Josue's English Blog

response:  So far in Multicultural Lit, I feel like getting my work done has been going well, and I really like the topics we have been learning about. I especially enjoy learning about different cultures and the problems they experience that I did not know about before. One thing that has been challenging for me is speaking in front of the class, but I feel like my anxiety about it is starting to go away. I also feel like the amount of work is manageable and I am able to keep up with it. Moving forward, I need to work on understanding the readings better and learning how to analyze them in a way that makes sense to me. summary: we watched the video and then we started working on our cultural identity mask Reflection:  I learned that finding your identity can take time, especially when you are young and still figuring out who you are. As you get older, you have more experiences that can help you understand yourself better, but your identity can still continue to change 

Response:  The part of my identity that travels with me everywhere I go is my Mexican culture. Even though I grew up in the United States, my culture is still a big part of who I am and how I see the world. I carry the traditions, values, and experiences I grew up with wherever I go. It reminds me where my family comes from and makes me proud of who I am. No matter where I am, being Mexican American will always be a part of me. Summary:  We worked on CommonLit and read “The Danger of a Single Story.” Reflection:  I learned that hearing only one story about a person or group can cause people to have an incomplete or unfair view of them. I also learned that it is important to hear different stories because people and cultures are more complex than one stereotype

Response:  I prefer hands on activities because I learn better when I am actually involved in the activity. I feel like they make class more interesting and less boring. Hands on activities also help me understand the topic better because I get to experience it instead of just reading about it. I usually remember things better when I am able to participate and do something myself. Overall, I think hands on activities are the best way for me to learn. summary : We read “The Myth of the Latin Woman” and completed a worksheet about the stereotypes discussed in the text.  Reflection : I learned that stereotypes can cause people to make assumptions about someone based on their culture or appearance. I also learned that these assumptions do not show who a person really is.

Response:  Growing up Mexican American, I have had people assume that I am “whitewashed” because of the way I talk or because I grew up in the United States. They assumed that I was not connected to my Mexican culture just because I did not fit their idea of what being Mexican should look like. At first, it bothered me because I knew that my culture is a big part of who I am. I realized that I do not have to choose between being American and being Mexican. I can be both, and being multicultural does not mean I have to fit into one specific stereotype. summary : We did a worksheet about different stereotypes and discussed how people can make assumptions about others. Reflection : I learned that stereotypes can cause people to judge others without actually knowing them. I also learned that everyone has different experiences and should not be judged based on assumptions.

Prompt Response:  One gender expectation that has been difficult for me to navigate is the idea that boys are supposed to act tough and hide their emotions. In both Mexican culture and society in general, many people expect guys to stay strong and not show how they really feel. This has been challenging for me because I am an emotional person, and sometimes I feel pressure to keep my feelings to myself so that I do not seem weak. A clear example is when I am upset or stressed but feel like I should hide it instead of talking about it openly. I do not agree with this expectation because I believe everyone should be able to express their emotions without being judged. Summary:  In class, we read and discussed “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid and took a quiz about the story.   reflection:  I learned that gender expectations can start at a young age and can affect how people are expected to act. I also learned that these expectations can be different depending on someone’s cult...

  prompt response:  The inspiration behind my poem came from my experiences as a Mexican American and how my culture has shaped who I am. I wanted to show how proud I am of my Mexican culture and the traditions that are important to me. My family, food, church, music, and other traditions have all influenced who I am today. I also wanted to express that I don’t have to prove how Mexican I am to anyone else. Overall, I wanted my poem to show that I am proud of where I come from and that my culture is an important part of my identity. summary: We read out our poems to the class. Reflection:  Writing this poem made me think more deeply about my culture and how it has influenced the person I am today. It also reminded me that I should always be proud of where I come from and never feel like I have to change myself to fit someone else’s expectations.

