Sections One and Two

At around five in the evening I decided to venture around my neighborhood and find a bench. I put on my fuzzy winter boots, and four layers of clothing and headed up Grand Boulevard Park. Snow covered the path that once existed, so I trekked up the side, breaking through the thin ice layer that shielded the soft powder beneath my every step. After some tripping and sliding I managed to reach the top of the first block, then the next, until I arrived at the most peculiar bench I had ever seen. It was carved and painted to look like a neighborhood; the backing resembled a row of houses. Although it was dark I could see the houses alternated in colour from blue to yellow. There were four houses in total, and they resembled houses along Grand Boulevard road. Each was quite detailed, with its own little garden, beautifully matching trims, and adorable windows and doors. They almost resembled dollhouses- so neat and pretty. The seat was a cornflower blue, but above the houses there was no sky, they were simply carved out of wood with no background at all, making the bench perfect for a company of four to enjoy a seat half-way through their walk up the park. I found the bench quite amusing, and so I knew this was where I wanted to do my project. Not only was the bench original, but I also was tired from my short uphill hike in the snow, and so the seat looked very inviting!
Before I sat down I noticed an unpleasant layer of grime that covered the seat. There were small pools of stagnant water that I had to wipe away with a small towel I brought along. Then, once it looked clean enough to sit upon I plopped myself down and looked around at my surroundings. Dirty snow lay on the ground, parts warn down to slimy muck from brave runners in the cold. A tree behind me with outstretched limbs protected the bench from the brutal elements. Sadly its arms hadn’t reached out far enough to save a little tree across from me, which was clearly suffering from the cold weather. A rich evergreen seemed unperturbed, however, though snow froze above its roots. Most of the trees in Grand Boulevard were strong enough to withstand the brutal winter’s cold, as if they had a will of their own to survive.
As I sat, taking in all the nature around me my mind began to wander. Some of my thoughts were simple, such as wondering what I would have for dinner, thinking about how training went that day, and planning activates for the weekend. However, some of my thoughts were much more complex. I thought about moving to Victoria after I graduate, and how huge a step it was going to be. “Will I get along with the students in my dorm, like the food, have fun?” I wondered. I wished for a car, and hoped that my parents would cave, and finally opt to buying me one for university. Then I thought about home, how much I love my parents, and how inseparable my mother and I are. I pictured being so away from them, and sadness coursed through me like electricity. I considered expenses, ways to save money, and wondered if any of the scholarship applications I sent would come through. Most of all I worried, mostly about the simple things like if all my clothes would fit inside of my new closet, and if my new bed would be comfortable. Though another thing worried me as well, but I pushed it off just like I always do when the thought races through my mind, “Will I be happy away from my family, friends, and routine life in Vancouver”. The idea to adjusting to something completely new was both frightening and exciting. “I guess I will just have to try and find out,” I thought, with a smile.
I shuffled in my seat, as the frigid air began to seep through my clothes. The sky was deep blue, and everything seemed to have a bluish-glow because of the time of night. It was a strange and peaceful glow, and the longer I sat the darker the glow became, until soon it was closer to black. My breath became visible, like puffs of smoke from a dragon, and my cheeks I can only assume were rosy, so I decided it was time to go. I took one last glance at the sweet little bench, the walked back home.

Section Three

If a bench were to be dedicated to me it would be in Stanley Park, next to the beach. I like this location because it is right in the middle of lots of action. I like to keep busy, and I don’t like to be alone, so it would suit me. Since it would be near the beach, when I sat there I could enjoy the sun in the summer, and take a quick rest from running around the park in the fall and winter. When I rode my bike in the spring I could sit there after and enjoy a snack. I think the bench would say something like “smile!” because I am a cheerful person, and I would like anyone who sat on my bench to feel uplifted.

