con·science  [kon-shuhns] –noun

This week we read the Declaration of Independence and reflected on the reasons why the colonists so passionately declared independence from King George. A revolution by nature demands a radical change, whether it be standing up against an evil dictator or boycotting injustice or lies. Some revolutions in history caused positive change; other revolutions led to corrupt abuse of power. Based on the debate in class and your own critical thinking, write about when it is right for any people to declare a revolution.

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood–and I … I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.”
This week’s theme is “choices.” Are we truly free in our choices? In what areas are we limited? What are the effects of our choices? Write an autobiographical memoir in which you discovered something about choices. Or perhaps you would like to discuss one particular choice that faces teens.

Emerson writes that “imitation is suicide.” Later he explains that “the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude … Insist on yourself; never imitate.” Freedom to be yourself is a challenge in a place where there is so much pressure to conform to what others think. Write about any topic related to freedom and peer pressure, particularly at the middle school.

    I may not wear designer shirts or trademark jeans, but my clothes look close enough. What is the big deal about brand named clothing. Stores like Aeropostal, Abercrombie and Fitch, and Hollister all sell clothing way more than most clothing stores. Why are some girls so obsessed with buying things at Hollister even though the exact same shirt (except the brand) is on sale at Target or Ross? Why the big difference? Is it that some invisible rule book popped up and declared that aero postal is better than other stores? Did a celebrity say that they shopped at Hollister? What makes these places so popular that they can sell clothing so high in price?!? Every day at school I see at least twenty girls and probably ten boys with a Hollister shirt on. Why the big difference? Who cares how these stores became so popular, the important fact is that they make those who don’t wear their clothing brands look unpopular and un-cool. The truth of the matter is that it doesn’t matter what brand of clothing you wear or if your hair is strait or curly, all that matters is that you be yourself.