By Gabriela Altamirano Pozo
Learning to leave the prejudices was an important lesson for me. My high school was one of the best of my city and also an expensive one. My friends and I had, in that time, a good economic situation and we belonged to the upper class. I always had everything I wanted and for that reason I thought I was better that anyone. Consequently, I had a lot of prejudices about other people, maybe with a different life than mine. But my good life came to the end, when my father lost his job. I had to leave my school and all luxuries that I used to have. I couldn’t assume my new reality.
After a time, my father decided to look for other schools, cheaper than the other one. When he found it, my brothers and I had to accept it, although we had to leave many friends behind. At the beginning, I felt superior to all my classmates, because I thought that money and the material things were the most important things, and they didn’t have that. The first year in my new high school was very difficult. I missed my friends and they always called me and asked about my new life. I tried to keep the appearances and sometimes I lied in order to look like everything was ok. But I couldn’t lie for a long time and my friends noticed that I was living another type of life.
With the years, all that I thought that were my friends disappeared. I looked for them but I didn’t have an answer, so I started to share with my new classmates, in spite of my prejudices. It was hard! I had to change my way of thinking, my wrong conception of the world and my stupid feelings about them. Finally, they resulted being excellent persons. They taught me that money is not the most important thing and stayed with me in the worst and best moments of my school life. My other friends never appeared and I knew that they said bad things about me and my family only because we had a change of life. Now, with all my school and family experience, I know that money and luxury are not important and people whom you may have prejudged, can be a great help for your life!
Nov 2, 2009
My House Is a Really Active Place
By Geraldine Skewes
My house is a really active place. I live with my whole family, besides my granny and aunt Pina (she is my mom’s godmother). So, as you can see, we are a lot. My house is quite big, a two story house, so we don’t have problems with the space. When you enter in the house, the first thing you can feel is the smell of oranges from the dinning room; then, when you walk inside, in front of you, there is a lovely picture of Virgin Mary looking at you at the end of the corridor. Just before that, there is a mirror on the wall. It is very big, old, and beautiful; its placement is very useful, because you can check your look for the last time, every time before you go out. After the corridor, are the stairs and the door to the kitchen, and my granny is always there. She is the one who cooks, because she loves it; she makes of every meal something special. Every time I get home, I smell something she is cooking: sometimes it is fried and salty, and other times, it is sweet and warm, but it is always delicious. Aunt Pina is always with her there, sometimes setting the table, and others just taking a cup of tea, waiting for my granny to take another one together. She has always cold hands, but that has nothing to do with her personality. She is very warm. This is the place where all my family get together: it is always warm, and there is a TV, so we can watch news, or a football match all together. My brother Ronald prefers this place of the house to study; and I don’t know how, but he is always with one shoe only, and he has the sock at the middle of his other foot. My older sister, Inge, from time to time, comes down from upstairs to the kitchen, to get something to eat, or to my parents’ bedroom, to talk to my mom, or just to watch TV with us. My other brother, Richard, the youngest, is always playing on the computer here, and he plays very loud music. When I go to greet him, after I arrive home, I touch his hair and play with his little curls, until he sends me away; but I just laugh. At every place of the house, you can hear when somebody arrives. My younger sister, Barbra, always arrives with her boyfriend, Ivan, and they make jokes with my mom, after they greet her and my dad, who is working on the table of the dinning room. Every time he is using his laptop, he is listening to classic music. You may think you can not have a moment of peace and silence here, but that’s not true; when I get into my room, everything is quiet, and I can get a moment alone to do my stuff. I know that I am lucky because I can live with my whole family, and I have enough space for myself. So I would not trade them for anything, neither my big house nor my big loud family.
My house is a really active place. I live with my whole family, besides my granny and aunt Pina (she is my mom’s godmother). So, as you can see, we are a lot. My house is quite big, a two story house, so we don’t have problems with the space. When you enter in the house, the first thing you can feel is the smell of oranges from the dinning room; then, when you walk inside, in front of you, there is a lovely picture of Virgin Mary looking at you at the end of the corridor. Just before that, there is a mirror on the wall. It is very big, old, and beautiful; its placement is very useful, because you can check your look for the last time, every time before you go out. After the corridor, are the stairs and the door to the kitchen, and my granny is always there. She is the one who cooks, because she loves it; she makes of every meal something special. Every time I get home, I smell something she is cooking: sometimes it is fried and salty, and other times, it is sweet and warm, but it is always delicious. Aunt Pina is always with her there, sometimes setting the table, and others just taking a cup of tea, waiting for my granny to take another one together. She has always cold hands, but that has nothing to do with her personality. She is very warm. This is the place where all my family get together: it is always warm, and there is a TV, so we can watch news, or a football match all together. My brother Ronald prefers this place of the house to study; and I don’t know how, but he is always with one shoe only, and he has the sock at the middle of his other foot. My older sister, Inge, from time to time, comes down from upstairs to the kitchen, to get something to eat, or to my parents’ bedroom, to talk to my mom, or just to watch TV with us. My other brother, Richard, the youngest, is always playing on the computer here, and he plays very loud music. When I go to greet him, after I arrive home, I touch his hair and play with his little curls, until he sends me away; but I just laugh. At every place of the house, you can hear when somebody arrives. My younger sister, Barbra, always arrives with her boyfriend, Ivan, and they make jokes with my mom, after they greet her and my dad, who is working on the table of the dinning room. Every time he is using his laptop, he is listening to classic music. You may think you can not have a moment of peace and silence here, but that’s not true; when I get into my room, everything is quiet, and I can get a moment alone to do my stuff. I know that I am lucky because I can live with my whole family, and I have enough space for myself. So I would not trade them for anything, neither my big house nor my big loud family.
Lessons Learnt “In Time”
By Francisco Serey
A few years ago, back when I used to do things irresponsibly, my time was divided in a very particular preference, one I had never had before: I “had to” have fun, go out, play football, listen to music, and many other unspeakable activities, all but study as I should have. Among these unspeakable acts, there are a few which I had never done before, as many of us when we get into college. I was spoiled, stubborn, selfish, and simply foolish. Every time I talk about this, I summarize it as a period of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, just trying to feel better about a lifestyle that did nothing but harm, and make me lose my time. Deep inside, I knew that a difficult stage was starting, but since I had never faced failure before, somehow I thought it didn’t exist, at least for me. Big mistake. Huge!
I couldn’t narrate one specific or detailed anecdote, but this doesn’t mean anything interesting happened. My anecdote, therefore, happens to be a very complex and regretful five-year experience, because actually, many things happened. But my stories might be interesting, as they might be embarrassing, so I’ll try to stick on what I’ve learnt, until now: there is a time for everything.
Time is a very tricky thing, for it may make anyone feel unsatisfied, happy, disappointed, excited, sad, or simply – and ironically – wanting some more time. It was Mick Jagger who has finally convinced me that “time is on my side”. But in my opinion, this will be so only if you get to organize your ideas, likes, duties, and relaxing time correctly. Time will remember and help the ones who know how to deal with it respectfully. And who are those? Time will tell. I’ll do my best, hoping it’s not too late.
A few years ago, back when I used to do things irresponsibly, my time was divided in a very particular preference, one I had never had before: I “had to” have fun, go out, play football, listen to music, and many other unspeakable activities, all but study as I should have. Among these unspeakable acts, there are a few which I had never done before, as many of us when we get into college. I was spoiled, stubborn, selfish, and simply foolish. Every time I talk about this, I summarize it as a period of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, just trying to feel better about a lifestyle that did nothing but harm, and make me lose my time. Deep inside, I knew that a difficult stage was starting, but since I had never faced failure before, somehow I thought it didn’t exist, at least for me. Big mistake. Huge!
I couldn’t narrate one specific or detailed anecdote, but this doesn’t mean anything interesting happened. My anecdote, therefore, happens to be a very complex and regretful five-year experience, because actually, many things happened. But my stories might be interesting, as they might be embarrassing, so I’ll try to stick on what I’ve learnt, until now: there is a time for everything.
