Goodbye 2018, Hello 2019 (by William)

2018 has been a year full of changes, trying new things, and working hard.  It’s filled with excitements and important things that have benefited every one of my family members.

Through this joyful year, I have achieved a lot and participated in many events, which made me stronger.  How?  By trying new things, your eyes will open “further.”  Here is an analogy.  Imagine you are sitting in a dark room, and there is one window.  As you lift the window shade, more and more light streams in.  As you experience more, the further you will understand the world.  Some important achievements and benchmarks include –

1. Learned to cook simple dishes
2. Worked hard throughout the year (https://worldthroughchildrenseyes.blogspot.com/2018/06/farm-animal-pillow-case-by-william.html)
3. Read many books (https://worldthroughchildrenseyes.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-teens.html)
4. Got my first job: volunteer library assistant (https://worldthroughchildrenseyes.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-first-job-by-william.html)
5. Worked with LA Phil and sang in Andrew Norman’s A Trip to the Moon with LACC (https://worldthroughchildrenseyes.blogspot.com/2018/02/and-oscar-goes-to-by-william.html)
6. Earned first paycheck of $140 (https://worldthroughchildrenseyes.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-first-paycheck-by-william_31.html)
7. Shook hands with Olympic gold medalist and World Champion of arm wrestling (https://worldthroughchildrenseyes.blogspot.com/2018/06/shaking-hand-with-olympic-gold-medalist.html)  

I feel that in the 11 years of my life, 2018 has been the best and most productive.  2019 is right around the curb, and I can’t wait for the clock to strike twelve.  The Old Father Time will release his grasp of the year of 2018, give birth to Baby New Year, and die a symbolic death.  2019 marks the beginning of more hope, joy, and appreciation.  It’s the year before another decade as well.  I have already have my hopes high for the New Year.  Some of my excitements and hopes for 2019 are –

1. Learn how to cook more dishes
2. Use the “Appreciation Jar” that mom made to recognize other people’s help and contribution
3. Work even harder than I did in 2018
4. Grasp good opportunities that come by to experience more
5. Enhance my extra curriculum activities

Baby New Year is very close now, and I set my hopes high, hopefully I will be able to accomplish my goals.  Goodbye for now and the next time I write a blog, the year shall be 2019.

 

My First Paycheck (by William)

Yes, it is true.  I am not kidding, I have received my first paycheck at the age of 11.  How did I do that?  I participated the rehearsals and church services during the holiday season as a young musician.  I was one of the three kids recommended by the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus to help with the church choir.  Singing for the beautiful church and making new friends was a marvelous experience for me, at the same time, I earned $140 from accepting the challenge. 

During the church services, especially the one on Christmas Eve, I could feel thousands of pairs of staring eyes fixed on the orchestra, the adult choir, and the children’s chorus.  As I looked around, I saw the warm and intent faces of the audience.  A blanket of warmth and cheer hung in the air.  The orchestra played on joyfully, lifting the spirits of man and beast alike.  Then I opened my mouth and let the music and lyrics flow out.   

 

On the first day of the rehearsal, I discovered that I am the only one from the Intermediate choir, while the other two kids are both from the Concert choir. I learned about their interests and personalities by chatting with them during breaks. One of them goes to Poly, the school I applied but was put on waiting list.  The world is never as big as you think it is.  The percussionist in the orchestra is Mr. McCoy, the Math teacher in my school.

For my $140 paycheck, I need to pay $20 to my dad who drove me back and forth for rehearsals and performances (gasoline reimbursement), and $20 to my mom for the cost of the black shirt required for the services.  After that I have $100 left.  $5 of which I will donate to charity, and the rest will be used for my school supplies and my family’s activities. 

Thank you so much Mrs. Brigham and Mrs. Jolley for this wonderful opportunity.  I made new friends and earned the first paycheck of my life!  If an opportunity like this comes by again, I am sure to take it.      
      

PS: I donated $10 to Pennies for Patients through school, and my contribution will be in good use fining cures for cancer patients. 

My Dream Job (by William)

“Hello.”  I started.  “Would you like to check out that book?”  Asked Ms. Kahn, the head librarian as she pointed at the book I was holding.  “Yes, I would ma’am, thank you.”  I replied.  From that day on, I decided that I need a new job in my new school.  Get me right, ever since I was a toddler, I have loved books.  Books are our friends from birth to death, as long as we embrace them and let them be our friends.  My love for books has grown even more over the years.  Having more than 500 of my own books is only one example of how much I love books. 

I asked Ms. Kahn if I could enlist for a library assistant, and she immediately whisked me to Andrew, the head assistant.  He said I would have to train to become an assistant, and I eagerly agreed.  My two days of training went very smooth--Andrew taught me how to check out books, check in books, and how to use the library catalog.  After I was fully trained, I immediately signed up for days of duty.

 

During my library duty time, I assist people check out books, answer their questions, and I always feel proud and happy by helping others.  I also discovered things that I would not have known before.  For instance, I found out that my old acquaintance, “the Princess Aurora” is also a library assistant.  (Please visit my old blog, especially the last photo, about Princess Aurora and Price Philip at https://worldthroughchildrenseyes.blogspot.com/2015/06/favorite-classes-in-summer-camp-by.html)  We even made plans to create a school book club! 

 

Being one of the library staff made me determined to only take on the jobs that I desire and love doing.  Ethan, my blog partner, do you really want to sit in a deep vault counting money all day as a banker?  I know you are fond of money.  I want everyone reading this article to think about your future--what do you want to be?