Dear Madam,

I am not sure of what is going on with my life. People see me as someone cheerful, but deep down, I am just a miserable being. I have been suffering from sleepless nights. I have trouble paying attention in class. I often feel left out, I think my friends hate me. I am not as pretty as they are, what more in academic. I want to be accepted, but I don't know what to do. My parents are so busy at work, they seldom have time to talk to me. Sometimes, I am so glad that they are not around, because when they are with me, I am not being my true self. I am afraid of showing my true colour to them as I know, they will not like it at all.

Help me, please.
Dee.

********

We need to help her, but what should we do?

I think, many of us have this kind of problem. It is a part of growing up. So, as an understanding friend, write a letter to Dee. In your letter,

* Suggest THREE ways to deals with her problems

* Include some motivational quotes (it is best if you can add a motivational video on youtube since this is an electronic letter you are giving her

Your letter must be in a continuous from an should not be less than 250 words (approximately 4-5 paragraph). Write it as an entry for your blog.

THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE

Half a league, half a league,

Half a league onward,

All in the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred. 

"Forward, the Light Brigade!

Charge for the guns!" he said.

Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.

"Forward, the Light Brigade!"

Was there a man dismayed?

Not though the soldier knew 

Some one had blundered.

Theirs not to make reply,

Theirs not to reason why,

Theirs but to do and die.

Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.

Cannon to right of them,

Cannon to left of them,

Cannon in front of them

Volleyed and thundered;

Stormed at with shot and shell,

Boldly they rode and well,

Into the jaws of Death,

Into the mouth of Hell

Rode the six hundred.

by : Alfred, Lord Tennyson

                                                      

                   The English Journey

      
       ABOUT THE POEM

The persona captured two images of her adoptive grandmother -one seen in the photograph when the persona was three years old and another image of her grandmother as the lady became older and finally passed away. The persona resonates with the memories of many young people who have lost their beloved grandparents. 

        THEME

1. Appreciation and affection for a grandparent

2. Search for the persona's identity

3. The mystery of ageing and death

4. Filial piety ( Virtue respect for one's ancestor )

    

The Living Photograph

My small grandmother is tall there,

straight-back,white broderie anglaise shirt,

pleated skirt, flat shoes, grey bun,

a kind, old smile round her eyes.

Her big hand holds mine,

white hand in black hand.

her sharp blue eyes look her own death in the eye.

It was true after all; that look.

My tall grandmother became small.

Her back round and hunched.

Her soup forgot to boil.

She went to awful place grandmothers go.

Somewhere unknown, unthinkable.

But there she is still,

in the photo with me at three,

the crinkled smile is still living, breathing.

Jackie Kay