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USA250 Journal Project
Personal Chronicle: July 4, 2025 – July 5, 2026
A gift for reflection. A record of now. A story for what’s next.
✍️ “Who am I?”
I’m Clara Alton. Twelve.
Middle schooler. Big sister. Supposed to be the “easy” one.
I like tide pools. I collect facts about coral bleaching. I watch documentaries instead of makeup tutorials. My teachers say I’m “mature for my age.” That usually means I notice more than I should.
I live in a nice house where no one talks about hard things. We have cupcake trays and color-coded calendars but no answers about the world burning outside our windows.
Sometimes I ask questions at dinner. They change the subject.
Who am I?
I’m the one who sees more than I say.
I’m the kid who reads the subtext.
I’m the daughter trying not to disappear into politeness.
✍️ “How did I get here?”
I got here by being the good kid.
The one who doesn’t cause trouble.
The one who says “I’m fine” because it’s easier than explaining everything I’m not allowed to feel out loud.
I go to a school with painted walls and “inspirational quotes” taped above the drinking fountains. I listen to teachers talk about responsibility and respect, and then I go home and watch the news about wildfires, floods, deportations.
I keep asking myself: Why does no one panic?
My mom bakes perfect cupcakes and smiles with tired eyes. My dad seems like he’s somewhere else, even when he’s at the table.
I read articles about the ocean rising. I write facts in the margins of my math homework.
Sea levels have risen over 8 inches since 1880.
I don’t think anyone reads them.
How did I get here?
By listening too closely.
By asking too many questions.
By realizing that “normal” isn’t working for me.
What has life taught me?
That adults lie when they say everything’s okay.
That silence isn’t safety—it’s just quiet fear.
And that maybe I’ll have to be the one to break the spell.
Family
Meredeth Alton – Mother.
Jeff Alton – Father.
Miles Alton – Brother.
Joan Douglas – Grandmother.
