Category: english

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The Right to Be Forgotten?
The “right to be forgotten” from Internet searches ought to be a civil right.  
By:  Sreya Palnati
I think that the right to be forgotten from internet searches is needed and necessary.  This is because people should have control over their personal information, and because of the fact that privacy is fundamental. 
First of all, people should have control over their personal information and who gets to see it.  86% of internet users have taken steps online to remove or mask their digital footprints—ranging from clearing cookies to encrypting their email, from avoiding using their name to using virtual networks that mask their internet protocol (IP) address.  55% of internet users have taken steps to avoid observation by specific people, organizations, or the government, according to pewinternet.org.  Many others who see these statistics think that people have control over the information they post on the internet.  But the truth is that most of these people who have taken these careful steps still aren’t fully secure.  Anyone can still look at their personal information anytime.  Especially with today’s increasing knowledge about hacking systems, etc., many people will know how to use this information to hurt others.  Instead, these are the facts that are really important to know.  21% of internet users have had an email or social networking account compromised or taken over by someone else without permission.  11% of internet users have had important personal information stolen such as their Social Security Number, credit card, or bank account information.  All of these facts/evidence lead to the conclusion that most people might think that their personal information is secure, but it actually isn’t.  Without having the right to be forgotten, the majority of the population will continue to be cheated online.  That is one of the reasons as to why having the right to be forgotten on the internet is needed.  
Also, privacy is fundamental.  Fundamental rights are a generally regarded set of legal protections in the context of a legal system, wherein such system is itself based upon this same set of basic, fundamental, or inalienable rights. When people don’t have privacy, they often don’t feel secure.  They feel as if they have been exploited and everyone can look at them, which is very true.  This makes people be less honest on what they post on the internet, which could lead to very bad consequences, depending on the scenario.  That is why privacy is so important and therefore a fundamental right.  Having the right to be forgotten would lead many people to be more open about what they say and the internet would be a comfortable environment for people to post in.  
 Additionally, the right to be forgotten violates property rights.  “Personal data and information is property” -shatterthelens.com.  Just because someone posts something on the internet, it doesn’t mean that anyone can use that information in any way they like.  “When you are online, you provide information to others at almost every step of the way.” says privacyrights.org.  For example, if you give a website some of your personal information, you are providing information to others.  Teen Twitter use has grown significantly: 24% of online teens use Twitter, up from 16% in 2011, according to pewinternet.org.  This is especially bad because teens are now sharing more personal information than they did before.  This risks their safety.  If there was the right to be forgotten on the internet, this wouldn’t be a problem.  Also according to pewinternet.org, teen social media users do not express a high level of concern about third-party access to their data; just 9% say they are “very” concerned.  We wouldn’t have to waste money on teaching these teens to be careful on what they post on the internet if there was the right to be forgotten on internet searches.  
People should have control over their personal information, privacy is fundamental, and the right to be forgotten violates property rights.  Therefore, the right to be forgotten from internet searches ought to be a civil right. 
Works Cited:
“Basic Privacy Rights.” Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.privacyrights.org/>.
“Privacy Rights Statistics.” Pew Research Centers Internet American Life Project RSS. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.pewinternet.org/>.
“”Right To Be Forgotten From Internet Searches”” Shatterthelens. Web. 14 Dec. 2014. <http://www.shatterthelens.com/>.
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October 7, 2014
Starbucks Corporation
2401 Utah Ave S
Seattle, WA 98134
Dear Mr. Baldwin,
 I am writing to you about an issue that occurred while I was ordering an item off the menu at a nearby Starbucks. The problem was the price and how they made my drink. I ordered a Grande Caramel Frappuccino which is priced at $4.25, and I think it’s way too expensive.
 When I took a sip of my drink, it tasted like watery caramel and foam. I have noticed that the Caramel Frappuccino tends to separate into slush and liquid, so you should stir it a bit with the straw for a better drinking experience. I’m pretty sure that the Caramel Frappuccino are made by blending coffee with caramel sauce, milk, ice, and then topped with whipped cream. I thought that if I at least got the Grande, since I had always ordered a small, I would be provided with a better beverage, but it was a complete and utter disappointment.
It did have a stronger coffee flavor than other ones I have tasted, but not to a great extent. I really enjoy the taste of caramel and like most of the other drinks; the Caramel Frappuccino was very sweet with a strong flavor.
I appreciate that you took your time in reading my letter thoroughly and carefully. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future about my complaint. Thank you and please feel free to contact me at 703-327-8437 as soon as possible.
Sincerely,

Nasima Sadr

Business Letter to the Georgia Institute of Technology

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October 9, 2014

Georgia Institute of Technology

North Ave.

