me.
The world can only comprehend what's going
wrong with me, Ima tell you positively
that I can show you how much of a real man  that
I can be
or I can show you how much of a bad man that I can be
I can pull out the deepest, darkest anger and show you physically.

JA, age 17

-------------------------------

The world doesn't understand

What's going on in me

The world only see's what's 

wrong with me they don't 

see the good things in

me they cant see the 

good thing I do for my 

family. 

VR, age 16

-------------------------------

The world doesn't understand

What's going on in me

Conflicts of the mind

hurts of the heart

trying to live my life

not knowing how it'll end

but who cares

every things ends in the end.

CH, age 16

-------------------------------

The world doesn't understand

What's going on in me

Depression, regresion, love from 

above. I know my life is messed

up but Im not top thug. so death

my breath Im happy life's best.

JC, age 12

-------------------------------

The world doesn't understand

What's going on in me

so much pain you can't even see me cause

people don't even pay attition to me ya'all

don't know how I feel with all this pain inside

me. 

TA, age 15

-------------------------------

The world doesn't understand

What's going on in me

By what do you mean? 

I have nothing to hide,

no reason to flea.

By the looks of it nothing to see.

To be honest, I feel quite free!

CW, age 15

-------------------------------

The world doesn't understand

What's going on in me

they don't know what I 

boen through so just let me

be trying to go the right 

pat but the gang life just

wont let me. 

EA, age 15

Class Poetry: "Take a Look and Tell Me"

Take a look and tell me,
what you see in me,
this is what I see
I see a kid who wants money
but can't find a job
I see a kid who wants to finish school
but doesn't have the dedication
I see a kip who wants to rap
but can't cause he doesn't have enough time
I see a kid who is making a change
and that kid is me.

-AS, age 17

-----------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, 

what you see in me, 

this is what I see

A person with a strong personality

with the right mentality.

No matter what you see in me

I know who I am and who Im destined to be

A few bumps in the road now please don't judge me

A few sticks and stones wont even budge me

They cheatin there way to the top so they try and nudge em

Trust me

They couldnt reach the top and tell me

what they see. 

JA, age 17

-----------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, 

what you see in me, 

this is what I see

I see a youngster trying

to make it in this 

life of sin trying to 

take care of his problems

with the law and get 

back in school and do

good in life so that 

he could get a good

example n his family

and let them see that he 

could do good and be

secsead in life so 

that one day he could

have a family of his own. 

SR, age 16

-----------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, 

what you see in me, 

this is what I see

A big 6 ft 2 redneck hilbilly rebel from way

down south who loves to use duck tape for

everything & can fix almost anything with it.

We all should use it because it can fix

everything.

TA, age 15

-----------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, 

what you see in me, 

this is what I see

A person with low self Asteem,

Not much to believe in.

Tryna find who he is in this

world & no one believes him.

Lost his first love that wasn't part

of his blood.

His heart is torn apart.

SB, age 17

-----------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, 

what you see in me, 

this is what I see

Nothing special

hard working, fine grades

doing my best, at one stop

I might deserve a rest, but that is next.

CW, age 15

-----------------------------------------------

Take a look and tell me, 

what you see in me, 

this is what I see

I see a full time Mexican 

trying to be free trying to make it

through this crapy society trying 

to live and not die and showing

my family that I do love my life.

EA, age 15

Everyone Has a Story: "So Many Bad Memories"

 I was born in ___ but moved to Utah at the age of 5. Mostly because my brothers and my familys lives were in jeporidy for gang violence that my brothesr participated in. What my parents wanted for is a new life. They moved to Utah hoping things would get better. But they didnt. Since I was a little girl all I remember was the anger in my dads eyes & the smell of alcohol coming from his breath. I remember the sadness in my moms tears dripping from her eyes & the fear in her body language. It seemed like all I did was hide. I was never comfortable living in my own home & my mom was doing everything to protect me from my dad and my two older brothers they didn't make the situation any better, they made it worse. They joined in on the actions of my dad. Ive had so many bad memories in my childhood... But Ive learned not to live int he past & to live in the present, now my dad is no longer a alcholic and he has changed so much. My older bro is in prison, nothing new. My father has never personally said sorry but actions speak louder than words.

CO, age 15

Everyone Has a Story: "Locked Up"

the day I got locked up and im still locked up well I woke up then I was about to get up but then my mom starts knocking on the door so I put [my drugs] away then I go for the door my mom asks me what time I got home last night so I told her then my school cop pops up from my hall way in my mind I was like @#$*$^!! Then he told me to turn around so I did then he hand cuffed me then he took me to d.t. When I got there I was thinking in my head and was like I cant beleive Im here and when I got into my section I saw my friend I havent seen him awhile. Me and that fool are homies. I know he would have my back but yeah me and him left d.t. the same day he went to the Salt Lake O&A and I came here but its pretty chil here I know that I can get threw with this program and hopefully go home.

