Cassidy Raponi                                                                                                                     English
6/19/15                                                                                                                                  Period 8

Context & Reflection

I chose this piece because I wanted to do something from my Nanowrimo because it was really fun to write. I’m really happy about the way that my excerpt and how my story turned out. I liked how we got to write our own stories.  I thought the excerpt of my story was really interesting and really contributed to what happens in the story. I’m showing my learning of dialogue and how to write my own story in my piece. I think my writing has improved a lot since the beginning of the year.

The Piece

They finished up their food and walked over to the door and so did the girl. “Okay, ready to go?” They all nodded. “Yeah.” Jessica replied. They walked out to her car and they all hopped in the car and Jessica took the passengers seat. The girl started up her car, “I’m Carrie by the way. And, how was your food?” Teala replied, “Okay, Carrie. I’m Teala. These two are Michael and Logan and Jessica’s right next to you.” Carrie smiled and started driving. ‘Oh, cool! I like all those names.” Jessica smiled, “And yes the sushi was really good!” Carrie laughed. “Oh good.” They drive for another, probably, 20 minutes until they reached huge gates. There was a meter on the gate and it spoke out, “Please enter your license and registration please.” Carrie entered a number in and the gates opened to the biggest parking lot they had ever seen in their life. There so many people it was absolutely crazy.

They finally found a parking spot after a really long time of driving around. They got out and Carrie said, “Are you kids okay to go in by yourselves?” They all nodded. “Yup. Totally fine. Our parents are gonna pick us up later.” Jessica said. Carrie nodded. “Okay. Have fun. Gotta go back to the sushi place. It’s gonna be a great adventure for you guys I just know it.” They all smiled at her. “Thanks for driving us. It really means a lot.” Teala said. “So, how come your parents didn’t drive you?” she asked opening her car door. They all looked at each other and then looked back at her. “Long story. You really wouldn’t wanna hear it.” Carrie tilted her head. “Is it really long?” Jessica nodded. ‘Yeah. It may take a really long time.” Carrie nodded. “I’ll get going then. Have fun!”

They smiled, waved and walked up where there was person at a stand who was taking 10 dollars from, everyone so they could get in. This was actually about to happen. They were about to walk into the tropical beach. Where they had been waiting to go for pretty much all of their lives. They were finally the ones up in line, (it took awhile to get to the front of the line considering that hundreds of people came here every single day). They handed the man their four dollars and they started to walk forward and he stopped them. “Excuse me, the four of you are 13 right?” he asked. They all nodded. “Yes we are. We’ve been waiting our lives to get to go to this beach.” He  nodded firmly then smiled. “Have a great time.” They all smiled back and called, “Thanks!” They walked in and they all held hands as they did. “You guys ready?” Jessica asked. Teala squeezed her hand and said, “Yeah.” They looked over to Michael and Logan who were looking at them and they smiled and nodded. Jessica breathed in slowly and they opened the next gate and they were in. THEY WERE IN THE TROPICAL BEACH. They all let go of each others hands and used them to cover their mouths. It was the biggest and most beautiful place they had ever seen.

There were (at least it seemed like) thousands of people, lots of animals, the biggest ocean you would ever see in your life, tons of little tiki bars, a lot maybe 100. Tons of beach balls, game, a place to make your own Hawaiian looking flower crown and a hula skirt. And many campfires for luau’s. You could seriously have your own luau. There was even a place where you rent boats to go out on the water. There were tons of surfboards, and water-ski’s too. It was the brightest sun they had ever seen in their lives, as well. It was as if this beach was different than any other place in California It almost didn’t seem like they were in California anymore. They finally looked back at each other and didn’t say anything but they all smiled. They were speechless, so there was nothing to really say. Then, they all just hugged. The best group hug they had ever done in their lives.

About the Author

I am Cassidy Raponi and I am a student in English Period 8. I think that I am a good student but especially in English. I find myself able to do the work and writing easily. I think from last year to this year I have really grown as a writer in English and that my skills have really improved.  I have gotten a lot better and I hope I will continue to improve next year in English, too.