Ms. Marvel Final Draft

Kayla Rivas

Professor Polish

ENG 102

31 May 2018

 

It all started in the sixth grade. I was going through an identity crisis. I went to a Catholic school were the majority of the people going there were white and blonde. So, at one point I began to believe that looking like that was the perfect way to live. I would refuse to praise my heritage, I wouldn’t speak Spanish and I would hate when my father had to go to parent conferences. I would see the looks people gave him as we walked down the hallway. He clearly didn’t fit into the white and blonde population of the school. It wasn’t until I reached my sophomore year in high school that I understood that diversity is not a bad thing and I was truly able to embrace my nationality.

This is evident in the comic book Ms. Marvel as well. Kamala also had an identity crisis and thought that in order to fit in she had to look and act a certain way. Much like my story, Kamala wanted to be white and blonde. After getting her powers she realized how she would psychically change into a white and blonde girl, Captain Marvel, and she didn’t seem very happy with this. This shows how sometimes things need to happen to us for us to fully understand why things are the way they are.

It wasn’t until I got to a public high school that I was proud to be a Latina. Kamala also had to go through some adventures such as fighting the robots, breaking the gym locker in her school and sneaking out of her house, to fully understand the reality. Kamala later understood that she is who she is for a reason. I think this is very important for everyone to understand because we live our life’s trying to be someone were not to try to fit into societal norms and this comic book really shines a light on this. More people should be proud of who they are, and it shouldn’t be as late as high school for kids to embrace this.

Reading Ms. Marvel was something new for me. As a child my father would bring me comic books and I would read them but that died down quickly after I discovered the Diary of a Wimpy Kid collection. This was my first marvel comic and I really enjoyed reading it. I thought it was more relatable compared to most books, especially with her parents. My mother is very strict, and I see how upset she gets when my sister doesn’t come home before curfew. My mother was raised in a strict household, so I understand why it’s so hard for her to let those ideologies go. It’s only natural she’s imposing them on us like Kamala’s mother is doing to her.

I also enjoyed being able to see how they made Kamala a bit of a nerd because you can easily relate to her. Many kids aren’t “lucky” enough to be the popular ones in high school so having Kamala be a nerd and not too popular made me feel like the comic book was directed to me. It may seem cliché to say that kids need to relate to someone in the media considering how much its talked about, however, this is such a serious topic. It is proven that kids need to be motivated whether its self-motivation or they get it from somewhere else. Letting kids see that the struggles they go through aren’t rare and scary as they think will help them. Seeing people that look and even act like them is a way of coping with insecurities. I remember being around twelve years old and artist Selena Gomez made a comment about how she too wanted to be blonde and try to look like the girls she saw on the television. For me this was my way of coping and realizing that I wasn’t the only one going through a moment where I wasn’t happy with my appearance.

Talking about these serious topics is very useful like the way Kamala talked to Bruno. I think this comic lets people talk about their insecurities a bit more. When I had my identity crisis I didn’t really tell anyone, but I know my mother figured it out especially when I asked her if I can dye my hair blonde at the age of eleven. I feel like these new books and movies that are full of diversity are helping people. Although there is a lot of light shining on minorities nowadays, I am still waiting for some representation for the Latino community. I don’t doubt that it is in its works considering the overwhelming demand to see more minority groups in movies and shows.

This comic had a lot of deeper meaning to it then I initially thought. This reminds me of when we read Anon(ymous) and we discussed all the topics that were within the play. It was so amazing to see how much Anon(ymous) included and how this information wasn’t in plain sight. You really had to think about some things just like in Ms. Marvel. At first sight, Ms. Marvel looked like another marvel money maker, however, after analyzing it through a different lens it was clear to see how it was so much more. Ms. Marvel touched upon very serious topics like being true to oneself and how diversity plays a role in society.

I was able to see parts of my story in Ms. Marvel and this is great. I really think that including people of all nationalities in books and movies can really help unify people. In my sister’s graduation last week, NYU had a guest speaker who happened to be the prime minister of Canada. I didn’t know who he was or why people were cheering so loudly for him until he started speaking. He talked about how everyone must be united even if we have opposing views with one another. He went on to say how we must at least give each other a chance to talk before we judge. He said that we keep dividing each other by not accepting each other. This spoke to me because I see this a lot. There was a story on the news about how a lawyer yelled at a Hispanic worker to speak English. Its ridicules at this point that people keep dividing each other over things such as skin color and language.