Time is a very tricky thing, for it may make anyone feel unsatisfied, happy, disappointed, excited, sad, or simply – and ironically – wanting some more time. It was Mick Jagger who has finally convinced me that “time is on my side”. But in my opinion, this will be so only if you get to organize your ideas, likes, duties, and relaxing time correctly. Time will remember and help the ones who know how to deal with it respectfully. And who are those? Time will tell. I’ll do my best, hoping it’s not too late.
Sleeping Problems
By Henriette Sasso
One of the most common sleeping problems among people is insomnia. This problem is now a part of my life. I cannot remember the last time I slept all night long; I do not sleep more than 5 hours, including the weekend. My sleep problems started when I was in high school, when I was 14 or 15 years old.
I remember that when I started to have sleeping problems, I thought it was great. I used to watch TV or read books when I was not sleeping, but after two weeks I begun feeling very tired and cranky. Even when everything was off in my room, I could not fall asleep because my brain kept thinking. It didn't stop working, and it was awful. So I told my mother about that and she decided to take me to the doctor.
My doctor sent me to the psychologist. She said many things but the most important was that I had to take two pills per day, the first one in the morning and the other one before I went to bed. Of course, I followed the treatment for two weeks then I stopped it because of the side effects. The pills were so strong. I felt dizzy and sleepy all day, and because of this, I had to learn how to live with this problem. Maybe my insomnia is not great but it started so many years ago that now it is part of me and I still have the hope that it will go away, because sleeping few hours and coming to the university is not always the best thing. Sometimes, I feel like I cannot give the best of me because my body and mind do not rest as they should, and it makes me feel tired all day. Students normally have sleep problems. I think that it is maybe because of the stress of being in the university or because they cannot plan their time as well as they should. Anyway, I feel better knowing that I am not the only one suffering from this.
One of the most common sleeping problems among people is insomnia. This problem is now a part of my life. I cannot remember the last time I slept all night long; I do not sleep more than 5 hours, including the weekend. My sleep problems started when I was in high school, when I was 14 or 15 years old.
I remember that when I started to have sleeping problems, I thought it was great. I used to watch TV or read books when I was not sleeping, but after two weeks I begun feeling very tired and cranky. Even when everything was off in my room, I could not fall asleep because my brain kept thinking. It didn't stop working, and it was awful. So I told my mother about that and she decided to take me to the doctor.
My doctor sent me to the psychologist. She said many things but the most important was that I had to take two pills per day, the first one in the morning and the other one before I went to bed. Of course, I followed the treatment for two weeks then I stopped it because of the side effects. The pills were so strong. I felt dizzy and sleepy all day, and because of this, I had to learn how to live with this problem. Maybe my insomnia is not great but it started so many years ago that now it is part of me and I still have the hope that it will go away, because sleeping few hours and coming to the university is not always the best thing. Sometimes, I feel like I cannot give the best of me because my body and mind do not rest as they should, and it makes me feel tired all day. Students normally have sleep problems. I think that it is maybe because of the stress of being in the university or because they cannot plan their time as well as they should. Anyway, I feel better knowing that I am not the only one suffering from this.
A Helpful Woman
By Natalia Román
Gladys, my grandmother, is the most helpful person I have ever met. She raised me since that I was born, so she is like my mum. Throughout all my life she has taught me how to be a helpful and polite woman. When I was a child, my grandmother and I used to go to “Hogar de Cristo” place where we helped to prepared food and did activities for poor people. After that we worked like a volunteers in a charity called “Cotolengo”, place where live people with health problems. In Cotolengo we took care of people with Down’s syndrome, mental problems and dwarf people. All these experiences have become me in a helpful woman thanks to my granny and her fortitude like a woman. She is an example that selfish people should follow to help people in need.
Gladys, my grandmother, is the most helpful person I have ever met. She raised me since that I was born, so she is like my mum. Throughout all my life she has taught me how to be a helpful and polite woman. When I was a child, my grandmother and I used to go to “Hogar de Cristo” place where we helped to prepared food and did activities for poor people. After that we worked like a volunteers in a charity called “Cotolengo”, place where live people with health problems. In Cotolengo we took care of people with Down’s syndrome, mental problems and dwarf people. All these experiences have become me in a helpful woman thanks to my granny and her fortitude like a woman. She is an example that selfish people should follow to help people in need.
Healing Can Be An Exchange Of Love
By Piera Ramirez
Patch Adams, a doctor who heals sick people, really inspires me. He is an American doctor, professional clown, actor and author. Patch is 66 years old. He is the inventor of laugh-therapy with the aim of medicine and therapy. He has visited some universities here in Chile, where he has given several conferences. Patch inspires me because he gave his life for helping sick people, gave them what they want and he makes them happy. I’m not the only one who feels inspired by his life because there is a movie based on his life called “Patch Adams”. Patch Adams should receive a Nobel Prize for all that he has done for people.
Patch Adams, a doctor who heals sick people, really inspires me. He is an American doctor, professional clown, actor and author. Patch is 66 years old. He is the inventor of laugh-therapy with the aim of medicine and therapy. He has visited some universities here in Chile, where he has given several conferences. Patch inspires me because he gave his life for helping sick people, gave them what they want and he makes them happy. I’m not the only one who feels inspired by his life because there is a movie based on his life called “Patch Adams”. Patch Adams should receive a Nobel Prize for all that he has done for people.
Taking Risks Gets Your Adrenaline Going
By Matias Quintanilla
Last summer my girlfriend and I were celebrating our 13th anniversary. It was on January 26th. We had no money. Therefore, we were thinking of doing something insane. Though we had no money to go out anywhere, we bought some beers in order to cheer us up and say some words for that important day in our lives.
Later, when we were a little excited (I mean under alcohol effects), we went out with a spray can. We had decided to make some “tacks” in the street. The tack is a proper manifestation of hip hop culture which consists in writing your nickname on the walls or wherever you want. Eventually, we began “tacking” the street.
However, one of us had to look after the other while one was writing. It was so extreme because you had to make your tack very fast and also you had to be alert about the people who were walking around. We had written on many places when suddenly, while I was tacking a wall, a tall and strong lad went out of his house and screamed: “Why did you paint my house, stupid?” We tried to dissimulate and keep walking but he began to follow us. He was very angry, and as a result, he wanted to hit me. We were frightened because he was a giant man and also he had a stick in his hand. I asked him whether we could make a deal, and he answered: “yes, you have to paint my house again if you do not want to be involved in a massacre”. He entered his house to bring some paint, while my girlfriend and I looked at each other and ran as fast as we could.
Finally, we escaped and lost him. We arrived to a nearby square to rest and laugh. We were so happy and we learned that taking risks is the only thing that you can do to get adrenaline and have fun. Sometimes, it might be dangerous. In spite of this, it is sometimes necessary to cross the river. We learned an important lesson.
Last summer my girlfriend and I were celebrating our 13th anniversary. It was on January 26th. We had no money. Therefore, we were thinking of doing something insane. Though we had no money to go out anywhere, we bought some beers in order to cheer us up and say some words for that important day in our lives.
Later, when we were a little excited (I mean under alcohol effects), we went out with a spray can. We had decided to make some “tacks” in the street. The tack is a proper manifestation of hip hop culture which consists in writing your nickname on the walls or wherever you want. Eventually, we began “tacking” the street.
However, one of us had to look after the other while one was writing. It was so extreme because you had to make your tack very fast and also you had to be alert about the people who were walking around. We had written on many places when suddenly, while I was tacking a wall, a tall and strong lad went out of his house and screamed: “Why did you paint my house, stupid?” We tried to dissimulate and keep walking but he began to follow us. He was very angry, and as a result, he wanted to hit me. We were frightened because he was a giant man and also he had a stick in his hand. I asked him whether we could make a deal, and he answered: “yes, you have to paint my house again if you do not want to be involved in a massacre”. He entered his house to bring some paint, while my girlfriend and I looked at each other and ran as fast as we could.