L.A.

Everyone Has a Story: "A Day at Lagoon"

One day I thought it was a good idea to go to Lagoon. Little did I know what people try to get you to do. So the day I went was Lagoon day for ninth grade. There was a bunch of people at admission and when we got in there was more people. The first ride we went on the old roller coaster. That was fun but my stomach went up my throat a couple times. I admire who ever thought that gravity would pull a cart around a track. After that we went to the spider and rode the wild mouse. The wild mouse is way fun and I could go on it alot without getting sick. After we went to the gondola and rode it across the park. Whenw e stopped at the arcade and played some games. The haunted roller coaster/house was lame it wasn't even scary. I think it should be but I see why they don't so kids can't get super scared and get off the ride. I wanted to go on the jet star but no one else did so I didn't. We went to raddle snake rapids and rode it twice. the first time we were fine and didn't get wet. The last time we got soaked. that was my trip to Lagoon.

VA, age 15

Everyone Has a Story: "Friends"

When I was six years old I moved here from ___ and lived with my dad. Ever 6 months - 2 years we moved to a different city. I hardly ever had friends because I kept having to make new ones and when I made new friends we moved again. Then my dad and step-mom met they have been together for 4 years and we hardly move anymore. Sometimes I think it was a very good thing we moved around the valley Because If we didn't my dad and step-mom would have never met and I wouldn't of ever had friends. Life is hard to do when you dont have friends because people say we listen to our friends 70% parents 20% and other things 10%. Lots of things have either a positive influence on you or a negative influence and not that I'm locked up I will try my hardest to only follow the positive influences and live a wonderful life with my family, friends, and siblings. I will never get locked up again. If I have anything to say about it.

RN

Everyone Has a Story: "My Story"

OK so it all started 1 year ago when I live in AZ I got mixed up with the wronge crowd and I starte drinking with them and then a cuple weeks later I started smoking with them and then after all that I started to not listen to my parents or listen in school and then I got into drinking and smoking a lot more and I wouldnt come home till after curfew and then after all that I picked up a charge and I'm not going to say what that was because it will start stuff and then once I got out of DT I went back to my homies and went back to drinking and smocking and after that happened I got jumped into a crew and thats when I became known as a soldier and then a yer went by of being a soldier that I became a seller and then I started my own crew out here and started to recruit peeple and we got up to 95 people runing and the after 3 weeks I went on the run and I was on the run for 3 months and got arrested and booked into DTand then will I was in their I met and old freind and the we got switched to another unit together and then we became cell mates and then he left to another program I went to court righta fter he left and found out I was going to O&A and then after about 4 weeks in DT I left to come to O&A and I saw an old freind and then she left and I started adjusting to the program and how I'm ready to go home.

TB, age 15

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is Sloth Whisperer

Dear Sarah
I deserve to be hired as a sloth whisperer because I am 300% devoted to slothes. I've put my very own life on the line for a sloths entertainment. More than 12 years of my life have been spent deep in the jungle bonding and observing sloths. In this time I have obtained the traits of a sloth and I can do everything they can and interact with them successfully. When I was born the doctors performed an experimental surgery on my brain. They implanted a device that not only allows me to talk to sloths, but I can read their minds.

PC, age 17

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is football player

You should picke me ccs I am the best football player you will ever mete I will make you a lote of money and if you do picke me you wont regret it and I need the money my family is not so rich at the time I was my the only one who has arms and lages and I am the best football player ever.

KK, age 14

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is Marine Bioligest

Dear Sarah, I think you should hire me to be a marine biologest because it is something that I have always wanted to do. I would be the best marine biologest you could every think of because I would actually wake up in the morning and love going to my job unlike most people who hate going to their jobs. Also I would do my best to make new discoveries and find new ways of life and I can asure you that in the futer you would not look back and regret hiring me as a marine bioligest.

MT, age 16

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is a doctor

Dear Sarah, I would be a very good doctor because I have gone over to Africa to help the starving children and the sick two times. Also I have gone to college for 8 years and also med. school twice. I once performed open heart surgery on a camping trip in the middle of the wilderness with nothing but anastesya and a steak knife.

JP, age 18

Everyone Has a Story: "Getting Help"

When I was ten I was abused physcially and my mom was almost beat to death and my brother was hit and my sister was hit and my ear drum was damaged. I finally got sick of being abused so I ran to a niebors house and asked to use thir phone then I called my grandma to come and get me and when she did I told her everything that was happening at my mom's house and she filed a protective order for me my mom my brothers and sister and when [the abuser] was gone we started to recover from the abuse. went slowly at first.

