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Student’s Writings

Asked to weigh-in on this topic, many imaginative pieces were written. DANNY did so by taking us forward to the year 5026 A.D. to a place we humans had apparently already been. Fascinating. Graffiti: Art, Ego or Vandalism                    “Yes, I copy Houston.” radio click This is over three thousand years into the future, in the year 5026 A.D. Humans have invented technology which enables extrasolar travel. This is the first manned mission to another planet outside of the solar system ever. The mission’s name is Project Bifrost.                   “Randall, we might've done it. We have now arrived on Kepler-452b, approximately 800 light years away from earth. We did it, boys. It’s done!”- James Clapping from the Nasa physicists as they successfully succeed in the Bifrost Mission. The astronauts roam the planet and remove their helmets because of its atmospheric similarity to Earth. As the astronauts are collecting rock samples, they begin to explore caves to test samples of the underground water and the mineral content to examine the geological history of the planet… when they discover something gut wrenching. “Oh my god, Randall, is that graffiti?”-James says in horror. “Jesus Christ.”-Randall replies The astronauts scramble back to the communication system to relay the message that they’ve encountered something unseen before. But as they leave the cave, they encounter something far worse. “There are fossil bones embedded in that sediment, James.”-Randall says They dig, chip, and scratch to make sure to carefully extract the remains of whatever animal this is, not too far off from animal bones they’ve seen from life on Earth. “Houston, we have a problem....

The students, walking through a park, suddenly encounter a door promising a heavenly visit. Some enter to meet loved ones who have passed, or historical figures of fame and even  infamy. But KENDALL, who always manages to see topics from a unique perspective, creates a self-possessed YouTuber who discovers TCS and its treasure-trove of creativity. DOORWAY TO HEAVEN  What’s up YouTubers? It's your boy, Dumpster Fire James. On today’s video we are going to be finding the perfect door for my $500 million dollar mansion. Shoutout to kittymeowmeow100 for the $666 dollar donation. I'll read your comment: “Go to Druid Hill Park and you’ll find the best door in the world.” Isn’t that like in the hood? I don’t want to get robbed or anything. You know what? For my loyal subjects, I'll do it. But it’s a long drive, so send me some gas money, peasants. The Drive There… Hey guys, my tire went flat but I won’t let that bring me down. The repair man is on the way. Ok guys, the tire is fixed, but now my therapist is calling me and telling me she's having visions of me dying. But you know…yolo. I’m 10 minutes away guys. Walking Through the Park… Guys, it’s your boy, and your boy is kind of freaked out. I keep seeing these people hunched over with needles. I didn’t know so many people had diabetes. That’s why I always say, “taking care of me is like taking care of yourself.” And for you kittymeowmeow100, I don’t see any doors.  I really hate liars so you will...

THE DAWN ON MAN…The students were shown the nine-minute clip that opens the extraordinary film, “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Asked to share their reactions, many found it perplexing and overwhelming, as did QUINN. But she worked her way through it to deliver a thoughtful piece and a provocative ending. THE DAWN OF MAN  The beginning of “2001: A Space Odyssey.” I honestly have never been more lost and unsettled before. It was so loud. All I could hear were the apes and the loud music. The tall black pillar is so strange, and I have no idea what to make of it. One of the apes started destroying the bones and then he came and beat the other ape with it. Somehow that’s supposed to be the Dawn of Mankind? I mean, I kind of understand, but I don’t at the same time. All I can think about is what’s going through the other apes' heads. They probably think Billy (that’s what I’ve named the ape with the bone) is unhinged. I mean seriously, what was wrong with him? In a way, I guess the black pillar is sort of like the “White Box” we wrote about. The tall black pillar drew the apes in, just like the white box in my other story drew me in. For some reason, after the appearance of the pillar, one of the apes starts thinking. He takes the bone and realizes he can use it to his advantage. After all of this time with these dried-up bones laying around, he realizes he can use...

