SWITCH: Mobile | ePaper | Subscribe

Homes Rentals Jobs Autos Contests

Madison Nielsen

Illustration by WINNIE CHOW/Clearfield High School/tricklingrain@yahoo.com

Sweet dreams

Last updated Monday, April 30, 2012 - 9:42am

There was a knock at my door one January afternoon, and as I opened the door, expecting see a neighbor kid asking to play, there she was. She looked a little bit older than the last time I saw her. She was wearing the same green uniform, but had a few more badges stitched to the fabric of her sash.

"Would you like to order any Girl Scout cookies this year?" she asked.

It sounded innocent enough, but here are the cold hard facts -- my family is addicted to Girl Scout cookies, and we can't stop eating them until every last package is gone.

Features, Cravings, Sweets, Featured, Food Read more Comments

Illustration by EDEN PARKINSON/Bonneville High School/clearing-soma@live.com

Turning 18 is NOT just another birthday! It gives you the privilege to vote

Madison Nielsen Standard-Examiner

Last updated Monday, February 20, 2012 - 11:20am

When I was younger, every birthday that arrived was as exciting as the last one, each with a promise of a fresh year filled with new possibilities and new adventures.

Sadly each birthday is slowly becoming less exciting. I am about to turn 18, which means I will be a legal adult. I have been looking forward to becoming an adult since I was a little girl, but now this milestone birthday seems just like every other year.

Features, Teenagers, Voting rights Read more Comments

Photo courtesy Kami Nielsen
Madison Nielsen holds a young girl from Ghana during her vacation in Aunafo.

Growing up while on vacation

Madison Nielsen Standard-Examiner

Last updated Monday, October 10, 2011 - 9:34am

When I was younger, dancing with Sleeping Beauty and skipping with Mickey Mouse was all I could ever ask for.

I dreamed about Prince Charming every night, and it was then that I decided that going to Disneyland was all I ever wanted. You can imagine my delight when my parents told my brothers and me that we were going to "The Happiest Place on Earth." After shrieking with joy and twirling in circles, I decided that I would never be happier than I was in that moment.

However, being 7 years old, I didn't realize that there is more to life than pink glitter and giant lollipops.

Features, TX Read more Comments