I'm feeling pretty discouraged today.  I joined my school's track team but I'm not exactly the most amazing jumper!  Like today for example, I ended up being the only high jump girl, so I was stuck with a group of boys, who *can jump higher* and it only being my second time jumping, I felt a bit like a failure.  I know this is going a bit deep, but seriously, it is so discouraging to not be doing as well as other people.  I know I just gotta work a little harder and really focus, but I feel like I'm already doing that.  At least my grades are kind of going my way.

I am of Jewish blood.  My father grew up in a Jewish household and has since rejected the majority of his upbringing.  I have shown interest in Jewish culture, although it is hard to express yourself to your father in my case.  His only sibling, his sister has embraced her faith and become somewhat of a Conservative Jew.  I am very happy to know that people are making an effort to prevent genocide, and create awareness about respect towards all races, cultures, and ethnicities.  However, it has sadly come to my attention that people are now using 'Jew' as an insult.  I myse