Student Writer: Madison Papallo

This week’s featured writer: Madison Papallo

School:  Washington Middle School

Age:  12

Grade:  7

Teacher:  Mrs. Sikora

What have you learned in school that makes you a better writer? Things I learned in school that made me be a better writer were learning how to choose details to support my main ideas and how to organize those ideas into an essay that makes sense and has fluency.

What is your favorite book? I love the Percy Jackson series.  Right now, I am reading The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan.

What do you like to do outside of school? I am a dancer and I also play volleyball.

Madison’s writing:

Gossip…It's Wrong

            Have you ever been gossiped about?  Gossip is hazardous because it ruins friendships, causes fights, and it can happen to you if you do it to others.  There is nothing more horrible than losing a friend, especially when it was because of your actions.

            Gossip can seriously demolish friendships.  Saying something as simple as "did you see her shoes?" can really hurt someone's feelings.  Gossiping can cause your friends to lose trust and respect for you.  Before you know it, your friendship will have vanished.  Don't let gossip leave your friendship in the dust.  Besides, when gossip starts, fights are on their way and who wants that?

            Fighting often is a direct result of gossiping.  In middle school, your emotions run wild.  Kids tend to act before they think about what could happen as a result of their actions.  If a child is gossiped about in middle school and they become angry, a fight can happen because the child feels like that would be the only way to prevent it from happening again.  Nothing good will come from fighting but you will receive consequences for your actions.  Fighting consequences can vary from detention to expulsion.  Before you know it, you'll be in the office and a friendship or two will be lost.  When you spread word about others, be ready for it to backfire. 

            What goes around comes around.  One day you are making someone else feel bad by gossiping about them, and the next day you might be the one who's the target for gossip.  You are an easy target if you gossip about others.  If you like to talk badly about others then watch out because you could be gossip's next victim.

            Some people don’t have a problem with gossip because they might think it isn't a big deal.  If that's the way they feel, then maybe friendship, trust, and respect are no big deal either.  It is clear that gossip is toxic because it can ruin great friendships, cause fights, and it can happen to you if you're not grateful for the positive relationships in your life.  Don't gossip…you're better than that.