Finally, we escaped and lost him. We arrived to a nearby square to rest and laugh. We were so happy and we learned that taking risks is the only thing that you can do to get adrenaline and have fun. Sometimes, it might be dangerous. In spite of this, it is sometimes necessary to cross the river. We learned an important lesson.
A Modest But Perfect Place
By Misael Pizarro
You will find no place as peaceful as my neighbourhood. When I wake up in the morning, there are little birds singing in the yard upon a huge tree that provides me shade. A few meters beyond, there are lots of houses, but most of the people are very quiet and peaceful. Hardly ever anything disturbing happens around my place. The smell of wet soil and grass in the afternoons is the best thing to smell when I go to buy some bread at “Tio Quenty”, a little supermarket near my home. When I’m coming back from the university, usually I can smell and even taste through the smell what other neighbors are cooking. But there’s a single detail that makes this place even more interesting. There’s a square but a square where you can still see children playing everyday. Some stray dogs lying on the ground are always waiting for someone to feed them. This is also a good place for reading or resting for a while when you need some fresh air. I think I had to learn to love this place when I started to live on my own. It’s been two years living in this place, and after this time I can assure that for anyone who enjoys a peaceful environment, without violence, noise and stress... my neighborhood will be the perfect place to stay.
You will find no place as peaceful as my neighbourhood. When I wake up in the morning, there are little birds singing in the yard upon a huge tree that provides me shade. A few meters beyond, there are lots of houses, but most of the people are very quiet and peaceful. Hardly ever anything disturbing happens around my place. The smell of wet soil and grass in the afternoons is the best thing to smell when I go to buy some bread at “Tio Quenty”, a little supermarket near my home. When I’m coming back from the university, usually I can smell and even taste through the smell what other neighbors are cooking. But there’s a single detail that makes this place even more interesting. There’s a square but a square where you can still see children playing everyday. Some stray dogs lying on the ground are always waiting for someone to feed them. This is also a good place for reading or resting for a while when you need some fresh air. I think I had to learn to love this place when I started to live on my own. It’s been two years living in this place, and after this time I can assure that for anyone who enjoys a peaceful environment, without violence, noise and stress... my neighborhood will be the perfect place to stay.
Miss Arriagada, Excellent Professional, Amazing Person
By Francisco Peña
Miss Cecilia Arriagada is by far the greatest professor I can think of, and also a very nice person. When I first got classes with her, it was the second semester of 2008. For me, it was an experience that I’ll never forget, because she was really funny and witty while doing her classes. She surprised me by the way she knew how to handle the course without getting mad, and without raising her voice. Another characteristic of hers is that she is a good leader, especially because she has got a lot of responsibilities that need time and effort. Certainly, that is not an easy task to accomplish, but she manages very well at it. Nowadays, I have been helping Miss Arriagada with her office work, and she has proved to me also what a good boss she is, not because she needs to prove something to anyone, but it has made me think about other experiences I have had with bosses, who have not been anywhere close to the person that she is. I would like to be some day a good professional like her, and who knows, maybe in the future someone will write nice things about me, because of my way of being, a good professional, and definitely an intelligent and nice person.
Miss Cecilia Arriagada is by far the greatest professor I can think of, and also a very nice person. When I first got classes with her, it was the second semester of 2008. For me, it was an experience that I’ll never forget, because she was really funny and witty while doing her classes. She surprised me by the way she knew how to handle the course without getting mad, and without raising her voice. Another characteristic of hers is that she is a good leader, especially because she has got a lot of responsibilities that need time and effort. Certainly, that is not an easy task to accomplish, but she manages very well at it. Nowadays, I have been helping Miss Arriagada with her office work, and she has proved to me also what a good boss she is, not because she needs to prove something to anyone, but it has made me think about other experiences I have had with bosses, who have not been anywhere close to the person that she is. I would like to be some day a good professional like her, and who knows, maybe in the future someone will write nice things about me, because of my way of being, a good professional, and definitely an intelligent and nice person.
The Awesome Country Side Just Near Home!
By Michael Moreno
If I could visit a nice place to spend a good time and get relaxed, I’d choose the Communal Park in Rancagua city. I always go there at least once per month ever since I was a kid; I love to lie down on the fresh grass with my friends and cousins and have a good chat covered by the smell of trees. There is a small lake too whose water can be heard always moved by the wind. Next to the awesome lake, there are a lot of benches and light posts across the whole road which goes around the whole park. When I was a teenager, I used to play football next to the pine area with my friends; we loved it and felt very excited about fishing for tadpoles on the lake. However, now I just go there for a walk and to stand in front the lake which is very calm around the evening and beautiful at sundown. I feel that those were very special times because I was capable to appreciate nature and walk around this park, full of grass and green areas. The most important thing is that I have never spent a cent doing this! A lot of different smells were there because of the trees and the lake, those smells always reminded me of the country, but with the difference that I was just maybe 15 blocks away from home. I really enjoyed those days when I was a kid in that place and I believe that I’m going to keep coming for as long as I'm able to visit my ‘little country side’.
If I could visit a nice place to spend a good time and get relaxed, I’d choose the Communal Park in Rancagua city. I always go there at least once per month ever since I was a kid; I love to lie down on the fresh grass with my friends and cousins and have a good chat covered by the smell of trees. There is a small lake too whose water can be heard always moved by the wind. Next to the awesome lake, there are a lot of benches and light posts across the whole road which goes around the whole park. When I was a teenager, I used to play football next to the pine area with my friends; we loved it and felt very excited about fishing for tadpoles on the lake. However, now I just go there for a walk and to stand in front the lake which is very calm around the evening and beautiful at sundown. I feel that those were very special times because I was capable to appreciate nature and walk around this park, full of grass and green areas. The most important thing is that I have never spent a cent doing this! A lot of different smells were there because of the trees and the lake, those smells always reminded me of the country, but with the difference that I was just maybe 15 blocks away from home. I really enjoyed those days when I was a kid in that place and I believe that I’m going to keep coming for as long as I'm able to visit my ‘little country side’.
Public Education in Chile
By Paulina Montenegro C.
The institutions don’t think about the importance of educating but about the price, the cost of every kid in the classroom. The people who manage Education are unfortunately economists, politicians (people who do not have a degree in education). However, the current Minister is a woman with many studies in the area. She is the face of the educational institution. But many of those people have not entered a classroom to teach for a long time (and some have never done). Public schools, specially the pupils, suffer from a malfunction of the educational system. There are too many students in the classroom, and that may cause misunderstandings between the teacher and the pupils. Not all the children pay attention. The teacher usually tends to speak up. The number of children in the classroom ranges from 38 to 43. I think, another problem is the schedule. Children wake up very early in the morning around six or seven o’clock, depending on the distance between the school and the house.
Parents need more information about the education that their children are receiving from the school. They need to be involved in every stage of their children’s education. I think not all the parents know that their children can receive free education. I have seen one kid in my little town that doesn’t go to school. This is sad and unfair. Finally, we know every child is entitled to a free and compulsory education. I think in these points the institutions should pay more attention. This way Public Education could be better, don’t you think so?
The institutions don’t think about the importance of educating but about the price, the cost of every kid in the classroom. The people who manage Education are unfortunately economists, politicians (people who do not have a degree in education). However, the current Minister is a woman with many studies in the area. She is the face of the educational institution. But many of those people have not entered a classroom to teach for a long time (and some have never done). Public schools, specially the pupils, suffer from a malfunction of the educational system. There are too many students in the classroom, and that may cause misunderstandings between the teacher and the pupils. Not all the children pay attention. The teacher usually tends to speak up. The number of children in the classroom ranges from 38 to 43. I think, another problem is the schedule. Children wake up very early in the morning around six or seven o’clock, depending on the distance between the school and the house.
