The Tribe shows us how a recount can be a sophisticated reflection on a special experience

The Jump

By Kaitlyn Cunningham

It was a wonderful looking day, the sun was beating down on my skin, my body shaking as I stepped through the gate and towards the edge of the wharf.

My heart began to race, and suddenly my head was filled with a thousand thoughts racing around my mind. It felt like the longest few moments of my life.

I all of a sudden I found myself standing on the very edge of the wharf. I had come to a halt. frozen. Heart pumping, breathing rapid.

No way. Was the only thought that entered my head.

One friend of mine was in the water at the bottom waiting for me to jump, and another friend was holding my hand, standing next to me, whispering words of encouragement.

My classmates were cheering me on.  They all wanted me to do it, I wanted to do it. My heart began to race faster, so fast I started to feel a little dizzy, pumping so hard I could hear it beating like a drum, bom, bom, bom.

Half an hour passess, and I’m still standing there. Jaz, my friend in the water was starting to shiver, everybody was getting tired, but I didn’t want to give up, I had come this far.

Jaz said she was getting out “no please don’t, I’ll i’ll jump, I’ll jump now!”

“Yes, that’s the attitude” yelled Miss Cassidy “now jump I can Cunningham!” I shot her a dirty look and she laughed.

Miss Cassidy started to count down fro 3….2….1...jump! Sploosh, next thing I know I’m in the water! I did it!

So up the ladder I go for another turn, and another and another.

I truly enjoyed myself that day, I faced my fear and trusted my friends.

By Kaitlyn Cunningham

If you can dream it, you can achieve it.

By Anna Elley

Today I am recounting one of the proudest moments of my life thus far (as I’m sure there will be plenty more to come). This is a story about me, Anna, achieving something I dreamed of achieving. This is also a story about dreams and determination and their ability to get you anywhere.

It was a bright summer's morning, 16th December, year, 2016.

I walked with my little buddy Shian to our schools end of year assembly held at Wentworth Sports Facility. Shian held my hand as I talked to her, keeping her entertaining, but there in the back of my mind was a question...had I done enough to recieve the Year 7 Female Student of the year? It was something I had consciously worked towards, something I had strived for.

Soon we arrived at the assembly, I said goodbye to Shian and took my shoes off. I walked sensibly to where my class was sitting in line. I joined them and looked up at the stands where mum, dad, Arisa and grandpa should be seated. I searched the stands until my head ached from looking up. My eyes turned back to the stage as the assembly began. It was long, and I was restless, nervously wondering when they were going to hand out the senior awards.

I waited.

Then it was finally time. I waited as Year Level, after year level, girl after boy, were handed their certificates. Finally the Year 7 winners were to be announced. This was it, the moment I had been waiting for. I held my breath - who was it going to be…..The woman then announced …”and the top Year 7 girl for 2016...Anna Elley” It’s me! I thought excitedly to myself, its me! I ran to the stage to accept my certificate with the others. I clapped along to the happy beat of my heart. I bowed deeply towards the crowd as their claps thundered towards me.

When I got back to my seat, my friends congratulated me “I knew you would get it Anna!”

Soon after my laces were tied I looked for Shian to walk back to school with, but my mind was still on that moment my name was called, and maybe thinking to doing all again next year.

That day I learned that if you can imagine your dream, and visualise success, know what you have to do to get there by pushing through and most of all having the urge to do it.

You can reach any goal you dream to achieve.