Newton's Fourth Law of Optimism

Newton’s Fourth Law of Optimism

Kalane Abbey

Word Count: 378

Imagine a life without hardships and no obstacles. If you haven’t envisioned heaven, try again. Such a utopia does not exist in this real mortal world. Life here on earth is characterized by plight, trouble and sometimes grave circumstances. Though these problems do exist, there is always an outcome or resolution. After all, every story needs a conflict in order to have a plot and a resolution. So here’s my story:

May 13, 2010 marked one of the worst days of my life. Coming down the straight away in the last 100 meters of the 400 meter race I was set to win, my world collapsed. I fractured the front part of my left foot and my life broke that day as well. I had to forfeit the rest of the season, causing my relay a county, regional and possible state championship. The sun rarely shined in my world on those days. Every aspect of my life suffered. I went from maintaining consecutives 4.1 gpas to barely managing a 3.5. At first I refused to do my treatment but eventually I consented. I spent the next four months of my life doing extensive rehab and came back my senior ready to redeem myself.

My senior year was the first year a relay from my school won their heat at Penn Relays in ten years. I proceeded to be the county and regional champion in both the 200 and 400 m dash. I also finished third at the state meet and eighth on the national level. I also was awarded 2011 Prince George’s County Track and Field Female MVP and was All- Met Honorable Mention.

The moral of the story is that things always get better, and there really is “light at the end of the tunnel”. As the rest of the world accepts Newton’s three laws of motion, the world should look into this new law of optimism. Newton himself stated that “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” so its plausible to assume that he would also agree that for every hard day there will be better ones in reciprocity. After all, its not just mere scientific coincidence that a rainbow always appears after a heavy storm.I believe that the best is always yet to come.

Life in the Villages

The year the Villages of Montpelier became “Pumpkin Hill”; named for the local, infamous group of thugs was the same year the Rec got bulldozed. Our apartments only housed our belongings; we resided in the Montpelier Rec Center. Pool parties to tutoring sessions, the Rec engulfed us all. The destruction of that safe haven for troubled youths in our already troubled community created destruction in the community’s livelihood. No longer did we meet for pool parties in tiny bodysuits; we were now fully clothed in all black to bid adieu to another soul lost to the streets of South Laurel.

Addicted to Retail

I don't remember when or how exactly I fell in love.  All I remember is four years ago I became hooked. Most people have addictions to food, singers, perfumes, etc. Me? I am strung out on Polo Ralph Lauren. It’s just something about the assorted color horse that infatuates me. Though I prefer Polo, Lauren Ralph Lauren and RLX (sportswear) still lures me to spending hundreds on retail. From blazers to bed sheets, POLO is my first choice. People often note my obsession and label me “materialistic”. I think I just like the finer things in life. Who doesn’t?

Word Count: 100

Mommy Dearest and The Case of The Jellies

In fourth grade, there were shoes called Jellies. Everybody in my school had them. So naturally, I went home and asked my mom; she said no instantly. But I kept pleading and prodding stating that I was the only one without. Later, my mom came home with one pair and over the course of 3 months I had 7 pairs total. I was in shock and asked my mom why she gave in, her response was: “My child shouldn’t be the only one without.” From then on I knew the key to really getting what I want from my mom.
Word Count: 100

I, Kalane Abbey am from Laurel, Maryland. I live in Prince Georges County Maryland when I am not at UMBC. Though, the two aforesaid places are where I frequently lay my head, I do not identify with them as my home. The widely known adage "Home is where the heart is" illustrates my real home and location of my heart-- the track. Though this love bloomed rather late it is still a very fervent one. In my three years of being a track and field athlete I have never felt more sheltered, comfortable and serene anywhere else than the track. 

Word Count: 100