Student Writer: Liana Roman

This week’s featured writer: Liana Roman

School: Hanover Elementary

Age: 10

Grade: 5

Teacher: Mr. Emery

What have you learned in school that makes you a better writer? I have learned that it is very important to include all important events and details. We have also learned to elaborate on the ideas and details. This is done by providing examples. I have also learned how to organize my writing and not to write ideas that overlap.

What is your favorite book? My favorite book(s) are the Diary of a Whimpy Kid series.

What do you like to do outside of school? When I am not in school I like to participate in gymnastics. For the last 4 years I have been going to the Meriden YMCA. The best part is on Saturdays we get to have competitions.   When I am not going to gymnastics class or competitions I like to go outside and play games with my friends. Another fun thing I do is play with my dog Lucky, he is a 6 years old Maltese.

Liana’s writing:

I would like to talk with you about Martin Luther King Jr.  Specifically, I want to talk about the quote, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moment of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Also, I will share my thoughts on how to make our community a better place using Dr. King’s ideas.

What this quote means to me is that when something is very difficult you should not give up. You should keep trying your best no matter how hard it becomes. Chances are that if you keep trying you are most likely to understand and do it much better than when you first tried. Anyone can give up when times are hard, but it is more important to try harder when times are tough. Being a positive person also helps. There is no point in being negative and giving up. Positive people may be happier which will make those around them, family and friends, happy too.

There have been times when I have been both positive and negative. From what I have experienced, being positive makes a situation a little easier to deal with. I figured this out when I received a bad score in a gymnastics meet when I thought I did well. Not only did I feel like giving up and never trying again, but I wanted to yell at the judges. I also showed a little bit of anger when I threw some of my equipment.

Just as Dr. King had done in his lifetime, I took a deep breath and imagined myself doing a great job. I knew that yelling was not the answer and felt bad for throwing my equipment. When I tried again I was able to do all of the required skills much better. I now know that being calm and happy was a much better way to approach a difficult situation. The best part was that my parents were proud of me.

This can also work in the community by showing people that working together when times are hard is better than being negative and fighting. Also, never doubt a goal that you or someone may have set. Even if you think it is going to be a challenge, and others may not agree, you still need to try. Most importantly never judge anyone because of what they believe, who they are, or what they look like.  Dr. King encouraged us not to judge people by the color of their skin or what they believe in. We need to look at people for who they are and what they stand for. Remember, stay positive and give people a chance.