Anmwe! (Help)

On January 12, 2010, an earthquake –magnitude 7.0- hit Port- Au- Prince, Haiti (the poorest country in the Western hemisphere.) After such a devastating event, practically the entire world has come together to take on the mission on helping the Haitians in their grief over loss of family members, food, shelter, and other necessities. One of the most vital factors is the need of medicines and medical aid. This shortage risks the lives of thousands who are in need of surgery and even treatments for simple infections that can lead to even more casualties. It’s these disturbing events that bring us together and lets us see our humane side by helping these poor people throughout their lamentable situation.
Countries with different governmental systems and societal ideologies, such as the United States, China, and Cuba, have set aside their differences and united for the sole purpose of providing aid to Haiti. China, for example, who does not have diplomatic relations with Haiti, was one of the first countries to offer their support. And Cuba has allowed American planes to fly through Cuban air space. Even though most of the world has joined to help Haiti, it seems that the Haitians are suffering more by the hand of their own people.
Besides the lack of supplies, there has been an increase in looting and rape. While people have to endure painful injuries, mourn the loss of relatives and friends, or just see how their homes have crumbled down to nothing, they, in addition, have to deal with the delinquency that is taking place. They are forced to confront the theft of the scarce food they have, the possibility of being killed for it, and at night to protect themselves in their little cloth tents from rapists. Many of the articles I have read say it is plain survival, but it seems like they are just taking advantage of the situation and making it all worse for other earthquake victims. The victims are having a shortage of food and medicine, and they also have to deal with the same problems that everyone else has to overcome: they also are trying to stay alive. So does survival really have to mean your well being over that of others, no matter at what cost?
I have always desired to be a doctor, ever since I can remember, and its incidents like these that make me want to become a doctor even more. Helping people in need and knowing you’re making a difference in the world is more than satisfactory. For me, the definition of survival is getting ahead and bringing along as many people as you can with you. It is helping others when they have nobody else.

The Lost Art of Letter Writing

As I was sorting through the items in my room, deciding whether they were necessary or not, I came upon an old dusty box. Its contents consisted of an old diary, letters, a baby doll, an album, and a baseball--abandoned objects that were once of great importance in my childhood. Although, my diary included only five written pages and the letters were fading, it was nice to see how I would express myself then, and I remembered events that I had forgotten over time. It made me realize the little importance I’ve given to writing and how much I missed the “traditional” way of writing.

There was a time when letters were our only means of communicating with people who lived far away. Today, there are so many ways, it is overwhelming. Of course communicating is more accessible and faster, but sometimes the simple act of writing on paper is better. Unlike talking over the phone, writing your ideas and emotions takes a lot more thought and awareness. And it is much more meaningful knowing that someone took the time and went out of their way to write you a letter. It is a lot more personalized and it is permanent, it remains there until you either destroy it, or it fades away.

Unfortunately, letter writing is now a lost art. We are too busy and comfortable to sit down and spend time to write a letter when there are computers, cell phones, and other technologies that allow us to communicate faster and easier. After all, that’s what the future is about, right?
Well, after all the heartache over the estrangement of letters in our modern culture, I searched through my box, reading letters full of nonsense or emotions and knowing that I will cherish them forever. I know that even though I will eventually get completely sucked into the world of technology, I will always long for the missed art of letter writing.

The little known world of America Samoa

As a part of my dad’s job, he would occasionally travel to this little island called American Samoa. He told me how beautiful its landscape was, as well as fascinating facts about the people and their culture. As a result, I was curious and wanted to learn more about this island.

American Samoa is a U.S. owned territory that is part of the Samoan archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It has white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters where one can snorkel with reef sharks. The island possesses rocky mountains which are known to have the highest sea cliffs, and there are tropical rainforests with hiking trails and national parks. For a more peaceful adventure there are museums and towns that are filled with historic artifacts and sites. Although the island itself has a lot to offer, their traditions and family values are the most impacting.

Fa’a Samoa--meaning “The Samoan Way”--is the saying these Polynesian inhabitants live by. It reminds them how they should behave and the obligations they have with their family, community, and church.

Family and respect is a very important factor throughout the Samoan culture. The largest tribes are the most prominent and influential; therefore, their importance in maintaining standards is vital because they are looked upon as leaders of the community. The elders, known as chiefs, are high among the Samoan hierarchy and earn the utmost respect. They are in charge of important decisions the family has to make, as well as upholding traditional customs. Samoans are also considered very friendly people. If one walks throughout the Island, everyone tries to make that person feel welcome by just saying hello, inviting them to Diwali festivities, or rugby or cricket games--which are their most popular sports.

Religion plays a very important role in Samoans’ lives. There are churches established in every town which are attended frequently by the locals. Even though they are Christians and have been influenced greatly by the United States, they do not have “ordinary” services. They incorporate their traditions in every way possible, despite the outside influence that--with time--forces them to change their customs and to foresee the fading of their culture. An interesting fact that allows one to see their unique traditions is the burial of their family members. Samoans prefer to keep their deceased relatives close to them by burying them in their private cemeteries-which are their front yard.

