Vulopas,+M.

 Dear Friend, A few days ago I received the news of Emitt Till’s murder. After seeing his lifeless body, I cannot even begin to imagine how someone could commit a brutal murder, such as this one. I am shocked that this is what those white people thought of as a fair punishment in reaction to the little comment Emitt made. If Emitt was white, I am positive that his punishment would not have resulted in death, or even serious injury. This just shows how in many people’s eyes those of different race are less important and do not deserve to be treated equally. I feel sad and have great sympathy for Emitt’s family. As a result of Emitt’s murder, I find myself being more hesitant with what I do, and am constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure I am not doing something a white person may find worth punishing. The death of Emitt is a tragic event, but also a warning to us all. White people look down on us, and if we do the littlest thing wrong they are not afraid to punish us as they believe necessary. Sincerely, Milena

I really like your thoughts about how this is a warning. I think that the way you explained what you would do in the future in response of this event was done very well....Good job! -Caroline

The point you make about looking over your shoulder is valid. This would be a terrifying experience for an African American teenager. Could you add a bit more detail to this letter? Mrs. Brooks

I liked how you compared what would have happened if a white person did this specific action, in contrast to an African American's fate. -Hope

The thought on the fright of offending a white person is true. I like how you described how if a white person had done it, the punishment would have been much less. -Laura Maurer

The writer does an excellent job of conveying their own thoughts about the event. The letter as a whole was well written. -Andy Wolfers

Very easy to relate to what you are saying and how you feel. -Megan Pinkerton

My Homework Excuse There is a simple explanation to why my homework is incomplete, and the reason is this. I just walked into the door of my house after school as the phone rang. It was one of our neighbors. She was frantic, saying that something came up and she rally needed me to come over and watch her kids for three hours. I agreed and walked over to their house. The second I stepped into their house she stepped out. I saw her three kids sitting quietly in the living room. This was going to be easy, I may even be able to get some homework done. The kids had a different plan in mind. In just a matter of moments, the youngest child had gotten a pan from the kitchen and whacked his older siblings on the head with it. They burst out crying as the little troublemaker ran away. After many icepacks and allowing them to watch some t.v., I finally got the kids to stop crying and relax. Now, where was the littlest kid? I started searching all over the house for him. I finally found him on his bead, and as I walked in he had a gun that shot out soft round things. What are they giving three year olds these days? He ran around me to cause more of a mess, I was sure. This went on for the whole three hours. Him running causing trouble in some part of the house and then running away for us to clan up the pieces. We would go looking for him only to have him flee the scene. At 6:30, instead of their mom pulling up in the driveway, she called asking if I could stay until late. She was running very late. The whole night was a disaster. The kids caused all sorts of trouble and the house was a sty. At 10:30 I had the kids in their rooms though nowhere near sleep, hoped to finally start some homework when their mom came home. She thanked me so much and said she would pay me tomorrow. I got home and barely made it up the stairs before I fell asleep. I was completely tired out. So as you can see, I was helping a family in need, and therefore was unable to get my homework done.

Are people born inherently good or evil? People are not born good, nor are they born evil. When you grow up, you have an open mind and take in everything around you. Many young people have good role models and observe behaviors which help shape them into an all around good person. Others, though, may not have had as good of an upbringing and will not act as good. How you were raised and taught to behave can have a big influence on how you act and which choices, bad or good, you will make. Someone who is good can find it hard to do something they consider wrong or bad, while a person who is classified as a bad person, may find it hard to do something good. I think that people are good and bad. We are all born with an open mind and the capability of being a good or evil person. Depending on what we feed our minds and learn what we consider to be right or wrong, we have the power to become a person who is good or evil, and also change into someone who is bad or evil.

__  //Beatrice says, “You are very different from Rebecca.” Who was Rebecca? What was her daily life like?//


 * Rebecca de Winter was Max de Winter’s first wife. One year ago she drowned in the Bay near Manderley. She was a strong independent women loved by all. She carried on daily routines, as did Maxim who still does now. Her day would be similar to his. She would come down for breakfast when he did and they would choose various items to eat. After the morning meal Maxim would retire to his office or study and she would go to her morning room, which she had decorated perfectly. There she sat at her desk and wrote and replied to many letters. She would call Mrs. Danvers to hear the day’s menu and pick the sauces, making sure everything was to her liking.

Rebecca would call on people during the day, primarily in the afternoons. She did this so she would be keeping in close contact with dear friends and acquaintances. Rebecca was very busy at home between the visits and meals. Besides writing letters, she also ran the house. Organizing to make sure everything that needed to be done ran smoothly. Rebecca was very smart, took this job seriously, and accomplished it perfectly. She was friendly with those who worked at Manderley and was adored especially by Mrs. Danvers.

Manderley is a beautifully huge house. Rebecca knew this from the beginning and had great balls and parties there. Everyone who was anyone would come to these parties. They would walk in and see the house well decorated and immediately go and talk to the de Winters, particularly Rebecca. She had a talent for planning these big events. Rebecca would also have little parties in the afternoons sometimes with close friends. They would sip tea in the garden and discuss what was on their minds.

Rebecca would take the dogs to her beach side cottage. While they ran on the beach alongside Ben, she would be in her cottage reading and relaxing. She also would walk along the beach looking out at the bay. Maxim and her would also take walks through the gardens and the Happy Valley. They loved the flowers; their color, scent, and form. They were happy to do the simplest things together. They loved each other very much.

Rebecca was an accomplished woman who did so much in her life that, unfortunately, was cut short. Everyone looked up to her and respected her. She was a social butterfly who had much grace, charm, and beauty. She worked very hard at everything she did, and this showed in the finished products. No one can forget Rebecca because she was an important person who did so much and was greatly admired.**

