Grandmother

My grandma (mom’s mother) is a very loving person and she loves me a lot. She took care of me when I was growing up and babysit me many times while mom was at work. I remember her cooking and taking me for walks in the park, always doing her best to keep me comfortable. She’s 82 years old now and still looks healthy. She’s got some problems with her memory and sometimes asks the same things a lot, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I understand her and care for her, giving back all the love I’ve received through the years. I’m also proud of her job as a matriarch; she raised almost by herself five children. I cherish the good times that I’ve had with her and look forward to keep sharing them.

Summary from “When I was Puerto Rican”

This is an autobiographical novel by author Esmeralda Santiago. The story tells her trajectory from the country in Puerto Rico to the urbanization in New York. The first chapters give you the elements to understand the family she lives in, the dysfunction around it and poverty. Like “The Oxcart” by René Marqués, Santiago’s novel presents you the process of the Puerto Rican coming out of the country looking for ways to a better life.

Reaction to Esmeralda Santiago's Biography.

Esmeralda Santiago is a writer from Puerto Rico. She went from a rural ambiance that suffered poverty to New York City where the ambiance is drastically different. Her life in the city was difficult because of the clashes in culture, languages, and identities. Esmeralda battled against these differences and struggled to get into the University of Harvard. In my opinion this experience is not easy. I admired the way that she struggled and managed herself in the situation. Esmeralda Santiago is an example of improving one's environment to improve one's life.

The music in my head that keeps me alive

The  music in my head is classical music. This music keeps me in studious mood and it helps me calm down. In my opinion this music is the best genre that exists. The composition of the melodies in classical music vary rhythmically, it can be very fast and it also can be very slow. Even though these attributes don't affect the melodic quality, one has to understand that the versatility of classical music is way beyond any other type of music.  Classical music is also known for its composers and musicians. My favorite classical composers are Beethoven, Handel, Mozart and Bach. These musicians were musical prodigies in their period. The feeling I get from this music, the complexities rhythmically and melodically, and the composers of this art make me prefer classical music.

Parents comparation

How do I see myself compared to my parents? This is a tricky question because we are different in personality. But there’s no doubt we share some things and I appreciate all the effort that they’ve made to raise me and help me to be the best I can. My father is a very responsible working man and my mother is a tough woman always caring for me. Got to say it, I love her food! She is the one that cooks, my father doesn’t know anything about cooking. They are both great! I’m a good and friendly boy because of the love and care I’ve received from them all these years.

Blog reaction

Well, my reaction to the blog came something like a surprise. It wasn’t until recently that I’m being able to enter the internet frequently. I even had to make my first e-mail, so it’s something new and exciting. A blog it’s a great tool to share with my classmates the things I like and what I think about different things. I think it’s a different approach to learning. Nowadays, technology is more important than ever; computers and the ever growing internet are here to stay. They have become essential to the ways we interact, and education should be no exception.

Critical Thinking

This refers to the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it. Critical thinking helps to communicate myself in a more effective manner. It’s the first time that I’m able to read about it. It’s very interesting and useful to our everyday lives. We probably use it unconsciously, but being conscious about what it is and its different elements, gives you the tools to think in a whole new way. 

My Personality

I’m a relaxed person and I cherish the company of others. I like to help people out, being responsible and learn lots of things. One of my favorite hobbies is watching the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. I like playing video games and having fun whenever I have the opportunity. I also love movies and watching the news, especially keeping track of the weather. I like music, of course! Playing the piano it’s something I enjoy very much. I also like being able to sing in the chorus group.