American Samoa is not only encrusted with amazing scenery and activities, but it is also filled with interesting traditions, family values, and their profound appreciation for their country. This is what makes this island unique. The people sustain their values and beliefs by integrating their customs into their everyday life, no matter how slight. It is a paradise that still stands despite the threat of modernization; one of the few in this constantly changing world. Holding onto ancestral traditions is a lesson many in this world could learn from the proud Samoan peoples.

Indomitable

Traveling in a canoe in Okefenokee -the land of trembling earth- from Moniac to the St. Mary’s River. This was one of the 10 wishes on Abigail’s list, and Doss Michaels was willing to make it all come true.

Abigail Grace Coleman and Doss Michaels, the two main characters of Where the River Ends by Charles Martin, were on two completely different paths until they met. Abigail was a model, aspiring interior designer and the senator’s daughter, while Doss was a fishing guide and a struggling artist. Since their meeting consists of him saving her during a burglar attack, he immediately goes up a notch by becoming the town’s hero. They fall in love and experience the different worlds in each other’s lives. Although on the surface it appears to be just another common romantic story--two adults from different social status fall in love and have conflict with those who oppose--this novel is quite the contrary. As you get further into the book, the problems and situations become more complicated and realistic.

The “second part” of the story in Where the River Ends depicts the problems they struggle with and how they face them. Abigail is diagnosed with cancer, and even though they relentlessly see the best doctors and receive all known treatments, the disease remains indomitable. Everything starts falling apart; her family feels useless; her friends stop talking to her little by little; her career is over. The only thing manifest from her unfortunate condition is her relationship with Doss. Even though her appearance deteriorates, he stands by her, faithfully and with unconditional love and support. The fact that she has a terminal disease does not change how he feels about her, while knowing he will lose a lot more in the end.

They both go on a trip, despite the consequences they know they will have to face later. They go according to Abigail’s list: to ride an antique carousel, to loopty loop in an old plane, to sip wine on the beach, to go skinny-dipping, to swim with dolphins, to wet a line, to pose, to dance with husband, to laugh so hard it hurts, and to travel the river all the way from Moniac. Throughout their journey, the things on the list are easily accomplished and are not physically demanding. However, it is the dangerous experiences they encounter that become life threatening: from the bad weather to the lack of medicine to even crazy hunters. In the end, Abigail and Doss are convinced it was all worth it.

Charles Martin writes a heartwarming and romantic book, which is also full of suspense and action. He provokes the reader to be cognizant that even in the worst of times love can surpass all barriers and prevail. Doss came to realize that despite Abigail’s illness, she had provided him support through the tribulations as if he was the afflicted one. She was the one that kept him afloat, and he learned that the trip wasn’t really for her but for him. It was her way of helping each other in this difficult time and giving him memories of what could be their last adventure together. In the end, Abigail proves she is the one indomitable, not her illness.

Anything is Possible

The movies Freedom Writers and Capote are two completely different movies in the sense of the genre, topics, and the actions portrayed throughout the film. Capote is about the investigation by Truman Capote about the murder of a family for his soon-to-be-famous book which, at the end, tears him apart emotionally. While Freedom Writers is a story about how a teacher affects the lives of her students, who thought they could do nothing better in life than just try to survive day to day, and how they also change her life as well. Although these true stories seem to have nothing in common, they contain similar ideas and messages that make the viewer realize that by being determined a person can pretty much accomplish anything.

Comparing these two movies one sees that both of the main characters love what they do, and they fall in love in the process. One could practically say that they fall in love with their “projects,” but in different ways. Capote falls in love with the guy who committed the family murder and talks to him in order to get the story straight, with all the right details, for his book. He connects with the convict through their conversations, their likes, and their thoughts. He also relates with his past and turns this work-relationship into a friendship, and perhaps even more. Although it’s strange for him to fall in love with someone who has done such a terrible thing, he is a peculiar guy and finds all of this comforting.
Mrs. Gruwell, the teacher in Freedom Writers, falls in love with her students, but in a family sort of way. She becomes close to these kids because she realizes the struggles they’re going through and she is determined to create a way for them to forget their problems and to make an effort for a better life. Unlike Capote’s case, which is not clear if the killer loved him in return, Mrs. Gruwell’s students appreciated and loved her in the end.

Although they were both successful with their goals, Capote getting In Cold Blood published and Mrs. Gruwell having a great start with the beginning of her teaching career and helping these kids see their potential, they both had to make sacrifices. Capote practically sacrifices his life, he uses eight years to write this book, falls in love with someone who at the end was sentenced to die, writes no successful books after this one, and becomes an alcoholic which, in the end, causes his death. Mrs. Gruwell also makes sacrifices, although not as drastic as Capote. It causes her marriage to fail, which may have been for the best, and it also puts her life and job at risk.

At the end, these two movies show how being determined can make you realize your goals. Even though others try to put you down or don’t believe you can make it, if you try hard enough you can accomplish anything you want. But with every good comes a bad, the question is if it is worth it.

