Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Cal State University Dominguez Hills English 111

Blogging in the Blogosphere
English 111


FORMAT:
When you blog, in the Title, write your first and last name as you would as if you are turning in a paper to me. Then you do not have to write my name because I know you are in my class. Write what English class you are in whether it is English 52, 60, 100 and what College.

For example, one would write:

Yue Hayes
English 111
Post #1

Homelessness
Font size
In addition, for the title, pick the topic of discussion, grammar/organization, content, current events, pop culture or literature as a TITLE that we have discussed in class. Write the posts like this: write #1 Post or #2 Post or Post #50, so I can easily keep track of them and how many you write.

Of course, you are welcome to write more than several posts, and in doing so is another form of participation and does count in the participation grade. Perhaps, in class, you may not participate all that much but in the realm of the blogosphere, you can from the comfort of your own home,

* reflect on the day's class discussion or offer up an insight that you found particularly interesting, etc., etc.
*

* How does it change the way you think or thought before on the subject?
*

* What actions might you take in the future? Anything is open to interpretation.



Of course, I need not go on and on about being respectful towards your peers' opinions and beliefs. If you disagree with another student's views be discreet about it: Do not say so and so is completely wrong because of this and that. Instead, say, I disagree with so and so and here are the reasons why I do. Go after their evidence and support and do not, I repeat do not attack someone else personally. This is supposed to be a forum for everyone to share their ideas and views.

*I will enforce the blogosphere by either deleting your hard work, making an example out of you here in the realm of the blogosphere or in class* . . .

327 comments:

  1. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hello everyone.

    My name is Ivonne Santana and I am 20 years old. I am a full time student and a part time worker. My major is Human Services. I hope to one day work at a mental facility as a case manager. Besides accomplishing my career goals, I am also very dedicated to my family. I believe that friends come and go, but family is always there at the end. My favorite family member is my twin sister. My sister and I have a special bond and we are inseparable. Although, I am older than her by twelve minutes, she is definitly the dominant one in our twin relationship. I hope you have all enjoyed learning a bit more about myself.

    Quote: "Most importantly, keep smiling. Because life is a beautiful thing, and there’s so much to smile about.”
    -Marilyn Monroe

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  2. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hello classmates

    Although I am having a tough time addressing anything that can best describe me, I can begin by stating my name, Cindy Nativi. I have a difficult time communicating with people outside of my circle, and sometimes this may be viewed as a negative. However, I find it easier to relate to someone when the communication is about anything that someone is passionate about. I am 19 years old, majoring in Biology, and an aspiring gynecologist. At this time I am currently on my second year at Dominguez Hills, but since the program is limited in resources I plan to transfer to UC San Diego. At UC San Diego they offer a few more options in the medical field of my choosing. Biology is not the only thing that defines me because I have a list ranging of hobbies from listening to music, running, playing soccer, and softball.

    Quote: "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
    -Maya Angelou

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  3. Alicia Santana
    English 111
    Post # 1

    Hey there,
    I will start of by introducing myself, the name is Alicia. I am majoring in Human Services and have recently started the program. I would like to become a social worker, working at a medical facility. Aside from being a full-time student, I am also a part-time employee. This will be my first semester attending school, while working and I'm very anxious to see how this will affect my grades. I am also a full-time mother to my one-year old son Ayden. It is definitely challenging being a mother and attending school, but I have found that my grades have not dropped since I've become a mother, which I'm very proud of. On my free time, I like to shop and cook. I believe I'm a very good cook and enjot being in the kitchen. I am looking forward to ths class!

    Quote:"A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears"
    - Anne Roiphe

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  4. Cynthia Dang
    Eng 111
    Post# 1

    Hello.

    My name is Cynthia Dang and I am 20 years old. I am currently majoring in Kinesiology and hope to become a Physical Therapist. My favorite activity is going out on hikes and exploring new places. I am not much of a cook so I tend to make quick stops at the holy golden arches of McDonald's. In my spare time I like listening to music and trying to solve those 1000 piece puzzles. Other than that, I am looking forward to a great semester with you all!

    Quote: “If you give up just because something is difficult, then exactly
    what in this world isn’t difficult? It’s not over yet, I believe, as you have to believe that you will make it- wake up smiling and then
    practice again” -Hyunseung Jang

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  5. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 11
    Post #1

    Hello everyone,

    My name Is Tiara Fuller. I am 21 years and and i am majoring in Business Entrepreneurship. I hope to one day own my own nail and hair salon. Some of my favorite activities are walking on the beach, hanging out with friends, and getting to know new people. In the near future i hope to travel. Some of the places that i would like to travel to are Paris, New York, Rome, Greece, Egypt, Hawaii, and may more. Aside from the above things mention about myself i am looking forward to learning different material this semester and getting to know my peers.

    Quote: "We must become the change we want to see"- Mahatma Gandhi

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  7. Hello Everyone,

    I am Monique Yang and I have so many hobbies, like cooking, sewing, and crafting to name a few. I also love to travel too. This past summer, I went on a Eurotrip to visit all the major cities in Europe. Some of the cities I visited were Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Venice, Monaco, Florence, Brussels and Berlin. The best part of the trip was seeing what was left of the Berlin Wall and the Coloseum.

    It is a pleasure to be in a group with Ruby, Daisy, and Trenishia.

    I love this quote: "Fate determines who comes into our lives, our attitudes and actions determine who stays in our lives" - Javan

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  8. Daisy Yang
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hi classmates! My name is Daisy. I love my life because I have two beautiful kids Arianna (3 yr old) and Leonardo (20 mos). My favorite time of the day is when my kids are sleeping and I get to stare at their amazing face with joy, love and happiness inside me. Aside from my kids, I really enjoy networking with friends and learning new things.

    Quote: "Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

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  9. Stephanie Villagomez
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hello!

    Hi My name is Stephanie Villagomez. I'm 19 years old and I'm on my 2nd year in Dominguez Hills.I'm majoring in Business Administration focusing on Entrepeneurship. My goal is to open a drive-in theater somewhere around LA. During the summer I got married to my high school sweetheart, and so far life has been amazing. This semester I am a part time student and I work over 9 hours a day in Burbank as TSO. I enjoy meeting people and love being around my husband, friends, and family.

    Quote: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Then figure out how to sell it for $5.00 a glass."- John Woodman

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  10. Daisy Yang
    Eng 111
    Post #2

    have a good holiday.

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  11. Monique Yang
    Eng 111
    Post #2

    Wishing everyone a safe labor day and be safe.

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  12. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng 111
    Post #1

    Hello Everyone!

    My name is Alejandra Rosas and I am 19 years old. I am the oldest of five children.I like to play soccer currently, I play in an outside team called Scorpions.The position that I play is sweeper, the last defense even though I prefer to play middle.This is my second year,full time student in Dominguez Hills.My major is Criminal Justice.

    Quote: "It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them."-Benjamin Franklin

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  13. @ Alicia im very impressed that you are a full- time mother, a part- time employee,and a full- time student. I commend people like you that pull through school and still maintain good grades with all the outside stresses. I am a full- time student and a part- time employee as well but i find that adding on a child is a little more stressful. Keep up
    the good work

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  14. @Monique its so cool how you had the chance to travel, not many people have those kind of opportunities.

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  15. Liz Jimenez
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hello my wonderful fellow classmates!

    Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Elizabeth Jimenez but I hate that name so everyone calls me Liz. This is my second year here at Dominguez & I am a Business major. Although they seem a bit tough, I am super excited to be starting my major classes this semester. A little bit about myself is I am very friendly and outgoing, if I'm not with people I'm usually in my own little world with my ipod. I love to hike & travel. I have a huge heart for two things & two things only. Animals and softball, and if that's not obvious, yes I play softball for CSUDH. Looking forward to this semester with all of you :).

    Quote of the day:
    "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt.

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  16. @cynthia I am not much of a cook either. I also enjoy eating out, which by the way isn't very healthy. On the other hand, I hope you achieve you career goals.

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  17. Lissete RIvera
    English 111
    Post#1:

    Hello There :)

    My name is Lissete Rivera, but for some reason everyone refuses to call me by my name. So, I have adopted Lizzie among my family & Liss with almost everyone. I am 19 years old, a sophomore at CSUDH. I am really not a fan of aging. I guess that the world out there scares me. I do not want to face those responsibilities that at this point appear to be out of my control; I want to live, experience, and find myself first. Travel around the world is what I want to do the most. And take pictures to show my grandchildren when I do get old (Well let’s face it; I am eventually going to get there). I sometimes talk too much or too fast that it’s hard for some to understand what I’m saying. I first wanted to study and practice psychology, but now am sure that I want to major on Business & communications. I am not an antisocial person, but sometimes I rather spend some time alone. Human behavior will always fascinate me.
    I look forward to what this semester (Class) will bring.. And to be honest I am a bit anxious.

    Quote of the Day:
    ‎"I am, therefore I must be, I think."
    -Pink Floyd

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  18. Melissa Pacheco
    Eng111
    CSUDH
    Post #1

    Hello my English 111 Classmates!

    Let me introduce myself, my name is Melissa Pacheco, but everyone calls me "Mel." I am one of four children and currently live in Orange County.My major is Health Science in hope of becoming an OB doctor (deliver babies). I also play softball here at Cal State Dominguez Hills with our fellow classmate Liz Jimenez. Liz and I would love to see you at the Toro Diamond cheering us on. I am looking forward to this semester of english class with you all. Go Toros!!!

    Quote:"I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university."
    — Albert Einstein

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  19. @Melissa that's cool that you want to be an OB doctor, you will be there when a mother delivers and see their happiness. That's great that you play softball, I wish I play for the school.

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  20. Ryan Evans
    Eng 111
    CSUDH

    Hello class
    My name is Ryan Evans but most of my friends call me fatkid, because of the amount of food I can eat. I play on the soccer team at CSUDH, which helps to keep me motivated to pass my classes. I am currently a pre Physical therapy major, but I haven't decided what I want to do just yet when I graduate.

    My favorite quote is,
    “I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious”-- Vince Lombardi

    @ Monique-- thats really cool to get out of the country to travel. I really hope to be able to travel the world especially because of how people in other counties love soccer, I want to travel to see how different places really love the soccer team that they support.

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  21. Francisco Lopez
    English 111
    Posy #1
    Hello people,
    My name is Francisco Lopez, but mostly everyone calls me Frank. This is the second time that I have took English 111. I had some issues last time, so I dropped the class. I am a sophomore at Dominguez Hills, and do not have a major. I currently live with my girlfriend and baby at my parent’s house, and have a small business of my own in Landscaping. I am not one hundred percent sure what I want in life at this point, but all I know is that I was designed to accomplish something great. I am the first of six brothers and sisters to attend a University, so education is a high priority for me. It feels like if i owe this to my family, and most importantly I owe it to myself.

    Quote of the day
    Death comes to all, but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson

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  23. Ofelia Aldana
    English 111
    Csud
    Post#1

    Hello my name is Ofelia. I am 20 years of age. I am a business major. I dream of one day owning my own day care center. I adore children and I hope to have the opportunity to better someone else's life. As to entertainment I enjoy playing super Mario bros. Love to go dancing with my friends. I am a very family oriented person. Over the past two years I have become very independent and a bit more responsible. I am very friendly,open minded and inspired to learn more as each day comes along.

    Quote: " You learn to believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself " Marilyn Monroe

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  25. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #1

    Hello everyone,

    My name is Helen Ovalle and I am 29 years old. This is my second year at CSUDH, majoring in Liberal Studies hoping to be an elementary school teacher (if they ever start hiring again). I am a full-time student, full-time mother of two beautiful children who are 5 and 2 years old (with them I feel like I work two jobs ;)), and I am also a full time wife (my husband is self-sufficient, thank God!). I also love to travel. I used to live in Germany, courtesy of the United States Army. I took advantage of my stay and traveled around Germany, visited Paris, and Barcelona as well. I have also traveled to a few states in Mexico; Guadalajara is my favorite city. I have also been to 6 out of 50 states from out great U.S.A.

    "A man should have two wives: one to love and one to sew on his buttons."
    Gabriel Garcia Marquez

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  26. @cynthia: I believe physical therapy is a great career choice, I heard the pay is great. Hope you accomplish your goal as well.

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  27. Ingrid Pena
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post#1

    Hello everyone my name is Ingrid Pena I am the youngest of my four siblings and the only female.I am an outdoor person, I do not really like to stay in to long I get in patient and annoyed staying in one place for a long time. I love roller coasters and music. I can listen to anything as long as it does not get played out. I enjoy learning new things even if there difficult, learning is a part of life to me so I don’t mind. There are hobbies I am interested in but to many to state. Summer is great but winter time is my favorite of all. Seeing other photographs are inspiring but taking my own is my passion and fulfilling. I like seeing television but I rather read a book any day any recommendations throw them my way. As of right now I major in psychology, but a debate goes on in my head weather to pursue that or criminal justice. I can be shy at first but once I break the ice I can hold a nice conversation.

    Quote:"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined." -Thoreau

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  28. Juan Quinones
    Englishh 111
    CSUDH
    Post #1

    Hello Classmates,

    My name is Juan Quinones, I love playing soccer and im in the mens soccer team at CSUDH. I love spending time with friends and families I truely believe those are the best moments. Im a very loving guy and enjoy learning and sharing my thoughts and opinions of life. I love cooking and enjoying keeping myself in shape and other while im at it. I am currently a business major , but thats soon to change because i have no real passion for business or math. I will change it to some type of kineseology major , but im still undecided. I love to have fun, and prefer to laugh all day then to sit around with a frown. I love to help others, because i believe thats the best way to live life, and have the best feeling of yourself. I truely believe in christianity although sometimes I dont follow Gods rules step for step I try to live Gods path at all possible times.

    Quote: " I hate losing, more than I love winning." - Trey Mitchell( Friend)

    @Ryan: I love having you as a teammate bro and ive told you many times. We are going to have a great year. Lets win another championship for this prgram, working hard and enjoying every win we get because this wont lat forever.

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  29. Milan Foston
    English 111
    Post#1

    Hey guys, my name is Milan. I am 20 years old and in my junior year at dh. I have danced and cheered the majority of my life. Currently I am going to school full time and working part time. I love going out, meeting new people, and learning new things. I am an Africana Studies major and I love every bit of it! I love adventures, so my goal for this year is to go white water rafting if anyone cares to join. I have spent a lot of time in Mexico on mission trips to help the less fortunate, and hopefully if everything goes as planned I will be going to India to help the needy there. Eventually I would like to travel the world so in order to do so I plan on keeping my priorities in order and staying on the right track.

    @daisy I hope you enjoyed your holdiay too!

    "Beneath the makeup and behind the smile, I am just a girl who wishes for the world." - Marilyn Monroe

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  30. Felix Morales
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hi, My name is Felix I am senior in the Business Finace concentration. I have lots of hobbies including guitar, soccer, baseball, and dancing. I currently work at a bank, and am also managing a musician we are always looking for clubs to perform or DJ or bring entertainment to so if any body got a hook up hit me up :)

    "Enthusiam is most important requisite in salesmanship no matter what one is selling"
    -Napoleon Hill

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  31. Araceli Angel
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hello fellow classmates,
    My name is Araceli Angel. I am a third year at CSUDH and will hopefully delcare my major on Occupational Therapy. I am a member of the Greek Organization Sigma Iota Alpha. I currently work full time at Midway Car Rental by LAX. I love to paint and draw on my spare time, but unfortunately i don't get to see much of that time. I love collecting movies and having movie nights. I am not much of a party person but every once in a while it is fun. I prefer to stay in and watch a movie or just relax. I really make myself sound like a boring person, but i really am outgoing, friendly and fun... so i believe. :) I am alway anxious about the future.

    "Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns...
    I am thankful that thorns have roses."
    -Alphonse Karr

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  32. Anahi Garcia
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hello Classmate!
    My name is Anahi Garcia. I am a junior at Dominguez Hills and I am majoring in Accounting. I am a little of a perfectionist for most of the things I do. And I always like to fix things that break or to find ways to make them work. I am the youngest of 4 siblings. I love to go to places where I feel free from all the worries. And even though I do not work, I am usually always busy doing something!

    @ Cybthia is amazing how you take your time to solve 1000 pieces puzzles!

    My favorite quote is:“I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is.” Albert Camus

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  33. HI!!
    my name is Trenishia preferably Tre or Nene . any who i am a full time student at csudh and plan to get my BA and become either a social worker or a youth probation officer. every since the 7th grade when i read "A Child Called it" this has been my dream and failure isnt an option. other than school i am interested in Basketball i redshirted at dominguez my first year then decided i needed to get a part time job instead because redshirting as a freshman for the basketball team doesnt pay :/ . if you cant tell im pretty awesome you'll see.

    one of my favorite quote is: "Life is the art of drawing w/ no eraser"
    @everyone whos a full time student and part time worker -- keep it up it will all pay off were in this together :)

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  35. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 111
    post #2

    Many people go through different trials and hardships of life but its all about how we deal with them to get onto the next phase of our lives. I find myself searching for spiritual wisdom in order to get through life and its hardships just like Viktor Frankl talks about in the "Man's search for Meaning". Frankl says " in spite of all the enforced physical and mental primitiveness of the life in a concentration camp, it was possible for spiritual life to deepen"(p.1). Frankl's work is used to inform people that strength can be found in the midst of pain. He also uses his work to explain the hardships that the Holocaust prisoners went through and still sought to have strength and hope from the pain and suffering they went through. He uses his work to motivate people to try to find peace even in their own day to day problems that they face. This work has made me think different about my problems each day because my pain could not even compare to theirs. People need should learn to seek happiness when a problem arises.

    Quote: " the world is like a gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong"-Swami Vivekananda

    Quote

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  36. Stephanie Villagomez
    English 111
    Post#2

    I think there are many brave men in the world. The bravest men would be those who do not allow a large group of people make them feel inferior. In "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl. There were men who did not allow anyone strip them from their dignity and the self respect they have for themselves. They went day by day with dignity and not let anyone bring them down. Although at points everything seemed lost, but what kept them living were their past memories. Those memories that ran through their minds were so discriptive they would tear. They lived in an inner life. This life they created within themselves seems to me that it was their way to not letting anyone take them down. As long as they were living they were not going to let themselves be treated any lower than the next race. The way they fought was by the only way no one can hurt them, "human freedom or spiritual freedom." Which was their own strength to choose their attitude. It is possible to not be influenced. Someone can't take you down without your consent.

    "...everything can be taken from a man, but one thing: the last of the human freedoms- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."-Viktor E. Frankl

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  37. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #2

    Man’s Search for Meaning discusses the response of prisoners to the conditions in concentration camps. He seems to believe that having a meaning to live is the only way one will survive in such harsh conditions. Although it is difficult to find hope in the darkest of places, one must find it if we want to live. Memories of the life they once had, and the life they hoped to have helped them cope with the hardships they endured. The mind is a beautiful thing, and at times it is the only place one can escape , when we cannot deal with reality.

    “The intensification of inner life helped the prisoner find a refuge from the emptiness, desolation, and spiritual poverty of his existence, by letting him escape into the past.” -Viktor E. Frankl

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  38. Trenishia Session
    English 111
    Post #2

    Despite the unsavory tribulations life brings one should rejoice, for there is an inner freedom that you cannot be stripped of. A man whos experienced an event as tragic as the holocaust can base his survival on optimism, then that trait must be present in all. Undettered by the repulsive treatment endured in concentration camps in Aushwitz, Frankl describes how he and others managed due to spiritual freedom. Most know of the distasteful treatment prisoners encountered, such as: undernourishment, excessive labor, speration from family etc. in "Man's Search for Meaning" Frankl says, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one;s own way." (P.12) Coming from a holocaust survior this hit home because i know for a fact that i have yet to experience such an unfortunate event. The death of my father is the worst i've had to deal with. Sometimes because of that and the hardships that come along with it i want to give up, i struggle to see the purpose in life. It was not until i read this excerpt that I realized and believed that the purpose of life is within - it is my choice. as Frankl also said in "Man's Search for Meaning "fundamentally, therefore, any man can, even under such circumstancea, decide what shall become of him - mentally and spiritually." (P.14) Optimism may not be an easy attitude to maintain but is worth the practice. your happiness depends on you, your inner spiritual freedom to decide.

    "It is the spiritual freedom-which cannot be taken away-that makes life meaningful and purposeful." -Viktor E Frankl

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  39. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #2

    Man's Search for Meaning is about prisoners in the concentration camps. How they react to the treatment that they recieved. He believes that you have to figure out what you have, accept what you have before you can really live and then you will know what your life is truly about. There were always difficult decisions to make and thoughts running up and down their head; however, staying positive and accepting your fate will get you far. If you don't, you will be gone quickly in the concentration camps.

    "The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity-- even under the most difficult circumstances-- to add a deeper meaning to his life." -Viktor E. Frankl

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  40. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng 111
    Post #2

    Man's Search for Meaning

    Should we ignore the Holocaust?
    One should not forget about it.
    Viktor mentioned all the cruel and harsh things they were put in.In Man's Search for Meaning, the author says "We could watch our bodies beginning to devour themselves"(page 1, paragraph 5)Something like this is harsh and devastating. One should not be able to see themselves in this kind of condition. The author also explains how they had to live in their own world in their minds just to forget about the real world.Furthermore, the author gave vivid images of the things that would happen in the concentration camps. All these things that the author and others went through should not be something that one forgets but instead remember them.The Holocaust should be more remember by people and not ignore.

    Quote:"A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes."
    -Mohandas Gandhi

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  41. Ofelia Aldana
    English 111
    Post#2

    Throughout someone's life one can experience many difficult and pleasant moments. From the piece "'Man's Searching for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl said "despite that factor - or maybe becasuse of it - we were carried away by nature's beauty" is a perfect explanation why life is beautiful and why should someone continue with their struggles in life. Unfortunately, if there is no bad we would never have good. If Frankl would have never thought about the good in his life before the camps, then he might have never been able to write this piece to inspire others. I strongly believe Viktor E. Frankl is an amazing person, after experiencing such terrible event for so long and still see the beauty in life brings hope for everyone. I know many of us have had difficult times in life but we must remember to be strong and look passed that difficult situation and try to move on for the best.

