I remember my Honors English 10 teacher Mr. Ransome explaining the concept of the perfect word. He told us, for every sentence, there was a right tone, delivery and word choice.
Strung together, these "perfect" words would form something beautiful; a complete, coherent thought that would be so provocative a reader couldn't help but stop, reflect and think. 
At the age of 8, my father sat me down and taught me how to gouge someone's eye out.
It sounds dramatic, but he was a smart man with two young daughters in a time when one in three women are raped. Sure, he could have taught me how to punch and kick, but an 8-year-old hitting the knockout point is not a practical expectation. Instead, Dad taught me how to use my thumb to push into and then pull on someone's eyeball should they threaten my life.
In 1823, with European powers on the verge of a war to gain influence over Argentina, Chile and Venezuela, President James Monroe gave a speech. He declared any attempt on Europe's part to "extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety." This concept of American sovereignty is now known as the Monroe Doctrine, and has shaped nearly two centuries of United States foreign policy. However, its foundation is today being undermined by the shortsightedness of politicians concerned only with their own reputation.
I have made a few resolutions to kick off the new year. My ultimate goal is to be a better American!
In 1997, Comedy Central launched one of the most amusing and influential television programs in history- South Park. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of Colorado, this show about the adventures of four young boys from a small mountain town has made fun of just about everything and everyone over the years. It has managed to evolve itself with each passing season, going from an obscure cable television experiment with a considerable focus on humor (no matter how immature) to becoming a significant political influence in the culture of America while still finding a way to maintain the laughs.
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ZOË WILLIAMS 