Parents need more information about the education that their children are receiving from the school. They need to be involved in every stage of their children’s education. I think not all the parents know that their children can receive free education. I have seen one kid in my little town that doesn’t go to school. This is sad and unfair. Finally, we know every child is entitled to a free and compulsory education. I think in these points the institutions should pay more attention. This way Public Education could be better, don’t you think so?
My Boyfriend, the Best Example of Life
By Natalia Monroy
My boyfriend is someone who has triumphed by himself without family support. My boyfriend is called Ivan and he is 29 years old; he is easy going and loving. We have been together for three years. Ivan has suffered a lot. Perhaps, this is the reason why he is such a loving man. He had a childhood without a mother because she went to Venezuela and left him here. She died there after a long time. His father didn’t love him as a son and he never supported Ivan. In his teen years, Ivan decided to leave his house. As a result, he started working in the Santander bank and he studied Certified Accounting. I have never met someone so responsible, workaholic and intelligent as Ivan. Now, he is an accountant. He bought a car and he lives alone in his house very quietly and happily without the help of anybody. Everybody must follow his example of life and be persistent in front of any problem although he/she doesn’t have family support.
My boyfriend is someone who has triumphed by himself without family support. My boyfriend is called Ivan and he is 29 years old; he is easy going and loving. We have been together for three years. Ivan has suffered a lot. Perhaps, this is the reason why he is such a loving man. He had a childhood without a mother because she went to Venezuela and left him here. She died there after a long time. His father didn’t love him as a son and he never supported Ivan. In his teen years, Ivan decided to leave his house. As a result, he started working in the Santander bank and he studied Certified Accounting. I have never met someone so responsible, workaholic and intelligent as Ivan. Now, he is an accountant. He bought a car and he lives alone in his house very quietly and happily without the help of anybody. Everybody must follow his example of life and be persistent in front of any problem although he/she doesn’t have family support.
My Favourite Place At Home
By Jonathan Milla
The garden of my house is the most peaceful place to be in. It is not very big, but I think it has enough space. In there, you can find a big and old plum tree and a lot of roses surrounding the entire garden right next to the walls. Also, there is an area in the soil covered with grass, where you can usually see my big cat playing around, which really makes me laugh and have fun; I can say that’s one of my favourites places in the garden, because when I have some free time, I always lie down on the green, cold grass to watch the sky and the white clouds passing by, second after second. Doing this really relaxes me. It is like anti-stress therapy; besides the smell of wet soil and the roses perfume make me feel happy and comfortable. The fact that my entire house is surrounded by open field explains the silence and quietness. Therefore, my garden isn’t a noisy place, except for the soft whistling made by the wind, the noise made by the birds when they are singing, and the noise made by the trees when the wind passes through them. Truly speaking, I can say the garden is the perfect place for me in my home, especially because I’m the kind of person who thinks a lot about anything and consequently, I need to be in a calm and quiet place.
The garden of my house is the most peaceful place to be in. It is not very big, but I think it has enough space. In there, you can find a big and old plum tree and a lot of roses surrounding the entire garden right next to the walls. Also, there is an area in the soil covered with grass, where you can usually see my big cat playing around, which really makes me laugh and have fun; I can say that’s one of my favourites places in the garden, because when I have some free time, I always lie down on the green, cold grass to watch the sky and the white clouds passing by, second after second. Doing this really relaxes me. It is like anti-stress therapy; besides the smell of wet soil and the roses perfume make me feel happy and comfortable. The fact that my entire house is surrounded by open field explains the silence and quietness. Therefore, my garden isn’t a noisy place, except for the soft whistling made by the wind, the noise made by the birds when they are singing, and the noise made by the trees when the wind passes through them. Truly speaking, I can say the garden is the perfect place for me in my home, especially because I’m the kind of person who thinks a lot about anything and consequently, I need to be in a calm and quiet place.
Smoking Cigarettes: A Lethal Addiction beneath Pleasure
By Rafael Muñoz
Is smoking cigarettes a pleasant choice or a lethal addiction? Smoking cigarettes has been one of the most common habits among young and old people through many centuries in our culture, either as a sign of maturity or pleasant costume; smoking cigarettes is one of the more sociable accepted addictions like drinking alcohol or gambling to bookies. According to my personal experience, I used to smoke cigarettes since I was fifteen years old. In that time, I regarded this habit as a snob youth costume; in fact, I had never been banned or advised by somebody about how harmful for my body’s health it would be. I remember that I spent lots of money every week to buy cigarettes. Also my breath and my body smelled awful and every day I realized how harmful this habit was to everybody who did not smoke and were next to me. But perhaps the most worrying thing was that smoking cigarettes was an addiction which silently produces enormous damage in your body; I understood it when I read scientific research which demonstrated, with sustainable facts, the relation between diseases like lung cancer or stomach ulcer and cigarette consumption. Therefore, after I realized this, I suddenly decided to quit smoking cigarettes and, as a result, my life has become healthier and I have stopped spending lots of money on this addiction. Moreover, I think that, since the moment when I quit smoking cigarettes, my relation with people, friends and relatives has become better. As a result, I can now go everywhere without being worrying if I would be banned or not by smoking cigarettes, a very pleasant thing which you must consider before you start smoking. Do not forget that any substance which enters your body, sooner than later produces a reaction inside of you.
Is smoking cigarettes a pleasant choice or a lethal addiction? Smoking cigarettes has been one of the most common habits among young and old people through many centuries in our culture, either as a sign of maturity or pleasant costume; smoking cigarettes is one of the more sociable accepted addictions like drinking alcohol or gambling to bookies. According to my personal experience, I used to smoke cigarettes since I was fifteen years old. In that time, I regarded this habit as a snob youth costume; in fact, I had never been banned or advised by somebody about how harmful for my body’s health it would be. I remember that I spent lots of money every week to buy cigarettes. Also my breath and my body smelled awful and every day I realized how harmful this habit was to everybody who did not smoke and were next to me. But perhaps the most worrying thing was that smoking cigarettes was an addiction which silently produces enormous damage in your body; I understood it when I read scientific research which demonstrated, with sustainable facts, the relation between diseases like lung cancer or stomach ulcer and cigarette consumption. Therefore, after I realized this, I suddenly decided to quit smoking cigarettes and, as a result, my life has become healthier and I have stopped spending lots of money on this addiction. Moreover, I think that, since the moment when I quit smoking cigarettes, my relation with people, friends and relatives has become better. As a result, I can now go everywhere without being worrying if I would be banned or not by smoking cigarettes, a very pleasant thing which you must consider before you start smoking. Do not forget that any substance which enters your body, sooner than later produces a reaction inside of you.
My Warm House
By Maria Jose Maldonado
My house is the warmest place in the world; it is an amazing place to live. My house is small and has only two bedrooms, but it is comfortable and it is the place where I feel safe and confident. In my house I can hear the voice of all my family; my mother talking with my sisters, my nephews playing, the sound of my father’s car, and my baby niece’s babbling. Every time I walk inside my home, I can see my family doing different things, for example; when my mother is cooking, when my baby niece is sleeping, and my cat when is sleeping above the TV. Outside, I can see the garden and all the plants that my mom has. Also in the backyard, I see my father’s car, this is very important for me, because if I see the car, I know my dad is at home. As my house is small, I run into a lot of smells, such as my family’s perfume, the delicious smell of food that my mother is preparing, and my baby niece’s smell. Outside of my residence, I smell the grass, and different kinds of smells that came from other parts, for example the smell from a food industry. Even though my favorite smell is wet soil, this relaxes me and connects me with nature. However the most important thing is that I have personal contact with my family, I can touch them, especially when I touch my mother’s hand, my baby niece when I hold her on my arms. Also I can touch my cat and play with her. I do not need to be in the Caribbean to feel warm. I only have to be in my home.