LH, age 14

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is Case Worker

Dear Sarah,
I would be excellent in this job because first of all, I absoulutely love children. I love and enjoy working with different types of kids, and all ages. I know perfectley how the system works. The experiences I've been through in my past will help me relate to them. I understand how it feels to not have love and support. Its extremeley hard having to go through life without someone by your side who is always ther to support you and motivate you. No one has to go through this alone. So I want to be there for the kids to give them that boost they need in order to keep going. I want to show them that life doesn't have to be the way it is. There is hope and faith. I'm not going to lie and say that life is easy. Because obviously, everyone knows it's not. Nobody's perfect. Yes we will make bad decisions and mistakes more than once. I have no right to judge these kids by what they've done and neither does anyone else! I've made many mistakes and have done things I regret, and am not proud of. But we learn from those mistakes. It's our job to help these kids change their lives around, Not by judging them and bringing stuff up that has already happend. I want to help them move on to the next phase in their lives. Make them realize that life dosen't revolve around parties, drugs/alcohol or gangs. I also know what it's like living on the streets. It's hard out there. Sometimes, if your lucky enough, you'll find a warm place to sleep. I want to get both girls & boys off the streets, show them that their not alone, and that anything's possible. Many of my experiences actually benefit me because "I've been their, done that." I want to work with girls who have been sexually, emotionally, or physically abused. I want every girl to know that "It's never your fault." No matter what people have said or what happened in the past. You can hold onto it, and let anger and pain take-over you. Or you can simply let it go and be free and turn it into something positive, so that you, and the person after you can inspire young teens and adults all over the world. Don't let your past affect your future.

S. G., age 14

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is to be a pharmacist tech.

Dear Sarah, I deserve this job because I am the most qualified person for the job. I have attended Harvard med for most of my life and have earned every degree possible. Also, you will make a lot of money by hiring me because I have discovered the cure to AIDS and cancer--- it is ice cream.

AM, age 16

Class Poetry: "The world doesn't understand"

The world doesn't understand
what I see. Its what you dont see.
Because it is me in which I see. 

RT, age 15


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
I'm a fighting machine, I cant stop
I mean, I wish for money
power and every thing. So 
one day I can be king.


TB, age 15


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
I want to get out of JJS custody
and go home and be with my family.


CY, age 17


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
its like a bottle for life or death like that
show I used to watch when I was young with 
the pill robot guy and the white blood cell
guy that fight all of the germs. 


TR, age 13


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
But the truth is the world really does.
My trauma, my pain is all been experienced by
many before m. I remember a time when
I let the world treat me as a victim.
therefore that's what I became. I refuse
to feel the restraint of the world because
I would prefer to make excuses so in all it's
not that the world doesn't understand me
I just don't know the world. 


AS, age 17


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
I feel sad, like I'm the one who is to suffer or
pay for that mans wrong doings. I've lost every thing
How can I cope, when sometimes the ones who ment 
me harm are those who said "I love you." When fear 
is my friend, and I feel it but dont act. I always was
the one to protect the little ones. And I'll always 
remember I'm the survivor and I get to tell 
the story. But what happens when that storyes at 
its end? 


AS, age 16


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
see what they don't see, is what I 
see-- and that is me. they say Im
hiding in the dark and they cant find me.
Im tip toeing on hells boundaries with 
the devil so dont try me. If you can not
see me turn on the light and look into
these eyes and it should be clear that 
I am not telling lies. like I said this clown
has his head stuck in the skies, thats why
he spits these crazy rhymes-- waiting in
his cell to get out and live his life. 


CM, age 14


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
try an walk a mile in my shoes the world lfe me 
nothing but these blues. 


SC, age 17

Class Poetry: "The world doesn't understand"

Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
a clown that never cries, instead he dream in the skies. he dont believe
in the lies, he feels like his friends are taken
away by the system--- he stops and thinks
"Wow I am really starting to miss them!" I know they have 
not forgot about me, but it's been along time so just let this 
clown continue to rhyme. And one day he will be back on his
grind with his friends and family for a very long time. 


AM, age 14


------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
someone who loves so deep to imagine
someone who cares and gets sad over to the tears of other.
someone who fought the battle and has now even
And finally someone who is remembered for great things. 


AS, age 16 


------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
I see change. A different person from who I was. 
I see someone empowered by fear of the continuing
cycle of disgrace. I see someone who can
let go of pain and strives to enjoy life. 
I see a fighting chance. 