My Hero

One of the utmost role models in my life is my dad. He’s hardworking, dedicated, caring, and has always wanted the best for us—my sister Randa and I. In my eyes, he’s practically superman without the cape. Of course he has some weaknesses, but there’s mainly nothing that can bring him down. Personally, I have experienced one of his courageous acts.
It was school vacations and my sister and I were bored to death. We were just flipping through the channels trying to find something interesting. We were finally going to give up when, suddenly, my parents entered the room with a big surprise, “We’re going to Garmisch!” I was so thrilled and couldn’t wait to visit this place I had never been to.

When we arrived, we settled at the campground we were staying and went to this little amusement park. We were going on the last ride, which was like a little rollercoaster--except you rode in your own little cart that you could control with a stick. I wanted to go in the first cart and I kept insisting, but in the end my dad won. So my dad went first, I went second, and Randa went third. We went up the hill and started descending one at a time. When it was my turn, I pushed the stick which sent my cart racing down the tracks. I didn’t really realize that I was the one in control of the cart, and I became kind of nervous. Instead of pulling the stick to slow down, I pushed it even further. The cart was going so fast, and I was freaking out, that I didn’t realize there was a “speed bump” to stop the cart--probably to prevent accidents for people like me who don’t react well in these types of situations. Well, I had to be the exception. My cart slammed against the “speed bump” and I went flying in the air, literally. Thankfully, my dad was at the front. He was the only obstacle that prevented me from smashing into the lot of empty carts that were to follow.

It was a terrifying experience. I remember my mom dropping the camera and running towards me while I was hanging in my dad’s arms, limp and in shock. I know it seems unrealistic, one of those experiences that only happens in movies, but it happened to me. At first I didn’t feel any pain. I actually thought I was unharmed from the incident I had just experienced, but then I moved and proved myself wrong. My whole chest and right arm were red and throbbing in pain. I was laid on the ground, while my mom checked me to see if I had any broken bones. I was sent to the hospital, which coincidently was only 2 minutes away, and was found to have a broken wrist.

I keep thinking how different things would have been if I would have been in the first cart. As I said in my previous essay, things happen for a reason. Thanks to my dad, who was there at the right time, at the right moment, and at the right place, I only broke my wrist and nothing more severe happened to me. It’s funny how so many people say “You are my hero” or “You saved my life” for little favors someone does. But now I can truly say that my dad is my hero.

Willkommen in Deutschland

“Fünf brötchen bitte.” My mom, dad, Randa and I were ordering bread in a little bakery in Wetzlar. We were in a little town called Altsatdt, in Germany, located about 50 kilometers from Frankfurt. That little bakery was our frequent stop and what I remember most while exploring the town. This old village was full of historic discoveries and was perfect to walk through to see the German culture. I loved walking on the bridge through the Lahn River on our way to get Italian ice cream or walking on the cobblestone streets looking at the houses, stores, and people passing by. We would go next to the Wetzlar Cathedral, on Sundays, to a small Spanish speaking church in the town. Randa and I were the altar girls and we’d bring the wine and holy bread, stand beside the priest and collect the offerings. Later we would go to the little markets they had in town and afterward eat gyros, bratwurst, or super-sized pretzels with salt. It was so unreal, now that I look back at it. Of course, since I was so little I didn’t realize how lucky I was to be in such a place, but I did enjoy it. Although this little town had so many things for you to discover and do, this was only a little part of what we enjoyed while living in Germany.

Castles were a great part of the tourist attractions we would go to. There are about 25,000 castles in Germany. I had never seen a real castle before, so as you could imagine I was very excited. The only castles I really remember visiting were the Neuschwanstein (which was the inspiration for Disneyland) and Heidelberg castle. They were huge and decades of history were kept within their walls, but since I was little all I could think about was: this would be a perfect place for playing hide and seek. Although, since it was packed with people and my parents didn’t want me to get lost, that was not an option. Besides the enormous dream-like castles, holidays were by far the best.

Nikolaustag(Christmas) and the Oktoberfest were celebrated at big, by big I mean, greater than anywhere I’ve ever been to. During Nikolaustag everything would be decorated at its best and there would be Christmas markets in every town. I had never seen anything like it; everyone went over the top to get ready for this holiday. It was so cheerful and beautiful, like one of those Christmas towns you only see in movies. You could smell the pastries being baked and see all the types of candies and toys being placed through the store’s windows. Even through all the coldness of winter, I could feel the warmth and happiness of people, and that was the most amazing thing of all. I remember going to Rothenberg to one of the many Christmas markets they had. There were endless stands with ornaments, food, games, and anything you could imagine for the holidays. The Oktoberfest was all about eating, games, dancing and drinking beer (which obviously I didn’t do.) There were tents with different varieties of food and little stages for dancing, although at the end it would be filled with kids jumping around and playing tag. Besides the holidays, everything was a great experience. I learned and did so many things I would have never known or done. I lived in Germany for three years and it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to.