Atlanta, Georgia 30332

Dear Georgia Institute of Technology Representative:

Approximately 14 years ago, my parents graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology. This is why I grew up hearing about Georgia Tech my whole childhood. As a child, I grew up with a Yellow Jacket stuffed animal and learned to correct others when they called it a “bee”. I also memorized the lyrics to “I’m a Wramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech” fight song as an 8 year old little girl. As I grew in height, my hatred for the University of Georgia also grew. Although there were some times where I wanted to go to other schools such as the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, or even Harvard, I always ended up settling on Georgia Tech.

I am currently a Freshman at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia and taking the highest level academic courses offered to me at school. As a Ninth Grader, I am taking Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Honors Biology, Spanish 3, Pre AP World History and Geography, and Honors English for my academic classes. I am also participating in Advanced Mixed Chorus, Study Hall, and Health and PE for my other blocks. As with extracurricular activities, I am on my school’s Freshman Volleyball team and in the All Female A Cappella Club. Over the summer, I took the summer school course of Earth Science because I enjoy science and want to take as many science classes as possible. This allowed me to get a headstart to my first year in high school, and the course gave me something to do over the summer. In the next three years of high school, I plan on taking the most advanced science classes, at least 2 AP social science classes out of 4 years of social science classes, and 4 years of honor level English. By the end of Senior year, I hope to have finished AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Spanish.My favorite classes have always been math and science, and I believe that going to a college that will help me develop skills in my interests is the best college for me. I am also intrigued by the idea of pursuing a career in Computer Science or Computer Programming.

The purpose of this letter wasn’t just to talk about how much I love Georgia Tech but about how to get into Georgia Tech. After taking 4 years of advanced courses in every subject, I hope to be able to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, but I have found a few obstacles blocking my path to my future at Georgia Tech. I have calculated that it will cost about $100,000-$120,000 to go to Georgia Tech for a full four years and get my Bachelor’s Degree in the study of my choice, due to living out-of-state. This is not accounting for the price of books, housing, food, and inflation. Student debt is increasing greatly and will likely continue to incresase for years to come, which worries me about my future. Either I risk going to my dream college and being in debt for a long time or I go to an in-state college for less and don’t get to go to my dream college. Even though my parents both went out-of-state to Georgia Tech, neither of them want me going to an out-of-state school and spending money we don’t have. They have agreed to pay for some of my college and possibly loan me interest-free money, but I’m still worried about my future. Yes, I can try to get scholarships and get a job, but I want to go to Georgia Tech knowing that I won’t be in debt the rest of my life. Do you have any suggestions as to what classes I should start taking, what activities I should be participating in, and ways I can accrue enough money to get through college?

Thank you for your time,
Gwyneth Schloer

The Cube

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My challenge was capturing this cube. I had to solve this cube within 30 minutes, and if I did not complete it within the given time period, I would have failed this mission.

Let me start from the beginning. A month ago, I was given the mission to complete this relic in order to have some fun. I thought it was cool. And without knowing, I shuffled it up. The ticking bomb started. One problem though. I didn’t know it was ticking. 

Originally I thought, It’s going to be alright. I have lot of time to figure it out.

I picked it up once in a while and looked at it. I could get through one part of it, but I could never figure out the entire puzzle. So I put it down and came back to it later. This was on repeat for days and days.

I also first thought that there was no importance in this mission. I had more important things to do such as slay my grades with material stronger than any sword or build my blueprint for my fortress within 20 seconds. But defusing a bomb that I had no idea was a bomb? That was the least of my priorities.

Days and days this occurred. I saw it, I attempted to solve it, failed solving it, threw it across the room and picked it up the next day. And everyday, I was getting more curious on how it worked and how to solve it

I then saw an article about it talked about how it was sucking in the minds of many kids, teenagers, and adults.

“Oh no!” I was shocked. This bomb, this cube, this object, was  becoming a world wide toy and it was brainwashing the students all together.

“Hey Harish, can I check out that cube?” I promptly heard my sister say.

I was shocked but it was too late. The bomb had exploded and many more would come again if I didn’t stop this one.

With more panic within me, I grasped the cube with my sweaty hands. I turned each of the panels and layers on it and matched up the colors.

My hands felt frozen.

My teeth were chattering.

And all of this led to the moment I am in right now.

Right freaking now.

