If only.

Talking Points #2

QUOTES:

Aria by Richard Rodriguez

• "Without question, it would have pleased me to hear my teachers address me in Spanish when I entered the classroom. I would have felt much less afraid."

This quote can be related to Delpit. Rodriguez felt powerless out of his element. He was forced into another culture, without knowing the ways to power behind it. It was hard for him to transfer from speaking his native language to being forced to forget it entirely. He was forced to forget it; talking in Spanish at home soon became almost forbidden in order to speed along his learning process.

• "The belief, the calming assurance that I belonged in public, had at last taken hold."

Once Rodriguez finally learned the secret to power in his new culture, he felt the power surge (another relation to Delpit). It was reassuring to know that he could finally understand what everyone wanted, what everyone was saying to him, and for him to get his ideas across. He was no longer shy in class, he was able to speak comfortably and grew confident in his new-found ability.

• "Matching the silence I started hearing in public was a new quiet at home."

Going with the first quote, once he acquired his new power, his family life grew quieter. Again, he was pretty much forced to forget his native language. He was afraid to speak Spanish to his parents, even refrained from calling them mamá and papá because it brought back painful memories. His parents no longer understood him or his siblings. There was now a language barrier in his own home! I can't even imagine how upsetting that must be.

I want to discuss how having a language barrier in your own home must be, because I can't even begin to imagine.

AIDS enzyme puzzle cracked, can possibly lead to a cure!

This is some extremely exciting news! Now, if only we can get it out to the people who need it!

http://games.yahoo.com/blogs/plugged-in/online-gamers-crack-aids-enzyme-puzzle-161920724.html

Also, I REALLY enjoyed our cake activity in class, and thanks again to Vinny for being thoughtful and bringing in snacks!

I came across this video on Tumblr...

I think it's extremely relevant to our current discussions in class!

Talking Points #1

From Amazing Grace by Jonathan Kozol


REFLECTION.

By the time I was finished reading this article, I had tears pouring out of my eyes. Having to read about all the destruction and sadness that is everyday life for these people broke my heart. There was one quote that touched me out of the 12 pages we had to read. David is speaking to the author about his mother and says, "Somebody has power. Pretending that they don't so they don't need to use it to help people--that is my idea of evil." Near the beginning of the article, the author is taken on a tour by a young boy named Cliffe; the way that he said certain things ("'I saw a boy shot in the head right over there'", etc.) so nonchalantly frightens me. I mean, I knew that there were destitute people "out there", but reading about all of this made it hit home. While I was reading, I couldn't help thinking of a song that I recently fell in love with. It's called "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap. The song can be interpreted multiple ways, and I think if you listen to the song you'll understand what I mean. You should definitely listen to it!

If you guys ever need a laugh...

Just have one of the documents for our Think Pieces be read aloud to you. If you aren't sure how to do that, then open the document (in this case I was trying it out with "The Silenced Dialogue"), click "View" and at the bottom of the menu it will say "Read Out Loud". Activate it, then have it read the whole document to you. I was laughing so hard at Microsoft Sam's voice that I couldn't even focus on what was being said. I don't know if any of you will find it as amusing as I did, but if you have anything like my sense of humor it will surely brighten up your day. Anyway, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's discussion! Have a great night and see y'all tomorrow!

Just don't ask me if I like Green Eggs and Ham.

So I'm Samantha Machado, but I prefer to be called Sammi. I'm 20 and just recently got married (June 4 of this year). I was born in North Carolina, raised in Hawaii, moved back to NC when I was about 5, then stayed there until I graduated high school. Due to family reasons, I moved up here to Rhode Island and I've loved it ever since. I attended the Community College of Rhode Island for a semester, then took a break before coming to RIC. At first I was planning on majoring in Music Education, but due to some personal realizations, I switched to Elementary Education. So far my semester is going fine; I like most of my classes and that's always a plus.
You'll find that I'm an extreme music lover, even going so far as to say it controls my life. I sing and am currently teaching myself how to play the guitar and master the piano. My husband is learning the bass with my help. When I'm not in class, I'm either on Tumblr, singing, or working. I'm a barista at the Starbucks that recently opened up in the Smithfield Crossings Target. I'm very enthusiastic about my job, and if you stop by for a drink, chances are I'll convince you to try something new! I like to chat with people, so don't be afraid to talk to me (: