Written by Team Centurion WIN students
These writings were created by seventh-grade students in response to themes from The Giver, which they are currently reading in ELA class. Students were asked to choose a topic they felt strongly about—such as emotions, perfection, choice, or learning from history—and write their thoughts and opinions on it. The following collection showcases a variety of perspectives and reflections inspired by the ideas explored in Lois Lowry’s novel.
Is it possible to be perfect?
Well, define “perfect.” If we are saying absolute perfection, then no—that’s not possible. Personally, I only know one perfect human. But if we’re talking about a state of mind—like being very good or super great—then yes, it’s possible to be perfect in the human sense. Any other way is not possible because we’re all only human. We make mistakes whether we like it or not, and that’s that.
Written by Peter Isovitsch
Emotions are what make us human
Emotions make us human because they help us care about others. Instead of acting like a robot that only follows rules, our feelings help us make smart and kind choices. They also help us be creative, which is why we enjoy making things like music and art. Emotions like happiness or sadness make our favorite memories feel special. Without emotions, we would all be the same—and nobody wants that.
Written by Parker Swartzendruber
Emotions are what make us who we are
Emotions are what make us human because they help us care about others. Without emotions, we would be like robots. They also help us be creative and make things like art or music. If we didn’t have emotions, we would all be the same—and nobody wants that.
Written by Bryson Cooke
Learning from history is important
The claim “It’s important to learn from history” is something I strongly agree with. For example, the Holocaust resulted in millions of deaths, and we learned from it. Another example is the discoveries humans have made throughout history. If we didn’t learn from history, things might repeat—we don’t want another Holocaust. Learning from history helps ensure that we can live in at least a little peace.
Written by Neal Elmeier
Perfection is impossible
Perfection is impossible because nothing is perfect. No one is perfect, even if it seems like they are. No one has an easy and perfect life, no matter how it looks. Just like in The Outsiders, the Socs don’t have a perfect life, even though they have more money than others. In almost every movie you watch, one character always seems to have an easier life than someone else, but they always have struggles behind the scenes.
Written by Maren Derr
Emotions are what make us human
It is important to have emotions. Some people think that without emotions, humanity would be perfect—but would we really be perfect? If everyone went through their day without emotions, people would go insane. Without emotions, we would get disconnected from our feelings, which would make relationships, decision-making, and motivation very difficult. We all cry sometimes. Tears don’t mean you are weak—they show that you are human.
Written by Hannah Lutz
Perfection is impossible
It is important to remember the saying “Perfection is impossible” because there is always room for improvement. For example, one of the greatest hockey players in the world, Wayne Gretzky, always had room to improve—even though people said he had perfect games, that’s not always true. He made mistakes like humans do. Even when people called a goal “perfect,” there was always something humans could do better.
Written by Benjamin Buzzelli
Too many choices can be dangerous
It is important that people do not have too many choices. When people have too many options, they can get overwhelmed and make the wrong decision. If they make the wrong choice, it can often end badly. This is why we need some structure in our decisions: so we can make our own choices but make the right ones.
Written by Nick Vitale
What makes us human
Emotions are what make us human because, without emotion, we basically feel nothing. Without emotions, you feel no pain, happiness, sadness, boredom, or excitement. Without them, the world would be bland and basic.
Written by Gage Gray
Emotions are what make us human
Emotions are what make us human because they shape our identity. Without emotions, you wouldn’t be who you are. People would see you differently, and emotions can even influence how you act or dress. While emotions can sometimes lead to negative actions—like anger—they are still essential to living fully.
Written by Liam Cahall
Emotions are what make us human
I agree with this statement because, without emotions, we couldn’t express how we feel. If nobody could show emotion, everyone would be the same, and that would be bad. Being different is unique and valuable. Life without emotions would be horrible, but with emotions, we can truly be ourselves.
Written by Owen Kline
Staying curious is important
Being curious is important because it helps us understand the world around us. Curiosity shapes us, shows our interests, and helps us learn. When you are curious, you pay more attention and stay engaged. That’s why staying curious is so important.
Written by unknown
Pain and sadness are important
Pain and sadness are important because there wouldn’t be any happiness or joy without them. Without lows, we wouldn’t experience highs or appreciate good moments. For example, in The Outsiders, Ponyboy runs away and hits his lowest point. Experiencing this makes him appreciate small things, like food or sleep, more. In my experience, when my family was evicted, I felt at my lowest—but it made me appreciate seeing my mom and eating her food even more.
Written by Cullen McKay
Too many choices can be dangerous
Having too much choice can be dangerous, especially if it comes with money and power. For example, Elon Musk has made decisions that have hurt families through layoffs and safety violations at his companies. When some people have too many choices, it can negatively affect others.
Written by Maxine Snead
Learning from history
I believe it is important to learn from history. If humans don’t learn from history, horrible things can happen again. For example, if World War II were not taught in schools, a Hitler-like figure could rise again. That’s why learning history is essential.
Written by Harrison Pingley
Emotions are what make us human
Without emotions, we wouldn’t have feelings or love for others. People wouldn’t care about one another, and happiness would disappear. Emotions are essential for everyone.
Written by Leland Tebay
Perfection is impossible
I strongly agree that perfection is impossible because no one is perfect. Everyone has differences, and we cannot change that. You can try to be perfect, but it will never work. Even in sports, some players are better than others—but no one is perfect. The key is to try your best and be yourself.
Written by Annika Detwiler
Emotions are what make us human
In The Outsiders, the Greasers show emotions in different ways. Johnny cries after he kills Bob because he can’t believe it. Ponyboy feels sick and throws up after seeing what Johnny did. Darry slaps Ponyboy out of frustration and care. These moments show that emotions make us human; without them, who are we?