Each turn was more important than the last, and if I made a mistake, I would have to start this all over again.

My sister asked me 15 minutes later, “Can you help me with this puzzle?”

I responded in a panic that may have turned into a shout, “NO! THE WORLD RELIES ON ME SOLVING THIS CUBE SO DON’T DISTURB ME!” My sister went back to her workspace trying to find the missing piece of the 300 piece puzzle. 

After a countless number of twisting and turning, I saw the end of the cube near.

I also heard the mission leader in my ear say, “H you have one minute left.”

Adrenaline rushed into me and my hands started moving faster, and faster, and faster. The colors on the cube started to become a blur and I could only hope that I knew what I was doing. Then, my hands started slowing down to see what was happening. 

My finger moved as the final turn in my Rubik’s cube completed the simple colors on each side.

“Yes!” I thought when another thought dawned upon me.

“Can you help me now?” my sister said with her 300 puzzle pieces scattered over the floor.

“Agent H, your mission, do you choose to accept it?”

A Rude Awakening

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A Rude Awakening


As a child, everyone grows up with this fantasized view of the world where everyone and everything is nice and perfect. Parents love their children, bad people go to jail, and anyone who misbehaves gets in trouble. Many children wake up from this sugar-coated dream at a young age, including me. When I found out that my family wasn’t as perfect as I thought, it altered my view of the world completely.

It was a pretty average day for a five year old, with my dad driving me from my mom’s house back to his house. We were driving down that winding road that has all of those lush green trees that can take your breath away with one look. With the windows cracked open, you could smell autumn making its way throught the air, with the warm colors close behind. I was struggling to regain control of my hair as gusts of wind blew it into a mess; silence filled the car. Our conversation about school that day had just ended when, in that silence, I recalled a televison show episode I had watched earlier, That’s So Raven. In the episode I wathced, Raven goes through a situation where she thinks her parents might get a divorce. I had no idea what the word divorce could possibly mean at the time, so I continued to watch the show. By curiously watching the show, I eventually guessed that divorce was when the mom and dad seperated. Something abou that term was bothering me since I left my mom’s house, but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I then started to connect the dots and notice the similarities to my life. A million thoughts raced through my head all at once. Could my parents be divorced? Am I adopted? If they’re divorced, why do I have four parents? Are my parents kidnappers? I couldn’t imagine my mom and dad ever being happy together. I then realized that it must be true because I knew I looked too much like them to have been kidnapped or adopted. I then asked the dreaded question, “Are you and Mommy divorced?”

My dad showed no surprise towards the question and calmly answered, “Yes”, explaining the details about how and why they had seperated. He also confirmed that I was indeed not adopted or kidnapped at any point in life. Initially, I wasn’t as shocked as expected because everything fit like a puzzle. It explained why I traveled between houses, why I had more than two parents, and why my parents didn’t get along. This moment gave me the rude awakening that no one and no family is as perfect as it’s thought to be. I also learned that just because a family isn’t picture perfect, doesn’t mean they aren’t a family.

The Secret

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The Secret

There’s only thirty more seconds left. Why does time have to go so fast? A movement in the corner of my eye catches my attention. It’s Tommy shooting a basket with a balled up piece of paper. “Hey, Kate! You see that? Only one try!”

I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of my reaction, so I just roll my eyes and continue my staring contest with the clock. Three… Two… One… The annoyingly loud bell screeches into everyone’s ears. Whooping and hollering is taking place in the already crowded hallways. I slowly pack up my school books, papers, and pencil, delaying the inevitable without being too obvious. I quickly glance around the room to find the teacher looking at me. Oh, no. I attempt getting out of the classroom before he tries to talk to me, but fail.

“How are you doing, Kate? You seemed a little sad today.” I want to say terrible, awful, depressing, but as usual, I say the socially acceptable thing.

“I’m fine, Mr. Moore! Just a little tired! Have good day!” My fake happiness is expertly plastered all over my face.

“Okay. You too,” he replies with delight in his voice. I sprint out the door, hugging my textbooks, with my head down. The crowd is moving like a school of fish towards the front entrance. I hate Fridays. People get way too happy about the weekend and the stupid Friday-night football games. The games are just another excuse to exaggerate the social class difference between the upper-class, jocks and cheerleaders, and the lower-class, me.