The creators of this comic really did what the prime minister said, they tried unifying people by making this comic about a Muslim girl in New Jersey. By not making her look like the typical superhero many people were empowered, not only the Muslim community but all the people who are underrepresented. I see this comic as a step forward for everyone as a whole because we are all one. We are the ones that keep building walls between ethnicities and I think it’s time to break down all these barriers. The talk about building walls (literally and metaphorically) are over.

Reflective Artist Statement

I learned a lot throughout this project. There are many things people fear to talk about and this class threw that away. I think it’s awesome to have a safe zone where serious topics such as the ones we see in Ms. Marvel are discussed. I know that everything I learned from this class I will be able to use throughout my life. I know now that there are many people who are tired of the injustices in the world and that’s comforting because one day things will change.

I chose to write my narrative essay by mixing both my story with Kamala’s because I felt like it added more meaning to everything I wrote. When I added specific details about my life and compared them to Kamala’s I felt like it meant more. Writing like this might also help the reader understand a bit more of my story and see how common these problems are.

Narrative Essay on Ms. Marvel Draft

Kayla Rivas

Professor Polish

ENG 102

24 May 2018

 

It all started in the sixth grade. I was going through an identity crisis. I went to a Catholic school were the majority of the people going there were white and blonde. So, at one point I began to believe that looking like that was the perfect way to live. I would refuse to praise my heritage, I wouldn’t speak Spanish and I would hate when my father had to go to parent conferences. I would see the looks people gave him as we walked down the hallway. He clearly didn’t fit in to the white and blonde population of the school. It wasn’t until I reached my sophomore year in high school that I understood that diversity is not a bad thing and I was truly able embraced my nationality.

This is evident in the comic book Ms. Marvel as well. Kamala also had an identity crisis and thought that in order to fit in she had to look and act a certain way. In the beginning of the comic we can clearly see how she longs to be like the popular kids who happen to be white and blonde. After getting her powers she realized how she would psychically change into a white and blonde girl, Captain Marvel, and she didn’t seem very happy with this. This shows how sometimes things need to happen to us for us to fully understand why things are the way they are. It wasn’t until I got to a public high school that I was proud to be a Latina. Kamala also had to go through some adventures such as fighting the robots, breaking the gym locker in her school and sneaking out of her house, to fully understand the reality. Kamala later understood why her parents cared for her the way they did.

Reading Ms. Marvel was something new for me. As a child my father would bring me comic books and I would read them but that died down quickly after I discovered the Diary of a Wimpy Kid collection. This was my first marvel comic and I really enjoyed reading it. I thought it was a bit relatable especially with her parents. My mother is very strict, and I see how upset she gets when my sister doesn’t come home before curfew. I enjoyed being able to see how they made kamala a bit of a nerd because you can easily relate to her. Many kids aren’t “lucky” enough to be the popular ones in high school so having Kamala be a nerd and not too popular made me feel like the comic book was directed to me.

Being able to relate to a character in a book is something I really enjoy because I don’t feel alone especially when I am going through stuff. Reading about how many people have identity crisis is kind of comforting. Talking about stuff is also very useful like the way Kamala talked to Bruno. When I had my identity crisis I didn’t really tell anyone, but I know my mother figured out especially when I asked her if I can dye my hair blonde at the age of eleven. I feel like these new books and movies that are full of diversity are helping people. I am still waiting for some representation for the Latino community, but I don’t doubt that it is in its works.

Overall, I was able to see parts of my story in Ms. Marvel and this is great. I really think that including people of all nationalities in books and movies can really help unify people. In my sister’s graduation last week, NYU had a guest speaker who happened to be the prime minister of Canada. I didn’t know who was or why people were cheering so loudly for him until he started speaking. He talked about how everyone must be united even if we have opposing views with one another. He went on to say how we must at least give each other a chance to talk before we judge. At this point I was very interested in what he was saying. I feel like Ms. Marvel kind of did this. The creators of this comic really did what the prime minister said, they tried unifying people by making this comic about a Muslim girl in New Jersey.

 

 

 

Questions:

  • What three things do you want to ask your peers about your work?

I want to know if my essay has a good flow. I also want to make sure that what I wrote makes sense and if I’m making enough comparisons between the comic and my story.

  • What three things are your favorite about your fanfic?

My three favorite things about my essay are: that I was able to incorporate my story with the comic, that I wasn’t very vague with my examples and, I wrote about important things that are occurring in our world today.