My house is the warmest place in the world; it is an amazing place to live. My house is small and has only two bedrooms, but it is comfortable and it is the place where I feel safe and confident. In my house I can hear the voice of all my family; my mother talking with my sisters, my nephews playing, the sound of my father’s car, and my baby niece’s babbling. Every time I walk inside my home, I can see my family doing different things, for example; when my mother is cooking, when my baby niece is sleeping, and my cat when is sleeping above the TV. Outside, I can see the garden and all the plants that my mom has. Also in the backyard, I see my father’s car, this is very important for me, because if I see the car, I know my dad is at home. As my house is small, I run into a lot of smells, such as my family’s perfume, the delicious smell of food that my mother is preparing, and my baby niece’s smell. Outside of my residence, I smell the grass, and different kinds of smells that came from other parts, for example the smell from a food industry. Even though my favorite smell is wet soil, this relaxes me and connects me with nature. However the most important thing is that I have personal contact with my family, I can touch them, especially when I touch my mother’s hand, my baby niece when I hold her on my arms. Also I can touch my cat and play with her. I do not need to be in the Caribbean to feel warm. I only have to be in my home.
A Nice Night in a Hill
By Rodrigo Lobos
Have you learnt something by an extreme experience? Well, I did. My mom and I are very enthusiastic for nature and we always stay in touch with it. In fact, my mom has an aunt that lives close to a hill. So, we visit her a lot. One day we passed by and we decided to go hiking. Although Julieta (my mom’s aunt) warned us about the time, we went there anyway.
We were so amazed watching trees and birds that we didn’t realize we had walked for hours. We were in the top of the hill when we notice it was too dark. I started worrying about it. I was only 12. I didn’t know what to do, my mom was calmer than me, but both of us were trying to find a way out. I didn’t care if I had to walk through bushes. As a result, I ended with all my legs grazed. I was so desperate that I almost fall to a precipice, but there was my mom to save me. At that time, I just wanted to be safe in my house. At the end, we decided to stay the night in the hill because it was getting dangerous for us if we keep on trying to get out. So, we kept us warm by wrapping ourselves with some newspapers and hugging each other. I was so scared because of the noises, animals and darkness that I couldn’t sleep at all.
Luckily, in the morning we found out that there was a track that led us out which we had not seen. Finally, we arrived home. We were in the kitchen when Julieta caught us. She was angry and obviously she said to us “I told you”. Despite of everything we went through, it was an incredible experience and we learnt something: You must hear people’s advices.
Have you learnt something by an extreme experience? Well, I did. My mom and I are very enthusiastic for nature and we always stay in touch with it. In fact, my mom has an aunt that lives close to a hill. So, we visit her a lot. One day we passed by and we decided to go hiking. Although Julieta (my mom’s aunt) warned us about the time, we went there anyway.
We were so amazed watching trees and birds that we didn’t realize we had walked for hours. We were in the top of the hill when we notice it was too dark. I started worrying about it. I was only 12. I didn’t know what to do, my mom was calmer than me, but both of us were trying to find a way out. I didn’t care if I had to walk through bushes. As a result, I ended with all my legs grazed. I was so desperate that I almost fall to a precipice, but there was my mom to save me. At that time, I just wanted to be safe in my house. At the end, we decided to stay the night in the hill because it was getting dangerous for us if we keep on trying to get out. So, we kept us warm by wrapping ourselves with some newspapers and hugging each other. I was so scared because of the noises, animals and darkness that I couldn’t sleep at all.
Luckily, in the morning we found out that there was a track that led us out which we had not seen. Finally, we arrived home. We were in the kitchen when Julieta caught us. She was angry and obviously she said to us “I told you”. Despite of everything we went through, it was an incredible experience and we learnt something: You must hear people’s advices.
My Childhood Home
By Alejandra Gutierrez
I lived the most beautiful days of my life in my grandmother’s home. I grew up there and I really enjoyed it. Every morning, I woke up smelling toast that my grandmother did for us. It was the best way to start a day. Afterwards, my sister and I went walking to the nearest school; the road was amazing, big houses and trees, birds singing, as in a fairy story but in the middle of the city. The only bad thing was the dog of the corner house that always surprised me and I am afraid to pass by there. When we returned from the school, my grandmother was always making lunch. Therefore, we went to play in the yard. My grandfather was a carpenter and we played in his sawdust mountains. It was perfect. Some days we invited other friends. Kids loved to play in our house. I always remember the smell of pine trees and my grandpa angry when we ate the strawberries from the orchard. It was a quiet neighborhood because most of the houses were of elderly people and their families. My childhood was a mixture of excellent moments and nice feelings. Living with my grandparents was the best decision that my parents ever made.
I lived the most beautiful days of my life in my grandmother’s home. I grew up there and I really enjoyed it. Every morning, I woke up smelling toast that my grandmother did for us. It was the best way to start a day. Afterwards, my sister and I went walking to the nearest school; the road was amazing, big houses and trees, birds singing, as in a fairy story but in the middle of the city. The only bad thing was the dog of the corner house that always surprised me and I am afraid to pass by there. When we returned from the school, my grandmother was always making lunch. Therefore, we went to play in the yard. My grandfather was a carpenter and we played in his sawdust mountains. It was perfect. Some days we invited other friends. Kids loved to play in our house. I always remember the smell of pine trees and my grandpa angry when we ate the strawberries from the orchard. It was a quiet neighborhood because most of the houses were of elderly people and their families. My childhood was a mixture of excellent moments and nice feelings. Living with my grandparents was the best decision that my parents ever made.
I’m Happy with My Decision
By Macarena Gonzalez
Do you think it is more important to follow your dreams or what your parents say about them? My parents always give me their support in my decisions. When I finished high school, I didn’t know what to study at the university, so I didn’t study enough for PSU test and they didn’t tell me anything, they didn’t force me to do anything that I didn’t want to. However, they always told me that when I finished high school, I had to go to the university. I’ve always been good at English subject, and when somebody asked me what subject I you preferred? My answer used to be English. Also I really liked helping and teaching people, so when I had to decide what was going to be my profession, I had to choose between tourism and pedagogy. Well, when I went to see my results of PSU test, I felt a little disappointed because I couldn’t study pedagogy, but a friend of mine help me with postulations and finally I enrolled in Tourism at the Valparaiso University. I felt very proud of me when I started to study at the university, but when the first semester finished I wasn’t pretty sure about my future and I didn’t know if I wanted to work in tourism all my life practically. However, I kept on and I did the second semester, but I realised I didn’t like that profession, because it wasn’t my passion. When I looked at my English teachers I started to think, and I really wanted to be like them. I wanted to teach English, help the students and be happy with that; but there was a problem, my parents. They had spent money and I didn’t know what to do, if follow my dreams or not. There are some parents that don’t allow their children study what they want. Fortunately, my parents gave me whole support that I needed as always. I started to work and I paid the PSU again, and now I’m study what I love to do, teach and help people. I’m going to be an English teacher!
Do you think it is more important to follow your dreams or what your parents say about them? My parents always give me their support in my decisions. When I finished high school, I didn’t know what to study at the university, so I didn’t study enough for PSU test and they didn’t tell me anything, they didn’t force me to do anything that I didn’t want to. However, they always told me that when I finished high school, I had to go to the university. I’ve always been good at English subject, and when somebody asked me what subject I you preferred? My answer used to be English. Also I really liked helping and teaching people, so when I had to decide what was going to be my profession, I had to choose between tourism and pedagogy. Well, when I went to see my results of PSU test, I felt a little disappointed because I couldn’t study pedagogy, but a friend of mine help me with postulations and finally I enrolled in Tourism at the Valparaiso University. I felt very proud of me when I started to study at the university, but when the first semester finished I wasn’t pretty sure about my future and I didn’t know if I wanted to work in tourism all my life practically. However, I kept on and I did the second semester, but I realised I didn’t like that profession, because it wasn’t my passion. When I looked at my English teachers I started to think, and I really wanted to be like them. I wanted to teach English, help the students and be happy with that; but there was a problem, my parents. They had spent money and I didn’t know what to do, if follow my dreams or not. There are some parents that don’t allow their children study what they want. Fortunately, my parents gave me whole support that I needed as always. I started to work and I paid the PSU again, and now I’m study what I love to do, teach and help people. I’m going to be an English teacher!
