“A TREEmendous Day in Hialeah 2010”

I attended to a helpful, valuable, and beneficial activity named “A TREEmendous Day in Hialeah 2010” which was coordinated by Miami Dade College, Hialeah Campus. On April 17th, 2010, a group of volunteers went to Hialeah Middle School to planting twenty trees. It is admirable that MDC is involved in this kind of activity which helps raise awareness about how to take care our planet. Going Green is an important movement which pursues to do all the necessary efforts in order to conserve our natural resources and reduce the devastating pollution. Global warming is a problem that should concern everyone. Therefore, every individual can help save our planet, and improve his/her quality of life. Afterward I participated in this event; I felt very proud because I collaborated a little bit to keep our earth.

“Willing to Kill”

“Willing to Kill” is a short story of Killer Females 2. It is a series presented in Univision that relates deep, emotional, strong, and real life stories of women who are taken to the limit and end up killing her oppressor. This drama presents the story of Rosa, a hairstylist who aspires having a higher position at any cost. She met Ines, a wealthy client, at her beauty salon, and gradually she obtained Ines’ confidence. They developed a “close and sincere” relationship, and Ines confessed to Rosa that she will leave her legacy. As a result, Rosa’s husband recommended her to consent, protect, and care Ines in order to safeguard the heritage. However, later Ines discovered that Rosa only wanted her money; therefore, she began to harass, bother, and torment Rosa. Ines’ attitude annoyed a lot Rosa to the point that led her to the desperation. Afterward, Rosa forgot her desired legacy and killed her “best friend” Ines. This short story demonstrates what a person is capable to do for ambition, and if one acts improperly, he/she ends badly as happened with Rosa who ended in prison.

Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba

Four years ago, I lived an unforgettable, different, and great experience. My husband dreamed since his childhood going to Cirque du Soleil, so we went there in our honeymoon. However, I have to confess that I never had heard or seen it, and I thought that it is a traditional circus with clowns, elephants, and magic shows. La Nouba in Orlando broke all my expectations because it is a captivating, fascinating, and amazing spectacle. This show has skilled performers with a high level of perfection. I most enjoyed the show did by two Chinese girls who despite their few years did a wonderful performer. I would definitely watch the show again, and I highly recommend you to watch it!

“A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen

“A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen reflects the male-chauvinist’s mentality of the 19th Century’s society. Nora, the main character, hides a big secret which at the end of the play finishes her ideal marriage. Long time ago, she took a loan without the consent of any man in order to save her loving husband’s life. This action was prohibited because women could not be independent, perform any business or manage their own money. If a woman wanted to do it, she had to have the authorization of her father, brother or husband. However, Nora was desperate for her husband’s health and violated this ridiculous precept falsifying his father’s signature. Later, Mr. Torvald discovered his sweetheart’s secret, and saw it as treason, forgetting the causes which Nora had for doing it. Definitely, Torvald only cared being a respectable, acceptable, and reputable to society. This reaction disappointed a lot Nora because he was more concern in appearance than in her feelings and happiness. As a result, she decided to abandon him and their children in order to be free and obtain her individuality. Thanks God that this reality is part of our past, and nowadays women have the same rights as men.

“The Lamb” and “The Tyger” by William Blake

William Blake through his poems “The Lamb” and “The Tyger” represents the good and evil that exists in the world. When he talks about a lamb, he describes it as a meek, mild, and innocent animal. He compares the lamb with an inoffensive child; and I completely agree with the author because children are docile, friendly, and quiet creatures as a lamb. On the other hand, Blakes illustrate the tyger as a fearful, frightful, and evil animal which represents the dark side of life. The author does not conceive how these two dissimilar creatures could come to same creator, God. Certainly, God creates good and bad, but he gives us free will in order that we can decide what we want to do if a virtuous lamb or a vile tiger.

“Nueba Yol” by Angel Muniz

“Nueba Yol” is a Dominican movie which portrays in a funny, real, and deep manner the hardships faced by immigrants seeking to reach the desiring American dream. Balbuena, the main character, is a honest, hard-working, and courageous man who risks everything in order to be successful. When he finally comes to United States, he discovers that his desired Nueba Yol only exists in his mind because the reality is totally different from what he thinks. He lived uncomfortable and was wretched by his own family. Is until then, that he started doing any type of job, even at the lowest pay-rate. This story demonstrates that achieving the American dream requires sacrifice, integrity, and courage. In addition, this film transmits a powerful message that if you are honest, you will never fall in the ruthless world of drugs because it destroys you gradually. In my own opinion, I suggest anyone to never sacrifice his/her principles, beliefs, and values in order to accomplish his/her goals because at the end he/she would regret it.

“My Sister’s Keeper”

“My Sister’s Keeper” is a moving film which relates what a loyal family is capable to do for love. Anna is a helpless, lovely, and charming girl who is diagnosed with leukemia. Her parents conceived in vitro their third child named Kate with a firm purpose: being a matched donor to her sick sister. Certainly, this fact is ethically questionable and later it originates a new conflict in the Fitzgerald family, because Kate decides to sue her parents for medical emancipation. She does not desire to experience another medical procedure or donate her kidney even though it could save Anna’s life. It devastates Sara (mother) who has all her hopes in Kate. On the other hand, they never take a minute and ask Anna what she really wants. Surprisingly, she does not want to fight anymore against cancer because deeply inside she knows that her illness is risking her family’s welfare. This drama teaches me that unconditional love, loyalty, and perseverance are necessary qualities if a family wants to overcome any difficulty as the Fitzgerald does.

