I make sure my children are in bed and a light is left on, just in case. ... When I was fourteen, I finally built up enough courage to ask a classmate to be my first girlfriend, her name was Laura. ... After only a few months of dating, I walked over to her house. Before her house came into view I could smell the smoke. ... The next year my mother had another man come live with us for a time. ...

• Word Count: 1595
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

My father and mother came from low economic families. ... My mother made sure we learned what she had learned. This made her feel we would succeed. ... I would do her chores and work in order for to be able to study. ... Most are critiqued and seldom are provided with courage for them to stay in college. ...

• Word Count: 1289
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School