Section Four

If I chose to dedicate a bench to someone else, I would probably get one for my grandmother. She is strong woman who has always stood up for what she believes in. We share a stubborn streak, which over the years has drawn us closer together. She grew up in tough times, and has worked hard her entire life to provide for us, her family. I think that dedicating a bench to her would be a wonderful way to give back. She enjoys going for walks along Victoria Park, where her apartment used to be, so I think that we would give her a bench by the war memorial. Having it near the memorial would symbolize the struggles she has had to face during her life. The beauty of the park, however, would show the happiness and peace she now has. “To a strong woman, honest, and kind”, it would say, emphasizing her values and soul. I would dedicate the bench to her before she died, so that she could sit on it and enjoy it. Once she passed away, the bench would still be there to remind others of her beautiful spirit.

Section Five

Visiting the park was a wonderful experience for me. When I left my house to do the project I was fed up with the snow because it interfered with my training. I hadn’t actually stopped and enjoyed the beauty of nature for at least a week. All day I had been trapped inside doing homework, emailing, and indoor training. So when I remembered I had to do my project for English I will admit that I wasn’t too excited to face the cold. At first I stomped up the Boulevard with my big fuzzy snow boots looking down at the ground. I didn’t look up because I didn’t want to trip. Then once I got more comfortable with the snow I took a look around me and was awed with how beautiful my surroundings were. The trees were blanketed with white powder, and there was something ruggedly beautiful about the churned ice and soil. The nip of the cold was surprising, and yet refreshing. My miserable walk turned into an enjoyable stroll!

When I reached my bench I was excited to start writing. It was such a unique bench, which helped me be creative. I stopped and looked at the bench for a moment, jotting down a few notes, and I was genuinely impressed with the small details painted onto the wood. Each house was adorable, with its own little colour scheme and trim. I thought about how much work the artist must have put into creating it, and from that, how much pleasure it has given the public. As I sat on the bench looking around and writing, there were a few walkers who passed by even though it was beginning to get dark. Often couples walked together, bundled up for the chilly weather with big grins on their faces. A few smiled at me, but for the most part they enjoyed talking with their partner, and enjoying the outdoors. One old couple even talked to me for a few minutes, and mentioned how much they love the bench I was doing my project on. They pass it almost every day on their walks together. I thought that this was very sweet.

As I sat there the temperature began to decline, and walkers came and went less frequently. When it started to get darker (and everything took on a bluish glow) I closed my eyes and enjoyed being totally by myself. My house can be noisy at times, and so it was nice just having a moment to myself. Even though my hands were freezing from writing (I couldn’t wear gloves and hold a pencil at the same time), I was quite content. After a few more minutes of taking in the scenery and packing up my pencils I headed home.

I really enjoyed doing this assignment because I got to take a nice break in my day for homework. Writing didn’t feel like a “project”, it was just fun and relaxing. I liked talking and waving at people walking by, but I also enjoyed having some time to myself to think and get fresh air. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy doing this project but in the end it was actually really nice!

Section Six

Unique

Always remember that you're unique
Unequalled, uncommon, c’est magnifique
One of a kind quite, special and rare
Singular, original, not one of a pair
Special, the exceptional you embody
You're really unique, just like everybody

Section Seven

I believe that individuality is very important, because being the same as everyone around you is boring. Those who are different, without trying to be, interest me. I find people who are comfortable in their own skin refreshing. Since in high school I am surrounded by girls who look plastic, and guys with greasy hair and G-Unit sweatshirts, people with individual fashion sense, ideas, and personalities are often who I bond with the most. I think that everyone is unique, but many people try to cover up their identities in order to be popular and appear cool. The fact that some of them might secretly like opera, or snort when they laugh is hidden because they don’t think people will like them if they knew who they actually were. In contrast, I find unique traits interesting, and quite endearing. Some of the things I love the most about my friends and family are their goofy traits. I think that once people get older they stop caring what people think, and just act like themselves. Since the beginning of high school I have become more and more like this. I still care what people think of me, but I don’t take it as seriously as I used to. I like who I am, and if others don’t then it’s their problem! I love being unique, and I think that being yourself is an excellent philosophy to follow.