“I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You” by Pablo Neruda

“I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You” by Pablo Neruda reflects the battle between emotions and logic which many of us feel when love someone. The author points out that he loves this person because he decided to do it, and his decision made him feel unhappy, miserable, and confused. He did not know if just love her and wait for her or just forget her. His indecision is consuming him to the point that he believes will die for love. When I was teenager I experimented this feeling and it was very hard and difficult to fight between my conscience and my heart. Certainly, sometimes love can turn into a miserable feeling that can transform your life into an endless agony. At the end, I learned that loving somebody is a personal decision, which can make me happy or miserable if I let it.

“Dream Land” by Christina Rossetti

Christina Rossetti in her poem “Dream Land” talks about the perfect rest and the ideal peace afterlife. I like how Rossetti talks about death, an issue which used to be sad, depressing, and tragic, in a captivating, different, and enchant manner. I am Catholic and I believe that after death, we find the desired peace, rest, and joy. I completely agree with the author on the fact that death is a positive step in the life of any human being. That been said do not be afraid of dying because it is an enchanted sleep, and pain free, where you will experiment a complete peace. Life flows to death as a river, so enjoy every moment of your life and think that after it you will sleep a charmed sleep.

“The Pursuit of Happyness”

“The Pursuit of Happyness” starring by Will Smith is the most encouraging, heartening, and helpful movie which I have ever seen. It relates the true story of Chris Gardner who had to overcome many obstacles in order to pursuit his dream: being a successful stockbroker. This story broke my heart because Chris and his son endured harsh adversities, such as hunger, being homeless, social deprivation, and among others, until achieve his goal. This story demonstrates that nothing is impossible if you put your heart, mind, and strength in to that. In addition, I learned that if I have a dream, I have to protect it and nobody can tell me that I cannot do it as Chris used to say. Throughout this drama I noticed that being happy is not a utopia, and it can be reached by courageous, perseverant, and determinant individuals as Chris Gardner. If you have not watched it yet, I recommend you to watch it and I promise you that you will not regret it.

“Marks” by Linda Paston

Linda Paston in her poem “Marks” reflects a sad reality that unfortunately many women face nowadays. It relates the grades that her children and husband gave her in her role of mother, housewife, and wife. This attitude caused frustration, unhappiness, and sadness to the author, and it must be hard to be graded by your family. As mother, wife, and worker I know that we put our heart in every task that we do, and we always hope that our relatives appreciate our effort. Fortunately, my husband values me and recognizes that it is not easy being a multifaceted woman in our time. I think that you can receive constructive criticism from your family, but never being graded by them. Remember never give up under any circumstance because you are an individual who worth much.

“A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty

I really liked Eudora Welty's “A Worn Path” for its moving and powerful message. It portrays the story of the long and complicated journey that Phoenix Jackson did in order to get her grandson’s medicine. Phoenix was an old, poor, and black woman who never faltered until achieved her goal. This story taught me that with love, determination, and perseverance an individual can accomplish whatever he/she wants. In addition, it demonstrates that any adversity can limit and avoid achieving his/her dreams. I really indentify with Phoenix because as mother I am capable to do any sacrifice in order to preserve my little treasure’s health, welfare, and happiness like she did for her lovely grandson.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes"

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" is a musical that I watched few months ago at Actors' Playhouse. It is about the 1958 Springfield High School prom led by the wonderettes: Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy. This colored musical comedy transports the audience throughout its scenography, choreography, and music to the 50's and 60's. Also, the wonderettes involve me in their personality, dreams, goals, and loves. Certainly, it is a well-done, extraordinary, and amusing musical that captivate me. I enjoyed a lot this play because it has excellent actor’s performance, well done scenography and choreography, and engaging plot. In addition, I discovered that theater has a magical charm that I had never experienced before with a movie.

"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson in "The Lottery" relates the story of a cruel event which is annually celebrated in a small town as part of their tradition. Their residents select a person from the town by a drawing, who will be the winner. Ironically the prize is not good, but to be stoned by the villagers. Nowadays, there are many cultures which perform cruel, abominable, and hurtful rituals violating the most fundamental human rights, such as life. The author wants us to become aware that we cannot carry our traditions only because they are part of our customs regardless its nature. In conclusion, we should not support absurd rituals of the past only for fear of being different and being against a group.

“Cathedral” by Raymond Carvers

“Cathedral” by Raymond Carvers shows that you never should prejudice against someone because of their disabilities. Robert, the main character of this story, demonstrates us that being blind are not a limitation. Sometimes people who can see are blinder than the blind themselves. They develop a sixth sense which makes them more susceptible, sensitive, and receptive to the world. Certainly, only you can limit yourself, and if you think that you cannot do something, you will never do it. Never discriminate and judge someone for his incapacities before you know him/her because he/she could teach you a big lesson: being happy although your circumstances.

"Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Although "Story of an Hour" written by Kate Chopin portrays the typical husband of a male-dominated society in the 19th Century, it is a sad reality that even exist nowadays in many cultures and families. It is regrettable that today many women have to suffer the repression, control, and dominion of a tyrannical man. I believe that no one has the right to suppress your liberty. I recommend you never let anyone steal your freedom and happiness. As a result, cherish, protect, and defend it as an invaluable treasure. After read this story, I give thanks to God because I live in a country where freedom is recognized as a human right. Definitely, being free is priceless.