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My Writing Journey I am sitting in a crowded and simply designed modern room in downtown Chicago. I am here for an op ed writing workshop. The words "the stories we tell become the world we live in" make me feel powerful and determine to say something, to use my words.  I have no intensive training in op ed writing. I got a short workshop on op ed writing almost two years ago and I've been relying on that training. Lately my op ed writing has hit a snag. Suddenly it dawns on me that I am here to be a better journalist. A dream I thought I'd given up on my freshmen year of college. I'd picked Syracuse University as my first choice for colleges and worked diligently to get in because of New House's Journalism program.  So what happened?In one word- Fear. I didn't have the GPA at the time to get into New house directly so I went in the school of Arts and Science with the idea of transferring out after I got a higher GPA. I even took some classes in New Ho...

The Poet X Chronicles 2 One of my favorite books from last year is Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. One of the things I loved the most about the book was how the main character loves writing and the way that writing helps her cope with the challenges she's facing in her life. We see this through different writing prompts that Xiomara gets assigned in English class. I am going to be answering these writing prompts through a series of blog posts. Second Prompt: Describe someone you consider misunderstood by society. I feel misunderstood by society. I'm not American enough because my accent is too thick and my hair too curly. I've been asked about my citizenship status. I've had people question why I teach english language arts instead of Spanish since I'm a Spanish speaker. As though I wouldn't be proficient or capable enough to teach english. Because I dance bachata and merengue and find peace in a mangu with the 3 golpes. It was easy being Dominican in New Yor...

The Poet X Chronicles 3 One of my favorite books from last year is Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. One of the things I loved the most about the book was how the main character loves writing and the way that writing helps her cope with the challenges she's facing in her life. We see this through different writing prompts that Xiomara gets assigned in English class. I am going to be answering these writing prompts through a series of blog posts. 3rd Prompt: When was the last time you felt free? The last time I felt free was when I visited Portugal in October. In particular the days I spent in Lisbon. The moment I arrived in Portugal I knew I was free. Because I had a dream to go there and I found myself stepping in that soil, of smelling that sweet air and taking in the orange rays of dawn. Freedom is the pursuit of your hearts desire, freedom is seeing your dreams become a reality. Freedom is the ability to do whatever you want whenever you want without concern or care f...

The Poet X Chronicles 1 One of my favorite books from last year is Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. One of the things I loved the most about the book was how the main character loves writing and the way that writing helps her cope with the challenges she's facing in her life. We see this through different writing prompts that Xiomara gets assigned in English class. I am going to be answering these writing prompts through a series of blog posts. First one: Write about the most impactful day of your life. I came to the United States when I was seven years old with my father, my older brother and younger sister. My mom was not able to come with us at the time because she did not have her visa. The plan was for my father to marry my mom and bring her to the United States. We would never have guessed that it was going to take 9 years for that to happen. From the moment I came to the United States my life changed completely and some of it was for the better but I also struggled a...

Back Pain by Rumi Muhammad went to visit a sick friend. Such kindness brings more kindness, and there is no knowing the proliferation from there. The man was about to die. Muhammad put his face close and kissed him. His friend began to revive. Muhammad’s visit re-created him. He began to feel grateful for an illness that brought such light. And also for the back pain that wakes him in the night. No need to snore away like a buffalo when this wonder is walking the world. There are values in pain that are difficult to see without the presence of a guest. Don’t complain about autumn. Walk with grief like a good friend. Listen to what he says. Sometimes the cold and dark of a cave give the opening we most want. ------------------------------------------------------------------- This poem speaks to me of seeing the value in pain and what can be gained from it.  When you're in a painful or difficult situation whether it is something like back pain or it's hea...