  • What three things are you unsure of?

Three things that I am unsure of are: the flow of my essay, if what I wrote makes sense to the reader and if I incorporate Ms. Marvel enough.

 

How Does Illegal Immigration Affect a Person’s Development? Final Paper

Kayla Rivas

Professor Polish

English 102

8 May 2018

How Does Illegal Immigration Affect a Person’s Development?

Many people that make up the United States have migrated here from other countries. This shows us how diverse our country is and with this diversity comes a lot of cultural problems. Some people struggle to maintain their true self while trying to fit in to their new countries societal norms. Others may have identity crises from migrating such as Anon in the play Anon(ymous). Anon is a perfect example of how kids and families are affected by immigration and how hard it is to adjust. Due to these effects, illegal immigration has lifelong effects on a person’s development whether its positive or negative.

Immigration nowadays is either seen as illegal Mexicans coming to the United States and doing “bad” stuff or refugees escaping Syria or Iraq. Many people from South America and Central America do travel through Mexico to get to the United States. The mentality that all of the people crossing through Mexico has to be abolished because immigration is something many people do and it’s not just one certain group. These stereotypes really affect the people that are migrating.  The immigrants might feel alienated and worthless which can really set them back. Without that support that they need, they may tend to lose hope and choose a wrong path. Some people may be resilient to these obstacles that they now face and be motivated to do so much more with their life’s, but the risk factors are so big that many immigrants are forced to live their life’s in fear instead.

With this fear that the undocumented Hispanic immigrants have to life with, comes their social life. Many kids also migrate here, not just grown-ups which is another idea people need to clarify. Some kids are sent alone by their parents because their families want them to escape poverty and get a better life which isn’t guaranteed but they’re willing to take the risk. According to an article by UNICEF, “Independent migrant children are significantly affected by the absence of protection and support from their families, and by the challenges of their new situations after migration.” This quote is crucial to understand because these kids are not only losing everything they’re used too but they are also left to face a new world all on their own. It’s almost unimaginable to think that an eighteen-year-old or younger can be sent to another country to help their family and themselves, however, this is happening. Not all kids come alone but they all face similar things, discrimination, identity crises, and some may even experience PTSD.

In Anon(ymous) we see how Anon was separated at sea from his mother. This was the part that shaped the whole play. Anon was very young and can’t find his mother now that he’s older. Throughout the play Anon seems depressed and with a very low self-esteem. Anon even refers to himself as “nobody” and is constantly changing his name to fit in. Anon went as far to call himself “nobody” which is really powerful. Anon feels like nothing because he lost everything he knew and loved which is what many undocumented immigrants feel as well.  These are all examples of how immigrant kids can find it hard to relate to others and fit into society. This is one side effect that immigrant children go through.

On May 7, 2018 a law was passed in regard to illegal immigration; people who come into the United States with underage kids will immediately be captured and separated. This is another huge obstacle that kids face now. Families no longer have that chance to send their kids to this country in hopes of a better life. The border patrol is inhumane, and they don’t realize the harm they are doing. Even though they keep making laws to prevent immigration, the Hispanic people have too much hope to stop. There will be people that will still try to come to reach for their dreams. Kids who were here before this law change and came with their families may be given an education compared to the kids that come alone. Although they get to go to school it may not all be as perfect as people think. The kids can experience bullying because of their nationality, they may have to learn the language of the new country and this can set the kid behind academically. Some kids may be put in special education classrooms because of things such as language. The kid may not want to speak or socialize, or they may also be traumatized so they are put in those classrooms.

Nowhere in the play did Anon go to school, he was too busy trying to survive and figure out what he should do next and where his family went. This can be relatable to the immigrant kids as well, deepening on their age. If a teenager or young adult goes to a new country they may have to work as soon as they get here instead of finishing their education.  This is another factor as to why many Hispanic undocumented immigrants find that going to college is a huge risk and struggle.

Kids may also face lack of reinforcement from their parents due to the language barrier or fear. Some families are made of many different legal statuses’ which is known as “mixed status families” according to Luis H. Zayas and Mollie H. Bradlee. This doesn’t mean that the kids don’t have motivation from their families, support can be given regardless of the language. What does affect the kid is not having their parents as involved in their academic life as native parents may be to their kids. If the parent is illegal they could be fearful of being caught and separated so they decide to stay inside their area of comfort.  It is clear to see that kids with undocumented parents have more struggles compared to kids whose parents are from the country.

