Right Now- Anne Russell

At this very moment, somewhere in the universe, music is being played. Music is being made. Songs are being sung, guitars are being strummed. Finger tips are dancing over piano keys, lyrics being written about painful memories. Someone plays violin as a bride walks down the aisle, while someone listens to music as they run a mile. Children dance to music while through the house they roam, church groups singing to local nursing homes. Someone smiles when they learn their first chord, someone else watches them feeling slightly bored. A girl fights nerves before her first fame chance, a boy waits in line hoping to catch a glance. A song pops up on the radio, but it's changed cause it's one they don't know. A high school boy band practices in a dark garage, hoping for their gig tonight to attract some applause. A girl sits in her room strumming her feelings into the night, her tired family hopes she'll soon turn out the light. Not a day goes by when music is not around you, open up your eyes, it just might astound you.

Right now- Amelia Rogers

Right now, somewhere in the world, a baby was just born. Maybe it was a born in a pristine hospital surrounded by doctors and nurses and family. Maybe it was born in a nice house with a few people to help. Maybe it was born in a tiny hut and the mother was all alone. Maybe this baby has light brown hair and hazel eyes. Maybe its hair is jet black. Maybe its eyes are blue like the sky. Maybe its skin is dark. Maybe its skin is fair. A tiny little person, a brand new life has just entered the world. Who do you think this baby will become? Someday, they may do amazing things. They might be a scientist. They might be a teacher. They might run an international business. They might cure cancer. They might become President. They might go to space. They might live in space. What will their world look like? In their life, they will face challenges and pain. They will know love and happiness. They will create their own identity. They will be different from anyone else who has ever lived. But every moment in their life will trace back to the one moment that connects every human on earth- the moment of their birth. Right now.

Right Now - Anthony Tamasi

At this very moment, somewhere in the universe, there is someone laying in bed, dreading the inevitable hour at which they will have to return to school. There was a huge snowstorm, one that made it into the record books, making travel difficult. Oh you had plans? Whoops. You want to go out? Nah. You need food? Forget about that, hope you stocked up. Despite the days you have had to spend inside your house, doing absolutely nothing (except for Mrs. Dewees's calculus homework of course), you would still rather continue that than to go back to school. Even though you will finally have that human interaction you craved for the past week, it will not be friendly, but filled with teachers harping at you over dress code violations and ironically giving 30 minute lectures on wasting time. In addition, we take the ACT that helps determine the quality of the rest of your life within a week of our return. So I hope you got your rest, all of you who are laying on your bed, with nothing to do. You will need it tomorrow morning.

Right Now-Noah Welch

On a planet quite similar to ours, people are struggling to survive the bitter winter. One group of people named Los Pobres is suffering in the snow.  These people do not have the advantages of heat, shelter, power and other conveniences that we see as natural rights that everyone deserves.  These people live in squalor and thank their lucky stars if they survive the night alive.  They have the clothes on their back and maybe a blanket or two. They will be fortunate if they sleep in a room; but could be forced to sleep outside.  Their circumstances have driven them to this but their government can help.  But will it? That’s still to be seen. The Pobres are disenfranchised and do not have the same power as the leading faction in their government, the Licanrepubs.  These people believe that the Pobres deserve to be living in such squalor because “they were lazy or irresponsible or foolish. “  These Licanrepubs forget their roots and are foolish enough to believe that they will never be in the Pobres situation again.  Fortune spins like a wheel lifting some up and dashing others down.  To be a united strong planetary force, the strong must look after and protect the weak, help them to obtain the advantages that are some Licanrepubs take for granted. The Pobres should be given more protection and if that means raising taxes on other citizens it should be seen as  investing for a better future, one in which no Pobres are forced to live and die in the cold.

(Pobre is the Spanish word for poor and you would have to ask an elephant who the Licanrepubs are)

Right Now - Emily Cashman

At this very moment, somewhere in the universe…the mailmen/women are delivering mail to everyone’s homes. I know this is happening because my mom just made me go get the mail from our mailbox by the driveway. Going outside for about 45 seconds to get the mail was very cold and very not fun. It gave me a new appreciation for the mailpeople who have to drive around in the snow and stop at literally every single mailbox in order to give everyone their mail. It seems like a very boring job, driving those small white van thing’s that don’t have real doors, stopping and starting every 50 feet to put some envelopes in a mailbox, and doing that same thing every single day, except Sunday of course. I feel like the mailpeople must relate to Uncle Vernon in a way because he said in the first Harry Potter that his favorite day was Sunday because there’s no post(mail) on Sundays.

How to - Caleb Combs

Money management is a skill that every person should possess and be able to pass on to their children.  Learning how to manage money is essential to success in life, as it will shape your future.  Everyone should at least possess the basic techniques for managing their money.  One big one is to set aside a separate bank account that is designated as an "emergency fund."  In the event of emergency, it is important to have a supply of money to provide for the family.  Another useful technique is to put money in a "sinking fund" when hoping to make a large purchase.  Avoid taking out mortgage on your home, or taking loans from the bank.  This is an ineffective way to manage your money.  Finally, avoid spending money on recreational items excessively.  The spending of money on things such as fast food would be better spent elsewhere.  Follow this advice, and you will be better off in the future.

Plastics - Caleb Combs

One piece of advice that has always stuck with me is to treat others the way that I would want to be treated.  Before doing or saying something, you should always consider the effect that it has on other people.  For example, if someone bumps into you in the hallway and makes you drop your books, you would probably like help picking them up.  The same goes for if you are the one knocking books out of someone's hands.  You should stop and help them, as this is what you and most other people would appreciate.  I've also always been told to be honest.  Lying is a sin that you can't come back from.  When you are caught in a lie, people will doubt everything you say, as you lose their trust.  Winning back someone's trust is a huge challenge, and one that can be easily avoided if you just be honest.