    Quote: "This too shall pass" Abraham Lincoln

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  42. Liz Jimenez
    English 111
    Post #2


    Man's Search For Meaning

    The mental toughness of some people truly amazes me. Viktor E. Frankl states very clearly the harsh and cruel lifestyle that he and all of the other men went through in the concentration camps. In a Man's Search for Meaning, Frankl says, "What has become of me? I am but a small portion of a great mass of human flesh. . .of a mass behind barbed wire, crowded into a few earthen huts; a mass of which daily a certain portion begins to rot because it has become lifeless." (P.5) Although he went through a really hard time and they took everything away from him, he never let his dignity get taken away. Mentally and spiritually he was still the same person and he never let those people take away his pride. It is stated in the article that the prisoners had to make a choice on their attitude about the situation, and that attitude shaped what kind of person they really were. The mentality that Frankl had in the concentration proved what a strong and unselfish man he is.


    "The way a in which a man accepts his fate and all the sufferings it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity--even under the most difficult circumstances--to add deeper meaning to life." - Viktor E. Frankl

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  43. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    Post #2

    As I was reading "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl I began to think about myself. I began to think about when I am going through a hard time either I tell myself or others tell me not to feel sorry for myself because other people have it worst. History has always thought us that the holocaust is one of the worst things that has happen. Frankl doesn't believe that being in a concentration is the worst that has happen to him. He has not experience the worst. He refuses to give them that power over him. Frankl will not be "molded into the form of the typical inmate". Frankln would often think about what Dostoevski said that he was not worthy of his suffering" which in my opinion if anyone is worth any suffering is people how lived in a concentration camp. It's great how he finds meaning and purpose in spiritual freedom in what Frankl believes that is one of the few freedoms one has left while living in a concentration camp.

    "...they were worthy of their sufferings; the way they bore their suffering was a genuine inner achievement." Viktor E. Frankl

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  44. Milan Foston
    English 111
    Post #2

    The reading "Man's Search for Meaning", by Viktor E. Frankl, is about his experiences as a prisoner during the holocaust. This story is for all audiences for two puproses. One, to hear his experience during the horrible period of his life, and 2, to let others know that no matter what trials you go through in life it is always possible to train your way of thinking for the positive. Remininding yourself that it is always possible to overcome obstacles, and if you don't and decide to give up then you're basically saying that your life is not meaningful to fight for it. A quote that stood out to me was "The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity, even under the most difficult circumstances, to add a deeper meaning to his life." This spoke to me because not only is it the main message of his reading, but it is true, to accept failure is to not give yourself the oopportunity to make the best or find a way to make a positive out of a negative.

    Quote: "When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions." - Carter G. Woodson

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  45. Cynthia Dang
    English 111
    Post #2

    The prisoners from concentration camps have gone through all sorts of hardships for a long period of time. Life as a prisoner was very crucial due the the fact that they had to work all day with little or no food. A man was on the verge of losing hope to live anymore until he found the strength to carry on by reminiscing memories of the past. In "Man's Search for Meaning" Frankl says, "Their world and their existence seemed very distant and the spirit reached out for them longingly." (P. 10) This has given off a great message that we can all learn from, which is to never loose hope. If we all work hard and think positive then the outcome will be worthwhile. The only way that Frankl survived and got through the Holocaust was by having an inner life that gave him the hope and strength to live and see those days again.

    "It is this spiritual freedom-which cannot be taken away-that makes life meaningful and purposeful." - Viktor E. Frankl

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  46. It is kind of of hard for one to imagine the terrible things that the people from the Holocaust were put through, but to think that people were seen less than a thing is heartbreaking. In the reading "Man's Search of Meaning" by Victor E. Frankl, he shares with his audience some of his experience through the Holocaust. His story is inspiring because he did not only survive the Holocaust, but became a successfull person after. This can teach one a lesson; no matter how hard life gets one can still overcome the obstical and still be themselves.

    Quote:"...Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it."Victor E. Frankl

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  47. Lissete Rivera
    English 111
    September 7, 2011
    Post # 2

    A man’s success depends on one’s perception of life. It can either be unfortunate if one wants it to be, or it can head another direction and find a positive side. No one knows which way our life will turn, but to live unease by the concern of how things could or might be is not reaching happiness or success. In a “Man’s Search for meaning” Victor Frank gives a detailed example of his tragically life experience in the concentration camps. He describes the unpleasant and horrible circumstances in where he had to spend some part of his life. He did not eat, his bones exposed through his thin and weak body, and the pain apprehended him more and more. He was insignificant and unwanted. Frank understood his invisible position, but he did not give up like many of us would have had if we were exposed to such horrific and unhealthy conditions. He found himself spiritually, and said: “Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it” he ignored all the caused pain and hold on to the only thing that really belonged to him, his dignity. I admire his courageous attitude and his optimism for life because he not only experienced the worst that a human can experience but he survived it, and was able to share it with others. He gives his life experience a positive turn, and tries to open other's eyes and minds to see beyond the shadow that is blocking a way to appreciate life. Many of us have problems that can really affect and impact our lives, but each and every one is responsible of the attitude chosen to face life.
    “Everything is possible for him who believes.”

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  48. Melissa Pacheco
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #2

    Man's Search for Meaning

    It is not about getting through a storm of trials, but learning how to dance in the rain. When one faces hard circumstances it is important to make the best of it by having dignity and not letting your circumstance take control. Viktor E. Frankl, a survivor of being in a concentration camp, held on to his dignity as a man and did not let his situation take his inner being. He held on to the memories of daily duties he used to do at home and his beloved wife, to get him through his trials of starving, dying, and loosing himself mentally and spiritually. In "Man's Search for Meaning," Viktor says, "everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms-to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way."(paragraph 12)Viktor proves that as a holocaust survivor, that what one holds inside can conquer the enemy who is trying to destroy the outside, that is self dignity. One might think that a situation is to overbarring, but in reality it can all change with believing and trusting in the person you are.

    "Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and percise picture of it" -Viktor E. Frankl

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  49. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #2

    Optimism allows humans to survive through all the tragedies that life may bring. Indeed one must always stay positive and use their inner strength to survive the impossible. Frankl is a vivid example of how the human mind and inner life can help one outlive the most crucial circumstances. Despite all the abuse Frankl experience in the holocaust his mental state of mind was his salvation. In “Men’s Search for Meaning” Victor Frankl, states, “This intensification of inner life helped the prisoner find a refuge from the emptiness, desolation, and spiritual poverty of his existence, by letting him escape into the past.”(pg.2) Frankl’s physical appearance was diminishing before his eyes, however, his glorious thoughts kept him alive. Ones mind can very much serve to ones advantage. It is clearly demonstrated that inner strength and memories have the ability to make a human being survive through the harshest of conditions. Victor Frankl did not become a victim of the holocaust rather he embrace his thoughts, memories, and ideas in order to become free from the nightmare he was living.

    Quote: “Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.”
    -Soren Kierkegaard

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  50. When something is happening to us, many times we complain and feel like the world is falling on top of us. But we do not realize that other people are going through worse situations and yet they are stronger than us. In the passage "Man's Search for Meaning", Viktor E. Frankl describes the hard times he went through as a prison in the concentration camp. Viktor describes that they had to work in the middle of a snowstorm, and would not get enough sleep nor food. In addition, he states that he did not know if he was alive. However, Viktor states that, "The intensification of inner life the prisoner find a refuge from the emptiness, desolation, and spiritual poverty of his existence, by letting him scape into the past" (paragraph, 10). Viktor emphasizes that it was the inner life what helped him and other prisoners to survive through the hardships. He says spiritual freedom "makes life meaningful and purposeful" (paragraph, 15). Viktor gives us a great lesson about how we should remain when hard times come to us; that our inner self should remain hopeful. Viktor says that the freedom to "choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way" cannot be taken away (paragraph 12).

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  51. Alicia Santana
    English 111
    Post # 2

    Despite the trauma men maybe expiriencing he still has the abiltiy to choose his attitude given the situation. There was some men in the concentration camp, that went out of their way by giving their last piece of bread to those that severly needed it. In the reading "Man's Search for Meaning" the author Viktor E. Frankl states"They may have been a few in nummber,but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from man but one thing: the last human freedoms- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstancce, to choose one's way."(pg.2)In spite of their vulnerabily the men in the camp were kept from everything, but thier natural right to make take their own approach. Men are able to decide their own way, even in a concentration camp.

    quote: "It is the spiritual freedom- which cannot be taken away- that makes life meaningful and purposeful." - Viktor E. Frankl

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  52. Ryan Evans
    Eng 111
    Blog 2

    In the passage "Man's search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl, Viktor gives you a look at a time of hardship that shows mans mental power. The ability for a person to face such hard times and be able to find any real opportunism is amazing. In today's society we complain about gas prices and the food that we are eating is cold or made wrong. By reading something like this is shows that many things we take advantage of these people would have died to get each night. " for instance, a light sleeper, who used to be disturbed by the slightest noise in the next room, now found himself lying pressed against a comrade who snored loudly a few inches from his ear." this shows that humans will learn to deal with the cards they are dealt just by the will to live. Victor could have easily just given up and waited to die but these people fought to stay alive looking for opportunism in the littlest things they had.

    quote "Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records."

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  53. Charlotte Johnson
    English 111
    Post #2

    My post on “Man’s Search for Meaning”:

    Being overly tense about succeeding is harder than just letting it happen on it’s on. As soon as one gets used to something challenging without ever thinking about it, their life becomes easier to life in spite of their circumstances. One’s hopefulness is only brought out of them by their dreadful experiences in the past. The prisoners at the concentration camp had to go without cleaning their teeth and wear the same clothes for half a year, and yet they subconsciously found a way to get used to their hardships. They simple forgot about the things they would raised to do every day and became accustomed to their surroundings. It makes sense that things come easier to people when they don’t strain to focus on it because then it becomes a habit and is done every day. It is important to make success a habit to insure the people became successful. Viktor E Frankl spoke of the changes the Sensitive went through by stating, “They were able to retreat from their surroundings to a life of inner riches and spiritual freedom.” When the trails of life are lost one’s subconscious, existence turns out to simply becomes easier to manage.

    Quote of the day:
    When negative circumstances present themselves, they are presented to develop something in your character that already exists, not to change who you are. -Unknown

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  54. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 111
    Post # 3

    As people go through life they sometimes loose sight of their true meaning and it isn’t until something happens that they truly understand what that meaning is. In “The Moths” by Helena Maria Viramontes she uses a lot of symbolism. She speaks about a girl who always helps her grandmother whenever she needs it. She is closer to her grandmother than anyone else in her family. Towards the ends of the story her grandmother dies. She is the one who prepares her grandmother for cleaning when she dies. There is a part in the story where it talks about her descending her grandmother’s body into the water and the moths come out. The moths represent the soul and spirit of her grandmother. She says, “although endings are inevitable, they are necessary for rebirth” (paragraph 13). This signifies that the girl in the story is truly finding herself within her grandmother through the cycles of life. This story also relates to the “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Victor Frankl who truly finds the meaning of life by going the pain he went through in the concentration camp. It takes life lessons for people to truly understand the meaning of life. I can definitely attest that life lessons are truly important in order to find meaning and understanding.
    Quote: “Emotion which is suffering ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it”. Victor Frankl

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  55. Shariah Parnell
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hello classmates !!!

    Hi, my name is Shariah Parnell but most of my friends and family call me "naana". Naana is short for "naanafoodie", that was a name given to me by my grandmother when I was two. Im 20 years old and I currently reside in Pomona.I work for the Los Angeles School District as a program worker. When I enrolled into CSUDH I was pretty sure about majoring in criminal justice and now im not so sure. I've always bounced back and forth about what I wanted to do in life. Truth is, im completely confused. One thing I do know is i'll continue living my life day by day trying to figure it out and i'll never give up. Another thing you all should know is im not excellent at talking about myself. I usually find it difficult to do. So please excuse me if it seems as if I dont have much to say. Thats just a part of my personality. I look forward to getting to know all of you this semester and hopefully end it with new friendships!!

    Quote: "Striving for success without the hard work, is like trying to harvest something you haven't planted" -David Bly

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  56. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng 111
    Post #3

    There is always someone that very attach to a family member. Helena would always help her grandmother. Throughout the entire story, Helena uses similes and symbolism to describe her grandmother and the things that would see. In Moths, the Helena Maria Viramontes says, “Small, gray ones that came from her soul and out through her mouth fluttering to light, circling the single dull light bulb of the bathroom.”(page 2, paragraph 16) This is one example of symbolism, where the moths represent the soul of Helena’s grandmother. She is also comparing the soul with the moths to show how they go up to the light in this case, up to heaven. The thing that caught my attention was that she also uses and insect that is found in her grandmother’s plants. Helena used something that she can always remind herself of her grandmother. Helena was always appreciated her grandmother. She was there for her Abuelita.

    Quote: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - Maya Angelou

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  57. Stephanie Villagomez
    English 111
    Post #3

    In many families there is always that one person who feels left out or doesn't fit in, sometimes. In "Moths" Helena feels like an outcast in her family because she isn't as pretty or nice like her older sisters. Her only companionship seems to be her grandma because she also gets lonely too. Helena was there for her granmother because she appreciated that she was there for her through everything. Since her grandmother formed her "Bull Hands" she felt that she owed being with her, to rub her caving body with alcohol and marijuana." It is interesting because she considers herself to be the selfish, rude, and mean one, but she was the one taking care of her grandma, doing the things she could no longer do for herself. I think she didn't give herself enough credit.

    Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children. ~Ruth Goode

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  58. Liz Jimenez
    English 111

    Post #3

    Moths

    Negative comments ad hurtful experiences really do affect a person's life and the way they act. In the story Moths by Helena Maria Viramontes, she goes through a lot of heckling from her older sisters because she wasn't pretty or nice like they were. She even admits to being disrespectful. Helena spent a lot of time with her grandmother because she apprecitated her. Helena said, "I always felt her gray eye on me. it made me feel, in a strange sort of way, safe, and guarded and not alone. Like God was supposed to make you feel. (paragraph 4). Towards the end of the story, Helena finds out that her grandmother is dying and she is right there by her side helping her out in any way she can. When the death of her abuelita finally arrives, Helena took her into the bathroom to clean her up. She uses the moths as symbolism for heaven.

    Quote of the day.

    "your mistakes should be your motivation; not your excuses."

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  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. Melissa Pacheco
    English 111
    Post #3

    Moths Reflection

    Through times of loss, comes the guilt of the unsaid things. In "Moth's," by Helena Viramontes, Helena desribes her family relationships as didsconnected and disoriented. Her father and mother would always talk down to her, along with her older sisters. On the contrary, her abuelita understood her. Helena would go to her abuelita's house and help her garden and say very few words, but felt a security at her home. It was until her abuelita died she realized the importance of relationships.While cleaning her grandmother's body Helena states, " the scars on her back, which were as thin as the lifelines on the palms of her hands, made me realize how little I really know my Abuelita." Helena also uses the symbolism of the moths that lay within the soul and slowly eat up the spirit, meaning that the moths that came out of her grandmother symbloized the death of her Abuelita, as they came to surface. Helena really showed how the value of life is important, becasue it is once life is gone one realizes the impact and guilt of the things undone.

    "It is better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you are not."
    — André Gide

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  61. Charlotte Johnson
    English 111
    Post #3

    My Post on “Moths” by Helena Maria Viamontes

    Nothing lasts forever. Everything is meant to go through change because that is the natural order of existence. Hardships, family, growing, and death are all a part of existing. In the story “Moths”, the girl stated, “my sisters laughed and called me Bull Hands” (paragraph #2). Family can be cruel sometimes be one gains strength from such experiences. Those experiences helps one grow as a person. The girl’s grandmother tells her about “the moths that lay within the soul and slowly eat the spirit up” (paragraph #16). I imagine that the moths symbolize the dark side of time. The border of time that slowly eats at ones spirit and little by little destroys them. Death is apart of life. “Although endings are inevitable, they are necessary for rebirth” (paragraph #13)

    Quote of the day:
    Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts become your words. Be careful of your words, for your words become your actions. Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits. Be careful of your habits, for your habits become your character. Be careful of your character, for your character becomes your destiny. – Author Unknown

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  62. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #3

    "Moths"

    Just about the time when moods change, inevitable seasons of a day, transitions from one color to another, that hour or minute or second when the sun is finally defeated, finally sinks into the realization that it cannot, with all its power to heal or burn exist forever, there comes an illumination where the sun and earth meet, a final burst of burning red-orange fury reminding us that although endings are inevitable, they are necessary for rebirths, and when that time came, just when i switched on the light in the kitchen to open Abuelita's can of soup, it was probably then that she died." (Paragraph #13)
    I know that feeling. That final moment that you know everything is about to be over. The moment where the sun is about to be defeated. The moment where you realize things are about to end; however, new things are about to begin. When my father passed away, I felt that feeling that my sun was gone and was not anywhere to be found. Eventually the sun does come out again, and new things begin.

    Quote of the date:
    "Live.Laugh.Love"
    - Unknown

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  63. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #3
    Family can truly affect ones attitude and approach in life. Family has the power to construct someone’s self esteem and personality. Helena is a perfect example of how the mistreatment of family members can truly damage a person. Helena often felt neglected and as the outcast of the family. These feelings of loneliness triggered Helena to become reluctant. As a result, the only person who Helena truly had a special connection with
    her grandmother. In “Moths” Helena Maria Viramontes, states, “And although we hardly spoke, hardly looked at each other as we worked over transplants, I always felt her gray eye on me.”(pg.1) Although Helena couldn’t relate to any of her siblings she definitely had a special bond with her grandmother. This bond was indeed so strong, that words weren’t necessary to express their affection. The relationship with her grandmother allowed Helena to express herself freely and let her feelings free. Certainly, family can truly influence someone emotionally and mentally.

    Quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” -Mae West

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  64. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #3

    Moths

    In Moths, Helena Viramontes describes a young girl who is a bit rebellious against the values of her family. Going through an awkward stage she finds acceptance and security in her grandmother’s home. She witnesses the slow death of her grandmother when she is still trying to find herself. “Then the moths came” ( Viramontes 16.) I believe the moths symbolize the death of her grandmother but also all that she left behind. In the end the granddaughter hopes that one day the moths would come for her as well so that they may be reunited once again.

    Quote:"Sometimes people are beautiful.
    Not in looks.
    Not in what they say.
    Just in what they are."
    — Markus Zusak

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  65. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    Post # 3

    Helena Viramontes writes in “Moths” about a young girl who is trying to figure out where her place is in world. She knows her place is not at home with her sisters because she is not like them. She ends up finding herself at the end of the story as she helps her grandmother prepare for death and after she passes she help her soul. “Dying is lonely and I wanted to go where the moths were…” (Viramontes 16), I believe the young girl sees how lonely dying is and wish that things would had been different between her and her grandmother. She believes that her grandmother is part of the moths and wants to go to them to continue to be part of her. In the moment she began to cry over the loss of her grandmother she fold her place in the world and know one day she too would be with the moths.

    "Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."
    Dr. Seuss

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  66. Cynthia Dang
    English 111
    Post #3

    “Moths”

    Having a good and strong relationship within a family is the number one reason to why we are all able to go through life. Without that special bond with family, life would be difficult and unbarring to live through each day. In this case, Helena's life was in a situation where everyone in her family mistreated her, except for her grandmother who was the only one that had a special bond with her. In “Moths” Helena Maria Viramontes,"Dying is lonely and I wanted to go to where the moths were, stay with her and plant chayotes whose vines would crawl up her fingers and into the clouds" Par. 16 The meaning behind this is very deep because it is saying that there is no point in living anymore if there is no one there to be with you. Helena wanted to be with her grandmother until the end. She was also feeling very regretful in the end because there were so many things that she wanted to share with her grandmother. Helena did not realize how much she should have valued her time while her grandmother was still alive.

    "The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -E.E. Cummings

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  67. Anahi Garcia
    Eng 111
    Post #3

    Moths

    Twists in life often impact one's life dramatically. In the passage Moths the author, Helena Maria Viramontes describes her life as a young person. She did not find comfort on her parents or sisters, but on her grandmother even if it was not through words. Helena was different from her sisters. She says, "I wasn't even pretty or nice like my older sisters and i just couldn't do the girl things they could do" (paragraph 2). Her sisters would often make fun of her because her hands were big to what Helena responded by hitting them. But as a consequence, she would be whipped by her mother. On the hand, he grandmother was always there for her, when she had fever or when she broke her arm. Helena states "I always felt her her gray eye on me. It made me feel, i an strange sort of way, safe, guarded, and not alone. Like God was supposed to make me feel" (paragraph 3). Therefore, Helena was glad to help her on what she needed, even when her grandmother was agonizing. This time, Helena was there to help her as her grandmother was there for her. When Helena's grandmother died she cried and she even wanted to go with the moths that she says came out from her. Perhaps the moths represented the soul of her grandmother. However, I also believe that she accepted the fact that her grandmother was dead because she had mentioned before that even though endings are meant to happen, "they are necessary for rebirths" (paragraph 14).

    Quote:
    “I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is.”
    -Albert Camus

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  68. Lissete Rivera
    English 111
    Post # 3
    Sometimes one has to hit bottom in order to realize the blessings that one has. The simplest things that people tend not to notice are more significant to one at the end. In “Moths” Helena Viramontes shares the struggles that she faced with her family; she also describes the lack of communication and appreciation that they had or showed to each other. The relationship that Helena had with her sisters was not a good one because they made fun of her by pointing out that her hands were not ladylike and they called her “Bull Hands”. Helena wasn’t able to freely express herself with either her mother or father because they were old fashioned and closed minded. Violence in her family happened regularly that she was not afraid of the “whippings” instead she had learned to take the pain as if it was something natural. Although, Helena didn’t have a united family; she did felt safe and loved while she was with her grandmother. Her “Abuelita” was the person who she really cared about. She didn’t show it but she loved expending time with her; her grandmother was a woman uneasy to please, her hair was mostly gray, and time was already taking her away; she didn’t have much time left. Helena was the only one who took care of her until she died. In “Months” Helena Maria Viramontes says: “although endings are inevitable, they are necessary for rebirths” Helena did not realize the time that she didn’t use with her grandmother while she was still alive. She discovered many new things about her “abuelita” only by bathing her. It is sad that one was to wait until something tragic happens in order to have some sort of comprehension about life. Unfortunately many people have to go through a similar situation to realize how much they love someone else, like a family member, lover, or a friend. One regrets the things that did not happen as well as the things that they did wrong. If only one would know the exact time and date of anyone’s death then they will have time enough to change their attitude towards a person and show their love and care for them , but reality is that no one knows , so they either try to make things right before is to late or they learn from their mistakes.

