My community is Bellevue, where I live. My community is also my school, Medina Elementary.
First, there is a lot of fun in this community. There is Medina Beach Park, Medina Park near Medina Elementary, and Bellevue Library in Bellevue. At Medina Beach Park and Medina Park, I used to play there sometimes. In addition, I go to Bellevue Library from time to time. I went there a few days ago to get my prize for the summer reading. We also checked out some books and brought them home.
Also, the jobs in Bellevue and Medina can save us. For example, firefighters can save us from fire. Also, the police protect us from crimes. These jobs can save our lives, and they are very critical in Bellevue/Medina community.
I know the school better than anywhere else,  except for my house. I know all the places, except for some special places that I’ve never gone to. For example, I don’t know much about the 5th-grade hallway and which teachers teach which classrooms in other grades. That’s because I’ve never been there before. Still, I know a lot about the school.
Medina Elementary and Bellevue are my community. It is like my house as if it were home, and I like my community, where I spend most of my time. My community has provided me with many resources to let me grow. When I grow up, I also want to contribute to this community to help it become better and better.

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It all started in California, when I began my life journey. I fluttered my wings, streaking a line of orange through the ripple of dawn lights, as it shined down on me. I was blinded by the bright glow, which lit up the dark blue sky, bringing some happiness into this world. I looked at the city below, and it looked like small swarms of fireflies. But before I knew it, I was swallowed by a black and, inky sensation. The moon was the sun in the night, my only source of light and hope. I know I cannot complete this journey on my own, but I shall continue on my legacy in my death, and pass it on to my descendants. I, the Danaus Plexippus Plexippus, or the Monarch Butterfly, will truthfully grant this omen.

My journey is a trail waiting to be hiked, a mountain waiting to be climbed, and a path that inevitably leads to death. I travelled to Phoenix, Arizona, and settled down for a few days. I lived on the surrounding trees and ate the soft leaves. Trees and water were scarce. I watched a coyote burst open a cactus and water splashed out. I swooped down, down, and down. My antenna caught droplets of shimmering, glittery  water. What I was actually thinking is that this place is too dry for me to settle down.

The next day, when dusk knocked at on my door, I took flight into the darkening sky. I arrived in Utah and saw much. I was satisfied. There were many thriving trees and enough water. Something in my small mind, though, says that I was not cut out for this kind of place. I was impatient to find my home, but I knew this was far too early. I left the next morning.

To Alaska I went! But unbeknownst to me, way before I arrived, a storm awaited my arrival.  My dainty wings proved to be were no match against the strong blows of the howling winds. It felt like a dagger piercing through my mind and numbing my senses to no end.
It all ends here. I collapsed in the soft pine leaves, and waited for death to call my name.

The Emerald Youth Review is back with a special summer challenge! 

Submissions are now open for our 2022 Summer Contest. Whether a family around a Sunday night dinner table, or a rowdy football team, we think of community as the people who surround us, as our friends and family.

But community can also be a place, a culture, or a set of shared ideals. With this contest, we encourage you to think outside of the box. Where do you feel like you belong? Maybe you're a shapeshifter, a social butterfly who flits from group to group, harnessing the power of your many interests and unique qualities. Draw your multiverse of friend groups: your comic book club, your Scout troop, your homeroom desk buddy, teaming up to fight evil with you. Paint the secret spot you and your best friend promised you'd never tell anyone else, ever -- behind the giant oak tree in their backyard. Write about the trials and tribulations of a misfit orca whale in the world's first all marine-life cheerleading team! 

Up to the challenge? Win best in show in your division (Elementary or Middle/High School) and win a custom embossed cloth ribbon presented by the Emerald Parents Association Board. 
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The Youth Review presents our 15th series, "New Year, New Me", in celebration of the annual time for reflection and reset. 

Derek Wang's New Year, New Me, Teresa Jiang's New Year Resolution, and Brendon Wang's New Year, New Me each list the writer's individual resolutions for the months to come. Whether it's playing basketball, reading books, or practicing piano, let us all wish them the best of luck in accomplishing their goals!

On the other hand, Eva Chen takes a different approach in her beautiful coming-of-age poem, No Change, filled with thought-provoking imagery and perspectives.

Be sure to also check out the final chapter of the longer series The Mysterious Island by Teresa Jiang and Lindsey Mo! If you missed the previous chapters, you can start here.

        Last year was challenging in some ways, but it led to other great things like learning new things. I hope this year will be better and the pandemic will stop. This year, I will exercise more, get better at Chinese, get better at playing the piano, and improve at math.

        First, I want to exercise more. I have been sitting at the computer for the past year, and it’s bad for my body. I will do 100 jump ropes per day. This will also help me grow faster. Whenever the weather cooperates, I will play tennis. This will make me better at tennis and provide a workout.

        Next, I will get better at Chinese. During the weekend, I will write a paragraph about Chinese. I will also write words during the weekend. Doing this will help me get better at Chinese and fill in my free time.

        ​Then, I will also improve at playing the piano. I will practice every day without my mom reminding me. When I practice, I will concentrate on playing the piano instead of doing other things.

        Finally, I will improve in math. Although I am already good at math, I always make silly mistakes. This year, I will be more accurate. This will help me get better scores in math contests.

        ​In conclusion, I will do things that can help me become better at some skills, and help my body recover from sitting in front of the computer all day. This will make me a better person overall.