In the play Anon(ymous) we can see many things that were mentioned previously. Not only did Anon lose his mother during their immigration journey but he fits in with the group of kids that end up alone. Anon has to face the world alone and due to his traumatic past, he doesn’t know who he is or if he’s even worth something. Anon is bullied by people in power which can be a factor of his low self-esteem. This is common with undocumented immigrants as well; people with power tend to abuse their position and abuse the immigrants. Undocumented immigrants can’t even complain if they don’t get paid the right amount because they have no papers. Going to the police is a chance of being deported to them. The only option they have is to go alone with it like Anon did when he got called “monkey” in the play.

Anon(ymous) was a play that really touched upon many issues in our society whether it be illegal immigration or people in power taking advantage. Due to my research I was able to dig deeper into Anon(ymous). When I first read the play, I didn’t get the same impact as I did after realizing what the play was actually trying to convey. After many discussions and research, I was able to see the underlying factors of the play. Illegal Immigration is just one tiny topic next to the many that the play touches upon. Immigration is a crucial part in the play and in Anon’s life. Anon struggles throughout the play because of all the negative things that come with immigration. Anon’s experiences are very relatable to those of Hispanic people that migrate to new places.  Many people are on the same boat as Anon; each with a different story but they all have one thing in common: hope.

 

Works Cited:

Johnson, Hans and Laura Hill. “Illegal Immigration.” (2011):18 pages.

UNICEF. “Migration and Children.” 1 page.

 

 

 

Reflection:

Anon(ymous) was a very creative artwork. Before I actually started this research, I was not aware about all the topics that were included in the play. There are many topics imbedded in the play such as illegal immigration, abuse of power and depression. I learned more about all these topics during my research. It was very interesting to learn how all of those topics relate in a way and how these topics actually happen to people in real life. Many undocumented immigrants go through similar experiences like Anon’s. During peer review I got feedback that helped me with my argument and my paper as a whole. I learned to be more specific when dealing with what immigrants I was talking about. I choose Hispanic immigrants because they are one of the biggest numbers of people that migrate to the United States. I also wanted to shine a light on how difficult it is for them after they come to the country because many people have a stereotype of them and don’t bother to care about them. This is one reason why I wanted to speak about Hispanics, but I also thought that Anon may have been from Latin or Central America. Some of the fruits mentioned in the play are made in Hispanic countries therefore I came to this conclusion. Overall, this experience has been a great learning experience. This project taught me more about how to read things in more detail because many things have underlying factors.

How does Immigration affect a person’s development? (Draft)

How does Immigration affect a person’s development?

Many people that make up the United States have migrated here from other countries. This shows us how diverse our country is and with this diversity comes a lot of cultural problems. Some people struggle to maintain their true self while trying to fit in to their new countries societal norms. Others may have identity crises from migrating such as Anon in the play Anon(ymous). Anon is a perfect example of how kids and families are affected by immigration and how hard it is to adjust. Due to these effects, immigration has a huge effect on a person’s development whether its positive or negative.

Immigration nowadays is either seen as illegal Mexicans coming to the United States and doing “bad” stuff or refugees escaping Syria or Iraq. This mentality has to be abolished because immigration is something many people do and it’s not just one certain group. These stereotypes really affect the people that are migrating. The immigrants might feel alienated and worthless which can really set them back. Without that support that they need, they may tend to lose hope and choose a wrong path. Some people may be resilient to these obstacles that they now face and be motivated to do so much more with their life’s, but the risk factors are so big that many immigrants are forced to live their life’s in fear instead.

With this fear that the immigrants have to life with, comes their social life. Many kids also migrate here, not just grown-ups which is another idea people need to clarify. Some kids are sent alone by their parents because their families want them to escape poverty and get a better life which isn’t guaranteed but they’re willing to take the risk. According to an article by UNICEF, “Independent migrant children are significantly affected by the absence of protection and support from their families, and by the challenges of their new situations after migration.” This quote is crucial to understand because these kids are not only losing everything they’re used too but they are also left to face a new world all on their own. It’s almost unimaginable to think that a eighteen-year-old or younger can be sent to another country to help their family and themselves, however, this is happening. Not all kids come alone but they all face similar things, discrimination, identity crises and some may even experience PTSD.