    “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

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  69. Juan Quinones
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #3

    Moths

    "Moths" by Helena Maria Viramontes is a very passionate piece of writing. About a 13 year old who would experience the Death of her grandmother in advance. Having a good relationship with family members builds character and a strong attitude. Helena didnt get along with sisters and wasnt very family orientated. Her granmother was one of the closest thing she had although she didnt have the best relationship with her either.
    " Not that i was her favorite granddaughter or anything special. I wasnt even pretty or nice like my older sisters..."(paragrapgh 2) As a 13 year old is difficult to not have high self esteem. But Helena learns to appreciate and realizes all that she had not done with her dying grandma and how much she would miss her. As a teen she realizes the importance of life, and learns one of the biggest lessons of life wich is appreciating life at every moment.

    "Every day of life is another opportunity to accomplish your dreams, so while your able to breathe dont give up on any aspect of life."- Juan Quinones

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  70. Araceli Angel
    English 111
    Post #2

    Moths.

    Some are fortunate, others are not. We don't get to decide or chose our own family. We should be fortunate of those who are a part of our lives and be grateful.Whether family members are mistreated or not, it is always important to appreciate. Regarding to Moths, Helena's situation was critical. She was teased and also mistreated by her own family members. In a way,it was unfortunate for her to have type family she was chosen to have. Lucky she had her grandmother. She used her as an escape from those who mistreated her and had a place where she enjoyed being. Worst comes to worst, she at least had a place to escape. She took it for granted and did not quite appreciate her grandmother as much as she should have. As my classmates have mentioned the quote that most stood out to me, "Dying is lonely and i want to go where the moths were, stay with her and plant her chayotes whose vines would crawl up her fingers and into the clouds" (P.16). In various cases, it takes a death to appreciate. Its important everyday to stop for one second and give thanks to those who look over us.


    "A woman is the full circle.
    Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform."

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  71. Ryan Evans
    Eng 111
    Post 3
    Moths

    Moths is very touching and heartwarming, in ths story Viramontes tells you of a young girl who loses her grandmother and feels lost without her. "my sisters would pull me aside and tell me if I didn't go to mass right this minute, they were all going to kick the holy shit out of me, Why am I so Selfish?(P.8) This shows that Apa would use the love that this girl had for her grandmother to get things that he wanted done. The bond of family wholes ones life together in tough times family will always be there to support you no matter the situation. With this girl I think with her grandmother she felt this and when she finally dies this young girl feels like her life is over.

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  72. Trenishia Session
    eng 111
    post #4

    what is poverty?

    Poverty is not a choice, but a struggle, that is a struggle to overcome. finding a solution isn't as esay as it may sound. living life day to day isn't as easy as it may be for those more fortunate. In "What is Poverty?" Parker says, "Some of you say that you would do something in my situation, and maybe you would, for the first week or the first months, but for year after year after year?" (P.12) I've experienced having it all, and being able to get it all, to being limited to what i have and nothing more, nothing new. although it doesnt compare it took anemotional toll on me and i couldnt imagine being thrown into poverty. it's scary knowing that's how it starts; living comfortably and progressively loosing until your left with merely nothing. Poverty is not living, for living cost. Poverty is suffering.

    Quote: "Poverty is an acid that drips on pride until all pride is worn away. poverty is a chisel that chips on honor until honor is worn away." (P.12)

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  73. Charlotte Johnson
    English 111
    Post #4

    My post on “What is Poverty?” :

    Without even thinking about it, we take food, utilities, and toiletries for granted. There are people that are judged by their foul smell, and soiled clothing. Everybody has a story and this story is very eye opening. The young woman in the story has three children that she has to take care of by herself. She does not make a lot of money and she sacrifices like I have never imaged. There is no hot water, breakfast, or enough beds for her and her children. She stated, “But you ask, why not hot water? Fuel cost money. If you have wood fire, it costs money. If you burn electricity, it costs money. Hot water is a luxury. I do not have luxuries.” Living it not free, everything costs money. The help that she gets is either very little help or hardly even help. She also said. “When I left them with “Granny” the last time I had a job, I came home to find the baby covered with fly speaks, and diaper that that had not been changed since I left”. This essay shows the humanity of the people that smell and have unclean clothes. After reading this, I will not take everything that I have for granted.

    Quote of the day:
    Learn a little about a lot of things and a lot about a few things. –Red

    ReplyDelete
  74. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 11
    Post #4

    Poverty is an issue that affects people all over the world. There are many different reasons as to why people live in poverty. Jo Goodwin Parker author of “What is poverty” explains the different meanings of poverty in the eyes of the main character. Towards the ending of the story the character explains that her poverty is the result of her husband loosing his job. After the insurance benefits ran out that’s when all of their things got repossessed. Keep in mind she has three children. She explains that her husband left her and their three children. Parker says, “poverty is an acid that drips on pride until all pride is worn away”. I think that this is true because I feel that many people are afraid to ask for things in the time of need because of their pride. They have the attitude that they should be able to do anything themselves and would feel ashamed if they asked anybody for help. As the character illustrated her pride went away when she had nobody to help her and the result was her children suffering.
    This story really touched my heart while I was reading it. I wish that I could help every person that is suffering from poverty. I also thought about people that lost their jobs in the recent years because our economy was in a bad state. Some of these people may have also ended up in poverty as a result. I think that people that are blessed with a life to be able to have hot water, food , and shelter should try to give to the people that don’t. I will definitely think about the next time I walk past someone that is in need to lend a helping hand.
    Quote: “Poverty is a chisel that chips on honor until honor is worn away”-Jo Goodwin Parker

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  75. Alicia Santana
    Post # 4
    English 111

    Poverty is more than not being fiancially fortunate. Poverty is like a disease; dangerous and hard to cope with. In the reading selesction, "What id Poverty?", the author states " I had chronic anemia caused from poor diet, a bad case of worms". The women diagnosed with this condition was una(pg.5)ble to pay for the operation.She developed this condition and was not able to recieve the proper treatment because she was poor. This clealry demonstrates the danger of poverty and the constant struggle it asscoiated with.

    Quote- " Have you ever asked for help, knowing your children will suffer unless yu get it" ? - Jo Goodwin Parker

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  76. Stephanie Villagomez
    Post #4
    English 111

    Sadly there is poverty all around us. It is unfortunate that not everyone can have luxuries or at least money for their well being. What really fustrates me is how they let a child be born into poverty. Maybe the first child is acceptable, but to be bringing child, after child into a world of poverty does not help anyone. I think poverty happens because of all the arogant, selfish people, who do not care about anyone, but themselves, like author Jo Goodwin Parker said, how people in the offices aren't so nice. How can you work in services like that and make the people who need it feel like they don't have their pride. But, atleast there is some good in some people, who have created welfare programs and health insurance, some places. That way there are less people suffering from sickness, pain, etc.

    "Poverty is an acid that drips on pride until all pride is worn away." -Jo Goodwin Parker

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  77. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng 111
    Post #4

    When in poverty people do many things in order to survive. For instance, they give up on essential things like electricity, fuel, water, food and other things. The worst thing about it is that there are children involved. Throughout the story we see how the main character explains herself by giving us the readers a vivid image of what she has to go through. She tells us what poverty for her is. In the What is Poverty, the author says, “Poverty is remembering.” (pg 2, paragraph 7) By telling the reader what poverty is for her, she is already remembering it. In my opinion I think that no one that has gone to poverty will forget it, in the contrary it will motivate them to succeed in life. Furthermore, we see how the character thinks about the future, she has a sense of her children would be doing. That they will do anything to survive and her daughter would probably end up like her, pregnant. Sometimes in order to survive one gives up other important things.

    “Poverty is looking into a black future.”- Jo Goodwin Parker

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  78. Cynthia Dang
    Eng 111
    Post #4

    "What is Poverty?"

    Poverty has struck all around us and has put many families through all sorts of struggles. In this case, the young woman in the story is struggling with life to the point where she is not able to purchase food to make a proper meal for her and her three children, nor purchasing new diapers for her baby. It is even more unfortunate with the fact that she is a young woman who has lived like this since her junior high school years. In "What is Poverty?" Jo Goodman parker states, "Poverty is an acid that drips on pride until pride is work away." (Par. 13) She lives day after day trying to plea for help to get money from offices but feels that her pride is being thrown away. Reflecting on my life, I feel that I have been spending my money recklessly buying unnecessary things.

    "You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." -C.S. Lewis

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  79. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #4

    What is Poverty

    Jo Goodwin Parker describes poverty as a troubling reality. She once had what everyone else has, a home and all that is necessary to survive. In the split of a second, difficult circumstances made her lose them all. She had to learn how to survive off of seventy-eight dollars a month and raise three children. In “What is Poverty,” Parker says, “Poverty is an acid that drips until all pride is worn away” (12). In order to survive she had to put her pride to the side and ask for money. We criticize the poor because we think they are not doing anything to help their situations , but we really have no idea how difficult it can be.

    Quote: "Poverty is remembering."

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  80. Juan Quinones
    English 111
    Post #4
    CSUDH

    "What Is Poverty?"

    Many of us complaint that we dont have, enough money to buy expensive shoes, clothes and go out to fancy restaurants, etc. We consider ourselves in poverty because we dont have 5-10 pairs of shoes with its matching shirts. When have you actually asked really, "what is poverty." Well in this writing the examples are clear and specific of what living in poverty is. The smell, look, experiences that being in poverty brings forth. The deepest quote that impacted me was " Poverty is asking for help. Have you ever had to ask for help, knowing your children will suffer unless you get it?" Many of us now a days have grown up in some sort of poverty, but have been taught to have pride and get stuff on your own without begging or asking for aid. This shows how poverty demands you ask for help. Knowing thats the only way you can survive must kill you inside. This character as a parent of 3 wishes he had other options, but doesnt. Asking for help is sometimes all he has, and must get it for the survival of his children. So next time you want those 150$ shoes and can't get them cause "your broke," ask yourself, what about those that can't even buy a piece a soap that goes for less than a dollar. Appreciate what we have cus there are millions that are unfortunate, and wish they where in our shoes.


    Quote: "Poverty is looking into a black future."

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  81. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #4

    Poverty is not only an economic status but it is something that affects people emotionally, mentally, and physically. Poverty can come at any time, and can truly cause tremendous suffering. Living in poverty is an everyday struggle that does not seem to get any better. The main character in this selection makes it clear that living in poverty causes distress. In “What is Poverty” Jo Goodwin Parker states, “Poverty is living a smell that never leaves”. This clearly demonstrates the idea that Poverty is a never ending situation that causes a lot of misery. Poverty truly affects a person in every aspect possible.

    Quote: “Poverty is an acid that drips on pride until all pride is worn away” – Jo Goodwin Parker

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  82. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #4

    "What is Poverty?"

    "Poverty is hoping it never rains because diapers won't dry when it rains and soon you are using newspapers." (Pg.1, Paragraph 5)
    That has to be tough. People already want what is best for their kids; therefore, the way this woman has to struggle and keep her baby's diaper dry is terrible. She has 78 dollars to stretch and 20 is spent on rent. She only can buy rice, beans, milk, grits and cornmeal. She can't give her kids the food they want, they can't go to the school they want, and they can't live the normal lives they want. It has to be hard for her because ever since her husband and her split, she is by herself taking care of three unhealthy kids and herself. This is a very inspirational story, and this inspires to work harder so that I don't end up wondering how am i going to survive with my kids, or even how am i going to stretch this five dollars between my kids and I? VERY INSPIRATIONAL!

    "Put yourself in my dirty, worn out, ill-fitting shoes, and hear me." - Jo Goodwin Parker

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  83. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    Post # 4

    Poverty may be something that most people don’t think about at all. And when we do think about we jump into conclusion about people who live in poverty. We think to our self that it’s their fault, why do they do back to school, get a job, just try, etc… We don’t but ourselves in their shoes or think how they got there. We have pity and don’t really lesson. In “What is Poverty?” writing by Jo Goodwin Parker says “Some of you say that you would do something in my situation, and maybe you would, for the first week or the first month, but for year after year after year?” Which it’s a valid question to ask because it’s easy for us to judge and say we would do everything in our power to get out of poverty especially for the children. I can’t even imagine year after year trying and living at that level of poverty. Living in poverty is far too common for us not to do something to help; I just read in the news paper that over 46 million people were in poverty in 2010. We really need to do something as a society.

    “Listen to me. Listen without pity. I cannot use your pity. Listen with understanding instead.” Jo Goodwin Parker

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  84. Melissa Pacheco
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post#4

    What Is Poverty? Response

    Poverty does not happen over night but has the affects of many nights to come. Poverty happens gradually until it stares you in the face and you come to realization that you are living in it.In "What is Poverty," by Jo Goodwin Parker, Parker states "put yourself in my dirty, worn out, ill-fitting shoes, and hear me." (paragraph 1) Parker then describes poverty in a personal way, in order to get the readers attention of the affects of poverty. Jo gives insight on a poor young women with three children who gets by with a seventy-eight dollar budget a month. From the shame and loss of pride and dignity, Parker gives examples of the sences of smells of rottend milk to a bed that has had accidents on it. Parker concludes with the dream of finding help that actually is helpful, and then challanges the reader to not be silent and to help the poor. I think it's important to not ignore the people who live in poverty because they once had a normal life and are human beings seeking for help that is not being offered. Poverty can happen to anyone including myself.

    "The Poor are always silent. Can you be silent too?" -Jo Goodwin Parker

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  85. Ryan Evans
    Eng111
    CSUDH
    Post 4

    What is poverty response
    Poverty means different things to many people. in the case of Jo Goodwin Parker, Poverty is struggling each day to put clothes on his back and and pair of shoes on his feet. Many people take for granted what they have always wanting more materialistic things that only matter superficially. In "What is Poverty," Parker writes " Poverty is getting up every morning from a dirt-and illness-stained mattress. The sheets have long since been used for diapers. Poverty is living a smell that never leaves. This is a smell of urine, sour milk, and spoiling food sometimes joined with the strong smell of long-cooked onions."(paragraph 2) This shows people will do whatever it takes to survive and get their family by even if that means onions for breakfast lunch and dinner, and wearing the same clothes over and over again. So be happy with what you have and don't take anything for granted

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  86. Lissete Rivera
    English 111
    Post #4
    “What is Poverty?”
    They are many people who unfortunately are not blessed to have luxuries, many people who cannot afford to eat at a restaurant every weekend. People who can only afford to eat day by day. There are people who don’t have a home; those who you see sleeping at the bus stops, sidewalks, and public parks. These people who we forget about. We are so worried about ourselves and unnecessary needs (a new outfit for next week’s party or a new phone because the one we have is no longer hip) that we tend to ignore that there are others who wish they can have a roof over to sleep, a warm meal to eat every day, and warm water to take a shower. People do not understand that the less fortunate wish they can have what some of us always complain about. In the reading “What is Poverty?” Jo Goodwin Parker narrates the life of a poor woman who cannot even give her children a decent meal for dinner and they suffer from different diseases caused by mal nutrition. The author says: “Listen without pity. I cannot use your pity. Listen with understanding instead.” When do we actually do something for the needy? We are aware that these things happen around us, but when do we actually stop and think about the problem. When I read this I felt embarrassed because I feel pity for others; instead of actually doing something that can help them; helping a homeless home with food, giving some of my stuff away to those who need it more than I do. There are more important things to worry about. People do not understand the significance of poverty because some have not f experienced such conditions. I have experience difficult times with money and food that have made me appreciate everything that I have and made me realize how that I am lucky to be where I am now.
    “Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts”
    -Albert Einstein

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  87. Araceli Angel
    English 111
    Post #3
    What is Poverty?

    Life is hard for those who are unfortunate. We don't take into consideration on a daily basis to help others who are in need because we are all wrapped up in our routines. We take for granted everything we have. I myself am guilty for taking everything I have for granted sometimes. I complain about going to school early or having homework when others wish to own a book. I nag about going to work because I will be missing an event at school when others are in desperate need to find a job in order to stay alive. In the story,"What is Poverty?",Jo Goodwin described a life that no one deserves to live. One thing after another, her life was at the lowest anyone's life could possibly get. She gives ironic examples that really make her point clear. "Poverty is cooking without food and cleaning without soap". There are various things she can do but she is missing the key tools. Poverty is really dirt because it is practically nothing. Dirt will not save anyone and so will poverty.
    Her story is eye opening. We should truly be grateful for everything we have in life and make the best of it. Next time we think about complaining about anything, we should think of the people in need.We need to help those who we can possibly help. As Jo mentioned, "The poor are always silent." We the fortunate need to speak up for those who need it. "Look at us with an angry heart,anger that will help you help me. Anger that will let you tell of me"



    "The act of taking the first step is what separates winners from losers".

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  88. Anahi Garcia
    Eng 111
    Post #4

    Very often, we tend to complaint that we do not have money, but yet we are fortuned to have a cozy home and food on our table. We might not have what we want, but we have what we need. We ignore that out there in the world, there is people who would wish to have what we have. In the passage "What is Poverty?" by Jo Goodwin Parker, we discover the real meaning of poverty, and the terrible conditions this people go through, by the personal experience of the author. Parker describes in detailed what it is to not have money to fulfill the needs such as food, medicine, and cleaning items. She states that "Poverty is getting up every morning from a dirt-and illness-stained mattress... Poverty is living a smell that never leaves"(paragraph 3). Parker explains that the smell comes from the milk that spoils due to the broken refrigerator, and from urine. She adds "Poverty is dirt" because there is not extra money to buy the less expensive soap not to afford hot water (paragraph 4). She also mentions that being poor is to ask people for help thinking about the children. In this passage, Parker leads us to understand and feel what it really means to be living in poverty. This story teaches us that we should appreciate what we have because many would wish they could have at least a little bit of it. It also teaches us not to judge the least fortunate ones because we do not know their stories and hardships.

    Quote: "Even the poor can dream" (Jo Goodwin Parker)

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  89. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    Post #5

    Having cancer and having a mastectomy is a life changing experience, that can make someone extremely vulnerable yet powerful. The main character of this selection explains various way in which having a mastectomy affected her life. After she had her right breast removed she become extremely self conscious. She became very focus on what women represent to society and she believed she no longer fit that image. She found it hard to love herself, but found support in other people. After having trouble loving herself, she finally open up her eyes and realized what was truly important. In “Cancer Journals” Audre Lorde, states, “A mastectomy is not a guilty act that must be hidden in order for me to regain acceptance or protect the sensibilities of others.”(pg.2) The main character soon realized that being accepted by society was not necessary. She became aware that her feelings were indeed what matter the most. In order to love herself again she had to understand that she didn’t have to live up to anyone’s expectations but her own. Loving herself and accepting who she had became is clearly what made her a powerful person. Having breast cancer truly affected how the main character perceive life and beauty. Not only did this disease make her a stronger woman, but made her value herself even more.

    Quote: “I think I was fighting the devil of despair within myself for my own soul” -Audre Lorde

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  90. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng 111
    Post #5

    Breast cancer can cause women to feel not wanted by society and especially by men. Breast cancer can make women use breast prostheses. Breast cancer is a terrible news that a women can hear. There are many challenges that they have to go through. For instance, they do not feel sexy. Many women think that when one or both breast is remove that their husband or boyfriend will leave them. There are many cases where this actually happens. It is very important that a woman knows that what matters is the inside. In Cancer Journals, Audre Lorde says that “these years has taught me how to value my own beauty and how to look closely into the beauty of others.”(pg 1, paragraph 2) This is a great lesson that she learned. Women should be proud of who they are, not what they have. Men have influence women on the way a woman is seen as normal, with a perfect body. Society for the most part has also accepted this idea. Women should not get breast prostheses because as she mentioned women know that it is not her own breast. Why get it, if women would still not feel happy for themselves.

    Quote: “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” - Albert Einstein

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  91. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  92. Julian Green
    ENG 111
    Post #5

    QHQ Roles/Alter Egos: Xbox Live Games

    Question: Why do I waste a good amount of my time playing Xbox Live?

    Hypothesis: It's an escape from a boring reality.

    Question: Why can't I have as much fun in real life as I do in the game world?

    I have never been the party going type of person. Every time I do muster up the interest to attend, it is always the same scenario; a lot of drinks, beer pong, a little dancing, and the party defining fight or meltdown that determines if the party was worth going to. To be honest, I do not need a drink in my system to have a good time. Now I am not bashing anyone for drinking. To each is own, I say. It just has not been my party starter. I am more of an organic fun guy. Just give a few friends to hang out with and I will be fine. My idea of fun is basketball and video games. Most recently video games because it fits my personality.
    I am a big time Xbox Live player. I have had a subscription for a year now and I love my alone time on that box. The games I most notably have been attached to is Halo: Reach and Call of Duty: Black Ops. These games allow me to become a different person all together. The online game play is amazing. I get my team of 4 or more friends and we create strategies to take out the competition. Now I am no real Black Ops agent or specialist but no one will on the Xbox-sphere would know. I have created my own world and, in a way, my own life inside that game. I have my friends and everyday is a new mission. I do not know if I will be in the military in the future but right now I am pretty good at handling an Galil machine gun. Life in reality can be boring and stressful. What is better therapy than shooting an alien in the head or blowing up an enemy squad car?

    Quote: "My red world is more important to me than your blue one."

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  93. Trenishia Session
    Eng 111
    Post # 5
    QHQ favorite Destination

    Question: What has been my favorite destination

    Hypothesis: Highschool basketball gave me the opportunity to travel many places, now as great as Hawaii.

    Question:What is so great about Hawaii, and when do i plan to go back?

