I feel as though Americans are far too caught up in dumb news. This idea is becoming more evident as of lately to me. It seems as though Americans are paying closer attention to the craziest news headlines, that are of no benefit to them, and less to the news that matters.

Instead of tuning into the news to hear about the weather, or a war, Americans are far more interested in hearing the latest headlines about Justin Bieber's arrest, or a celebrity's tweet or something. What Americans should be doing is going to news for a purpose; weather, wars, government. 

I can not lie, I find it pretty entertaining to go to the news and find out that a celebrity has done something stupid (obviously I do not find it funny if they are putting themselves in danger). But I also know the importance of having an informed community.

In conclusion, I know the news will always have silly things on that do not matter, but we as Americans should acknowledge that we are doing something wrong here. I am not rambling on about this issue as a suggestion, but rather because I am amused to see that more Americans pay attention to the silly news as opposed to important news: I write this because I know we can do better.

It was not an option; an enemy soldier had fallen on him, he had to do it. In the war novel; All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Remarque, main character Paul Baumer stabs an enemy soldier. Personally, this scene was very gruesome, and heartbreaking. I feel the author was trying to get the point across that war is a terrible thing. She tried to make you feel badly for the dying man, and his family.

Paul and his friends; Muller, Kropp, and Leer, are all German soldiers presented to the army by their school teacher. The boys are only twenty years of age, fighting on the Western Front in World War I. The men become engaged in a serious firefight, and an enemy soldier fell into the same shell-hole as Paul. Immediately, Paul pulls out his knife and stabs the enemy in defense. After getting his first kill in close combat, Paul is stunned and starts feeling guilty. The man is violently convulsing on the ground, but Paul is in a state of shock, and cannot put him out of his misery. Once Paul regains his composure, he goes over to the now still man, and looks at his identification; he has a wife and a young child.

This scene was very powerful because of the descriptions made by the author. It made me feel angry, sad, and sympathetic. It ever more supported my opinions about war. It made me feel like war is useless, because in the end most of the conflicts that caused the war to start remain unsolved.

All Quiet on the Western Front is a disturbing war novel, but sends a strong message.

“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting” 
― Andy Warhol

Anticipating an event can be bothersome at times. For me, waiting in anticipation for anything can be a time full of nerves. Most of the time, I have been waiting with mixed emotions for something to start, and when it does, I almost always enjoy it.

Sports are a huge passion of mine, and something that I take very seriously. Once a sports season finishes, it seems like a millennium before the next one begins. Before the new one starts, I feel compelled to pick up a stick, and start practicing for it. Instantly, the joy I receive from sports comes back to me. That joy is fuel and inspiration to start preparing for the upcoming season.

Of course, sports are not my only passion. I have many more passions in my life like; reading, sometimes writing, and spending time with family and friends. But in life, however; there are some things that we are uncomfortable with, and these can be events we do not look forward to. Sometimes these events are nerve-racking, and we must push ourselves to try them.

For me, I did not enjoy leaving my home for a long time, and not being able to see my family for a while. I hardly ever did sleepovers with friends at their homes, because I would get homesick. When I was nine, my brother and I decided we wanted to go to sleepaway camp. My parents looked into possible camps for us, and decided they would send us to a camp in Maine. They warned me that I did not have to go, saying that I could get homesick, and I should really think this decision through. I insisted that I would be fine. In the end I decided to go for half session, which was three and a half weeks long. They signed us up, and we were all set for the summer. 

There were times where I knew I would love the camp, and others times where I begged and pleaded my parents not to send me. They had already paid the money for it; there was no option.

Before I was sent off to camp with my brother Jake, my mom told me to go into camp with a good attitude, and said I could always come home if I was too homesick. She told me to at least give it a try. That is exactly what I did, and her advice paid off. I ended up having the greatest time of my life, and I have been going to that very same camp every summer since.

If there is one thing to take away from my experience, it would be to take risks, and to go into situations with a positive attitude. 

There is always a chance you will enjoy something, so give yourself the best chance to enjoy it.

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.
~Norman Cousins

Crisis's are inescapable in the journey of life. Fortunately, I have had a life free of much heartache, but I was crushed by this loss. 

Last winter my close friend's dad passed away.  I actually considered him to be one of my friend's, too. 'Coach John' was that guy whose presence made you burst into a smile, and instantly filled you with laughter and joy. He was full of fun, no matter the situation - he seemed to have it all in perspective.  'Coach John' was a true role model; someone you aspired to be like.  He was a wonderful friend, mentor, and family man. His death struck me and my entire community hard, and his loss is still a constant reminder to all of us to appreciate what we have because it could all be gone in an instant.  When I think of him, so many fond and funny memories come to mind, and I am left feeling sad and I still miss him. 

I was overwhelmed by the many emotions that I had never endured before, the emotions that were all jumbled together; confusion, anger, fear, depression, sadness and mourning. At no other point in my life had I felt more angered and more lost. Why? Why? There were no answers that provided me with comfort. 

Through this experience I have learned that nothing is more comforting to me than community.  John was a part of our community, and his lost was felt throughout it. We, as a community, have struggled and supported one another.

In times of difficulty, when you can not help yourself, you must turn to others for help.