Changing Priorities
By Angela Gonzalez
Through the years my personality has changed as also my priorities have. I remember when I was 13 years old. Sharing time with my mother was something very important to me because I felt lonely and insecure if I was alone, whereas at present I want to be more independent and I always try to do things by myself without asking help to my mother so I’ve been trying to look for a job because I want to start saving money to my future and I need it also every day to commute to go to college. The school was boring but I was always worried about my exams and homework. Perhaps studies are so much funnier currently because they are what I chose. At 13 years old, I was always taking care of my dog since I love animals, especially dogs. Also I liked having friends because I was the youngest in my family and I didn’t have sisters or brothers to play with, so I needed friends. Perhaps at 21 years old, I have had some problems because I haven’t got enough time to share with friends or family because I have to focus on my studies rather than my hobbies. And because of that, I have come to the conclusion that we have to think about what is most important in life and not let ourselves be carried away with the music or momentary things.
Through the years my personality has changed as also my priorities have. I remember when I was 13 years old. Sharing time with my mother was something very important to me because I felt lonely and insecure if I was alone, whereas at present I want to be more independent and I always try to do things by myself without asking help to my mother so I’ve been trying to look for a job because I want to start saving money to my future and I need it also every day to commute to go to college. The school was boring but I was always worried about my exams and homework. Perhaps studies are so much funnier currently because they are what I chose. At 13 years old, I was always taking care of my dog since I love animals, especially dogs. Also I liked having friends because I was the youngest in my family and I didn’t have sisters or brothers to play with, so I needed friends. Perhaps at 21 years old, I have had some problems because I haven’t got enough time to share with friends or family because I have to focus on my studies rather than my hobbies. And because of that, I have come to the conclusion that we have to think about what is most important in life and not let ourselves be carried away with the music or momentary things.
My Cousin Has Changed a Lot
By Karen Flores Machuca
My cousin has changed a lot. He has transformed his mind and body; I can see a lot of differences in him. The changes in him have been extreme. In school, he was overweight and introverted. However, he looks very different at this time. He is thinner than before and he looks skinny. At school, he was shy and he did not have a lot of friends. Now, he is known by everyone in the streets. When he was a teenager, he wore really ugly clothes because he was overweight and clothes did not fit him. Now, he looks cool and is concerned about his look. I think he is happier than before because he loves the things that he does and he is always smiling. I really enjoy seeing that. Before he did not participate in anything because of his insecure personality, whereas now, he studies electricity in college and he works in two radio stations as an entertainer. He is a hard working and extroverted and he loves it. Some people have told him he should leave one job, but he does not want it. He feels confident about himself, and he thinks he can do lots of things with the time he has but the important thing is that he has changed to better himself. I am surprised how a person can change their life style (physically and emotionally) and how someone can feel better because of a transformation. I think he has changed a lot from this. And what really matters is that now he is a happier successful person.
My cousin has changed a lot. He has transformed his mind and body; I can see a lot of differences in him. The changes in him have been extreme. In school, he was overweight and introverted. However, he looks very different at this time. He is thinner than before and he looks skinny. At school, he was shy and he did not have a lot of friends. Now, he is known by everyone in the streets. When he was a teenager, he wore really ugly clothes because he was overweight and clothes did not fit him. Now, he looks cool and is concerned about his look. I think he is happier than before because he loves the things that he does and he is always smiling. I really enjoy seeing that. Before he did not participate in anything because of his insecure personality, whereas now, he studies electricity in college and he works in two radio stations as an entertainer. He is a hard working and extroverted and he loves it. Some people have told him he should leave one job, but he does not want it. He feels confident about himself, and he thinks he can do lots of things with the time he has but the important thing is that he has changed to better himself. I am surprised how a person can change their life style (physically and emotionally) and how someone can feel better because of a transformation. I think he has changed a lot from this. And what really matters is that now he is a happier successful person.
I Have the Best Mother in the World
By Sebastian Escobar
Gladys is the most complete woman I have ever known. I am able to say that because I have lived 20 years with her. She is my mother. Since I was a child, I noticed that she was almost perfect because she gives all she’s got for her family. I remember all the occasions I was ill and she was there next to me, seeing if I was ok and doing everything necessary. She is like those kinds of persons that just for seeing them you feel happy and they give you energy to deal with your problems. She always has the right words when you are in troubles because she is sensible and she is also prepared to help you whenever you look for her. She has worked very hard in her life to give us, her family, all that we need in order to make us happier than we are and that’s why she has become very successful in the company she works. In summary, I can say that my mother is a very upright woman, with very good feelings and I’m sure that everyone that knows her would say the same.
Gladys is the most complete woman I have ever known. I am able to say that because I have lived 20 years with her. She is my mother. Since I was a child, I noticed that she was almost perfect because she gives all she’s got for her family. I remember all the occasions I was ill and she was there next to me, seeing if I was ok and doing everything necessary. She is like those kinds of persons that just for seeing them you feel happy and they give you energy to deal with your problems. She always has the right words when you are in troubles because she is sensible and she is also prepared to help you whenever you look for her. She has worked very hard in her life to give us, her family, all that we need in order to make us happier than we are and that’s why she has become very successful in the company she works. In summary, I can say that my mother is a very upright woman, with very good feelings and I’m sure that everyone that knows her would say the same.
Tolerance: The Silent and Non-Violent Weapon
By Humberto Chavez
Are new generations more tolerant with social problems than the old ones? Apparently, this is true because schools provide the necessary education not only to solve some problems related to sexual and racial discrimination but also tools or skill to create a tolerant society. Instead old generations were guided by prejudice and discrimination; they didn’t take time to learn about the members of a specific culture or sexual minority. For example, you are a thirty-year-old person and heard about a friend of your child’s being homosexual or bisexual, what’s your reaction? Obviously you get shocked, but your own child teaches you how to manage this situation and confer the support that he/she gave it to his/her friend. Also you can ask a group of kids between fourteen and seventeen years old and they provide you a strong point of view and respect for these people. If you ask them who taught you this? Some of them will say “our teachers at school”. Tolerance is the most peaceful weapon for our future; we should know how to use it to create a stable and conscious society.
Are new generations more tolerant with social problems than the old ones? Apparently, this is true because schools provide the necessary education not only to solve some problems related to sexual and racial discrimination but also tools or skill to create a tolerant society. Instead old generations were guided by prejudice and discrimination; they didn’t take time to learn about the members of a specific culture or sexual minority. For example, you are a thirty-year-old person and heard about a friend of your child’s being homosexual or bisexual, what’s your reaction? Obviously you get shocked, but your own child teaches you how to manage this situation and confer the support that he/she gave it to his/her friend. Also you can ask a group of kids between fourteen and seventeen years old and they provide you a strong point of view and respect for these people. If you ask them who taught you this? Some of them will say “our teachers at school”. Tolerance is the most peaceful weapon for our future; we should know how to use it to create a stable and conscious society.
The Day That Made Me Brave
By Isabel Carrió
One summer vacation, my parents decided to go to a national park they have gone to when they were younger, but this time they were with another family, which were friends my dad had back then. Their children, my sister and I were there as well. As soon as we arrived there by car we had had a barbecue when my father and theirs decided to climb the mountain. Of course my mother and my sister wanted to stay near the barbecue; they felt more comfortable and safe where they were! They do not like the countryside at all, so they managed to stay there and we started our journey.
