Daniel Velasco

1/21/15
Second grade: I brought a gun to school; A plastic one but nonetheless a gun. I was dared to
bring it in one day with another friend and luckily I was the one stupid enough to follow through.
The next day I showed my schoolmates the automatic submachine gun. I remember this vividly,
it was lunch time and I had forgotten the weapon was in my bag. My teacher came down the
playground steps to take me to the principals office; I couldnt have been more terrified. She
told me that a student had taken a gun out of my bag and threatened some girls. I had never felt
hatred for someone until that day. I still remember that students name, it was Patrick. The teacher
dragged me down to the office; all I could say was my mom must have put it there by accident.
Now that I think about it, I realize how absurd that must have sounded. I vaguely remember what
was said in the office but I know the principal had to call the district. I also know the only reason
I didnt get expelled was because of my age.
Third grade: I remember I lived in Boston for a few months and didnt go to school. I delivered
newspapers with my dad; it was better than school. After a few months, I came back and went to
school but anything I learned was irrelevant. All I got from that year is that Boston is cold and
the streets narrow.
Fourth grade: this was also a boring year; I remember my class was divided by fourth and fifth
graders. The fifth graders didnt like us and a few of the kids had a crush on the teacher. That
pretty much sums up the year I dont think I even had friends.
Fifth Grade: An exciting year for me, or at least as exciting a ten year olds life can be. I lived in
West Jordan in a big house that I still remember as my favorite house; I went to Westbrook

Elementary which I also remember as my favorite school. That year I got a trophy for supposedly
being gifted. I made some friends that I cant even remember their names except my friend Efrin;
he was really good at soccer Ive seen him occasionally, still good, still short. My highlight of
that year was sneaking into the vents and realizing how sneaky ten year olds can be.
Sixth grade: I moved and went to a different school. I despised it; I still remember we werent
allowed to run during our last recess, what kind of school doesnt allow children to run during
their free-time. I was alone most of the time and always lined up early to go into class because
we werent allowed inside the re-locatable classroom before the bell rung. Eventually I made
some friends that I played basketball with and they made the year a little more bearable. Not the
best way to end my grade school days but I was glad they were over.
Seventh grade: It was my first year at Hunter Jr. High school and everyone was right, its a lot
different than elementary. The kids are ruder, the teachers are meaner, and the social groups are
diverse and odd. I was quiet and still dressed like a kid; which I guess was unacceptable so like
every other kid I went through phases, nothing drastic, but I used to wear shirts that are still too
long for me four years later. Luckily that hadnt affected my grades and I was still getting
straight As but I was starting to realize my grades werent that important in the seventh grade.
Eight grade: I started becoming more rebellious this year after people told me that my grades in
Jr. high didnt really matter so I rarely went to class and decided that id have fun and get in
trouble instead. It was the only year my GPA was ever below a 3, I made friends that also liked
to skip class, and I dated about ten girls. They were fun times that I dont regret and I still get a
kick out of reminiscing on all the trouble I caused.

Ninth grade: First year at AMES, I hated it, I wanted to go back to my previous school but so did
every other freshman I talked to. Through this mutual hate of the school I made some good
friends which bit by bit made me enjoy coming to school. Im glad I am at AMES, it a unique
experience filled with unique individuals.
Tenth grade: second year at AMES, I enjoyed my time here and felt that I had a good group of
friends it was a year I felt that had a lot happen to me but really it was just typical high school
bull shit. Still fun though, I maintained my good grades and I started thinking more about
college. I guess AMES was doing me some good after all.
Eleventh grade: here I am writing this paper. Not much has changed in my life besides that now I
can drive but I have fewer friends to do stuff with. Its one year closer to graduation which is
scary but nice at the same time; my focus has been more on education so I think Im on a good
track so far.