Journal 4 from Abigail Flores

We are all different.

Part One: Cisneros Response

Out of the chapters that we have to read for class this past Monday, I think that "And Some More" is important because one of the points is individuality. That is one thing that really speaks to me. I feel that everybody's personality is different and that is what makes them special. Your personality defines you as an individual and that can not be changed or taken away. There is only one you. The way that Cisneros introduces the idea of individuality is how it takes place with Esperanza, Rachel, Nenny, and Lucy. They are all younger and have minds open to creativity and imagination. This chapter was a
little confusing to read at first, but my understanding is that instead of grouping the clouds together, they were giving each individual cloud a name. This symbolizes that they are all different in their own way, just like people. 

One passage that stuck out to me was

     "That's cumulus too. They're all cumulus today. Cumulus, cumulus, cumulus."

     "No, she says. There is Nancy, otherwise known as Pig-eye. And over there her cousin Mildred, and little Joey, Marco and Sue."

I like this part from the chapter because it is a change in perspective. It goes from making it sound like the clouds are being put into groups and then they are seen as individual clouds. They may look similar, but they are still different in their own way. 

Part Two: Story of a local Role Model

As a child, my aunt Carolyn and uncle Mark had a very big influence on my life. I grew up between Ohio and Michigan. I did not get out much and I only knew how to live one life. The life at home coloring, watching tv, and playing soccer.  When I got a little older I started to take a trip with my grandpa every year to visit my aunt and uncle on their farm in Oklahoma. I never really knew what it was like to live out in the country with all of the nature and dirt roads. It was not like the typical petting farm that I would go to at the county fairs. My aunt and uncle taught me so much about living in the country. They would let me go fishing, ride on the tractor, take care of the animals, they would even take me out shooting. This was a side of the world that I never knew. There was always something to do and I loved every part of it. This is not the only way that they had an influence on me. They both served in the United States Navy. They would tell me stories and show me how it has changed their lives. They always were there to tell me that I can be whatever I want to be and I should choose to do whatever it is that I want to do. If it were not for them, I don't think I would be in the military today. The farm is my getaway. It is my happy place. I don't know what I would do without it. I think that this is part of the reason why I really like the chapter, "And Some More" from The House on Mango Street because my aunt and uncle are the ones who helped me see how I am different in my own way.

Some photos with my aunt and uncle on the farm.