We had walked for a long time and were really tired when we decided to start climbing and so we did. It was more exhausting and difficult than we had thought. After we reached a high height, I got really scared because I didn’t even imagine what we were going to see up there, a bull. Getting scared didn’t seem to help me at all; the situation just got worse. I started running and got lost so I had to walk on my own and shouted for a long period of time, “Daddy!” I exclaimed several times without getting any answer. I felt that getting lost was even more dangerous, lost hope and cried until someone found me, my dad. I felt so relieved after I saw him, because I knew I would be safe now. I realized that there are situations in life that might get me scared or worried about something, but the best I can do when something wrong occurs is to stay calm.
One summer vacation, my parents decided to go to a national park they have gone to when they were younger, but this time they were with another family, which were friends my dad had back then. Their children, my sister and I were there as well. As soon as we arrived there by car we had had a barbecue when my father and theirs decided to climb the mountain. Of course my mother and my sister wanted to stay near the barbecue; they felt more comfortable and safe where they were! They do not like the countryside at all, so they managed to stay there and we started our journey.
We had walked for a long time and were really tired when we decided to start climbing and so we did. It was more exhausting and difficult than we had thought. After we reached a high height, I got really scared because I didn’t even imagine what we were going to see up there, a bull. Getting scared didn’t seem to help me at all; the situation just got worse. I started running and got lost so I had to walk on my own and shouted for a long period of time, “Daddy!” I exclaimed several times without getting any answer. I felt that getting lost was even more dangerous, lost hope and cried until someone found me, my dad. I felt so relieved after I saw him, because I knew I would be safe now. I realized that there are situations in life that might get me scared or worried about something, but the best I can do when something wrong occurs is to stay calm.
To Quit or Not to Quit, That Is the Question
By Camila Carmona
Have you ever loved something but you had to stop doing it? Sometimes, deciding to quit is healthy, even if it hurts. When I was six years old I started practicing Rhythmic Gymnastics. I loved it and I was really good at it, actually. I used to practice around nine hours at week. It was very tiring, but I enjoyed it a lot. I practiced for seven years, and I won nine medals! It was one of the most beautiful periods of my life, but unfortunately I had to quit. I started having problems with my coach, and it wasn’t fun to practice anymore. She was always complaining about me and she started making me feel miserable. Apart from that I had no time for school. I was really tired and everything was falling apart. Consequently, I had to make a decision: keep practicing in awful conditions, or stop doing it. I decided to quit, because I knew it was the best for me. Keep doing something that is not making you feel good is not healthy and it can make you feel terrible! So if you love something, but is no longer making you happy, it is better to quit and find something else to do. There are always different posibilities.
Have you ever loved something but you had to stop doing it? Sometimes, deciding to quit is healthy, even if it hurts. When I was six years old I started practicing Rhythmic Gymnastics. I loved it and I was really good at it, actually. I used to practice around nine hours at week. It was very tiring, but I enjoyed it a lot. I practiced for seven years, and I won nine medals! It was one of the most beautiful periods of my life, but unfortunately I had to quit. I started having problems with my coach, and it wasn’t fun to practice anymore. She was always complaining about me and she started making me feel miserable. Apart from that I had no time for school. I was really tired and everything was falling apart. Consequently, I had to make a decision: keep practicing in awful conditions, or stop doing it. I decided to quit, because I knew it was the best for me. Keep doing something that is not making you feel good is not healthy and it can make you feel terrible! So if you love something, but is no longer making you happy, it is better to quit and find something else to do. There are always different posibilities.
Our First Apartment
By Lorena Cárdenas
I think that some people may believe some places are wonderful just because of the memories they could evoke. That’s exactly what happens to me when I remember the apartment where my boyfriend and I started to live together. It wasn’t an exceptional place, but there was something that made me love it. It had three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living-dining room, a kitchen and a little laundry room. There was a corridor from the living-dining room to our bedroom and it had a beautiful oak closet.
We furnished the apartment little by little with some relatives’ old pieces of furniture and some others that we bought by ourselves. It doesn’t sound like a wonderful place to live, but it was marvellous for me. It was the first time I left my parents’ home to start a new life with another person, I mean, that “special” person. I remember that I was totally hopeful and everything seemed, smelt, tasted and felt different. My world was complete. Everyday, I used to wake up with the sun that entered through the red curtains of my bedroom. It really made me feel it was going to be a good day. The water heater of the apartment was broken, so I had to take cold showers, something so difficult for me, because I had never taken cold showers before, and it was kind of shocking, but I had to do it. Something I really liked a lot of the flat was the nice view, because we were able to look at the sea from the laundry room, which was completely relaxing and we could see a square from my child’s room, and he enjoyed it a lot. What I really liked the most about this place were the good vibrations I felt between Felipe (my boyfriend) and me. We were living like a honey moon. I remember I loved to bake apple cakes for him; I did it almost everyday. We used to have a cup of tea or soup every night before going to sleep. It was a really great time for me.
I think that some people may believe some places are wonderful just because of the memories they could evoke. That’s exactly what happens to me when I remember the apartment where my boyfriend and I started to live together. It wasn’t an exceptional place, but there was something that made me love it. It had three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living-dining room, a kitchen and a little laundry room. There was a corridor from the living-dining room to our bedroom and it had a beautiful oak closet.
We furnished the apartment little by little with some relatives’ old pieces of furniture and some others that we bought by ourselves. It doesn’t sound like a wonderful place to live, but it was marvellous for me. It was the first time I left my parents’ home to start a new life with another person, I mean, that “special” person. I remember that I was totally hopeful and everything seemed, smelt, tasted and felt different. My world was complete. Everyday, I used to wake up with the sun that entered through the red curtains of my bedroom. It really made me feel it was going to be a good day. The water heater of the apartment was broken, so I had to take cold showers, something so difficult for me, because I had never taken cold showers before, and it was kind of shocking, but I had to do it. Something I really liked a lot of the flat was the nice view, because we were able to look at the sea from the laundry room, which was completely relaxing and we could see a square from my child’s room, and he enjoyed it a lot. What I really liked the most about this place were the good vibrations I felt between Felipe (my boyfriend) and me. We were living like a honey moon. I remember I loved to bake apple cakes for him; I did it almost everyday. We used to have a cup of tea or soup every night before going to sleep. It was a really great time for me.
To Be a Teenager V/S to Be an Adult
By Karla Campos
It is not the same to be a teenager that to be an adult. I still remember when I was thirteen years old. I used to have less responsibility than now. Going to school was my only duty. Now it is very different because I go to University and I have to study a lot in order to get good grades. When I was a teenager, I was worried about trivial things, for instance, boys and to be liked by everyone, whereas now I am an adult so I have to be worried about the future and to have a successful life. When you are an adult, you do not have free time for anything! When I was thirteen, I used to have a lot of free time that I spent more with my friends than with my family. However, now I would like to have more free time to spend with my family. It is very surprising how life changes when you become an adult.
It is not the same to be a teenager that to be an adult. I still remember when I was thirteen years old. I used to have less responsibility than now. Going to school was my only duty. Now it is very different because I go to University and I have to study a lot in order to get good grades. When I was a teenager, I was worried about trivial things, for instance, boys and to be liked by everyone, whereas now I am an adult so I have to be worried about the future and to have a successful life. When you are an adult, you do not have free time for anything! When I was thirteen, I used to have a lot of free time that I spent more with my friends than with my family. However, now I would like to have more free time to spend with my family. It is very surprising how life changes when you become an adult.
Francisco “Chico” Mendes
By Jennifer Brito
Francisco “Chico” Mendes was an amazing, hardworking and sensible person who I looked up so much because he was an environmental activist from Brazil. Francisco fought to stop the burning and cut down of the Amazon rainforest in his country. He was brave, because he fought against a lot of rich and powerful people. He was a person who had a big personality. He was really quiet. He never fought with weapons. He only used words; He did a lot of important things in his country. He founded and was the first president of the Xapuri Rural Workers' Union in Acre. He created the idea to protect the forest reserves. Francisco traveled to USA to talk to an important person in this country to stop a motorway in the middle of the Amazon. He could stop the action and explain that it is important to protect the Amazon rainforest but all these events were rejected by the ranchers who were living in this place. He was killed in 1988 by a gunshot when he was in his house with his family. He was an incredible person who all people need to know.