The students were tasked to consider HALLWAYS. Fatima takes us through some that might even give the horror/fantasy writer Stephen King the chills. My head hurts. I wake up confused. I don't know what happened to me. My vision is blurry, and I'm blinded by these strong white lights. I sit up and notice I'm in a hospital bed. There are so many machines connected to me. I'm confused. I can't remember anything. I sit alone for a few minutes to see if anyone notices I'm up. But no one comes to check on me. It’s lonely in here. I try to speak but the words won't come out. I get scared thinking I lost my voice. I try again and this time I am able to speak. I said, “Hello, is anyone here to help me?” I noticed I could see my breath. I was confused because I'm not cold, so how could I see my breath if it isn’t cold in here? There is a mirror placed right in front of me. I look at myself. I'm pale and I look like I just came from the dead. I get up and open my room door. The hallway is pitch black. I was scared to go out; it looked like the bottom of a long well. I just stuck out my head to see if I could see something. When I stick out my head, a light turns on. I realize the hallways have motion-censored lights. Every time I move under a new light it...

The students were tasked to consider HALLWAYS. Ruth takes us through some that might even give the horror/fantasy writer Stephen King the chills. I open my eyes. It’s not my room. Why am I not in my room? The room I’m in is the complete opposite of my room. The wallpaper is cream color. There’s nothing but a toilet and a bed. Not a mirror or a shower, how rude. Most importantly, my TV is not here! I decide to get out of this uncomfortable bed and walk towards the door to open it. I assumed it would be locked, but it easily opened. I hesitated a bit before looking out of the door, but I ended up doing so a few moments later. It was a long hallway. No other doors, but mine. Both ends of the hallway were dark and really long. It seemed like there was no end to it. But I mean it’s a hallway, so it must have an end to it. I make my way out of the room and start walking. As I take a few steps, I look back at the door I came from, but it’s gone. There is no door or room, just a wall. That’s really weird, but what other option do I have? I just have to continue walking. After what seemed like I had been walking for an eternity, I heard something behind me. I instantly turn around and I see a ball? The ball was bouncing up and down in my direction and I looked...

It is said that we all have a DOPPELGANGER—an exact double. Rhys, with the help of his friend, Danny, meets his, only to learn that cloning does have its downsides. *ring ring* (RHYS) “Hello?”(DANNY) “Rhys, I need help with a science experiment.” (RHYS) “Yeah what are you testing?” (DANNY) “I figured out how to clone people.” (RHYS) “Bro why haven’t you called Nobel?” (DANNY) “This has to be a secret. I’m gonna sell it to the military.” (RHYS) “What do you need help with? You sound like you got it figured out.” (DANNY) “The tests that came out aren’t perfect. They showed severe signs of devious behavior.” (RHYS) “What have you done with specimen?” (DANNY) “I killed them and harvested their organs.” (RHYS) “I’ll help you if you give me some of that organ money.” (DANNY) “Deal.” I walked over to Danny’s house. He showed me to the cloning chambers. (DANNY) “So, I should’ve told you, I need to test it on another person before I sell it.” (RHYS) “You want to clone me? I didn’t sign up for this. Is this experiment even ethical?” (DANNY) “Of course, I wouldn’t test you if it wasn’t” I stepped into the cloning chambers and Danny closed the door. He did a countdown to three and everything went black. I woke back up dazed and confused. (DANNY) “Rhys, you good?” (RHYS) “I’m fine. Did the test work?” (DANNY) “Yeah, meet your new friend X-24.” (RHYS) “Oh my god, he’s literally me. Does he speak?” (DANNY) “No. I haven’t taught them that yet. I ran other tests on him and he appears to be normal.” (RHYS) “What are we gonna do with...

