"This I believe Rough Draft"

Before I start writing I had to decide what I want to write about which consisted of coming up with a topic/This I believe and how to word it. I created an essay outline to help with structure. I mainly focused on the main body of the text, saving the introduction for later once I had a clearer idea of the text I am introducing. I evaluated my writing to mainly look at the larger issue such as making changes and structuring my essay which includes checking grammar. 

Life Is Like a Butterfly 

       One time in particular; remember when I was in mid-grade. On my first day of school, I noticed 

most of my friends were in the same classroom as me and my brother. As we chatted amongst one 

another about “Everything from Under the Sun” However, we all did not realize Ms. Tilman was one of 

the strictest teachers at American Academy. As Ms. Tilman scrutinized each one of us with a  

monotone voice saying, “I need all students to have a seat and lower your voice”. We all honored her 

demand but continued to talk. Suddenly Ms. Tilman transformed into a lion with a mean roar. That’s 

when I realized attending the same class with my friends and brother was going to be a huge 

distraction. At that moment I knew I would-will not be able to focus and concentrate due to this being one of the many challenges I would have to face daily.  

       My brother had trouble focusing on his work as well. He required extra time and attention 

because he didn’t like school or have caring teachers in the past. My mother always fussed at him 

about his homework; otherwise, he would have done well in classes. My mother always said, 

 “Be Open to Change and Be Willing to Transform because, without change, nothing beautiful would 

happen including giving up who you are to become who you might be”. Being around my friends 

during school had kept me unfocused and not wanting to focus on the most important things.  

However, these distractions for a straight-A student became a severe challenge. So, I would try to 

separate myself; I knew my mother would give me a long lecture from Arkansas to China.  

Even though I distanced myself away from my friends; I still got the chance to call them and interact 

with them just a little bit.  

  As the years passed from becoming a teenager to an adult, my mindset transformed like a  

butterfly. To this day I am a firm believer in “Never mix business with pleasure”. Butterfly’s 

transformation is inspiring in so many ways. It teaches about change, and even though it might be a long 

journey and process, it can lead to amazing results. Also, it teaches about the importance of 

letting go of the old in order to embrace the new which helped me understand the value of patience,  

perseverance, and growth.  

  On a boredom Saturday night in the family room, I asked my mother. How? did you become so 

structured to make positive life decisions? She gazed into my eyes and said’ You know Chile” your 

grandfather served in World War I and your grandmother was mean for any reason. I am one out of 

twelve siblings under one roof they had no choice but to jump out of trees, and bushes.  

and helicopters to discipline us”. We both laughed!  

  My mother encouraged me and my loved ones with wise words toward a brighter future. She did not 

want me nor my brother to follow the foots steps of a certain close relative who sits on the porch in a  

chair swinging their feet back and forward saying to themselves “I’m sick of following my dreams,  

Man. I’m just going to ask where they’re going and hook up with ‘them later” while setting fire to all 

bills. After my mother lecture of wise words helped me to instill greatness within myself. I realized that 

in order to become gracious and beautiful as a butterfly I must first have optimism, have faith and  

patience to wait for what life has instore for me without giving up. I want to be that butterfly blossom 

out of her shell and float away with confidence, obedience and with a prosperous future.