    Under the circumstances that i grew up in, in a fairly low class family in the "hood" of Long Beach, ca i never would have imagined myself escaping to place so far and dreamy. I'm used to dirty streets, homeless people lying in the shawdows of buildings and drug addicts stalking the outsides of liquor stores. Not to say Hawaii doesnt consist of the same because it does. when i looked out of my hotel room window all i could see was the blue sky and a wall marked with graffiti from top to bottom. Although California does have the best weather, in my opinion the erratic weather of Hawaii is refreshing. You can wake up and expect a nice hot day at the beach to only be showered in rain unexpectedly mid day. I love the diversity of California but I'm considered a minority in a city where i see plenty of my own people. If i go to Hawaii i'll also be considered a minority but atleast there i'll see more of a mixture of people.
    Hawaii gives me a sense of home, and much more. I feel distanced and would perfer to not be on the mainland. When i do go back, once im settled in my career and well off im going for good. Long beach , Ca will always be my home, but Hawaii is where i desire to LIVE.

    Quote: "Home is where the heart is, Life is where the happy reside"

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  94. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng 111
    Post #6

    QHQ: Traveling Back

    Question: Where would I like to travel?

    Hypothesis: I would travel back when I was trying out for my High School soccer team.

    Question: Why would I travel back to High
    School?

    I would like to live the same moments again and the feelings that I had to go through.It was Wednesday October 21st, I woke up anxious; it was the first day of tryouts. I got myself ready to go to school. When I got to school, I went with my friends and four of them told me if I was ready for the tryouts and I told them yes and I asked them the same thing and one of them said no, while the others said yes. It was lunch time, I was starting to get nervous because there were only few hours left of school. I could not wait to be afterschool already. During my last few classes I could not concentrate because the only thing I had in mind was soccer, I would ask questions to myself like these, would I make it, what if I do not make it.
    When the bell rang I ran out of class, to get home and get my things ready for soccer. When I got to the park I saw that the guys were already trying out. I saw my brother running. I look to the other side, I saw few girls, they were putting on their shin guards, socks, and their shoes. I was starting to get more nervous because there were more than fifty girls trying out. The only thing that I would think about is that there were more chances of me not making the team and that there was no way that the coach was going to look at me. The coach told us to get a number so that way he can identify us. He divided us into teams. We had to play a scrimmage. I did not know what he was expecting us to do so I was just stayed back as defense, I never moved from my spot. After minutes playing the coach called us in. He announced few names of girls that had made the team. I was upset that he did not call my name. I went home and told my parents that he did not choose me and my dad told me that there were two days left.
    The second day of tryouts we had to do the same thing, play a little game. I still stayed on my position. I was getting mad because when the coach would come to where we were playing, he would always see me standing there. Then my friend that had made the team, Marilyn told me not to play as defense just to move around and try to get the ball. So I did. Nothing happened. After the games were over the coach called out names again and this time he pick one of my friends that does not know how to play. I was like I'm better than her, she sucks. I went home all angry because Mr. Leanza had not picked me to be in the team. I only had one more day to go.
    The third and last tryout was here. There were about thirty girls left. This time the coach divided us into two teams, my friend Yesenia and I were on the same team. It was a hot day. I was trying to get the ball as many times I could. Later my friend Yesenia scores a goal, at that moment I turn around and I see Mr. Leanza write her number down, she had made the team. After trying my best, the coach tells us that he was not going to say the names of the girls that had made the team because it was not going to be fair for the rest of the girls. I went home thinking about if I had made the team. It was Friday so I had to wait for the weekend to be over. The weekend felt long.

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  95. Monday came there were no papers on the wall with the names. So I had to wait for it to be nutrition. It was nutrition and I saw that there were papers on the wall. My friend Rebecca comes and tells me if I had already seen the paper and I told her no. I told her that I did not want to go see the list because if my name was not there I would be very disappointed. So my friend goes and sees the list.When Rebecca comes back she tells me that I had made the team. I asked her for real and she said "yes". I had to go and see it with my own eyes. My name was there. That whole day I was happy. When I went home I told my parents and they were proud of me, especially my dad.
    The first practice was going to be on Thursday. When Thursday came we practice passing and stopping the ball. At the end of practice the coach announced that he already had three starting players. He said, "Marilyn, Alma and Alejandra". I was not happy yet because there was another Alejandra beside me. After everyone left I went and I asked him which Alejandra and he said "you". I turn around and smile. I went home and told my dad that I was going to be a starting player.

    Quote:“If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.” -Emily Dickinson

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  96. Alicia Santana
    English 111
    Post# 5
    The incident of having a mastectomy due to breast cancer; brings realization and gratitude. Through her struggle of coping with her breast removal, Audre was able to realize the true beauty of women and was able to become more appreciative of life. In the reading selection Cancer Journals the author states “that sense has completely passed away, as I have come to realize that that well feeling was within me.” (pg.9) After surgery Audre was worried that she would not be able to tolerate the fact that she was missing her right breast and thus not considered normal or beautiful. Nevertheless, with the support of her loved one’s she was able to gain the love for her body once again. She realized that her beauty was within her, and not what society or the media accepted as beautiful. Through this illness Audre was able to perceive beauty and life in a different manner, with much more appreciation.
    Quote: I would never have chosen this path, but I am glad to be who I am today. – Audre Lorde

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  97. Alicia Santana
    Post # 6
    QHQ
    Question: Why do I have an obsession for blonde hair?
    Hypothesis: I enjoy my blonde hair because it sets me apart from the rest and it stands out.
    Question: Why do I like that my blonde hair sets me apart from the rest?
    First off lets start with my journey to becoming a blonde. This journey started at the tender age of seventeen. I was in search of my identity and seeking for something spontaneous to do. I took the bus to the nearest beauty salon and so the journey to becoming a blonde began. Becoming a blonde is a painful and time consuming task. This task requires different hair products such as bleach and toner. The bleach which lightens up the hair produces an extreme itch sensation when first placed on the scalp, however it is followed by a burning sensation. After a while, the scalp becomes accustomed to the bleach and the discomfort seems to fade. The bleach is left in place for an hour then comes the toner. The toner is used to achieve the color you desire. Soon, blonde is achieved! Nevertheless, blonde hair also requires a lot of dedication. One must remember to wash their hair every other day as opposed to every day or the blonde will fade. Little to no heat should be used on blonde hair, so straightening or curling should not be done often. Lastly, blonde hair costly I get my hair done approximately every two months.
    My blonde hair helps me stand out and makes me noticeable. As a twin, I already have someone I look like and even get confused by. Since I can not set my self apart from her, I tend to seek my individuality through my hair. Having blonde hair is a way to state my personality, fashion style and attitude. My blonde hair affirms that I am not afraid to stand out or be stared at. It states, that I’m a risk taker because not many are capable dying their hair blonde. Overall, my blonde is not only a look but a way of life.

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  98. Stephanie Villagomez
    9/17/2011
    Enlgish 111
    Posst #5
    I think it is not right how women have to become this idea that society created for them. As Audre Lorde stated in Cancer Journals, she felt it was inappropriate how the first thing they told her after her surgery if she wants prostheses. When there is no real use for it, unlike artificial limbs, dentures, etc. The only way women can survive this wolrd where we are seeing as objects, is to learn how to love ourselfs for who we are and love our bodies. If we do not accept who we are we can easily fall into anerexia, bulimia, cosmetic surgeries, to try to be "normal" in this society. It is to much pressure for women to be what society has made them out to be. Like Lorde mentions after surgery she had to learn to love her body again. With this image women are at fault when they are raped or abused at home.

    "In order to keep me available to myself and able to concentrate my energies upon the challenges of those worlds through which I move, I must consider what my bosy means to me." -Audre Lorde

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  99. Stephanie Villagomez
    9/17/2011
    English 111
    Post #6

    QHQ Interesting Vice/ Hobby/ Interest

    Question: Why do I have a fascination with a business?
    Hypothesis: It is because I love dealing with numbers, and I love a brainteaser.
    Question: Why do I have an interest in being part of the business world?
    Introduction:
    I love figuring numbers out. Therefore, being interested in business is only obvious. The great part about this interest is that I can make a career out of it. As soon as I turned eighteen years old, I went to the State Board of Equalization and got my sellers permit in Norwalk. Right that second I called the Paramount Swap meet and asked for schedules, prices, and customers. It sounded like the perfect way to open my business. That same day I logged into the Internet and found many companies where they have wholesales. I wrote down the addresses and went to them with my husband. I found great deals for the merchandise, so I bought it. I invested one thousand in the entire business including the booth in the swap meet. On that weekend I registered for Friday and Saturday, it went great for both those days made six hundred dollars. I realized that it was going to be easy getting back the money I invested, therefore I continued going every weekend after that. I been there for almost two years and it has been very successful. Enough to have my regular customers who go especially to see the new stuff I bring in. Customers even ask for a business card in case I move from my fiscal booth. It is great selling; I think it is more than just making money. I think the thing that I love most from my business that I named, Steph’s Place, is how I have created this all on my own with help from my husband. I love how I have something that I consider very successful and fun.

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  100. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 111
    Post #5

    Many people think that their appearance defines who they are. Lots of women think that the outside appearance is everything but in reality is its what they look like on the inside instead of the outside. The story “Cancer Journals” by Audre Lorde is about a woman who had found out that she had cancer and as a result in order to save her life she decided to have a mastectomy. Throughout her story she informs women about the detection of breast cancer. Most tumors can be found by a monthly breast exam, which most women should do to be safe. She uses her story to empower women about self image. She explains that after her surgery she was offered prostheses. She says “attitude towards the necessity for prostheses after breast surgery are merely a reflection of those attitudes our society towards women in general as objectifies and depersonalized sexual convinces”. Here she is saying that society objectifies women for how they should look and that a woman’s image is an expectation to fulfill men’s sexual needs. Women should accept who they are. Everybody has flaws but that’s what makes us who we are.
    Quote- “Pretense has never brought about lasting change or progress”. Andre Lorde

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  101. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 111
    QHQ # 1

    Question: Where would I like to travel?
    Hypothesis: Traveling to Jamaica would be great.
    Question: Why would I like to travel to Jamaica?

    It all started about a year and half ago where I meat a new incoming employee named LaToya. As I was getting to know her by asking her questions such as how did she like her new job? and where did she work previously? I noticed that she had an accent. I asked her where she was from. She told me she was from Montego Bay, Jamaica. I had always wanted to travel to Jamaica because I always heard that Jamaica had beautiful clear waters. It always seemed to be an exotic island to me that was very beautiful. Even on some of the game shows that I watch such as The Price Is Right would give away paid prizes to travel there. My fascination came on even stronger as I got to know Latoya. She told me about all the great activities that can be done. Judging from all of the great pictures she would take during her back home trips seemed as though they had a lot of fun.
    I also like to lean about different cultures. I like to learn about different traditions, foods, clothing, music, and many other things about different backgrounds. LaToya also familiarized me with her heritage of Jamaica. I learned from her that foods like jerk chicken, curry chicken, and curry goat are apart of Jamaican cuisine. Jamaican’s are very artistic in terms of music. Many people associate Jamaica with Reggae music. I mean who doesn’t know about Bob Marley.
    I learned a lot from my friend Latoya about Jamaica. I hope that I will one day be able to see the beautiful island so that I can mark that of my many lists of places to travel. Overall my number one reason to travel to Jamaica is to experience the culture so that I can broaden my horizons.

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  102. Julian Green
    ENG 111
    Post#6

    What you appear to be is rarely the person you portray yourself as. In a world where the media dictates what we do and who we are, it is easy to get entangled in a web of who you are trying to be. We are all given this status quo of what we should look like, but it is the women who get a majority of the abuse. Personally, I think that the media has romanticized the function of a woman. Telling them that life will be better if a wrinkle was not there or a smile was whiter. Audre Lorde said "I am personally affronted by the message that I am only acceptable if I look 'right' or 'normal,' where those norms has nothing to do with my own perceptions of who I am." What happen to accepting yourself for who you are, not for who someone else wants you to be? Reality is not romanticized. So why must we romanticize ourselves.

    "When the world gives you lemons...you pretty much just found lemons."- Bo Burnham

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  103. Liz Jimenez
    English 111
    Post #4

    Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde

    The strength and toughness of many cancer survivors really amazes me. My aunt is one of them. A couple years ago she got diagnosed with breast cancer. Fighting through it, she made it alive left with deformation in her breasts. After surgery, her attitude remained strong and positive. She never let it bring her down. Her attitude reminds of me the woman writing this article/journal. In Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde, the author went through breast cancer and surgeries herself and explains the hardship that these women go through everyday. She states that women are given the option of getting breast prostheses which are mainly for looks instead of how the women feel wearing them. Audre Lorde states, “I alone own my feelings. I can never lose that feeling because I own it because it comes out of myself. I can attach it anywhere I want because my feelings are a part of me, my sorrow and my joy .” (P 6) The strength of Audre is really inspiring and her own personal journal that she wrote after her surgery is probably what a lot of woman go through. The way a woman feels about herself should be for her and only her, not anybody else.

    “Women have been programmed to view our bodies only in terms of how they look and feel to others rather than how they feel to ourselves and how we wish to use them.” – Audre Lorde

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  104. Liz Jimenez
    English 111
    Post #5

    QHQ Food, Culture, Identity

    Question: Why is the chicken katsu from L&L Hawaiian BBQ so delicious?

    Hypothesis: It is because the crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside chicken mixed with the soft white rice lightly covered in soy sauce satisfies my hunger.

    Question: Why do I order it every time I go to L&L?

    My addiction to chicken katsu from any Hawaiian restaurant began last fall in September. One day after softball practice, my starving teammates and I went to this small, but very popular among Dominguez Hills athletes, restaurant called Hawaiian Grill. I had never eaten at any Hawaiian food place so I had no idea what to order, but my teammates soon persuaded me to order the mini chicken katsu. I am a very picky eater so I was a little bit nervous to try it. When my food arrived it looked delicious and tasted even better than it looked. I had fallen in love with chicken katsu. We went to Hawaiian Grill throughout the year but I was saddened when I had to move back home and wouldn’t have it conveniently around the corner anymore. When I moved back home this past summer, I noticed there was an L&L Hawaiian BBQ restaurant in our nearest shopping center. Curious to check it out, I went in and ordered the mini chicken katsu with all rice. Sure enough, it tasted just as yummy. L&L became the spot that my boyfriend and I would eat from at least once a week. My biggest surprise came when he ordered the exact same thing as me without even knowing it. The L&L and Hawaiian Grill menus are huge but I probably will never order anything other than the mini chicken katsu with all rice.

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  105. Charlotte Johnson
    English 111
    Post# 5

    QHQ Hobby: Drawing

    Question: How was I introduced to Drawing?

    Hypothesis: My mother did and I use art as an escape like my mother does and my master pieces turn out better when I take my time.

    Question: Why do I love to draw and why am I so good at it?

    When I was little, I used to watch my mother draw random things like detailed furniture, cartoons, and anything else that she found to be interesting to draw. She mostly drew when she was stressed out and she only let me watch her draw. Other people watching her as she drew made her nervous. My earliest memory of my mother drawing has to be when I was about four years old... She sat at the dining room table with a pad some pencils and my book. I overheard tell my aunt at go in the living room and watch TV, because she was drawing. I walked to her and asked if I could watch. She sat there and looked at me for a few seconds then said yes and that she’ll try to draw with me watching. It was a long time again so I don’t know for should, but I thing I fell in love with art then are somewhere around that time. By the time I turn five, I rarely colored out of the lines of my coloring bookings and my desire for art grew. For my fifth birthday, my mother bought me a Disney book that had about ten famous Disney stories and the most detailed drawings I have ever seen at that age. One day while watching her draw cartoons out of my Disney book, I asked her if she could make me draw like her. She laughed told me, “I don’t know how to make you draw like me but just try to draw all the lines like you see them in the book and make everything the same shape and size as you see them in the book.” I took that little tip and ran with it. I have been told that if one’s mother is really good at drawing and she has children, one of them while be really good at drawing as while. I am really good at drawing because I got it from my mother and I practiced until it was effortless. I thought I was the chosen child until my little brother started and showing signs of art genius as while. What I was in high school, I told about three hours worth of art classes. Even though I loved my classes and my teachers were very encouraging, I never could draw or paint to my satisfaction or reach my own expectations. One of the reasons is because I was always given a time limit. I remember on the first day of drawing class, one of my classmates asked me if I could draw her one day. I assumed she meant in one class day which was about an hour and ten minutes. I replied by told her, “You can’t rush art!” My drawing teacher was standing behind me as I said it, took it as a joke and laughed; even though I said it in a serious tone. My drawings come out better when I told my time. One of my assignments for drawing class was to draw a self portrait. When I finished it, I did not feel satisfied with the outcome. Because I was not happy with my class portrait, during the summer, I draw my self portrait again. I took my time and really got to look at the way all of my features are shaped, and the way the light hits certain angles on my face. I got to see how I hold my mouth when I am extremely focused. Now, I only draw when I have an image in my head that I just have to get down on paper, or when I need an escape from my responsibilities of a young woman. Drawing it very relaxing and has taught me how to focus on one thing.

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  106. Charlotte Johnson
    English 111
    Post #6

    My post on “Cancer Journals”:

    Instead of woman approaching breast cancer with fear, they should watch out for is and approach it with an opened mind. Right after women have surgery to get rid of breast cancer, they are offered breast implants. Audre Lorde, states that, “With this orientation a woman after surgery is allow no time or space within which to weep, rage, internalize, and transcend her own loss”. She has no time to accept her body the way it is, to grow from the experience, and to learn to appreciate everything she have in life on another level. They are not given any time to mourn or rise above their loss. Women are offered prosthetic breast after surgery as if it is a necessity. There is nothing wrong with a woman choosing to get plastic surgery after having a breast removed because of breast cancer, if that woman has had time to heal and grow. Prosthetics should only be use for functional limbs such as arms and legs because they are very necessary in order to life live more actively. Breast implants are only to improve our form, which is not essential to existing. Lorde said that, “Women have been programmed to view our bodies only in terms of how they look and feel to others rather than how they feel to ourselves and how we wish to use them”. In day’s world, breasts are seen as sexual things and women have been brain washed into thinking that they should have a certain type of body because of the media.

    Quote of the day:
    Evil triumphs when good men do nothing! – Edmund Burke

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  107. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #5

    QHQ: Pupusas

    Question: Why are pupusas my favorite Salvadoran dish?
    Hypothesis: I love pupusas because they are a Salvadoran dish.
    Question: How are pupusas made? How does it represent my culture?
    Pupusas are a traditional Salvadoran dish. They are made of a thick handmade corn tortilla, and can be stuffed with cheese, chicharron (pork), refried beans, and loroco. Pupusas, as easy as they look to make, require a lot of work, so my mom only makes them on special occasions. Pupusas are such a fundamental dish in El Salvador that the country has declared November 13 National Pupusa Day.
    Before preparing a pupusa my mom goes to the grocery store for the following items: flour, chicharron, cheese, loroco, cabbage, chilies, vinegar, and tomatoes. I help my mother with small details like watering the dough and grating the cheese. In a large bowl I mix the flour with water to make it moist, but firm enough to form. Meanwhile, my mom prepares the pork, fries, and grinds it. When the dough is ready she begins to slap it back and forth between both hands. To finish preparing a pupusa my mom puts the pork and cheese inside the dough and forms it into a tortilla.
    Ever since I was a young girl my mom and I have made pupusas together. Making this delicious cuisine a way to bond , and my favorite dish of all .My family is Salvadoran but I was not taught much about the culture. When we make pupusas I feel closer to the Salvadoran people, but most important closer to my mom.

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  108. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    Post #5

    Question: What has been my preferred destination?

    Hypothesis: I am not much of a traveler, but driving two hours to my father’s house in Moreno Valley is worth it.

    Question: Have you ever been to a place were you felt incredibly loved and welcomed?

    Answer: I have been traveling to Moreno Valley since the age of 16. At this age my father decided to leave Los Angeles and start a new life in the Valley. His decision to move to the Valley was mainly influence by my mother. My parents are divorced and ever since I can remember they haven’t been in the best of terms. At this particular time my parents were having a lot of arguments. As a result, my father decided that moving a few a miles away would ease their situation and in fact it did.
    My dads house is located in a corner of big street called Oliver Street. His house stands out from the rest. It is lime green, and has big square windows with white framing. Its porch has stairs that are made out of red bricks. Surrounding the house are roses of every color in the rainbow. Life inside my father’s house is very peaceful and loving. Usually Mexican families are loud but my father’s home is very settle. My father lives with his wife and 3 children. My father’s wife is educated and loving. She is not what you would called your typical “stepmother”. Every time I arrived to my fathers house, they welcome me with open arms. My little brothers are always the ones to greet me first, with hugs and kisses. My father is always very excited to see his pair of twins. He is the last one to greet me. He always gives me a big, powerful hug. In his arms I feel like a child again. I feel very protected. However, whenever I go visit my father my stepmother always cooks a special dinner for my arrival. She always tries to accommodate me and makes me feel at home. The dinner she cooks is always based on what I desire. After we have dinner, we take time to catch up about certain things that have been happening in our lives. However, what I love the best about visiting my father is that although I don’t live there, I still have my own room. My room totally fits my personality. My bedroom contains huge mirrors which are perfect for a girl who is very self conscious. It also has a walk in closet, which is perfect for all my clothes and shoes.
    On the other hand, my least favorite part about traveling to Moreno Valley is when I finally have to go back home. In particular, saying good bye to my siblings and father is the hardest part of this trip. They all walk me to my car and one by one they give me hugs and kisses. My father again is the last one to say good bye. He whispers in my ear I love you and off I go to Los Angeles.

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  109. Lissete Rivera
    English 111
    Post #5

    QHQ Hobby: Dance


    Question: Why do I enjoy dancing?

    Hypothesis: Since I can remember in every party or reunion my family had, there was always music; my grandparents, my parents, aunts, and cousins will dance until they couldn’t anymore.

    Question: Why is it that my body automatically starts moving every single time there’s music around?