Prompt Response:  Something I did that was out of the norm for me was getting out of my comfort zone and joining SGA. I decided to do it because I wanted to try something new and become more involved in my school, even though I was nervous at first. My friends and family were really supportive, and being voted for by my classmates made me feel proud of myself. I’m still nervous about having a big role as class president during my senior year, but I’m excited for the opportunity. This experience has taught me how to become a better leader and believe in myself more. summary: we would like a story about why I want a wife and then we wrote a list of like reasons why we want a husband. Reflection: I learn that many women in different cultures have big responsibilities. I also learned and realize that not just women should be having the big responsibilities.

Prompt response:  I felt completely lost on my first day of high school because the school was so much bigger than I expected. Even though I had gone on a tour before, I still had trouble finding my classes and had to keep asking teachers for directions. It was also difficult because I barely had any classes with my friends, so I had to step out of my comfort zone and meet new people. I remember feeling nervous and overwhelmed because everything was unfamiliar. Looking back, I realize that being lost on my first day was just the beginning of me becoming more comfortable and finding my place in high school. Summery: We went over a presentation about gender roles. Reflection: I learned that gender rules are expectations about how people are supposed to act based if they’re a girl Or a boy. I also learned that you don’t have to follow the stereotypes.

 Prompt Response: Over the past week I've gotten more comfortable with the class and it seems like I'll enjoy. I've gotten used to the assignments of discussions and have a better idea of how much work we will have. I like the structure of the class because it gives me opportunities to participate and hear different perspectives. One of my strengths is understanding other people's perspectives and trying to see things from their point of one of my strengths is understanding other people's perspectives and trying to see things from their point of view. One Challenge I think I will have a speaking in front of people and expressing myself. For example when I was called on in class I had an idea for what I wanted to say but I got nervous and had trouble putting my thoughts into words. I feel like as we continue I think I'll become more comfortable speaking and expressing ideas but it's going to be something I'll have to work on. Summary: In class we read a p...

 Prompt Response: if someone only knew my race they wouldn't know that I am also interested in photography which is one of the things that has shaped me into who I am. I enjoyed taking pictures of random things then capturing moments that I think are interesting. Another part of my identity is leadership because I'm involved in SGA at school and has helped me become more confident and responsible. I'm also involved in my community by volunteering at different places which has taught me the importance of helping other people. These are all important parts of who I am that someone wouldn't know just by knowing my race. Summary: Today in class we watch different videos that explored people's viewpoints and experiences with their identity. Reflection: I learned that everyone has different experiences that shape their identity. Also that there is more to a person than what you can see on the outside.

Prompt response: my family and friends are the main part of what have made me who I am today. My family has taught me how to value and respect others and has taught me many of the important things I carry with me today. My friends have taught me about love trust and how important it is to have people who support me. My religion has had a big influence on me because it has taught me not to be afraid of what comes my way because I know God is always with me. Sometimes I have felt like I had changed the way I acted in pending on what friend group I was around with. But some groups I would act one way and with other groups out I completely different because I wanted to feel accepted and fit in. As I've got another I've realized that I shouldn't have to change who I am to fit in. Summary: absent  Reflection: absent

Prompt response : One meaningful family tradition in my Mexican culture is celebrating December 12th the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We usually start celebrating on December 11th by going to church and praying the Rosary. After that we attend Mass to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. After mass the church community gathers for food and traditional dancing. We stay up until midnight to sing Las Mananitas to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. This tradition connects to my culture and religion because this tradition has passed down through my family and connects to my Mexican and Catholic background. summary: absent reflection: absent

I have many goals I wanna achieve this year but the top three goals I want achieve this year are improving my gpa, be a good class president , and of course I want to graduate. I want to improve my gpa so I can get in to a good collage. Im going to make that possible by turing in all my work and studying for test so I can get a good grade. I also want to be a good class president by supporting my classmates and helping make our senior year memorable. Graduating is important to me bacuase I want to start a new chapter in my life and I also want to make my parents proud.