“No wise fish would go anywhere without a porpoise.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland CACTUS The cactus is a spikey plant that can be found almost anywhere. This painful succulent is said to symbolize protection and endurance. The protection that the cactus provides for itself is comparable to the protection that my friends, family, and teachers have provided for me this year. Through thick and thin, they have always been there for me, whether it be my teachers helping understand an assignment, or my friends listening to me talk about my current problems. They have helped protect me from certain dangers and challenges that normal middle-schooler sometimes have to go through. With the physical protection of my friends, family, and teachers, I have never been bullied, and have also been taught how to handle similar situations. This year, I have also gotten much …show more content…
This can relate to how my church and religion has helped me through a lot of my challenges this year. Whenever I have troubles, confusion, or guilt over my journey, I have been able to go to my church and feel better immediately. My church family is like a second family to me. After mass at my church, we usually socialize in the hall. I am able to talk to my friends from church and to see old family friends. They have always been kind and understanding and give great advice. Also, during the school year, I sing with my church’s youth choir, and sometimes cantor. This teaches me teamwork and leadership skills, as I get to work with people of all ages, such as those my age, high schoolers, and young children. Additionally, my church gives me an opportunity to volunteer. During the school year, I volunteer with my youth group to help the homeless and other community service. These volunteer days have helped me build my collaboration skills, character, and my confidence, which I have been able to apply to my school career and seventh grade