    When I was a young girl I used to watch my family dance whenever they had a party or a family reunion. My mom and her sisters would dance with each other and they always had a smile in their face. I was little and I would just watch them and think to myself “How fun!” when I got older I began to dance with them, I was not as good as they were, but I had learned some steps just by watching them. My mother then taught me some Cumbia and Salsa steps, at first I wasn’t able to keep up with her because she dances fast, but as I continued to practice at parties or on my own I was then eventually able to dance a whole song without looking down at my feet.
    Every time I hear music I start moving my feet to the rhythm, now I cannot be sitting down at a party; it doesn’t matter the type of music they are playing I always get up and dance. I am not a professional dancer, but I do enjoy myself and the time when I am dancing because I always learn new steps. Dancing in front of others has helped me to become a confident person, not to be shy about myself; I have met many people some of them who are now my good friends.
    Also dancing has become my new exercise and is a useful way to release my stress. When I am stressed out I like to go to Zumba class; which is a dance class of different types of dancing all at once: it varies from Salsa, Cumbia, Nortenas, to Bachata, and Belly dance. During that time I release my stress and forget about what is worrying me at that moment. After I am done I face my problems with a different preservative and continue the rest of my day with enthusiasm and energy.

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  110. Cynthia Dang
    Eng 111
    Post # 4

    One of the biggest fears that women could ever have is to find out that they have breast cancer. Although the thought of getting a mastectomy on breasts is frightening, women should not be scared of this and should appreciate what they have after they surgery. In “Cancer Journals”, Audre Lorde states, “I must also separate those external demands about how I look and feel to others, from what I really want for my own body, and how I feel to myself.” Par. 8. The speaker explains how she is starting to accept her new body after the surgery and how she is not ashamed of it. This is a life threatening situation that has made me realize that I should start appreciating everything that I have right now and not take anything for granted.

    "A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely." - Roald Dahl

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  111. Cynthia Dang
    Eng 111
    Post #6

    QHQ

    Question: Why do I like going to concerts events?
    Hypothesis: I like going to see my favorite groups perform live.
    Question: Why do I like going to Korean concerts the most?
    Music is my passion. I listen to all sorts of genres such as pop, rock, and r&b. The first concert that I have ever attended was a rock concert when I was in Eighth grade and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The atmosphere that is filled inside an arena containing thousands of people feels like an adrenaline rush because everyone is there screaming and cheering for the same group.
    As time went by, my music selection began to expand into listening to music from other countries such as Europe and Asia. Although I did not understand what they are saying in the songs, just hearing these songs sounded amazing because they had unique rhythms. I recently got into listening to Korean music and have been attending Korean concerts ever since. The vibes at these concerts are completely different from Americans because the fans show their support to their favorite groups in a different style. They actually have fan clubs that organize what color the fans should wear and what to chant to cheer. These concerts are fun and exciting to attend because you get to meet some interesting people and just have a good time.

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  113. Melissa Pacheco
    English 111
    Post#6

    Cancer Journals

    Society judges appearances as normal or abnormal, but many people who are seen as "abnormal" have a deeper meaning behind it. In "Cancer Journals," by Audre Lorde, she discusses the loss of her right breast from breast cancer. She disliked the fact that people get implants or prosthetics, becasue we as people are very judgemental and always want to fix something we may lack in. Audre Lorde states, " After surgery,I most certainly did not feel better with a lambswool puff stuck in the the front of my bra. The real truth is that certain other people feel better with that lump stuck into my bra because they do not have to deal with me nor themselves in the terms of morality nor in terms of difference." (paragraph 5) In the quote above, Audre describes that no one knows how she feels inside, but knows how she looks on the outside, which is she is missing her right breast. I agree with Audre becasue my aunt had breast cancer and lost one of her breast and had to deal with mental and physical trauma after her surgery. In result, our eyes always see what is symentrical, but in reality we need a new perspective.

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  114. Melissa Pacheco
    English 111
    20 September 2011
    Post #5
    QHQ Hobby: Playing the Guitar
    Question: How was I introduced to playing the guitar?
    Hypothesis: My mother’s friend told me that I needed to accompany my singing by playing the guitar.
    Question: Why is playing the guitar my hobby?
    It all started my junior year of high school. I sang at my church on the worship team and became fascinated with leading instead of back up singing. As I mentioned before, my mother’s friend who plays the guitar told me that she would teach me to play the guitar so that I could be a worship leader. She then began to teach me the basics of playing the guitar, which consisted of the positions of my fingers in order to play chords and how to strum the guitar in a four count, which is the common strum for many songs. After I had played a sequence of chords and learned my first song, I was hooked.
    After learning more songs I began to lead worship in small settings then eventually progressed to leading in my church. I even had the opportunity to sing at my high school graduation which consisted of ten thousand people. I love playing the guitar because it gives me a calm spirit as I play, whether I am in my room alone or in front of hundreds of people. I feel like playing my guitar gives me peace in a stressful day and joy when I am feeling sad. I have to admit that it took a lot of practice to become the guitarist I am today, and perseverance to not quit when it was challenging. Now I currently lead worship at a college group at my church and sing at weddings, retreats, and funerals. I also get asked to guest sing and lead at other churches. Playing the guitar has given me tranquility in life and the same for the people who are listening.

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  115. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    Post #5

    "Cancer Journals"

    On the first of every month when I’m taking a shower I do the self breast exam and take a deep breath after I am finish because I felt nothing. Being told you have cancer has to be the worst news anyone could ever hear, but as a women and being told you have breast cancer would be even worse news. The fact that one may have to get a mastectomy of one or both breast some women may wish for death. To have what you may think that defines you as women taken away from you is something that Audre Lorde writes about in “Cancer Journal”. She writes “to insist to every woman who has lost a breast that she is no different from before” (1). But they are different than they were before. They no longer have what they had believe defined them as women. They need to search for a new identity. It’s what Lorde did in herself and was able to take her life back and not let her breast define what made her a woman.

    "When I mourn my right breast, it is not the appearance of it I mourn, but the feeling and the reality of the fact." Audre Lorde

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  116. Francisco Lopez
    English 111
    Post #6

    In the reading “Cancer Journals” by Audre Lourde, she states that she has breast cancer and explains how she felt throughout the situation. She was angry because they cut off one of her breast and replaced it with a fake one. Audre Lorde said that there is nothing wrong with using a prostheses, but thing was that prostheses were invented for function not form. The only prosthesis that was invented and was not functional are breast. This is what I believe that got her the angriest because everyone sees breasts and women like objects. People tent to ignore that breast actually have function, and are not just a sexual convenience.
    Quote of the day
    “As women, we fight this depersonalization everyday, this pressure towards the conversion of one’s own self-image into a media expectation of what might satisfy male demand”
    -Audre Lourde

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  117. Francisco Lopez
    English 111

    QHQ1 Hobby: Gardening

    Question: How was I introduced to gardening?
    Hypothesis: In my own house
    Question: When did gardening become my hobby?

    It all began when I was Fifteen years old. My family and I moved out of South Los Angeles to Paramount. We moved into a residential area, and I noticed that everyone maintained their lawns nice and green. Everyone in their own way tried to make their yards look different from one another. I thought that this was amazing because I was coming from an area that no one cared about how their lawns looked. Then when we finally got to our new home I saw that our lawn was a complete mess since no one has lived there for a couple a months. So I began to water the grass and that where it all started.
    I watered the grass twice, once in the morning before going to school, and once at dusk. After a couple of weeks finally I started seeing some improvements in the grass. I did not have a lawnmower at that time, but did not notice that there was this old lady looking at me. She came forward and asked me what my name was, so I answered her. She also asked me if I was interested in a job. She told me that she has been seeing me water my grass everyday and that she believed that I would do a great job. She needed someone to maintain her garden because she was too old to do it herself. I told her that I would love to maintain her garden, but I did not have the tools. She smiled at me and told me, “let’s make a deal, you maintain my garden and I will let you have my lawnmower and some extra tools.” After that it was history. She recommended me t her friend, and when I least expected it I was maintaining most of my neighbors gardens.
    Now I am 20 years old and maintain about twenty yards. I know how to install sprinkler systems, timers, and even come up with ideas on how to design gardens. I take a look back in time and become truly grateful. It is because of gardening that I have always had a couple of bucks in my pocket, and it is because of gardening that I stood out of a lot of trouble. I do not know if gardening is a career that I would pursue, but I do know that gardening will always be a part of me.

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  118. Lissete Rivera
    English 111
    Post #6

    Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde

    Many women do not realize that Breast cancer is common and can happen to anyone. Some of us are not aware that self-examination of the breast can help detect a tumor. Women hear about breast cancer and cancer in general but for some reason they believe that it is all a myth or that it would never happen to them. They do not believe it until they experience it themselves or a close relative has to go through it. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, but it was detected early that the malicious cells were able to be removed on time. Even though my grandmother did not have to go through a mastectomy, it was brought to the family’s consciousness that breast cancer is a struggle that many women fight day by day and that any of us can suffer from it. Many women are “programmed” to believe that physical and outside appearance are more important, if one does not dress or speak accordingly to” what is in “one is not accepted in society. If a woman is missing a breast she is not normal. Aundre Lorde says: “Where normal means the ‘right’ color, shape, size, or number of breasts, a woman’s perception of her own body” a woman cannot be missing a breast and still considered beautiful. Women should reach out to those other women who have suffered from breast cancer and now are missing a breast. Let them know that we are aware that this can happen to anyone and they are not alone, also let them know that our perception of beauty has not been damaged by the distorted expectations of others.

    “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
    -Marilyn Monroe

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  119. Milan Foston
    CSUDH
    English 111
    QHQ
    Interest: White Water Rafting
    Question: Why I am so fascinated with White Water Rafting?
    Hypothesis: I love adventure and new things and since an older teacher of mine used to raft it has sparked my interest ever since.
    Question: Why have I not yet gone white water rafting?

    Ever since I was a young child I was always the kid to be the daring adventurous one. For some reason I was blessed with the ability to not fear a lot of things that others do. When asking around most people would say no when invited to go white water rafting because it is a risky and sometimes fatal hobby. However I believe that since you only live once everyone should have a moment where the put their fear aside, understand the odds of something bad happening are low, and just go with it. I love water, I love being scared, and I love the thrill of rides. So in my opinon white water rafting involves all three. There are two reasons why I have not yet been though. One being that I'm not sure where the nearest legitimate place is so I can go, and two, I have no one who is daring enough to go with me. Maybe I will run into someone one day who will.

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  120. Ryan Evans
    English 111
    Post #5

    "Cancer Journals"

    Cancer is a tough thing to face for anyone. When cancer effects some ones life it effects many more then just that person. For most woman with breast cancer this effects their entire family. Most kids don't understand why their mom is sick with cancer, and in the worst cases losing their mom entirely because of breast cancer. As for woman I think that they shouldn't fear breast cancer but try to be more aware. I think woman should become knowledgeable of different cases, as well as learning how to properly exam your self for cancer. "I am free of the constraints and fears and indecision of my my younger years, and survival throughout these years has taught me how to value my own beauty and how to look closely into the beauty of others." Woman are extremely tough on themselves and the fact that many woman that face cancer learn to see the beauty of themselves on the inside rather then how they look on the outside is wonderful. I think woman are much to hard on themselves and the fact that it takes a hard fight with something like cancer to learn their is more to a person then the way they look is crazy. Woman should become happy for themselves and in turn will find someone that can enjoy them for who they really are no matter how they look.

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  121. Anahi Garcia
    Eng 111
    Post#5

    Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde

    People always have an inner strength that helps them get through any situation, no matter how unpleasant it is. For a woman, finding out that she has breast cancer is very devastating. I have not gone through this experience, nor have I seen it in my family, but I am a woman, and finding out that me or anyone from my family has breast cancer would be sad. In the article "Cancer Journals" Audre Lorde describes her life as a victim or breast cancer. However, in the article we discover a woman whom even though at first was devastated and traumatized by the lost of one of her breast due to breast cancer, she was able to accept herself as she was. Lorde was a woman who viewed herself and her age different from what society views women her age. Lorde states, "I find myself as a woman of insight ascending into my highest powers, and greatest psychic strengths, and my fullest satisfactions" (pg. 1,paragraph 2). She describes that her years have made her value her own beauty. Furthermore, she adds "in order to keep me available to my self and able to to concentrate my energies upon the challenges of these worlds through which i move, I must consider what my body means to me" (pg. 2, paragraph 8). It was not easy for her to assimilate the situation, but she was a woman with defined values and she knew that she would not give up on life. She knew that she had to put aside what society demanded from her as a woman and keep in mind how she felt about herself. Through her own experienced, Lorde teaches us that we need to take challenges in a positive perspective to be able to get through them.

    Quote:"I alone own my feelings. I can never lose that feeling because I own it because it comes out of myself" (Lorde, page 3, paragraph 6).

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  122. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    Post # 6
    QHQ #1: Hobby: Dancing
    Question: Why do I find any excuse to go out dancing?

    Hypothesis: I have to get my fix of dancing and since I can no longer go to the club every weekend like I did when I was younger and single I turn to Zumba which I discover to be even better than dancing.

    Question: Why is Zumba better than dancing?

    I have been dancing since I was a five years old. It all started with “La Raspa” when I was in kindergarten for a 5 de Mayo celebration. When I finished dancing for all the parents I ran to my mom and told her that I never wanted to stop dancing and that I needed to go to dancing school. Soon after that I was dancing ballet and tap at the local park. But soon after that I wanted to try something new, I wanted to wear big dresses, heals and dance. And my mother found the right dance school for me. I began to dance Ballet Folklorico which is traditional Mexican dances. I had the opportunity to wear lots of big dresses, heals, and dance. I danced Ballet Folklorico from ages eight to seventeen. I stop dancing for a couple of years after my Ballet Folklorico teacher pass away.
    When I turn twenty I got the crazy idea of joining the Army, where I rediscover my love for dancing. I would leave the military base and go into town and one day saw that they had salsa classes. I first thought salsa classes from Germans what do they know about salsa. But soon discover they had some of the greatest salsa dancers I have ever seen, not to count New Yorkers who by my opinion are the greatest salsa dancers in the world. For eight years I dance salsa till I discover something better than salsa, better than dancing folkorico, ballet, tap or just dancing. I discover Zumba.
    Zumba is hip-hop, samba, salsa, meringue, mambo, martial arts, bollywood, and belly dancing all in one. What a better way to dance and get excises in. Now that I am married and have two small children is hard to say goodnight mommy is going to the club to dance see you guys later. With Zumba you can go at anytime that there is a class. They are classes in the morning, afternoon, or at night. I also don’t need to feel guilty saying goodnight to my children because mommy is going to excises which is promoting a healthy life style. That is way I believe that Zumba is better than just dancing.

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  123. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #6

    Cancer Journals

    Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde speaks about breast cancer and the emotions behind it. Lorde discusses the importance society puts on women’s physical beauty. “Cancer Inc. insists to every women who has lost a breast that she is no different from before and with a few ounces of silicone gel she can pretend to herself and the watching world (1). This does not allow women to face reality because it gives them an escape from it. All women can only look a certain way and any difference is abnormal and needs to be fixed. Women who face such a malignant disease and survive are filled with strength. Some learn to see beauty for what it is and not for what everyone makes us believe. Physical body parts should not define what, or who a women is. Just like Lorde realized, breasts did not define who she was.

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  124. Araceli Angel
    English 111
    Professor Hsiao
    19 September 2011
    QHQ
    Question: Why does art have play a huge role on stress relief?
    Hypothesis: My previous semester I took six classes while working full time. During my art class, I was able to release stress and relax from all the pressure I had outside the classroom.
    Question: What does art have to do with relieving my stress and pressure?
    Last semester I decided to put myself up for a challenge. It was something that I knew that would push me into managing my time and working harder. At that moment when I added those six classes to my schedule, I felt confident about what I was capable of doing, but I had to prove it to myself.
    For the first few weeks, I had a really hard time adjusting to the busy schedule and sacrificing a lot of time with the friends and family. My schedule consisted of the following routine: Monday through Thursday; Wake up before sunrise, bathe, get dressed, drive to school and have back to back classes from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. After, drive to work and be on duty from 1:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. After work, get started on my homework and readings. Friday was my day off from work and I was able to catch up on sleep, homework, and errands. Saturday and Sunday I worked from 12:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. This routine went on through out the semester. Time was very limited and I always felt as if there was not enough time in each day. Everything was moving by so fast and I needed to slow down.
    Art was my last class on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It was my favorite time during the week. As soon as I walked in the classroom, the environment was stress friendly. The professor never pressured us to completing the assignments. We worked at our own pace but it was no excuse to abuse and leave assignments to the last minute. When doing my art assignments, I felt weight coming off my back. In those moments, it was my right side of the brain being creative and the left side finally relaxing. I was able to slow down and loosen up for that moment. I painted, cut, paste, rip paper, spray painted and got my hands dirty. There was no limit to what I was able to create. Art was my escape and the time
    We are all used to daily routines going to school, work, or even both. The human left side of the mind is constantly always thinking about problems that are going on in our lives, things we have to get done, things we have to do or bills we have to pay. All we do is think, think, and more thinking. We are always on the go and never have a moment to ourselves. We all have to learn how to stop and take a moment dedicated to ourselves. No matter how limited you are in time or how much work we have to get done because if we don’t have that time to ourselves, we will drive ourselves crazy.
    Art saved me last semester. I managed to raise my GPA, pass all my classes, and gain discipline for myself. Various times, I doubted myself because there was only so much I can do. During art, I slowed down, got creative, and took that time for myself. I realized that art was my stress reliever and my way or rejuvenating myself. We all need to know what is our stop sign. We need to know what rejuvenates us personally.

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  125. Ryan Evans
    English 111
    Post #6
    QHQ

    Question- Why do I enjoy pork chops so much?
    Hypothesis- Pork-chops bring back memories of my family being all together.
    Question-- Who would cooks the best Pork-chops

    Before I everyone in my family got jobs and became to busy to all be together on the same night my Grandmother would make the greatest pork-chops and cream corn. I would walk in the door and the smell would consume you. The smell of all the flavors and the noise of all the ones I love around. I enjoyed the dinner as much as getting to see everyone in the same place. My family is from the middle of the country so this would only happen once in awhile but, when your young the time seems like it will never end. The pork chops would finally be ready and we would all gather around the table and pull a slap of chops on to each plate. My mouth would begin to water with excitement. This meal is one of my favorite meals because of the memories it brings back. The ability to sit around the table with great food and the ones you love are many times overlooked but now that I am much older, it is hard to find time to get everyone together. I miss this time especially with my grandparents getting older and older each year, but I know when the time does come this meal will always remind me of the love she had for my Mom and our family which is a great memory to have.

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  126. Araceli Angel
    English 111
    Post#5

    Cancer Journals

    Cancer never excuses anyone. Just because you are younger, older, taller or shorter, cancer will not excuse you. Its known to be of a silent death that puts everyone at risk. It is a scary thought to have but it is reality. How Audre Lorde states "Women need to face the possibility and the actuality of breast cancer as a reality rather than as myth or retribution or terror in the night or bad dream that will disappear if ignored." Even though she directs this my mentioning women, it reflects upon everyone. Men are at risk of having breast cancer as well and it has happened. A couple of my family members have been detected with breast cancer and on recently passed due to this case. A couple of months ago, my grandfather was detected with cancer in the lung. It is unavoidable and there is no escape. Its a frightening thought that i have a higher risk of having cancer because of previous family members that have cancer.
    This story is full of emotion because of the situations. Her experience through this story helped her realize various things. Just because her breast were removed, it made her no less than a woman.


    "Things will get better"

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  127. Juan Quinones
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #5
    QHQ

    Question: Why do I like to workout?

    Hypothesis: 3 reasons : I like to look good, helps me perform better physically in sports, and it will keep me healthy in the long run.

    Question: why do I have a fascination with health?

    I went from eating Wingstop, Jack in the Box, to eating home made chicken breast and oatmeal. I decided that I want to be in the best shape I could be and knew that the right diet would help. Physically training 5 to 6 times a week. High intensity workouts for an hour or two a day. Working two body parts a day to give more emphasis on each type of muscle. Eating high fat foods for low fat foods and consuming more protein and complex carbs instead of simple carbs that don't benefit your body like candy and sugary foods. Consuming about a gallon of water or more a day, knowing that it will keep my body running smoother than drinking high sugar juices, and sodas. Consuming more vegetable and fruits daily than ever before. Knowing that the right snacks like fruits instead of chips would do all the difference to improving my health. Cutting small things out my diet that would benefit me greatly. Knowing that sacrifices will help me in the long run. Don't want to put stress on my kids when i get older having to worry about a sick old man. I want to be physically ready to play with my kids all day, instead of taking them with me to the hospital for a heart surgery or check ups. Continuos workouts with the right diet will increase the years in my life if all goes well. Continuously learning all facts and ways to get healthier day by day. Besides the benefit of looking yourself in the mirror and seeing a body that you enjoy having. As a male you like to see that you have built your body with muscles and fat. Plus you like the attention of the ladies and the variety of girls that you approach or visa versa.

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  128. Juan Quinones
    Post #6
    CSUDH
    English 111

    Cancer JOurnals

    The worst thing that can possibly happen to anyone is hearing the news that you have cancer. Probably the biggest fear of every human been. For a Women the biggest fear is Breast Cancer. "Cancer Journals" by Audre Lorde gives some facts of Breast Cancer. A couple of months i met a girl that was detected with the beginning of skin cancer. She has gotten operated a couple of times already because the doctors are attempting to eliminate all cancer cells and avoid it from spreading. It must be the hardest things to deal with. Having to worry about your future and how your life would change if you had no chance of surviving such disease. Sometimes my Mom mentions that she feels a bump in her breast. I can't imagine having to deal with the news that my mother could have such disease. My life would change. My Dad already had a heart attack and my life was completely changed mentally. " the greatest incidence of breast cancer in American women appears within the ages 40 to 55." (paragraph 2)THis facts scares me because my mom is between those numbers. Thank God so far she has got check ups and came out clean. But just thinking about it and reading this facts affect me and make me think pessimistically. But women should never give up because a lot of women that have been pronounced with Caner have survived. My friends sister survived cancer at a young age. Now she is another active teen. It was a tough time, but I know that there life changed with that experience.

    "Things will get better"

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  129. Anahi Garcia
    Eng 111
    post #6

    QHQ: Favorite Destination Traveling

    Question : What has been my favorite destination ?

    Hypothesis: I have not visited many places, but I have had the opportunity to visit an amazing place, Yosemite which has been my favorite place.

    Question: Have you ever been to a place where you feel freed from the very day routine as you enjoy an environment of pure nature?