The assignment: COURAGE. Madison reminds us that courage is not just about heroic events but also everyday life challenges. Courage is needed to conquer challenges big and small. When I first came to TCS, I was nervous and fearful of the unknown. I was scared to be in a new environment and exposed to things I wasn’t used to. I needed help to overcome my anxiety and fear of the unknown, and especially to present in Creative Writing class. I don’t know why but just the thought of going up in front of the class made my heart beat 10 times faster. I needed courage and a lot of help from Mr. Tom and Mr. Don. I remember crying the first time I had to present. I didn’t cry when I presented, but a few minutes before my eyes got a little wet. When I got up there my whole body felt hot. My hands were sweaty and my voice was shaky. That first time was a rough one. After that though, it became easier and easier for me to go up and present. Also, when I first did TCS News and had to sit in front of that ipad recording me, I was super nervous. I was scared of messing up or it not turning out good. It was fine though. I tend to make a big deal out of small things. I still get anxiety speaking sometimes, but other times I am very courageous and can’t shut up. It depends on my environment, my mood, and energy that...

The assignment: FAIRY TALES RECONSIDERED. Kennedy’s back story for Alice suggests a less-than-wonderful Wonderland. My name is Rita. I’m a 32-year-old woman. We’ve all watched “Alice in Wonderland” at one point in life, right? What am I saying. Of course, we have! Everyone remembers the inquisitive little girl, with golden blonde hair, bright blue eyes and that damn blue dress. Although it may be hard to believe, I was once that little girl. I once wore that blue dress, my messy hair was all gold and pretty then, too. Nobody could  take their eyes off me for even a second. I was the talk of the town, or I guess the movie set. I remember so clearly the day I was picked for the role. I was 7 years old. The exact day it happened, November of 1958, my mother basically sold me off for Hollywood money. I had just woken up on the same bug infested mattress I slept on for most of my life, when my mother suddenly burst into my room. She packed all my clothes into a tiny K-mart bag and told me to get my nice clothes on, which could be compared to a yellow shower curtain. I asked ‘why?’ She snapped at me “Get your damn clothes on and keep that mouth shut.” I didn't ask any more questions and slipped into my dress. If you knew one thing about my mother, it was that she had a bad temper. Kennedy Lewis October 12, 2023...

The assignment: FAIRY TALES RECONSIDERED. Ruth’s twist on Goldilocks might just keep you awake tonight. I wake up and open my eyes. Normally, I would see darkness, feel my comfortable bed, and hear my loud air conditioner…but not this time. I woke up in an uncomfortable place and position. Instead of hearing my AC, I hear birds chirping and I see trees above me. I sit up and look at my surroundings. Where am I? I decide to take a look around and, as I’m walking, I see a massive house made out of wood. It seemed familiar, but I just couldn’t pinpoint it because I mean, I simply didn’t know where I was. I take a few steps closer to the odd-looking house and peek through a window. There was nobody inside so I walked around the outside of the house to inspect it. I don’t see any suspicious items, but when I go up to the porch to open the door to the house, I hear voices. I quickly hide behind a large couch on the porch and hear footsteps getting louder and louder with the voices also getting louder and closer. After a while, people appear and open the door to “their” house (I assume). My eyes widen. There are three different-sized bears with one little girl standing behind them. She has shiny, dirty, blonde hair in two messy buns and seems to be half the size of the smallest bear, and just like an ant compared to the other two bears in front of her. I...

The students were tasked to write a story about the loss of one of their five senses. QUINN noted the pros and cons of her loss of SMELL, and discovered that her Grandma has quite the  sense of humor. Grandma’s House “ACHOO!” I sneezed loudly. My brother exclaims, “Gross!”. We are in the car on the way to our grandmother’s house. I have the worst stuffy nose ever! Why did I have to get a dog? I thought to myself. I could’ve gotten a cat, or maybe a goldfish! We finally arrive at my grandma’s house and unload the car. As I’m dragging my bag into the living room I notice something. It doesn’t smell like snickerdoodles! Grandma always makes us snickerdoodles when we come over. I put my bag down and go into the kitchen. “Hey, Grandma, why doesn’t it smell like...