Francisco “Chico” Mendes was an amazing, hardworking and sensible person who I looked up so much because he was an environmental activist from Brazil. Francisco fought to stop the burning and cut down of the Amazon rainforest in his country. He was brave, because he fought against a lot of rich and powerful people. He was a person who had a big personality. He was really quiet. He never fought with weapons. He only used words; He did a lot of important things in his country. He founded and was the first president of the Xapuri Rural Workers' Union in Acre. He created the idea to protect the forest reserves. Francisco traveled to USA to talk to an important person in this country to stop a motorway in the middle of the Amazon. He could stop the action and explain that it is important to protect the Amazon rainforest but all these events were rejected by the ranchers who were living in this place. He was killed in 1988 by a gunshot when he was in his house with his family. He was an incredible person who all people need to know.
Violent Relationships
By Tatiana Barraza
Which is the parameter to establish a healthy relationship? Violence is a growing problem in relationships. Psychological surveys demonstrate that people are becoming more aggressive and violent. As a result, many relationships are based on feelings of dependence by fear.
I remember when I was in high school, I fell in love with a man that was 5 years older than me. This was a big difference between us. I was so childish for him and obviously all my friends. When we spent free time with them, he felt uncomfortable and he always decided what we had to do, for example to leave my friends out. Therefore, this situation was a big problem. We started to have arguments that through time became louder and aggressive; sometimes I even felt afraid of him. With time, my feeling about our love disappeared but a dependence stage invaded my mind. This made that our break up was a big headache because I felt guilty that our relationship didn't succeed. Luckily I could stop my relationship on time, and I did not need psychological treatment like some people that I have known.
By reading medical magazines, I could understand that aggressive conducts can be caused by mental disorders detected in different situations of daily life, as extreme jealousy and paranoia. Consequently, all these disorders affect our behaviours in the relationships; if someone shouts to you or forbids you from doing something those are exact examples of violent relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to identify these problematical situations that in some occasions have a vital importance because those problems can even lead to death. With this information, I could appreciate that respect and comprehension between couples are things that have a huge importance and if in one moment you lost respect, confidence, and love with your partner, maybe is time to finish the relationship. Nothing is more important than your physical and psychological health. Remember that you have in your hands the solution to stop those conducts and to try searching a medical advise.
Which is the parameter to establish a healthy relationship? Violence is a growing problem in relationships. Psychological surveys demonstrate that people are becoming more aggressive and violent. As a result, many relationships are based on feelings of dependence by fear.
I remember when I was in high school, I fell in love with a man that was 5 years older than me. This was a big difference between us. I was so childish for him and obviously all my friends. When we spent free time with them, he felt uncomfortable and he always decided what we had to do, for example to leave my friends out. Therefore, this situation was a big problem. We started to have arguments that through time became louder and aggressive; sometimes I even felt afraid of him. With time, my feeling about our love disappeared but a dependence stage invaded my mind. This made that our break up was a big headache because I felt guilty that our relationship didn't succeed. Luckily I could stop my relationship on time, and I did not need psychological treatment like some people that I have known.
By reading medical magazines, I could understand that aggressive conducts can be caused by mental disorders detected in different situations of daily life, as extreme jealousy and paranoia. Consequently, all these disorders affect our behaviours in the relationships; if someone shouts to you or forbids you from doing something those are exact examples of violent relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to identify these problematical situations that in some occasions have a vital importance because those problems can even lead to death. With this information, I could appreciate that respect and comprehension between couples are things that have a huge importance and if in one moment you lost respect, confidence, and love with your partner, maybe is time to finish the relationship. Nothing is more important than your physical and psychological health. Remember that you have in your hands the solution to stop those conducts and to try searching a medical advise.
High School, High Self-Esteem
By Maximiliano Ayala
The change from primary to high school was a good experience for me. I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but my basic education is considered one of my darkest periods in my life. This is because I didn’t use to have good relations between me and my classmates. But it wasn’t my fault, I always tried to get on with them. They were the problem. I was completely different from them. For example, I was interested in other things like my studies, art or writing, whereas they, on the other hand, were interested in playing football. Despite that, I was an excellent student and teachers considered me very intelligent, but that wasn’t enough to cheer me up. I was very depressive and I didn’t have friends. But when I started my high school studies, everything changed. My classmates were far more mature, and the relations between them were good too. Also I started to have friends, and that obviously made me a happier boy than when I was in primary school. In fact, I met my two best friends there: Carmen and Janis. My marks weren’t as excellent as they were when I was in primary school, but my teachers considered me a good student anyway, especially Ariadna, my Language and Communication teacher. She taught me to be more confident and determined. But anyway, the change from primary to high school was necessary for me to make me a happier person, which is good… Isn’t it?
The change from primary to high school was a good experience for me. I don’t want to sound pessimistic, but my basic education is considered one of my darkest periods in my life. This is because I didn’t use to have good relations between me and my classmates. But it wasn’t my fault, I always tried to get on with them. They were the problem. I was completely different from them. For example, I was interested in other things like my studies, art or writing, whereas they, on the other hand, were interested in playing football. Despite that, I was an excellent student and teachers considered me very intelligent, but that wasn’t enough to cheer me up. I was very depressive and I didn’t have friends. But when I started my high school studies, everything changed. My classmates were far more mature, and the relations between them were good too. Also I started to have friends, and that obviously made me a happier boy than when I was in primary school. In fact, I met my two best friends there: Carmen and Janis. My marks weren’t as excellent as they were when I was in primary school, but my teachers considered me a good student anyway, especially Ariadna, my Language and Communication teacher. She taught me to be more confident and determined. But anyway, the change from primary to high school was necessary for me to make me a happier person, which is good… Isn’t it?
My Fantastic Grandpa
By Sylvana Astorga
My grandpa is the most fantastic person that I have ever met. He is 72 years old. He is a widower, but currently, he has girlfriend named Vero. He is good looking. He is tall and thin. He has a moustache and wear ties. I think he is more athletic than me, because every day he walks 40 minutes around his neighbourhood. In his free time, he always cooks something delicious. He has a great cooking knowledge because since he was a child, he worked cooking and baking bread to sell. He always has been a hard working person. As I said, he worked since his childhood, and nowadays, he could be retired, but he decided to work and he is a Taxi Driver. I admire him for that. I think he is the most considerate person that I know; he very often gives me some present like chocolate, candies, peanuts, etc. He is generous and he helps me with everything I need. He calls me very often. We talk for a long time. He is a good writer. At night, he writes me letters several times. Sometimes they are funny, and sometimes they are touching. Anyway, I don’t know any grandpa like my grandpa. He is an amazing and incomparable old man.
My grandpa is the most fantastic person that I have ever met. He is 72 years old. He is a widower, but currently, he has girlfriend named Vero. He is good looking. He is tall and thin. He has a moustache and wear ties. I think he is more athletic than me, because every day he walks 40 minutes around his neighbourhood. In his free time, he always cooks something delicious. He has a great cooking knowledge because since he was a child, he worked cooking and baking bread to sell. He always has been a hard working person. As I said, he worked since his childhood, and nowadays, he could be retired, but he decided to work and he is a Taxi Driver. I admire him for that. I think he is the most considerate person that I know; he very often gives me some present like chocolate, candies, peanuts, etc. He is generous and he helps me with everything I need. He calls me very often. We talk for a long time. He is a good writer. At night, he writes me letters several times. Sometimes they are funny, and sometimes they are touching. Anyway, I don’t know any grandpa like my grandpa. He is an amazing and incomparable old man.
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