    Answer: I enjoy traveling even if it is just outside the city. Travelling makes me feel relief from my worries and stress. My favorite trip of all times has been to Yosemite. During my high school junior year, I participated in a paid internship program, in which twenty applicants were selected to be part of it. I was glad to have been one of the selected candidates because I knew that I would visit a place where I had never been. This program involved being a leader and learning useful job skills. But my favorite part of this program was the trip to Yosemite.
    The trip was eight hours long to get there, but I was excited to discover the beauty of a place I had only seen in pictures. When I got there, I was amazed to be in a place where freedom could be smelled on the wind. We spent the first two days in the institute where we arrived. On the third day, the entire group was separated in two groups and went to camp out in the wideness. My group went near a lake. Even though we could not go inside the water, because there were no life guards, the view was awesome. The lake was surrounded by a rock mountain and by trees. In addition, Even thought it was July, there was still some snow, and for the first time I was able to touch it. From the top of the mountains, I was also able to perceive live the real beauty of nature, trees, water, beautiful gray/white colored rocks, and snow.
    Not only was beauty perceived during the day, but during the night as well. In LA, the stars are barely visible because of smog. But in Yosemite, because of the environment and the altitude of the place, the stars are seen so close. At Yosemite, one could see thousands of starts so near, that it feels as if one would be in space instead of in earth. During the night, as the whole sleep in their sleeping bags out of the camping tents, I stayed awake for quite a while, staring at the stars and enjoying their beauty. I was also wondering how close they actually were.
    This trip to Yosemite was such an amazing and unforgettable experience. I just cannot recall another place that has made me feel so free and alive. This experience was unique. Even though I missed my family and my house, the beauty and mood of this placed made me forget a little about home and the life in the city.

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  130. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  131. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 111
    Professor Hsiao
    September 22, 2011
    QHQ # 2
    Question: When did I star riding bikes?
    Hypothesis: I love riding bikes because it takes away my stress.
    Question: Why do I love to ride bikes?
    It all started when I was six years old. It was every child’s favorite time of year which was Christmas. I remember waking up early a little before the sun rose. I was excited because I wanted to see if Santa Claus had got me the one thing I had wanted all year which was a bicycle. When I got up my grandmother told me to see what Santa Claus got me. There I saw it. It was pink and white with pink tassels dangling from the two handle bars. I had also gotten a pink helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. It also came with training wheels. I was so excited. I thought I was the happiest kid on earth. The same day all the kids went outside to play with their new toys and so did I. My father came outside with me and said that he would teach me to ride my bike because I never owned one neither did I know how to ride one. He told me to get on and to hold onto the handle bars. He then told me to push the peddles forward so that I would begin to take off. I ran into the grass a few times but after trying all day I finally got the hang of it. A couple months later my dad told me that I was so good at riding my bike that I should try it without the training wheels. The first time I tried riding my bike without training wheels it was a disaster. I remember falling off of my bike plenty of times. I ran into cars, trash cans, and even people. If you name it I ran into it. I even fell and scraped my arms and legs. It was a good thing that I was equipped safety equipment otherwise; I would have been seriously hurt by all the falling I was doing. Eventually I got the hang of riding a bike.
    I am now 21 years old and I ride my back every time I get a chance. If I didn’t live so far I would ride it to school. I ride my bike to the park, to my friend’s house, and my all time favorite the beach. My favorite place to ride my bike is to the beach is because I get to be around a lot of different people that like riding bikes. I also like going to the beach to ride my bike because it very relaxing. I get to feel the wind in my face along with seeing the ocean waves hit the sand . My favorite time of the day at the beach is when the sun looks like it’s about to hit the horizon line. The sun looks as though it’s going to sink into the ocean with its red orange color.
    Many people have their different hobbies such as collecting things or skiing but mines is riding bikes. I bike ride because it allows me to take my mine off of a lot of things whether it be school, work, or things in my personal life. It allows me to block out all outside things that bother me. It also helps me to get exercise that I need. I don’t see it as working out but instead I see it as just doing something that I love.

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  132. As people go through life faith is tested. Faith can be tested through many different things including temptation and hardships. In the work “ At His Disposal” by Mother Teresa it talks about the spiritual journey of the religious figure Mother Theresa. She writes about many different reflections on her spiritual journey. At one point in the story it states. “ God was despoiling her of every natural and supernatural support: her isolation was so total that she could compare it only to hell”. Here it is talking about Mother Theresa is going through a temptation of her faith to God. She states “what will I tell you? I have nothing since I have not got Him- who my heart and soul long posses. Aloneness is so great- from within and from without I find no one to turn to”. Here she is taking about how she feels being without God. She mentions that it is a terrible thing. I think that this part she is sending out a message that people need to know God. People need to know about his goodness. People get tested by their faith everyday whether it being a influence to steal or to kill. It can also be a test of faith by having a devastating change in life that turn’s out to be bad. People must remain faithful to their faith.
    Quote: “It often happens that those who spend their time giving light to others, remain in darkness themselves”.- Mother Theresa

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  133. Liz Jimenez
    English 111

    Post #6

    “At His Disposal” by Mother Teresa

    The world is a harsh place. And many times the faith in God is tested. The struggles that people go through in the end makes them stronger. But with the help of Him and if the people seek His help, they won’t have to go through it alone. In “At His Disposal” by Mother Teresa, it talks about her spiritual journey and what she went through to help herself and other people. Mother Teresa emphasizes praying, “Pray for me—for the life within me is harder to live. To be in love and yet not in love, to live in faith and yet not to believe, to spend myself and yet be in total darkness—Pray for me.” Mother Teresa is being tested on her faith and love in God. All of the people that she came across, she was able to bring them into the light by embracing their darkness and with the help of Him. The struggles that she goes through teach her valuable lessons that she can cherish forever.

    “Let us love Jesus with our whole heart, soul, and mind.” – Mother Teresa

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  134. Charlotte Johnson
    English 111
    Post #7

    My post on “At His Disposal” by Mother Teresa

    Mother Teresa spent her life taking on other people’s dimness in order to bring them to Jesus serving at the disposal of God. In India there was a war between the Hindus and Muslims in which she witnessed. Thousands of people lost there homes over night. She saw the hundreds of dead and wound poor people as the dreadful effects of sin. She stated, “Pray for our people… What harm sin can do. What a terrible world this is.” She asked people in other lands for their prayers and sacrifices. She demanded a man that goes by Father Neuner to sacrifice as well by telling him, “The Sisters are in Carambolin and have already started work among God’s poor Pray for them that they may do well and bring many souls to God.” Bringing people to God out of the darkness is not easy because she had to go into the darkness herself. When people connect their vows with Jesus, they accept the same fate as Jesus. Jesus did not sin until he took on all of our sin. He father did not accept him because God did not accept sin. The Author stated that, “His Father did not claim him as him son, as he did at the baptism by St. John and Baptist and at Transfiguration… because God cannot accept sin and Jesus had taken on sin.” Jesus sacrificed his self so that sinners can be accepted and forgiven by God. Mother Teresa had her dark times as well. Mother Teresa said, “It often happens that those who spend their time giving light to others, remain in darkness themselves.”

    Quote of the day:
    “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”
    -Carl Gustay Jung

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  135. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng111
    Post#7

    “At His Disposal”

    Sometimes we have to sacrifice in order to help others. Mother Teresa had to sacrifice her feelings just to help the poor and the people that needed it. Mother Teresa wants others to pray for people that have greater problems; she mentioned the Hindus, Muslims and India. Mother Teresa states, “for the life within me is harder to live. To be in love and yet not in love, to live in faith and yet not to believe, to spend myself and yet be in total darkness.” (pg1, paragraph 3) Here she is telling Father Neuner that she wanted him to pray for her. She was letting him know that she was going through confusion and wanted to get out of it. She knew that she was helping others by making them believe but in the inside she did not believe. When we sacrifice ourselves for others, we also want others to do the same for us.
    Quote: “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. “- Maya Angelou

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  136. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #7

    “At His Disposal”

    In “At His Disposal,” by Mother Teresa she is experiencing a time of trial within herself. She has an interior darkness that only God can shed light on. Mother Teresa states, “Darkness was the price of lighting” (5). She was ready to take on any suffering and as a result she hoped to give light to others. She was called to share the lot of the poor and in doing so, she became without God. She had a deep desire to love God but she could not. She saw her sisters who were with God, hoping that would give her consolation but it was mixed with disappointment. Like Jesus sacrificed himself for sinners, Mother Teresa sacrificed herself for the poor.

    Quote: “If there is hell, this must be one.”

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  137. Melissa Pacheco
    English 111
    CSUDH
    Post #7

    "At His Disposal"

    To be a true servant of God you must become selfless and put others first. Mother Teresa did that exact thing, she helped the poor and constantly lived to please God and not man. In "At His Disposal," by Mother Teresa, she gives insight on becoming more like Jesus and less like herself. She constantly is interceiding for her brothers and sisters that are falling away from the straight and narrow. Mother Teresa also states, "by embracing their darkness, she was bringing them to the light-Jesus." This quote refers to the longing heart of Mother Tersa wanting to find and convert the lost souls of the world. Mother Teresa also makes a statement that without God it is Hell and she has no comfort of God. Mother Teresa's goal was to be at God's diposal meaning to be used by God, not for selfish ambition, but for His glory. I agree with Mother teresa that we must loose one's self in order to help the poor and gain no glory but give it to God.

    " I do not ask Him to change His attitude towards me or His plans for me. I only ask Him to use me."
    -Mother Teresa

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  138. Francisco Lopez
    English111
    Post7
    "At His Disposal" by Mother Teresa

    In this reading Mother Teresa shares with her audience the experiences she faced when a war broke loose in Calcutta in 1964. She sacrificed herself in order to bring love to the poor. Mother Teresa said, "It would break your heart to see thousands of people left homeless-just overnight." Throughout her journey she has seen much sin and her goal was to pray for all the sins that were committed. But as time passed all the hatred that she saw soon caught up to her. Mother Teresa began to loose faith and needed someone to pray for her too. She was compared as Jesus because he too became a sinner in order to save others.

    Quote: "How terrible is is to be without God-no prayer-no faith- no love..."

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  139. Cynthia Dang
    Eng# 111
    Post#7

    "At His Disposal"

    Mother Teresa has spent her whole life doing good deeds by sacrificing her time to help others. She has witnessed many unfortunate events such as the war between Hindus and Muslims. "We need much prayers and sacrifices from you people in the other lands..." (Par. 2) She wanted to pray for all the goodness and help the ones that needed it the most. Also bringing them closer to God and spread the happiness that God would bring them. This has made me reflect on my own actions to start paying more attention to other people and help them through their struggles. Mother Teresa wanted to follow the same footsteps as God and spread peace all around and wanted to make sure that people would not commit sins.

    "I think it is all a matter of love: the more you love a memory, the stronger and stranger it is."
    -Vladimir Nabokov

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  140. Trenishia Session
    Post#6
    Eng 111

    "At His Disposal"
    When you make a sacrifice for other's happiness, what your sacrificing is your own happiness. even if you pride yourself on seeing others prosper or find 'the light'. Mother Teresa was hurt to see what a terrible world this is, she was heartbroken by the people left homeless, and the violence within our world. She knew the answer was prayer and the spread of God's love. In "at his disposal" Mother Teresa says "To be a channel of God's peace and spread His love through the expansion on her mission exacted numerous sacrifices from Mother Teresa." (3) What she didnt know was that sheding light would cost her, causing her darkness. "Mother Teresa Recognized that her darkness was the price of lighting."(5) i have experienced this in my own life, by attempting to help others i have endured heartache and an understanding that some people aren't worth it if they dont appreciate it. i pride myself on helping others and even though it sometimes leaves you in the dark in the end you get an unbeatable satisfaction that you've made a difference. something that most people wont care to do because their too selfish.

    Favorite quote: "It often happens that those who spend their time giving light to others, remain in darkness themselves"

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  141. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  142. Ryan Evans
    English 111
    Post # 7

    Mother Teresa gives her whole life to help others, she shows the true sign of selflessness by taking on a life of sacrifices. Mother Teresa endures the pain and darkness to help so many others find the light of God. "To light the fire of Love" (paragraph 3) Teresa shows that by teaching people to love and have faith hatred and violence will cease to exist. With love of God you will never be alone of forgotten even in the darkest of times.

    "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breath then you will be successful!!"

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  143. Araceli Angel
    English 111
    Post #6

    At His Disposal
    After reading "At His Disposal", it seems as if Mother Theresa lived by harmony. She gave for others more than she was able to give herself. She managed to pray for others in need and give to those who were in need. "It often happens that those who spend their time giving the light to others, remain in darkness themselves." No matter what it took from her, she always gave even if she did not have to give. Her heart was big, and her spirit was only bigger.She was very faithful and always believed in the hope if God. She isolated herself in darkness for 15 years of her life,yet enjoyed it. In times like today, no one is giving, caring and a big sacrificer like herself. A quote that really stood out to me was "...for the life within me is harder to live. to be in love and yet not in love, to live in faith and yet not to believe, to spend myself and yet be in total darkness.." I see it as a bit of a contradictions for some examples that she gave but she was able to paint the picture clear. Through some of her words, i can personally relate to her.I have isolated myself for various reasons. I lived in darkness while i gave someone my light. Unfortunately the light was never appreciated. I lost myself but with my own strength i was able to gain it back.i lost myself in darkness, but with struggles and motivation i found my light which became my price. She was a brilliant woman with powerful words.

    "Darkness was the price of lighting"

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  144. Anahi Garcia
    English 111
    Post #7

    "At His Disposal"

    Putting one self to God's service, means forgetting about one self’s interests. It means sacrificing many things. In the passage “At His Disposal” by Mother Teresa, we read the experiences and hardships that Mother Teresa went through as a servant of God. Mother Teresa was a person that through God’s love, she felt compassion for the people that were suffering during war. She prayed and encouraged others to pray for them as well. She also sought to bring people to convert to God. When she has to leave the sisters in Cambodia, it makes her sad, but she says, “Only God can ask sacrifices like this…” (Teresa, paragraph 4). She is glad to bring light to the people in different cities even if she’s going through darkness herself. But she asks Father Neuner to pray for her. Mother Teresa knew that there was a price she had to pay in order to bring light to others. She states, “you may sometimes feel great loneliness…It often happens that those who spend their time giving light to others, remain in darkness themselves” (Teresa, 5). Mother Teresa experienced how it felt to be without God after she already knew about him. She describes, “How terrible it is to be without God-no prayer-no faith-no love” (Teresa, 6). After going through that experienced she realized how it really was to be without God and she was encouraged to save others. Mother Teresa went through hard times, but she knew she wanted to be at God’s service even if she had to sacrifice some things.

    Quote: “terrible is hatred when it starts touching human beings” (Teresa, paragraph 2)

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  145. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    September 26, 2011
    Post # 7

    “At His Disposal” by Mother Teresa gave herself God. She was tring to help poor people see the love of God. And at many times she had trouble finding the around “…she saw hatred in action and kept looking for ways to replace it with love.” I can even imagine the things she saw. To be in the middle of a war, and for them to be fighting about believes, can be devastating. It made her feet lonely, but she knows that feeling that way was for the greater good of everyone. She knows she needed to continue in her path of helping others no matter the cost.

    Quote: “…she saw hatred in action and kept looking for ways to replace it with love.” Mother Teresa

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  146. Julian Green
    ENG 111
    September 28, 2011
    Post# 7

    In "At His Disposal," Mother Teresa sees that living without God is hell already. She has now given herself to God because she knows that there is emptiness and loneliness in not being with Him. She has experienced this for herself. Aloneness is so great- From within and from without i find no one to turn to." She is using herself as an example to help the poor understand that God will never leave us to be lonely.

    Quote: "Terrible is hatred when it starts touching human beings."

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  147. Lissete Rivera
    English 111
    28 September 2011
    Post # 7
    “At his disposal” by Mother Teresa

    At some point all of us have sacrificed something in our lives. Students often sacrifice their weekends for study sessions. Parents sacrifice themselves to give their children a better life. They no longer buy themselves clothes and shoes because now is it more important to feed and dress their children. We believe that no one else faces struggles or sacrifices because we are so caught up with our problems. But truth is that they are others who have to make huge sacrifices, sacrifices that are given not chosen. In the reading “At his disposal” by mother Teresa reveals the sacrifices that she had to do in order to bring peace to others. She could not find love in God and she still continued to bring more souls closer to God. She felt lonely and always in the dark, But she never left the people nor God. She did not have anyone to turn to, but she knew that her sacrifices and pain where not in vain. She was guiding people to the light although she had never seen it before; “she was offering God her agony so that others could draw closer to him” mother Teresa basically offered her life and soul to God so he could take it and do what he wanted with it. Although she knew it meant that she would have to give up her happiness to bring happiness to others she did it. It was not easy for her neither do I say that is easy for others. Mother Teresa had a heavy responsibility that was hard to carry and at many times she wanted to throw it away, but her perseverance, dedication, and love for her sisters and brothers helped her to continue and bring light and peace to those who also needed it.

    "it often happens that those who spend their time giving to others, remain in the darkness themselves." Mother Teresa

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  148. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    Post #7

    Dedicating yourself to God, means forgetting about one’s needs and desires. When one chooses to put God and the word of God before anything, it means giving up many important things. In this passage Mother Teresa dedicates her life spreading the word of God and encourages others to love God. Although, Mother Teresa feels great pleasure in teaching others how to love God she feels completely lonely. Her desire to serve God has brought absolute isolation to her life and suffering. She has become extremely dedicated to this passion that in her attempt, she has only lost herself. Teresa states that, “Only God can ask sacrifices like this.”(paragraph 4). Teresa is well aware that through spreading the word of God she has sacrifice many essential things. She has given up creating a life of her own. She has also lost the love for God.

    Quote: “…those who spend their time giving light to others, remain in darkness themselves.”

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  149. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 111
    Post # 8

    Some people have the ability to see beyond what the physical meaning truly is. In the story “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver it starts off by talking about a blind man whom is a friend of the narrator’s wife coming to visit. It talks about how the relationship with the narrator’s wife started with the blind man in Seattle. It started off with the wife needing a job which she found by working for the bind man named Robert. Her job was to basically read stuff to him like case studies and reports. Eventually she stopped working for the blind man but they kept in touch my sending audiotapes back and forth to each other. The blind man is invited to come over to the narrator and the wife’s house. Towards the ending of the story the narrator and the blind man are on the sofa looking and listening to TV. A televised program is on that is talking about Cathedrals. Since the blind man never seen what a Cathedral looks like he asks the narrator to explain what it looks like. The narrator tries to explain with the best of his ability. Robert asks the narrator to find a piece of paper and a pen. Robert then asks the narrator to draw a Cathedral while his hands are on the narrator’s hands leading. He also tells him to close his eyes. This part of the story is representing Roberts’s ability to see beyond the physical surface. Although he can’t see what a Cathedral looks like he is able to see and understand tings the narrator can’t. When the narrator draws the Cathedral he sees the details of the Cathedral in his mind. This is something that he would not have been able to see if his eyes where open. Robert says “I’m always learning something. Learning never ends.” I think this s true no matter how much you have read something over and over you will always get a different understanding of it.
    Quote: “I’m always learning something. Learning never ends”- Raymond Carver

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  150. Cynthia Dang
    Eng #111
    Post #8

    Cathedral

    There are many people who have a disadvantage in life, in this case, it was Robert who is a blind man. The speaker of the story had never had any contact from a blind person before so he was uncertain of what to expect or how to treat the person. His wife on the other hand was very comfortable with Robert since she use to work for him and take care of him by reading reports and case studies to him for one summer about ten years ago. On the last day of work, Robert asked to feel her face so he can visualize how she looked like. She had to leave because her ex husband, who was a childhood friend of hers, was in the air force and was always on the move. For the past ten years, Robert and his wife have been keeping in touch by mailing each other tapes. She would tell Robert about her struggles in life with her ex husband and how they got a divorce and then how she got married to her current husband. "It was like nothing else in my life up to now." (Par.31) At this moment, Robert and the man were both bonding and becoming more comfortable with each other and Robert was asking the man to help him visualize what a Catherdral was. This was a part where the man got to experience what Robert was experiencing because the man had his eyes closed and started to feel his drawing and try to visualize the Cathedral. It made him realize that even though Robert was unable to see anything, he was able to have the ability to visualize and realize more things in life and see the world in a different perspective.

    "Love is like the wind.. you can't see it, but you can feel it." - Nicholas Sparks

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  151. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  152. Alejandra Rosas
    Eng 111
    Post #8

    It is not right to judge others just by their appearance and disabilities. The husband does not like to have Robert in his house not only because he does not know him but because he is blind. Throughout the story we see how the narrator feels about the idea of Robert staying with them simply because he is blind. We are able to see how the narrator asks questions regarding his blindness. The author says, “I don’t have any blind friends.” (pg.1, paragraph 5) The way he says it feel somewhat discrimination. The narrator does not feel comfortable having a blind man in his house. He even says that he does not know much about blind people, he only assumes that blind people wear dark glasses. It is not right to discriminate others when one does not know how it feels. At the end of the story we can see how Robert and he share the moment of drawing a cathedral and at the same time he experiences with his eyes close how it feels not seeing.

    “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
    ― Albert Einstein

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  153. Charlotte Johnson
    English 111
    Post #8

    My Post on “Cathedral”

    Cathedral is about a stubborn man that meets his wife’s blind friend and has a change of heart. He wasn’t looking forward to his wife’s friend’s stay because all he knows about blind people is what he saw in movies. In he said that in movies, “the blind moved slowly and never laughed. Sometimes they were led by seeing-eye dogs. A blind man in my house was not something I looked forward to.” His wife’s blind friend, named Robert, was coming to spend the night. He wife, Beulah, had died from cancer so he understandably went to stay with his in-laws for a spell. He than caught a train ride to their house. The man telling the story was very stubborn,, racist and brunt. He said whatever came to mind. He said very out spoke and harsh things like, “Beulah! That‘s a name of a colored woman. Was his wife a negro?” When the blind man comes he’s nice to him and seems a little nerves when his wife leaves them in the room alone. Their bonded and shared common interest. The man tell the story is not religious and has a hard time explaining how a cathedral looks to the blind man, so the blind man gets he to draw one on heavy paper so that he can feel it.