AS, age 17


------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
a monkey flying so night he thout
he would cry so he decided to buy a kit and 
go for a ride then he was in office and they 
turned him into a pie. 


JR, age 13


------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
a delinquent sitting in juvie
all because of his extreme stupidity
this isn't what I want to see
I want to see me holding a degree from a university. 


CY, age 17


------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
a tall guy in the sky, I dare
you to tell me a lie, and watch
your eye. I'm telling you for the very last time. 


TB, age 15


------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
A young man who is scare. But always prepared
I was here unprepared. For it is the consequences I am scary. 


RT, age 15


------------------------------------------------
Take a look and tell me, what you see in me, this is what I see
I see who is real
and I see who is fake
but for the most part 
I see my mistake.


SC, age 17

Poetry: "The Best of Me"

Back in the day or at least around my way. When the weekend was creepin it was time to go play I dont need to be pacific but the times seem real terrific party's, fights, the good old nights. but when you hit 18 you lose your juvenile rights, next thing you know your an old man livin every day with regret tryin to make a stand. Now Im here to tell you thats not going to be me, trying to fulfill my lite as truest can be, dont question me, bless me to see the best of me every mistake I make is going to take time All 5 have for advice is dont do the crime cuz your just going to regret wishing you could rewind.

DW, age 17

Everyone Has a Story: "Judgement"

My story is about my life when I was eleven I lost my niece and I just got into trouble after that I am good a training horses not to be cocky but I am I plan to work in the oilfield when I get older I've had a lot of traumatic events happen in my life Ive been shot at lost my best friend to a stray bullet so don't judge me when you point your finger at me you point 3 fingers at yourself. Only god can judge me.

Everyone Has a Story: "Bad Decision"

My name is _________. I was born in oregon but moved to utah with my family when i was about six years old. I had a good child hood and it started going down hill when i hit the 8th grade and decided to smoke for the first time. I was with my best friend at the time and one day after school we decided to go to another friends house to hang out and when we get there there were other kids there standing around passing back an apple smoking out of it. Me and my friend walked up and one of the kids passed it to me and i hit it because i wanted them to think i was cool. After that day i started hangin out with the bad crowd of kids that smoked and got in trouble and i was doing it until about 6 months ago when i realized i didnt want to be that kid anymore but i wasn't doing much about it. Yeah i stoped hangin out with a lot of the kids and stoped smoking but one night i ended up making a really bad decision that landed me locked up for sixty day and thats when i really sat down and decided i have to change the way i live before its to late. I can't really say this program has changed me because noone can change in sixty days but it has changed the way i think and see the world.

J.C.

Everyone Has a Story: "Trying to Stay Alive"

I was 15 when I got jumped in to a gang. Before I knew it I was getting crap from every one the day after I go in. I said "they dont understand, theyre just hatin" But I was blinded by my own lust for a purpose in life. I had thought I found it but I was wrong. Dead wrong.

With in two weeks I was arrested 3 times charged twice and searched for drugs, alcohol, may be even weapons. The school cop just kept questioning me and said "word on the street is you go jumped in" I nodded, I didnt care what he was trying to do I just wanted to leave school. Then he says "you go by -----?" I said "ya" after that talk everyone started to look down on me. Soon after the cops kept coming to me everytime something gang related came up. especially graffiti I was always trying to be pushed into saying "I did it." It was the worst.

in the time I was all about the hood life. I beat up a girl, stole beer, got drunk, started a fight, worse of all there were two guys out to kill me and for a week I was to keep low, so I did though I always seemd to be across the street from them when fighting. Till they showed up at my high school to try to kill us, me. I was scared but when one walked past me I didn't flinch. Luckily he didn't know who I was. There still looking for me I've decided to get out but its hard and I may not survive.

J.S.

One Thing I'm Going to Do Differently...

-"im going to stop smoking weed and stay cleen and start skating again" KE, age 12

-"One thing I will do differently when I leave is make my life the best it can be. I'll change the way I treat people. I'll change people's lifes for the better. One love." RE, age 16

-"I going to stop running & hideing from my fears & I'm going to go to school & do well." AS, age 17

-"a thing Im going t do different when I leave is be a part of my family again. get my life on the right track and not to go with the guy who always put me down." MS, age 16

-"When I leave O&A I want to stop smoking bud and ciggarretes and start sk8ing again." LR, age 13

-"I am going to do better for my Mom and stop smoking weed." JM, age 14

-"I am not going to make the same decisions that got me put in here. I have already wasted enough time in my life." JC, age 17

Poem: "The Relationship with Carlos"

