Dear Diary, 

Today I realized how little words can deeply affect someone. I feel like most people don’t really realize it because that is how they joke around, but sometimes words can hurt more than actions do. 

I saw a group of girls today, and one of the girls didn’t get lunch with the rest of her friends. When her friends asked why, she said she wasn’t hungry, and her one friend replied, “You’re always hungry,” and continued to laugh about it. 

I could visibly see that the girl was affected, but I guess her friends couldn’t. 

She just chuckled and looked at the ground. 

I feel like that was the moment I realized that myself and others need to watch what we say, because no matter how small or sarcastic one comment may be, the person you say it to might be hurt more than they show. 

-SJ Student

Dear Diary, 

I start on the early morning drive to school, feeling my eyelids grow heavy as we pass by the houses with no lights on. 

I imagine what would happen today, dreading certain classes and wanting nothing more than to be back in my bed. 

The car passes by scenery that I see every morning, and we’re behind cars that are on a similar journey as I am. 

Once I finally make it to the school, I reluctantly, tiredly leave the car, and walk into the school. 

I feel sluggish and extremely distant. I look around slowly and see the walls and objects I see everyday. 

Everyone around me has the same expression, but when I see my friend's eyes, I can tell that everything will be fine.

Walking up to them and having a chat like we always do makes me feel at ease. 

-SJ Student

Dear Diary,

This is probably the worst winter I have seen in a while. I think I've seen the sun maybe three times since 2025 began. 

Our first day back to school was a FID. At least I did not have to get out of bed. 

It has been snowing almost every day at home. 

The driveway has been covered, and my dogs are struggling to go outside. 

Corgis clearly are not built for the snow.

-SJ Student

Dear Diary,

I was on the way home from school when I saw a person walking their dog. 

The dog was a golden retriever and it had a ball in its mouth. 

I wondered what the relationship between the owner and the dog was like. Our pets are connected to us in such unique ways. 

Dogs and their owners have such a wonderful bond, which is why dogs are called a man’s best friend. 

I hope the dog and their owner were having an amazing time on their walk. 

They made me smile, at least.

-SJ Student

PS- Do you have a diary entry you would like to share?  Send your letters to aschratz@saintjosephhs.com for consideration.

Dear Diary, 

Outside my window, I see white snow, but I can't help but think of white sand! Winter is the best time of the year to travel on a family vacation. 

Feeling the cold breeze hit my face, all I can think about is the hot summer air. The time I am happiest is at the beach. I look forward to going every year with my friend. 

Listening to the sound of the waves hitting the sand is so calming. I spend most of my time in the ocean. A lot of people are scared of it, but I find something about being in the water so comforting. I could be there for hours. 

While in the ocean, I dive down right after a wave hits and try to collect as many seashells as I can. My sister and I compare what shells we find. After coming back to the sand, the best feeling is how the hot sun is beaming down on my still-wet skin. The sound of kids playing in the sand and building sand castles brings back memories of my childhood. 

I’ve been going to the beach ever since I was a baby. I knew once I stepped into the ocean, that it would be my happiest place of all.  

These warm memories help me get through the long winter months.

-SJ Student

Dear Diary, 

How am I supposed to sit here for an hour and watch this game? 

But as our score climbs higher, I decide, maybe I don’t hate basketball. Everyone on the court seems to be having fun, and the bench is just hyping each other up.

But wait, my halftime performance is in two minutes. I hate basketball. 

As I silently pray that Coach DeHart will call a timeout, I remember what he told me that morning, “The boys are ranked fifth in WPIALS.” The words play over and over in my head, and I decide, finally, I love basketball. 

And I’ll never get to experience this ever again. 

-SJ Student

Dear Diary,

I can’t believe that we are halfway through the school year.  

I look outside and the ground is covered with glistening snow. I look around at all the other girls in my class. There are changes here too. 

Somehow, skin magically becomes tanner. Bare nails become fun and colorful. And I hear talk about dresses and jewelry all around. 

Then it hits me: our school dance is just around the corner. 

I need to find a dress. I need to find a date. Well, I have to go. I will talk to you tomorrow.

-SJ Student

Mascara or Falsies

Courtney: I prefer mascara because falsies can sometimes damage the lash and need care. 

Meredith: I prefer mascara; every time I try to use falsies I end up hurting my eye.

Liquid or Pencil Eyeliner

Courtney: I personally do not use either. I take an angled brush and stamp eyeshadow on. 

Meredith: I like liquid eyeliner. I think the lines look so much sharper with a liquid. 

Lip Balm or Lip Gloss 

Courtney: I prefer lip glosses. Although they tend to wear off quickly, I think they add the finishing touch to makeup. 

Meredith: I prefer lip balms. I think a nice tint looks better than a sticky lip gloss. 

Matte or Dewy Look

Courtney: I prefer dewy looks because it I do not like the feeling of matte makeup on my skin. 

Meredith: I prefer dewy because matte looks give harsh full coverage. I like to see my freckles, even with makeup on.