Kids who came with their families may be given an education compared to the kids that come alone. Although they get to go to school it may not all be as perfect as people think. The kids can experience bullying because of their nationality, they may have to learn the language of the new country and this can set the kid behind academically. Some kids may be put in special education classrooms because of things such as language. The kid may also be traumatized that they are also put in those classrooms, they may not want to speak or socialize. They also are trying very hard to fit in and as a child that’s developing everything can be so confusing. Another effect kids may face is not having that much reinforcement from their parents due to the language barrier and fear. Some families are made of many different legal statuses’ which is known as “mixed status families” according to Luis H. Zayas and Mollie H. Bradlee. This doesn’t mean that the kids don’t have motivation from their families, support can be given regardless of the language. What does affect the kid is not having their parents as involved in their academic life as native parents may be to their kids. If the parent is illegal they could be fearful of being caught and separated so they decide to stay inside there are of comfort.  It is clear to see that kids with undocumented parents have more struggles compared to kids whose parents are from the country.

In the play Anon(ymous) we can see many things that were mentioned previously. Not only did Anon lose his mother during their immigration journey but he fits in with the group of kids that end up alone. Anon has to face the world alone and due to his traumatic past, he doesn’t know who he is or if he’s even worth something. Anon is bullied by people in power which can be a factor of his low self-esteem. Nowhere in the play did Anon go to school, he was too busy trying to survive and figure out what he should do next and where his family went. All these struggles can be relatable to kids that have experienced immigration.

Due to my research I was able to dig deeper into Anon(ymous). Reading it isn’t enough to understand the play. After many discussions and research, we are able to see the underlying factors of the play. Immigration is just one tiny topic next to the many the play touches upon. Immigration is a crucial part in the play and in Anons life. Anon struggles throughout the play because of all the negative things that come with immigration. Many people are on the same boat as Anon; each with a different story but they all have one thing in common: hope.

Works Cited:

Luis H. Zayas and Mollie H. Bradlee, Illegal Immigration

UNICEF, ” Migration and Children”,

 

Questions:

  1. Is my thesis clear and arguable?
  2. Is the connection between Anon(ymous) and my research clear?
  3. Does the paper flow?
  4. Are there parts I should take out or expand on?

“Poem For a Lady Whose Voice I Like” By Nikki Giovanni Fanfiction

Kayla Rivas

Professor Jay Polish

English 102

10 April 2018

“Poem For a Lady Whose Voice I Like” By Nikki Giovanni Fanfiction

I was not looking forward to going to my first day of college tomorrow. No one in my town actually goes to college because they value work more than education. This life wasn’t for me. Ever since I was little I loved reading books and my mother would go above and beyond to make sure I had new books to read. My mother is basically the only one whose supportive of my decision to go to college and I am okay with that because she’s the only one that matters to me.

So, going to college tomorrow is going to be a big step towards my future. I’m all packed up and now I’m just waiting for the time to come. I’ve heard great things about college from my teachers and I really hope it’s as great as they told me it is. My teachers always told me that they knew I was destined for more and now here I am, bags packed and a college education waiting for me.

The day has come to go off to pursue my future. My mom walked me out towards the cab that was waiting for me. We said our goodbyes and I hugged her for a long time and told her I would be back a better person and that we’d be able to go to a new house that I would buy after I get my education and job. She laughed at my comment and gave me my blessing and with that I got into the cab that drove me to the bus stop which was a little out of town.

The ride to the bus stop was even worse than the night I had. I think I had more nerves now that my mom wasn’t with me and I was on my own. All this was hitting me right then and all I wanted to do was make the cab turn around and run to my mother’s arms.

“We’re here miss” said the cab driver. I snapped back into reality and got out of the cab.

I grabbed my bag, thanked the driver and went to the bus station.

As I went into the bus station many people stared at me, for it was the news of the town that a girl like myself was going to college. I walked quickly avoiding the glares that people threw at me. I got my bus ticket and was waiting for the bus to come so I decided to buy a donut and wait by the stop.

I was opening my donut from its package when a man comes up to me. He said

“Who do you think you are going off to college?” and I looked up and after a few seconds I answered him, “I’m making my mother proud.” He looked down upon me going to college just like everyone else in this town.  He continued on to say, “You always considered yourself better than the rest of us and for that life will come and bite you.” Before I could respond he walked away knowing that I was speechless. I was a little mad that he walked away before I could defend myself but I as I kept thinking about it I thought about how my mother always said that a lady should never stoop down to their level.

After this man walked away my bus arrived. I chose the sit next to the window and stared at the green grass as the bus drove towards its destination. I kept thinking how this man had the audacity to come up to me out of nowhere just because I decided to pursue my education. It’s incredible what people will say to bring you down.