1. i thought you were so good to me
but you wernt.
2. i felt you were my everything
but you wernt
3. i thought you truly loved me
but you didnt
4. i thought you were going to be there for S
but you werent
5. S screamed for your attention
but you didnt
6. i cut myself badly
but you still didnt care

1. you took away my friends & family
but i didnt care
2. you took my sobriety & then my drugs
but i didnt care
3. you took my right to be a mom
but i didnt care
4. you would call me things like stupid or ugly
but i didnt care
5. you controled my whole life
but i didnt care
6. you kept me living on the street
but i still didnt care

1. we beat each other bloody
but we didnt care
2. we said we loved each other
but we didnt really
3. we screamed & yelled at each other
but we didnt care
4. we both wanted something eles
but we didnt care

dont do what i did!

SC, age 16

One Thing I'm Going to Do Differently...

-"When I leave O&A, I'm gonna hit the weights and stay off weed and cigarrettes." AM, age 16

-"When I leave... When I leave O&A I'm not going to make the same mistakes I did to come here." JP, age 15

-"When i get out i'm going to go to school get through high school at least and make me happy and my parents proud stop using drugs and stop hanging out with gang members." TW

-"One thing when I get out will be respect my Dad more & stay away from Drugs. I will also get my diploma and a steady job for my daughter and I!! RP, age 17

-"I will try to think befor I act. I will not steal stuff from stores or school. I wont get caught up in a mess. I will try really hard not to come back to Dt or O&A." AS, age 15

-"One thing I will do different when I leave O&A... is stay away from all the drugs and stop hanging around gangs. I'm going to go back to school and graduate. I'm going to do what my parents ask of me. I'm going to get a steady job so I can get all the freshest clothes and shoes." KP, age 17

-"One thing am going to do when i get out of O&A is change my life and behavier and go back to school and make new friends and stay on task and help out everyone that needs help from me and tell people what i have been throu and change my life and be a good citizen from now on while am in O&A." AM, age 13

Poem: "Free"

I see but I can't be free
in here I can't be me
like a dog in a cage
filled with rage
All I want is outta this cage
so let me out
and set me free
so I can show to you all
who I can really be

AC, age 17

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is marine core

Dear Sarah, the reaons why you should take me for the marine core is because Ive been shooting guns my whole life so shooting a person wouldnt be real different then shooting an animal. And I also been blowing things up as ar as I can remember so I can blow things down and be in and out within 52 seconds and also lead the team in and out safly so thats why I would be a good candidate for your bissness spot so I hope you look into my request more. Thank you for your time.

TB, age 15

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is fish & game officer

Dear Sarah,

I think I am a good candidate for this position. I have studied in science and biology. I have also been through the required amount of police academy. I think I would be great for this job, because I love the outdoors. I love science and I love working and protecting animals. I've also been around hunters and campers, I aalso am one myself so I know how they think and know when and where it all happens. Espessially potchers I have seen a lot of them in my time hunting and in the outdoors, but haven't been able to do anything about it but call someone to stop it. But by the time they got there, the potchers are long gone. So please give me this chance and opportunity to start saving and protecting the wild animals, and espessially the outdoors.

AC, age 17

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is criminal psycologist

Dear Sarah
i feel i am more qualified then most for this job because i have all the proper schooling such as my doctoret witch i spent ten years & lots of money to educate myself for this job. i have also done my ful year of internship too. The reason i want this job is because i want to help instatutionalized people like my brothers to find the problum under there skulls & help fix it.

i am a caring person. all i want is to help these convicts succseed as functional members of soceity. So in the long shot i want a chance to change the world in some small way. so you should partake in my changing of the world.

SC, age 16

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is to be a marines recon team leader.

Dear Sarah

I am a worthy candidate for the position as recon team member Because I can handle a weapon with utmost precision and accuracy. I am one with the shadows,  I stay undetected by any enemy trying to look for me. I can be a leader when it is required of me, also I am determined to get the job done correctly with as little or no mistakes and or injuries and casualties. One last thing is, when it comes down to it in hardcore point blank range combat I can keep a level head and get my men where need be. So please consider my name when picking worthy candidates for your job position.

S.N.

"My Dream Job" -- a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is working where my dad works today and forever

Dear Sarah, I want to work at life time with my dad cause he works there and I want to work there cause its a lot of pay and everybody who workds there is awsome and extra jobs for way more money and everybody that are my dads friends and me whole works there. That my dream job is. and I want to be a DJ.

One Thing I'm Going to Do Differently...