Written by Isabella Dickson
It is better to stand out than to fit in
I believe it’s better to stand out than to fit in. What makes you different makes you your own person. For example, I have a lazy eye that makes me stand out. I accepted it because it’s part of who I am. If everyone were the same, life would be boring. Everyone has something that makes them unique.
Written by Adisyn Kulwicki
Perfection is impossible
Nobody and nothing is perfect. Some communities might think everyone has to look and act the same to be perfect, but that’s not true. It’s important to be unique because that’s what makes you stand out. Being perfect might mean having all A’s or looking a certain way, but everyone is perfect in their own way.
Written by Lilyth Johnson
Perfection is truly impossible
I believe perfection is impossible because not everyone is the same. Perfection might be an idea to some, but it’s unrealistic. In the movie Wonder, the main character is different from others, yet he is still special in his own way. The world would be boring if everyone were perfect and acted the same.
Written by DeLanee Ritzer
Perfection is impossible
I strongly agree that perfection is impossible, because no one is perfect. If everyone were perfect, we would never make mistakes or learn from them. Everyone has flaws, and that’s what makes life meaningful.
Written by Camden Steigerwald
Perfection is impossible
I think perfection is impossible because everyone is different. If everyone were perfect, people would argue about who is better. Differences are what make life interesting.
Written by Devin Howells
Happiness requires sadness and pain
There can be no happiness without sadness and pain. Life requires effort and struggle. Real joy comes after trying hard and overcoming challenges.
Written by Mykayla Rajkowski
Emotions are what make us human
Every human has emotions, even if some people think men don’t. Men often hide emotions because they are judged as “weak,” but that’s false. Everyone should feel free to express emotions without judgment. Emotions are what make us human.
Written by anonymous
Being perfect is not human
Imagine a world where everyone is perfect. It may sound good, but it could be lonely—everyone would follow rules and always try to be the best. Perfection would take away friendships and human experiences.
Written by Jack Garbark
Perfection is impossible
I strongly agree that perfection is impossible. Being human means making mistakes. If everyone were perfect, learning, diversity, and creativity would disappear. Life would become predictable and boring.
Written by Zayden Montoya
Emotions are what make us human
Emotions impact your life in positive and negative ways. Showing emotions does not mean you are weak; it shows strength and independence. Society often judges emotional people unfairly, but emotions are what make us human.
Written by Jemmie Clarke
Too much choice can be dangerous
Just like the abandoned city of Pripyat in Ukraine, too many choices can be dangerous. The Chernobyl disaster happened because operators delayed a test too many times, which caused reactor 4 to explode. Too much choice and indecision can have serious consequences.
Written by Shane Szelc
Learning from history is important
“Learning from history is important.” Studying history helps us avoid repeating past mistakes. When history repeats itself, it can cause division. If we didn’t learn from the past, governments might fail to protect us.
Written by Ethan Fitzgerald
Would happiness exist without sadness?
If there were no sadness, happiness would feel neutral. People learn from pain and sadness, which helps them grow. Happiness without sadness wouldn’t be special.
Written by Savannah Wiles
Perfection is impossible
I chose this statement because humans always make mistakes. I strongly agree with this claim. As a basketball player, I hear “practice makes better, not perfect.” Carl Rogers said, “The person you try to be represents your goals, values, and possible self—not perfection.” Strive to improve, not to be perfect.
Written by Hadley Mares
Perfection is impossible
Nothing can be perfect. Societies and lives always have flaws. In The Outsiders, the Socs seem perfect, but have problems. In Outer Banks, richer people seem perfect but also have struggles. Life is never perfect.
Written by Vivian Nelson
Emotions are what make us human
Without emotions, we would be like walking corpses. We need emotions to feel, think, have motivation, and set goals. Without emotions, humans cannot function properly.
Written by Logan Wierzbinski
Perfection is impossible
Perfection is impossible in sports or school. You cannot always get a hit in baseball or an A+ on a test. Mistakes are natural and unavoidable.
Written by Tanner Oleniacz
Memories shape who we are
Memories shape who we are. My first soccer game at five and my first trip to the mall with friends made me who I am today.
Written by Oliver Jockel
Emotions are what make us human
Emotions make us human because they help us care, create art or music, and be unique. Without emotions, we would all be the same.
Written by Bryson Cooke
Emotions are what make us human
Emotions show that we are human. Leaders who cry should not be judged—they are showing their humanity. Without emotions, how would we express ourselves or experience happiness?
Written by Francesca Billings
Emotions are what make us human
Showing emotions isn’t a weakness. It shows care, self-awareness, and growth. Emotions build resilience and strength.
Written by Addison Schramm
Curiosity is important
Being curious helps us understand the world, learn more, and stay engaged. Questioning the norm is important for growth.
Written by unknown
Is it better to fit in or stand out?
Fitting in isn’t always good, but it depends on the group. Standing out is often better because it can protect you from bad influences.
Written by Johnny Jones
A government has the responsibility to protect its people
It is important for a government to protect its people because safety is a basic need for everyone. When people feel safe, they can go to school, work, and live their lives without constant fear. Protection also includes making sure people have access to food, clean water, and healthcare. A government that keeps its citizens safe helps prevent crime, violence, and corruption. Without protection, society can become chaotic, and people may lose trust in their leaders. Protecting citizens also allows communities to grow and thrive. Overall, a government’s main responsibility is to serve and safeguard the people who depend on it.
Written by Mr. Duermeyer
The SAMS Salmon 