Observations

Asian people
can't drive,
can't say their R's,
don't get B's,
don't get into trouble,
don't talk with other races,
and don't dishonor the family.
They eat sushi,
eat scorpions,
eat dogs,
and eat sweet and sour chicken.
They come through Angel Island,
packed like sardines,
fresh off the boat.
They don't have social skills.
They do have rice fields,
binded feet,
Korean dramas,
Buddha idols,
squinty eyes,
frequent flyer miles,
Toyota Cameries,
and at least six aunts and uncles and too many cousins.
Right?
Well, let me tell you:
I am from here,
I'm not like that
and I am damned tired of being told I am.

Dear Mr. Eckhoff

During my freshman year, my favorite teacher was getting laid off from some damn seniority rules. After many emails to the school board, I was directed toward Mr. Eckhoff. This is my letter:

"Dear Mr. Eckhoff,

           

            I am Vivian Chu, a freshman at Armstrong High School. I would like your help and input regarding the layoff of orchestra teacher Mr. Bast. We, as the Armstrong freshman orchestra class, were notified of his job loss on April 7^th. The District has decided to decrease funding to the middle school music departments, resulting in Mr. Bast’s layoff. Since I began my musical career in the 5^th grade, I have had eleven conductors (both in school and in after school orchestra programs hosted by the district) and I can clearly say that Mr. Bast is the best one I’ve had so far. He’s full of musical knowledge and his talent of being a teacher and a conductor surpasses the previous ten teachers. I’ve heard that Mr. Bast was chosen to replace Mr. Schmeickle for his musicianship and nine years of experience for teaching high school level orchestra. He’s a great and energetic teacher who makes us want to play everyday.

            We know that he has only been teaching in District 281 for only one year, but we really want the district to keep him. We’ve heard rumors that Mr. Kevin Martin will be taking over his job. Mr. Martin is a great teacher, I had him for two years in All District Orchestra, but many of us feel like he is not right for a high school level job. He only teaches elementary and middle school level kids. Although I do not know the details of Mr. Bast’s job and the District budget cuts, we would like to keep this man as our orchestra teacher. Any input you may have on this subject will be gladly accepted.

            We also invite you to Mr. Bast’s final concert here in District 281. It will be on Tuesday, May 12^th at Armstrong High School at 7:00 pm. It will feature the freshman orchestra, the philharmonic orchestra, the symphonic orchestra, and the Armstrong Chamber Strings, all directed by Mr. Bast.

On behalf of the freshman orchestra,

Thank you,

Vivian Chu"

Damn jackass never replied.

How Little We Are

How little we are in this big, spinning world

Where the shy little voices can barely be heard

Where we cannot comprehend the great plans up ahead

But we hide in the shadows, waiting to be lead

Our wonderful dreams only seen in our sleep

No one is willing to stand up and speak

Our brilliant ideas, in our minds they hide

While many are killing and many more have died

Where is our passion? Our will to make change?

Where can we find the courage to embrace what is strange?

Who are the ones to find peace in this world?

It is you my young friends, our future is yours.

We must stand up and speak!

Share our ideas!

Make this world better!

Make ourselves heard!

Do not open your mouth and have nothing to say,

But open it and shout hip hip hooray!

Don’t think that you’re just one small voice,

One big idea will make lots of noise.

Don’t major in chaos, but major in peace!

It’s happiness that this world wants to seek.

So bring us together with your thoughts and your words,

Share them with everyone, make your self heard!

We are more than M.L. King,

We are stronger than the past.

Let’s end these wars,

Let’s move on fast.

Now is not the time to stay silent

Don’t let your ideas collect dust

Gather your courage in the form of words

Share them with us, do this! You must!

For no matter your size,

Your ideas will be big

Now go out there and change us

You are little no more.