“Russian weapons and insurgents increase in eastern Ukraine.” “Rebels shoot down Ukrainian plane, killing 49.” My highlighter runs along the headlines and drenches each word in chartreuse ink. I have highlighted hundreds of articles in my high school debate career, but these articles are different. Each headline feels like a punch to the stomach. As the highlighter glides to the next line, my thoughts are jerked to my sister in Ukraine. A few winters ago, my family was asked to host...

I shouldn't be alive right now, but I am. My story almost ended when a drunk driver and two semis crushed my family's car. I remember the moment with clarity: a drunk driver's dark car flew over the median from the opposite lane, and we crashed into it. The airbags exploded into my chest. I reached for my mom's hand, holding it as she squeaked out a soft "I love you." As the darkness began to fill my vision, I...

I plan...