-"When I leave O&A I would like to change my attitude towards everything! So basically just be a better person to be around." PM

-"When I get out of O&A im going to be there for my family and thank you for helping me better understand writing."  M

-"I will never come back & I will do great in school also use the tools I learn." JC

-"I want to change my anger problems so I dont come back." TH

-"Im going too stay way from all the dogs and old friends. in one week a life time can pass. in one day, familys shatter like glass. in one hour, time still moves too fast. in one sec, we make choices that wil last."

-"When I get out of O&A I am gonna stay away from drugs and not listen to bad influences and stay out!" TJ

-"Go to school and go to the DATC and get a masters or PhD in weilding." BA

-"One thing i will do when i leave this facility is be with mom more." WR

-"I am going to go back to high school and graduate so I can go to the UofU and be on the gymnastics team. I'm going to show my family the gratitude that I truly have and the appreciation I have for them." NH

"My Dream Job" -- a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is to be a medical doctor.

Dear Sarah,

There are some reasons why I think you should hire me for this job. I am a very hard and dedicated worker. I go the extra mile to get the job done. I am a people person. People can talk to me and understand what I'm telling them, not like most doctors that toss out big words to sound smart. I am also a very caring person. I will put more than enough time into my patients. No patient will ever feel like there not being cared for. I'm not affraid to stitch someone up, blood doesn't bother me, I'm a very hands on person. If something needs to be done, you can count on me.

W.E.

"My Dream Job" --a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is a shoe designer

Dear Sarah,
You should hire me for this job because I have some good ideas for this company an I know these designs that I have created will change the world. Each shoe that is made, is specifically made for each and ever left and right foot. But the real reason for my shoe designs are for the comfort and the aww that catches what the customer wants. My designs will cat the eye of the customer an I can guarentee the Benjamins of the mula!
My shoes are for comfortability and endurance for the long lasting, meaning the shoe was made to last long and stay strong but you will never ever need to buy another pair of shoes for the longest while. Also I have the skills to sketch any designs you want or need and I have the taste for styles.

SC, age 17

"My Dream Job" - a persuasive writing assignment

My dream job is a Dictator

Dear Sarah

Why should you hire me? Well allow me to complicate some reasons why you should hire me and not someone else.

1. I have experience working.
2. I am available 24/7 as well as short notice.
3. I work consistently under pressure.
4. I have study about this and I can offer you a great fit for things
5. I can boost the gross income by applying me knowledge to your job offer.

Sarah, let's be realistic here. I have what you want but I can only help you if you help me. :oD

J.S.

Fiction Writing Prompt: "3 Keys"

"You were just given three keys. 
They will open anything you want. 
Use your imagination! 

What do they open?" 

"1. The key to my mansion. 2. The key to my 2012 STi. 3. The key to my safe with a billion dollars." 

"1. Opens my closet so I can get my fresh clothes. 2. Door to my mansion on the top of a mountain. 3. Key to my  chest with magical items." 

"1. Key to safe with a hundred billion $$. 2. Key to my mansion in Hawaii. 3. Key to my million $$ yatte (yacht)." 

"1. to my mansion with a soccer arena inside. 2. to Six Flags Amusement park. 3. To my house in LA with babes." 

"1. Opens my Hummer. 2. Opens my big huge house. 3. Opens up my Foot Locker store." 

"Key 1. Opens my farrari f-50 with 2 12" speakers, custom vinyl with custom spinners, iPod with all my fav music. Key 2. Beach house in Malibu. Key 3. Opens my metal vault with 2 billion."

"Key to freedom. Key to a valtfull of money. Key to a Caddillac CTS V black with black rims that have a red going around the lip of the rim with a bumpin system and an iPod touch 64 g with all my favorite music with Selena Gomez sitting in the passenger seat." 

"1. to lamburgini diablo black gold neon with tinted windows. 2. Key to mansion on private island with lots of girls. 3. key to my club on Mars." 

"1. Key to perminent freedom. 2. Key to bank full of money. 3. Key to my private island."

"Space shuttle. Lambergini deablo. All human siclotys." 

"Key 1. Opens my Saleen Twin Turbo S7 jet black car. Key 2. Opens my huge mangen. Key 3. Opens my garage that has my jet, motorcycles, for wheelers, jet skies, the rest of my cars." 

"Room full of super powers. Utopia. The biggest & best stadium in the world." 

Everyone Has a Story: "A little part of my story"

I was born in Salt Lake City but I was raised in Mexico and were i was raised is not much but thats were im from but i have a lot of storys to tell about my life. i could prolly write a book but im a start by writting about wen i got jumped into my gang so i was around the age of 13 and it all started cuz of my family they are all gangsters so they started taking me out and do stuff that I was only gona get me into trouble but I did dem any way. but so wen i was 13 I got jumped by my cuzins and some other guys to this gang. Shortly after that I started getting into a lot of trouble I stopped going to school I started getting into alot of fights just cuz a stupid color and a lot of other stuff that in the end was not worth it but it took me a long time for me to realize that i guess its true what they say i found that girl i love and she made me change and thank god she is still with me but that's pretty much a little story of how i use to be in a gang and got out of it to change my future and my life... 

