Individuality

In the land of the free, where society leaves words plastered to you, like tape. That when you rip it off, it leaves marks.The type of plaster that builds up a house, the house you keep in your mind. A mind so evolved, yet so broken, one with many rooms, and nooks and crannies, that have been built of constant self-esteem and the phrases that build it up. Or the words that chip off paint and the plaster wears away, word by word, letter by letter, as every piece of your mind becomes a “piece of mind” that some call demanding. A certain day will come when your mind is all you need, because as this world evolves and transforms into a place where your mind becomes a mansion, with the old plastered labels left in the dust. The more “new level” a mind is. Because, when have you heard about the latest “mindset”, when you can learn about the new phone, and the new drama? Right then is when you realize that more people have focused on the plaster that the society builds a neighborhood of minds off of. That your mind is a mansion, because you built it with persistence, instead of tape. -Gaby Fuentes, 14.

Imagine a 12-year-old with a dream. A dream to become someone more than the girl with braces and a 3.5 GPA. A girl that wondered what the world would do before it slept. Throughout the oceans filled with mystery, and some would say fear. The jungles filled with greens and animals that conservationists hold dear. The deserts, that feel abandoned, secluded, and no longer desired. Where the mountains tower above all the others, breathing in the clouds, and the rest weep with the rain. Because this girl, she wanted to know, what can I do? What may I do to help provide for those other than myself? The ocean answers, pleading for someone to understand her mystery, for someone to understand her past. The jungle filled with vines, which tripped into hardships that not only did they cut open but that had been left and forgotten. The deserts which blew the opportunities, yet only a few survived the task. But this girl was determined, and though winded and tired her spirit was built to last. The mountains finally called to her and told her “follow me” because the only thing she had to do, was to “move mountains”, for she would be forever empowered. This girl, well she ended being a 4.0 student without the braces, but with the ignition to start teaching. To teach something more than just the typical 2+2, because she had inside of her a desire that sparked through curiosity and willpower. A fire that stayed alive, and with every breath became more vibrant. So, she learned about running. Cross country. A sport that became a way for her not to think. Because when she ran, she did just that. Basketball, a sport where the world around her became a blur. In slow motion, where the feelings she felt, and the decisions she made, were the truest things she did. Then, on the mountain, covered with snow, and shrubs peeking out at the sun, with a view so spectacular it’s like living in a painting. To spray the snow up with your board, and glide. Then, to express through an art form, such as poetry, she used words that were beyond her, words that finally described her better than any 3.5 GPA, or braces.

That girl was me. My name is Gabriela Fuentes, I am 14 years old, and I consider myself a traveler, and a poet. Along with, running in varsity cross country as a freshman this year, I am extremely excited to go and play basketball and snowboard on local slopes.My family consists of two adorable and playful cats, Mila and Stunty.  A sister that will graduate high school this year, Anna. A sister, who will continue to work hard, and smile, Paola. A brother who never lets down from a challenge, and looks fear in the eyes, Mando. A father who watches over us all and carries us in loving arms, Armando. As well, as a mother who strives for continuous passion, success, and gratitude, Tsvetelina.

“*drumroll* Team Morocco!!” I hear Lisa-Marie’s voice over the phone. I try to gain my words and contain myself. I repeat that phrase over and over in my head. Automatically I remember some of my friends telling me “Gaby, you know the country you’re going to, has more rocks than any other.” I laugh at their attempt at a quirky joke. I think about the next set of lesson plans I’ll write and the time I will spend with these mind-blowing people. The smiles I’ll get to know, and the stories I’m so fortunate to hear. As I was researching Morocco for some interesting facts, a headline read Moroccan National Anthem. I looked at it and immediately was drawn to listen to it. I decided to translate it, and this was the outcome…

“Fountain of freedom.

Source of light.

Where sovereignty and safety meet.

Safety and sovereignty may you ever combine.

You have lived among nations.

With title sublime.

Filling each heart.

Sung by each tongue.

Body, and soul.

Your champion has risen.

And answered your call.

In my mouth and in my blood.

Your breezes have stirred.

Both light and fire.

Up! My brethren.

Strive for the highest.

We call to the world.

That we are here ready.

We salute as our emblem.

God, Homeland, and King.”

I looked over this so many times, and each time the message is stronger. For in every person is a source of light, and freedom flows like blood through their veins. That the safety they receive, and the authority they hold with magnificence. Through, language barriers that limit what we understand of what people say. We understand how their body reacts, and how strong their soul is. We can feel it. We feel their champion and ours rising together, for we have answered their call. We are here to support and strive for better because we know that this is what we deserve. We are here for ourselves and to rise together as one with our Homeland, God, and King.

A world filled with possibilities, and opportunities. Can also be filled with hate, and failure. The only thing to do is choose which one you would rather strive for. But I, as a person have found that possibilities live in the failure, and become the opportunities. -Gaby Fuentes, 14.