Daddy Daycare? No, Government Daycare.

The government should provide daycare for working parents. If people are going to put in the time and effort to support their families, then they deserve a little help. I believe that is what the government is here for: To help the people. Daycare is very expensive for some people, and that can keep them from being able to have a job. However, the more people work, the more the government gets in taxes. While the government gives money to people who may not work even if they can, some people who are more than willing to work are incapable of doing so because they have children to care for. The little money it would take to provide daycare for working parents would pale in comparison to the amount the government would get if parents were able to work. If they government were to supply daycare for working parents, both parties would benefit.

Values, Morals, Principles, Beliefs

I have a lot of values, but there are three that definitely stand out. First and foremost, my family and friends are my greatest treasures. They are always by my side, through thick and thin, and the least I can do to repay them for all they have ever done for me is love them unconditionally. Next on my list is my education and future. My parents always push me to do my hardest. I know what they want more than anything is for me to have a full life and a great future. I not only want to do well for myself, but for them. I could not stand to disappoint them. Finally, I value good, old-fashioned ethics, morals, and manners. People who are rude, mean, or ignorant are distasteful. My family raised me to be courteous, kind, and considerate of others. When people stomp those beliefs into the ground and spit on them, I am truly disappointed.

Summertime Fun and Merriment

Since I did not do a whole lot of anything over summer, the highlight of my vacation was my stay with my aunt Kari and cousin Kadi. I stay with my aunt every summer for a week or so, but we changed it up so that I could see my cousin. I stayed over at Kadi’s house In Columbus for a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before my aunt brought me home Monday morning. On Friday and Saturday we shopped ‘til we dropped, and Saturday evening we went to Menchie’s. I got both apple pie and mint chocolate chip frozen yogurt with lots of toppings like raspberries, gummy bears, and cookie dough, and my aunt and cousin teased me for the odd combinations. I did not mind though since, surprisingly, the flavors tasted great together and the toppings were tasty. On Sunday we went to the waterpark and the Columbus Zoo. I have always been more of an amusement park fanatic, but I enjoy the aquarium, especially the manatees because they were absolutely adorable. I had a great visit and am looking forward to next summer’s fun ventures with my aunt.

Mattalaine Ayanna, Warrior of The Light

Mattalaine.

I’ll settle for just Mattie,

especially when the ‘a’ goes on vacation

every time someone tries to say the whole thing.

It’s not Madeline,  

or Madelyn,

or Matilda, Madison, Miranda, Mandy, Massachusetts.

Just Mattie.

Of course, my family and best friends

have an extensive, yet cherished, list of nicknames for me:

Mattat, Mattiepoo, Brattalaine, Bratty Mattie,

Mattie loo, Poochipoo, Mattalainey, Chalupa, and more.

Then there’s the occasional, “Mattalaine Ayanna!”

That one’s not so warm and welcoming.

It’s a whip cracking through the air.

When I hear it, creeping towards me like a cat ready to pounce,

I find myself dolefully slipping through the halls

and sliding down the stairs to my impending doom.

Those two words can seem like the bane of my existence.

Anywho,

those within my tightknit group of friends know I am

Rambunctious, spazzy, dramatic, affectionate, caring.

Others see me as a little lost puppy.

I may be shy at first, and my stage fright is horrendous,

but that is not me.

Maybe someday, when people hear my name,

“Mattie,”

they’ll think of a fun-loving girl,

loud

exciting,

trustworthy,

comforting.

An unbelievable sense of humor.

That’s who I am.

That’s what I want others to see.

Getting me out of my shell isn’t so difficult,

but one day I’ll be able to walk up to anyone,

Say, “Hiya!” with no trouble.

Stand in front of the class and let the words

flow from my lips without hesitation or discomfort.

Be myself.

I know I can do it,

and so does everyone else.

Why?

Because I am a warrior of the light.

The Virtues of Courtesy and Compassion

A philosophy I hold near and dear to my heart is to be polite and kind towards others. It not only reflects on me as an individual, but on my family as the ones who raised me. My every word and action mirrors my families ethics and mannerisms. To behave crudely and discredit them would be disgraceful. Aside from how my conduct portrays my family's ideals, it also shows others who I am personally. Being considerate and respectful are not only characteristics I exhibit, but what I expect in return. Never have I known someone who found a rude and mean spirited person appealing. I myself have also never found reason to dislike a friendly person. Why would one despise someone who held open the door with a smile or was genuinely concerned with the other's well-being or happiness is unknown to me. What I do know is that helping people makes me feel good about myself, even if a little gratitude is always appreciated.