Hello again! We have now reached the one-fourth mark of the school year! YEA!!! Actually, I have mixed feelings about it. It seems as though just last week was the first week, yet SO many things have already taken place. Last entry, I left with many upcoming events, and they were very enjoyable . . .

Homecoming week came and went. As I mentioned, I was on homecoming court, but I did not win. One of my good friends did, however, and I was very excited for him. Also, we won our football game that night! It was an outstanding day. That day was to be followed with a great weekend at our church retreat. It was lots of fun spending fellowship time with my friends and enjoying the outdoors. We learned about battling negative forces in our lives, even when they are unseen. All in all, it was the best week since school began.

But let me go back to football. Our team continues to amaze others and even ourselves at times. We remain undefeated, currently 9-0, and in prime position to win district for the third straight year and go 10-0 for only the third time in our school’s history. It has been even more fun than I imagined, but I hope we maintain our groove and possibly make it to the state championship game. However, there is still an intense road ahead that will take up several more weeks. Following football season is basketball season. To say the least, basketball is not my cup of tea. I played for a few years, but I will enjoy being a spectator and being able to support my schoolmates before baseball starts next semester.

With so many things currently going on, it’s nice to know that I already have my college admissions tests taken care of. Most people will advise to one of each during the spring semester of your junior year, and then retake them in fall of your senior year. As for me, I was satisfied with the score I received this past summer and decided against taking it again. That will also leave me more time to apply for scholarships. I suggest once you take your test, you find a safe place to keep your scores and other information. Universities and scholarships will ask for that information along with several other things. Once you have that, it’s also beneficial to ask a counselor, or whomever may oversee transcripts, for a copy of your high school transcript. It includes your class rank, GPA, etc.

As I write this, we are just a few days from election day. My birthday isn’t for another month or two, so I will miss out on getting to vote this year. I do, however, hope everyone who is eligible to vote will do so. Voting is a great opportunity to make your voice heard even if you don’t think it will matter. My government teacher held a school-wide election in our school. Much of our class discussion is over this year’s election and elections of the past. It’s really interesting to learn about our government so that we can become well-informed citizens. (Maybe she will give me extra-credit for being a public voting advocate!)

Last time I mentioned “random acts of kindness Mondays.” (Just as a side note, acts of kindness can be done any day, not just Mondays.) Those times are great for you to pay for your friend at a restaurant, or pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru, or write a note to someone you appreciate. It makes them feel better, and you will feel better too. I hope you have a sensational week this week, and see if you can make someone else’s week sensational, too!