    Quote of the day:
    There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness- Friedrich Nietzsche

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  154. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #8

    Cathedral

    In the story "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver, the main character appears to be ignorant towards differences, such as being blind. He is not happy about the relationship his wife has with her blind friend, Robert, and is not looking forward to his visit. Throughout the story the main character is uncomfortable and does not indulge in much conversation with the blind man. He does not have any friends, let alone a blind man, and does not know how to speak to one. At the end of the story the main character seems to have an epiphany when Robert and he draw a cathedral. “Never thought anything like this could happen in your lifetime, did you bub? Well, it’s a strange life, we all know that. Go on now. Keep it up,” says Robert (30.) The main character closed his eyes after he was done with the drawing and felt the cathedral just as Robert did. He was now taking a walk in a blind man’s shoes, and no longer was ignorant towards differences.

    Quote: “I’m always learning something. Learning never ends.”- Raymond Carver

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  155. Francisco Lopez
    Eng111
    post#8
    Do not judge a book by its cover. In the reading "Cathaderal" written by Raymond Carver the person telling the story has never met or been with a blind man. He would finally hang out with a blind man, but pictured blind people how movies describe them.He pictured them with canes, black glasses, and with a walking dog. He believed he knew everything he had to know about blind people until he met Robert.Robert made the narrator realize that blind people are no different from everyone else. The person telling the story mentioned," I thought i knew so much only about blind people." (page 2 paragraph 13) This shows that Robert opened the narrator's eyes into seeing blind people in a more positive way. No one can not really tell how a person really is until one gets to know them.
    Quote:
    "Then I asked if he wanted to smoke some dope with me."

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  156. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    Post #8

    Those who suffer with disabilities are still able to enjoy and experience all the wonders of life. Those with disabilities are often seen as vulnerable, which is not the case at all. In this passage, Robert demonstrates that being blind is not a burden but a style of life which has made him value life incredibly. He is not a victim of his disease, instead he has accepted and embraced his gift. Through his disease he manages to change the form in which others view life, in particular his friend’s husband. For instance, his friend’s husband feels extremely awkward around him. The narrator of the story doesn’t know how to act around Robert. He tries to accommodate Robert, but in his attempt he only embarrasses himself. However, Robert helps the narrator understand and view the world as he views it. Robert tells the narrator to draw a cathedral for him. While the narrator is drawing Robert places his hand on top of his. Robert then tells the narrator to close his eyes but to remain drawing. The narrator states “it was like nothing else in my life up to now.”(paragraph 31) Through this experiment the narrator was able to realize the form in which Robert viewed life. He realizes that Robert’s disability has not stopped him from experiencing the beauty of life. His disease has only made him appreciate life greatly. In fact, Robert understands life more then the narrator. Indeed being blind has does not stopped someone from living and valuing life to the fullest.

    Quote: “Never thought anything like this could happen in your lifetime, did you, bub? Well, it’s a strange life, we all know that.” -Raymond Carver

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  157. Julian Green
    ENG 111
    Post#8

    In the "Cathedral," the narrator is a hard and stubborn man whose human sight keeps him from realizing the beauty of things. All he knows best in life is what he hears and what he sees. He does not seem to understand how a blind man can love without seeing the woman at all and how a woman can love without being seen. In fact he thinks its pathetic. "All this without his ever having seen what the goddamned woman looked like. It was beyond my understanding." After initially meeting Robert, the blind man, the narrator is a bit awkward having been left alone with a blind stranger. However, this stranger winds up opening the narrators eyes by closing them. Drawing a cathedral was a bonding experience for the two men. The Robert proved to the narrator that to know something is beautiful you do not have to see it. You can just feel it. "It was like nothing else in my life up to now," said the narrator.
    Quote:
    "Don't believe your eyes, they can deceive you."

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  158. Alicia Santana
    Post # 8
    English 111

    Cathedral
    There is always something new to learn. In Cathedral, the husband is very apprehensive about having a blind man in his house. He is very uncomfortable and makes unpleasant assumptions about blind people. Nevertheless, towards the end of the story he has a revealtion as he is drawing the cathedral as Robert rides his fingers. He states "It was like nothing else in my life up to now". He learns the having a healthy vision is not everything in the world. He learns that the life of a blind man can be as pleasing or more pleasing than that of someone living a life with no disability,

    Quote- "Well its a strange life, we all know that" - Raymond Carver

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  159. Araceli Angel
    English 111
    Post#7

    Cathedral

    To begin with, Cathedral was a story that left me wondering what was next.This was a story that was very detailed and descriptive all throughout. The conversations and actions between the characters were described so well that I was able to picture everything.
    There are three characters in this story.A married couple and one blind man, The blind man is great friends with the wife but the husband is not very fond about this friendship they see to have. The afternoon that the blind man goes to visit, it becomes awkward for the husband. He is very bitter about his visit and the way his wife talked to him. At one point in the story the wife falls asleep and things become awkward for the husband. He has never met a blind person before so it was very difficult for him to start a conversation with him instead he served him one drink after another. At some point as well, they decide ti smoke some dope.
    Then cathedrals came on the tv and the husband made an effort to describe them to Robert. It was then in that moment when RObert took the husbands hand an began to draw for him. As he closed his eyes he finally understood the blind man. He was not bitter, he was not disturbed, but he was understanding. "It was like nothing else in my life up to now"

    "Be wiser than other people, but don't tell them so." -Lord Chestfield

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  160. Ryan Evans
    Eng 111
    post #8

    In the story "Cathedral" Robert is able to teach this young man that just because you are unable to see life is still beautiful. We take for granted everyday that we are able to see the green grass growing and the sun shining bright and the beautiful girls wondering around. This man is still able to love all the same, Robert just has to learn to see in different ways to imagine things in his mind by listening to very fine details. Robert could easily allow people to feel bad for him and live the rest of his life feeling disabled but he doesn't. He travels up to see an old freind and talks of the different sensation he feels rather then the sights a normal person would talk about, the vibrations and the noises of people the feeling of sitting in a train chair things we overlook each and everyday. This is a very touching story it makes you look at little things that we get each and everyday. “If you love me,” she said, “you can do this for me. If you don’t love me, okay. But if you had a friend, any friend, and the friend came to visit, I’d make him feel comfortable.” She wiped her hands with the dish towel.
" (paragraph 5) I chose this quote just to show the closed mind of her husband, because this man was blind and made him feel uncomfortable rather then seeing it as a chance to meet a new person that makes his wife happy.

    Quote"Proof you knew I’d come out of this slump, rise from these ashes
    Come right back on they asses, and go Mike Tyson on these bastards
    And Imma show ‘em, blow ‘em out the water slaughter ‘em homes
    I’ma own so many belts, the only place they can hit me is below em
    Homie I know I’m, never gonna be the same without you
    I never woulda came in this game, I’m going insane without you
    Matter of fact it was just the other night, had another dream about you
    You told me to get up, I got up, I spread my wings and I flew
    You gave me a reason to fight, I was on my way to see you
    You told me nah Doodi you’re not layin’ on that table I knew
    I was gonna make it, soon as you said think of Hailie, I knew
    There wasn’t no way that I was gonna ever leave them babies, and Proof
    not many are lucky enough to have a guardian angel like you
    Lord I’m so thankful, please don’t think I don’t feel grateful, I do
    Just grant me the strength that I need, for one more day to get through
    So homie this is your song, I dedicate this to you
    I love you Doodi"-- Eminem

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  161. Melissa Pacheco
    CSUDH
    English 111
    Post #8

    Cathedral

    To be ignorant in what is perceived to be normal, is to be ignorant in life's persective. in "Cathedral," by Raymond Carver, a jealous husband has an ignorance towards a blind man that is a friend of his wife. This blind man Robert, had just lost his wife and was going to pay his friend a visit. During his visit the husband is always making remarks of judgement towards Robert, which leads to the humility that was brought to the husband, Raymond. Raymond and Robert see things from a different perspective, Raymond is more synical and Robert is very positive and real. As Raymond's wife falls asleep, Robert and him are left alone to conversate in an awkward state. At that moment of conversing with one another, Raymond's perspective changes as robert and him are watching TV about cathedrals. He realizes that Robert sees things from a different stand point. In result he states to Robert, " Something has occured to me. Do you have any idea what a cathedral is? What they look like, that is? Do you follow me? If somebody says cathedral to you, do you have any notion what they are talking about?" (Paragraph 24) Robert in response had know idea of what a cathedral physically looked like and so Raymond began to explain. After explaining, he began to draw a picture of a cathedral as Robert felt the indentation of the pen to the paper. Robert then received the knowledge of what a cathedral look like. During that moment of conecting with one another, Raymond's ignorance left and he obtained a new perspective of this blind man.

    "I'm always learning something. Learning never ends. It won't hurt me to learn something tonight, I'm all ears." - The blind man, Robert (Paragraph 21)

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  162. Shariah Parnell
    ENG 111
    Post #8

    "Cathedral"

    In "Cathedral" the narrator is a very shallow, sarcastic, and stubborn man. He shows that he is shallow to me based on how he speaks about Robert. He is judging him based on the fact that he is blind. It takes them to spend time alone for the narrator to see how normal he is. Robert really opened the narrators eyes and broke his shallow spirit. "Never thought anything like this could happen in your lifetime, did you, bub? Well, its a strange life, we all know that. Go on now. Keep it up." At this moment the narrator began to see how Robert opened his eyes and invited him to his side of the tracks so to speak. He now is getting the feel of how Robert "sees" things.
    Quote:
    "He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye.�

    ReplyDelete
  163. Anahi Garcia
    English 111
    Post #8

    Cathedral
    As humans, we tend to live with misperceptions about things or people. Therefore, we cannot see what is beyond. In the passage “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver, we hear a story in which the narrator describes his feeling towards blind people. The narrator describes that his point of view comes from movies and he states, “In movies, the blind moved slowly and never laughed. Sometimes they were led by seeing-eye dogs” (Carver, introductory paragraph). He was expressing carelessly about people because his wife’s friend, Robert, was a blind man who would be visiting them. His perception about the blind man was as if a blind person would not have normal life as any ordinary person. He thought that it was a misfortune for Robert’s wife to be married to a blind man who could not compliment her. The narrator had many negative thoughts about what is was to be blind. However, as he met Robert, he realized that many of his perceptions were wrong. He noticed that this blind man did have “didn’t use a cane and he didn’t use dark glasses” (Carver paragraph 10). The narrator thought that “dark glasses were a must for blind people” (Carver, paragraph 10). He thought that blind people would not smoke and yet Robert smoked. He also heard Robert laughed when he thought blind people would not laugh. The narrator became more open minded towards blind people and was less cynical. Almost towards the end of the story, the narrator describes that as they were watching TV Cathedrals showed up and he started describing them to Robert. The narrator explains that he doesn’t believe in religion and refuses to keep telling Robert what the Cathedrals look like. Robert then tells the narrator to get paper so they can draw. Robert put his hand on top of the narrator’s hand and they began drawing. The narrator states, “I put windows with aches. I drew buttresses. I hung doors. I couldn’t stop” (Carver, paragraph 30). They were drawing a Cathedral. He then closed his eyes as indicated by Robert and he said that, “It was like nothing else in my life up to now” (Caver, paragraph 31). Yet, after he did not want to open his eyes because he thought he needed to that. The message of this story is to show us how people can be different from what we think and we should not guide our thoughts by misperceptions. The narrator learned so much from Robert and realized that even though Robert could not see, he was capable of doing many things.
    Quote: “I’m always learning something. Learning never end” (Carver, paragraph 21)

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  164. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    Post # 8

    Cathedral

    In “Cathedral” written by Raymond Carver talks about a man who is sarcastic, and shallow. The man makes no real effort to learn anything about his wife or his wife blind friend. He really seems to have an issue with the blind man, he feels like he really has nothing to offer the world because he is blind. As he begins to bond with the blind man doing the things he likes to do he realizes that the blind man wasn’t that bad after all. He also realizes that the blind man has many thinks to teach others. The blind man tells him “I’m always learning something, learning never ends. It won’t hurt me to learn something tonight. I got ears.” The blind man may not see physically, but he sees more than man does. The man tries to describe a cathedral to him, but he can’t. He was only able to describe the cathedral after the blind man told him to close his eyes and try to draw it; he finally was able to see all the detail that a cathedral really has.

    Quote: I’m always learning something, learning never ends. Raymond Carver

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  165. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #1

    Hi Everyone!!!!!

    My name is Ebonie Bennett. I really enjoyed the first day of class. It was interesting to see if I knew anyone;however, I only knew one person. :( I enjoyed writing about something we wanted to know about. I love quickwrites because it gets the mind going which is always great. Our class seemed really quiet, but hopefully people aren't so nervous. It was only the first day. I really enjoyed our teacher. Luckily, I found an English teacher who isn't so uptight and has a sense of humor. Hopefully this will be a great semester.

    Favorite Lyric [[At least one of them]]:
    "If the girl can't swim, then she's bound to drizzown!"
    -Snoop Dogg

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  166. Stephanie Villagomez
    10/4/11
    post #7

    "At His Disposal"

    Everyone needs some type of faith, especially when people begin to make the world a terrible, dangerous, place to be in. We all need God in our lives. Like Mother Teresa mentions in "At His Disposal". Mother Teresa tries to make peace in the world by spreading love. She has dedicated her life to serving God. Although she loves to do this, she has lost herself. She enjoys showing the meaning of God, even though now she feels lonely and feels like she is in a dark place. If there is a hell, she believes she is already living it. Being Mother Teresa is hard because she is suffering, she has lost who she is, sacrificed her own life to be at the disposal for God. She spreads the fire of love around the cities to make God more known.

    "Pray for me- for the life within me is harder to live. To be in love and yet not in love, to live in faith and yet not to believe, to spend myself and yet be in total darkness-Pray for me."

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  167. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #5

    QHQ Food, Culture, Identity

    Chicken is one of the best foods that has been invented on this earth. I love chicken fried, baked, grilled, and any other way it can be prepared. The first time I was taught to cook chicken, it felt like I was being taught a family tradition, even though everyone makes it. I was fourteen when my I cooked it with my mom. Of course, we cooked my first batch of chicken by frying it. I thought that you just had to put the chicken in the fryer, wait a couple of minutes, and then it was finished; however, it was WAY MORE THAN THAT! First you have to thaw the chicken out, which in my opinion takes FOREVER, unless you decide to defrost it in the microwave. The only problem with defrosting the chicken in the microwave is that you hope it does not cook in the microwave. While the chicken is defrosting, whether it is in the microwave or a bowl of water in the sink, you have to get the batter ready and put some olive oil in a skillet. My batter consisted of flour, seasoning salt, pepper, lemon pepper, and some Cajun seasoning. I know that might have sounded weird, but the chicken was SO DELICIOUS!
    When the chicken is finally thawed out, you put as many pieces as you can in the batter. I always make sure that I put a little extra lemon pepper on top of that chicken before it gets in the batter. It gives the chicken some spice, and I just love lemon pepper. When the chicken is covered with batter, you check and make sure the oil is ready to fry some chicken! Make sure that you get your hand wet with a bit of water, and spray the oil with the flick of water you have on your hand. Do not, and I repeat DO NOT, stand too close to the skillet when flicking the water in it. You will burn yourself and not want any delicious fried chicken. If you flick the water in the oil and it pops, the oil is ready; however, if it does not pop, then just give the oil a few minutes and it should pop in no time. When the oil is ready, slowly place the chicken in the oil. DO NOT throw the chicken in the oil or be afraid to put it in the oil because once again, YOU WILL BURN YOURSELF! Get a fork to make sure you will be able to turn the chicken over while it is cooking every couple of minutes, because no one wants their chicken burnt. Scraping the burnt crust off is not going to help you. The chicken should take about ten to fifteen minutes to cook, depending on how hot your oil is. Before the chicken is finished, get a plate and put a towel on it so that the oil on the chicken will not be all over your plate. I usually make a side dish with my golden brown chicken. I prefer fries, mashed potatoes, or even some vegetable with my chicken. You do not have to make a side dish, but it is definitely a plus. If you decide to make something with your chicken, cook the item about five minutes before your chicken is finished; therefore, you chicken and your side dish will be hot.
    Chicken is a dish that no one hates, unless you are a vegetarian. Chicken can be made in so many ways that even if you do not like it fried, you can broil it or grill it and make it into your own personal chicken dish. Chicken is a family food, and no matter what, chicken will always be here. It is a very popular dish in the African-American community, and if you love chicken the way I do, you would know why. It is simple, delicious and fast. Everyone loves a meal that is quick to prepare; therefore, if you have not hopped on this chicken train, you should or you will miss a delicious ride. ENJOY YOUR CHICKEN!

    ReplyDelete
  168. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #6

    Cancer Journals

    "I am freer of the constraints and fears and indecision of my younger years, and survival throughout these years has taught me how to value my own beauty and how to look closely into the beauty of others."

    This was a very powerful story once it was carefully looked at and explained. This is a woman who has been through the best and the worst. She has been through the pain and the suffering; however, now she is trying to educate others on what she has been through. Cancer is very powerful and can affect someone deeply. Even though she doesnt like the feeling of not having the breast there, she has grown stronger and knows that she should be grateful for life. This story educates us all and shows us that no matter how deep and painful the struggle is, as long as you are positive and see the good, it will all end up good in the end, and you can become stronger from all the pain you went through.

    ReplyDelete
  169. Stephanie Villagomez
    10/4/2011
    post #8

    "Cathedral"

    The narrator in the Cathedral by Raymond Carvor seems like an arrogant man. He thinks his wife's friend as he refers to as the, Blind Man, cannot teach him anything because he is blind. He also describes what is going on sarcastically and with this feeling that the old man can have an open mind, must be his wife's old friend, can learn easily, but he is still better than him. Even though he does not say it directly he sounds jealous and threaten by their friendship. Throughout the story it seems that the narrator is realizing that the blind man is not just a blind man, but a man who is capable of doing normal things. Like locate his spoon and fork, smoke for the first time and make it seem like he has been smoking for years,etc. In the end after noticing that the man is not different he begins allowing him to show him new things. It was like towards the end he was letting his arrogance go.

    "His fingers rode my fingers as my hand went over the paper. It was like nothing else in m life up to now."-Raymond Carver

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  170. Stephanie Villagomez
    10/4/2011
    Post #9

    'Only Daughter"

    I can relate to the author Sandra Cisneros in "Only Daughter" even though I have an older sister and older brother. My heritage is from Mexico. My parents are really into their Mexican Culture. I think the most important thing to me is having the acceptance of my dad. So when I get an "A" on an assignment I quickly go and show it to him, I want him to be proud of me. I think I am like that because most Mexican men are naturally tough, they don't express their feelings, especially to their kids. When they do give a compliment, it probably the most beautiful feeling ever. Also my parents say, "I have three sons". Before, when I was younger I used to get offended and point out to them that I'm not a son, but a daughter, but I think that is how people refer to all their kids in general, not referring to a specific child. Maybe they are just lazy to say I have one son and two daughters. When my dad asks me about my plans, I want him to really understand them, but it is kind of hard since I have them written in English and they don't read English.

    "I'm lucky my father believed daughters were meant for husbands. It meant it didn't matter if I majored in something silly like English."- Sandra Cisneros

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  171. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #7

    "To be a channel of God's peace & spread His love through the expansion of her mission exacted numerous sacrifices from Mother Teresa."

    Mother Teresa is the woman version of God. Through all the great things she did for the poor, through the way she spread the word of God around the world, and to the sacrifices she made to the people she felt needed the extra help. Even though she felt that her work wasn't enough and that she didn't deserve God's love, she was more inspirational and powerful then that. This quote proves that she did everything she could to spread the word of God, even though after helping everyone else, she wasn't truly helping herself at all.

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  172. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #8

    "Hearing this, I felt sorry for the blind man for a little bit. And then I found myself thinking what a pitiful life this woman must have had."

    This narrator is judgemental, rude and has a black heart! He didn't have compassion for the fact that Robert's wife died, no compassion for the fact that Robert is blind, and no compassion for how Robert is going through a struggle. Finally, when Robert draws the Cathedral with the narrator and gets to know Robert, he wasn't so judgmental. He figured out that even though Robert was blind, he was able to do more than what a non-blind man can do. He stop being so judgemental, and started to love.

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  173. Ebonie Bennett
    English 111
    Post #9

    "After 4 years in college and 2 more in graduate school, and still no husband, my father shakes his head even now and says I wasted all that education."

    This story is compelling to me. She is the ONLY daughter out of seven kids. The rest of the children are boys. She wasn't included in any of the activities her brothers did only because she was a girl. She was discriminated against. When she went to college, her father was excited because he thought that she was going to find a husband; however, when she came back with a degree in English, he wasn't excited. In fact, he was disappointed. Eventually, he became proud. When her book was published in Spanish and he read it, he was so proud. After so much time of disappointment from her father, he was finally proud and wanted to share the joy with the whole family

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  174. Liz Jimenez
    English 111
    Post #7

    Only Daughter

    In the Mexican heritage, a story like the one Sandra Cisneros wrote, is very common. And as for my family? I can relate. My father has a lot of the same expectations as the father in Only Daughter. In the story, Sandra would spend a lot of time to her self since all of her brothers thought it would be embarrassing to be seen playing with a girl. "Not that aloneness, that lonliness, was good for a would-be writer--it allowed me time to thinkand think, to imagine, to read and prepare myself." All of her alone time made her a stronger writer and by the end of the story her father finally read one of her stories. Through all of his disappointment towards his daughter, he was finally proud of her and wanted to share her story with the entire family.

    "My father represents, then, the public majority." - Sandra Cisneros

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  175. Julian Green
    ENG 11
    Post#9

    Sandra felt as if she was just an object. A woman to be married and raise a family. She was not the same as her brothers. She was just "Only a daughter." She did not understand why she did not get the same recognition as her brothers. Her father would praise having six sons but still forget that he did not have seven. "Not seven sons. Six! And one daughter. Your daughter!" Her father only wanted her to achieve what she wanted to do what she was designed for, getting a husband. Writing was something she did as a call to her family to look at her, to notice what she has accomplished. This is why she is so satisfied in the end. Her father noticing her as more than just a daughter was the achievement she was pursuing her whole life. She was no longer just A daughter but she was HIS daughter.

