Juan, this was a really powerful essay. I had no idea how bad the rent crisis was in Oakland, and I find it interesting as well as heartbreaking. I loved how much evidence you used. It helped bring this crisis to life, especially for a reader who is unfamiliar with it. I found this article on the housing crisis in Oakland:…[Read more]

Evelyn, your argument was well stated. You gave strong evidence to back up your claim about why schools should be able to limit students’ speech online. I enjoyed your counterargument, because it shows that you’ve considered both sides and made a rational choice based on evidence. My favorite part was when you said, “Cyberbullying is a reality,…[Read more]

Ramon, thank you for sharing a little about your life. I admire the honesty behind your writing, and it helped me learn a lot about you in a short amount of time. It is wonderful to hear about your family and the opportunities you have found together in the United States. You have shown me the importance of gratitude and have inspired me to be…[Read more]

Nicolette, thank you for courageously sharing your story. Hearing about self-confidence from such a personal perspective helped me see it in a new light. It’s obvious that self-esteem starts building at a young age, something that is evident in your story. So many people struggle with their self-image. I think sharing your story with even more…[Read more]

Jada, this was an interesting topic to discuss. Your writing was engaging and presented a lot of good points for readers to consider. I liked how you said, “…why would you blame the teacher for your shortcomings when you choose not to pay attention.” This is an interesting way to look at the argument, especially because many believe that the…[Read more]

Your writing was engaging and full of information. Thank you for sharing your opinions on the topic of teenage drinking. I liked when you said, “It makes a comparison of becoming 21 and being able to drink to turning 16 and being able to drive.” This is a great way to consider age-related behaviors and how people can be safe under the law. With…[Read more]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It seems like you have a passion for helping others and giving of yourself. You also seem to appreciate every aspect of your life, which is impressive for someone at such a young age. You are also a fantastic story teller- I was intrigued as I read about your life. You have inspired me to take a closer…[Read more]

Sofia, thank you for sharing your stories and discussing this book. I thought you did a fantastic job of making connections to fully analyze your reading. Because I haven’t personally read this book, it was helpful to hear a more relatable story from your life to understand it better. Thank you again!

Sloane, this was a fantastic evaluation of what makes our country so special. Especially in the heat of political dispute, it’s important to remember the beauty of our nation. The United States is a beautiful place for cultures to mix and join in similar values. I liked how you used the term “melting pot” because it perfectly describes what we…[Read more]

Kassandra, thank you for sharing so much about yourself. The way you examined stereotypes and who you are at your core was admirable. The modern world holds us to high standards, and it’s often difficult to push past them and realize our individual worth. If you continue to focus on the good in yourself rather than the unreachable standards of…[Read more]

Natalie, thank you for sharing your story and concerns. I am so impressed that you can handle a baby at such a young age. I am also seventeen and am in my senior year of high school. Having your whole future ahead of you is daunting- It’s scary to not know what will come after this chapter of our lives. Your story reminded me the movie “Lady…[Read more]

Thank you for sharing your experience with anxiety. Your description created an image that was relatable and easy to understand. I liked how you said “I can not go to a grocery store without hearing everything that is said and seeing every detail.” This statement helped me understand how it feels to have extreme anxiety, rather than just…[Read more]

This is a lovely piece. You did a wonderful job at diving into a heavy topic and making it personal at the same time. I liked the moments of reflection on your own life, and how you discussed your mother’s influence on you. The points made on equal opportunity were presented very well, and your use of examples perfectly accompanied them. I liked…[Read more]