Writing Controversy
Have you ever spoken out about something you wanted to change? Last spring I wrote an article about the points system used at Bay Middle School – the BEP system – because I thought it needed to change.
This was my first experience with a controversial article, and I wasn’t prepared for the responses. I received a lot of different feedback because of the different views of people at the middle school on the BEP system. I didn’t know how to react to this feedback, so I decided to take a break from writing for the Observer.
The good news is that my article made a difference for the middle school. The BEP system is gone for the present sixth-graders at the middle school. Now, the system focuses on the positive instead of the negative, and I’m glad that I made a difference for the sixth-graders this year and for years to come. I hope the teachers and students like the change.
The article also made a difference for me. I would like to thank my sixth-grade teachers Mrs. Prewitt, Mrs. Beck, Mrs. Guinter, and especially Mr. Kevesdy. I felt overwhelmed with the reaction to my BEP article, and I really appreciate all their support. I also would like to thank Miss Tara Wendell for all of her help and for encouraging me to write again.
As I look toward 2015, I’m hoping to continue writing articles for the Observer again. As I reflect on this year, I wish I hadn’t let my controversial article stop me from writing, but I know I’ve learned a lot from it. If I ever write on a difficult topic again, I’ll be prepared. I am determined to not let the reactions stop me from writing.
I can’t wait for the fresh start this New Year for me as a person and a writer. Happy Holidays to everyone!
Audrey Ray
Audrey Ray is a seventh-grader at Bay Middle School.