3 - I give my OR Card this score because I feel like I could've done a better job explaining the conflict and resolution. It has a few graphics that do show what the story was mainly about or based on.

Coming of Age: Rough Draft

Beep, Beep, Beep. The sound of the never ending alarm clock kept ringing in my ears. The usual routine seemed the same as any other day, brushing my teeth, fixing my hair, slipping into my school uniform. But after a few splashes of cold water on my face, it finally hit me. Something about this Tuesday was different. After two long years of dealing with food constantly getting stuck in my teeth, the painful wiring that always seemed to scratch the side of my mouth, and the name “brace face” would end today.
My mom hustled me with hundreds of questions that I wasn’t in the mood to answer on the way to the doctor's office. Her questions were the least of my worries. In fact, the only thought I had in mind was that these railroad tracks wouldn’t be such a hassle anymore. They wouldn’t keep me from starting conversations with my peers. They would no longer be the reason that I couldn’t live my life. It felt like a curse was upon me, and the magical fairy orthodontist would poof it away forever. I was ready to get these things off, no matter what the circumstances were. Or so I thought.
I couldn’t stop tapping my tennis shoes in the waiting room. A million thoughts were racing through my head, I wondered, would it hurt? How long will it take? Do I need anesthetics? I’ve never felt so worried in my life. “Brandon? Leila? Kekoa?” The assistant called name after name, neither one of which was mine. Butterflies were building up as people went in and out of the room. “Janelle, are you ready?” Anxiety quickly changed to fear as I was slowly escorted into the room. The beat of my heart accelerated with each step I took, getting closer and closer to my designated seat. The chair felt cold to my skin, so unfamiliar. “Hello, Janelle! It’s a big day for you, are you excited?” Here it goes, no turning back now.
“Okay, Janelle. It looks like were about done here. Your teeth turned out great! Now, go to the sink and rinse out your mouth.” After a few rinses, I slid my tongue across the front of my teeth. My teeth haven’t felt so smooth, clean and free since I was in the fifth grade. I couldn’t believe it, so I began to lift my head and smile into the mirror in front of me. It was like a whole new me! I was in complete shock at what I was looking at. My smile into a frown in an instant. I didn’t want to be unable to recognize myself. Without braces, my appearance was completely different. I went back to my chair, upset and sad. “Now, don’t worry. It takes some time to get used to your new teeth but you’ll learn to love them, they look really good!” I hated my look, I hated my teeth, and I hated myself for wanting my braces off so badly.

“We’ll see you soon for your next check up! Enjoy your new teeth!” I didn’t think I could ever “enjoy” the fact that I looked like an alien. There was no way I would go to school looking like a thousand times the freak I was before! Nobody could force me to go! Unfortunately, my mom can. I will be socially ruined forever! I became worried at the thought of people laughing and teasing me. When I walked into class, everyone started to crowd around me. I hesitated to open my mouth and show my classmates my transformation. But when I did, their reactions confused me. “Oh my gosh, Janelle you look so good! I love your teeth! Your teeth are amazingly white!” I couldn’t understand why they liked how I looked. Did they like that I look like a cow? Did they just want to compliment me because they felt bad for me? I was amazed at the fact that they all liked this new me. I began to think that maybe I didn’t look as bad as I thought. Maybe it’s just all in my head.

I then realized that I actually am satisfied with the way I look. From that point on, I promised myself that I wouldn’t waste a minute to get to know people and make new friends. There would no longer be an excuse for me to not smile and laugh. I can finally feel normal without a mouth full of metal. Without those two years of wires, I wouldn’t have gained a new perspective on my life. I feel that now I can accomplish whatever I want and conquer the world, with my straight white teeth.

College of Choice

http://www.usafa.af.mil/

The college that I would like to attend is the US Air Force Academy in Colorodo Springs, Colorado. The reason I want to join the air force is because its a career that's stable and opens many oppurtunities to travel the world. My dad is a retired navy and my older brother is currently on active duty in the army. Our whole family has experience in the military field so I think that would make joining the military even better. I actually want to become a pharmacist in the air force or a nurse.

Proposition (Take 2)

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/01/education/01teacher.html?ref=education_and_schools

Proposition: I don't think it's right for school administrators to use value-added modeling to judge teachers.