AP, age 17

Everyone Has a Story: "My Amazing Dog"

One day when I was watching a bruce lee movie and my mom was throwing my dads belongings in the back of his truck I heard a loud screach of a car slamming on its brakes, followed by the loud yelp or cry of a dog. Frantically I jumped up from the couch to look for my dog Buster, with no sign of him, I bolted out front. To my horror I seen my dog pinned under a vehicle with neibors and family standing around. I then yeled to lift the car off him so we tryed our best with no luck when a massive Soman man stopped his van to then lift the car enough for my broken dog to drag himself free. He had broken his lower back and was paralized from the mid back down. He was taken to the vet and put down due to severe injuries. We cremated him and had his paw print taken and to this day I often think about my amazing dog Buster.

SN, age 17

Everyone Has a Story: "Scouts and Me"

One day me and my scout troop decided to go on a scout camp to heart lake in the mountains as part of the trip we decided that we weren't going to bring sleeping bags or tents. we were just going to use tarps and ropes for shelter and to sleep in. So when we get up there we tie the tarps in a slanted position on top of some trees so that it would keep rain off us and that was about it, there were no walls around us except one facing the exit of the camp, that looked like a slash "l" and we used the other tarps as sleeping bags. Well at night after going fishing and cooking fish over an open fire we all started to fall asleep, there were about 4 people under each tarp, and my group we stayed up and we talked quietly then we started to nod off and right before we fell asleep we hear this amazingly loud rumbling and the ground shaking going BOOM! BOOM! we thought at first it was a minature earthquake, but it kept going in that patter, and it kept getting closer and louder so we were like someone go check what it is then I look out and see a huge bear just standing in our camp, looking around. apparently it smelt the fish but we were all helpless if that bear decided to attack no tent walls nothing. Amazingly it just wandered away and then the scout masters came out with there guns to make sure everyone was safe. And that's my story! :o)

M.J., age 17

Everyone Has a Story: "Out of the Box"

Once i got in the system and got locked up everything changed for me. The first time i got caught up was like the whole world came down on me and i felt like crap. When i first got locked up i didn't know what was going to happen next and was scared that i wasn't going to go home and that i was going to stay longer. But once i left and went home i didn't care and was like "that was nothing" so then i started getting in trouble more til i finally got in to much trouble and had the possibilyty that i wasn't going home and got into a program that could help me with my issues and problems so it did help me get my head straight and set my goals together and get my Education back and have more respect for my family and future so i won't be in a box and have a family.

A.R., age 17

Class Poetry: "The world doesn't understand"

The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
And they never will, for you see we can
never truly understand each other unless you
feel the same pain. Maybe then we can all
be brothers.

JP, age 16


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
Smiling on the outside crying on the out
but I refuse to sit and pout
on the inside. I let out a real loud shout
Still figuring out what this lifes about
My life takes a whole new route
My lady two months pregnant with my baby
and it so crazy but I've been raised a G
The heat has got the best of me that was
obviously not my destiny. So before it end with
rest in peice I thought of my neice and I know
she be there at least better than any drag all I
gotta do is give her a hug. No long feel the need
to smoke any week. Yes indeed all I need is my
family.

CM, age 16


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
I want to do right but dident now how
to do it. I cant sit here and hurt
my fam. I can't and wont be the
bad guy. Im gonna do whats
right being with my family is worth
it. not getting into trouble. I rather
do the right thing not the bad thing.
I wanna get out and do whats right.

FC, age 13


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
A confused kid who doesn't understand what he has
oppurtunitys giving to him
but he throws them in the trash
but when the day comes he will show you all
that he isn't a kid who crumples and falls.

AR, age 17


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
I don't even no my self any more
now I em lock up doing the
rong things. Grandma I em so
sorry that you have to see me
like this. I never want you
to see me lock up. I love you
and I miss you. I em trying
to make it right.

MN, age 15


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
All they see is the outside, never looking in
Don't ask me why. But I wish they would
look a little deeper and try to help me out
while I self destruct into a million pieces
then I won't be able to bounce back again
so help me now I save from a gruesome
end and I will tag along writing with my
pen all the things I can win if I set
my mind in motion.

SN, age 17


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
I yurn to be free
Just the world and me
Everyone judges what they see
but they don't know me.

