ELK MOUNTAIN - by Ryan Ng

Driving to Elk Mountain took about 30 minutes from my friend’s home. We took a shuttle bus from the parking lot to the mountains. The ski site was full of snow and skiers.

I saw humongous hills of snow. We went to get our ski gear. Then I took ski lessons with my friends Charlie, Derek, Victor, and Rachel. I felt scared the first time I went down. First Victor fell all the way down. I was next. I couldn’t control and started to fall. I had to wait with Victor until the rest of the group and the instructors came.  We went a second and third time. I was scared going on the ski lift because I thought I was going to drop my ski poles.

Rachel went with her dad Uncle Chi to the green leveled mountains. Kyungsoo and Nicholas went snowboarding. I felt happy to overcome my fear skiing down the hill with no instructor.

MY ADVICE TO HITLER by Nicholas Ng

What advice would I give Hitler to change him?

Adolf Hitler was abused as a child and that is what made him so violent. He did not have a positive bond between him and his father either. They often argued. Also, Hitler’s father did not approve his interest in art. When Hitler was 14, his father suddenly died. Because Hitler loved fine art, he tried to get into the Academy of Fine Arts twice. He was rejected both times. Out of money, he went into a homeless shelter. This incident was where he first started mentioning about how the Jews were the worst race.

Hitler initiated World War II as dictator of Germany and started the Nazis. During the German Great Depression, many people were in need of a leader. Hitler took this opportunity for his anti-Semitism campaign. In the campaign, Hitler came in second for both rounds against Paul von Hindenburg. But Hitler won more than 35% of the votes. This made Hitler a very strong force in German politics. Even though Hindenburg won, he still agreed to let Hitler take over as chancellor in order to promote political balance.

If I were giving advice to Hitler, I would tell him to treat others the way he would want to be treated. This is important because he would be kind to them. What’s good about being nice? He would gain respect from many others, gain more power, and get more people to follow him! People will respect and follow Hitler because they know he is a nice person and will do kind acts. Since he has this respect, he could easily win an election for chancellor or dictator of Germany. Also, Hitler would be known for stopping World War II!

No child like Hitler deserves to go through that much violence. Also, this advice would stop him from causing World War II and the Holocaust. I think Hitler is partially blamed for World War II. His dad influenced Hitler to become the way he was, but Hitler took his anger and revenge on the people he didn’t like. No one should do that either. 

Hitler might be bad, but we can all relate to him. When we are angry, it is easier to take our anger out on other people than to hold it in and control ourselves. This is how Hitler went on to create the Holocaust. In life, people make mistakes. Sometimes they are forgivable like breaking a glass cup. Killing massive millions of people and more is not forgivable. This is why you have to think before you act. If you think before you act, you will not get into trouble like Hitler did.

THE BEST DAY EVER - by Grace Tran

                "Dear Mrs. Tran and Mr. Tran, I’m writing to inform you that your daughter, Grace Tran, has won the McDonald’s essay contest. Please come to the award ceremony on February second to collect her reward". After I read this letter, my heart leaped out.

                Two weeks later, I found myself standing on the stage at the Yung Wing Elementary School, reading my essay to a bunch of people. Aunt Aimy, Coach Jen, parents, and Grandma came to cheer me on at the award ceremony. I finished my essay with a grin and walked off the stage.

                But first, I had to get there early to meet the judges. When the ceremony started, there was this judge with a purple mohawk. Aunt Aimy arrived with a basket of gifts for me and a congratulation balloon. Inside was a tie, a monkey candle, a cup with hearts on it, a little pack of cards, and a teddy bear.

After the ceremony, each contestant was presented with a goody bag. In it was a case with a pen and calculator. I also got a calendar, a notepad with a cool cover, a flash drive, and two balloons. Moreover, I received five two-dollar gift cards for McDonald’s and a $250 check.

                Even Ronald McDonald came!!! He picked a random boy and tried to draw him on a board. The cool thing was that the eyes of the drawing on the board actually moved.

Then, Ronald McDonald said, "Well, the next thing you know you're going to tell me it talks." Suddenly, the picture opened its mouth and actually started talking!!!

                The best part was when Ronald McDonald started erasing the picture. He was like, "One, two, three."

The picture said, "Four."

Those two kept arguing about counting. It was, "HEE-larious." Finally RM erased the picture, but then it talked again so he put the board back stage. As I said before, it was "HEE-larious!!!"

                After the ceremony, I went to a restaurant and celebrated. I had my favorite dishes - a lot of them! I felt really good - compliments, gifts, and prizes.

When I think back, I remembered spending hours each day revising my essay. I thought it was impossible for me to win but, WOW! I still can't believe I won! I learned that it was not only important to try hard but also to do your best. Over 300 students entered the contest and only 10 won. My advice for contests like these: try hard and try your best!