    "My father represents, then, the public majority. A public who is disinterested in reading, and yet one whom I am writing about and for, and privately trying to woo." -Sandra Cisneros

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  176. Alejandra Rosas
    English 111
    Post #9

    Sometimes being the only daughter, while the rest are brothers is a good thing. It may have its up and downs. In this story by Sandra Cisneros she took the negative and turns it into positive. For instance, she told her father that she was going to college and he said to her that he was happy for because he believe that she would get a successful man. Cisneros took this as an advantage, she knew that her father would not care what career she would take as long as she finds a man. Cisneros says, “I wanted my father to understand what it was I was scribbling.” (pg 1, paragraph 6) Here we can see that Cisneros feelings are being affected. She wants for her father to at least show her that he cares. At the end of the story we see that Cisneros returns home and shows her father one of her stories that was translated in Spanish. Her father asked her if she had any other more copies for her relatives, and she finds out that her father is proud of her and that is also why it was the most wonderful thing that happened to her.

    Quote: “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” -Pope John Paul II

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  177. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  178. Alicia Santana
    Post # 9
    English 111 Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros

    Sandra seeked for her father's appreaction and approval. Her father was proud of having six sons, however Sandra was seen as " only my daughter", rather than he's only daughter. This demonstrates that she was not valued or appreciated as much as her brother's were. She was seen as an object, and her expectations were inherited by her gender. However, at the end of the story, her father learns to appreciate his daughter's writing and thus fulfilling Cisnero's need for her father's approval.

    "I was/am the only daugher and only a daughter."

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  179. Charlotte Johnson
    Eng 111
    Post # 9

    My post on “Only Daughter”

    Sandra Cisneros is a writer that is the only daughter out of seven sons. To be more specific she is, “the only daughter in a Mexican family of six sons”. Because her brothers thought that is was beneath them to play with a girl in public, she was left alone most of the time when she was little. Because she wanted to because a writer when she grew up, that was the perfect environment for her. Her father thought that she was destined to become someone’s wife one day because she was the only girl. Her father was perfectly fine with her decision to going to college because he figured that would be a great place to find a successful husband. Through out the short story, all she wanted was for her father to read one of her articles. She stated that, “In a sense, everything I have ever written has been for him, to win his approval even though I know my father can’t read English words”. She was very happy when one of her articles was translated into Spanish. She wrote about a place where her father lived. She wrote that he said, “Where can we get more copies of this for the relatives?” He finally read one of her articles and wanted to share he joy with the family and because of that, she was very happy.

    Quote of the day:
    Something unknown in doing we doing know what.
    - Arthur Eddington

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  180. Ivonne Santana
    English 111
    Post # 9

    Being an only daughter may have its disadvantages and advantages. Sandra was an only daughter in a Mexican family. She had six brothers who were praised and valued incredibly by her father. However Sandra felt neglected and “erased.” Her father had higher expectations for her brothers than for her. Sandra’s father believed that since she was a woman her duty was to becomes someone’s wife. Sandra refused to live up to her father’s expectations and decided to set some goals for herself. I believe that being an only daughter inspired Sandra to become someone more than what society or her father expected from her. Although, Sandra refused to become someone’s wife she seek for her fathers approval all her life. She explains that “everything I have ever written has been for him…”(pg.7) Through her writing Sandra is trying to inspire her fathers approval. However, at the end Sandra finally wins recognition from her father. She feels great pleasure in knowing that her father is proud of her writing abilities.


    Quote: "...everything i have ever written has beeen for him, to win his approva..." -Sandra Cisneros

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  181. Francisco Lopez
    English 111
    Post #9
    In the reading, "Only Daughter" written by Sandra Cisneros she talks about how is it to be the only girl of seven kids in a Mexican family.She mentioned that since none of her brothers liked playing with her, she had plenty of time to invest in writing. It seems like if Sandra really looks up to her dad, but she felt like if he did not appreciate or pay attention to her. Although she was seeking for a better life, her father gave credit to the oldest son. Until one day one of her stories was translated into Spanish and was published in an anthology of Chicano writing. Her father read the story and wanted her to do more copies of the story so he could pass them out to relatives since it was so good. It was then when Sandra finally felt that her dad took her in mind and felt grateful.

    Quote: "Out of all the wonderful things that happened to me last year, that was the most wonderful."

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  182. Cindy Nativi
    English 111
    Post #9
    Only Daughter by Sandra Cisneros
    Sandra Cisneros was the only daughter of six sons. She was outnumbered by six boys so she spent most of her time alone. When she went to college her father looked at it as an investment because it was a place where she could find a husband. “ After four years in college and two more in graduate school, and still no husband, my father shakes his head even now says I wasted all that education” (pg 4.) Her father always said he had seven sons instead of saying six sons and one daughter, so in a way she was overlooked. She majored in English and became a writer. Her entire work was for her father and for the public majority like him who were disinterested in reading. At the end of the story she shows up on Christmas to her home in Chicago, and shows her father her story which had been published in an anthology of Chicano writing, and had been translated into Spanish. Her father read it, asked questions, and she felt as if her father was finally proud of her. She was not just the only daughter of six sons anymore she was now his daughter, the writer.

    Quote:Somehow I could feel myself being erased-Sandra Cisneros

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  183. Shariah Parnell
    English 111
    Post #9

    "Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros

    It is often normal for one out of many siblings to feel shadowed in a large family. In this one she is the only girl of six brothers. It is very obvious that she feel like she has to impress her father because it doesnt seem like he is satisfied with any accomplishments she has made. Her dad seems more proud of her brothers success than hers. I believe this really bothers her and it sort of adds self conciousness to her attitude. You can tell she is unhappy about the relationship between her and her father and how much pressure he puts on her. Im sure he does it because he just wants the best for her but she doesnt understand that. It comes one part in the story when the dad is satisfied with her accomplishment and she begins to feel more confident.
    "Where can we get more copies pof this for the relatives?" This is what he asked his daughter and that was her assurance that he was satisfied. "Of all the wonderful things that happened to me last year, that was the most wonderful", this was my assurance that she was satisfied with pleasing her father and had a feeling of warmth inside.
    Quote:Children love and want to be loved and they very much prefer the joy of accomplishment to the triumph of hateful failure. Do not mistake a child for his symptom.
    -Erik Erikson

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  184. Helen Ovalle
    English 111
    Post #9

    Only Daughter

    "Only Daughter" written by Sandra Cisneros reminds me of my family. I come from a big family also three brothers and one sister (who was more like a tomboy growing up). I remember my sister always competing for our father’s attention over our brothers and whatever she did never really seem to impress my fathers. She played soccer just like my brothers and my father would always cheer lauder for them then for her. Cisneros writes “everything I have ever written has been for him,” she wanted his approval just like my sister wanted our father’s approval. I imaging that all we want is our parents to see us and approve of what we decide to do. I can pretend that I didn’t want my father’s approval like my sister and Cisneros did, but I join the Army to show him how tougher I was compared to his sons.

    Quote: After four years in college and two more in graduate school, and still no husband, my father shakes his head even now and says I wasted all that education. Sandra Cisneros

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  185. Ryan Evans
    English 111
    Post 9

    Only Daughter

    In the story "Only Daughter" written by Sandra Cisnerosp, Cisneros writes about the struggle of being a woman with six brothers and competing for the approval of her father. while reading this story I was able to look at my own family being that I have 2 older brothers, 2 older sisters and a younger sister. I am very competitive with anything playing sports my whole life, but I have even noticed that with my family I always want to do better and be the best thinking that my parents will be disappointed if I don't achieve as much as my siblings. This puts a lot of stress on many kids and at the end of the story when her father says "Where can we get more copies of this for the relative," this was probably a relief seeing that all she wanted to do was to have the approval of her father which she finally got.

    Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them -- a desire, a dream, a visio-- Muhammad Ali

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  186. Tiara Fuller
    Eng 111
    Post # 9

    This society portrays many different gender stereotypes and discriminations just because people are who they are. In the story " Only Daughter" by Sandra Cisneros she states "being an only daughter in a family of six forced me by circumstances to spend a lot of time by myself because my brothers felt.it beneath them to play with a girl in public". This shows that her brothers are in a sense discriminating against her because she is a girl. This story goes as far as to construct what people think a womans role should be. She states that "being an only daughter for my father meant that my destiny would lead me to become someone's wife". In this story it seems to me that the narrator is longing for acceptance. She goes to college for four years and then atttends graduate school for two years but her father feels that it was a waste of time because she still doesn't have a husband. In comparison to her brother her father is proud of him after completing medical school, which she mentions fulfilled her fathers dream. Towards the middle of the story she also mentions how her father would say that he had seven sons when he only had six and one daughter. She felt as though she was being erased. She also mentions on the story that she writes stories and poems. She always wanted someone to read her work but her father never would. Towards the end of th story how her dad finally read her work and was very pleased. I think this is a story of acceptance.

    Quote " my father represents, then the public majority. A public why is disintegrated in reading, and yet one whom I am writing about and for, and privately trying to win" -sandra cisneros

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  187. Lissete Rivera
    English 111
    Post #8
    “Only Daughter” by Sandra Cisneros

    Parents of many Hispanic families want to raise their children the same way that they were raised as kids. But in reality most children wish to grow up to be someone in life, become successful, and have a professional career; they want to avoid and erase the pattern or cycle that their family, relatives, and community carry out. In the reading “Only daughter” by Sandra Cisneros her family shared those same beliefs. Sandra’s father believed that her education was good and that college would be a great place for her, but with the only reason that she will somehow find a husband. That was the only reason why her father approved her education. Her father was so proud to have six sons that unintentionally sometimes forgot that his daughter was also doing great stuff: “Being the only daughter in a family of six sons forced me by circumstances to spend a lot of time by myself.”Cisneros explains that because she was the only girl of a family of nine she was lonely, but it gave her the time to think, imagine, and create. I can relate a lot with this reading because even though that in my family girls are the majority, our parents have been programmed to believe that all of us will get pregnant at a young age and will have a family of our own. Although, most of the time they are right; I can say that I am the only girl in my family who is not yet married or got pregnant at a young age. I want to keep on going with my education regardless of my family’s beliefs and wants. Cisneros was not the only successful child in the family because her older brother graduated from medical school, but she certainly was the only child who was not recognized for her studies and effort. What Cisneros wanted the most was for her father to have some interest in what she was doing and she says “everything I have ever written has been for him” she needed his attention and approval. She wanted to fulfill her father’s expectations and desired to make him proud with each and every single story, poem, and book she wrote. I like Cisneros do not agree with some of my family’s beliefs, but I will always love them and respect the idea that they only wish the best for me. Also, I know that at some point my family will recognize and understand the purpose of education, and like Cisneros’s father they will be proud of my accomplishments and of the decisions I took.

    “My father represents, then, the public majority. A public who is disinterested in reading, and yet one who, I am writing about and for, and privately trying to woo” – Sandra Cisneros

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  188. Cynthia Dang
    Eng 111
    Post #8

    Only Daughter

    Being in a family where you're being neglected is tough, in this case this is what the narrator is going through in this story. She is the only daughter in this family of nine with six brothers. Her father seems to ignore her presence and not care as much about her as he would with his other sons. It's as if he does not think she is capable of anything since she is a girl.She tries her best to grab his attention by accomplishing college but in reality he is disappointed since he only let her go to college to find a husband. "I have seven sons." (Par. 9) When her father said this to the Sears employee, she must have felt devastated since it sounded as if her father was ashamed of having a daughter. Her whole life must have been difficult without getting all the support she could get from her father and as much as she tried to get closer to him, the more he pushes away. This story is very compelling because after years to trying to reach his expectations, she finally got his approval after he read a book that she successfully published.

    "..Each and every stage is a good reminiscence and a happy memory.." - Lee Tuek

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  189. Anahi Garcia
    Eng 111
    Post #9

    Only Daughter

    Sometimes we expect people to look at our work and effort, but because they expect something else from us they don’t see it. In the story “Only Daughter” by Sandra Cinesros, we discover a situation in which the author is the only daughter in Mexican family with six sons. Therefore, many things were expected from her and sometimes she had to go through unpleasant situation. She says, “Being an only daughter in a family of six sons forced me by circumstances to spent a lot of time by myself because my brother felt it beneath them to play with a girl” (Cisneros, paragraph 3). She also says that she was expected to marry someone. Even though at some point she felt that her father understood her idea about going to college, she realized that her father believed “…college was for girls-good for finding a husband” (Cisneros, paragraph 4). Cisneros explains that it did not please her father to find out that she didn’t get a husband during her time in college. Cisneros states, “In a sense, everything I have ever written is to win his approval even thought I know my father can’t read English words” (Cisneros, paragraph 7). Cisneros did not receive the support or the recognition she wanted from her father. She wanted to be seen as “My only daughter, the writer” (paragraph 6). However, she did not stop doing what she wanted to do, she enjoyed writing.
    It was years later when her father finally recognized her effort. She says that after ten years of writing her book was sold to a major publisher. She then want then went back to her house on a Christmas and she took a Spanish copy of her book and gave it to her father. After her father read it, he finally recognized her work and even asked, “Where can we get more copies for the relatives” (Cisneros, paragraph 17). According to Cisneros, “that was the most wonderful” things among all the good things that occurred to her (paragraph 17).

    Quote: “I wanted my father to understand what I was scribbling to be introduced as “my only daughter, the writer” (Cisneros, paragraph 6)

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  190. Juan Quinones
    English 111
    post #7

    " At his Disposal"

    To dedicate to God completely requires full commitment to your faith and beliefs. Knowing that you are following faith and not by actual knowledge that God exist. Mother Teresa is a great example of a women that committed herself to God even in moments of hardship. She went through dark moments but knowing her purpose in life she continued. She knew that there was a battle physically to go and help others but her faith had to be high for her to do the actions she did. The spiritual side of her beliefs. in paragraph 3 she mentions, " Pray for me for the life within me is harder to live." In times of hardship you want to question God and your faith and why bad things would happen to a person that is giving it up all to work for his purposes. My family is christian and my mom has set a great example. Being involved in church daily.She is always helping by : cleaning the church, cooking for the servants of God, etc. I see her do all this and she is an older women and complains about pain in her feet and all and i ask y continue doing this consistently and she always answers me," Cause its for God." She teaches me a lesson every time i see her footsteps daily.

    "To be in Love yet not in love..."

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  191. Juan Quinones
    English 111
    Post # 8

    " Cathedral"

    Cathedral is about a jealous and arrogant main character. As he feels no sympathy for a blind man that has just lost his Wife Beulah. As the blind man is going to come spend the night at his place as his wife is great a great friend with the blind man. The main character is very judgmental about the situation and feels somewhat threaten about the relationship between the blind man and his wife. " I am always learning, learning never ends". as the blind and the main character continue to talk the main character learns more about the blind man, and his intentions. The blind man makes the main character draw with his mind and soul without using his vision a cathedral and learns what the blind man feels and has a change of mind, and changes the way he sees the world.


    "Learning never ends..."

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  192. Juan Quinones
    English 111
    Post # 9

    "Only Daughter"

    "Being in an only daughter in a family of six sons forced me by circumstances to spend a lot of time by myself."(Paragraph 3) This sentence pretty much summarizes this story by Sandra Cisneros as she was the only daughter of 7 children by her daughter. Forced to learn on her own as she didn't have older sister to teach her the ways to navigate through life. Her daughter intentions as a mexican Dad was for her to find a gentlemen as her husband. It was tough for her to grow up because in order for her to find her own path she would have to fight all odds. Even when she went to college her Dads intentions was not for her to get an education and a degree his intentions was for her to go find a man for her to marry. Even when she finished her college years her dad was dissapointed that she had not yet been married. Sandra Cisneros was just trying to make her Dad proud while she could. It took ten years for her to finally get the approval of her Dad and she brought home a Spanish version of a successful book she had published. Many women that grow up with only brothers find life tougher. Its hard to be in a Mexican an only women because for a Mexican dad it means they only get one opportunity To see a daughter grow up and do the best job they can, So expectations are risen. I know this because i have two sisters and my parents are always advising and telling my younger sister what they think they did wrong with my older sister and what things to change for her not to be the same.


    “I wanted my father to understand what I was scribbling to be introduced as “my only daughter, the writer”

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  193. Shariah Parnell
    English 111
    Post # 2

    "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl

    In some cases no matter how hard the situation is, some people still find a way to keep themselves happy. In the story he speaks about how hard life is for him right now and tells about all the hardships he is facing. Although he isnt very pleased with whats going on, he isnt letting this downtime get the best of him. Thats how most people should view life. Dont give up because your having difficulties, make the most of it and progress. In the passage he says "There is only one thing I dread: not to be worthy of my sufferings." From that statement I got the idea that he feels as if he is going through this for a reason. He wants to make sure it shows. He basically doesnt want his pain and suffering to be for nothing. He wants something beneficial to happen in return.Often making the most out of your rough situations is what keeps your sanity.

    Quote:Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.
    -Arnold Schwarzenegger

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  194. Shariah Parnell
    English 111
    Post #3

    "Moths" by Helena Maria Viramontes

    Hurtful things people say and do often cause people to be very bitter towards others. When you have been broken down so much it causes you to intentionally harm others whether it be physiscally or emotionally. People like that just want others to feel for at least one second how they feel all day every day. Helena is an extremely bitter person in my eyes. She has a lot of selfishness going on based on how she has been treated in the past.Its not a good thing that she gets joy out of seeing her mother hurt and crying, but she does. Thats a prime example that she has developed a hardened heart against her loved ones.In my eyes Helena has a very troubled spirit and she needs to set all of the negative enerygy free. In the end she began to be a bit more passionate towards her grandmother. She begins to be a sweet person and not the traumatized, self conscience girl she once was.

    Quote:“The world either breaks or hardens the heart" -Chamfort

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  195. Shariah Parnell
    English 111
    Post #4

    "What is Poverty?"

    Poverty is sometimes the death of people. Poverty also makes some people do things they do not want to do or do not normally do. Its horrible but in most cases there are children involved. young children at that. There are people in the world that make fun of people living in poverty but they will never fully understand their struggle until they experience it hands on. In the passage when she speaks about a shovel, paint, a hammer, vaseline, soap, etc. this is all proof that she wants a better life for her and her children. Even though she has tried what she feels like is her best, there is still always more you can do. Nobody wants to live in poverty thats why one must do what they have to do in order to survive and live a poverty free life.

    Quote:Poverty is a veil that obscures the face of greatness. An appeal is a mask covering the face of tribulation.
    -Khalil Gibran

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  196. Araceli Angel
    October 12, 2011
    English 111

    Only Daughter

    The story that have been assined for us to read have been interesting. But out of all the previous stories, "Only Daughter" has been a story that i can relate to in a sense. The aspect of a "Mexican father" was described cleary as a machista. My father himself is a machista and can reflects upon some of the responses Sandra Cisneros's father stated. But ironicly i do not have any brothers. I have always been under the shadow of my two older sisters.My father has expectations for my sisters and I, but i am the only one that never meets his expectations because I tend to step out of my sister's shadow. Sandra was always "only a daughter" to her father because his expectations for her was to get married and have a family. She had other expectations for herself. Its unfortunate how her father was very blunt about her achievements and what she had accomplished. She made her own decisions and it took her her whole life to finally one day be accepted for what she was. I hope one day my father can respect and accept the decisions i want to make for my future.


    "Dont mistake my kindness as weakness"

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  197. Trenishia Session
    post#3
    English 111
    Moths

    sometimes we dont get to say the things we want before its to late, and we finally realize what we had once its gone. I can relate to this, i lost my father unexpectedly at the age of 11 but it wasnt until recently that i realized how much i needed him. I always appreciated my father but he had ways that intimidated me and held me back from expressing myself. he reminds me of abuletia in a sense, although he was intimidating he loved me like no other and did whatever whenever for me. Helena said in "Moths" "i always felt her gray eye on me. it made me feel, in a strange sort of way, safe, and gaurded and not alone. Like God was supposed to make you feel." (p. 3) the same security my father gave me. you can feel the love when its real and even more when its coming from a strong individual.

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  198. Trenishia Session
    English 111
    Post #6

    Cancer journals

    our trials and tribulations are lessons and sometimes that lesson is how to love yourself. sometimes we ask ourselves "why me?" Well it had to happen to someone and even if we dont understand were sure to learn from unfortunate events, such as cancer. In Audre Lorde's "Cancer JOurnals" she says "i had a sense that i would never be able to bear missing that great well of sexual pleasure that i connected with my right breast. That sense has completely passed away, as i have come to realize that that well of feeling was within me." (6) There are many great points made within this story, but what i got out of it was, as traumatic as things may be, or seem everything will be okay once you accept what cannot be undone.

    "i would never have chosen this path, but i am glad to be who i am, here."

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  199. Trenishia Session
    English 111
    Post #7

    Cathedral

    As diverse as our country is its hard to say the same for the people within. we lack knowledge of other cultures, others traditions, and much more. Time is hardly taken out to get acquainted with what we dont already know. The same seems to apply to the main character in Cathedral by Raymond Carver. He holds this blind man who is a friend of his wife at a distance, he holds everyone at a distance '"i dont have any blind frineds" i said. "you dont have any friends," she said.' (5) The blind man eventually gets him to open up and draw with him with his eyes closed. "my eyes were still closed. i was in my house. i knew that. but i didnt feel like i was inside anything. it's really something, i said" (32) its clear that we should not be afriad of what we dont know.

    "thats a good question. i dont know"

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  200. Trenishia session
    English 111
    Post # 9

    Only Daughter

    We all want to be accepted , some people gain acceptance by conforming, and others such as Sandra Cisneros stay true to themselves in hopes of achieving acceptance eventually. I believe if one can recall doing something they didnt want to do, their guilty of conforming. Even tho Sandra Cisneros father found her education a waste of time, she still continued to do what made her happy. it seems ironic her fathers approval was a goal she possesed for a lifetime. "of all the wonderful things that had happened to me last year, that was the most wonderful." (17) She didnt ONLY want to be accepted, she wanted to be accepted for who she was, a writer. "In a sense, everything i have ever written has been for him, to win his approval. (7) Thats something to be proud of, that displays a high quality of self worth. I dont recall ever conforming either.

    "but the truth is, i wanted him to interrupt."

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