RE, age 16

Class Poetry: "The world doesn't understand"

The world doesn't understand
what's going on in me
But the only one that does
isn't always around to talk to me
So the young man that has no body
goes out in the street
He is always running on his feet, packin heat
running from the police this is why
this kid shouldn't be on the street.
Because he is always running on
the street on his feet packin heat
while he's running from the police.
But then once he is gone to DT
the person to talk to gets on their
feet to look for him on the street
But he isn't there an now he feels defeat.

GL, age 16
------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
But yet everyone thinks their better
than me, I'm told I'm angry
I'm told I'm hurt And I don't disagree
but look me in the eye and
tell me I don't have a reason
to be, I try so hard to fake it
Just to try and make it
But I just can't shake it
The feeling that the world doesn't
understand what's going on in me.

ZH, age 17


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
life has struggle we need to overcome.
I have faith one day I will succeed.
I've made bad choices but I'm changing
my ways. No more brick walls or program
clothes. It's my time to shine and get back
on my grind. I ain't talkin bout hustlin, I'm
talkin bout a job I will enjoy and that I
have worked hard for. Hustlin is easy and
quick but how all I see is brick and I
ask myself "Wess good now?"
I start today by changing my ways.
Money is money but I got to make it
the right way.

TP, age 17


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
tell me do you see me or do you
see what appears to be me?
Do you see a confident young lady or
an overly compulsive young layd
Do you see Beauty or a beast
I know the world doesn't understand me
Because I don't even understand me.

SC, age 16


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
I feel sad, like I'm the one who is to suffer or
pay for that mans wrong doings. I"ve lost everything,
How can I cope, when sometimes the ones who ment
me harm are those that said "I love you." When fear
is my friend, I feel like it but don't act. I always was
the one to protect the little ones. And I'll always
remember I'm the survivor and I get to tell the
story. But what happens when that storyes at its end?

AS, age 16


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
I live in a pineapple under the sea,
a lonely starfish lives next to me.
We stay up all day and party all night
Until Sarah's class comes and gives us a fright.

MT, age 16


------------------------------------------------------
The world doesn't understand
What's going on in me
I live in a rock under the sea, an annoying
sponge lives next to me, we stay up all day
and party all night until Sarahs class comes
so we hurry and write.

JC, age 17

Poetry: "When we met"

When we met for the very first time,
I felt like a rocket in the sky.
I thought you'd be right by my side,
but now your gone and I'm all alone
wishing you didn't do the things you did
You said you lost me but I'm still here
When I told you I loved you I ment it
So I'm gonna be here forever my dear
Mom told me to never judge a book by its cover
Even though you did what you did
I still love you because you were there
when I needed you the most & I'm your love.

TP, age 17

Poetry: "The Life of a G!"

Its hard livin the life
of a g! looking ova my
shoulder at the age of
sixteen. Thinkin what
will happen to me am
I gonna get jumped
shanked a bullet to
my brain? or am I gonna
get to spend another
day with my family. I
know I messed up choosin
this life but know it's time
will I live or die. Thats just
the thing nothing in this
worlds perfect, wait I dont
believe that you see she
my daughter shes undefeated
shes the most precious thing
that Ive ever seen and I pray
to god she don't bang at the
age of thirteen. This aint
the life for a little gir no
doubt about it, it may seem
cool it may seem fun, but its
not the life to be livin on
the run, to have to cary a
gun so you dont get shot
but cops dont care it's just
another bullet on the block
just another Mexican, cops dont
care cuz most of them are
different skin. But I can't
change that, thats their
problem. I got enough of them
as it is but thats how it
is to live the life of a g
you never know what to
expect sometimes I look at
myself then at my man and
think do I really want this
life around my kid. I never
once asked if it scared
her. did we prepare her
never ment to scare her
what does she see through
her little brown eyes Mom
and dad always having
fights. Moms sorry I never
ment to have you see that
but just remember we love
and we never ment to hurt
you. never ment to make you cry
we want to see you smile
tell the day that we die. you
know hun its craz we lost
your little sister but I know in time
you'll learn to miss her. I know
I miss her daddy even misses
her but just remember baby
shes in a better place and
we can't change that no
one understand why it
happened thats why I seem to
cry and cry. Why are we
left here to suffer, what
did I do what did I say to
make god change his ways.
That was my baby I watched
her grow, then you took her
away like it was nothing at
all I cant believe it. I feel
so defeated my hearts torn
to tiny little ity pieces. She
never got a chance to take
her first breath to get her
first glance when she came
she was so tiny so perfect I
didnt understand why she was
just as big as my hand
but what happend, happened
I'll just keep pushin tell the
very end.

MS, age 16