After what seems like one minute, I find myself getting off the bus. I start taking slug-like steps in the direction of my house. Even when walking the slowest speed humanly possible, I still reach my house in only eight minutes. Not long enough. I wish time could stand still, even if only for a little while. I silently insert the key into the door lock and turn it to the right. The front door noisily creaks open, making my heartbeat skyrocket. I walk through the doorway and head towards the stairs. As I’m creeping quietly through the house, I catch a glimpse of my mom who has passed out on the couch again. I routinely walk over and check her pulse. It’s still beating away, so I pick up the bottles of alcohol littering the room. I carefully place the bottles in a trash bag, to be thrown out later. Even her faint breath can be heard in the silence of the house. It’s kind of funny how such a damaged home can be unbelievably loud at one point and silent the next.

A Joyous Day

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A Joyous Day

Chirp, chirp. Bright and early in the morning the birds started to sing. Their beautiful song filling the air like a fluffy cloud in the light blue sky. It was eight o’clock on a Saturday and Lisette was getting ready to attend her cousin Courtney’s sweet sixteen. She got up, washed her face and shrugged into her aqua green dress. The dress fit Lisette perfectly around her waist. It was a birthday gift from her aunt and she had been asked to wear it during the party. Even though the party didn’t start until seven o’clock at night, she couldn’t wait to try it on just once.

Lisette ran down the steps to the kitchen. Her parents and older brother had already eaten their breakfast at the table and were cleaning up. 

“Good morning everyone.” Lisette announced happily. 

“Good morning Lisette,” Her mom and dad replied in unison. Her brother Clark just nodded his head as a hello. As they got up, Lisette sat down. Clark exited the kitchen to his room, her mom was getting started on the dishes, and her dad was reading the newspaper. She had a huge grin on her face. She couldn’t wait to go to Courtney’s party. She’s never been to one as a matter of fact. Her friends all just turned fifteen and she was still waiting for her turn in July. 

“So are you excited to go to Courtney’s party?” her mother asked. 

“Definitely,” she replied. “You  know the aqua green dress Aunt Becky got me for my birthday?”
Her mother nodded. 

“Well, I really want to wear it for the first time at her party,” Lisette said. “You know, since it’s the first time I’ll be going to one.”

“Of course you can sweetie,” her mom said. “I’m just worried you’ll spill something on it and stain it. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t.” Lisette promised. She helped her mom with the dishes, and then put them away. She ran up to her room and started reading and drawing, counting the hours till the party. She even fell asleep for two hours!

“Lisette!” her mom called out. “It’s time to go!”

“Coming!” Lisette replied while going down the steps with caution. She really didn’t want anything to happen to her new dress. She had others she liked, but this one had to be her favorite.

It was seven o’clock and the sun was setting. Its colors were fading away slowly, as if it was the last time you would ever see it. Lisette and her family walked outside greeted with a cool breeze hitting their faces. The lights from their house raided with moths, causing their shadows to dance in the dark.

An hour late they arrived. There was light shining through all the large windows in the house. Lisette knew the party had already started. She took a deep breath. They all walked toward the front door and were greeted by a middle aged woman with her hair in a bun. 

“Hello Jane, Andrew, Clark, Lisette,” aunt Becky said looking at all of us. “Come in it’s cold outside. Come in.”

Lisette walked inside and started looking around at all the decorations hung up on the walls. “Whoa,” she said in awe. She stood near her parents and in an instant they disappeared, but she didn’t care. She knew her aunt’s house inside and out. 

“Lisette!” Courtney yelled. Lisette turned around and looked at Courtney across the room with a smile a mile wide. She walked towards Courtney with a swing in her step. This is going to be fun, she thought. 

Backpack

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Backpack
Backpack,
you hurt my shoulders,
and my back,
also my arms,
 what would I do without you.
Backpack,
you carry all my books,
binders, and lunchboxes,
sometimes even my shoes,
what would I do without you.
Backpack,
you make me late to school,
trying to cram things into you,
you tear and rip,
 what would I do without you.
Backpack,
you can make my life miserable,
but also gleeful,
what would I do,
without you.
Backpack,
you hurt my shoulders,
and my back,
also my arms,
 what would I do without you.
Keshav Bhakta 
Block-4

Hope in the Dark

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Hope in the Dark
This nightmare that we live in,
What a terror it is.
Not knowing what’s fake and what’s real,
But knowing we will survive this.
Darkness is everywhere,
Surrounding us like a cloud covered sky.
Coming out of nowhere, 
With a blink of an eye.
The darkness is pulling us in,
With memories that are scattered.
Never good enough,
And all our hearts are torn and tattered.
But say what you will,
This life is supreme. 
Keep walking towards your goal,
And someday you’ll wake up from this dream.