A SHELL OF MYSELF by Grace Tran

Every year my parents encourage me to come up with New Year resolutions, and every year I complain about that.  Whenever I ask why, they say, “You need goals in life, try to reach them.”  I agree, one does need goals in life.  This year, my goals will be a little different from last year.  I decided I am more mature than last year, so I would pick goals actually possible.  In 2015, I will accomplish all my New Year resolutions. I swear it on the River Styx.  

       Before a long school break starts, it seems as though it will never end.  When the beginning of school emerges, that’s when I decide to do my homework.  I don’t like procrastinating, but the weird thing is… I also have no idea why I always end up doing it.  By the time it’s the day before school, I’m rushing to get all my homework complete, stressing out, and not having a very relaxing break after all.  Procrastination is one of the biggest qualities I practically own.  I can’t seem to stop, but things are going to change in 2015.  One of my goals is to stop procrastinating.  Starting… now!

       The Vampire Diaries, The White Rabbit Chronicles, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson -- these are just a few of my favorite fantasy genre books.  I personally love reading fantasy books, but I’ve been reading too much of them.  Another one of my goals this year is to try to read a general selection of books, including biographies.  I would also like to read more nonfiction books or English regents related books such as Hatchet, Of Mice and Men, The Book Thief, and more.  One thing for sure, 2015 is going to be filled with interesting book choices.  

My parents are the best parents in the world and have always been there for me, no matter what.  They worry about me; they feed me; they feel joy for me; they do everything just for me.  When I grow up, I want to take care of them, just as they do for me.  For now, though, I want to make my parents proud.  They deserve the best, but sometimes I argue, I disappoint… I cause anguish, worry.  This year, in 2015, I want to make my parents proud.  I want them to stop worrying and stressing over my upcoming science test, I want them to stop shaking their heads at me when I say or do something wrong.  I want my parents to finally receive what they deserve -- peace, relief, happiness, and everything my wonderful parents deserve.  There will be never anyone more hard working, caring, intelligent, than my mother and father-- Janice Zhang and Jason Tran.

       Every year, I come up with different goals.  This year, my goals are extra challenging but still reachable.  When 2015 begins, I will no longer procrastinate, I will be reading nonfiction books more often, and my parents won’t be worrying about me anymore.  When 2015 begins, I’ll be a shell of a Grace! (Inspired by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)