The Connection

What Do I Want To Be When I Grow Up?

When I grow up I want to be a gymnast because sometimes instead of walking I do cartwheels. And sometimes instead of walking and doing cartwheels, I do walking handstands. When I do gymnastics in front of people they clap and they say, “Well done!” And I say, “Thank you.” My favorite time to do it is when I am happy. My parents encourage me to be a gymnast and my family does, too. When I go anywhere I do anything I can that’s acrobatic. Gymnasts are amazing!

— Laney Newborn, 3rd grade

If I Could Give My Parents a Gift That Doesn’t Cost Money

If I could give my parents any gift that didn’t cost money, it would be a bracelet, a scrapbook, a card, or a picture. I like crafts and those would be special ones that I can make. It would be just for my great parents because I love them as much as I love God. My parents love homemade presents by us. They would be very, very special presents.

— Abbie Ko, 3rd grade

What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

When I grow up I want to code because I want to make video games. I want kids to have fun. The game I’m going to make is basically about strategy and tracking the enemy team. I want kids to play a game so that they can learn how to code like me.

— Benny Lucas, 3rd grade

My Favorite Animal

My favorite animal is a cheetah because they look nice and peaceful. They are also the fastest land animal on the planet. I also like their spots because they are black and black is one of my favorite colors. To me, cheetahs also have a nice way of living. When they hunt, they look amazing. Cheetahs also look awesome! They are fast and I’m fast. I think cheetahs should also be pets, but they are too dangerous.

— Oliver Huh, 3rd grade

My Favorite Animal

I want a dog because they are fluffy and cuddly and so cute and they are my favorite animal. They are good pets to play with. You can take them on a walk. You will also get a workout. That is why a dog is my favorite animal.

— Kylie Heflin-White, 3rd grade

What Is Your Favorite Animal?

Dogs are my favorite animal. I love dogs so much that I would like to have one. I love dogs because of their fur, their color, and the type of dog it is. You can have it as a pet. Dogs are cute and they can come in many sizes. Their eyes and nose are cute. It can be hard work to walk and feed the dog. Dogs are the best pet ever.

— Clarke Terrell, 3rd grade

If I Could Give My Mom a Gift

If I could give my mom a gift, I would give her 1,000 hugs because I love her with all my love. She is so so thankful for me. She is there for me. She protects me. I love her because she loves me so I have to protect her if she protects me. I love my family with all my love. When I come back from school I give my mom a hug. I love my mom with my whole heart.

— Dannalia Reyes Turcios, 3rd grade

The Pike

My family and I have a little cottage on an island in Canada. We had just started our three week vacation there. We were all very excited because we were inviting over some new friends. I was extra excited because a storm was about to hit, and is is amazing to watch storms on the water!

Our new friends were here! I was a little bored by the conversation, so I decided to go fishing. As I was walking down the rocky path, I felt a sense of pride. There was no direct source of it, I just felt grown up, and independent. I was proud I was fishing by myself. The clouds were dark and you could tell a good storm was coming. I knew I wouldn't be fishing for very long. I was bobbing my hook up and down where the tiny Rock Bass would usually swarm it. No luck. I was about to give up, when suddenly a huge fish blasted out from under the dock. It was a Pike! The fish I have always wanted to catch. Right there I could almost touch his pointy, slimy, head, and short, but sharp teeth. I was blinded by the size of this fish. I carefully lowered my hook right next to his mouth. With hope draining, he swam back under the dock. For a second I stood there in awe. I got up to change my lure. At that very moment, that three steps I needed to take, I felt a rush. I don't even now recall if it was anxiety or excitement. I could see the clouds coming in. A feeling of bad luck put a taste in my mouth. The only thing I could hear was my own breath. I wobbled back to the dock. The Pike was gone. I was about to try again, but I heard a rumble of thunder. I was half relieved, and half devastated. When I look back on this event now, it brings back excitement. I might not have caught that Pike, but I came back with good memories, and an amazing fish story!

— Lily Spaulding, 6th grade