Neighborhood Watch

         Everyone wants to give that Superman answer where they say that they would rush in and try to put an end to any crime being committed . They swear that they would cease every instance of injustice in their sight . Saying that you are willing to do something with out the heat of the moment bringing sweat to your brow and armpits means nothing . Oh what I wouldn't give to be dauntless , for even a day . To have the ability to show true fearlessness and determination is something that most people chase but never catch .
         To be able and more importantly , be willing , to put yourself between another human being and a pathogen to humanity is noble to say the least . Scenarios and situations vary like Baskin Robin's ice cream flavors . It wouldn't be human to react the same way to everything that is thrown at us in life . That is where our emotions come into play , both a blessing and  a curse . All of us weren't made to be dauntless , we all weren't made to be cowards , we all vary . What good would an ice cream parlor be if it only offered one flavor ?
          It is my belief that the variety enriches out pallet , it makes life worth living . To say that if I saw a crime being committed and I could either stop it or video the event , choosing to stop it wouldn't be an option for me but neither would video taping the event . There are people in this world that would easily fall into the two categories . I , for one ,  do not . There has to be another option , if there is no room I will have to make room .  I refuse to settle for whats on my plate when there are dishes to be explored .

12 year old Rochelle

Dear 12 year old Rochelle ,
I caution you as you  make your transition into junior high /high school  . Set standards that fit you ,  not the opinions of those around you. A bit of advice for you , just because you see someone every day doesn't make them your friend. Be selective with those that you allow to enter the garden of friendship that is Rochelle , don't blossom for just anyone . You are a gem inside and out despite the size of your back pack or  the encyclopedia sized gap between your teeth . Don't ever feel ashamed or embarrassed because of the clothes that you have or the sneaker that might be out of style . That's what your parents are able to provide for you , never feel uncomfortable displaying the things they worked hard to give to you . You are bright Rochelle , and your future shines brighter . You will come across those who don't shine as brightly or will try to dim your shine by any means necessary . Do not steer of coarse , admiration , like a chameleon , come in many colors . Continue to make strides , continue to push boundaries , continue to question , learning doesn't begin and end in the class room alone . Life is a lesson and every day that we are able to breathe . While you take a deep breath , take in new information . As you exhale , release something new into the world . What is the point of knowledge if it isn't shared with others. No matter how toxic the air becomes please put on a gas mask and carry on , no matter how jagged things get continue searching for the soft rock to lean on , your future awaits don't turn back now .

The many hues of myself

   One aspect of my identity that a person wouldn't be able to see just by looking at me is that I am very afraid . Uncertainty is terrifying to me . The thought of not knowing what is next keeps me up at night . Having more than one possible outcome is overwhelming an unwelcome in my book .I've lived the majority of my life with such certainty, a comfortable rut , a rut of safety . Everything was a routine for me , not a thumb tack out of place .There came a point in my life when the word "certainty" became unfamiliar. I felt alone . I was an outcast with in myself . I've begun to become more accustomed to uncertainty like the way one would to a new neighbor or school. The more often we cross paths , the more tolerable it becomes . But like old chewing gum on the bottom of your shoe on a hot summer's day , the fear still remain , sticky and difficult to get rid of . Fear works weirdly . As surprising as this may sound , in some instances I'm glad that I am afraid . Over confidence and Too much certainty in a matter can be as triumphant as it is detrimental .