By RTF Editor Abbie Miller

“So, what are you planning to do with your life?”

Yes, it had happened. Someone had asked me the worst question in the history of the universe. What am I planning to do with my life? Really?! Well, I was thinking I might waste a few years living on the streets, get arrested and try out the state prison, maybe become an alcoholic if I feel like it… (more…)

by Editor Halee Matthews

Every April, I remember. I remember a day that took my life and turned it upside down. I remember a day when what I thought I wanted, who I thought I was, changed. Forever. (more…)

By RTF Editor Bekah Hamrick Martin

She walked past me last night. I could see it in her eyes. The little girl I used to be.

Secrets. Her eyes held secrets. Things she could admit to no one, least of all herself. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

In ten years there are two things I will remember about high school: The lives I touched, and the lives I wished hadn’t touched mine. (more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Presents are a big part of Christmas time. So, I thought I’d share about a present I got (although not for Christmas) that had an impact beyond simply another ugly Christmas sweater or socks and underwear. This gift involved what I would truly call a “trip of a lifetime” with my dad.

Everyone has passions in life, certain things that they could talk about or do forever and never get tired of it. For me, one of those passions is watching baseball. Chicago Cubs fan. For those of you who don’t watch baseball, just know the Cubs set the standard for consistent losing. (more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Last year, I knew what I wanted for Christmas long before December rolled around. I decided that I would teach myself to play the guitar — because I assumed that any guy who could play the guitar and carry a tune would be a shoo-in to gain the attention of only the most attractive females at school… and it seemed like a cool skill to have, as well. (more…)

By RTF Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

It was almost midnight. I should have gone to bed over an hour ago. But I couldn’t.  The draw of the shiny blue screen was too much to bear. My red-rimmed eyes darted to the battery indicator on my laptop. 10%. Good. Time for one more status update. Even as I was typing, I happened to glance over at the list of my online friends. Uh oh. My dad was online. This wasn’t good. Maybe he hadn’t seen me. I still had time to escape the horror that was The Parent Wrath. I was going to lose cooperative-child points for sure.

My mind going a mile a minute as I attempted to direct the cursor over the log-out button. But it was not to be. My cursor froze at that precise moment and so did my breathing as I realized I had a new chat message. From my dad. (more…)

By Guest Writer Rebecca Good

One Wednesday morning, before five o’clock, I was awakened due to the fact my right leg joints were in excruciating pain. I’ve gotten joint pain in my legs numerous times before, ranging from mild to extreme. This time, it was extreme. The pain was so bad that I just wanted someone to come and cut my entire leg off. (more…)