Essay #5

           Capital Senses:

An Essay By Mia P.

  8th Grade English

                                                  Pine Point School

 November 30, 2011

This November, I went on the best trip our school has to offer. This particular trip was to Washington DC, our nation’s capital that is filled with all types of memorials, monuments and museums. During this class adventure, you are able to become friends with people that you never used to talk to, practice your poetry, and learn about America’s history. Our two main senses, hearing and seeing, were used the most on my our adventures through Washington DC.

George Washington's Mount Vernon Home

(TS) The 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. had many extremely extravagant objects and sounds that we were able to hear and see. (SD) One place that we visited was Mount Vernon, George Washington’s old home. (CM) At Mount Vernon, we were able to get a full tour of the mansion, including the attic and underground basement that other visitors do not usually get to see. (CM) Our group was also able to see George Washington’s tomb where he and Mrs. Washington’s  are placed, and it was such an honor to be standing next to George Washington’s grave remains along side one of my peers. (CM) Finally, we visited the archeological department where many pottery pieces that were thrown out of the mansion are kept. (SD)We also saw many sights at the World War Two Memorial. (CM) At the memorial, there was a large service held to honor and commemorate the veterans of World War II, which included a colorful flag march at the beginning of the ceremony. (CM) I observed many veterans, and talked to ten of them. Two of the veterans had interesting stories about their part in helping us win the war that. (CM) In addition, I saw the stone wreath for Connecticut, which was extremely fascinating. (CS) Besides my senses of taste, feeling,

(TS) Not only did I see many things in Washington D.C., but I also heard many different words and sounds during the trip. (SD) We visited and attained information about life during the Holocaust from a survivor named Regina Gutman-Spiegel on the second day of the trip. (CM) During our talk with Regina, she explained the rations of watery soup and a small scrap of a potato if they were fortunate. (CM) She also shared a story with us that can be related to the song “Lean on Me”, about how one of her friends helped her in the concentration camp so that she was did not get into trouble for not knowing her number. (CM) In addition, Regina told us an immensely important lesson about not taking others for granted, no matter what circumstances you are coping with. 
(SD) On a different note, at the World War II memorial service that we attended, and there was a large amount to learn by hearing along with the things that we saw. (CM) There was marvelous music played by the United States Marine band, that was very patriotic. (CM) Furthermore, the keynote speaker, Julius W. Beckton Jr., focused on the African American veterans of World War two, and how they impacted the war in a good way. (CM) The sounds from the civilians that were cheering for different branches of the Military that served during the war. (CS) I was surprised at how much that I learned from just using my ears to listen around Washington D.C.

Although we have other senses, taking trips like this help you excersise certain ones that you never take into perspective. On a journey to the woods, you would use more of your sense of feeling. In Washington DC, we saw and heard many more things than I was able to share in this essay, such as the National Art Gallery where we saw the Andy Warhol Headlines exhibit. Many excellent experiences occurred on this trip, that my class will never forget because of the many wonderful things that we saw and heard on this trip of November 2011.

Self Assessment
1) An issue that I am continuing to work on is making my sentences longer by adding words.
2) One strong point in my writing is the flow of my sentences using FAST words.
3) A possible weak point that can be found in my writing is making better music.