I couldn’t stop thinking about that man that came up to me at the bus station. His face seemed familiar, but I couldn’t put a name to the face and it was killing me. After a couple of hours of trying to remember who that man was, it hit me. I went to high school with him, but he left early because he had to take care of his siblings after his dad got sick. No one knew more about him after he left but I couldn’t believe he came up to me and spoke to me that way.

After getting settled in my college dorm I was getting ready to sleep but I kept trying to come up with an answer as to why that man came up to me acting like he knew me. We never talked in high school, yet he came up to me all confident and ready to blow.

A week has passed, and I still think about home. I think about my mother and of course the man from the bus stop. I finally came to a realization as to why he came up to me that day. I don’t like to think this way but perhaps he was a bit jealous of how my future turned out compared to his. Many of us at high school went through hard times but I never thought college was a competition it was more of an opportunity and if you wanted it you had to take it. Perhaps he was angry that he couldn’t reach for that opportunity but instead had to go straight to work to help his family. He’s not the first, in my town many people go to work instead of receiving an education, however, I don’t want to be like them. I want to do something with my life, is that so bad?

 

Fanfiction

“Poem For a Lady Whose Voice I Like” By Nikki Giovanni Fanfiction

I was not looking forward to going to my first day of college tomorrow. You see, no one in my town actually goes to college because they value work more than education. This life wasn’t for me. Ever since I was little I loved reading books and my mother would go above and beyond to make sure I had new books to read. My mother is basically the only one whose supportive of my decision to go to college and I am okay with that because she’s the only one that matters to me.

So, going to college tomorrow is going to be a big step towards my future. I’m all packed up and now I’m just waiting for the time to come. I’ve heard great things about college from my teachers and I really hope it’s as great as they told me it is. My teachers always told me they knew I was destined for more and now here I am, bags packed and a college education waiting for me.

The day has come to go off to pursue my future. My mom walked me out towards the cab that was waiting for me. We said our goodbyes and I hugged her for a long time and told her I would be back as a better person and that we’d be able to go to a new house. She laughed at my comment and gave me my blessing and with that I got into the cab that drove me to the bus stop which was a little out of town.

The ride to the bus stop was even worse than the night I had. I think I had more nerves now that my mom isn’t with me and I am on my own. All this was hitting me right now and all I wanted to do was make the cab turn around and run to my mother’s arms.

“We’re here miss” said the cab driver. I snapped back into reality and got out of the cab.

I grabbed my bag, thanked the driver and went to the bus station.

As I went into the bus station many people stared at me, for it was the news of the town that a girl like myself was going to college. I walked quickly avoiding the glares that people threw at me. I got my bus ticket and was waiting for the bus to come so I decided to buy a donut and wait by the stop.

I was opening my donut from its package when a man comes up to me. I don’t even want to say what he said but coming from a man like that I am not surprised. He looked down upon me going to college just like everyone else in this town. He went as far as to tell me that I consider myself to have the privilege of those white folks. I responded the way my mother taught me, with respect because a lady should never let herself go.

After this man walked away my bus arrived. I chose the sit next to the window and stared at the plain grass as the bus drove towards its destination. I kept thinking how this man had the audacity to compare to me the white men just because I decided to pursue my education. It’s incredible what people will say to bring you down.

I couldn’t stop thinking about that man that came up to me at the bus station. His face seemed familiar, but I couldn’t put a name to the face and it was killing me. After a couple of hours of trying to remember who that man was, it hit me. I went to high school with him, but he left early because he had to take care of his siblings after his dad got sick. No one knew more about him after he left but I couldn’t believe he came up to me and spoke to me that way.

After getting settled in my college dorm I was getting ready to sleep but I kept trying to come up with an answer as to why that man came up to me acting like he knew me. We never talked in high school, yet he came up to me all confident and ready to blow.

A week has passed, and I always think about home. I think about my mother and of course the man from the bus stop. I finally came to a realization as to why he came up to me that day. I don’t like to think this way but perhaps he was a bit jealous of how my future turned out compared to his. Many of us at high school went through hard times but I never thought college was a competition it was more of an opportunity and if you wanted it you had to take it. Perhaps he was angry that he couldn’t reach for that opportunity but instead had to go straight to work to help his family. He’s not the first, in my town many people go to work instead of receiving an education, however, I don’t want to be like them.